DE102008022498A1 - Device for displaying measuring values, has display element, housing and automatic view screen, where view screen has electrochromic element, panel, inverse working liquid crystal display and screen film - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) has a display element (20), a housing (30) and an automatic view screen (40). The view screen has an electrochromic element (41), a panel, an inverse working liquid crystal display and a screen film. The device has an illuminating medium. The panel has an iris diaphragm. The automatic view screen is activated by potential drop, voltage fluctuations or voltage breakdown. An independent claim is included for a method for blocking the view on the display unit.

Description

The The present invention relates to a device for display of measurements or a method to block the view a display element.

In Scripture DE 197 28 294 A1 An electrical analog display element with pointer reset is described. Here, an electric, analogue-type indicating instrument is shown with a measured value indicator, wherein the measured value indicator is reset to a predetermined reset position in case of failure of an external operating voltage by means of the stored energy in an energy storage.

In Scripture DE 43 10 060 A1 An electrical analog display instrument with reset means will be described. This analog display instrument contains a control device for recording and further processing measured values, physical quantities, a pointer drive coupled to the control device for positioning a pointer in a position corresponding to the measured value on a display scale, wherein the pointer can be reset to a predetermined reference position when the operating voltage is selected.

In In both cases, the pointer is in case of failure of the operating voltage stored energy stored in a pointer garage to by a stuck pointer a fake one Reading values to avoid. Disadvantages of these inventions are, that in order to prevent the readability of the display, an energy expenditure in the form of electrical energy is necessary. Furthermore, will the pointer only in case of failure of the operating voltage in the pointer garage hazards.

task The invention therefore provides a device for displaying measured values to provide, which in case of malfunction (especially power failure), makes reading the ad impossible without doing so a pointer must be moved.

These Task is achieved by the device according to the invention and the method according to the independent Claims solved. Further advantageous embodiments The invention are defined in the dependent claims specified.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device ( 10 ) for displaying measured values, comprising a display element ( 20 ), a housing ( 30 ), the device ( 10 ) an automatic visual sign ( 40 ).

The Device is used to display measured values of any kind. For example becomes electrical voltage or electric current or temperatures or humidity or distances or speeds or Pressures or forces or a certain flow quantity or a sound level or illuminance or the strength of a magnetic field as readings or a combination of these Measured values displayed. The device is preferred for display used by pressure readings, which in the usual units Pascal (Pa) or bar (bar) or technical atmosphere (AT) or physical atmosphere (ATM) or Torr (Torr) or Pounds per square inch (PSI). Consequently it acts the device is preferably a manometer. additionally Switching points and / or set functions are preferred for the measured values and / or warning signals are displayed.

to Simplification of the spatial description of the device becomes a righthand Cartesian coordinate system taken to help. Looking in the positive Y-direction, the device becomes shown in front view or front view, d. H. you look up a display element. Accordingly, the back is of the device when looking in the negative Y direction. From negative or positive X-direction you can see the side view the device, is preferred with the side view of the section by the Y-Z plane, which means the device in two symmetrical Halves divides. If you look in positive Z-direction, you see looking at the device from below, looking in the negative direction, you can see the device from above.

The display element is used alone or in combination with a pointer to display measured values. If the display element is used solely to display measured values, the display element is preferably an electrical or electronic display and therefore preferably comprises light-emitting diodes and / or organic light-emitting diodes and / or liquid-crystal displays and / or fluorescent displays and / or Braun tubes and / or incandescent lamps and / or or NIXIE tubes and / or a screen and / or a TFT monitor. In combination with a pointer, the display element is preferably a mechanical or electromechanical display. Here, the display element preferably comprises a graduated scale or a digit scale or a combination of both, such as a dial. The display element is preferably round from the front view, more preferably polygonal, most preferably quadrangular or pentagonal or hexagonal or octagonal or tenth or dodecagonal. Preferably, the display element has at least one bore. Preferably, this bore receives the drive shaft of a pointer drive, wherein the drive shaft preferably protrudes from the display element, that an applied pointer on this shaft at Rotation of the shaft is moved in parallel over the display element. Preferably, there is a hole in the geometric center of the surface of the display element and more preferably, the display element has two or three or four or five holes.

The Housing serves to protect the display element, this takes and preferably other components such as at least one sensor, at least one pointer drive, at least one at least one Pointer, an error detection unit, etc. and forms around them preferably in combination with a windscreen a closed Body. In front view, the housing is preferred circular, more preferably oval or elliptical, most preferably polygonal. The diameter of the housing in front view is preferably between 5 and 30 cm, especially preferably between 10 and 20 cm, most preferably between 12 and 17 cm, more preferably 15 cm. The housing is preferably 2-10 cm deep, more preferably 4-9 cm, most preferably 6-8 cm. The housing can from all metals, steels, plastics or alloys exist. Preferably, the housing consists made of aluminum or iron or chromium or nickel or alloys from these metals or free-cutting steel or reinforcing steel or case-hardened steel stainless steel or ferritic and austenitic steels or nitriding steel or acid-resistant steel or prestressing steel or deep-drawn steel or tempered steel or tool steel. In particular, however, made of stainless steel or metallic Glass or glass metal. Among others, amorphous metal alloys are preferred from the constituents zirconium and / or niobium and / or copper and / or nickel and / or aluminum and / or titanium.

Of the automatic sight shield is used in case of malfunction prefers to block the view of the display element, especially prefers the contrast between the display element and any pointer repealed. The sight is preferred automatically, d. H. without Manual intervention, in case of malfunction activated. Automatically means further that a Malfunction alone the tripping behavior of the Visual sign triggers. If a malfunction occurs, this activates preferably directly the sight.

Prefers the visual shield is created so that he before the display element electromagnetic radiation, in particular optical radiation shields, preferably it blocks the electromagnetic radiation partially, most preferably, the visor leaves electromagnetic Radiation in certain wavelength ranges happen. Preferably, the visual shield is permeable to electromagnetic waves of the wavelength range of 380 nm to 750 nm.

Prefers the visual shield allows electromagnetic radiation in the pass y-axis, particularly preferably only in the positive y-direction, most preferably only in the negative y direction. Preferably filters or the visual shield partially blocks electromagnetic radiation or completely in the area of the windscreen. Preference is given to the permeability of electromagnetic waves in one direction, depending on the irradiation of the screen by electromagnetic radiation from the opposite direction. Preferably changed the visual sign the permeability of electromagnetic radiation through the influence of electrical energy or magnetic energy or mechanical energy.

In a further preferred embodiment, the automatic visual sign ( 40 ) an electrochromic element ( 41 ).

Electrochromic Elements have the property of light transmission depending on the applied Change tension. The electrochromic element can be here as electrochromic glass or electrochromic coating or electrochromic Surface to be understood. Preferably, the display element comprises a electrochromic layer, d. H. an electrochromic layer is preferred has been applied to the display element, is particularly preferred the windscreen of the device electrochromically coated. The coating is preferably tungsten oxide, more preferably polyaniline, most preferably iridium (IV) oxide.

Prefers is the electrochromic element with an applied DC voltage transparent, or transparent. The electrochromic is preferred Element permeable to a specific wavelength range, more preferably from 380 nm to 750 nm.

If no voltage is applied, the electrochromic element is preferably no longer transparent. Preferably, the electrochromic element is preferably applied to both sides of the windshield, more preferably applied to only one side of the windshield, most preferably applied to the side of the windshield facing inside the housing, further preferably applied to the side of the windshield facing outward , The front pane, on which an electrochromic layer is preferably applied, is preferably made of glass, more preferably of plastic, most preferably of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or polycarbonate. The electrochromic layer preferably partially covers the front pane, particularly preferably the entire front pane. The voltage to be applied for transparency of the elek Preferably, the electrochromic element is coupled directly to the operating voltage, more preferably an error detection unit, most preferably a control unit interposed. The control unit activates the electrochromic element preferably in the case of voltage fluctuations or voltage drops or when a voltage limit is exceeded or in the event of power failures or in the event of other malfunctions. Preferably, the device, particularly preferably the control unit, is supplied with voltage by solar cells. Preferably, in this type of power supply, an above-mentioned control unit is used and could thus operate as an energy self-sufficient device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the automatic visual sign ( 40 ) a protective film ( 47 ).

The The task of the privacy screen is to look at the display element to block. The privacy film preferably blocks the view in the y-axis. Preferably, the privacy film leaves electromagnetic Radiation only in one direction, particularly preferably in both directions, most preferably in positive y-direction or negative y direction. The privacy film is preferred on the Windscreen applied, particularly preferred on the front the windscreen, most preferably on the display element directed side of the windscreen. The privacy film is preferred glued, most preferably sprayed, most Preferably, the film adheres to the face plate by adhesion. The protective film is preferably coated on one side, Particularly preferably, the protective film is applied to the windscreen, the mirrored side points towards the front of the device. The privacy film is preferably up to 10% or 20% or 30% or 40% or 50% or 60% or 70% or 80% or 90% or 100% mirrored. Preferably, the anti-reflection is canceled if a electromagnetic radiation source on the non-mirrored side the privacy film shines. This wavelength range is preferably located in the infrared, most preferably in the ultraviolet, most preferably in the visible range. Another preferred wavelength range ranges from 380 nm to 750 nm.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises ( 10 ) a light medium ( 48 ).

The Luminescent medium preferably occurs in combination with the privacy screen on. The task of the luminous medium, it is preferably the housing interior to illuminate, particularly preferably to illuminate the display element, most preferred is the front glass of the non-mirrored Side light. The light-emitting medium is preferably of one part the operating voltage supplied. The light medium preferably covers the entire visible light spectrum, especially preferred infrared light spectrum, most preferably the ultraviolet Light spectrum. The preferred wavelength range is between 380 nm and 750 nm.

The Luminous medium illuminates when voltage is applied and loses its power full luminosity with a failure of the operating voltage. The light medium is preferably a fluorescent tube or halogen lamp or Metal halide lamp or arc lamp or LED. Is preferred the luminous medium on the radial inner wall of the housing attached and preferred between display element and windscreen.

By the luminosity of the luminous medium is preferably the mirror effect the privacy film lifted. The display element becomes visible and readings can be read. Set by example a power failure, the luminosity of the luminous medium, is the Mirror effect of the privacy screen active and obstructs the view on the display element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the automatic visual sign ( 40 ) an aperture ( 42 ).

task the aperture, it is preferred in case of failure of the operating voltage View of the display element to block. This pushes the Aperture preferred between windscreen and display element, especially preferred in front of the windscreen. Preferably, the aperture is made opaque material, such as frosted glass or sandblasted Glass or all plastics or metals or steels. Furthermore, all materials come as they are at the top of the case were called in question. Preferably, the aperture is in one piece, especially preferably in several parts, most preferably the diaphragm has numerous Diaphragm blades. In a preferred embodiment the aperture an iris diaphragm.

In a further preferred embodiment, the automatic visual sign ( 40 ) an inverse LCD ( 43 ).

Normally, an LCD display in the idle state is transparent, ie when no operating voltage is applied. This setting is called "normally white mode." When applying an electrical voltage to the electrodes, a rotation of the liquid molecules occurs parallel to the electric field align electrical field. The output twist of the molecules is thus increasingly wound up, the polarization direction of the light is no longer rotated and thus it can no longer pass through the second polarization filter. So there is a darkening when applying an electrical voltage. In the case of inverse-working LCDs, the polarization filters are preferably arranged parallel to one another, in which case the cell becomes dark without voltage and only becomes transparent with increasing voltage. An inverse-working LCD may consist of any number of such cells (picture elements or pixels) Preferably, the display element consists partly, particularly preferably completely, of such picture elements or completely darkened, making it impossible to read a measured value.The front screen is preferably an inverted LCD.

In a further preferred embodiment, the automatic visual sign ( 40 ) can be activated by voltage drop or voltage fluctuations or power failure.

Of the Visible shield is preferred in this type of malfunction activated, since these dysfunctions to gross deviations in the display of measured values. The normal operating voltage of the device is preferably between 6 and 36 V. The automatic sight shield is preferred in a Voltage drop is activated, with the voltage within a time window preferably greater than 10 msec by a percentage of more than 10% of the normal operating voltage drops. Of Furthermore, the automatic sight screen is preferred in case of voltage fluctuations activated, the operating voltage in a time window of greater than 10 msec by a percentage of more than 10% of the nominal Operating voltage is exceeded or fallen below. Furthermore the automatic sight screen is preferred in case of power failure activated, wherein in case of power failure, preferably a voltage from 0 to 20% of the nominal operating voltage and this voltage over a period of at least 10 msec remains.

In Another preferred embodiment is the automatic one Screen can be activated by a failure of the operating voltage.

falls the operating voltage of the device, which preferably at the electrical Input of the device is measured off, then the automatic Visible shield activated. Is however after the activation of the sight shield to record the operating voltage over a period X again and stable (no fluctuations, no waste, etc.) disabled the automatic sight shield prefers itself.

In a further preferred embodiment, the visual shield ( 40 ) by an error detection unit ( 46 ) enableable.

The Error detection unit is preferred for activating the automatic Sight shield in charge if malfunction present, which do not represent a failure of the operating voltage. Such Malfunctions are, for example, voltage drops or voltage fluctuations or electronic interference in the device. Furthermore, the CPU may prefer test algorithms over the pointer drive control run, and in case of errors (electronic Problems) activate the automatic sight screen. The operating voltage is preferably constantly measured by the voltmeter, and passed these signals to the CPU. brownouts and voltage fluctuations can thus be detected by the CPU and with error patterns stored in memory, be compared. If the measurement signals agree with the error patterns, the CPU activates the automatic visual sign. Preferably, the Fault detection unit from an independent power source, d. H. not from the power source, which provides the operating voltage, provided. Particularly preferred is the error detection unit of photovoltaic cells powered, most preferably powered by an energy store.

In a further preferred embodiment, the automatic visual sign ( 40 ) an energy store ( 44 ).

The energy storage device allows to store the energy necessary to activate the automatic sighting screen. The stored energy is preferably mechanically, more preferably electrically, most preferably stored magnetically. For example, in the case of the aperture as an automatic sight shield an energy storage is needed to close the panel, for example, in case of power failure. In this case, the visual shield is preferably a spring, which is held under tension in the state of normal operating voltage and then, in the event of a power failure with the stored spring force, pulls the diaphragm. Preferably, the energy store is not only used to operate the automatic sight shield, but also particularly preferably for operating the error detection unit. The energy store is furthermore preferably a capacitor, such as a ceramic capacitor or a metal paper capacitor or a plastic film capacitor or an electrolytic capacitor or a double-layer capacitor or a vacuum capacitor or a con capacitor on silicon substrate. The energy store is particularly preferably a battery or a rechargeable battery such as, for example, a lead acid battery or a nickel cadmium rechargeable battery or a nickel metal hybrid battery or a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer battery or a lithium metal battery or a lithium iron phosphate battery or a lithium titanate battery or a RAM or a PTMA or a nickel iron battery or a silver zinc battery or a silicone battery ,

In a further preferred embodiment, the display element ( 20 ) a display scale ( 21 ).

Prefers the display element comprises a scale. The scale represents a circle division by markings on the dial, which in shape and Distance between the marks can vary. The scale covers preferably 90 ° to 360 °, more preferably 140 ° to 320 ° particularly preferred 270 to 300 ° of the dial from.

The Scale, or the marks preferably do not include Numerical values, particularly preferably partial numbers, especially Preferably, each mark comprises a number.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises ( 10 ) a pointer drive ( 22 ).

Of the Pointer drive is preferably a stepper motor, a rotary drive, a rotary iron drive, a hot wire drive, a piezomotor, a Piezo accumulator, a shape memory metal or a bimetal. Of the Stepper motor is preferably a synchronous motor in which the rotor by a controlled stepwise rotating electromagnetic Field of stator coils rotated by a minimum angle or its multiple can be. The stepper motor can occur in different designs, for example, as a reluctance stepping motor or permanent magnet stepping motor or as a combination of the two motors as a hybrid stepping motor. A 360 ° rotation of the stepping motor in 1440 is preferred Steps divided, more preferably divided into 2880 steps. Particularly preferably, the stepping motor is a rotary coil motor. advantage This engine variant is that in case of power failure, a potential Pointer independently in a certain position (for example, pointer garage) could be driven.

Prefers is the pointer drive on the back of the display element attached, more preferably on the inside of the housing attached. The drive shaft of the pointer drive is preferably parallel to the Y-axis, particularly preferably in the center of the geometric Shape of the display element (in front view).

Of the Pointer drive is preferably connected to a motor control, which in turn is preferably connected to a pressure gauge. change As the pressure increases, the sensor sends an electrical impulse to the sensor Motor control, which then moves the pointer drive accordingly. To the drive shaft of the pointer drive is preferably a mechanical Pointer attached. The attachment is such that no relative movement can take place between pointer and drive shaft. When the drive shaft of the pointer drive moves, the pointer moves over without contact the display element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises ( 10 ) a pointer ( 23 ), which above the display element ( 20 ) is movable.

Of the Pointer of the device is preferably used to display a measured value, particularly preferred for displaying a plant state in which he either a scale or a number or a range or on a combination of these three features. Prefers moves at least one pointer over the display element, more preferably two, most preferably three. If several Pointers are movable over the display element, they have preferably the same drive shaft, particularly preferably different Driveshafts.

The object of the invention is further achieved by a method for blocking the view of the display element ( 20 ), wherein the view of the display element ( 20 ) by activating a sight shield ( 40 ) is blocked by a malfunction.

Blocking the view of the display element means that preferably the display element is no longer visible, more preferably the display element is no longer visible in combination with one or more pointers, most preferably the display element assumes a uniform color, further preferably Display element and the pointer or the same color. Blocking the view of the display element makes it no longer possible to read a measured value or system status. Furthermore, this visual blockage indicates that a malfunction has occurred. In this case, a visual shield preferably blocks the view of the display element. The visual shield is triggered either directly or indirectly by a malfunction. Direct firing is preferably understood to mean that the malfunction has a direct impact on the sight shield which activates it, most preferably releases an electrical or magnetic energy which can activate the visor, most preferably the view activated in such a way that this is restored to its ground state.

Under indirect activation means that the malfunction is detected by an error detection unit and this activates the visor. A ,, is preferably any outer or inner Influence, more preferably any mechanical, electrical or program errors of components of the device, from which a faulty display of measured values can result.

In Another preferred embodiment is the malfunction a voltage drop or a voltage fluctuation or a power failure.

In a further preferred embodiment, the visual shield ( 40 ) an electrochromic element ( 41 ) or an aperture ( 42 ) or an iris diaphragm ( 43 ) or an inverse LCD ( 44 ).

While the normal operation of the device is an operating voltage of about 24V. This applied voltage, preferably DC voltage, causes the electrochromic element, or the electrochromic Layer becomes transparent. Due to a power failure, the Electrochromic layer preferably matt, more preferably dark, am most preferably black. Is the electrochromic layer on the Windscreen of the device has been applied, and is a power failure before, so any numbers, scale graduations, pointer, can no longer be recognized on the display element. Is preferred an electrochromic layer is applied to the dial. Lies the operating voltage, so scale graduations or Numerals are recognized through the transparent layer. If the voltage fails, the electrochromic darkens Layer preferred and the mentioned dial inscriptions no longer be read. Preferably, any pointer has a similar one Color like the electrochromic layer in case of power failure, so that there is no contrast between the electrochromic layer and the pointer, from which the position of the pointer is not recognizable.

is the visual shield is a diaphragm, the diaphragm preferably comprises one Holding mechanism, more preferably a locking mechanism, most preferably a holding and closing mechanism, Furthermore, preferred a mechanism that at the same time holding and Locking mechanism is. The holding mechanism works preferentially electrically, more preferably mechanically, most preferably magnetic. The function of the holding mechanism is preferred, that is keeping the aperture open, controlled by the application of an operating voltage, d. H. when an operating voltage is applied, the holding mechanism stops the panel prefers in open position, no voltage is applied, The holding mechanism releases the shutter. The locking mechanism pushes the panel after release of the holding mechanism in front of the display element. Preferably, the locking mechanism exerts a constant force on the aperture (ie at operating voltage and power failure). Preferably, the locking mechanism is a spring, especially prefers the gravity of the aperture. A conceivable embodiment is for example a diaphragm, which on two vertical rails in front of and above the windshield freely movable (in vertical Direction => one degree of freedom) is attached and held by a magnet, which his Magnetic force developed over the applied operating voltage. falls the operating voltage, so the magnetic force of the magnet fades and the bezel slides off with its own weight top down in front of the windscreen and thus in front of the display element. The view of the display element is blocked.

In another embodiment it is possible that an iris diaphragm (mounted in front of the windscreen or between Windscreen and indicator) of one of the operating voltage powered magnet is held and simultaneously with a preloaded Spring is connected, which upon exposure of the magnetic force, the iris diaphragm closes.

Prefers the pressure of the medium to be measured is used over preferably a pressure transmitter, more preferably via one or more small piston, for example, the aperture open to keep. At a pressure loss or pressure fluctuation or pressure drop For example, the force on the pistons would then decrease and the aperture could close. It signals Closing the bezel in case of an error.

is the screen is an inverted LCD, so are preferably parts, particularly preferably the entire surface of the display element covered with LCD cells. In a preferred embodiment the display element consists of a layer of normally-black-mode working LCD cells on which a transparent dial is applied is, with the graduations preferred, particularly preferred the segment divisions, most preferably the numbers, further preferably a combination of these three elements colored dark are. Is an operating voltage to the device or so on the LCD screen, the cells become bright or transparent. The Clockface can be seen with it and with the help of a pointer Readable reading. If the operating voltage fails, then darken the cells will be behind the dial, and reading a reading impossible with that.

In a further preferred embodiment, the pointer ( 23 ) above the display element ( 20 ) by means of a pointer drive ( 22 ) are moved or held, whereby the pointer ( 23 ) a measured value is displayed.

The Position of the pointer, that is holding or moving the pointer, depends on the position or rotation of the drive shaft of the pointer drive, since the pointer is applied to this. Of the Pointer drive is powered by a portion of the operating voltage and preferably performs rotational movements or positioning the drive shaft through which by electrical impulses, the Engine control of preferably a pressure sensor receives, controlled become. If the current flow is interrupted or falls Tension, so all components, such as the pressure sensor, or the engine control, or the pointer drive is no longer supplied with power. The pointer remains thereby at any position above the display element stand. This may cause a reading to be displayed incorrectly be, the z. Zt. No longer applied. To prevent misreading, As described above, the view of the display element through a visual shield is preferably activated in the event of a power failure.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sight plate ( 40 ) is deactivated by an operating voltage.

The Deactivation of the sight shield is preferred then advantageous if after a power failure or power failure, the operating voltage rests again on the device. Preferably, the operating voltage ensures that the visual blockade on the display element releases again. For example, for inverse LCDs the individual normally black mode cells become live again transparent or bright. Preference is again given to a contrast between Pointer and dial, particularly preferred are the numbers or scale graduations or area divisions again visible. Electrochromic elements For example, when applying or re-applying the operating voltage preferably transparent. Furthermore, the iris diaphragm opens when applying an operating voltage again. This is preferably done manually, particularly preferred by tensioning the spring during reference travel of the pointer, most preferably by a separate electric motor or E-magnet.

In a further preferred embodiment, further malfunctions are detected by an error detection unit ( 46 ), which then the visual sign ( 40 ) is activated.

kick a malfunction, this is preferred by a sensor, particularly preferably received by a measuring device and forwarded to the CPU of the error detection unit. The CPU evaluates this information or compares this information with error algorithms, which are stored on a memory. Voices the error algorithms with the recorded information from the sensors or measuring instruments, the visor is preferably activated. Preferably, the switches Error detection unit the power supply in the area of the sight plate from. As a result, the sight is activated as in a failure of the operating voltage.

In Another preferred embodiment includes malfunctions Program defects or seal defects.

In The description of the figures will be further preferred embodiments shown. The figures show:

1 a schematic representation of a manometer with electrochromic element.

2 a schematic representation of a manometer with iris diaphragm.

3a a front view of a manometer with deactivated sight

3b a front view of a manometer with activated sight

1 shows a pressure gauge with a housing 30 , an automatic visual sign 40 , wherein the automatic sight shield is an electrochromic element 41 is, a windshield 60 , a pointer drive 22 a pointer 23 and a display element 20 ,

The housing 30 is made of glass metal and has a shell-like profile from the side view, ie in section through the ZY plane. From the front view you look into the opening of the housing 30 , wherein the same has a circular shape from this point of view. The diameter of the housing 30 amounts to 15 cm, the depth to 5 cm. The windscreen 60 closes the opening of the housing 30 air and waterproof and forms together with the housing a body in which the display element 20 , the pointer 23 , the pointer drive 22 , the signal lines 80 , the connection device 81 , the control unit 82 and cable connection 83 are located. The glass pane 41 consists of Plexiglas. The display element 20 is a side view of an approximately 5 mm thick disc, which is round from the front view and through the radial wall of the housing 30 limited in diameter. The display element 20 has a distance of 1 cm to the windshield 60 and is to the parallel. From front view is located in the circle center of the display element 20 a hole 70 , Furthermore, located on the front of the display element 20 , ie on the visible side when looking through the windscreen 60 , a scale graduation with numbers given in PSI. On the back of the display element is the pointer drive 22 , connected to the signal lines 80 , Furthermore, the pointer drive 22 with a drive shaft 71 connected, which through the hole 70 forward through the display element 20 protrudes. On this drive shaft 71 is the pointer 23 assembled. On the back of the windscreen 60 is the electrochromic element 41 or an electrochromic layer, connected via a cable connection 83 with the control unit 82 , which in turn with the connecting device 81 connected is. The connection device 81 is connected to solar cells, which makes the entire system energy self-sufficient. The pointer drive 22 further includes a motor controller connected to a pressure sensor.

If the manometer is now connected to a container in which the pressure is to be measured, the manometer sensor measures the pressure in this container, converts this information into electrical impulses and sends it to the control unit of the pointer drive 22 , The engine control, which as well as the pointer drive 22 and the sensor from the connection device 81 be energized converts this information into position commands, which the pointer drive 22 then execute. The operating voltage is via the connection device 81 created and all components are over with the connection device 81 connected control unit 82 powered. The drive shaft 71 is turned exactly the pointer 23 a value on the display element 20 indicates which was calculated by the control unit using the signals from the sensor. Due to the fact that on the electrochromic layer 41 a voltage is applied, which makes the electrochromic layer transparent and thus the view through the windshield 60 on the display element 20 allows. If a malfunction occurs, the sensor may no longer output signals to the pointer drive control, the pointer drive is thus without a movement command and remains in the last position. Thus, the pointer shows any value on the display element 20 at. The control unit detects the error and cuts off the voltage for all subsequent components. By cutting the voltage no voltage is applied to the electrochromic layer on the windscreen. This causes the electrochromic layer 41 darkens and blocks the view of the display element. By blocking the view of the display element is the operator of the device 10 automatically signals that an error has occurred. Furthermore, no value can be read from the display element, which prevents a forwarding of misinformation. Once the malfunction has been rectified, the control unit releases the power supply again. Now, the electrochromic layer is supplied with electricity again or is then a voltage and the view is released to the display element again. This also signals that the fault has been rectified.

2 shows a pressure gauge with a housing 30 , a windscreen 60 , a display element 20 a pointer 23 , a pointer drive 22 and an automatic visual sign 40 , where the automatic sight shield is an iris diaphragm 45 is.

The structure is identical to 1 , in which 2 no electrochromic element and no control unit included. Furthermore, the features are missing 80 - 83 , The electrochromic element is through an iris diaphragm 55 replaced. The iris diaphragm 55 is from frontal view behind the windscreen 60 on the radial inner wall of the housing 30 assembled. The iris diaphragm 45 is with a preloaded spring 72 connected, which in turn with a holding device 73 is connected, which is coupled to the operating voltage of the device, or is a part of the operating voltage to the holding device 73 at.

If an operating voltage is applied to the device, measured values can be easily read via the pointer 23 on the display element 20 are displayed. Furthermore, the holding mechanism 73 active, which is the preloaded spring 72 in a tense position. The feather 72 is with the closing mechanism of the iris diaphragm 45 connected. If the operating voltage fails, the holding mechanism loses 73 its function and gives the preloaded spring 72 free. Through the released force of the spring 72 becomes the iris diaphragm 45 closed from the outside to the inside from the front view. The view is thus blocked on the display element. An erroneous reading of a value or measured value is thus prevented.

3a shows the device 10 (Manometer) in a frontal view, or the viewing direction is the positive y-axis. The pressure gauge comprises a housing 30 made of glass metal, which is circular from the y-direction and has a diameter of 12 cm, or 3 cm deep. The circular housing has in the negative y-direction, an opening with 11 cm diameter, which of a windscreen 60 is closed. The housing 30 closes in combination with the windscreen 60 , where the windscreen is made of safety glass, the pointer drive 22 , the ad element 20 and the pointer 23 with a. The display element 20 is a round about 2 mm thick white disc, which in the center of the circle a hole 70 has. In this hole 70 runs the drive shaft 71 of the pointer drive 22 , which in the positive y-direction behind the display element 20 is appropriate. The pointer 23 is with the drive shaft 71 connected and located in front of the display element 20 , The display element comprises a scale graduation in increments of ten, each tenth step being highlighted with an elongated bar. Each step of ten includes a number division 21 , The display element 20 in combination with the number division 21 and the scaling 24 allows it together with the pointer 23 Display measured values. The windscreen 60 is on the side, which is towards the display element 20 shows with a privacy screen 47 pasted. The privacy film 47 is mirrored in the direction of view, ie in the negative y-direction, to 70%. Behind the privacy screen 47 or the windscreen 60 is located on the radial inner wall of the housing 30 a light medium 48 , The light medium 48 is located between display element 20 and windscreen 60 and consists of a halogen tube.

Is the pressure gauge, or the device 10 in operation, so is an operating voltage of 24 volts. The pointer drive 22 , which is supplied by the operating voltage, receives its step information from a pointer drive control, which in turn is connected to a pressure sensor. The pointer drive 22 moves the pointer 23 over the display element 20 , where a reading is displayed. The radially mounted light medium 48 the display element lights up 20 evenly lit and at the same time the privacy film 47 on the non-mirrored side. The light medium 48 develops so high a luminosity that this luminosity exceeds the exposure outside the device. This will make the mirroring of the privacy film 48 canceled and the number division or scaling 24 of the display element 20 thereby becomes visible to a viewer of the device.

3b shows the identical device as in 3a , where here the operating voltage has failed and thus the sight 40 has been activated.

Thereby, that no more operating voltage to the device 10 is applied, the pointer drive is no longer supplied with power, ie the pointer 23 stays in any position above the display element. This, that the light medium 48 coupled with the operating voltage is the luminosity. The interior of the housing between the display element and windscreen 60 darkens. The fact that the exposure of the display element is eliminated, and no light radiation from behind through the privacy screen 47 penetrates, reflects the reflective character of the privacy film again in the foreground. For a viewer of the device, it now looks like he is looking into a mirror. This will become the display element for the viewer, as will the pointer 23 or the number division 21 and the scaling 24 invisible. Furthermore, the viewer is indicated by the reflective effect of the privacy film that a malfunction has occurred, or the operating voltage has failed.

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digit classification

22

hand drive

23

pointer

24

scaling

30

casing

40

visor

41

Electrochromic element

42

cover

43

Inverse working LCD

44

energy storage

45

iris

46

Error detection unit

47

Privacy film

48

light medium

60

windscreen

70

drilling

71

drive shaft

72

Preloaded feather

73

holder

80

signal lines

81

connection device

82

control unit

83

cable connection

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19728294 A1 [0002]
• - DE 4310060 A1 [0003]

Claims (20)

Contraption ( 10 ) for displaying measured values, comprising a display element ( 20 ), a housing ( 30 ), characterized in that the device ( 10 ) an automatic visual sign ( 40 ). Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the automatic visual sign ( 40 ) an electrochromic element ( 41 ). Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the automatic visual sign ( 40 ) a protective film ( 47 ). Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device ( 10 ) a light medium ( 48 ). Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the automatic sight shield ( 40 ) an aperture ( 42 ). Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 5, wherein the diaphragm ( 42 ) an iris diaphragm ( 45 ). Contraption ( 10 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the automatic visual sign ( 40 ) an inverse LCD ( 43 ). Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the automatic visual sign ( 40 ) can be activated by voltage drop or voltage fluctuations or power failure. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the automatic visual sign ( 40 ) Can be activated by a failure of the operating voltage. Contraption ( 10 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the automatic visual sign ( 40 ) by an error detection unit ( 46 ) is activated. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the automatic sight shield ( 40 ) an energy store ( 44 ). Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display element ( 20 ) a display scale ( 21 ). Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the device ( 10 ) a pointer drive ( 22 ). Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the device ( 10 ) a pointer ( 23 ), which above the display element ( 20 ) is movable. Method for blocking the view of the display element ( 20 ), comprising the following step: d) blocking the view of the display element ( 20 ) by activating a sight shield ( 40 ) due to a malfunction. The method of claim 15, wherein the malfunction a voltage drop or a voltage fluctuation or a power failure is. Method according to one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the visual shield ( 40 ) an electrochromic element ( 41 ) or an aperture ( 42 ) or an iris diaphragm ( 43 ) or an inverse LCD ( 44 ). Method according to one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the method step d) is supplemented by two further, preceding steps: b) moving or holding a pointer ( 23 ) above the display element ( 20 ) by means of a pointer drive ( 22 ); c) displaying a measured value with the pointer ( 23 ). Method according to one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the method steps b), c), d) are supplemented by a further, preceding step: a) deactivation of the sight shield ( 40 ) by an operating voltage. Method according to one of claims 15 to 19, wherein further malfunctions of an error detection unit ( 46 ), which then the visual sign ( 40 ) is activated.