DE102012218574B4 - sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

Sensor according to the TDR principle for a measurement in a container (12), preferably in a cooking and / or cooking appliance, with a probe (26), wherein the sensor via at least one coupling device (29) with the container (12) releasably can be coupled, wherein the coupling device (29) comprises at least one magnet (28) in the upper region of the probe (26).

Description

The invention relates to a sensor according to the TDR principle for a measurement in a container.

Such sensors are basically, for example, from EP 2 012 098 A1 known.

US 5,910,188 describes the measurement of a level in a tank according to the TDR principle, wherein a pair of flexible conductors can be releasably coupled to the tank. There are provided fastening means, wherein the conductors can be inserted into recesses. The conductors comprise thin sensor elements, which are surrounded by an insulating layer.

US 5,986,449 relates to a device for measuring a liquid level in a tank, in particular a gasoline tank. For this purpose, a magnetostrictive wire is provided inside a tube. The device for measuring liquid can be attached to a tank by means of a retaining clip.

US 2006/0181450 A1 relates to an arrangement for measuring a product level in a container. Here, a high degree of hygiene, cleanliness and cleanability is to be achieved. The sensor for transit time measurement is permanently fixed to an inner wall of the container.

DE 11 2006 002 933 T5 relates to a radar level measuring system for measuring a level height of a content contained in a container. A transmission line probe has a dielectric cladding structure surrounding a probe line.

WO 91/19171 relates to a device for measuring a liquid level in a container. An ultrasound probe can be formed, for example, spirally.

US 2006/0090562 A1 relates to a device for measuring a filling level of a ship's tank.

DE 10 2007 010 627 A1 concerns a level gauge according to the TDR measuring principle. A ladder assembly is integrated into the wall of a container. Electrical insulation may be provided between the electrical conductor assembly and the medium, thereby making it possible to protect the electrical conductor assembly from aggressive media.

US 2007/0020998 A1 relates to a device for coupling radio frequency signals. This sensor can be combined with a temperature gauge and a pressure gauge.

US 2007/02733390 A1 describes the probe of a TDR sensor. A signal carried in a container of liquid is reflected at a dielectric interface. The laterally spaced input and output electrodes are held by an insulating spacer which is held by a magnet at the bottom of the container or a weight.

The TDR measurement principle (time domain reflectometry) is based on the determination of propagation times of an electromagnetic pulse for determining the distance of a discontinuity of the line resistance, such as a cable break or a product interface. It is therefore similar to radar, the difference being that the electromagnetic waves are not emitted to the outside, but are guided along a conductor. This conductor will also be referred to as a probe below.

One possible field of application for sensors based on the TDR principle is, for example, the determination of fill levels. In this case, an electromagnetic pulse is emitted along a conductor which dips into the liquid, wherein the pulse is partially reflected by the change in the dielectric constant between different media in a container and it is thereby possible, the distance between the liquid upper limit or a runtime measurement other interface and a Meßsignalaufnehmer to determine and thus to calculate the level.

In such level sensors, a distinction is made between open probes and closed probes. The former consist of a simple conductor and use the environment as the opposite pole of the probe coupling. The field of application of such sensors is therefore limited to containers of conductive material. On the other hand, closed probes consist of a coaxial conductor, which itself comprises an inner conductor and outer conductor. In this case, e.g. a microwave guided by the coaxial conductor, whereby the sensor is independent of the container in which it is inserted.

Conventional sensors are permanently installed in a container. The sensors can be removed in this way - if at all - only with great effort, for example, for cleaning purposes. Also, the probes are free, i. the ladder is not protected. Thus, the probes are not suitable for containers in which extreme environments prevail, such as high temperatures or high pressure. In addition, the cleaning of the sensor is difficult.

Especially in the food sector high demands are placed on hygiene. Conventional sensors are often unsuitable for food-grade conditions, such as high temperatures.

For cooking chambers that are closed with a lid, a mounting of a conventional sensor from above is not possible or only with difficulty. Even a lateral mounting of a conventional sensor is not easy to accomplish.

However, for improved automation, especially of cooking processes, precise determination of particular conditions in a container, e.g. level, required.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a sensor according to the TDR principle with good hygienic properties and versatile usability.

The solution of this object is achieved by a device having the feature of claim 1.

The invention relates to a sensor with a probe, wherein the sensor via at least one coupling device with the container is detachably coupled. Such a probe can be surrounded by a dielectric material, preferably a plastic material.

The coupling device comprises at least one magnet in the upper region of the probe. The sensor is preferably attached to the container by a magnetic adhesion. The magnet or magnets can be injected into the dielectric material, which facilitates cleaning. Preferably, a plurality of magnets are provided to align the sensor or the probe in a desired position. By the magnets, the sensor can be attached to a wall of a conventional metal container. In the wall of the container, for example, magnetizable counter-elements can be provided for the magnets of the sensor.

In the subject invention, both open and closed probes can be used.

The plastic material may be, for example, PEEK (polyether ether ketone), Teflon or any other suitable plastic material. Advantageously, the probe is completely surrounded by the dielectric material.

Due to the fact that the probe, in particular a metal probe, is encased with the dielectric material or injected into the dielectric material, it becomes robust and is particularly protected against mechanical influences.

Due to the dielectric material, the sensor is also insensitive to the formation of drops, buildup and / or residues of the measuring medium on the measuring probe, in particular if the adhesions do not occur between the measuring probe and a wall of the container.

The sensors according to the invention can advantageously be used in the food sector, in particular in automated commercial kitchens, as will be explained below. The container may then be a thermal container, in particular a cooking and / or cooking appliance.

An automatic detection of the level, especially in cooking and / or cooking appliances, brings a number of advantages. Thus, various processes or process sequences can be automated. In this way, for example, in the event of loss of liquid during a cooking and / or cooking process, e.g. over a long period of time, for example when cooking several batches of pasta, the container will automatically be replenished with liquid.

For example, when heating sensitive products, the heating power can be optimally adjusted to the amount present, i. the volume of the product can be adjusted. An application or burning can be avoided. In contrast to conventional sensors, the sensor according to the invention can also be used in a simple manner with closed cooking chambers. Thus, e.g. to work with both the lid open and the lid closed, without any danger to the user.

When cooking with intelligent processes, the addition of additional foods can be automatically detected with the aid of the sensor according to the invention. As a result, no confirmation is required for the operator. In particular, as a safety for a user, the sensor can also be used as protection against overflowing or boiling over. For example, the water supply can be switched off automatically or the heating can be switched back if the level measurement results in a threatening overflow.

It is possible that, for example, the heating power is regulated on the basis of the knowledge of the amount of content, so that in particular an optimal heating time can be achieved.

When evaluating the signal propagation time to determine, for example, the fill level, the changed transit time must be in the dielectric material get noticed. Due to the higher dielectric constant, the electromagnetic wave propagates more slowly than in air, so that the propagation velocity in the probe is reduced. Due to the so slowed running time can with the same electronics a higher accuracy of the measurement than in a metal probe, the without dielectric sheath z. B. only in air, can be achieved.

Due to the coating with a dielectric material, the entire probe is also suitable for contacts with food or cooking auxiliary media, e.g. Oil, water and / or fat, suitable. The probe can thus be used in extreme environments of a cooking and / or cooking appliance. Thus, high temperatures, for example 200 ° C, and / or a high pressure, for example, 500 mbar, conceivable. Even contact with viscous food or Garhilfsmedien is not critical. Due to the dielectric material, the sensor can always be cleaned properly. In addition, the mechanical load capacity and stability is significantly increased by the jacket.

The cleaning is also facilitated when the sensor with the container is detachably coupled, because it can then be removed in a simple manner, for example, to be cleaned manually or by machine. In this way, the hygienic applicability of a sensor according to the TDR principle is significantly improved, so that it can be used in the food industry. In addition, during the TDR measurement, no current flows through the medium.

Further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

According to one embodiment, the coupling device comprises at least one clip for releasably securing the sensor to a wall of the container. By means of such a coupling device, conventional containers can also be retrofitted with a sensor according to the invention and an expansion, e.g. for cleaning purposes, is very simple. The sensor can then be cleaned, for example, in a dishwasher. When the probe is removed, the container, in particular a cooking chamber, can be cleaned easily.

It is conceivable, for example, a latching connection, whereby the probe can be removed without tools and with relatively little effort. The wall may have receiving elements for the locking elements of the sensor.

The sensor may also have one or more hooks, e.g. is hooked to an upper edge of the container.

On the one hand, a simple mounting and dismounting of the measuring probe is made possible by the described coupling devices, while on the other hand a secure hold on the container wall is ensured when the measuring probe is in a measuring position in which the sensor is coupled to the container. The probe is located in particular within the container in a position that is suitable for performing a desired measurement. Thus, the probe may be in the measuring position e.g. extend substantially from an upper portion to a lower portion of the container.

According to a further embodiment, the coupling device additionally or exclusively comprises an adapter, via which the probe can be releasably coupled to a read-out unit for signal transmission, wherein the adapter is preferably encased with plastic or another dielectric material. The contacting of the probe can be formed jet water, vapor-tight and / or insensitive to chemicals occurring in the kitchen operation. In particular, an electronics of the probe can detect when the probe is removed from the container, whereby e.g. The sensor input can automatically switch off to prevent damage to the probe during cleaning.

Preferably, the adapter is arranged in an upper region of the container and extends, for example, through a recess from the inside to the outside of the wall of the container. The recess may be open at the top or be formed as a hole in an upper region of the wall of the container. The adapter can be used to couple high-frequency pulses into the measuring probe, as well as to pass on the determined measured data to a read-out unit, which can in particular be mounted remotely from the measuring probe. The readout unit is e.g. to an evaluation, which evaluates the measured data and / or stores. The readout unit may alternatively or additionally be configured to generate the high frequency pulses which are introduced into the probe.

In a further development, the adapter comprises a conductive contact element, which is in contact with a conductive wall of the container, and an inner conductor, which is in contact with the probe. The inner conductor is, preferably by means of a dielectric material, isolated from the contact element and / or the wall of the container. As a contact element, for example, serve a metal lid, which ensures a ground contact with the container wall.

For example, a coaxial plug connection, for example an SMB plug (Sub-Miniature-B), or another suitable high-frequency plug can be used for coupling a high-frequency wave into a cooking chamber.

The dielectric material, in particular an insulator of plastic, e.g. PEEK or Teflon, is preferably sealed gap-free against the wall of the container. The inner conductor, which serves to conduct the high-frequency pulses to the measuring probe and, for. can be made of stainless steel, can be sealed gap-free with a fit against the dielectric material, so that the adapter is hygienic. To avoid reflections, the adapter can be designed, for example, to a resistance of 50 ohms.

The use of large internal and / or external radii on the probe allows for easy cleaning. The entire outer shape of the dielectric material surrounding the probe can then be designed without corners and / or hard-to-reach edges, so that the sensor can be cleaned well, for example by means of hands and fingers.

According to a preferred embodiment, the probe with a read-out unit is not coupled directly but via a line. With a coupling through a line reading can be done away from the container, for example in a control room. In another embodiment, the determined measured values and, if appropriate, the readout pulses are transmitted wirelessly, for example by radio, to the readout unit. It is also possible that readout pulses and measurement signals are capacitively coupled in and out and no conductive connection between the line and the anode is required.

The readout unit may be e.g. to a microprocessor, PC and / or a storage unit act.

In a development of the invention, the readout unit is designed to check the line. The readout unit thus fulfills a dual function since on the one hand it can read the measured data and on the other hand it can monitor the regularity of the line. Undesirable influences due to damage and / or kinks in the high-frequency line between the probe and a reading electronics remote therefrom can be determined in this way. For this purpose, in particular the level measurement is referenced to a transition pulse which occurs when the high-frequency signal enters the probe, in particular in the adapter. The referencing to the output pulse from the process connection or the adapter enables precise measurement even with different cable lengths between the probe and the evaluation electronics, so that the correct fill level can be determined independently of the connection line length. On the other hand, reflections that occur before this expected transition pulse may indicate damage to the connection cable.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the metal probe is at a measuring position in which the probe is arranged in the container, spaced from a wall of the container. The distance is preferably at least 5 mm, 10 mm or 15 mm, and / or at most 20 mm, 30 mm or 40 mm. The distance is chosen so that the probe has a small footprint.

Preferably, the probe is spaced from the wall of the container by a dielectric material, such as PEEK or Teflon, so that the probe is securely positioned at a certain distance from the container wall.

According to a preferred embodiment, a dielectric material surrounding the probe has in cross-section a first region which, in a measuring position in which the probe is arranged in the container, extends substantially perpendicular to a wall of the container and is preferably directly connected to it. In addition, the dielectric material comprises a second region which is spaced from the wall of the container and extends substantially parallel to the wall, wherein the probe is arranged in the second region and is thus spaced from the wall. Between the probe and the wall of the container so that an additional area is present in which the medium to be measured can influence the electromagnetic field between the metal probe and the wall, whereby an even more precise measurement example of the level is made possible.

The transition between the first and the second region is preferably rounded.

According to a further embodiment, the probe has at least two sections, wherein a first section is designed to increase the signal propagation distance between the coupling adapter or a process connection and a second section in which the measurement is made. The first section is in particular directly connected to the adapter. Due to the additional signal path from the outlet of the process connection or the adapter to the area in which the actual measurement is made, the measuring range is increased because of the extension, a reflection, which emanates from the medium at a high level, can be better distinguished from an exit pulse, which arises during the transition from a process connection or the adapter to the probe. This ensures a larger measuring range in the upper part of the container.

According to a further embodiment, the probe has at least two sections, which are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another, wherein a first section in a measuring position, in which the probe is arranged in the container, is arranged on an upper region of the container, and preferably with an adapter is connected, and a second portion extends from the upper portion to a lower portion of the container. In particular, the first section forms an extension of the signal travel path between an adapter and a second section in which the measurement is made.

According to a further embodiment, the probe is formed on a, preferably remote from the adapter, end portion substantially U-shaped, V-shaped or L-shaped. The measuring range in the lower area of the container can be increased by this return or extension of the probe, because the feedback of a reflection, which arises at the end of the probe, moves so far back that they are safe from a reflection, which of a low-standing medium can be differentiated.

In particular, a combination of extended signal travel in the upper region of the container and a U-shaped, V-shaped or L-shaped design of the probe in the lower region of the container thus allows a significant increase in the measuring range compared to conventional sensors. Even very high and very low levels can be measured in this way.

The sensor according to the invention is not only particularly suitable for a level measurement, but also for a mineral concentration measurement, preferably a salt concentration measurement, a measurement of the tilt angle of the container and / or a measurement for determining a medium in the container, as will be explained below.

The probe can be used on any wall of the container, in trough-shaped containers, preferably in a corner of the container.

By knowing the level in conjunction with the tilt angle of the container of the current fill level corresponding outlet angle of the container can be calculated. For example, if the probe is placed in a corner, the probe can be used as a control tool for automatic tipping, providing protection against unwanted spilling. Thus, e.g. the cooking chamber are automatically raised up to a tilt angle at which the level is still just below a spout, such as a spout, is. Subsequently, the further dumping can be slowed down to pour a controlled amount of defined amount.

For example, since oil and water have a different impedance, by measuring the reflection amplitude and the velocity of the electromagnetic wave in the medium, which may be different due to the different impedances and / or dielectric properties of the different media and thus leads to a temporal shift of the reflection pulse , in addition to the level and the nature of the medium or the Garhilfsmediums, especially oil or water, itself or its properties, in particular the quality determined.

Based on the pulse height and position so the medium can be classified in the container. A user can then be proposed automatic processes or processes can be selected directly automatically.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to adjust the salt content, i. to determine the salt concentration or, for example, a sugar concentration. This can z. B. the actual salinity be adjusted with a preset target salt content. In the event of a deviation, for example, a user may be made aware of this or salt or water can be automatically replenished.

According to a further embodiment, the sensor comprises an additional temperature and / or pressure sensor, for example a thermometer or a SAW sensor (surface acoustic wave)). The determined temperature and / or pressure values can preferably also be forwarded to the readout unit, for example wirelessly like a radar signal of the fill level measurement or via radio. The temperature sensor can for example be integrated in a lower region in the dielectric material of the sensor. The probe itself can also be used as a conductor during temperature measurement. As a further conductor then, for example, a fastening magnet can be used, which is in contact with the wall of the container.

In this way, no additional line for the temperature sensor is necessary.

It is thus possible to determine the temperature directly in the medium. Due to the knowledge of the medium, the measurement of the temperature and the level in the container can then be e.g. the density and from this the mass of the liquid in the container are determined.

• 1 eine Perspektivansicht einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Sensors,
• 2 eine Schnittansicht des Sensors gemäß 1,
• 3 eine Rückseitenansicht des Sensors gemäß 1,
• 4 eine Schnittansicht einer Ausführungsform eines Adapters eines erfindungsgemäßen Sensors,
• 5 eine halbdurchsichtige Ansicht eines Sensors gemäß 1,
• 6a einen Signalverlauf einer Messung mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Sensor,
• 6b eine Schemaskizze einer Ausführungsform einer Messanordnung, bei der ein Signalverlauf gemäß 6a auftreten kann, und
• 7 einen Signalverlauf eines erfindungsgemäßen Sensors bei unterschiedlichen Medien.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a sensor according to the invention,
• 2 a sectional view of the sensor according to 1 .
• 3 a rear view of the sensor according to 1 .
• 4 a sectional view of an embodiment of an adapter of a sensor according to the invention,
• 5 a semi-transparent view of a sensor according to 1 .
• 6a a waveform of a measurement with a sensor according to the invention,
• 6b a schematic of an embodiment of a measuring arrangement, in which a waveform according to 6a can occur, and
• 7 a waveform of a sensor according to the invention in different media.

1 shows a sensor according to the TDR principle with a plastic body 10 in a container 12 is arranged, of which only a metallic wall 16 is shown. The sensor includes an adapter 14 passing through the wall 16 of the container 12 protrudes. The plastic body 10 extends parallel to the wall 16 from an upper area 18 of the container 12 to a lower area 20 ,

A sectional view at the height of the point A in 1 in view from above is in 2 shown. The plastic body 10 There has a first elongate region in cross-section 22 on, which is essentially perpendicular to the wall 16 of the container 12 extends. Parallel to the wall 16 extends a second area 24 that with a wall distance d from the wall 16 is spaced. The first area 22 is with the second area 24 connected so that no possibly difficult to clean corners or edges on the outside of the plastic body 10 occur. The first area 22 and the second area 24 together form the common plastic body 10 , In the second area 24 is a probe 26 arranged, which consists of a metallic, conductive material. The probe 26 is thus off the wall 16 spaced. Between the probe 26 and the wall 16 is a hollow area 27 formed in which a medium to be measured (not shown), the electromagnetic field between the probe 26 and the wall 16 can influence.

3 shows a rear view of the sensor in the removed state. In the plastic body 10 are three magnets 28 injected, which is a first part of a coupling device 29 form. The not shown, metallic wall 16 as the second part of the coupling device 29 forms in the installed state, a magnetic counter element for the magnets 28 , This allows the sensor to be detachable on the wall 16 of the container 12 be attached so that a simple removal of the sensor, for example for cleaning purposes, is guaranteed.

In 4 is a detail view of the adapter 14 shown in the lateral section. The adapter 14 includes a metal lid 30 , which forms a conductive contact element, with the metallic wall 16 of the container 12 communicates and represents the ground contact. In addition, the adapter points 14 an inner conductor 32 up, with the probe 26 in contact. An isolation 34 made of a dielectric material isolates the inner conductor 32 electrically from the wall 16 and the metal lid 30 , An end piece of the probe 26 is from the plastic body 10 surround. The entire adapter 14 is thus hygienically shielded.

To pass the measurement data or RF pulses into the probe 26 can couple a readout unit or a high-frequency generator by means of an RF connector 36 with the adapter 14 get connected.

5 shows a semi-transparent view of the sensor. The probe 26 is in a first section 38 , which is formed as a bow, and a second section 40 divided. The first paragraph 38 is directly with the adapter 14 connected and extended a signal run distance between the adapter 14 and the second section 40 in which the actual measurement is made. The second section 40 extends substantially parallel to the wall 16 from the upper area 18 to the lower area 20 of the container 12 , In the area below 20 is the probe 26 as a U-piece 42 formed, ie the probe is returned again, so that there are two probe sections, which are oriented substantially parallel to each other. This feedback serves to create a reflection at the end of the probe 26 arises to shift back in time so far as to be sure of a reflection emanating from a low-lying medium, can be distinguished. For example, even low levels can still be detected.

The upper arch 38 serves to the signal propagation distance of the probe 26 from the exit from the adapter 14 extend to the active measurement range, to provide a reflection that emanates from the medium at a high level, from the exit pulse inherent in the transition from the adapter 14 on the probe 26 arises to be able to distinguish better in terms of time. This ensures a larger measuring range upwards.

In 6a is a waveform S depending on the time t shown. The signal S corresponds to the reflected high-frequency pulses. The waveform S corresponds to the measurement setup according to 6b , This is a readout unit 44 shown, which over a line 46 with an adapter 14 connected to the sensor. The probe 26 the sensor is in a measuring position with a wall 16 of the container 12 connected. The container 12 is with a medium 48 , For example, water or oil, filled. In the area below 20 the sensor is in the plastic body 10 a temperature sensor 50 for determining the temperature of the medium 48 admitted.

If the line 46 an undesirable kink 52 this is in the time-dependent signal representation S as a pulse P1 visible, noticeable.

Because the probe 26 through the pipe 46 with the readout unit 44 connected and the length of the line 46 may be different, the level is expediently on the exit pulse from the adapter 14 referenced. This is as a reference pulse P2 visible, noticeable. This can be independent of the length of the line 46 the correct filling level can be determined. Reflections before this expected reference pulse P2 can occur on damage, such as a kink 52 , the lead 46 clues.

The one through the medium 48 caused pulse is as a pulse P3 visible, noticeable. From the time interval between the reference pulse P2 and through the medium 48 caused pulse P3 - If necessary, based on a calibration or reference measurement - determine the level. Depending on the medium 48 finally results in a final pulse P4 respectively. P4 ' which comes from the reflection at the end of the probe.

In 7 are two waveforms S for different media 48 shown. In the upper illustration is as a medium 48 Water is present, while in the lower illustration oil as a medium 48 is used. The final pulse P4 in the case of water, this occurs later than the final pulse due to the different dielectric constants P4 ' with oil. In this way it can be classified which medium 48 in the container 12 located.

The sensor according to the invention can thus be used to carry out measurements in a container, for example in a cooking and / or cooking appliance, in a simple, safe and hygienic manner. By means of an easy-to-clean and easy-to-install or disassemble sensor thus, for example, the level height and / or the type of medium can be determined.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Plastic body, dielectric material

12

Container (detail)

14

adapter

16

Wall, wall

18

upper area

20

lower area

22

first area

24

second area

26

probe

27

hollow area

28

magnet

29

coupling device

30

Metal lid, contact element

32

inner conductor

34

Insulation, dielectric material

36

HF plug

38

first section, bow

40

second part

42

U-piece

44

readout unit

46

management

48

medium

50

temperature sensor

52

kink

d

wall distance

S

waveform

t

Time

P1

Pulse due to cable break

P2

reference pulse

P3

Pulse of the medium

P4, P4 '

end pulse

Claims (18)

Sensor according to the TDR principle for a measurement in a container (12), preferably in a cooking and / or cooking appliance, with a probe (26), wherein the sensor via at least one coupling device (29) with the container (12) detachably can be coupled, wherein the coupling device (29) comprises at least one magnet (28) in the upper region of the probe (26). Sensor after Claim 1 , characterized in that the probe (26) with a dielectric material (10), preferably a plastic material is surrounded. Sensor after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the coupling device (29) comprises at least one clip for releasably securing the sensor to a wall (16) of the container (12). Sensor according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the coupling device (29) comprises an adapter (14) via which the probe (26) with a readout unit (44) is releasably coupled. Sensor after Claim 4 , characterized in that the adapter (14) has a conductive contact element (30) which is arranged in a measuring position of the sensor, in which the probe (26) in the container (12), with a conductive wall (16) of the container (12 ), and an inner conductor (32) in contact with the probe (26), wherein the inner conductor (32), preferably by means of a dielectric material (34) from the contact element (30) and the wall (16 ) of the container (12) is isolated. Sensor after Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the probe (26) is coupled to the readout unit (44) via a line (46). Sensor after Claim 6 , characterized in that the readout unit (44) is adapted to check the line (46). Sensor according to one of the Claims 2 to 7 , characterized in that the probe (26) in a measuring position in which the probe (26) in the container (12) is arranged, preferably by means of the dielectric material (10), spaced from a wall (16) of the container (12) is, preferably at least 10 mm and / or at most 30 mm. Sensor according to one of the Claims 2 to 8th , characterized in that the dielectric material (10) surrounding the probe (26) is, in cross-section, substantially perpendicular to a first region (22) which is in a measuring position in which the probe (26) is arranged in the container (12) extends to a wall (16) of the container (12) and is preferably directly connected to this, and a second region (24) which is spaced from the wall (16) of the container (12) and substantially parallel to the wall (16), wherein the probe (26) in the second region (24) is arranged. Sensor according to one of the Claims 4 to 9 characterized in that the probe (26) has at least two sections (38, 40), a first section (38) being adapted to control the signal path between the adapter (14) and a second section (40) in which the Measurement is made to enlarge. Sensor according to one of the Claims 4 to 9 characterized in that the probe (26) has at least two sections (38, 40) which are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another, wherein a first section (38) in a measuring position in which the probe (26) in the container (12 ) is arranged at an upper portion (18) of the container (12) and is preferably connected to the adapter (14), and a second portion (40) extends from the upper portion (18) to a lower portion (20 ) of the container (12). Sensor according to one of the Claims 4 to 11 , characterized in that the probe (26) is formed on a, preferably by the adapter (14) remote end portion substantially U-shaped, V-shaped or L-shaped. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measurement is a fill level measurement, a mineral concentration measurement, preferably a salt concentration measurement, a measurement of a tilt angle of the container (12) and / or a measurement for determining a in the container (12) medium (48) includes. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a temperature and / or pressure sensor (50). Use of a sensor according to one of Claims 1 to 14 for measuring a filling level of a medium (48) located in the container (12). Use of a sensor according to one of Claims 1 to 14 for measuring a tilt angle of the container (12). Use of a sensor according to one of Claims 1 to 14 for measuring a mineral concentration, preferably salt concentration, of a medium (48) located in the container (12). Use of a sensor according to one of Claims 1 to 14 for determining a medium (48) in the container (12) and / or for determining a property, in particular quality, of a medium (48) in the container (12).

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