DE102015122278A1 - Functionalized housing cover - Google Patents

Abstract

Housing cover (10) for a field device (1) of automation technology, at least comprising a receiving unit (12), housing electronics (13) and a display / transmission unit (14), wherein the receiving unit (12) for wireless receiving at least one the housing unit (13) is electrically connected to the receiving unit (12) and the display / transmission unit (14), wherein the housing electronics (13 ) is configured to extract at least one field device information from the at least one first signal (a ") and to transfer it to the display / transmission unit (14), wherein the display / transmission unit (14) is configured to at least one To display information and / or transmitted to at least one external unit, and wherein at least the receiving unit (12), the housing electronics (13) and the display / transmission unit (14) vergo at least partially are.

Description

The invention relates to a functionalized housing cover for a field device of automation technology, to a housing with a corresponding housing cover, and to a field device with a corresponding housing.

Field devices of automation technology for determining and / or monitoring at least one process variable are, for example, level measuring devices, flowmeters, pressure and temperature measuring devices, pH redox potential measuring devices, or conductivity measuring devices, which detect the corresponding process variables level, flow, pressure, temperature, pH or conductivity , A field device typically comprises at least one at least partially and at least temporarily come into contact with the process sensor unit and an electronic unit, which serves for example the signal detection, evaluation and / or supply. In the context of the present application, field devices are in principle all measuring devices that are used close to the process and that provide or process process-relevant information, including remote I / Os, radio adapters or generally electronic components, which are arranged at the field level. A variety of such field devices is manufactured and sold by the company Endress + Hauser.

Flowmeters are especially Coriolis, ultrasonic, vortex, thermal and / or magnetic inductive flowmeters.

Level gauges are in particular microwave level gauges, ultrasonic level gauges, time domain reflectometric level gauges (TDR), radiometric level gauges, capacitive level gauges, conductive level gauges and / or temperature-sensitive level gauges.

Pressure gauges are in particular absolute, relative or differential pressure devices.

Temperature measuring devices are in particular measuring devices with thermocouples and temperature-dependent resistors.

Point level measuring devices are in particular vibronic point level measuring devices, ultrasonic point level measuring devices and / or capacitive or conductive point level measuring devices.

Analytical measuring devices are in particular pH sensors, conductivity sensors, oxygen and active oxygen sensors, (spectro) -photometric sensors, and / or ion-selective electrodes.

For display and / or transmission of information, operating states, measured values, device parameters or the like, field devices can be equipped with a display and / or transmitting unit, such as a display, an optical and / or acoustic display element, for. As a light-emitting element or a beeper, or with a wireless interface for the transmission of data, such as a radio interface.

Optical display elements are often used for vibronic level gauges or level switches as manufactured and sold by the applicant under the name LIQUIPHANT and SOLIPHANT. Likewise, field devices which operate according to the capacitive and / or conductive measuring method frequently also have at least one optical display element. Such meters are also manufactured by the applicant and sold for example under the name LIQUIPOINT.

Corresponding level switches are preferably used as dry running protection for pumps or as overfill protection. This is also referred to as MIN MAX safety. The on-site information about the respective switching output or switching state of the limit level switch is usually very important for a customer, so that often display elements are integrated with at least one light-emitting element in the field device, which can visualize at least the respective switching state and / or the operating voltage , Optical display elements for field devices are further, for example, from DE102006016381A1 and DE102008037194A1 known. In addition, there are subsequently attachable connector, such as M12 connector. The DE102013108532A1 describes a connector with at least four display elements, which the operational readiness of the field device two antivalent switching outputs and a malfunction or malfunction can be signaled.

The use of individual optical or acoustic display elements is advantageous in terms of the required space, the power consumption of the respective field device, and / or when using the field device in a potentially explosive environment such as encapsulated field devices, the IP69K standard suffice, out. However, the bandwidth of the display options is limited to switching states, operating states and / or the presence of malfunctions or malfunctions. In addition, visual display elements are sometimes poorly visible, especially from a greater distance and / or at non-perpendicular viewing angles, and they do not allow the transmission of the displayed information to field-level devices, higher-level process control systems, or central plant control units.

Based on the cited prior art, the object of the present invention is to expand the functionality with respect to the display and / or transmission of information from field devices.

This object is achieved by a housing cover, a housing with a corresponding housing cover and by a field device of automation technology with a corresponding housing.

With regard to the housing cover, the object is achieved by a housing cover for a field device of automation technology, at least comprising a receiving unit, a housing electronics and a display / transmission unit, wherein the receiving unit is configured for wireless receiving at least a first signal from the field device, wherein the housing electronics are electrically connected to the receiving unit and to the display / transmission unit, wherein the housing electronics are configured to extract at least one field device information from the at least one first signal and to pass them to the display / transmission unit, wherein the Display / transmission unit is configured to display the at least one information and / or transmitted to at least one external unit, and wherein at least the receiving unit, the housing electronics and the display / transmission unit are at least partially encapsulated.

This is according to the invention a functionalized housing cover, which in addition to a cover of the housing interior of the respective field device for receiving, displaying and / or transmission of at least one field device specific information, such as information about a switching state, an operating state, a parameter and / or diagnostic information , is designed. The parameter is in turn, for example, a physical or chemical parameter of the medium and / or the process environment, such as pressure or temperature, but also a sensor parameter. For example, in the case of a vibronic level gauge, these may be the dimensions or resonant frequency of a vibratable unit. In the case of a capacitive level gauge, it may, for example, be the capacitance and / or the dimensions of the probe or additional electrode. The individual parameters and sizes differ depending on the field device used. Optionally, the field device information to be transmitted may also be a measured value. Diagnostic information provides information about a malfunction and / or malfunction within the field device. Here, too, a distinction must be made between the various field device types for the respective diagnostic information. Examples are given, inter alia, by a short circuit or a cable break. In summary, however, the function transmitted by means of the at least one first signal is always information that is provided within the field device.

Existing field devices of any kind with at least one display and / or transmitting unit can be retrofitted and upgraded simply and inexpensively by means of the housing cover according to the invention such that the functionality of the respective field device is expanded. For example, the range of display options can be increased by integrating additional display elements or display elements with extended functionality, or the field device can be retrofitted with additional interfaces. In the latter case, the display / transmission unit is designed so that it can transmit information to an external unit. The external unit can be, for example, devices at the field level, higher-level process control systems, or central plant control units.

Advantageously, all electronic components integrated in the field device are galvanically isolated from the housing cover. The use of a housing cover according to the invention can accordingly be made without interference and does not require any intervention in the electronics, in particular in the electronic circuits and the arrangement of the respective components of the field device. This is especially important for field devices for use in safety-critical environments, such as in potentially explosive atmospheres, which must meet special safety requirements.

The invention is capable of numerous embodiments, some of which are the subject of the dependent claims.

It is advantageous if the housing cover has means for fastening the housing cover to the field device, in particular a screw thread. But other fastening means, such as a connector unit are conceivable.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing cover is made of a plastic or at least partially of a metal. The housing cover can also be equipped with a sight glass. In the sight glass can In turn, components, in particular the display transmission unit, such as an antenna to be integrated. For example, the respective components in a sight glass made of a plastic can be cast within the sight glass. In the case of a housing cover made of a metal, an insert, for example made of a plastic, can also be integrated, which is equipped such that it is permeable to signals from the display / transmission unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the display / transmission unit has an LED, an RGB LED, a display and / or radio interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface. In the case of an LED or a display, the display / transmission unit merely performs the function of a further display unit, while in the case of a Bluetooth or radio interface, such as a display or transmission unit. B. a WLAN module, the at least one piece of information can be transmitted to at least one external unit. However, it goes without saying that other interfaces or even several different or the same display transmission units can be integrated, so that the housing cover can display both the at least one information as well as to an external unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the receiving unit comprises a photodetector. In this case, the first signal received by the receiving unit is an optical signal originating from a field device transmitting / displaying unit, for example an optical display element, such as an LED. The photodetector is then configured to convert the at least one first optical signal into a first electrical signal corresponding to this first optical signal. Important factors for the selection of a suitable photodetector are given, for example, by the luminous intensity of the field device transmission / display unit, for example an LED, by the transmission speed for the optical signals, which depends inter alia on the respectively selected transmission method, by the wavelength of the light. and also by the distance between the photodetector and the field device transmission / display unit within the field device. The transmission of the at least one information from the field device to the housing cover then takes place, for example, by a modulation of the optical display element. Such optical display elements, in particular LEDs are often integrated anyway in vibronic level gauges. However, it goes without saying that other types of transmission of at least one information from the field device to the housing cover are possible, for example, if the field device has a reed or Hall sensor. Also a transmission by means of RFID is conceivable.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a battery is provided which at least partially supplies the receiving unit, the housing electronics and / or the display / transmission unit with electrical energy. Then, the housing cover according to the invention is independent of an external power supply. The battery may on the one hand be a lithium battery, for example a so-called CR2025 battery. But it can also be a special battery, which is approved for use in potentially explosive environments.

The battery may for example be attached to the housing cover, in particular such that a battery replacement is possible. Preferably, however, the battery is at least partially potted, which is advantageous in the case of an application in potentially explosive environments. In the case of a fully potted battery, this must advantageously have no special approval for use in potentially explosive environments. Rather, simple lithium batteries can be used.

It is also advantageous if the housing electronics comprises at least one arithmetic unit. Thus, the at least one first signal, which contains the at least one information of the field device, evaluated and forwarded processed accordingly. Depending on the type of transmission of the at least one item of information, the at least one arithmetic unit must be able to execute certain methods or protocols. These are, for example, IrDA- or UART-coded protocols. These are particularly suitable if the at least one device information is modulated onto the at least one first signal.

Preferably, the housing cover is designed such that it is suitable for use in potentially explosive environments. In particular, the housing cover complies with the explosion protection standards Ex-ia and Ex-d.

An embodiment includes that the housing cover is designed for bidirectional communication with the field device. In this case, it is advantageous if the housing cover additionally has a transmitting unit for transmitting at least one second signal to the field device. The second signal may then contain further information, in particular parameters. In this case, the field device should have a field device receiving unit for receiving the second signal from the housing cover. The first signal and the second signal may be transmitted in the same or different ways.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a housing for a field device with a housing cover according to the invention. The housing is designed such that the housing cover can be mounted on a housing body of the field device.

Finally, the object according to the invention is achieved by a field device of automation technology, comprising at least one sensor element, field device electronics, field device transmission / display unit electrically connected to the field device electronics, and a housing according to the invention, the field device electronics being designed to the at least one first signal to be applied to the field device transmission / display unit, the first signal containing the at least one field device information, and wherein the field device transmission / display unit and the housing cover are arranged such that the field device transmission / display unit and the receiving unit can communicate with each other. In other words, the field device transmitting / displaying unit and the receiving unit are aligned with one another such that transmission of at least the first signal is possible.

It is therefore a retrofitted with a functionalized housing cover according to the invention field device. Preferably, the attachment of the housing cover to the field device automatically aligns the field device transmitting / displaying unit and the receiving unit to one another such that signal transmission becomes possible.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the transmission of the at least one field device information takes place by means of a modulation. The at least one piece of information is then contained in the at least first signal in the form of a modulation. The housing electronics are then further capable of demodulating this first signal and extracting the at least one piece of information. It goes without saying, however, that other transmission methods can also be used.

An embodiment provides that the field device transmitting / displaying unit has at least one light-emitting element, in particular an LED. Alternatively, another optical display element, such as a display, may be used. The optical display element is then preferably designed to display at least one switching state, operating state and / or information about a fault and / or malfunction by means of at least one emitted optical signal, in particular with a wavelength corresponding to the visible range of the light. For example, different information may be displayed in different colors. The color green is often used to indicate the operating status, yellow to indicate switching states and red to indicate a malfunction and / or malfunction.

The at least one field device information is given by a switching state, an operating state, a malfunction and / or a malfunction of the field device.

In the event that a bidirectional data transmission is to take place, the field device further has a field device receiving unit. In the case of an optical data transmission, this may in particular be a further photodetector.

The invention and some advantageous embodiments will be described below with reference to FIGS 1 to 4 explained in more detail. It shows:

1 1 is a schematic sketch of a prior art level gauge comprising an optical display element;

2 a schematic sketch of a housing cover according to the invention,

3 a schematic diagram of a field device according to the invention with functionalized housing cover, and

4 a schematic sketch of a field device according to the invention with functionalized housing cover, which is designed for bidirectional communication.

In 1 is a schematic sketch of a field device 1 shown in the form of a vibronic sensor. It should be noted that the present invention is by no means limited to vibronic sensors. Rather, it is used for any field devices which have an optical display element and a suitable electronic unit, in particular, it can also be used for field devices operating according to the conductive and / or capacitive measuring method.

For the example in 1 shown field device 1 includes the sensor unit 2 a mechanically oscillatable unit 3 in the form of a tuning fork. It can be at the oscillatory unit 3 However, the generic act just as a single rod or a membrane. About a neck tube 3a is the sensor unit 2 with one in a sealed housing 5 arranged field device electronics 4 electrically connected. The measurement processing and control of the field device 1 is from a central control unit 6 accepted. This also controls a field device transmission / display unit by means of a first electrical signal a 9 , here one optical display unit with three light-emitting optical display elements 9a in the form of LEDs. Furthermore, the field device electronics 4 in the example shown here an output unit 7 which, for example, for parameterizing the field device 1 can be used. However, the output unit is an optional component.

The following description refers without loss of generality to an optical signal transmission between the field device 1 and the housing cover 10 , For the examples shown below, the at least one field device-specific information in each case by means of a modulation of the respective optical signal a from the field device to the housing cover 10 transfer. The display / transmission unit 14 in the housing cover 10 In contrast, a radio module, z. B. a Bluetooth module.

2 shows a schematic diagram of a housing cover according to the invention 10 which at least partially from a potting 11 exists, and which as a functionalized housing cover 10 for a field device 1 , for example for a field device 1 according to the 1 can be used. You can see a reception unit 12 for which in the case of an optical field device transmission / display unit 9 For example, a photodetector is suitable. The receiving unit 12 receives from the field device transmission / display unit 9 a first, in this case optical, signal a ', which of the preferably configured as a photodetector receiving unit 12 converted into a corresponding electrical first signal a '' and to the housing electronics 13 is forwarded. There, the at least one first electrical signal a "is evaluated, which extracts at least one field device information, and to the display / transmission unit 14 to hand over.

The receiving unit 12 is together with the housing electronics 13 , and a display / transmission unit 14 at least partially within the housing cover 10 shed 11 , It goes without saying that in the case of an optical signal transmission, the receiving unit 12 must be arranged such that the first, in this case optical, signal a can be received by the field device. Similarly, it must be ensured that the display / transmission unit 14 is arranged and configured such that the corresponding device-specific information b is visible and / or transferable. For example, the housing cover 10 comprise a sight glass, or partially made of a material which is permeable to the respective signal b, be made. The display / transmission unit 14 can be used as a pure display, as a pure transmission or as a combined display / transmission unit as needed 14 be executed. In particular, it is a Bluetooth chip for wireless communication between the field device 1 and an external unit [not shown].

The receiving unit 12 and the display / transmission unit 14 , their arrangement to each other and each for the production of the housing cover 10 used materials must therefore be optimally adapted to the particular application, in particular be adapted such that the receiving unit 12 for this purpose, with the field device transmission / display unit 9 in particular one of the field device transmitting / displaying unit 9 received first signal a to receive

For partial or complete energy supply of individual or all components within the housing cover 10 can also optionally a battery 15 be provided, which in 2 is shown by dashed lines. In the example shown, the battery is with the other components 12 . 13 . 14 inside the housing cover 10 shed 11 , However, it can alternatively also outside the Vergusses 11 be arranged when a battery change is to be made possible in a simple manner. In this case, however, a specially approved battery must be used for applications in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The housing cover is preferred 10 designed so that it on existing housing 5 can be placed. The housing cover 10 is then on the respective housing 5 adapted, in particular with respect to the respective closure mechanism. A field device 1 with a housing 5 with functionalized housing cover according to the invention 10 is in schematic view in 3 shown. The housing cover 10 has appropriate resources 16 for fastening the housing cover 10 at the respective field device 1 , in particular on the housing 5 , on. This is preferably a screw cap.

Without limiting the generality in the example of a vibronic level gauge 1 , as in 1 shown, remaining, transmitted during operation of the field device 1 the sensor unit 2 a signal representing a measured value to the field device electronics 4 , which is a measured value evaluation 17 performs. Often, the measured value determined by means of a unit for measured value evaluation 18 evaluated, for example, to determine how a control of the transmission signal by means of a switching unit for controlling the meter 19 is to be made. In addition, the field device electronics communicate 4 with the field device transmission / display unit 9 to display or transmit at least one field device information to an external unit. According to the invention, either only the anyway by means of the field device transmitting / displaying unit 9 displayed information to the receiving unit 12 transmitted, and / or additional information is transmitted.

In the case of a receiving unit 12 in the form of a photodetector should be based on the light intensity of the display / transmission unit 9 of the field device 1 , for example an LED, on the speed of communication between the field device electronics 4 and housing electronics 13 and also on the distance between the receiving unit 12 and the optical display element 9a be respected. The at least one first, in this case optical, signal a 'impinges on the photodetector, is converted into a corresponding first electrical signal a''and then to the housing electronics 13 forwarded. For example, phototransistors or photodiodes suitable for the wavelength of the optical element are suitable as the photodetector 9 are sensitive.

An inventive field device or a housing cover according to the invention can also be designed for bidirectional communication, as shown schematically in FIG 4 shown. Reference numerals already explained will not be discussed again below. The differences too 3 consist on the one hand in the integration of a field device receiving unit 21 and a housing transmitting / displaying unit 22 , These can, for example, just like the receiving unit 12 of the housing 10 or as the field device transmission / display unit 9 be designed. By means of the housing display / transmission unit 22 can then a third signal c from the housing cover 10 to the field device 1 be transmitted. In the case of an optical transmission, that of the housing electronics 13 provided third signal c in the form of an electrical signal into a corresponding optical signal c 'converted, and the further information, for example, transmitted again by means of a modulation. In this way, information such as field device parameters or the like to a field device 1 wirelessly transmitted and the field device 1 over the functionalized housing cover 10 be parameterized. It goes without saying that for a bidirectional communication, the field device electronics 4 and the housing electronics 13 must be designed accordingly.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Field device with display unit according to the prior art

2

 sensor unit

3

 Mechanically oscillatable unit

3a

 neck tube

4

 electronics unit

5

 Field device housing

6

 Control unit of the electronic unit

7

 output unit

8th

 Field device transmitting / display unit

9

 Optical display element in the form of an LED

10

 Functionalized housing cover

11

 grouting

12

 receiver unit

13

 Housing electronics

14

 Display / transmission unit

15

 battery

16

 Means for fixing the housing cover, in particular screw cap

17

 Measuring value determination

18

 Reading Review

19

 Switching unit for controlling the measuring device

20

 Switching unit for controlling the display unit

21

 Field device receiving unit

22

 Housing display / transmission unit

a

 first signal

b

 second signal

c

 third signal

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102006016381 A1 [0011]
• DE 102008037194 A1 [0011]
• DE 102013108532 A1 [0011]

Cited non-patent literature

• IP69K standard [0012]

Claims (16)

Housing cover ( 10 ) for a field device ( 1 ) of the automation technology, at least comprising a receiving unit ( 12 ), housing electronics ( 13 ) and a display / transmission unit ( 14 ), wherein the receiving unit ( 12 ) for wirelessly receiving at least a first signal (a ') from the field device ( 1 ), wherein the housing electronics ( 13 ) electrically with the receiving unit ( 12 ) and with the display / transmission unit ( 14 ), the housing electronics ( 13 ) is adapted to extract from the at least one first signal (a ") at least one field device information and to the display / transmission unit ( 14 ), the display / transmission unit ( 14 ) is adapted to display the at least one information and / or to at least one external unit, and wherein at least the receiving unit ( 12 ), the housing electronics ( 13 ) and the display / transmission unit ( 14 ) are at least partially shed. Housing cover ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein means ( 16 ) for fastening the housing cover ( 10 ) on the field device ( 1 ), in particular a screw thread, is provided. Housing cover ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing cover ( 10 ) is made of a plastic, or wherein the housing cover ( 10 ) is at least partially made of a metal. Housing cover ( 10 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the display / transmission unit ( 14 ) has an LED, an RGB LED, a display and / or radio interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface. Housing cover ( 10 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving unit ( 12 ) comprises a photodetector. Housing cover ( 10 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a battery ( 15 ) is provided, which at least the receiving unit ( 12 ), the housing electronics ( 13 ) and / or the display / transmission unit ( 14 ) at least partially supplied with electrical energy. Housing cover ( 10 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery ( 15 ) is at least partially shed. Housing cover ( 10 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing electronics ( 13 ) comprises a computing unit. Housing cover ( 10 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, which is designed such that it is suitable for use in potentially explosive environments. Housing cover ( 10 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, which is designed for bidirectional communication with the field device. Housing cover ( 10 ) according to claim 10, comprising a transmitting unit for transmitting at least one second signal to the field device. Casing ( 4 . 10 ) for a field device ( 1 ) with a housing cover ( 10 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims. Field device ( 1 ) of the automation technology, comprising at least one sensor element ( 2 ), a field device electronics ( 5 ), a field device transmission / display unit electrically connected to the field device electronics, and a housing ( 4 ) according to claim 12, wherein the field device electronics ( 5 ) is adapted to the field device transmission / display unit ( 8th ) to the at least one first signal (a), wherein the first signal (a) containing at least one field device information, and wherein the field device transmitting / displaying unit ( 8th ) and the housing cover ( 10 ) are arranged such that the field device transmission / display unit ( 8th ) and the receiving unit ( 12 ) can communicate with each other. Field device according to claim 13, wherein the transmission of the at least one field device information takes place by means of a modulation. Field device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein field device transmission / display unit ( 8th ) has at least one light-emitting element, in particular an LED. Field device according to at least one of claims 13-15, wherein the at least one field device information is given by a switching state, an operating state, a malfunction and / or malfunction of the field device.

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