WO2023104493A1

WO2023104493A1 - Field device

Info

Publication number: WO2023104493A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/082671
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Voigt; Walter Rombach; Steffen Ziegler
Original assignee: Endress+Hauser Flowtec Ag
Priority date: 2021-12-09
Filing date: 2022-11-21
Publication date: 2023-06-15
Also published as: DE102021132585A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a field device, comprising: a data processing unit; a releasable radio module which is electrically connected to the data processing unit, the radio module being designed for receiving and transmitting data and forwarding them to or from the data processing unit; and a mechanical holder which is designed to detachably hold the radio module in a fixed manner.

Description

field device

The invention relates to a field device.

A field device is a technical device in the field of automation technology that is directly related to a production process. In automation technology, "field" refers to the area outside of control cabinets or control rooms. Field devices in automation technology are often used in industrial plants. For example, in process automation technology, field devices are often used that are used to record and/or influence process variables. Measuring devices, such as filling level measuring devices, flow measuring devices, pressure and temperature measuring devices, pH measuring devices, conductivity measuring devices, etc., which record the corresponding process variables filling level, flow rate, pressure, temperature, pH value or conductivity, are used to record process variables. To influence the process variables, actuators such as actuators, valves or pumps are used, which can be used, for example, to change the flow of a liquid in a pipeline or the fill level of a medium in a container. Instrument transformers (measuring transducers, transmitters) can also be referred to as field devices. A large number of such field devices are offered and sold by the Endress+Hauser group of companies. Field devices can therefore be both actuators and sensors, but also measuring transducers in factory and process automation.

A field device is usually connected to a control system via a bus system. This can be used to control and parameterize the field device.

The user wants the field device not only to be controlled via the control system, but also directly on site at the field device by appropriate personnel. Wireless communication methods are available here, for example via smart devices or corresponding communication devices, for example via Bluetooth.

An integrated radio module with a defined antenna constellation in the field device is required for communication with field devices via Bluetooth. In order to sell such field devices, different radio approvals are required in different countries.

The object of the invention is to provide wireless communication for a field device that can be certified independently and therefore not repeatedly for field devices, has small dimensions and is at the same time designed to be robust.

The object is achieved by a field device, comprising a data processing unit; a detachable radio module electrically connected to the data processing unit, wherein the radio module is designed to receive and send data and forward it to or from the data processing unit; and a mechanical mount configured to removably fixedly receive the wireless module.

Due to the fact that it can be removed, the radio module itself receives the radio license and not the field device. The radio module can then be introduced into (other) field devices with a corresponding interface.

One embodiment provides that the field device is designed to acquire at least one measured variable of a measured medium, comprising one or more sensory units, the sensory unit being designed to acquire the at least one measured variable of the measured medium.

One embodiment provides that the measured variable is the flow rate and the sensory units are designed as measuring electrodes, in particular as coils.

One embodiment provides that the field device comprises: an energy storage device, in particular a battery, with the radio module being supplied with energy exclusively from the energy storage device. Alternatively, the field device can be taken from a current loop (i.e. a 4..20 mA connection), mains supply (e.g. 24 VDC) or via 115/230 VAC at e.g. 50/60 Hz.

One embodiment provides that the radio module includes one or more detachable electrical contacts, in particular including plug, pin or screw connections.

One embodiment provides that the radio module includes a chip to support Bluetooth, WLAN, ZigBee, ANT, ANT+, NFC, Long Range Wide Area Network, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, LTE, 5G or other radio standards.

One embodiment provides that the chip has dimensions of less than 10 mm×10 mm×2 mm.

One embodiment provides that the radio module is configured cylindrically with the dimensions of a button cell, in particular with a diameter of less than 20 mm, particularly less than 15 mm, in particular with a height of less than e mm, particularly less than 3 mm.

One embodiment provides that the mechanical mount includes a screw or plug connection and the radio module has a corresponding screw or

Plug connection included. One embodiment provides that the mechanical mount is designed as a notch, blind hole, recess, indentation or the like, possibly including a thread, with the mechanical mount being designed in such a way that it accommodates the radio module, the mechanical mount being part of the electrical contacts of the radio module includes corresponding contacts.

One embodiment provides that the field device includes a cover, possibly including a thread, which closes the mechanical mount.

One embodiment provides that the field device includes a plug, with the mechanical mount being arranged with the radio module in the plug.

One embodiment provides that the field device includes a display unit, with the mechanical mount being arranged with the radio module in the display unit.

One embodiment provides that the field device includes at least one printed circuit board, with the mechanical mount being arranged with the radio module on the printed circuit board.

One embodiment provides that the data processing unit includes firmware for controlling the radio module.

One embodiment provides for the firmware of the radio module and/or the field device to be updated “over the air”, i.e. using the supported radio standard itself, i.e. in particular Bluetooth, WLAN, ZigBee, ANT, ANT+, NFC, Long Range Wide Area Network, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, LTE, 5G or other, is updated or modified.

One embodiment provides that the sent and received data is protected by encryption and/or a password.

One embodiment provides that access to the data processing unit is protected by a password.

This is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

1 a-b show the claimed field device in one embodiment in different views.

2a-c show the claimed field device in one embodiment in different views. 3 shows the claimed field device in one embodiment.

4 shows the radio module from a first side.

5 shows the radio module from a second side in an exploded view.

6 shows the radio module with different mechanical mounts.

Fig. 7 shows the holder together with the radio module.

In the figures, the same features are marked with the same reference symbols.

The claimed field device in its entirety has the reference number 1 and is shown in a three-dimensional view in FIG. 1a. 1 b shows the field device 1 from the side.

The field device 1 includes a housing 8 with a data processing unit 2 which is arranged in the housing 8 . The field device 1 includes a detachable radio module 3 which is electrically connected to the data processing unit 2 . The radio module 3 includes one or more detachable electrical contacts 4 for the electrical connection to the data processing unit 2. The contacts 4 are designed as a plug, pin or screw connection. The opposite side includes a corresponding plug, pin or screw connection 20, see below. The radio module 3 is held in or on the field device 1 via a mechanical holder 9 . The field device is connected to a fieldbus via a connector with appropriate cable (reference number "21", see below).

1a-b show the field device 1 with the radio module 3, which is attached to the field device 1 as a separate plug-in component, the radio module 3 and the connection to the fieldbus 21 being configured via separate connections.

The configuration in Fig. 2a-c show the field device 1 with the radio module 3, which is attached to the field device 1 as a separate plug-in component, the radio module 3 and the connection to the fieldbus 21 being configured via separate connections, these being arranged closer together . FIG. 2a shows a sectional drawing in a three-dimensional view, FIG. 2b shows the field device without a flange 8a. Fig. 2a shows the connections 20 for the radio module 3, in Fig. 2b the radio module 3 is used and is held and protected by a cap 19, see also Fig. 7. In Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b are the connection for the field bus 21 and the radio module 3 interchanged. 2c shows the connections 20 in detail. There are, for example, four contacts (VDD, GND, Tx, Rx), ie two contacts for the power supply and two for communication, which are connected to the data processing unit 2, for example for serial communication. Configurations with fewer contacts (see below) are possible. The firmware of the radio module 3 can also be updated via the contacts 20.

The field device 1 can be configured directly as a sensor 1a, see FIGS. 1a-b and 2a-c. Such a sensor 1a is, for example, a flow sensor based on the principles of Coriolis, magnetic induction, vortex or ultrasound. Other possible sensors are sensors for measuring the filling level according to the principles of guided and free-radiating radar and ultrasound, also for detecting a limit level, in which case capacitive methods can also be used to detect the limit level. Accordingly, the sensor 1a comprises one or more sensory units 5 for detecting the corresponding measured variable. The sensory unit 5 is in direct or indirect contact with the measurement medium. The sensory unit 5 is only shown symbolically. The field device 1 includes one or more data processing units 2, such as microcontrollers. These are arranged in the housing 8, so the sensor 1a and the data processing unit 2 form a unit 1. In this example, the radio module can be arranged “from outside” on the field device 1, see also Fig. 6.

If, for example, the principle of magnetic induction is used as in FIGS. 1a-b and 2a-c, the sensory units are designed as coils. According to Faraday's law of induction, a voltage is induced in a conductor moving in a magnetic field. With the magnetic-inductive measuring principle, the flowing measuring medium corresponds to the moving conductor. The induced voltage is proportional to the flow rate and is fed to a measuring amplifier via two measuring electrodes, ie the sensory units 5, in particular coils. The amplifier can be part of the data processing unit 2 . The flow volume is calculated using the pipe cross-section. The direct magnetic field is generated, for example, by a switched direct current of alternating polarity. Typical nominal widths for the line cross-section are about DN25-300. The field device 1 is connected to a pipeline or a container via flanges 8a.

In one embodiment, the field device 1 can also be designed as a measuring transducer (transmitter), Fig. 3. The field device 1 then comprises at least one plug-in connection 12, which is designed so that a sensor 1a is connected to it, for example via a cable 13, wherein the sensor 1a comprises a sensory unit 5 which is designed to detect the at least one measured variable of the medium to be measured. Cable 13 and sensor 1a can form a unit, which is often referred to as a "cable sensor" or "fixed cable sensor". However, cable 13 and sensor 1a can also be connected to one another via plug-in connections 14a, 14b. The plug-in connections 14a, 14b are designed, for example, as galvanically isolating interfaces, in particular as inductive interfaces. The connectors 14a, 14b then include the two parts with a first part on the transmitter side and a second part on the sensor side. These can be coupled to one another by means of a mechanical plug connection. Data (bidirectional) and energy (unidirectional, ie in the direction from the transmitter to the sensor) are sent via this interface. The sensor 1a can be a pH, redox potential, also ISFET, conductivity, turbidity, oxygen or temperature sensor. Accordingly, the sensor 1a comprises one or more sensory units 5 for detecting the corresponding measured variable. The sensor 1a and the data processing unit 2 therefore do not form a unit and are connected to one another via the cable 13 . In this example, the radio module 3 is arranged “inside” the field device 1 and is therefore drawn in dashed lines. The field device 1 in turn includes a connection 21 to a fieldbus.

In each of the variants explained, the field device 1 communicates with a control point, for example directly with a control system (not shown). Communication with the control system takes place, for example, via a two-wire bus, such as HART, PROFIBUS PA, Modbus or FOUNDATION Fieldbus, or a four-wire bus. It is also possible to design the interface to the bus additionally or alternatively as a wireless interface, for example according to the WirelessHART standard, with a connection being made directly to a control system via a gateway via WirelessHART, for example. In addition, a 4..20 mA interface is optionally or additionally provided in the case of the HART protocol (not shown). The interface to the field bus or the corresponding cable is marked with the reference number 21 .

Fig. 4 shows the radio module 3 and its contacts 4. Fig. 5 shows the radio module 3 in an exploded view from the other side.

In one embodiment, the radio module 3 is exclusively supplied with energy by an energy store 7 (shown in dashed lines), in particular a battery, for example a button cell, for example of the CR1250 type or others. "Exclusively" means that no energy is transmitted to the radio module via the contacts 4. In this embodiment, the radio module 3 can include only two contacts 4, the opposite side as well (reference number 20).

In one embodiment, the radio module is also supplied with energy via the contacts 4, 20. The energy can be taken from the current loop (i.e. the 4..20 mA connection), mains supply (e.g. 24 VDC) or via 115/230 VAC at 50/60 Hz. An energy store 7 can also be provided when the power is supplied via the current loop or mains connection, for example for the case when insufficient energy is available via the supply and the radio module is nevertheless to be used. The radio module is configured in a cylindrical shape with the dimensions of a button cell, in particular with a diameter of less than 20 mm, in particular less than 15 mm, in particular with a height of less than e mm, in particular less than e mm. For example, the module has a diameter of 19 mm and a height of 5 mm.

The radio module 3 is designed as a radio chip or includes a chip 6 that supports at least one of the following radio standards: Bluetooth, WLAN (from the IEEE 802.11 family), ZigBee, ANT, ANT+, NFC, Long Range Wide Area Network , GSM, GPRS, EDGE, LTE, 5G or other radio standards. A combination of several radio standards on one chip 6 is also possible, such as ZigBee and Bluetooth. In the design as a Bluetooth chip, this is at least Bluetooth 4.0 suitable, in particular with the Protocol II stack Bluetooth Low Energy. The chip 6 itself or the radio module 3 include an antenna that corresponds to the radio protocol. This is preferably integrated, in particular in the chip 6. The data processing unit 2 includes firmware for controlling the radio module 3. The chip 6 itself has dimensions of less than 10 mm×10 mm×2 mm, for example.

The opposite side of the radio module 3 is a smartphone, tablet, phablet, notebook, handheld transmitter or the like, with this device (reference number 16, see below) supporting at least one radio standard of the radio module 3.

Integrated into the housing 8 of the field device 1 is, for example, a display unit 10, for example with a touch screen, for displaying one or more parameters, for example the most important measurement parameter or parameters, for example the flow rate. Parameters of the field device 1 can also be set via the display unit 10 . This is shown in Fig. 2a. The display unit 10 can also be arranged remotely, i.e. the display unit is connected to the field device 1 via a cable.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a, the radio module 3 is arranged in the display unit 10 via a mechanical holder 9 (see in particular the detail in FIG. 6 and the text below).

In general, the mechanical mount 9 is designed to hold the radio module 3 in a detachable and fixed manner. That means the radio module 3 can be replaced. The radio module 3 is firmly arranged in the holder 9 and is therefore protected against vibrations, movement or impact and therefore cannot be unintentionally released. However, it can be removed from the holder 9 on purpose. For this purpose, the mechanical holder 9 comprises a screw or plug-in connection 11a, and the radio module 3 comprises a corresponding screw or plug-in connection 11b, for example up to protection class IP68. on it will discussed further below in relation to Figure 6 . The radio module 3 in the mount 9 can also be protected by a cap 19 .

Fig. 6 shows different application scenarios of the radio module 3.

The radio module 3 is designed to receive and send data and forward it to or from the data processing unit 2 to a corresponding remote station 16 . The remote station 16 can be a smart device, smartphone, tablet, notebook, phablet, PC, industrial PC, handheld or the like. If the remote station 16 is connected to the field device 1 via the radio connection 15 via the chip 5 or the radio module 3, data can be exchanged via this. Possible data to be considered are measurement data, calibration data, configuration data, parameters of the field device 1, information about the operating state and others.

From top to bottom, clockwise, the radio module is arranged in a plug 17, on a display unit 10, a plug-in component 22 or on a printed circuit board 18.

In the case of the design on the plug 17 and on the display unit 10, the mechanical mount 9 is designed as a notch, blind hole, recess, indentation or the like. This can also include a thread. The mount 9 then accommodates the radio module 3 , the mechanical mount 9 including electrical contacts 20 corresponding to the electrical contacts 4 of the radio module 2 and the signals from the radio module 3 or to the radio module 3 being forwarded to the data processing unit 2 . A cover or a cap 19 can close the mechanical mount 9 and protect the radio module 3 from external influences; the cover 19 may have a thread or a corresponding closure, for example a bayonet-type closure.

The plug 17 can function as a connection 21 to the fieldbus. In the illustration in FIG. 6 this is on the lower part of the plug, while the connection on the left side is connected to the field device 1 . Connections to the bus and to the field device are implemented in one component here, while in the illustration in FIGS. 1a-b and 2a-c these are configured separately.

The radio module 3 can be connected and inserted into the plug-in component 22, which is secured according to the design on the plug 17 or display unit 10, if necessary with a cap 19. In the illustration, the right-hand part of the plug-in component 22 is in the housing 8 of the field device 1.

In the case of the printed circuit board 18, the mechanical mount 9 is a clamp or plug-in fastener, for example, which is arranged over the radio module 3 and fixes it. In which case the closure is screwed, glued or soldered to the printed circuit board. The electric

Contacting 20 is designed as a conductor track on the printed circuit board.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed photograph of the radio module 3 which is covered by the cover 19. The module 3 is held in the holder 9 . This is the embodiment as

plug-in module 22.

List of reference symbols field device a sensor data processing unit radio module electrical contacts of 3 sensory unit chip energy storage housing a flange mechanical holder display unit 1 a screw or plug connection 1 b corresponding screw or plug connection 2 plug connection 3 cable 4a plug connection 4b corresponding plug connection 5 radio connection 6 radio remote station 7 plug 8 Printed circuit board 9 cover 0 electrical contacts in 9 1 fieldbus connection 2 plug-in component

Claims

patent claims

1 . Field device (1), comprising

- a data processing unit (2);

- A detachable radio module (3) which is electrically connected to the data processing unit (2), wherein the radio module (3) is designed for receiving and sending data and forwarding to or from the data processing unit (2); and

- A mechanical holder (9) which is designed to accommodate the radio module (3) in a detachable manner.

2. Field device (1) according to claim 1, which is designed to detect at least one measurement variable of a measurement medium, comprising

- One or more sensory units (5), wherein the sensory unit (5) is designed to detect the at least one measured variable of the medium to be measured.

3. Field device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the measured variable is the flow rate and the sensory units (5) are designed as measuring electrodes, in particular as coils.

4. Field device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an energy store (7), in particular a battery, wherein the radio module (3) is supplied with energy exclusively from the energy store (7).

5. Field device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radio module (3) comprises one or more detachable electrical contacts (4), in particular comprising plug, pin or screw connections.

6. Field device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radio module (3) has a chip (6) to support Bluetooth, WLAN, ZigBee, ANT, ANT+, NFC, Long Range Wide Area Network, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, LTE , 5G or other wireless standards.

7. Field device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the chip (6) has dimensions of less than 10 mm×10 mm×2 mm.

8. field device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radio module (3) is configured cylindrically with the dimensions of a button cell, in particular with a diameter of less than 20 mm, in particular less than 15 mm, in particular with a height of less than e mm, in particular less than 3 mm.

9. Field device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical holder (9) comprises a screw or plug connection (11a) and wherein the radio module (3) comprises a corresponding screw or plug connection (11b).

10. Field device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical holder (9) is designed as a notch, blind hole, cutout, indentation or the like, possibly including a thread, the mechanical holder (9) being designed in this way that this receives the radio module (3), wherein the mechanical holder (9) to the electrical contacts (4) of the radio module (3) comprises corresponding contacts (20).

1 1 . Field device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a cover (19), optionally comprising a thread, which closes the mechanical holder (9).

12. Field device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a connector, wherein the mechanical holder is arranged with the radio module in the connector.

13. Field device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a display unit (10), wherein the mechanical holder (9) is arranged with the radio module (3) in the display unit (10).

14. Field device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one circuit board (18), wherein the mechanical holder (9) is arranged with the radio module (3) on the circuit board (18).

15. Field device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data processing unit (2) comprises firmware for controlling the radio module (3).