DE102015100661A1 - Device for determining and / or monitoring at least one physical or chemical process variable of a medium - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for determining and / or monitoring at least one physical or chemical process variable of a medium in a container (4) comprising at least one sensor unit (2) which is attached to or in the container (4), an electronic unit (3) which is arranged in a housing module (3a) and which is electrically connected to the sensor unit (2) by means of at least one signal-conducting connection cable (5), and a modularly constructed joining unit (6) for the mechanical fastening of the housing module (3a) of the electronic unit (3) at the container (4) or at the sensor unit (2) comprising at least two connecting pieces (7, 7a), wherein the first connecting piece (7) on the container (4) or on the sensor unit (2) and the second (7a) to the first connecting piece (7) complementary connecting piece (7a) on the housing module (3b) is fixed such that the at least one signal-conducting connecting cable (5) through the connecting pieces (7, 7a) hindurchgef is hrt, wherein the connecting pieces (7, 7a) are joined together in such a joining process that a tight connection between the connecting piece (7, 7a) is ensured.

Description

The invention relates to a device for determining and / or monitoring at least one physical or chemical process variable of a medium in a container with at least one sensor unit and an electronic unit. The electronics unit is arranged in a housing module with a modular assembly unit, which serves the mechanical attachment of the electronics unit to the container. A container is understood in the following, for example, a container, a tank or a pipe.

In process and / or automation technology, many different field devices are used to determine and / or monitor at least one process variable. These include, for example, level gauges, flowmeters, pressure and temperature measuring devices, pH redox potential measuring devices, conductivity measuring devices, etc., which record 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.

The electronics unit of a field device is usually arranged in a housing and is electrically connected to the sensor unit by means of at least one signal-conducting connection cable. On the one hand, the electronic unit can be connected directly and directly to the sensor unit in such a way that the term "compact design" is used. In this case, the housing of the electronics unit is usually mechanically connected or joined to the medium-carrying container or to the sensor unit. However, field devices are also known in which the electronics unit is spatially separated from the sensor unit.

The joining units for mechanical connection between a housing of an electronics unit and a sensor unit or a container in field devices are diverse. Different joining techniques, geometries and mechanisms are used. Even for genus-identical field devices of a manufacturer sometimes different joining units are used. Often in use are, for example, connections with complementary internal and external threads, such that the electronics unit is screwed into the container or screwed onto the container. Alternatively, screw connections are often used, in which the module housing of the electronics unit is screwed or flanged to the respective container. However, these types of connections are expensive. Furthermore, special components and a seal are required to protect the connection from environmental influences, such as moisture or the like. However, such seals may be prone to leaks. Further, when using screws, it may be easy to damage the screws, for example by over-tightening.

Various solutions can also be found for possible feedthroughs for signal-conducting connection cables. If a component of the respective field device has to be replaced, then a specific component suitable for the respective construction is always required.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to simplify the mechanical connection or joining between the housing of an electronic unit and the sensor unit or the media-carrying container.

• – eine Sensoreinheit, welche am oder im Behältnis befestigt ist,
• – eine Elektronikeinheit, welche in einem Gehäusemodul angeordnet ist, und welche mittels mindestens eines signalleitenden Verbindungskabels mit der Sensoreinheit elektrisch verbunden ist, und eine modular aufgebaute Fügeeinheit zur mechanischen Befestigung des Gehäusemoduls der Elektronikeinheit am Behältnis oder an der Sensoreinheit umfassend zumindest zwei Anschlussstutzen, wobei der erste Anschlussstutzen am Behältnis oder an der Sensoreinheit und der zweite zum ersten Anschlussstutzen komplementäre Anschlussstutzen am Gehäusemodul derart befestigt ist, dass das mindestens eine signalleitende Verbindungskabel durch die Anschlussstutzen hindurchgeführt ist, wobei die Anschlussstutzen derart über einen Fügeprozess zusammengefügt sind, dass eine dichte Verbindung zwischen den Anschlussstutzen gewährleistet ist.

This object is achieved by a device for determining and / or monitoring at least one physical or chemical process variable of a medium in a container comprising at least

• A sensor unit which is attached to or in the container,
• An electronic unit which is arranged in a housing module and which is electrically connected to the sensor unit by means of at least one signal-conducting connecting cable, and a modularly constructed joining unit for the mechanical fastening of the housing module of the electronics unit to the container or to the sensor unit comprising at least two connecting pieces, wherein the the first connecting piece on the container or on the sensor unit and the second connecting piece complementary to the connecting piece is fixed to the housing module such that the at least one signal-conducting connection cable is passed through the connecting piece, wherein the connecting pieces are joined together via a joining process, that a tight connection between the Connecting piece is ensured.

According to the invention therefore a modular assembly unit is used. The joining unit comprises two mutually complementary connecting pieces, one of which is assigned to the housing of the electronic unit and the second of the sensor unit or to the container. For a wide variety of field devices thus identical joining units can be used and assembled according to the so-called modular principle. To a container so different electronic units can be attached. Different nominal diameters between different connecting pieces can then be overcome, for example, via adapter pieces. The modular assembly unit based on the modular principle simplifies the installation of field devices, in particular of electronic units considerably. In addition, storage costs for the otherwise usually incompatible joining units for the different field devices can be significantly reduced. The same applies to spare parts. Accordingly, the solution according to the invention is a cost-effective, simple and unified possibility of the mechanical connection or joining between the housing module of the electronics unit and the container or the sensor unit.

In a preferred embodiment, in each case a contact disk is used in the region of the first and second connection piece such that the respective contact disk terminates in a planar surface with the respective connection piece, wherein at least one electrical contact is provided on each of the two contact disks, wherein the sensor unit and the Electronic unit are electrically connected in each case by means of at least one signal-conducting connection cable with the respective contact disc within the respective connecting piece, and wherein an electrical connection between the sensor unit and the electronic unit is made by the joining process of the two connecting pieces. The contact disk thus allows a cable guide for the at least one connection cable from the sensor unit to the electronics unit. In particular, this prevents possible breakage or breakage due to tensile loads or stresses.

An embodiment includes that the joining unit comprises a connecting pipe, which has a third and a fourth connecting piece complementary to the first and second connecting piece, and which connecting pipe between the first and second connecting piece is joined such that the connections between the sensor unit and the connecting pipe, and between the connecting pipe and the electronics unit are tight. In this case, for example, the first connection piece is complementary to the third connection piece and the second connection piece is complementary to the fourth connection piece. Thus, the connection pipe offers an extension with the function of a neck tube, for example for heat decoupling of the electronics unit from the respective process environment.

It is also advantageous if a guide element for guiding at least one signal-conducting connection cable is arranged in the inner region of the connecting tube. Thus, the at least one connecting cable can also be guided and relieved of strain within the connecting pipe.

Likewise, it is advantageous if in the region of the third and fourth connecting piece of the connecting pipe, a third and a fourth contact disc is inserted with at least one electrical contact such that the respective contact disc with the respective connecting piece terminates in a flat surface, wherein between the two Contact discs at least one signal-conducting feedthrough cable is guided through the connection pipe, which is connected from the connection tube interior facing each region with the at least one contact each of the two contact discs. In the event that contact discs are also used for the first and second connecting piece, it is advantageous if the Contact discs are each designed complementary to each other.

An embodiment provides that the inner region of the connecting pipe is at least partially filled with an insulating material. The insulating material provides additional heat decoupling.

It is advantageous if the at least one physical or chemical process variable is given by the flow, the level, the density, or the viscosity of a medium.

In one embodiment of the solution according to the invention, the connecting pieces are joined together by a welding, gluing or melting process. The joining technique used can be adapted to the particular material used.

In a further embodiment, at least the container, the modular assembly unit and / or the housing module made of plastic. Then, for example, a fuse is suitable. Alternatively, the container, the modular assembly unit and / or the housing module but also be made of metal. Then turn, for example, a welded joint is suitable. It is also possible to use different materials for the different components of the joining unit. For example, the metal container and the connecting pipe and the housing may be made of a plastic. But other material combinations are conceivable and also fall under the invention.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the solution according to the invention, at least one of the at least two connecting pieces has a first connecting element in the form of a planar disc made of plastic, in which at least two metal grooves are arranged, and the complementary connecting piece has a second connecting element in the form of a planar Plastic disc in which at least two recesses are provided, in which the grooves protrude through at a connection of the two connecting pieces. The connecting elements are thus arranged in each case in the region of the connecting piece, which is opposite to the respective complementary connecting piece. When joining two connecting pieces so then each of the connecting elements are positioned one above the other such that the grooves protrude into the recesses. The joining of the two connecting pieces to be connected is thus locked in relation to rotations.

It is advantageous if in at least one of the recesses, a metallic element is integrated, wherein by means of the at least two grooves and the at least two recesses, an electrical connection between the sensor unit and the electronic unit is made. Since the grooves are made of metal in the case that in the region of the recesses also metallic elements are arranged, so besides the Richtungsarretierung simultaneously the electrical contacting of the at least one connecting cable are made, which is a considerable simplification. The complementary connecting pieces with the grooves and the recesses can be joined together, for example, by means of a melted, glued or welded connection.

The invention and some advantageous embodiments will be described below by means of the accompanying figures 1 - 4 described in more detail. It shows:

1 a schematic sketch of a field device with a modular assembly unit,

2 two complementary connecting pieces with two complementary contact disks and electrical contacts,

3 a schematic drawing of a connecting pipe, and

4 two complementary connecting pieces with grooves and corresponding recesses.

In 1 is a schematic drawing of a field device 1 with a modular assembly unit 6 shown. The field device has one in a housing 4 arranged electronic unit 3 on, as well as a sensor unit 2 , which is not shown here in detail. The sensor unit 2 is in or on the container 4 attached. The container may, for example, be a pipeline through which a medium flows or a container filled with a medium. Accordingly, very different sensor units 2 are used, such as those mentioned in the introduction. Depending on the type of field device, the sensor unit protrudes 2 either in the container 4 in such a way that it is at least temporarily and partially media-touching. But it can also from the outer area of the container 4 be attached. The electronics unit 3 is by means of at least one signal-conducting connection cable 5 connected to the sensor unit.

The modular assembly unit includes at least a first 7 and a second to the first complementary connection piece 7a , Each of the two connecting pieces has an opening. Through these openings of the two connecting pieces at least one signal-conducting connection cable guided, by means of which the electronic unit and the sensor unit are electrically connected. The second connection piece 7a is in the example shown here on a media-carrying pipeline 4 attached. However, it can also be attached to a container or directly to the sensor unit. All of these variants are within the scope of the present invention.

The two connecting pieces are then positioned one above the other, and joined together via a joining process in such a way that a tight connection between the connecting pieces is ensured. Such a joining process can be carried out, for example, by producing a melting, adhesive, or welding.

In 2 is a design option for the first 7 and the second 7a sketched for the first connecting piece complementary connecting piece. In the area of the openings of the connecting piece is in each case a contact disc 8th . 8a used, which terminates with the respective connecting piece in a flat surface, so front flush. Within the two contact discs are in this example four electrical contacts 9 . 9a arranged. These contacts 9 . 9a can be configured, for example, sleeve-shaped or plug-shaped. In this case, then lead four signal-conducting connection cable (not shown here) of the electronic unit 3 in the housing module 3a (S. 1 ) to the second contact disc 8a of the second connecting piece 7a , Four additional signal-conducting connection cables in turn lead from the first contact disc 8th of the first connection piece 7 to the sensor unit. When joining the two connecting pieces then the electrical contact between the sensor unit and the electronics unit. It goes without saying that any number of electrical contacts and contact discs can be used.

In addition, in the inventive device, a connection pipe 10 be integrated, such as in 3 shown. The connection pipe 10 then has a third 7b and a fourth 7c (not shown) connecting piece, which to the first 7 and second connection piece 7a are complementary. Also in the example shown here are optionally corresponding contact discs 8b . 8c and electrical contacts 9b . 9c located. 8c and 9c however, are not visible in this illustration.

It is the connection pipe 10 So one between the first 7 and second 7a Connecting piece integrable intermediate piece, which can be used among other things for temperature decoupling. The connection between the connection pipe 10 and the first two connecting pieces 7 . 7a takes place analogously to the joining of the first two connecting pieces 7 . 7a together. Accordingly, signal conducting feedthrough cables 5a through the connection pipe 10 guided, and in each case from the inner area of the connecting pipe 10 out with the contacts 9b . 9c contacted. Is exemplary in the 3 an embodiment of the connection pipe 10 shown in which the third and fourth connection piece 7b . 7c also each with a contact disc 8b . 8c and corresponding electrical contacts 9b . 9c feature. In addition, in this example in the inner region of the connecting pipe four guide elements 11 for guiding the four signal-conducting feedthrough cables 5a integrated (not shown). These may be, for example, cable ducts in the form of sleeves or the like. The integration of management elements 11 is however optional to see. Further, any number of feedthrough cables 5 and / or guide elements 11 will be realized. There may also be multiple feedthrough cables 5 in a guide element 11 be guided.

Another optional feature for the in 3 Example shown for the connection pipe 10 consists in the partial filling 12 of the connection pipe 10 with an insulating material. This serves for example for improved temperature decoupling.

The container 4 , the modular assembly unit 6 as well as the housing module 3a can be made of different materials, such as plastic or metal. Either all components are made of the same material, or depending on environmental requirements, different components can be made of different materials.

Another embodiment is finally in 4 shown. The two complementary connecting pieces 7 . 7a each have a connecting element 13 . 13a in the form of a planar disc made of plastic, which front on the respective connecting piece 7 . 7a is mounted. Inside the connecting element 13 of the first connection piece 7 are six grooves in this example 14 arranged metal, while the first complementary connecting element 13a of the second connecting piece 7a via corresponding recesses 15 has, in which the grooves 14 by the joining of the two connecting pieces 7 . 7a protrude. It can be any number of grooves 14 and recesses 15 be used. For clarity, in 4 only three of the six grooves 14 or recesses provided with an arrow.

Inside the recesses 15 then, for example, metallic elements in the form of electrical contacts (not shown) can be integrated to by means of the metallic grooves 14 an electrical contact between the electronics unit 3 and the sensor unit 2 to achieve. The joining of the two connecting pieces 7 . 7b can be done for example by means of a fusion, adhesive, or welding connection between the two plastic connecting elements.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Device according to the invention

2

 Sensor unit (only indicated position)

3

 electronics unit

3a

 housing module

4

 Container and medium, eg. Pipe or container

5

 Signal-conducting connection cable

5a

 signal conducting feedthrough cable

6

 Modular assembly unit

7, 7a, 7b, 7c

 first, second, third, fourth connection piece

8, 8a, 8b, 8c

 first, second, third, fourth contact disc

9, 9a, 9b, 9c

 electrical contacts

10

 connecting pipe

11

 guide elements

12

 filling material

13

 connecting element

14

 Grooves of metal

15

 recesses

Claims (12)

Contraption ( 1 ) for determining and / or monitoring at least one physical or chemical process variable of a medium in a container ( 4 ) comprising at least - a sensor unit ( 2 ), which is on or in the container ( 4 ), - an electronic unit ( 3 ), which in a housing module ( 3a ) is arranged, and which by means of at least one signal-conducting connection cable ( 5 ) with the sensor unit ( 2 ) is electrically connected, and a modular assembly unit ( 6 ) for the mechanical attachment of the housing module ( 3a ) of the electronics unit ( 3 ) on the container ( 4 ) or on the sensor unit ( 2 ) comprising at least two connecting pieces ( 7 . 7a ), wherein the first connecting piece ( 7 ) on the container ( 4 ) or on the sensor unit ( 2 ) and the second ( 7a ) to the first connecting piece ( 7 ) complementary connecting pieces ( 7a ) on the housing module ( 3b ) is fastened such that the at least one signal-conducting connection cable ( 5 ) through the connecting pieces ( 7 . 7a ) is guided, wherein the connecting pieces ( 7 . 7a ) are joined together via a joining process such that a tight connection between the connecting pieces ( 7 . 7a ) is guaranteed. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the region of the first and second connecting piece ( 7 . 7a ) each a contact disc ( 8th . 8a ) is inserted such that the respective contact disc ( 8th . 8a ) with the respective connecting piece ( 7 . 7a ) terminates in a flat surface, wherein on each of the two contact discs ( 7 . 7a ) at least one electrical contact ( 9 . 9a ) is provided, wherein the sensor unit ( 2 ) and the electronics unit ( 3 ) in each case by means of at least one signal-conducting connection cable ( 5 ) with the respective contact disc ( 8th . 8a ) within the respective connecting piece ( 7 . 7a ) are electrically connected, and wherein by the joining process of the two connecting pieces ( 7 . 7a ) an electrical connection between the sensor unit ( 2 ) and the electronics unit ( 3 ) is made. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the joining unit ( 6 ) a connecting pipe ( 10 ), which is a third ( 7b ) and a fourth ( 7c ) to the first ( 7 ) and second ( 7a ) Connecting pieces complementary connecting pieces ( 7b . 7c ), and which connecting pipe ( 10 ) between the first and second connecting pieces ( 7 . 7a ) is joined such that the connections between the sensor unit ( 2 ) and the connecting pipe ( 10 ), and between the connecting pipe ( 10 ) and the housing module ( 3a ) of the electronics unit ( 3 ) are tight. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein in the inner region of the connecting pipe ( 10 ) a guide element ( 11 ) for guiding at least one signal-conducting connection cable ( 5 ) is arranged. Device according to at least one of claims 3 or 4, wherein in the region of the third and fourth connection piece ( 7b . 7c ) of the connecting pipe ( 10 ) a third and a fourth contact disc ( 8b . 8c ) each having at least one electrical contact ( 9b . 9c ) is inserted such that the respective contact disc ( 8b . 8c ) with the respective connecting piece ( 7b . 7c ) terminates in a flat surface, wherein between the two contact discs ( 8b . 8c ) at least one signal conducting feedthrough cable ( 5a ) through the connecting pipe ( 10 ) is guided, which from the connection tube interior facing region in each case with the at least one contact ( 9b . 9c ) each of the two contact discs ( 8b . 8c ) connected is. Device according to at least one of claims 3-5, wherein the inner region of the connecting pipe ( 10 ) at least partially with an insulating material ( 12 ) is filled. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one physical or chemical process variable is given by the flow, the level, the density, or the viscosity of a medium. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting pieces ( 7 . 7a . 7b . 7c ) are joined together by a welding, gluing or melting process. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the container ( 4 ), the modular assembly unit ( 6 ) and / or the housing module ( 3a ) are made of plastic. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the container ( 4 ), the modular assembly unit ( 6 ) and / or the housing module ( 3a ) are made of metal. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the at least two connecting pieces ( 7 ) a first connecting element ( 13 ) in the form of a planar disc made of plastic, in which at least two grooves ( 14 ) are arranged from metal, and the complementary connecting piece ( 7a . 7b ) a second connecting element ( 13a ) in the form of a planar disc made of plastic, in which at least two recesses ( 15 ) are provided, in which the grooves ( 14 ) by a connection of the two connecting pieces ( 7 . 7a . 7b protrude). Device according to claim 11, wherein in at least one of the recesses ( 15 ) a metallic element is integrated, and wherein by means of the at least two grooves ( 14 ) and the at least two recesses ( 15 ) an electrical connection between the sensor unit ( 2 ) and the electronics unit ( 3 ) is made.

Images