U.S. patent application number 11/935702 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for interface adapter.
Invention is credited to Thomas DECK, Josef FEHRENBACH, Klaus GUENTER.
Application Number | 20080183935 11/935702 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39092886 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080183935 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GUENTER; Klaus ; et
al. |
July 31, 2008 |
Interface adapter
Abstract
Field devices for measuring a pressure or a fill level are
connected, by way of a cable connection or a radio connection, to
stationary evaluation- and display devices. To provide flexible
parameterization or flexible measured-value inquiry, a connection
box for the wireless transmission of signals between the field
device and the control device is stated, which connection box
comprises an interface connection and a radio interface. For the
purpose of transmitting the signals, the interface connection and
the radio interface are coupled to each other so as to be able to
communicate.
Inventors: |
GUENTER; Klaus; (Aichhalden,
DE) ; DECK; Thomas; (Wolfach, DE) ;
FEHRENBACH; Josef; (Haslach, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FAY KAPLUN & MARCIN, LLP
150 BROADWAY, SUITE 702
NEW YORK
NY
10038
US
|
Family ID: |
39092886 |
Appl. No.: |
11/935702 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60861232 |
Nov 27, 2006 |
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60861233 |
Nov 27, 2006 |
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60861234 |
Nov 27, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
710/305 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01F 23/14 20130101;
H04L 2012/40221 20130101; G01L 19/086 20130101; G01F 23/0061
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
710/305 |
International
Class: |
G06F 13/14 20060101
G06F013/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 27, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 055 897.9 |
Nov 27, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 055 898.7 |
Nov 27, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 055 900.2 |
Claims
1. A connection box for the wireless transmission of a signal
between a field device (109) and a control device (104), with the
connection box (100) comprising: a radio interface (101) for the
wireless transmission of a transmit signal to the field device
(109), or for the wireless reception of a receive signal from the
field device (109); and an interface connection (102) for
connecting the connection box (100) to an interface adapter (103);
wherein, for the purpose of transmitting the receive signal from
the radio interface (101) to the interface connection (102), the
radio interface (101) and the interface connection (102) are
coupled to each other so as to be able to communicate; and wherein
the field device (109) is a fill-level measuring device or a
pressure measuring device.
2. The connection box according to claim 1, wherein the signal is
selected from the group comprising a HART signal, an I.sup.2C
signal, a Profibus signal, a Fieldbus foundation signal, a 4 . . .
0.20 mA signal and a switching signal.
3. The connection box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radio
interface (101) is an internal interface within the connection box
(100).
4. The connection box according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the radio interface (101) comprises an antenna of
predeterminable antenna characteristics.
5. The connection box according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the radio interface (101) is designed to operate at a
predeterminable frequency of 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz.
6. The connection box according to any one of the preceding claims,
further comprising: a field device connection (101) for connecting
the box (100) to the field device (109); wherein, for the purpose
of transmitting the signal, the field device connection (101) and
the interface connection (102) are coupled together so as to be
able to communicate.
7. The connection box claim 6, wherein the field device connection
(101) is designed to connect to a HART line (112).
8. The connection box according to claim 6 or 7, wherein for
connection to the HART line (112) the field device connection (101)
comprises a HART cable (105) with two connectors (1501, 1502).
9. The connection box according to any one of claims 6 to 9,
wherein the field device connection (101) is designed to connect to
an I.sup.2C bus.
10. The connection box according to claim 9, wherein for connection
to the I.sup.2C bus the field device connection (101) comprises an
I.sup.2C bus cable (106).
11. The connection box according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the interface connection (102) is designed to
connect the connection box (100) directly to a display- and control
device.
12. The connection box according to claim 11, wherein the display-
and control device is a PLICSCOM device (401) made by VEGA.
13. The connection box according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the field device connection (101) comprises an
adapter connector (108) for connection to a series 50 device made
by VEGA.
14. The connection box according to claim 13, wherein the adapter
connector (108) is coded such that incorrect connection of the
adapter connector (108) to the series 50 device is prevented.
15. The connection box according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the connection box is designed for signal
transmission from the control device (104) to the field device;
wherein the signal comprises parameterization data for
parameterising the field device.
16. The connection box according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the connection box is designed for signal
transmission from the field device to the control device (104);
wherein the signal comprises measuring data of the field
device.
17. The connection box according to any one of the preceding
claims, further comprising: an energy supply for self-sufficient
supply of electrical energy to the interface adapter (103).
18. The connection box according to claim 17, wherein the energy
supply comprises a rechargeable battery and a solar cell module;
wherein the solar cell module is designed to charge the
rechargeable battery.
19. The connection box according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the connection box (100) comprises a hollow space,
which is accessible from the outside, which hollow space is
designed to accommodate a HART cable (105), an I.sup.2C bus cable
(106), a USB cable (107) and an adapter connector (108).
20. The connection box according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the interface connection (102) comprises sliding
contacts for connecting the box (100) to the interface adapter
(103).
21. The connection box according to any one of the preceding
claims, further comprising: a second interface connection for
connecting the box (100) to a control device (401).
22. The use of a connection box according to any one of claims 1 to
21 for fill level measuring or pressure measuring and for the
wireless transmission of a signal between a field device and a
control device (104); wherein the field device is a fill-level
measuring device or a pressure measuring device.
23. A method for the wireless transmission of a signal between a
field device (109) and a control device (104) with a connection box
according to any one of claims 1 to 21, with the method comprising
the steps of: connecting the connection box (100) to an interface
adapter (103); wireless transmission of a transmit signal from a
radio interface (101) of the connection box (100) to the field
device (109), or wireless receiving of a receive signal from the
field device (109) in the radio interface (101); wherein the field
device (109) is a fill level measuring device or a pressure
measuring device.
24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the step
of: transmitting the receive signal from the radio interface (101)
to the interface connection (102) and then onwards to the control
device (104).
25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, further comprising the
step of: transmitting the transmit signal from the control device
(104) to the interface connection (102) and then to the radio
interface (101).
Description
[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of fill level
measuring and pressure measuring. In particular the invention
relates to a connection box for the wireless transmission of a
signal between a field device and a control device, to the use of a
connection box for fill level measuring or pressure measuring, and
to the wireless transmission of a signal between a field device and
a control device, and to a method for wireless transmission of a
signal between a field device and a control device with a
connection box.
[0002] For the purpose of measuring the fill level of liquids and
solids in containers, a fill-level measuring device is usually
installed at or in the container wall. The fill-level measuring
device subsequently transmits waves, either in a guided manner
through a waveguide, or in a radiated manner by way of an antenna
device of the product. Subsequently, the waves reflected by the
product are received by the measuring device. From the transit time
that can be determined therefrom, the distance between the sensor
and the product results, and from the knowledge of the relative
position of the sensor from the container bottom, the sought fill
height can be derived.
[0003] The measured data, if applicable after buffer storage and/or
initial evaluation, is transmitted to a control- or evaluation
device. The device can also simply be a display device. As a
countermove to the above, the field devices can be parameterized or
triggered (i.e. to cause a measuring operation) by way of the
control device. This bi-directional data exchange requires data
transmission paths, by way of which the field devices are coupled
to the control devices, read-out devices or display devices.
[0004] As a rule, the individual components of field device and
evaluation-/display device or control device are installed so as to
be fixed. The field device is, for example, located on the cover of
a high product container and is connected, by way of a data cable,
to an evaluation-/display unit or control device arranged in a
control room. Device parameterization or reading the measuring data
is thus only possible directly on the field device or in the
control room.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide flexible
communication between a field device and a mobile control
device.
[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a connection box for the wireless transmission of a
signal between a field device and a control device is stated, with
the connection box comprising a radio interface for the wireless
transmission of a transmit signal to the field device, or for the
wireless reception of a receive signal from the field device, and
an interface connection for connecting the connection box to an
interface adapter, wherein, for the purpose of transmitting the
receive signal from the radio interface to the interface
connection, the radio interface and the interface connection are
coupled to each other so as to be able to communicate, and wherein
the field device is a fill-level measuring device or a pressure
measuring device.
[0007] In other words, a connection box is stated which on the one
hand can access the radio link between the field device and the
control device, and which on the other hand can be connected, by
way of a corresponding interface adapter, for example to a read-out
device such as a laptop or some other mobile device, or can be
connected to a control device or parameterization device. The
interface adapter can, for example, be used to convert the
measuring signal from the field device to a USB signal. Of course,
depending on the design of the interface adapter, conversion to
some other signal format can also take place.
[0008] In this way the data line (radio link) between the field
device and the evaluation-/display device or a control unit can be
tapped in order to make possible communication or data exchange
with the field device on site. A service technician then need not
first climb the tank or go to the control room, for example in
order to carry out field device parameterization or in order to
call up measuring data. Instead, by means of the small connection
box, which can be designed in different sizes and shapes and can,
for example, easily be carried in a shirt pocket, said service
technician can in a simple manner directly tap into the data path
between the field device and the control room.
[0009] It should be noted that there is no need to provide a
control room with corresponding devices. Instead, it is possible
for the connection box with the interface connection and its radio
interface to provide the sole communication path between the field
device and a control device or read-out device or evaluation
device.
[0010] For example, radio communication takes place by way of WLAN
(Wireless Local Area Network), ISM (which provides an extended
range of approximately one kilometer), Bluetooth or ZIGBEE. Other
transmission protocols are also possible.
[0011] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the signal is selected from the group comprising a HART
signal, an I.sup.2C signal, a Profibus signal, a Fieldbus
foundation signal, a 4 . . . 20 mA signal and a switching
signal.
[0012] Thus if the field device communicates with the outside world
by way of one of the above-mentioned signals, the connection box
can be connected to the signal path (i.e. it can tap said signal
path). The interface connection of the box then makes possible a
continuing connection (by way of an interface), for example to a PC
or to a laptop (for example by way of a USB interface).
[0013] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the radio interface is an internal interface within the
connection box.
[0014] The radio interface is, for example, integrated within the
housing of the connection box. In this case it is thus sufficient
to merely carry the connection box along. There is no need to carry
along an external radio interface.
[0015] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the radio interface comprises an antenna of
predeterminable antenna characteristics. By means of
predeterminable antenna characteristics the transmission behaviour
can be matched to the radio interface. Predeterminable antenna
characteristics can, for example, be achieved by means of an
antenna array, wherein the antenna characteristics can be
electronically controlled. It is thus possible, for example, to
direct the radiation in a particular direction. In this way the
range of a radio signal can be increased. By means of
predeterminable antenna characteristics it is also possible to
create so-called radio cells. This means that regions in which
different radio frequencies are used can be separated from each
other. In this way small cells can be created, and thus more
bandwidth can be provided relative to an overall area.
[0016] Furthermore, according to a further exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, the radio interface can comprise a power
limitation device. The radio interface can, for example, be
implemented by means of a radio module. Due to legal provisions it
may be necessary to reduce the transmission output of the radio
module. Furthermore, it may be necessary to reduce the transmission
output of a radio interface in order to be able to prevent
overshooting and interference between various radio modules. Power
limitation may be predeterminable. By means of predeterminable
power limitation the transmission output of the radio module may be
set without this requiring the use of different hardware.
[0017] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the radio interface is designed to transmit or receive
predeterminable frequencies of 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz. As a result of
the predeterminable frequency, it is possible to switch between
different frequencies. In this way it is also possible to flexibly
match the radio module to legal provisions that are to be met. For
example, radio transmission technologies such as WLAN or Bluetooth
utilise the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band for the
transmission of data. The ISM band can be utilised for industrial,
scientific or medical applications without a license. The 2.4 GHz
band has been released worldwide for industrial, scientific and
medical applications.
[0018] Of course, the radio interface can also be designed for
transmitting or receiving other predeterminable frequencies. For
example, the radio interface can, in particular, be designed for
the transmission of more than two predeterminable frequencies, for
example three or four predeterminable frequencies.
[0019] It is then possible to change between these frequencies.
[0020] Furthermore, according to a further exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, the connection box comprises a field device
connection, which is designed to connect the box to the field
device, wherein, for the purpose of transmitting the signal, the
field device connection and the interface connection are coupled
together so as to be able to communicate.
[0021] Thus the connection box is designed both for the wireless
and for the wire-bound transmission of signals between field
devices and control units or display units. In this way a flexible
module is provided which can be flexibly applied in field use.
[0022] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the field device connection is designed to connect to a
HART line.
[0023] Furthermore, according to a further exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, for connection to the HART line, the field
device connection of the connection box comprises a HART cable with
two connectors.
[0024] By means of the two connectors the HART cable can be tapped.
As an alternative, the signal can also be tapped directly on the
field device or directly on the evaluation unit in the control
room.
[0025] In this way extremely flexible access to the signal line is
provided for parameterization or for read-out from the field
device.
[0026] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the field device connection is designed to connect to an
I.sup.2C bus.
[0027] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, for connection to the I.sup.2C bus the field device
connection comprises an I.sup.2C bus cable.
[0028] For example, according to a further exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, the box can comprise both the HART cable and
the I.sup.2C bus cable.
[0029] I.sup.2C or I2C or IIC (denoting Inter-Integrated Circuit)
is a serial bus for computer systems. It can, for example, be used
to connect devices to an embedded system or to a main board.
[0030] The HART protocol (Highway Addressable Remote Transmitter)
can in particular be referred to as an open master-slave protocol
for bus-addressable field devices. It can implement a method of
transmitting data by means of frequency shift keying (FSK),
superimposed on the 4 . . . 20 mA process signal in order to make
remote configurations and diagnostic monitoring possible.
[0031] Both I.sup.2C and HART are suitable as protocols for
communicating with a field device, e.g. with a fill-level measuring
device or with a pressure measuring device.
[0032] A HART signal that corresponds to the HART protocol is a
digital signal for transmitting measured values and/or parameters.
The digital HART signal is modulated onto a 4 . . . 20 mA signal.
Consequently the digital signal can be transmitted parallel to the
analog 4 . . . 20 mA signal. If such parallel transmission of
analog and digital signals takes place, only one field device can
be connected to a HART bus.
[0033] On the other hand in a so-called multi-drop mode up to 15
digital field devices can be connected to a HART bus. In this
arrangement the analog current is essentially set to 4 mA. In
multi-drop mode the field devices exchange a digitally coded
signal. The digital signal is a frequency-modulated signal, wherein
the frequency-modulated signal can, for example, be at the two
frequencies of 1200 Hz and 2200 Hz.
[0034] Any type of measuring devices, for example fill-level
measuring devices, pressure measuring devices, level-detection
measuring devices or temperature measuring devices, to name but a
few examples, can be field devices in the sense of this
application. Various physical effects can be exploited for
acquisition. Measured-value acquisition can take place by means of
radar rays, ultrasound, vibration, guided microwave (TDR, time
domain reflection) or capacitive effects.
[0035] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the interface connection is designed to connect the box
directly to a display- and control device.
[0036] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the display- and control device is a PLICSCOM device
made by VEGA.
[0037] The PLICSCOM device can be removed from the box and makes
possible both field device parameterization and read-out and
storage of the received measuring signals.
[0038] The display-/control device can thus provide a man-machine
interface for the field device. By way of the display-/control
device a user can parameterize the field device or can have
received values displayed. Furthermore, the display- and control
device can, for example, also be switched between the operating
states of the field device.
[0039] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the field device connection comprises an adapter
connector for connection to a series 50 device made by VEGA.
[0040] It is thus also possible to connect older devices to the
box.
[0041] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the adapter connector is coded such that incorrect
connection of the adapter connector to the series 50 device is
prevented. For example, based on plug codification, the plug cannot
be plugged in so as to be rotated by 180.degree.. Corresponding
codification can be located on the other side of the connector,
which side connects the connector with the I.sup.2C cable of the
connection box.
[0042] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the connection box is designed for signal transmission
from the control device to the field device, wherein the signal
comprises parameterization data for parameterising the field
device.
[0043] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the connection box is designed for transmitting the
signal from the field device and from the control device, wherein
the signal comprises measuring data of the field device.
[0044] Thus the box makes possible flexible parameterization of the
field devices or flexible read-out of measured values.
[0045] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the connection box comprises an energy supply for
self-sufficient supply of electrical energy to the interface
adapter.
[0046] The energy supply can, for example, be a battery. Moreover,
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a
rechargeable battery can be provided which is either externally
rechargeable or, for example, is coupled to a solar cell module of
the connection box. In this way the rechargeable battery can be
charged when there is incoming light radiation, without this
necessitating an external energy supply. This embodiment is
particularly suitable for use in areas in which for extended
periods it is not possible to depend on an energy supply for
charging the rechargeable battery.
[0047] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the connection box comprises a hollow space, which is
accessible from the outside, which hollow space is designed to
accommodate a HART cable, an I.sup.2C bus cable, a USB cable and an
adapter connector.
[0048] For example, the connection box is designed so that it can
be hinged open; in its interior it comprises corresponding holding
devices, for example hook and loop type fasteners or rubber bands
by means of which the cables can be fixed. By hinging the
connection box closed the cables are protected against external
influences such as humidity and the like. On site, a service
technician can then simply hinge the connection box open and take
the corresponding cable out in order to tap the data line.
[0049] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the interface connection comprises sliding contacts for
connecting the box to the interface adapter.
[0050] In this way the interface adapter can be connected to the
interface connection by means of a simple screw motion.
[0051] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the connection box comprises a second interface
connection for connecting the box to a control device. Thus apart
from the interface adapter, which makes possible communication
with, for example, a laptop or a PC, an additional control- or
read-out device or a storage device for data backup can be
connected directly to the box.
[0052] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the use of a connection box for fill level measuring or
pressure measuring and for the wireless transmission of a signal
between a field device and a control device is stated, wherein the
field device is a fill-level measuring-device or a pressure
measuring device.
[0053] Furthermore, a method for the wireless transmission of a
signal between a field device and a control device with a
connection box is stated, in which method the box is connected to
an interface adapter, and wireless transmission of a transmit
signal from a radio interface of the connection box to the field
device or wireless receiving of a receive signal from the field
device takes place in the radio interface, wherein the field device
is a fill-level measuring device or a pressure measuring
device.
[0054] A method according to a further exemplary embodiment of the
invention comprises the additional step of transmitting the receive
signal from the radio interface to the interface connection and
then onwards to the control device.
[0055] In this way, a measured-value inquiry can take place by way
of the connection box.
[0056] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the method comprises the additional step of transmitting
the transmit signal from the control device to the interface
connection and then to the radio interface.
[0057] In this way it is, for example, possible to trigger
parameterization of the field device externally by way of the
connection box, or it is possible for measuring to be
triggered.
[0058] Below, preferred exemplary embodiments of the present
invention are described with reference to the figures.
[0059] FIG. 1 shows a first application of the connection box
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 2 shows a second application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0061] FIG. 3 shows a third application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows a fourth application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0063] FIG. 5 shows a fifth application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0064] FIG. 6 shows a sixth application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0065] FIG. 7 shows a seventh application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0066] FIG. 8 shows an eighth application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0067] FIG. 9 shows a ninth application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0068] FIG. 10 shows a tenth application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0069] FIG. 11 shows an eleventh application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0070] FIG. 12 shows a twelfth application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0071] FIG. 13 shows a thirteenth application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0072] FIG. 14 shows a fourteenth application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0073] FIG. 15 shows four different perspective views of an adapter
connector 108 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0074] FIG. 16 shows four further diagrammatic views of the adapter
connector of FIG. 15 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0075] FIG. 17 shows three diagrammatic views of the interface
connection with its sliding contacts or spring contacts according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0076] FIG. 18 shows a diagrammatic detailed view of spring
contacts of the sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0077] FIG. 19 shows a diagrammatic view of the connection box,
seen from four different directions, according to a further
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0078] FIG. 20 shows three further perspective views of the
connection box 100, in the hinged-open state, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0079] FIG. 21 shows three further perspective views of the
connection box and an I.sup.2C bus cable as well as a connector,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0080] FIG. 22 shows a diagrammatic view of a connection box
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0081] FIG. 23 shows a further diagrammatic view of a connection
box according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0082] The illustrations in the figures are diagrammatic and not to
scale.
[0083] In the following description of the figures the same
reference characters are used for identical or similar
elements.
[0084] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a first application of
the connection box according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. The connection box 100 comprises a field device
connection 101 for connecting the box 100 to the field device 109.
Connection of the box 100 to the field device 109 can, for example,
take place directly on the field device or on the data cable 112,
for example in the form of a tapping point 114. For this purpose a
connecting cable 105 is provided (see FIGS. 22 and 23).
[0085] The data line 112 between the field device 109 and the
evaluation- and display device 111 is a so-called HART cable. To
this effect the HART connecting cable 105 comprises, for example,
two connectors or terminals, by way of which coupling to the data
cable 112 becomes possible. The evaluation-/display device 111 is,
for example, arranged in the control room and is used, among other
things, to supply energy. At the top of the field device 109 an
additional display device can be affixed. This is, for example, a
so-called PLICSCOM device from the manufacturer VEGA.
[0086] Tapping or coupling the data line 112 can also take place on
the supply device (parallel to the HART cable 112). By way of the
connecting line 105, bi-directional data exchange is possible. The
field device can thus on the one hand be parameterized. On the
other hand, measuring values can be read out. Of course, connection
to further field devices 110 is also possible.
[0087] Parameterization of the HART sensor 109 takes place by way
of the HART lines 112, 105, for example with PACTware. PACTware is
manufacturer-independent and field-bus-independent software for
operating field devices. The connection box 100 is used as a
mechanical adapter between the HART line 112 and a control unit
104. The control unit 104 is, for example, a personal computer
(PC), or a laptop, a PDA, a mobile phone, or some other
communication device. The control unit 104 can be the only control
unit, or it can serve as an alternative to the device 111. For
communication between the field device 109 and the control unit 104
a USB line 113 is provided, which connects the control unit 104 to
an interface adapter 103. The interface adapter 103 is connected to
the interface connection 102 (see FIG. 15) of the connection
box.
[0088] Measured value transmission can take place either in an
analog manner (in other words 4 . . . 20 mA) or in a digital manner
in the so-called multi-drop method.
[0089] FIG. 2 shows a second application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. In this arrangement the connection box 100 is connected
directly to the field devices 109, 201 by way of corresponding
I.sup.2C lines 202, 203. The device 201 is, for example, a field
device, onto which the interface adapter 103 cannot be placed
directly (for example a series 50 device manufactured by VEGA). For
this arrangement an adapter connector 108 (see FIGS. 15 and 16) is
used. The adapter connector 108 makes it possible to couple the
I.sup.2C line 203 of the connection box 100 directly to the device
connection of the series 50 device 201. In the case of other
devices an interface adapter can be placed directly on the field
device interface, on which interface adapter the USB cable 113 can
then be plugged in.
[0090] The interface adapter 103 is, for example, connected to the
field device 201 by way of the connection box 100 and the I.sup.2C
socket of the field device 201. The length of the I.sup.2C cable
201 can be up to 25 m. Of course, the cable can also be longer.
[0091] It is also possible to plug the interface adapter directly
onto the sensor without the use of a data cable. However, the use
of the data cable is advantageous, for example, in situations where
the field device is not readily accessible or is accessible only
with increased effort, for example because said field device is
located up high or far away.
[0092] FIG. 3 shows a third application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. A field device 109 is provided, which communicates with
a supply- and control device 111 by way of a HART line 112. Several
field devices (for example up to five field devices) can be
connected in parallel to the supply- and control device 111. The
supply- and control device 111 comprises, for example, a so-called
SPC function (stored-program control) and is internet-capable.
[0093] The device 111 is, for example, a MET by the manufacturer
VEGA. The connection box 100 is connected to the supply- and
control device 111 by way of the I.sup.2C line 202 and can on the
one hand be used for the parameterization of the supply- and
control device 111, and on the other hand for accessing or querying
the sensor 109.
[0094] Parameterization of the sensor 109 is also possible. For
this purpose the connection box 100 is connected to a laptop 104 or
to some other communication device or input/output device by way of
the interface adapter 103 and the USB line 113.
[0095] FIG. 4 shows a fourth application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the connection box 100 is connected
to the fill level sensor 109 by way of an I.sup.2C line 202. A
display- and control device 401 is installed directly on the
connection box 100, i.e. connected at the interface connection 102.
In this way a separate, mobile control unit is provided.
[0096] In the case of a self-sufficient energy supply of the
display- and control device 401, for example by means of a battery
within the connection box 100, connection to a HART output of the
field device 109 is also possible.
[0097] FIG. 5 shows a fifth application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. This is a wireless radio transmission for
parameterization of the sensor 109. For this purpose the sensor 109
is connected, by way of the HART line 501, to a radio module 502
that is connected to an energy supply 506, and thus supplies the
sensor 109 with energy. The radio module can wirelessly communicate
with a second radio module 503. The second radio module 503 also
comprises an energy supply 505 and is connected to the supply- and
control device 111 by way of a HART line 504.
[0098] Apart from the interface adapter 103 the connection box 100
comprises a data cable 113, by way of which said connection box 100
is connected to the laptop 104. Furthermore, the connection box 100
comprises a radio interface 101 for wirelessly transmitting signals
between the box 100 and the field device 109. In this way it is
possible to access the radio link between the field device radio
unit 502 and the radio unit 503 on the control side or evaluation
side, for example in order to parameterize the field device
109.
[0099] FIG. 6 shows a sixth application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Here again wireless data transmission is provided. The
connection box 100 comprises an internal power supply in the form
of a battery, a rechargeable battery or an external energy supply.
Connection to a PC or the like is not required because the
connection box is connected to the display- and control module
401.
[0100] FIG. 7 shows a further application of the connection box
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In
this embodiment a radio module 702 is integrated in the sensor 109.
Furthermore, the sensor 109 is connected to a supply device 111 by
way of a supply line 701, for example by way of a HART line.
[0101] Parameterization of the sensor 109 takes place wirelessly by
means of the connection box 100, in which a corresponding radio
module has also been integrated.
[0102] FIG. 8 shows a further application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. There is no need to provide a laptop 104 or the like
because the connection box 100 is coupled to the display- and
control device 401. The energy supply of the connection box is by
way of a battery or from an external source. In this embodiment
too, both the sensor and the connection box 100 comprise a radio
module.
[0103] FIG. 9 shows a ninth application according to a further
exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the
connection box 100 is connected to the HART line 112 between the
supply device 111 and the sensor 109 by way of the HART cable 105.
The connection box 100 comprises an internal energy supply so that
the analog measured value (analog current value) is not falsified.
As an alternative to the analog measured-value signal the
multi-drop mode (bus-capable) can be used. In this case no internal
energy supply of the connection box or of the interface adapter 103
is necessary. The interface adapter 103 initiates sensor data
recording of the sensor 109. Furthermore, a storage medium is
provided which is either located within the connection box 100 or
forms part of the interface adapter 103. An external storage medium
can also be connected. In this way sensor data can be recorded by
way of the connection box 100. Data recording can, for example, be
arranged by way of a laptop 104 or a control device 401 in relation
to, for example, the starting point, end point and recording
intervals. The data recorded by way of the connection box 100 can
subsequently be read-out, for example, by way of a USB device.
[0104] FIG. 10 shows a further application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment the interface adapter 103 is
connected to the sensor 109 by way of an I.sup.2C line 202, with
the sensor 109 again being connected to an energy supply 506. The
interface adapter 103 initiates sensor data recording. Furthermore,
the sensor supplies energy to the interface adapter 103. Here
again, an internal or external storage medium is provided in order
to record the sensor data. This can, for example, be a USB memory
stick. The storage medium is, for example, integrated in the
connection box or in the interface adapter 103. Here again,
recording is arranged by way of a laptop or the like 104 or by way
of the control device 401. Reading out the recorded data takes
place, for example, by way of the USB connection of the interface
adapter 103.
[0105] FIG. 11 shows a further application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. This involves a radio transmission as already described
in FIGS. 5 to 8. The interface adapter 103 is a radio module 502
arranged in the connection box 100 and is connected to the sensor
109. The interface adapter 103 initiates sensor data recording and
is supplied with energy by a battery, a rechargeable battery or an
external supply device. Again an internal or external storage
medium is provided in order to record the sensor data. Arranging
the recording process takes place in the same way as in the cases
of FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0106] FIG. 12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an
application of a connection box. Wireless communication between the
connection box 100 and the sensor 109 corresponds to the case
described in FIG. 7. Here again the interface adapter 103 initiates
sensor data recording and is supplied with energy by a battery, a
rechargeable battery or externally by a supply device 111. For the
purpose of recording sensor data, in this embodiment too, a storage
medium is integrated in the connection box or in the interface
adapter 103 or is externally connected. In this embodiment, too,
the laptop 104 or the control unit 401 is used to arrange data
recording and to read out the stored data.
[0107] FIG. 13 shows a further application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. For this purpose the connection box 100 is designed such
that a combined control- and communication unit 1401 can be
connected to the interface connection 102 (see FIG. 15). The
combined control- and communication unit 1401 is a combination
comprising a control unit 401 and an interface adapter 103.
Reference character 1402 shows the USB connection.
[0108] As a result of the combination comprising a control unit and
a communication unit, operation or control of the sensor can be
effected from the connection box 100, with the option, at the same
time, of connecting the connection box to a laptop, for example in
order to read out data.
[0109] FIG. 14 shows a further application of the connection box
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The connection box 100 comprises a second interface
connection, to which the control unit 401 can be connected, which
second interface connection can also be used for data storage. The
measuring data can thus be buffered in the control unit 401, and
subsequently reading out the measuring data by way of the interface
adapter 103 can be carried out by the read-out unit 104.
[0110] FIG. 15 shows four different perspective views 1501, 1502,
1503, 1504 of an adapter connector 108 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0111] FIG. 16 shows four further diagrammatic views of the adapter
connector of FIG. 15. 1606 shows a front view, 1607, 1608, 1609
show three lateral views of the adapter connector 108 (from the
top, from the side, and from below), while 1610 shows a rear view
of the adapter connector 108.
[0112] On the front, the adapter connector 108 comprises various
contact regions 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605 for connection to a series
50 field device. In order to prevent the adapter connector 108 from
being plugged into the field device the wrong way round, for
example a lug 1601 is provided.
[0113] 1610 shows a diagrammatic rear view of the adapter connector
108. Here again, four connection regions 1703, 1704, 1705, 1706 are
provided for connecting the adapter connector to an I.sup.2C
connector of the I.sup.2C cable 202 of the connection box 100.
Furthermore, here again an anti-rotation device is installed in the
form of four dovetail-type or otherwise formed indentations 1701 on
a first side, and four outward curvatures 1702 on a second side of
the adapter connector 108. The outward curvatures 1701, 1702 can
also comprise other forms, but they have to correspond to matching
inward curvatures of a counter socket.
[0114] FIG. 17 shows three diagrammatic views of the interface
connection 102, 1901 with its spring contacts 1704, 1705, 1706,
1707, 1708 and 1709, 1710, 1711, 1712, 1713.
[0115] Diagram 1701 shows the underside of the interface connection
102, 1901; diagram 1702 shows a lateral view; while 1703 shows a
front view.
[0116] The eight contact pins 1704 to 1713 are each coupled to
corresponding spring elements (not shown in FIG. 17) and can at
least partly be pushed (against the spring forces) into the base
body of the interface connection 102. When an interface adapter 103
is screwed onto the connection box 100, the upper contact pins 1709
to 1713 are pressed against corresponding contact surfaces of the
interface adapter 103 so that a good electrically conductive
contact is established.
[0117] FIG. 18 shows a diagrammatic detailed view of the spring
contacts 102, 1901 of the sensor 109. 1801 shows a top view of the
contacts 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805. 1806 shows a top view of the
contacts 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810. 1811 shows a first lateral view of
the spring contacts, and 1822 shows a second lateral view of the
spring contacts with the direction of view being offset by
90.degree..
[0118] The spring contacts comprise, for example, spring elements,
by means of which the contact pins 1802 to 1805 or 1807 to 1810 are
pressed against the corresponding contact surfaces when the
interface adapter 103 is screwed into the connection box 100.
[0119] FIG. 19 shows a diagrammatic view 1907, 1908, 1909 of the
connection box 100, seen from four different directions. The
connection box 100 comprises a connection region 1906 for
accommodating an interface adapter 103. In order to connect the
interface adapter 103 to the connection box, interface connections
102, 1901 are provided, which are, for example, designed in the
form of spring contacts. The interface connections 102 are used to
transmit an I.sup.2C signal, while the interface connection 1901
(in combination with one of the interface connections 102) is used
to transmit a HART signal.
[0120] Furthermore, the box 100 comprises a cable leadthrough 1902,
through which the HART line 105 or the I.sup.2C bus cable 106 can
be fed. The box 100 comprises a cover element 1903 and a base
element 1904, which are interconnected by way of a hinge 1905 so
that the box 100 can be hinged open.
[0121] FIG. 20 shows three further perspective views 2007, 2008,
2009 of the connection box 100 in its hinged-open state. Holding
elements 2001, 2001, 2003, 2004 are provided in order to
accommodate the corresponding connecting cables 105, 106, 107 and
the adapter connector 108.
[0122] FIG. 21 shows three further perspective views 2107, 2108,
2109 of the connection box 100, comprising an I.sup.2C bus cable
106 and a connector 108.
[0123] Furthermore, a HART cable 105 (not shown in FIG. 21) can be
provided which, for example, comes out of the bush 2101 and makes
possible the connection to a HART line of a field device.
[0124] FIG. 22 shows a diagrammatic view of a connection box 100
according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The connection box 100 comprises spring contacts 102 for
connection to an interface adapter. FIG. 17 shows a detailed view
of the spring contacts 102. Furthermore, the connection box 100
comprises a HART cable 105, which provides a field device
connection 101. The HART cable 105 comprises two connections 1501,
1502, which are, for example, designed in the form of terminals or
connectors. The HART cable 105 can be connected to a field device
by way of these two connections 1501, 1502.
[0125] FIG. 23 shows a further diagrammatic view of a connection
box 100 with a HART cable 105 comprising the two connectors 1501,
1502, and with an I.sup.2C cable 106. Furthermore, the interface
connections 102 and 1901 are provided.
[0126] In addition, it should be pointed out that "comprising" does
not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "one" does not
exclude a plural number. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that
characteristics or steps which have been described with reference
to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in
combination with other characteristics or steps of other exemplary
embodiments described above. Reference characters in the claims are
not to be interpreted as limitations.
* * * * *