Field device architecture for process and automation technology

Abstract

The invention relates to a field device arrangement (1) for process and automation technology, comprising a housing (14) and comprising at least one first chamber (2) and one second chamber (3), which are arranged in the housing (14), at least one first module (4a) being arranged in the first chamber (2) and at least one second module (4b) being arranged in the second chamber (3), the two chambers (2, 3) being arranged in the housing (14), the first module (2) and the second module (3) are connected via at least one channel (13), and an electrical connection element (6) is guided in the at least one channel (12), the electrical connection element (6) is configured to establish an electrical connection between the first module (2) and the second module (3), the electrical connection element (6) is at least partially formed by a rigid section (6a, b, c) and a flexible section (6f, g, h, k, j) and is provided with a contact surface (6x, y, j). Z) or contact elements for contacting the modules (2, 3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a field device structure according to the features of independent claim 1. Background Art

[0002] Field devices with a cast housing having at least one chamber are known from the prior art. The opened field device housing of Rosemount in 2010 is shown in FIGS. 1a - c. Two pin-shaped contacts potted with potting material establish electrical contact between two separate chambers of the housing.

[0003] Furthermore, DE102021132304A1 discloses a field device with two chambers separated from each other by a partition wall. Here, the partition wall has a drilled passage, the wall of which has a partially structured surface. For the structured surface, for example, threads are proposed. Here, the conductor element is at least partially inserted into the through-hole for the electrical connection of the two units. Furthermore, the through-hole is potted with potting material.

[0004] Disadvantages in the prior art are the relatively high post-processing costs of parts of the housing or chamber penetrations and the limited number of electrical connection parts. Summary of the Invention

[0005] From the disadvantages of the prior art, the following task results: to provide an improved design of the chamber penetration that meets the requirements for use in explosion-hazardous areas.

[0006] This task is achieved according to the invention by the features of independent claim 1.

[0007] Possible designs and improvements of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] A field device structure for process and automation technology includes a housing, at least one first chamber and a second chamber, which chambers are arranged in the housing, wherein at least one first module is arranged in the first chamber and at least one second module is arranged in the second chamber, and wherein the two chambers are connected via at least one passage. Furthermore, the field device structure includes an electrical connection element, which is guided in at least one passage, wherein the electrical connection element is arranged to establish an electrical connection between the first module and the second module. The electrical connection element is at least partially composed of rigid and flexible sections and is provided with contact surfaces or contact elements for contacting the modules.

[0009] The electrical connection element can be, for example, a rigid-flexible circuit board. The contact element can be, for example, a small metal pin, a plug, a socket or the like. By using a rigid-flexible circuit board, multiple uses of the electrical connection element can be achieved and furthermore its assembly is made easier.

[0010] At least one of the modules can be, for example, a clamping block for connecting electrical conductors, such as a 4-20 mA loop or a bus system. In addition, one of the modules can also be an evaluation unit for evaluating and processing measured values ​​and data. Two modules can be installed in each of the two chambers and can be interchanged with each other at will. The housing is therefore particularly versatile and flexible in its application.

[0011] In one possible design of the field device structure, it is provided that the housing has a third chamber in which a sensor module is arranged. The sensor module can, for example, include a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor or a fill level sensor. Such a multi-chamber housing has the advantage that a plurality of units / modules or sensors can be arranged separately from one another in different chambers. The chamber itself is kept as small as possible and the oxygen-containing air contained therein, which can ignite under adverse conditions, can be reduced to a minimum.

[0012] In one possible design of the field device structure, it is provided that the housing has at least two channels, wherein the first channel connects the first chamber to the second chamber and the second channel connects the first chamber to the third chamber. It is also conceivable that the second chamber is connected to the third chamber via a channel. In particular, for the requirements of the ignition protection type Ex-d, a design with two channels is advantageous, since a larger free space is avoided compared to one channel. The advantages just mentioned are further enhanced when the cross section of the channel is selected to be as small as possible.

[0013] In one possible design of the field device structure, it is provided that the electrical connection element establishes an electrical connection not only between the first module and the second module but also between the first module and the sensor module. The electrical connection element is designed, for example, in a multipolar manner for simultaneous and independent power supply, data and / or signal transmission. The electrical connection element is guided in at least one channel, more precisely, the inner wall of the channel is not contacted. Auxiliary elements, such as small spacers made of plastic, hair or plastic springs, plastic spirals, can also be provided for this purpose.

[0014] In a possible design of the field device structure, it is provided that the first chamber and the second chamber are arranged at an angle to each other. The angle between the chambers can be, for example, in a range of 5 to 90 degrees, in particular between 15 and 30 degrees. Similarly, the housing can have the angle range just mentioned around the corresponding chamber. The angled arrangement of the chambers can also result in an angled channel. The readability of the display or status light in the chamber is improved by the angled housing.

[0015] In one possible design of the field device structure, it is provided that at least one channel is potted with a potting material. The potting material can be, for example, epoxy resin or the like. The potting results in a sealing of the channel or the channels. In addition, the requirements for the ignition protection forms of Ex-d and Ex-i can thus be met.

[0016] In a possible design of the field device structure, it is provided that the rigid section of the electrical connection element is arranged in a receptacle in the channel entrance region and at least partially covers the channel. Here, at least one rigid section is arranged in the entrance region, for example, so that it ends flush with the inner wall of the corresponding chamber.

[0017] In one possible embodiment of the field device structure, a sealing element is arranged in the inlet region of the channel. The sealing element, together with the shape of the inlet region and the rigid section of the electrical connecting element, achieves an additional increased sealing effect.

[0018] In a possible design of the field device structure, it is provided that at least one rigid section of the electrical connection element is pressed into the entrance area of ​​the channel or into a sealing element placed therein and seals the channel, wherein the opposite opening of the channel is at least partially covered by another rigid section of the electrical connection element. The channel can be filled with potting material particularly easily by the only partially covered opening of the channel. The completely sealed opening relatively prevents the uncontrolled passage and outflow of the potting. In another embodiment, a plug or a socket is arranged at such a rigid section that only partially covers the channel opening, so that the potting material can also be potted over the rigid section. Here, the plug or the socket still remains contactable. The contact surface arranged on the rigid section can therefore be insulated in an easy way.

[0019] In one possible embodiment of the field device structure, it is provided that at least one channel has at least one undercut. This effectively increases the creepage distance. Another advantageous embodiment is that at least two undercuts are arranged symmetrically in each channel and that the same distances are maintained relative to the corresponding rigid sections placed at the channel openings. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in the case of large temperature fluctuations, since the undercuts prevent the potting from detaching from the channel.

[0020] The use of cast housing parts without post-treatment is particularly advantageous, since the interaction of the undercut with the cast surface and the surface roughness results in an optimum combination of sealing effect and adhesion with respect to compressive strength and sealing properties.

[0021] In one possible design of the field device structure, it is provided that the rigid section of the electrical connection element is composed of multiple layers and has a contact surface and / or a plug connector at least on the side facing the module, which establishes an electrical connection with the module. By arranging the plug connector, it is possible, for example, to pot the rigid section with potting material and insulate it thereby, wherein electrical contact is otherwise maintained. By means of a multilayer circuit board, a large number of wires can be guided electrically separated from one another in a small space.

[0022] In one possible design of the field device structure, it is provided that the rigid section of the electrical connection element has electrical and / or electronic components. These components can be, for example, resistors, capacitors, transistors, microcontrollers, some of which can be arranged on the top layer or inner layer of the electrical connection element. By integrating the electrical and / or electronic components in the electrical connection element, the existing free space in the channel can be fully utilized.

[0023] In one possible embodiment of the field device structure, it is provided that the flexible section of the electrical connection element is arranged in at least one channel. This results in a particularly easy assembly with respect to the angled housing with the angled chamber. In this regard, it may be particularly advantageous if the flexible section has an excess length compared to the length of the channel. This also allows for a particularly easy assembly.

[0024] In one possible embodiment of the field device structure, it is provided that the first module and / or the second module is designed in such a way that the display module can be plugged on. One of the two modules can be designed in such a way that the display module can be plugged on and latched in a simple manner, for example via a bayonet connection. Furthermore, both modules can have identical connection or clamping blocks, and the display module can be arranged in both chambers. In the case of an angled housing, this results in different angles at which the display on the display module can be read.

[0025] In one possible design of the field device structure, it is provided that the housing is made of sheet metal using a casting process, a die casting process or a hydroforming process, wherein the inner wall of the channel is also not processed here. Housings manufactured using a hydroforming process are particularly suitable for use in the food and beverage industry. In contrast, housings made of cast iron (e.g., gray cast iron) are particularly strong and can withstand high pressures. The inner surface of the channel of the cast housing does not need to be reprocessed for potting with potting material, because the cast housing already has a certain roughness, the potting material can adhere to it and undergo various cleaning processes after manufacturing as standard, in order to remove, for example, mold release agents or slight burrs. In addition to the flushing process, this can also be processing by means of sliding grinding or sandblasting.

[0026] In one possible embodiment of the field device structure, it is provided that the electrical connection element is potted in a block which is placed centrally in the housing. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in connection with a housing produced in a hydroforming process. This allows a particularly good and easy sealing of the chamber. The block can also be prefabricated, for example, outside the housing and only then fixed (for example glued) in the housing as a component.

[0027] In one possible design of the field device structure, it is provided that modules are fixed and / or oriented at the block. These modules can be screwed to the block or pinned to the block, for example. In addition, the display module can be installed in the chamber. By means of an angled housing and a correspondingly angled block, the display module can be oriented in the chamber in such a way that the display of the display module can be read well. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] in:

[0030] 1a-c show the prior art, namely a field device housing with a potted chamber feedthrough from Rosemount,

[0031] Figure 2 A first embodiment of the field device structure is shown.

[0032] Figure 3 The electrical connection elements are schematically shown,

[0033] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the field device structure is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 A third embodiment of the field device structure is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 Another embodiment of the electrical connection element is shown, and

[0036] Figure 7 A further embodiment of a field device architecture with a cloud connection is shown.

[0037] Parts that correspond to one another are provided with the same reference symbols in all the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] FIGS. 1a-c show a field device housing from the company Rosemount. FIG. 1a shows an open housing 100 with a cover 101 and a connection block 102 next to it on the left. The connection block 102 has two sockets on the back (covered in the picture) for accommodating pin-shaped contacts 106. The chamber 103 of the housing 100 has a chamber lead-through 105 with two pin-shaped contacts 106. The chamber lead-through 105 with the pin-shaped contacts 106 is completely surrounded by a potting 107.

[0039] Fig. 1b shows a top view of the chamber 103 of the opened housing 100. Fig. 1c is an oblique view in contrast, in order to more clearly illustrate the dimensions of the chamber 103. The chamber passage 105 with the complete potting 107, from which the pin-shaped contact 106 projects, can be particularly well seen here.

[0040] Figure 2 A possible embodiment of a field device structure (1) is shown. A housing (14) has at least two chambers (2, 3), wherein a first module (4a) is arranged in the first chamber (2) and a second module (4b) is arranged in the second chamber (3). The chambers (2, 3) are each closed by a cover (22, 23).

[0041] A third chamber is arranged at the lower end of the field device structure (1), contains a sensor module (8) and is closed by a process interface (7).

[0042] The housing (14) has two channels (12, 13) between the first chamber (4a) and the second chamber (4b) and between the first chamber (4a) and the third chamber. In order to establish an electrical connection between the chambers, an electrical connection device (6) is guided in the channels (12, 13). The electrical connection device (6) comprises a rigid-flexible section, wherein a flexible section is guided in the channel (12, 13). The rigid section is at the entrance or exit of the channel (12, 13) respectively. The shape of the entrance or exit of the corresponding channel (12, 13) corresponds to the shape of the rigid section of the electrical connection device (6). In this way, a higher sealing effect is achieved without an additional sealing device.

[0043] Figure 3A possible embodiment of an electrical connection element (6) is shown. The electrical connection element (6) is, for example, a rigid printed circuit board which has a flexible section (6f, g, h, j, k) at least on one side. The flexible section (6g, h) is constructed between two rigid sections (6a, b, c). The open ends of the flexible sections (6f, j, k) are provided with contact surfaces (6x, y, z) or plugs. The rigid sections can have electrical and / or electronic components (16), as shown, for example, at the rigid section (6c). At least one of the rigid sections (20a, b, c) can also be placed in the sealing element (6a).

[0044] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a field device structure (1) is shown. For a better understanding, the housing (14) is shown rotated 180 degrees so that a possible potting process can be depicted. The housing (14) has a central channel (12) with a plurality of bifurcated branches. Each branch leads to a chamber (4a, 4b, 11, 19). The chamber (4a, 4b, 11, 19) is completely covered with a rigid section of the electrical connection device. Additional sealing is achieved via sealing elements (20a, b, c).

[0045] During the potting process, a funnel (24) is placed at the opening of the channel (12) at the third chamber (11) and the potting material (17) is filled. The rigid section of the connecting device (6) in the chamber (11) does not completely close the opening of the channel (12), which makes it easier to fill the potting material (17). The potting material (17) enters the chamber (19) by gravity, in which a radio antenna (18) is arranged. The radio antenna (18) can be electrically contacted with the module of the chamber (4a, 4b, 11) via the electrical connection element (6). The potting material (17) reaches each branch of the channel (12) until the channel (12) is completely filled.

[0046] Figure 5 Another embodiment of a field device structure (1) is shown. The housing (14) is produced using a hydroforming process. Seals (21) are arranged between the individual housing elements. The sealing lip of the seal (21) ends flush with the outer wall of the housing element, making this embodiment particularly suitable for the food and beverage industry.

[0047] A block (50) can be introduced via one of the chambers (2, 3, 11) and divides the housing (14) into a plurality of chambers. The block (50) comprises electrical connection elements (6) via which electrical connections can be established between the modules (4a, 4b) and the sensor (8) in the chambers (2, 3, 11). The block (50) is placed and / or fixed in a support (51) arranged at the chamber (11). The support (51) can additionally perform a sealing function and seal the chamber (11) with the sensor (8).

[0048] Figure 6 Two embodiments of an electrical connection element (6) are shown schematically. The contact surfaces (6z) are brought into contact with the corresponding contact tongues in the interface (10). The contact surfaces are coated with tin, silver or gold and have at least one contact point, but preferably on each side, so that each two contact pairs work together, accommodating the mating contact between them. Another alternative is the use of a so-called perforated interface (6p).

[0049] In this case, the finished contact system (single contact) is crimped via the flexible conductor strip, ie it penetrates the flexible conductor strip and contacts it.

[0050] exist Figure 7 Another embodiment of a field device structure (1) is shown in the figure, in which the field device (1A, 1B, 1C, 1C) is connected to a control device (89) or a PLC, a process control system (81) on the one hand, and to an AI / KI system on the other hand, which works in the manner of artificial intelligence.

[0051] In this case, at least one field device structure (1B) is located in a secure industrial area (93), whereas other components can be installed in a normal industrial area (94).

[0052] Here, at least one field device structure (1B) communicates via a secure connection (e.g. 4-20 mA or APL) with a control device (89) and a higher-level process control system, PLC (81), which can be viewed or controlled by a user (88) via a terminal (78).

[0053] Here, such a communication path [A](91) is preferably a wired connection.

[0054] Here, at least one field device structure communicates with a radio connection point (83) via another connection, either wired via a switch (80) or wirelessly via a radio antenna (18) and transmits data from its sensor module (30), which evaluates a pressure or temperature sensor (70), or a level switch (71) or a level sensor (72) or other sensors, such as humidity, vibration, light incidence or internal pressure, which can also be integrated into a housing (14) and connected to an internal module (4) via an electrical connection element (6).

[0055] The second connection [B] (90) is preferably wireless, but can also be a wired connection. The data arrives via this second path to the cloud (82), from which they are centrally located and clearly available to the user (88) in the dashboard assembly view, additionally via the second connection (62).

[0056] However, the data also go on to the server (60) via this second path, where they are preferably temporarily stored and then analyzed and evaluated via an AI / KI system. For example, pattern recognition and deep learning methods are used in this process.

[0057] In this case, in a first step, the data are analyzed and stored in the AI / KI system, and in a second step, the incoming data are compared with the current data and the recognition result obtained therefrom by the AI / KI software. The analysis result of the AI / KI system is then stored again on the server (60), made available and made available to the user at the terminal (78) via a third connection (63) and supplemented with operating suggestions and alarm prompts.

[0058] The user can perform a preferential analysis based on these additional data and provide input and feedback information to the AI / KI system via the third path (63), which will deepen the data analysis based on priority.

[0059] Furthermore, the results and information of the AI / KI system can be fed back to the field device structure (64), if this is previously configured in the configuration file for the device and approved by the user (88).

[0060] Such results and information of the AI / KI system can also be requested, viewed and used manually by the user on site via module (4A).

[0061] Here, the module or field device structure has an internal "safety area", which is particularly designed for the priority transmission of data via the first connection, and has an "evaluation / display area", which displays or evaluates the returned information via a second firmware and / or hardware structure or outputs it in the form of a service or warning signal.

[0062] Such a signal may relate to an increased internal pressure or humidity or an unauthorized opening, a leak, of the relevant housing (14), but may also relate to analyzed irregularities, fluctuations, reaching of limit values ​​of measured values ​​(such as pulsations, cavitation, corrosion or vibrations). In particular, for this purpose, the information is also displayed graphically as a value or a graph or as a function of time, while in the background the data continues to be transmitted in parallel via the first connection.

[0063] In order to separate the communication between the "safety area" and the "evaluation / display area" or the first and second and third connection paths, the internal electrical connection kit (6) for these areas is equipped with separate line connections for the different connection paths.

[0064] “Safety industrial areas” or “safety zones” are in particular applications or areas with regulations for explosion protection according to SIL or Ex-i or Ex-d.

[0065] The invention is not limited to the detailed embodiments described above. It may be modified within the scope of the subsequent claims. Aspects from the dependent claims may also be combined with one another.

[0066] Reference numerals list

[0067] 1 Field equipment structure

[0068] 2 First chamber

[0069] 3 Second chamber

[0070] 4a Module 1

[0071] 4b Module 2

[0072] 5a First clamping block

[0073] 5b Second clamping block

[0074] 6 Electrical connection components

[0075] 6a, b, c Rigid section

[0076] 6f, g, h, j, k Flexible section

[0077] 6x, y, z contact surface

[0078] 7 Process interface

[0079] 8 Sensors

[0080] 9 Circuit Board

[0081] 10 Interface

[0082] 11. Third Chamber

[0083] 12 channels

[0084] 13 channels

[0085] 14 Housing

[0086] 15 Undercut

[0087] 16 Structural elements

[0088] 17 Potting material

[0089] 18 Radio Antenna

[0090] 19 Chamber

[0091] 20a, b, c Sealing element

[0092] 21 Seals

[0093] 22 Lid

[0094] 23 Lid

[0095] 24 Funnel

[0096] 30 Sensor Module

[0097] 50 yuan

[0098] 51 Support

[0099] 60 Servers

[0100] 61 First Connection

[0101] 62 Second Connection

[0102] 63 Third Connection

[0103] 67 AI / KI system

[0104] 70 Temperature or pressure sensor

[0105] 71 Liquid level switch

[0106] 72 Liquid level sensor

[0107] 78 Terminal

[0108] 80 Switch

[0109] 81 PLC

[0110] 82 Cloud

[0111] 83 radio connection points

[0112] 88 users

[0113] 89 Control Device

[0114] 90 Connection Path Wireless

[0115] 92 Connection Path Cable

[0116] 93 Safe Industrial Area

[0117] 94 General industrial areas

[0118] 100 Field device / housing

[0119] 101 Lid

[0120] 102 Connection block

[0121] 103 Chamber

[0122] 105 Chamber penetration part

[0123] 106 Pin contacts

[0124] 107 Potting Department

Claims

1. Field device structures for process and automation technology (1), including - a housing (14), - with at least one first chamber (2) and one second chamber (3), which are arranged in the housing (14), wherein: At least one first module (4a) is arranged in the first chamber (2) and at least one second module (4b) is arranged in the second chamber (3), wherein the two chambers (2, 3) are connected via at least one channel (13). - An electrical connection element (6) which is guided in at least one channel (12), wherein the electrical connection element (6) is provided for establishing an electrical connection between the first module (2) and the second module (3), wherein the electrical connection element (6) is at least partially composed of rigid sections (6a, b, c) and flexible sections (6f, g, h, k, j) and is provided with contact surfaces (6x, y, z) or contact elements for contacting the modules (2, 3).

2. The field device structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (14) has a third chamber (11) in which a sensor module (30) is arranged.

3. The field device structure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The housing (14) has at least two channels (12, 13), wherein the first channel (12) connects the first chamber (2) and the second chamber (3), and the second channel (13) connects the first chamber (2) and the third chamber (11).

4. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The electrical connection element (6) establishes an electrical connection not only between the first module (4a) and the second module (4b) but also between the first module (4a) and the sensor module (30).

5. The field device structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first chamber (2) and the second chamber (3) are arranged at an angle to each other.

6. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one channel (12, 13) is potted with a potting material.

7. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The rigid sections (6a, b, c) of the electrical connection element (6) are arranged in a receptacle in the entry region of the channel (12, 13) and in doing so at least partially cover the channel (12, 13).

8. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Sealing elements (20a, b) are arranged in the inlet region of the channels (12, 13).

9. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one rigid section (6a, b, c) of the electrical connection element (6) is pressed into the entry region of the channel (12, 13) or into a sealing element (20a, b) arranged there and seals the channel (12, 13), wherein the opposite opening of the channel (12, 13) is at least partially covered by another rigid section (6a, b, c) of the electrical connection element (6).

10. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one channel (12, 13) has at least one undercut (15).

11. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The rigid section (6a, b, c) of the electrical connection element (6) is composed of multiple layers and has contact surfaces (6x, y, z) and / or plug connectors at least on the surface facing the module (4a, b), which establish an electrical connection with the module (4a, b).

12. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The rigid sections (6a, b, c) of the electrical connection element (6) have electrical or electronic components.

13. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The flexible section (6f, g, h, k, j) of the electrical connection element (6) is arranged in the at least one channel (12, 13).

14. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first module (4a) and / or the second module (4b) are designed in such a way that the display module is pluggable.

15. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing (14) is made of a metal sheet by a casting process or a hydraulic forming process, and the inner walls of the channels (12, 13) are not machined.

16. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The electrical connection element (6) is potted in a block (50) which is centrally placed in the housing (14).

17. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The modules (4a, b) are fixed and / or oriented on the block (50).

18. Field device structures for process and automation technology (1), including - a housing (14), - at least one first chamber (2) and one second chamber (3), which are arranged in the housing (14), wherein: At least one first module (4a) is arranged in the first chamber (2) and at least one second module (4b) is arranged in the second chamber (3), wherein the two chambers (2, 3) are connected via at least one channel (13). - an electrical connection element (6) which is guided in at least one channel (12), wherein the electrical connection element (6) is provided for establishing an electrical connection between the first module (2) and the second module (3), wherein the electrical connection element (6) has at least different or separate conductor strips for communication between components in a "safety area" and in an "evaluation / display area" within the field device structure, and / or Therein, the field device structure has a first and a second connection path, wherein at least one connection path on standard 4-20 mA or APL is used to transmit a main signal.

19. The field device arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Communication via an internal connection to the "evaluation / display area" or via a second connection path contains data for external evaluation on the AI / KI system, or processed data and information are provided by the AI / KI system via the second connection device for functions in the field device structure or for display to the user.

20. Field device structures for process and automation technology (1), including - a housing (14) having at least two chambers (2, 3, 11, 17) and at least one channel (12, 13) connecting two of the chambers (2, 3, 11, 17), wherein: A first channel (12) is provided for connecting a first one of the chambers (2) and a second one of the chambers (3), - at least two modules (4a, 4b), wherein a first one (2) of the modules is arranged in the first chamber (2) and a second one (3) of the modules is arranged in the second chamber (3), an electrical connection element (6) which is guided in the at least one channel (12), wherein the electrical connection element (6) is provided for establishing an electrical connection between the first module (2) and the second module (3), wherein the electrical connection element (6) has at least different or separate conductor strips for communication between components in a "safety area" and in an "evaluation / display area" within the field device structure, and / or Therein, the field device structure has a first and a second connection path, wherein at least one connection path on standard 4-20 mA or APL is used to transmit a main signal.

21. The field device structure (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that The communication via the internal connection to the “evaluation / display area” or via the second connection path contains data for external evaluation on the AI / KI system or processed data and information are provided by the AI / KI system via the second connecting device for functions in the field device structure or for display to a user.

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