Plug connection part, connection device and measuring system for inductive transmission of energy and / or signal in environments having

Abstract

A plug-in connection part (4) for inductive transmission of energy and / or signals in an environment in the risk of explosion, in particular for a measuring system (1), comprises an electrical circuit (28) having the circuit connection terminal (29), a primary coil (23) in the circuit (28), and an ignition protection device (39) in the circuit (28), the primary coil (23) being arranged in the electrical circuit (28), and the ignition protection device (39) being arranged in the primary coil (23) in the electrical circuit (28). The invention relates to a plug connector (1) comprising a primary coil (11) for providing electrical energy for a plug connection part (4), a secondary coil (11) for inductive coupling with the secondary coil (11), and an ignition protection device for preventing an ignition effect in the event of a fault by limiting a reverse effect of electrical energy on the circuit connection (29). A connection device (2) for the inductive transmission of energy and / or signals comprises such a plug connection part (4), and a measuring system comprises such a connection device (2).

Description

[0001] The content of German patent application DE 102 23 20 457 6.1 is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a plug-in connection for inductively transmitting energy and / or signals in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard, in particular for a measuring system. The present application also relates to a connection device for inductively transmitting energy and / or signals. The present application furthermore relates to a measuring system. BACKGROUND

[0003] From DE 10 2018 122 015 A1 an inductive interface for inductively transmitting signals between a primary side and a secondary side is known, which establishes a releasable signal connection between a superordinate unit and a field device. To ensure that the field device is suitable for use in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard, while at the same time reducing its size as far as possible, a component circuit for preventing the generation of sparks is provided on a circuit board carrying the secondary coil. There is still a continuing need for an inductive plug-in connection which is particularly robust in terms of signal transmission and can be operated particularly safely in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard.

[0004] DE 19 71 9730 C1 discloses a plug-in connection for inductively transmitting energy and signals in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard, which has a limiting device which is intended to prevent ignition effects in the event of a fault. The limiting device is designed to provide ignition protection in the plug-in connection region and in the region of the secondary-side sensors and actuators. The disadvantage is that the ignition risk resulting from the counteraction of the electrical energy received by the circuit connection terminal on this circuit connection terminal is not reduced. SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present application to provide an improved plug-in connection for inductively transmitting energy and / or signals in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard, which connection is particularly safe to operate in such an environment and ensures energy and / or signal transmission in a particularly reliable and robust manner.

[0006] This task is achieved by a plug-in connection component having the features of claim 1. It has been recognized that a plug-in connection component for inductive transmission of energy and / or signals in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard, in particular for a measuring system, having circuit connection terminals and a primary coil to which electrical energy is supplied, has a spark protection device. The spark protection device is designed to prevent a sparking effect, in particular in the event of a fault, by limiting the counteraction of electrical energy on the circuit connection terminals. As a result, the plug-in connection component has a very high level of safety in operation, in particular in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard. Since the spark protection device is arranged on the primary-side plug-in connection component, in particular at the inductive transmission location of the plug-in connection component on the energy source side, the inductive transmission of energy and / or signals can be designed to be particularly robust without affecting its suitability for use in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard. In particular, by equipping the plug-in connection component with a spark protection device, the spark protection effect is improved even if the plug-in connection component has means that provide particularly stable transmission of energy and / or signals. This makes the inductive transmission of energy and signals particularly resistant to external disturbances, such as electromagnetic fields and / or mechanical influences, in particular contamination. With the aid of the spark protection device, the plug-in connection component, in particular the device and / or measuring system formed thereby, can be designed to be sufficiently safe so that complex spark tests for verification of the explosion safety are avoided. Such a plug-in connection component can therefore be adapted to the requirements of use in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard in a particularly economical manner.

[0007] The signal can in principle contain an energy component that cannot be ignored. The spark protection device in the sense of explosion protection preferably also acts on this energy component, in particular on all electrical energy present in the plug-in connection component. In other words, the spark protection device can be designed to prevent a sparking effect in the event of a fault by limiting the counteraction of electrical energy, in particular of energy and / or signals, on the circuit connection terminals. The signal can be used to transmit analog and digital information, i.e. for example to implement data transmission.

[0008] In addition to diodes, other integrated or non-integrated components having a similar function to diodes can also be used. For example, in certain cases, so-called parallel voltage regulators or other components having a non-linear characteristic curve and a suitable threshold voltage or breakdown voltage are also suitable.

[0009] The circuit connection terminals, the primary coil and / or the spark protection device are preferably integrated into a circuit, in particular at least partially, in particular predominantly, arranged on the same circuit board, in particular on a single-sided board or a multilayer board, and / or at least partially, in particular entirely, arranged within the same housing of the plug-in connection component. The circuit connection terminals and / or the primary coil and / or the spark protection device are preferably fixed to one another by a material connection, in particular a solder connection.

[0010] The plug-in connection component is preferably designed to be intrinsically safe in terms of explosion protection, in particular in terms of electrical ignition protection. It preferably has an intrinsic safety property which is suitable for gas explosion protection zones and / or dust explosion protection zones, in particular at least meets the requirements of category 2, in particular at least meets the requirements of category 1, in particular meets the requirements of category 0. To this end, the energy storable in the plug-in connection component is preferably limited to a safe range.

[0011] The fault situation can include: at least one electrical line, in particular a line for transmitting energy and / or signals, electrical power, in particular a signal line, a supply potential line and / or a reference potential line, is interrupted accidentally and / or contrary to the operating specifications; and / or an electrical connection is formed accidentally, for example a short circuit, which occurs in particular in the order mentioned above or in the reverse order, for example as a result of a mechanical damage, in particular. By way of example, any short circuit and / or open circuit of an electrical line, in particular a defective solder joint, a cable break, an intrusion of a liquid, in particular an electrically conductive liquid, into the circuit and / or a plug-in connection which is disconnected contrary to the specifications, can trigger such a fault situation.

[0012] The transmission of energy and / or signals is to be understood as meaning the transmission of electrical energy, in particular electrical power, and / or the transmission of information, in particular electrical signals. The electrical power transmitted can be used to supply electrical loads, in particular data processing devices and / or sensors. The transmission of energy and / or signals preferably takes place between the primary coil and the secondary coil, in particular bidirectionally, from the primary coil to the secondary coil and / or from the secondary coil to the primary coil. Electrical power is preferably transmitted from the primary coil to the secondary coil, in particular for driving the secondary-side circuit, in particular the counter plug-in connection component and / or at least one sensor. The data exchange can take place bidirectionally, preferably at least from the secondary coil to the primary coil.

[0013] The plug-in connection component is preferably a primary-side connection component with respect to the inductive transmission location, which is arranged in particular on the energy source side. The plug-in connection component is designed in particular for releasable, in particular non-destructive, connection with the counter plug-in connection component. A locking device for reversibly securing the plug-in connection is preferably provided, in particular for forming a bayonet locking structure.

[0014] The circuit connection terminal is used to exchange electrical power and / or electrical signals with the plug-in connection component. The circuit connection terminal preferably establishes a signal connection with a signal processing device, which is designed in particular independently of the plug-in connection component and is arranged spaced apart from the component. The signal processing device is also referred to as a transducer and is preferably an energy source for the plug-in connection component. The circuit connection terminal can comprise electrical contacts, in particular solder contacts and / or clamping contacts. The circuit connection terminal is preferably designed for connecting an electrical circuit to a connection cable, in particular to a cable to the signal processing device. The circuit connection terminal can be provided with power contacts, in particular at least one operating voltage contact and / or a reference potential contact, and / or at least one, in particular at least two, signal line contacts, in particular data contacts, in particular data bus contacts. The at least one operating voltage contact is also referred to as a power supply potential contact, and the at least one operating voltage is also referred to as a power supply potential.

[0015] An ignition effect can be triggered by an ignition spark, in particular when the spark is not isolated from an environment in which an explosion hazard exists. An object surface exceeding a certain temperature can also potentially produce an ignition effect. The ignition protection device preferably suppresses at least one, in particular two, ignition mechanisms.

[0016] The ignition protection device is preferably equipped with electrical and / or electronic components, in particular for limiting the maximum electrical energy and / or electrical power that the electrical circuit can deliver to the circuit connection terminal and / or the maximum voltage that can be applied between any two circuit connection terminal contacts. The ignition protection device is preferably electrically connected in the electrical circuit between the primary winding and the circuit connection terminal, in particular directly to the circuit connection terminal.

[0017] By direct electrical connection of the first object to the second object, it is specifically meant that at most only a line resistance, in particular a maximum of 1 Ohm, in particular a maximum of 100 Ohm, in particular a maximum of 1 kOhm, is arranged on the electrical connection path between the first object and the second object, without any further elements, in particular without resistors, capacitors, inductors and / or control elements.

[0018] By limiting the counteraction of electrical energy on the circuit connection terminal, it is specifically meant that the maximum possible energy return, in particular the energy return per unit of time, i.e. the maximum electrical power, to the circuit connection terminal is limited, and / or the maximum voltage that the plug-in connection component, in particular the electrical circuit, can deliver to the circuit connection terminal is limited. The energy here specifically refers to the energy that is obtained via the plug-in connection component through the circuit connection terminal and / or the energy that is at least temporarily stored by the plug-in connection component.

[0019] According to an aspect of the application, the plug-in connection component is provided with a potting structure, in particular a potting layer. The circuit is preferably at least partially, in particular entirely, provided with a liquid-tight and / or gas-tight potting, in particular a sealed and / or a potted potting. The potting layer can comprise and preferably be made of an electrically insulating material, in particular a plastic material. The potting layer can be designed to have a thermal conductivity in order to achieve a heat dissipation of the circuit. The plug-in connection component, in particular the circuit and / or the connection cable, can be provided with an electric and / or a magnetic shielding structure.

[0020] The plug-in connection component is preferably part of a measurement system which is equipped with a sensor for detecting a measurement parameter. The plug-in connection component can be arranged on the energy supply side and / or opposite the sensor with respect to the inductive transmission position.

[0021] According to an aspect of the application, the circuit can be provided with an amplification device, in particular for amplifying an electrical signal which is delivered to and / or received by the primary coil. The amplification device is preferably equipped with at least one inductive element, a capacitive element, and / or an element for at least temporarily storing electrical input energy, in particular electrical and / or magnetic energy. The inductive element can have an inductance of at least 0.1 mH, in particular at least 0.5 mH, in particular at least 1 mH, in particular at least 10 mH, and / or at most 100 mH, in particular at most 10 mH. The capacitive element can have a capacitance of at least 1 μF, in particular at least 10 μF, in particular at least 100 μF, and / or at most 1 mF, in particular at most 100 μF. The energy storage capacity of the amplification device, in particular of the at least one inductive and / or capacitive element, when operated in a compliant state, in particular at a rated operating voltage, can be at least 1 μJ, in particular at least 10 μJ, in particular at least 50 μJ, in particular at least 100 μJ, in particular at least 200 μJ, in particular at least 400 μJ, and / or at most 100 mJ, in particular at most 50 mJ, in particular at most 10 mJ, in particular at most 1 mJ, in particular at most 500 μJ, in particular at most 500 μJ. In particular, the total inductance, the total capacitance, and / or the total energy storage capacity of the plug-in connection component, in particular of the circuit, in particular of the amplification device, can comply with at least one of the above-mentioned numerical ranges.

[0022] The amplification device can be provided with an oscillation circuit, in particular a series oscillation circuit and / or a parallel oscillation circuit, in particular comprising the at least one inductive element and the at least one capacitive element. The primary coil is preferably part of this oscillation circuit. The amplification device preferably comprises and / or consists of a class E amplifier. This amplification device advantageously ensures that a signal, in particular a data signal, can be transmitted particularly reliably and robustly by means of the inductive connection. However, the amplification device increases the energy storage capacity of the circuit. The ignition protection device can be designed to limit the counteracting effect of the electrical energy stored in the amplification device on the circuit connection terminals.

[0023] The amplification device can be provided with a supply inductance which is arranged in front of the oscillation circuit. In order to achieve a high energy efficiency of the oscillation circuit, the inductance value of the supply inductance has to be chosen to be sufficiently large. This can in particular increase the energy storage capacity of the circuit, in particular of the amplification device. The ignition prevention device can limit the intensity of the reverse effect of the electrical energy stored in the supply inductance on the circuit connection terminals.

[0024] According to one aspect of the application, the amplification device has a total inductance value of at least 0.1 mH, in particular at least 0.5 mH, in particular at least 1 mH, in particular at least 5 mH. The total inductance value of the amplification device preferably comprises at least the inductance value of the supply inductance and / or the inductance value of the primary coil.

[0025] According to another aspect of the application, the ignition prevention device is arranged, in particular electrically connected, between the amplification device and the circuit connection terminals. The ignition prevention device can be electrically connected in the following manner: in parallel with the amplification device, in particular connected between the supply potential contact and the reference potential contact of the circuit connection terminals, and the amplification device remains electrically connected to the circuit connection terminals; or in series with the amplification device, in particular connected between the supply potential contact or the reference potential contact and the amplification device.

[0026] The ignition prevention device can be electrically connected, in particular directly electrically connected, to the operating voltage contact and / or the reference potential contact of the circuit connection terminals.

[0027] According to another aspect of the application, the plug-in connection component is provided with a current conditioning device on the electrical line between the circuit, in particular between the circuit connection terminals, and the ignition prevention device. The current conditioning device can comprise a voltage smoothing element, a voltage regulator and / or a voltage divider. The current conditioning device can be designed to provide at least one, in particular at least two, voltage levels for the operation of the plug-in connection component. The ignition prevention device is preferably electrically connected along the electrical line between the current conditioning device and the primary coil, in particular the amplification device, in particular in the following manner: in series, in particular connected between the supply potential contact or the reference potential contact and the current conditioning device, and / or between the current conditioning device and the amplification device, in particular the primary coil; and / or in parallel, in particular connected between the supply potential contact and the reference potential contact, and in parallel with the current conditioning device and / or the amplification device, in particular the primary coil.

[0028] The plug-in connection component can be provided with further components, in particular communication devices, in particular digital components, modem components, modulation-demodulation components and / or frequency filters, in particular bandpass filters.

[0029] According to another aspect of the application, the ignition prevention device is directly connected to the circuit connection terminals. In this way, the ignition prevention device can reliably limit the reverse effect of the electrical energy on the circuit connection terminals.

[0030] According to another aspect of the application, the plug-in connection component can be equipped with a connection cable at the circuit connection terminal. The anti-ignition device can be designed to limit the counteraction of electrical energy on the connection cable, in particular to prevent the generation of an ignition effect in the connection cable, especially in the event of a fault, in particular a contact fault and / or a line fault, for example a short circuit or a cable break. The connection cable can be provided with a shielding layer. The connection cable preferably comprises at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four cable cores. The connection cable, in particular the cable cores, is preferably fixed to the circuit connection terminal, in particular to the corresponding connection contacts, by a force connection and / or a material connection. The shielding layer can also be fixed to the housing and / or to additional contacts or existing contacts of the circuit connection terminal by a force connection and / or a material connection. The connection cable is preferably arranged at least partially, in particular predominantly, outside the housing of the plug-in connection component.

[0031] According to an aspect of the application, the anti-ignition device can be designed to limit the electrical energy and / or electrical power that can contribute to igniting an explosive mixture in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard. The anti-ignition device can comprise at least one resistor for controllably releasing energy, in particular energy stored in the circuit, in particular in the amplification device, in the supply inductance. The anti-ignition device can be provided with a voltage limiter and / or a power limiter, in particular a power regulator. The anti-ignition device can be provided with a short-circuit element, for example a crowbar circuit and / or a voltage limiter, in particular a parallel voltage regulator, which is arranged in particular in parallel to the energy storage assembly of the plug-in connection component, for example to the amplification device, in particular to the supply inductance and / or to the primary winding.

[0032] According to an aspect of the application, the anti-ignition device is provided with at least one diode, which is connected directly to the circuit connection terminal, in particular to the reference potential contact and / or to the operating voltage contact, in particular in order to limit the maximum terminal voltage. The at least one diode can be a rectifier diode, in particular a silicon diode, a Schottky diode and / or a Zener diode (hereinafter referred to as "Zener"). The forward voltage drop of the diode is preferably in the range of 0.1 V to 10 V, in particular 0.2 V to 5 V, in particular 0.3 V to 2 V. The breakdown voltage, in particular of the Zener, is preferably in the range of 1 V to 30 V, in particular 1.5 V to 10 V, in particular 2 V to 7 V, in particular 3 V to 6 V. The anti-ignition device is preferably provided with a bidirectional short-circuit element, in particular for limiting the energy and / or voltage strength that an oscillating circuit can input into the circuit connection terminal.

[0033] The at least one diode preferably limits the maximum voltage that can be generated between at least two, in particular all, connection contacts of the circuit connection terminal.

[0034] According to an aspect of the application, the ignition protection device can be provided with at least two diodes, in particular arranged between the two supply contacts of the circuit connection terminal. The at least two diodes are preferably connected directly to the supply contacts, in particular to the working voltage contact and / or to the reference potential contact, in particular in parallel with one another, and / or in parallel with the amplification device and / or with the current conditioning device. The at least two diodes are preferably rectifier diodes, in particular Schottky diodes. Their forward direction is preferably oriented in the direction from the reference potential contact to the working voltage contact.

[0035] The ignition protection device can be designed as a single-path or as a multiple-redundant structure, in particular at least double, in particular at least triple redundant. To this end, the at least two, in particular at least three diodes can be connected in parallel with one another.

[0036] According to an aspect of the application, the ignition protection device can be provided with at least one, in particular at least two, in particular two diodes, in particular rectifier diodes, Schottky diodes, between the working voltage contact and the first signal line contact, and / or between the first signal line contact and the reference potential contact, and / or between the working voltage contact and the second signal line contact, and / or between the second signal line contact and the reference potential contact. The diodes are preferably connected directly to the corresponding contacts. For example, when the diodes are arranged in parallel, the ignition protection device is formed by at least two rectifier diodes, preferably in a redundant structure, in particular at least double redundant, in order to achieve a particularly reliable ignition protection effect. The ignition protection device can also be designed with only a single diode (without redundancy), or with a higher redundancy level, in particular at least double, in particular at least triple redundant.

[0037] According to an aspect of the application, the ignition protection device is provided with at least two Zener diodes between the two supply contacts of the circuit connection terminal, in particular between the working voltage contact and the reference potential contact. The at least two Zener diodes are preferably connected directly to the supply contacts. If at least triple redundancy is to be achieved, the number of Zener diodes can be increased accordingly. As an alternative to the non-redundant solution, only a single Zener diode can also be provided.

[0038] According to an aspect of the application, the ignition protection device can be provided with at least one diode and / or at least one resistor. The current conditioning device can be electrically connected in particular in the direction of the signal line between the at least one diode and / or at least one resistor and the working voltage contact. The ignition protection device is preferably connected in series with the current conditioning device. The ignition protection device can be connected in parallel with the amplification device, in particular with the primary coil. One connection of the ignition protection device is preferably connected to the electrical line between the current conditioning device and the primary coil, in particular the amplification device.

[0039] According to one aspect of the application, the energy storage capacity of the plug-in connection component, in particular of the electrical circuit, in the state of proper use can exceed the ignition capability threshold. In particular, the ignition capability threshold will be exceeded if no anti-ignition device is provided. The plug-in connection component is operated in the state of proper use with, in particular, the maximum permissible operating voltage. Its operating voltage is preferably in the range of 1 V to 30 V, in particular 1.5 V to 25 V, in particular 2 V to 12 V, in particular 2.25 V to 8 V, in particular 2.5 V to 4 V, preferably 3 V. The energy storage capacity, in particular the inductive and / or capacitive energy storage capacity, of the plug-in connection component, in particular of the electrical circuit, in the state of proper use is preferably in the range of 1 μJ to 500 mJ, in particular 5 μJ to 100 mJ, in particular 10 μJ to 1 mJ, in particular 20 μJ to 500 μJ, in particular 40 μJ to 200 μJ.

[0040] It is a further task of the application to provide an improved connection device for inductively transmitting energy and / or signals, which is in particular safe to operate in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard and which ensures energy and / or signal transmission in a particularly reliable and robust manner.

[0041] This task is achieved by a connection device for inductively transmitting energy and / or signals, in particular electrical power and / or signals, comprising a plug-in connection component as described above and a counterpart plug-in connection component for reversibly loose connection with the plug-in connection component. The advantages of the connection device correspond to the advantages of the plug-in connection component. The connection device preferably has in particular at least one feature described above in connection with the plug-in connection component.

[0042] The counterpart plug-in connection component is preferably provided with a secondary circuit in which a secondary coil is arranged. The counterpart plug-in connection component can be provided with an anti-ignition device in the secondary circuit for preventing ignition effects in the event of a fault, in particular for limiting the counteraction of the electrical energy received by the counterpart plug-in connection component on the plug-in connection component, in particular on the primary coil.

[0043] The connection device is preferably provided with a locking device for reversibly loose locking of the plug-in connection between the plug-in connection component and the counterpart plug-in connection component. The locking device can be designed as a snap connection and / or as a bayonet connection. The locking device preferably comprises a locking sleeve, which is in particular rotatable about a central longitudinal axis of the connection device.

[0044] The connection device is preferably designed as intrinsically safe in the sense of electrical explosion protection, in particular for safe operation in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard.

[0045] It is a further task of the present application to provide an improved measuring system which can be operated particularly safely, especially in environments in which there is an explosion hazard, and which can safeguard the transmission of sensor signals in an exceptionally reliable and robust manner.

[0046] The task is achieved by a measuring system comprising at least one sensor and a connection device as described above. The at least one sensor can comprise a μH sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a redox sensor, an oxygen sensor, a conductivity sensor, a liquid sensor and / or a gas sensor.

[0047] The at least one sensor preferably establishes a signal transmission connection and / or a mechanical connection, in particular a rigid connection, with the counter plug-in connection part. The sensor can be mounted on the housing, in particular the secondary housing, of the counter plug-in connection part. The sensor is preferably mounted on the counter plug-in connection part by means of a cable connection or directly, in particular wirelessly.

[0048] The measuring system can be provided with at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, of the above-mentioned sensors, which are arranged in particular on the same counter plug-in connection part.

[0049] The sensor signals acquired by the at least one sensor are transmitted between the counter plug-in connection part and the plug-in connection part, preferably in an inductive manner, in particular via an inductive coupling path of the primary coil and the secondary coil. Energy and / or signals are preferably transmitted via the inductive coupling path. In particular, the energy supply of the at least one sensor is effected via the inductive coupling path.

[0050] According to an aspect of the present application, the measuring system can be provided with a signal processing device for processing the sensor signals transmitted by the connection device. The signal processing device can provide electrical energy for powering the plug-in connection part, the counter plug-in connection part and / or the at least one sensor, in particular as an energy source for these components. The signal processing device preferably provides an operating voltage between an operating voltage contact and a reference potential contact.

[0051] The signal processing device is preferably connected to the plug-in connection part by means of a connection cable.

[0052] The signal processing device can be provided with a user interface, in particular for the input and / or output of information, in particular comprising an output unit, in particular a display and / or a loudspeaker, and / or an input unit, in particular at least one touch- and / or pressure-sensitive element.

[0053] The signal processing device can be provided with a data transmission unit for the wired or wireless transmission of data, in particular comprising a local area network interface, a wireless interface and / or a WiFi interface. The signal processing device is preferably in signal connection with a central computing unit, in particular a control room. The signal processing device can be provided with at least one electronic computing unit, in particular a processor, in particular a microcontroller, for processing the sensor signals.

[0054] According to one aspect of the application, the signal processing device is designed as intrinsically safe in the sense of explosion protection. The signal processing device can be provided with an ignition protection device for preventing ignition effects in the event of a fault, in particular by limiting the maximum electrical energy, in particular the electrical energy per unit of time, and / or the voltage that can be generated on the connection device, in particular on the plug-in connection part and / or on the connection cable.

[0055] Due to the plug-in connection part being equipped with an ignition protection device, an ignition effect in the event of a fault can be reliably prevented, regardless of whether the connection cable remains connected. This is particularly important when the plug-in connection part stores, in particular has stored, a total amount of energy sufficient to trigger an ignition effect. The operating safety of the measuring system in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard can in particular be improved by the measuring system and the counter plug-in connection part also being designed as intrinsically safe, in particular being equipped with an ignition protection device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0056] Further features, details and advantages of the application will be described by means of the following description of multiple embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings:

[0057] Figure 1 A perspective partial sectional view of a measuring system is shown, which is provided with a connection device for inductively transmitting energy and / or signals, comprising a plug-in connection part equipped with an ignition protection device for preventing ignition effects in the event of a fault, and a counter plug-in connection part;

[0058] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a connection device is shown, comprising a plug-in connection part and a counter plug-in connection part; Figure 1

[0059] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a connection device is shown, comprising a plug-in connection part and a counter plug-in connection part; Figure 1 A schematic circuit diagram of a counter plug-in connection part is shown, which is provided with a sensor circuit connection terminal for establishing a signal connection with a sensor and a secondary coil for realizing inductive coupling with a plug-in connection part, in particular with a primary coil of the plug-in connection part;

[0060] Figure 4 A schematic circuit diagram of a connection device is shown, comprising a plug-in connection part and a counter plug-in connection part; Figure 1 ​Fig. 1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a plug-in connection component according to the principles of a first embodiment, wherein the ignition-proof device is provided with ten diodes, in particular two Zener diodes and eight Schottky diodes; and

[0061] Figure 5 Fig. 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a plug-in connection component according to the principles of a further embodiment, wherein the ignition-proof device is provided with two diodes, in particular two Schottky diodes and one resistor, which elements are electrically connected in a circuit between an amplification device and a current conditioning device of the plug-in connection component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] In connection with Figures 1 to 4 A first embodiment of the measuring system 1 is described, which comprises a connection device 2 and a sensor 3 connected thereto.

[0063] The sensor 3 is designed as a μH sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor 3 can also be designed as a redox sensor, a conductivity sensor, an oxygen sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and / or a sensor for detecting other process-relevant key parameters. The sensor can be provided with optical, inductive and / or electrode-type measuring elements.

[0064] The connection device 2 comprises a plug-in connection component 4 and a counter plug-in connection component 5 which can be reversibly connected thereto. The sensor 3 is preferably rigidly connected to the counter plug-in connection component 5, in particular to a housing 6 of the counter plug-in connection component 5.

[0065] The housing 6 of the counter plug-in connection component 5 is provided with a thread 7, in particular an external thread. The thread 7 serves for fixing the counter plug-in connection component 5 in a measuring position. The thread 7 is in particular designed such that the counter plug-in connection component 5 can be mounted on a measuring chamber wall such that the sensor 3 is located in the measuring chamber and the counter plug-in connection component 5 is arranged at least partially outside the measuring chamber. The measuring chamber wall is sealed, preferably liquid-tight, in particular gas-tight, by means of the counter plug-in connection component 5, in particular a sealing element. The housing 6 of the counter plug-in connection component 5 is provided with a tool interface 8 for driving the counter plug-in connection component 5 in rotation, in particular for screwing the thread 7 to the measuring chamber wall.

[0066] In connection with Figures 1 to 3 The counter plug-in connection component 5 is described in particular in detail. The counter plug-in connection component 5 comprises a secondary circuit 9 which is preferably arranged at least partially, in particular predominantly, on a secondary circuit board 10. A secondary coil 11 is provided in the secondary circuit 9 and is part of an inductive coupling path for transformer-like transmission of energy and / or signals.

[0067] The secondary coil 11 is wound on a secondary coil former 12, which is designed in particular as a hollow cylinder. The central cavity 13 of the secondary coil former 12 is cylindrical in structure.

[0068] The secondary circuit 9 is provided with a sensor circuit connection terminal 14 for establishing an energy and / or signal transmission connection with the sensor 3. The sensor circuit connection terminal 14 is designed to supply the sensor 3 with power and to transmit sensor signals. To this end, the sensor circuit connection terminal 14 comprises a plurality of, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, connection contacts, which are preferably connected, in particular materially connected, in particular welded, to corresponding connection contacts of the sensor 3.

[0069] The secondary circuit 9 is preferably also provided with at least one of the following: a secondary current conditioning device 15 for providing at least one supply voltage, in particular at least two supply voltages; and / or a secondary rectifying device 16 for rectifying an alternating current induced on the secondary coil 11; and / or a secondary communication device 17, in particular a modulation-demodulation assembly and / or a modem assembly, for exchanging energy and / or signals via the secondary coil 11; and / or a sensor communication device 18 for exchanging data with the sensor 3; and / or a sensor signal processing device 19, in particular equipped with an analog-digital converter, for processing sensor signals.

[0070] The mating plug-in connection part 5, in particular the secondary current conditioning device 15 and / or the secondary rectifying device 16, can be provided with a secondary ignition-proof device 20.1, 20.2 for preventing ignition effects in the event of a fault by limiting the maximum electrical power that can be transmitted to the secondary coil 11 and / or to the sensor circuit connection terminal 14.

[0071] To achieve a mechanical connection of the plug-in connection part 4 to the mating plug-in connection part 5, the two are brought into plug-in connection with one another. A reversibly releasable locking device 5a, in particular a bayonet locking device, is provided to prevent the plug-in connection from coming loose unintentionally.

[0072] In combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the measuring system 1 and the plug-in connection part 4 are described in particular in detail. The plug-in connection part 4 is provided with a housing 21, on which a cylindrical protrusion 22 is arranged for insertion into the cylindrical cavity 13 of the mating plug-in connection part 5, in particular of its housing 6. Inside the cylindrical protrusion 22 is arranged a primary coil 23 of the plug-in connection part 4, which, when the plug-in connection part 4 is in the inserted state with the mating plug-in connection part 5, in particular when the cylindrical protrusion 22 is inserted into the cavity 13, is in inductive coupling with the secondary coil 11.

[0073] The plug-in connection part 4 is provided with a connection cable 24. The connection cable 24 is preferably in signal connection with a signal processing device 25 of the measuring system 1. The connection cable 24 is preferably fixedly connected, in particular non-destructively detachable, to the housing 21 of the plug-in connection part 4. The connection cable 24 can in particular be connected in a liquid-tight, in particular gas-tight, manner to the housing 21.

[0074] The signal processing device 25 is preferably designed to supply electrical energy and / or signals to the connection device 2, in particular to the plug-in connection part 4, to the counter plug-in connection part 5 and / or to the sensor 3. The power supply / signal transmission is in particular effected via the connection cable 24. The signal processing device 25 is designed for data exchange with the plug-in connection part 4, in particular for receiving sensor signals and / or for transmitting control signals. The signal processing device 25 can be provided with a user interface 26 for input and output of information, which is in particular equipped with a display device for displaying information, in particular sensor signals, and / or with a communication module 27, in particular a wireless module, for wired and / or wireless data exchange, in particular with a control room and / or a central computing system.

[0075] In combination Figure 4 The plug-in connection part 4 of the first embodiment is described. The plug-in connection part 4 is designed for inductive transmission of energy and / or signals, in particular of electrical power and / or signals, in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard. The plug-in connection part 4 is provided with an electrical circuit 28, which is equipped with circuit connection terminals 29. The primary coil 23 is arranged in the circuit 28. The connection cable 24 is electrically connected to the circuit connection terminals 29.

[0076] The circuit connection terminals 29 comprise a working voltage contact 29.1, a reference potential contact 29.2, a first signal line contact 29.3 and a second signal line contact 29.4. The reference potential contact 29.2 is also referred to as a ground contact, abbreviated as GND. A working voltage is applied between the working voltage contact 29.1 and the reference potential contact 29.2 for supplying the measuring system 1, in particular the connection device 2, the plug-in connection part 4, with electrical energy. The working voltage contact 29.1 and the reference potential contact 29.2 are also referred to as supply contacts 29.1, 29.2.

[0077] The plug-in connection part 4 is provided with a current conditioning device 30 in the circuit 28. The current conditioning device 30 is connected, in particular directly connected, to the working voltage contact 29.1 and the reference potential contact 29.2. The current conditioning device 30 can be designed to provide at least one, in particular at least two, different voltage levels.

[0078] The plug-in connection part 4 is provided with a communication device 31, in particular a modulation-demodulation assembly and / or a modem assembly, for exchanging energy and / or signals via the primary coil 23.

[0079] The plug-in connection component 4 can be provided with a control device 32, in particular a digital component, in particular comprising an electronic computing unit. The control device 32 is designed for controlling the data transmission between the circuit connection terminal 29 and the primary winding 23, in particular the communication device 31.

[0080] The plug-in connection component 4 is provided with an amplification device 33. The amplification device 33 comprises an oscillation circuit 34, which comprises the primary winding 23 and at least one capacitor 35.1, 35.2. Furthermore, the amplification device 33 comprises a switch 36, in particular an electronic switch, in particular a transistor.

[0081] The oscillation circuit 34 is preceded by a supply inductance 37. The supply inductance 37 is arranged, in particular electrically connected, in particular in series, along the electrical line between the current conditioning device 30 and the oscillation circuit 34, in particular the switch 36. The supply inductance 37 is designed such that the oscillation circuit 34 is damped as little as possible by the supply inductance. For this purpose, the inductance value of the supply inductance is designed to be as large as possible; however, in order to avoid efficiency losses as far as possible, the resistance value of the supply inductance is also to be reduced. Due to the limited installation space available, the inductance value of the supply inductance 37 is in a preferred range from 0.01 mH to 1 H, in particular from 0.1 mH to 100 mH, in particular from 1 mH to 10 mH, in particular from 3 mH to 7 mH. The preferred range is in particular suitable if the carrier signal frequency, in particular generated by the switch 36, for driving the primary winding 23 is in the range from 10 kHz to 10 MHz, in particular from 100 kHz to 1 MHz, in particular from 150 kHz to 400 kHz.

[0082] The switch 36 is in signal connection with the control device 32. The communication device 31 is in signal connection with the primary winding 23.

[0083] In order to achieve voltage smoothing, a smoothing capacitor 38 can be connected at the circuit connection terminal 29, in particular at the operating voltage contact 29.1 and / or at the supply inductance 37, in particular on the side of the circuit connection terminal 29.

[0084] According to an alternative embodiment, the capacitor 38 can constitute the total capacitance of the electrical circuit 28. According to this alternative, the capacitor 38 does not necessarily exist in the form of a single element and is not necessarily located at the position shown in the electrical circuit 28.

[0085] The plug-in connection component 4 is provided with a fire prevention device 39 in the electrical circuit 28 for preventing the occurrence of a fire effect by limiting the reverse effect of electrical energy on the circuit connection terminal 29 in the event of a fault. The fire prevention device 39 is in particular connected directly to the circuit connection terminal 29, in particular electrically connected between the circuit connection terminal 29 and the current conditioning device 30.

[0086] The components of the circuit 28, in particular of the plug-in connection part 4, are preferably arranged at least partially, in particular predominantly, in particular completely, on at least one, in particular a single, primary circuit board 40. The ignition protection 39 and the amplification 33 are in particular arranged on this primary circuit board 40.

[0087] The ignition protection 39 is preferably arranged between the operating voltage contact 29.1 and / or the reference potential contact 29.2, in particular connected in parallel with the amplification 33 and / or the current conditioning 30.

[0088] The ignition protection 39 is provided with at least four, in particular at least five, diodes 41.1, 42.1, 43.1, 44.1, 45.1, in particular rectifier diodes, in particular Schottky diodes. A first diode 41.1 is arranged between the operating voltage contact 29.1 and a first signal line contact 29.3; a second diode 42.1 is arranged between the first signal line contact 29.3 and the reference potential contact 29.2; a third diode 43.1 is arranged between the operating voltage contact 29.1 and a second signal line contact 29.4; a fourth diode 44.1 is arranged between the second signal line contact 29.4 and the reference potential contact 29.2.

[0089] The ignition protection 39 is preferably provided with a Zener diode 45.1, which is arranged between the operating voltage contact 29.1 and the reference potential contact 29.2.

[0090] There are preferably also four further diodes 41.2, 42.2, 43.2, 44.2, in particular rectifier diodes, in particular Schottky diodes, which are arranged identically to the diodes 41.1, 42.1, 43.1, 44.1 and each complement these in pairs in parallel. A second Zener diode 45.2 can complement the first Zener diode in pairs in parallel.

[0091] The design of the ignition protection 39 described above, i.e. the pairing of the diodes 41.1 to 45.1 and 41.2 to 45.2 or the Zener diodes 45.1, 45.2, achieves double redundancy. This redundancy is not necessarily configured; multiple redundancy, in particular at least double redundancy, in particular at least triple redundancy, ensures particularly reliable ignition protection.

[0092] The connection cable 24 can be provided with a shielding. The plug-in connection part 4 and / or the counter plug-in connection part 5, in particular the circuit 28 and / or the secondary circuit 9, can be designed in a potting. The circuits 9, 28 can in particular be designed in a liquid-tight, in particular gas-tight, potting. The housings 6, 21 can in particular be completely filled with potting material. By this design, it is possible to particularly reliably avoid ignition effects in the region of the plug-in connection part 4 and / or the counter plug-in connection part 5.

[0093] The working principle of the measuring system 1, the connection device 2, the plug-in connection part 4 and the anti-ignition device 39 is as follows:

[0094] In the initial state, the plug-in connection part 4 is in a loosened state with the counter plug-in connection part 5. The counter plug-in connection part 5 is screwed with the measuring chamber wall by means of the thread 7; the sensor 3, which is designed as a μH sensor, is arranged in the measuring chamber, in particular at the measuring location. The counter plug-in connection part 5 is in a ready state for reversible connection with the plug-in connection part 4.

[0095] For the inductive energy and / or signal transmission between the plug-in connection part 4 and the counter plug-in connection part 5, the two are inserted into one another. In this process, the primary coil 23, in particular the cylindrical protrusion 22 of the housing 21 of the plug-in connection part 4, is inserted into the secondary coil 11, in particular the cavity 13 of the housing 6 of the counter plug-in connection part 5. The plug-in connection is locked by means of the locking device 5a, forming a mechanical connection between the plug-in connection part 4 and the counter plug-in connection part 5; at the same time, by arranging the primary coil 23 in the secondary coil 11, a connection for inductive transmission of energy and / or signals is established.

[0096] The connection device 2, in particular the plug-in connection part 4, is supplied with electrical energy by means of the circuit connection terminal 29, in particular the operating voltage contact 29.1 and the reference potential contact 29.2. The electrical energy is preferably provided by the signal processing device 25 and transmitted to the circuit connection terminal 29 by means of the connection cable 24.

[0097] The signal processing device 25 is preferably designed as intrinsically safe in the sense of explosion protection, in particular for electrical ignition protection.

[0098] The plug-in connection part 4 is provided with components that can store electrical energy. The electrical energy storage elements in particular include the amplification device 33, in particular the supply inductance 37 and the capacitors 35.1, 35.2, the primary coil 23 and the smoothing capacitor 38. The stored electrical energy can cause an ignition effect in the event of a fault, which is not affected by the intrinsic safety design of the signal processing device 25 in particular. The potential ignition effect is mainly caused by the energy storage capacity of the amplification device 33, in particular the supply inductance 37, which has a relatively high inductance value in order to achieve a high-energy signal transmission.

[0099] In order to reliably avoid an ignition effect in the event of a fault, the reverse effect of the stored electrical energy on the circuit connection terminal 29 is limited by means of the anti-ignition device 39. The anti-ignition device 39 in particular prevents an ignition effect, in particular an electric spark, when the connection cable 24 is broken or when the connection cable 24 is removed from a connection point, for example from the connection point with the signal processing device 25, in an unauthorised manner.

[0100] The ignition prevention device 39 achieves a voltage limitation between two pairs of contacts, preferably all pairs of contacts 29.1 to 29.4. By this design, it is reliably prevented that, in particular, the inductance, in particular the supply inductance 37, generates a high voltage at the circuit connection terminal 29, in particular between any two contacts 29.1 to 29.4, which is sufficient to ignite a spark.

[0101] The conduction voltage range of the diodes 41.1 to 44.1, 41.2 to 44.2 can be 0 V to 10 V, in particular 0.1 V to 5 V, in particular 0.2 V to 2 V, in particular 0.5 V to 1 V. The conduction voltage range of the at least one Zener diode 45.1, 45.2 is preferably congruent therewith. The breakdown voltage of the at least one Zener diode 45.1, 45.2 can be 0.1 V to 10 V, in particular 0.5 V to 8 V, in particular 1 V to 7 V, in particular 2 V to 6 V.

[0102] The plug-in connection part 4 equipped with the ignition prevention device 39 in particular ensures that an ignition effect in the region of the connection cable 24 is avoided.

[0103] The ignition prevention effect can be enhanced in particular by the following measures: The connection cable 24 is provided with a, in particular electric and / or magnetic, shielding layer; and / or the circuit 28 is wrapped with an encapsulation, in particular a potting layer, which is preferably made of a non-conductive material, in particular a plastic material.

[0104] In combination Figure 5 A further embodiment of the plug-in connection part 4, in particular of the ignition prevention device 39a, is described. The plug-in connection part 4a differs from the previously described embodiments only in the structural design of the ignition prevention device 39a, the remaining structure being congruent with the previously described plug-in connection part 4.

[0105] The ignition prevention device 39a is electrically connected between the operating voltage contact 29.1, in particular between the current conditioning device 30 and / or the smoothing capacitor 38 and the amplification device 33, in particular the supply inductance 37.

[0106] The ignition prevention device 39a is provided with a resistor 46, which is in particular connected in series between the current conditioning device 30 and the amplification device 33. The ignition prevention device 39a is also provided with two diodes 47.1, 47.2, in particular rectifier diodes, in particular Schottky diodes; instead of Schottky diodes, Zener diodes can also be used. The diodes are connected on the one hand between the current conditioning device 30 and the amplification device 33 and on the other hand to the reference potential contact 29.2, in particular in parallel to the amplification device 33, in particular to the supply interface of the amplification device 33 and / or to the supply inductance 37 and / or to the primary coil 23.

[0107] The anti-ignition device 39a designed in this way prevents the stored electrical energy in the amplification device 33 from having a reverse effect on the circuit connection terminal 29. In particular, the maximum voltage and / or energy that can be generated by the amplification device 33 between the supply contacts 29.1, 29.2 is limited, so that voltages and / or energies that lead to electrical sparking are avoided.

[0108] The anti-ignition device 39a designed with the resistor 46 limits the maximum electrical power that can be transmitted from the amplification device 33 to the circuit connection terminal 29, in particular. The resistor 46 is an optional component.

[0109] The redundant design of the diodes 47.1, 47.2 is also optional. It is advantageous for the diodes 47.1, 47.2 to be designed with a multiple redundancy, in particular a double redundancy, in particular a triple redundancy.

[0110] The measuring system 1, in particular the connection device 2 and the plug-in connection part 4a, advantageously ensures that, in the event of a fault, in particular in the event of a broken connection cable 24 or improper use of the device, the generation of an ignition effect is reliably prevented.

[0111] The amplification device 33 ensures a particularly reliable and stable signal transmission between the plug-in connection part 4a and the counter plug-in connection part 5. As a result, the electrical energy that can be stored in the plug-in connection part 4a is significantly increased, which is theoretically sufficient to trigger an ignition effect, in particular in the area of the connection cable 24. The anti-ignition device 39a advantageously ensures that the stored electrical energy in the plug-in connection part 4a cannot have a reverse effect on the circuit connection terminal 29 and that the release of energy into the circuit connection terminal 29, in particular into the connection cable 24, which is sufficient to trigger a spark ignition and / or a thermal ignition, is reliably prevented. As a result, the plug-in connection part 4a can be operated safely and reliably in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard.

[0112] The signal processing device 25 is preferably also designed intrinsically safe in terms of explosion protection. Such a measuring system 1, in particular comprising the connection device 2 described above and the intrinsically safe signal processing device 25, is particularly stable in operation and can be operated safely in an environment in which there is an explosion hazard.

Claims

1. A plug-in connection component (4, 4a) for inductively transmitting energy and / or signals in an environment with an explosion hazard, particularly for a measurement system (1), said plug-in connection component having: 1.1 An electrical circuit (28) having the circuit connection terminal (29) for providing electrical power to the plug-in connection component (4); and 1.2 The primary coil (23) in the circuit (28) is used for inductive coupling with the secondary coil (11). Its features are, 1.3 The plug-in connection component has an anti-ignition device (39, 39a) in the circuit (28) for preventing ignition effect by limiting the reverse action of electrical energy on the circuit connection terminal (29) in the event of a fault.

2. The plug-in connection component (4, 4a) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit (28) has an amplification device (33) for amplifying the energy and / or signal delivered to the primary coil (23).

3. The plug-in connection component (4, 4a) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The amplification device (33) has a total inductance of at least 0.1 mH.

4. The plug-in connector (4, 4a) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The anti-ignition device (39, 39a) is connected in the circuit (28) between the amplification device (33) and the circuit connection terminal (29).

5. The plug-in connection component (4, 4a) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A current conditioning device (30) is provided, which is connected in the circuit (28) between the circuit connection terminal (29) and the anti-ignition device (39, 39a).

6. The plug-in connection component (4, 4a) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The anti-ignition device (39, 39a) is directly connected to the circuit connection terminal (29).

7. The plug-in connection component (4, 4a) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A connecting cable (24) is provided on the circuit connection terminal (29), wherein the anti-ignition device (39, 39a) is designed to prevent ignition effect in the connecting cable (24).

8. The plug-in connection component (4, 4a) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The ignition prevention devices (39, 39a) are designed to limit the electrical energy and / or power that may contribute to igniting mixtures that are explosive in environments with an explosion hazard.

9. The plug-in connection component (4, 4a) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The anti-ignition device (39, 39a) is designed to release the electrical energy stored in the circuit (28).

10. The plug-in connection component (4, 4a) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The anti-ignition device (39, 39a) has at least one diode (41.1 to 45.1, 41.2 to 45.2, 47.1, 47.2) for limiting the maximum terminal voltage at the circuit connection terminal (29).

11. The plug-in connection component (4, 4a) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The anti-ignition device (39, 39a) has at least two diodes (41.1 to 45.1, 41.2 to 45.2) between the two power supply contacts (29.1, 29.2) of the circuit connection terminal (29).

12. The plug-in connector (4) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The anti-ignition device (39) has at least two rectifier diodes (41.1, 41.2) between the working voltage contact (29.1) and the first signal line contact (29.3), between the first signal line contact (29.3) and the reference potential contact (29.2), between the working voltage contact (29.1) and the second signal line contact (29.4), and between the second signal line contact (29.4) and the reference potential contact (29.2).

13. The plug-in connector (4) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The anti-ignition device (39) has at least two Zener diodes (45.1, 45.2) between the two power supply contacts (29.1, 29.2) of the circuit connection terminal (29).

14. The plug-in connector (4a) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The ignition prevention device (39a) has at least one diode (41.1 to 45.1, 41.2 to 45.2, 47.1, 47.2) and / or at least one resistor (46), wherein the current conditioning device (30) is connected in the circuit (28) between the at least one diode and / or at least one resistor and the operating voltage contact (29.1) of the circuit connection terminal (29).

15. The plug-in connection component (4, 4a) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The energy storage capacity of the plug-in connection component exceeds the ignition capacity limit when used in accordance with regulations.

16. A connection device (2) for inductively transmitting energy and / or signals, comprising: 16.1 The plug-in connection component (4, 4a) according to any one of the preceding claims; and 16.2 Pairing plug-in connection component (5) for reversibly loosely connecting with said plug-in connection component (4, 4a).

17. A measurement system (1) having: 17.1 At least one sensor (3); and 17.2 The connecting device (2) according to claim 16.

18. The measurement system (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that, A signal processing device (25) is provided for processing signals transmitted through the connection device (2).

Images