Supply device for supplying energy to load module

Abstract

The invention relates to a supply device for supplying energy to a load module. A load module (200) for supplying a load has an input connection (210) for coupling to an energy supply and an output connection (220) for coupling to the load. A switching device (230) is used to variably electrically couple the input connection (210) to the output connection (220). A monitoring device (240), which is coupled to the switching device (230) and is designed to monitor the electrical coupling of the input connection (210) to the output connection (220) by means of the switching device (230) after the load module (200) is coupled to the energy supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to supplying power to loads, such as loads located in areas with explosion hazards. Background Technology

[0002] For example, transmitters in sensor heads, or transmitters used to communicate with sensor heads, are used in a wide range of industries to measure flammable and explosive gases in order to detect them early. The purpose of this detection is to evacuate areas in a timely manner or take appropriate countermeasures. Examples include acoustic and optical alarms, as well as the introduction of forced ventilation or the shutdown of specific facilities. Some of these transmitters are also used in process measurement technologies and are part of the control chain in the petrochemical industry. The entire system used to measure gases usually consists of a controller, a barrier module, and the actual transmitter. The transmitter often transmits the measured value to the controller via a current loop (4-20mA interface) by injecting current into the line based on the actual measured value. In the case of such a two-wire transmitter, the equipment is often supplied with current from the injected current in the current loop.

[0003] The transmitter powers and communicates with a remote measuring head. From the transmitter's perspective, the remote measuring head is thus a load, and the transmitter powers this load. This transmitter therefore also functions as a power supply device for supplying energy to a load generated by a remote sensor head. Within the remote sensor head itself is another transmitter for communicating with the power supply device. Since this communication and energy supply occur via the same cable, the transmitter is located between the power supply device and the sensor itself, which is also powered via this cable. Therefore, this transmitter can also be considered a load module for supplying power to a load, particularly for powering a sensor.

[0004] These transmitters are used in very different environmental conditions. They can also be positioned in environments with potentially explosive gases or dusts, which place special requirements on the components used. For explosion protection, two potential ignition sources must be eliminated: spark ignition—mostly by limiting the energy released in a fault condition—and temperature limits that prevent spontaneous combustion.

[0005] Similar applications of power supply involve pumps used in stationary gas measurement technology to extract small amounts of gas from a facility or pipeline and deliver them to a sensor. Pump applications are often characterized by sampling in very difficult-to-access spaces and transporting gas over long distances via hoses or pipes to the actual measurement location. Because such pumps are frequently used in areas with explosive atmospheres and, moreover, to deliver potentially ignitable gas mixtures, there are heightened requirements in their construction to ensure that the pump itself does not become an ignition source.

[0006] Therefore, even when used as a power supply device for pumps in such atmospheres, there is a necessity: an energy supply device that constitutes the pump module, which cannot be used as an ignition source.

[0007] DE 11 2011 101 763 T5 discloses a system for powering branch lines in a fieldbus system, the system having a current measurement device, a control device, and a processing device that controls the current based on the measurement.

[0008] DE 20 2019 000 194 U1 discloses a circuit for reducing the turn-on current by switching on a power-consuming device at a time-staggered interval after the supply voltage is applied.

[0009] In summary, there is a need to enable the supply of energy to loads or equipment so that the energy supply device is not an ignition source even in the event of a failure. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This requirement is met by the load module defined in the independent claims and by the corresponding method.

[0011] Some embodiments in this document are based on the understanding that it is possible to prevent, by means of appropriate implementation of the supply equipment and load module used as energy sources, from releasing such a large amount of energy that an ignition source could be generated, even in the event of a malfunction.

[0012] Furthermore, a power supply device for supplying energy to a load module is disclosed. This device includes an input connection for coupling to the power supply unit and an output connection for supplying energy to the load module. A measuring device measures the current consumed through the input connection, and a control device controls the current through the output connection. A monitoring device is coupled to the measuring and control devices and is configured to monitor the current through the output connection based on the current consumed through the input connection. If the current is monitored, the energy amount can be limited, for example, so that even in fault conditions, such as a short circuit in a line fed by the power supply device, the energy amount is insufficient to ignite the dielectric in the surrounding environment of the line or the overall system environment.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the monitoring device is configured for this purpose to limit the current passing through the output connection.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the monitoring device is configured to limit the current through the output connection if the current consumed through the input connection exceeds a threshold.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the monitoring device is configured to monitor the electrical coupling between the input and output connections via a control device. Coupling monitoring can, for example, be used to limit the current between the input and output connections as needed, rather than completely cutting off the current, so that operation can continue if necessary, even if the current consumption would move outside a desired range without coupling monitoring.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the monitoring device is configured to interrupt the electrical coupling between the input connection and the output connection via a control device, so as to ensure, for example, maximum safety.

[0017] Additionally, according to some examples, the supply device can be pressure-resistant encapsulated, thus providing additional protection even in the event of a failure.

[0018] According to the present invention, a load module for supplying power to a load includes an input connection terminal for coupling to an energy supply device and an output connection terminal for coupling to a load. A switching device is used to variably electrically couple the input connection terminal to the output connection terminal. A monitoring device is coupled to the switching device and is configured to monitor the electrical coupling between the input connection terminal and the output connection terminal via the switching device after the load module is coupled to the energy supply device. This monitoring capability can be used to prevent current flow that poses an ignition risk.

[0019] According to the invention, the control device is configured to allow current to flow in only one direction by means of a switched transistor. This, for example, prevents the flow of recharge current (Umladestrom) in the event of misoperation, which could be so large that such recharge current could cause ignition of the gas mixture, for example, at the location of a short circuit in the feed line.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the monitoring device is configured to delay the electrical coupling between the input and output connections via a switching device after coupling to the energy supply device has been established. This prevents the machine's startup current or capacitor charging current from exceeding a critical current intensity after coupling to the energy supply device.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the monitoring device is configured to perform delayed electrical coupling between the input and output connections based on the charging state of the capacitor. The use of an appropriately sized capacitor can, for example, be used to determine when the load capacitance is charged, so that high charging currents do not subsequently occur after a low-ohmic connection between the input and output connections.

[0022] Optionally, the capacitor can therefore be charged with a limited current after being coupled to the energy supply device.

[0023] According to some embodiments, this can be achieved robustly and efficiently by using a resistor-bridged switching device to charge the capacitor.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the monitoring device is configured to switch the switching device to high ohms when coupled to an energy supply device, and to switch the switching device to low ohms when the capacitor voltage exceeds a predefined threshold. If the switching device becomes low ohms after the initial charging of the capacitor, the length of the line used to connect the load module can be extended compared to a case where high ohms are maintained at least initially for safety reasons. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Some examples of devices and / or methods are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 A block diagram showing an example of the supply equipment;

[0027] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of the supply equipment and load module;

[0028] Figure 3 Together Figure 1 The supply equipment illustrates another embodiment of the load module;

[0029] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for supplying energy to a load module; and

[0030] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for manipulating loads. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The various examples will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings, the thickness of lines, layers, and / or areas may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0032] Other examples may cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure. Throughout the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements that may be implemented identically or modified when compared with each other, and that provide the same or similar functions.

[0033] It should be understood that when one element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, these elements can be connected or coupled directly or via one or more intermediate elements. When two elements A and B are combined using "or," this can be understood to mean that all possible combinations are disclosed unless otherwise explicitly or implicitly defined, i.e., only A, only B, and A and B. Alternative expressions for the same combinations are "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B." With the necessary modifications, the same applies to combinations of more than two elements.

[0034] Figure 1 A block diagram showing an example of a power supply device 100 for supplying energy to a load module.

[0035] The power supply device has an input connection 110 for coupling to an energy supply unit and an output connection 120 for supplying energy to a load module. Depending on the specific requirements of the application, the input and output connections for current can be configured in various ways. For example, these input and output connections can be in the form of standard plugs for device connections (e.g., IEC 60320 for cold equipment connections) or constructed as Schuko plugs. Another possibility is a power supply plug, i.e., a round plug for various voltages. However, klinkenstecker plugs, screw terminals, or spring terminals are also possible. Banana plugs that can be mated in various configurations and modular stemverbinders are further possibilities for implementing these connections.

[0036] The supply device 100 further includes a measuring device 130 for measuring the current consumed through the input connection 110 and a control device 140 for controlling the current through the output connection 120. Depending on the application, the current can be measured in different ways. Examples of this would be the use of a shunt resistor, a current mirror, a Hall effect sensor, or an integrated current measurement IC.

[0037] For control purposes, such as limiting or interrupting current, various methods can be implemented in control device 140 to monitor or control, or to connect or disconnect, the current flowing through the circuit. Relays can be used, for example. Electromechanical relays use electromagnetic circuits to control larger currents, while solid-state relays (SSRs) operate without moving parts and are therefore faster and have a longer lifespan. Transistors such as bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and field-effect transistors (FETs) are also widely used electronic switches. These transistors can switch large load currents with small control currents, with MOSFETs often used in digital circuits. For higher voltages and currents, IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) and GTOs (Gate Turn-Off Thyristors) are suitable. Thyristors such as silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs) and triacs provide robust solutions for switching alternating current, particularly in dimmers and other control devices.

[0038] Monitoring device 150 is coupled to measuring device 130 and control device 140 and is configured to monitor the current through output connection 120 based on the current consumed through input connection 110. Monitoring device 150 receives a measured value from which the current can be deduced and controls control device 140. Monitoring device 150 implements logic for monitoring the current. This logic can be implemented using various techniques. One basic technique for this would be discrete logic gates, which consist of transistors and implement simple logic functions such as AND, OR, and NOT. Another form of logic implementation is an integrated circuit (IC) such as TTL (transistor-to-transistor logic) and CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor). For adaptable logic circuits, programmable logic components such as FPGA (field-programmable gate arrays) can be used. Another possibility for implementing this logic is the use of microcontrollers and microprocessors. For this purpose, dedicated ICs, such as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), can be used, which are specifically developed for a particular application or task set.

[0039] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of a supply device 100 and a load module 200, wherein the load module is connected to the supply device 100.

[0040] The load module 200 is used to supply energy to a load and, in some examples, also to communicate with the supply device 100 via one or more lines carrying energy. In this function, the load module 200 can also be understood as a transmitter.

[0041] The load module 200 has an input connection 210 for coupling to an energy supply device and an output connection 220 for coupling to a load. A switching device 230 is used to variably electrically couple the input connection 210 to the output connection 220. A monitoring device 240 is coupled to the switching device 230 and configured to monitor the electrical coupling between the input connection 210 and the output connection 220 via the switching device 230 after the load module 200 has been coupled to the energy supply device (e.g., supply equipment 100).

[0042] For example, it can be used according to Figure 1 The techniques discussed for the control device 140 are used as techniques for implementing the switching device 230. For example, techniques according to... Figure 1The technologies discussed for monitoring device 150 are used as technologies for implementing monitoring device 240.

[0043] The coupling to the energy supply device can be detected in any manner, such as by measuring the voltage or current at input connection 210. Coupling can also be determined implicitly, for example, when the logic in monitoring device 240 is first supplied with energy and begins operation. Mechanical detection, triggered for example by a plug, is also possible in principle.

[0044] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, monitoring device 240 is configured to delay the electrical coupling between input connection 210 and output connection 220 via switching device 230 after coupling to the energy supply device. This ensures that immediately following the start of energy supply, the capacitor's charging or starting current does not result in energy being transmitted through the line in a manner no longer acceptable for explosion protection. A higher current can then be transmitted than in conventional solutions that maintain current limits throughout the operating duration, for example, using resistors. Alternatively, the lower power loss can be fully utilized by the fact that the feed line to load module 200 can be significantly longer than in conventional implementations.

[0045] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated case, the coupling between input connection 210 and output connection 220 is performed based on the charging state of capacitor 250. After coupling to the power supply device, capacitor 250 is first charged by a limited current through resistor 260 of bridging switch 230. During this time, switch 230 disconnects input connection 210 from output connection 220. If capacitor 250 reaches a predetermined charging state (e.g., measured by the voltage drop across the capacitor), switch 230 connects input connection 210 to output connection 220. Alternatively, the delay can be implemented in other ways, such as by waiting for a specific time.

[0046] More generally, it can be described as follows: Figure 2 The concept of load module 200 enables the monitoring device (Kontrolleinrichtung) to be configured to switch device 230 to high ohms when coupled to the energy supply device, and to switch device 230 to low ohms when the capacitor voltage exceeds a predefined threshold.

[0047] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the load module 200 is shown, which corresponds in the basic part to... Figure 2The embodiment shown. Therefore, the same parts are also equipped with the same reference numerals. Figure 2 Unlike the situation described earlier, the monitoring device 240 is additionally or alternatively configured to allow current to flow in only one direction. This, for example, prevents the recharging current in the load module 200 or the load connected to it from potentially causing sparking in the event of a short circuit in the line to the input connection 210. In this case, for example, current flowing into the input connection 210 is allowed, but in the event of possible current flowing out of the input connection 210, the input connection 210 is disconnected from the output connection 220. The measurement of the current flow direction can be performed in any known manner.

[0048] As explained at the beginning, the possible loads supplied by or connected to the load module can be pump modules or gas measuring heads. However, the concept is not limited to these. Instead, the load module described herein can be used to power or operate any load.

[0049] In other words, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The two spatially separated sections are shown separately for energy supply.

[0050] The supply device 100 is transmitter A, which can also maintain a connection (not shown) with the system controller. The load module 200 can also be regarded as transmitter B / measuring head, which is remotely connected to transmitter B from transmitter A via wiring.

[0051] On side A, current measurement is performed via circuitry. Control can be achieved via an auxiliary circuit that takes over the evaluation of the current measurement. A threshold switch is integrated into the evaluation unit. When a threshold value suitable for the application is exceeded, the control unit disconnects the switching element immediately following the current measurement. Disconnecting the switching element causes a rise in the resistive current. Whether the switching is manifested as a normally closed contact or a linearly controllable current limit is not important.

[0052] exist Figure 3 In the case shown, electronic circuitry is integrated into transmitter B that allows current to flow through the supply line in only one direction. This electronic circuitry may also optionally be bridged by a resistor that allows a certain base current. In this case, the auxiliary circuitry can take over the control function and cause the switching device 230, such as the transistor used herein, to behave like a diode, allowing current to flow in only one direction while having a considerably low voltage drop, thereby achieving high energy efficiency.

[0053] exist Figure 2 In the scenario shown, the logic state of the selected monitoring device 240 is such that the switching element does not allow current to flow. If the operating voltage is now applied, the current is initially determined solely by the bridging resistor. In a specific implementation, the current-limiting component can be a resistor, an inductor, or a partially biased transistor, and any combination of these components. This current is typically an order of magnitude smaller than the current-limited current set in transmitter A.

[0054] The confined current can now charge the charge storage of the connected load (auf) until a switching point is reached. This switching point releases the switching element, or switching device 230, with a delay. Therefore, a low-ohmic connection between transmitter A and transmitter B, and thus virtually lossless transmission, is possible.

[0055] Alternatively, the current-limiting component and the switching element can be the same transistor, which is first partially biased and then fully turned on for current limiting. Furthermore, the transition may be performed continuously rather than in stages.

[0056] Compared to traditional implementations, this embodiment of the invention reduces the recharging current by several orders of magnitude (µm). This, for example, protects fuses from accidental triggering. It not only prevents spark ignition but also additionally enables soft starting. This allows for the connection of highly capacitive loads, which would otherwise cause the electronic fuse to be unintentionally triggered.

[0057] This concept makes it possible to connect two transmitters in an explosion-hazardous area while simultaneously achieving high energy efficiency and avoiding spark formation. No short circuits in the cable will result in spark ignition. The possible length of the connection is also significantly increased. Using conventional methods for spark prevention, in similar applications, the cable length between transmitter A and transmitter B is significantly reduced under the same conditions, determined by the actual inductance of the cable.

[0058] This also significantly reduces the requirements for planning the cabling and infrastructure used, thereby achieving lower system costs. Cables can therefore be routed, for example, through areas with explosion hazards without necessarily having the required insulation strength to prevent internal short circuits.

[0059] This is particularly relevant to typical applications of the described architecture. In confined installation spaces, transmitter A is often mounted in an accessible location, serving as both a measurement display and a transmitter. Simultaneously, transmitter A is connected to a central controller. Transmitter A can obtain not just one, but multiple measurement channels, and thus achieves connectivity with the controller. Another transmitter B is often connected via a proprietary bus system, enabling the inclusion of a power supply unit for the remote measurement head.

[0060] These remote measuring heads with transmitter B are mostly installed in extremely difficult-to-access locations and often lack their own measurement display. Using conventional solutions, the installation length between the remote transmitter B (measuring head) described above and the transmitter A that maintains the connection to the center is extremely limited. This is especially true when the transmitter is licensed under intrinsically safe explosion-proof standard 60079-11. This standard enforces strict power limitations.

[0061] This is traditionally achieved by integrating a resistor in transmitter A or transmitter B (or both) to reduce recharging current. However, this results in significant losses and a marked reduction in energy efficiency and functional range.

[0062] The embodiments described herein significantly expand the possible installation length of the wiring used for the connection between transmitters A and B. Simultaneously, these embodiments also enable the equipping of remote measuring heads with additional functionality and displays. This is a significant advantage in terms of transmitter service, installation, and commissioning. It also allows signals and supplies to be routed in a single cable. This is a substantial advantage because it eliminates the need for safety technology installation regulations associated with separation and isolation. Power limiting fuses conventionally installed in transmitters are also protected against unintentional triggering.

[0063] The integrated additional electronic protection and therefore the limitation of recharge current and fault current between transmitters A and B are also significant advantages, as the system purchaser can connect the remote measuring head himself, since spark formation is eliminated in any case.

[0064] Specific advantages also emerge for applications with or within pump modules. Traditionally, pumps used in explosion-proof areas (due to their high power) are often housed in pressure-resistant enclosures (IEC 60079-1) due to stringent regulatory boundary conditions. In this type of explosion-proof application, maintenance is impossible without gas detection and shutting down the entire facility, as the pressure-resistant enclosure must be opened for servicing. Therefore, any contact with electronic equipment could result in immediate ignition by an explosive atmosphere. In all current applications with pumps, the need to shut down parts of the facility for servicing due to explosion-proof requirements can lead to very high costs or production downtime.

[0065] The embodiments described herein, for example, make it possible to implement hot-pluggable pump modules with explosion-proof features, enabling replacement during operation. This also allows for a low-cost and simple housing design for the final product.

[0066] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for supplying energy to a load module is shown, as referenced in previous paragraphs, for example. Figure 1 As already described.

[0067] The method includes measuring the current consumed by 410 through an input connection terminal coupled to an energy supply device.

[0068] The method further includes: monitoring the current through the output connection based on the current consumed through the input connection.

[0069] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for manipulating a load is shown, as referenced in previous paragraphs, for example. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As already described.

[0070] The method includes determining the coupling between the 510 input connection and the energy supply device.

[0071] The method further includes, after measuring the coupling to the energy supply device, electrically coupling the input connection to the output connection in a delayed manner 520 for coupling to the power consumption device.

[0072] The aspects and features described in the previously detailed examples and figures can also be combined with one or more other examples to replace the same features in those other examples or to additionally introduce those features into those other examples.

[0073] Furthermore, examples may be or relate to computer programs having program code that, when executed on a computer or processor, implements one or more of the methods described above. The steps, operations, or processes of the various methods described above can be implemented by a programmed computer or processor. Examples may also cover program storage devices, such as digital data storage media, which are machine, processor, or computer readable and encoded with machine-executable, processor-executable, or computer-executable instruction programs. These instructions implement some or all of the steps of the methods described above or cause their execution. Program storage devices may include, for example, digital memories, magnetic storage media such as disks and tapes, hard disk drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. Additional examples may also cover computers, processors, or control units programmed to implement the steps of the methods described above, or field-programmable logic arrays ((F)PLA) or field-programmable gate arrays ((F)PGA) programmed to implement the steps of the methods described above.

[0074] The principles of this disclosure are illustrated only by way of the specification and accompanying drawings. Furthermore, all examples listed herein are intended, in principle, explicitly for illustrative purposes only, to support the reader in understanding the principles of this disclosure and the concepts contributed by (or more) the inventors for further development of the technology. All statements herein regarding the principles, aspects, and examples of this disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, also include their equivalents.

[0075] A function block described as “a device for performing a specific function” can refer to a circuit constructed to perform a specific function. Therefore, “a device for something” can be implemented as “a device constructed for or suitable for something”, such as a device or circuit constructed for or suitable for a corresponding task.

[0076] The functions of the various elements shown in the diagram (including any functional blocks referred to as "devices," "devices for providing signals," "devices for generating signals," etc.) can be implemented in the form of dedicated hardware, such as "signal providers," "signal processing units," "processors," "control devices," etc., and in combination with the associated software, as hardware capable of executing software. When provided via a processor, the function can be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single processor used in common, or by multiple separate processors, some or all of which can be used together. However, the terms "processor" or "control device" are not limited to hardware capable of executing software, but can include digital signal processor hardware (DSP hardware; DSP = Digital Signal Processor), network processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), read-only memory (ROMs) for storing software, random access memory (RAMs), and non-volatile storage devices (storage devices). Other hardware, i.e., conventional and / or customer-specific hardware, may also be included.

[0077] For example, a block diagram can represent a rough circuit diagram implementing the principles of this disclosure. Similarly, flowcharts, process diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudocode, etc., can represent various processes, operations, or steps that are substantially represented in a computer-readable medium and thus executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such a computer or processor is explicitly shown. The methods disclosed in the specification or in the patent claims can be implemented by devices having means for each of the corresponding steps in carrying out the methods.

[0078] It should be understood that the disclosure of multiple steps, processes, operations, or functions in the specification or claims should not be construed as being in a particular order, unless otherwise expressly or implicitly stated, for example, for technical reasons. Therefore, these are not limited to a particular order by the disclosure of multiple steps or functions unless these steps or functions are not interchangeable for technical reasons. Furthermore, in some exemplary cases, a single step, function, process, or operation may comprise multiple sub-steps, sub-functions, sub-processes, or sub-operations and / or be divided into said multiple sub-steps, sub-functions, sub-processes, or sub-operations. Such sub-steps may be included and are part of the disclosure of the single step, provided that such sub-steps are not expressly excluded.

[0079] Furthermore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed specification, where each claim may stand alone as an example. While each claim may stand alone as an example, it should be noted that—although dependent claims may involve specific combinations with one or more other claims—other examples may also include combinations of dependent claims with the subject matter of each of the other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are explicitly stated here unless it is stated that a particular combination is not intended. Moreover, the features of a claim should also be included for each of the other independent claims, even if that makes the claim not directly dependent on that independent claim.

[0080] List of reference numerals

[0081] 100 Supply Equipment

[0082] 110 Input Connection Terminal

[0083] 120 Output Connection Terminal

[0084] 130 Measuring device

[0085] 140 Control device

[0086] 150 monitoring devices

[0087] 200 load modules

[0088] 210 Input Connection Terminal (Load Module)

[0089] 220 Output Connection Terminal (Load Module)

[0090] 230 Switching device

[0091] 240 Monitoring Device (Load Module)

[0092] 250 capacitor

[0093] 260 resistor

[0094] 410 Measurement

[0095] 420 surveillance

[0096] 510 Determine Coupling

[0097] 520 Delayed ground coupling.

Claims

1. A load module (200) for supplying a load, having - Input connection terminal (210), the input connection terminal being used for coupling to an energy supply device; - Output connection terminal (220), the output connection terminal being used to couple to the load; - Switching device (230) for variably electrically coupling the input connection terminal (210) to the output connection terminal (220); - A monitoring device (240), coupled to the switching device (230), and configured to monitor the electrical coupling between the input connection (210) and the output connection (220) via the switching device (230) after the load module (200) is coupled to the energy supply device. The monitoring device (240) is configured to allow current to pass through in only one direction by means of a switched transistor.

2. The load module (200) according to claim 1, The monitoring device (240) is configured to delay the electrical coupling between the input connection (210) and the output connection (220) via the switching device (230) after coupling to the energy supply device has been performed.

3. The load module (200) according to claim 2, The monitoring device (240) is configured to perform delayed electrical coupling between the input connection (210) and the output connection (220) based on the charging state of the capacitor (250). Optionally, after being coupled to the energy supply device, the capacitor (250) is charged by a limited current.

4. The load module (200) according to claim 3, The switching device (230) is bridged by a resistor (260) to charge the capacitor (250).

5. The load module (200) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, The monitoring device (240) is configured to switch the switching device (230) to high ohms when coupled to the energy supply device, and to switch the switching device (230) to low ohms when the capacitor voltage exceeds a predefined threshold.

6. The load module (200) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, In addition, it includes a load coupled to the output connection terminal (220), The load includes a pump module or a gas measuring head. The load module (200) is optionally pressure-resistant encapsulated and / or configured for use in explosive atmospheres.

7. A method for supplying energy to a load module (200), comprising the steps of -Measure (410) the current consumed through the input connection terminal, which is coupled to the energy supply device; - Based on the current consumption monitoring (420) through the input connection terminal, monitor the current through the output connection terminal; and optional - Determine (510) the coupling made between the input connection terminal and the energy supply device; and - After measuring the coupling to the energy supply device, the input connection terminal is electrically coupled to the output connection terminal (520) in a delayed manner for coupling to the power consumption device.

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