Device for acquiring and outputting at least one measurement information describing at least one measurement quantity

Abstract

Device (1) for recording and outputting at least one measurement information describing at least one measurement quantity, comprising: - at least one sensor device (2) which is configured to detect at least one measurement signal relating to at least one measured quantity to be detected, wherein the sensor device (2) comprises a control device (3) which is configured to process the detected measurement signal(s) and, on the basis of the processed measurement signal(s), to generate measurement information relating to the measured quantity to be detected or detected, and to transmit the generated measurement information to at least one communication partner, and - an output device (4) that can be connected to or is connected to the sensor device (2), which is configured to output the measurement information transmitted by the control device (3) to an output device-side output means (8) and / or to transmit the measurement information transmitted by the control device (3) to at least one communication partner, wherein the control device (3) is additionally configured to generate at least one additional piece of information relating to the measured quantity to be detected or detected and / or to the sensor device (2) and / or to the operation of the sensor device (2) and to transmit the or a corresponding additional piece of information to at least one communication partner.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for acquiring and outputting at least one measurement parameter information describing at least one measurement parameter.

[0002] German patent application DE 10 2007 029 321 A1 discloses a field device for process automation technology with a local display, wherein the field device is connected to a higher-level unit via a bus system. The field device comprises a sensor and a measuring amplifier board to which the sensor and the local display are connected. A measurement signal is sent from the sensor to the measuring amplifier board and amplified there. An I / O board of the field device is connected to the bus system. In the I / O board, the amplified measurement signal is converted into a data structure that contains at least one measured value and status information relating to the measured value. The status information includes more detailed information about the quality of the measured value and information about the violation of limit values.The data structure is sent from the I / O board to the measuring amplifier board to display the status information contained in the data structure as well as the measured value on the local display.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2007 048 813 A1 discloses a field device that acquires a measurement signal and determines a measured value from it. Furthermore, status information, which depends on internal conditions of the field device and is a measure of the quality of the measurement signal, is determined. The measured value, together with the status information, is transmitted in a data packet from the field device to a process automation network. A computer unit for visualizing the automation application is connected to this network.

[0004] DE 10 2012 112 427 A1 discloses a further field device with a local display, which is connected to a higher-level unit via a bus system.

[0005] DE 10 2010 030 924 A1 discloses an electronic enclosure in which ignition protection types for explosion protection are implemented.

[0006] According to the prior art, devices for acquiring and outputting at least one measurement information describing at least one measurement quantity comprise at least one sensor device which is configured for acquiring at least one measurement signal relating to at least one measurement quantity to be acquired, wherein the sensor device comprises a control device which is configured for processing the acquired measurement signal(s) and, on the basis of the processed measurement signal(s), for generating measurement information relating to the measurement quantity to be acquired or acquired, and for transmitting the generated measurement information to at least one communication partner, and an output device which can be connected to or is connected to the sensor device.which is configured to output the measurement information transmitted by the control unit to an output device and / or to transmit the measurement information transmitted by the control unit to at least one communication partner. They serve to acquire and output, i.e., in particular to display and / or transmit, corresponding measurement information. Corresponding measurement information describes at least one measurement quantity, i.e., typically a physical quantity such as pressure, humidity, temperature, etc.

[0007] Up to now, it has been standard practice to process a measured quantity generated by preparing a captured measurement signal, and in particular to enrich this quantity with relevant information such as its associated physical unit, using a corresponding output device. Such output devices are always configured for a specific sensor device. Therefore, it is not readily possible to operate an output device configured for one sensor device with a different sensor device, and vice versa.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved device for capturing and outputting at least one measurement parameter information describing at least one measurement parameter.

[0009] The problem is solved by a device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The described device generally serves to acquire and output at least one piece of measurement information describing at least one measurand. A corresponding measurand is typically generated by processing at least one acquired measurement signal. A measurand typically represents a numerical value without further information, i.e., in particular without an associated (physical) unit. The measurand is described in, or contained within, a piece of measurement information.

[0011] The device comprises as essential components or functional parts a sensor device, a control device belonging to the sensor device, and an output device, the function and interaction of which are described in more detail below.

[0012] The sensor device is configured to acquire at least one measurement signal. Therefore, at least one measurement signal can be acquired with the sensor device. It is thus possible to acquire several different measurement signals with the sensor device, i.e., signals that, after processing, yield different measurands. A measurement signal relates to the measurand, more generally, to be acquired with the sensor device. The measurement signal(s) that can be acquired or acquired by the sensor device are typically raw data, which must be processed and converted into at least one measurand.

[0013] The sensor device can, in principle, detect any measurement signal. Therefore, the sensor device can, in principle, be any type of sensor for detecting any chemical-physical measurement signal, or at least it can include such a sensor.

[0014] The sensor device includes a control unit for processing the corresponding measurement signals. The control unit is thus designed to process the acquired measurement signal and, based on this signal, to generate measurement information relating to the measured quantity. The control unit may contain hardware and / or software processing algorithms by means of which the corresponding measurement signals, which, as mentioned, are typically available as raw data, can be processed or converted into corresponding measured quantities.

[0015] The control unit is generally configured for communication with at least one communication partner. Specifically, the control unit is configured for transmitting the generated measurement information to at least one communication partner. The control unit, or sensor unit, therefore comprises a communication device, i.e., in particular a transmitting and / or receiving device, by means of which a communication link, especially a bidirectional one, can be established with at least one communication partner. Various types of information can be transmitted between the control unit and the at least one communication partner, and vice versa, via this communication link.

[0016] The output device is configured to output measurement information, or more generally, measurement information transmitted by the control device, to at least one output device on the output device side and / or to transmit measurement information, or more generally, measurement information transmitted before the control device, to at least one communication partner. The output device is therefore fundamentally configured for communication with the control device. The output device and the control device thus constitute communicating communication partners. The output device therefore also includes a communication device, i.e., in particular a transmitting and / or receiving device, by means of which a communication link, in particular a bidirectional one, can be established with at least one communication partner, especially the control device.The communication link allows various pieces of information to be transmitted between the output device and at least one communication partner, in particular the control device, and vice versa. The output device can therefore also be referred to or considered a "transmitter".

[0017] As mentioned, the corresponding measurement information transmitted to the output device can be output to an output device for visual information, typically a display, and / or an output device for acoustic information, typically a loudspeaker. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to transmit the corresponding measurement information to the output device to at least one other communication partner. As mentioned again below, such a communication partner could, for example, be a control device that, based on the transmitted measurement information, is configured to generate specific control information for regulating a controllable variable of a controllable process.

[0018] The output device is connectable to, or connected to, the sensor device. This connection is typically a mechanical-physical one, meaning that the output device and the sensor device can be connected, at least temporarily, to form a single assembly or a subassembly comprising several components or groups of components. Despite the fact that the output device and the sensor device can be connected to form a single assembly, they are fundamentally to be considered separate components or subassemblies within the device.

[0019] The sensor and control units can be structurally connected. For example, the sensor and control units can be jointly formed or arranged on or in a first housing part, which is particularly rod-shaped or cylindrical. The output unit can be formed or arranged on or in a second housing part.

[0020] The mechanical-physical connection between the output device and the control device can also necessitate the establishment of a corresponding communication link between them. In principle, the sensor device or the control device can be connected to the output device, or generally a communication partner, via a wired or wireless analog or digital communication link. It is therefore also conceivable that the output device and the sensor device or the control device can communicate with each other without a mechanical-physical connection, i.e., wirelessly or via radio. Consequently, the output device and the sensor device can also be spatially separated or arranged independently of each other.

[0021] A key feature of the device is that the control unit is additionally configured to generate at least one piece of supplementary information relating to the measured quantity to be detected or detected, and / or to the sensor device, and / or to the operation of the sensor device, and to transmit this supplementary information to at least one communication partner. The functionality of the control unit and / or the sensor device is thus extended to include not only processing a corresponding measurement signal and generating corresponding measurement information based on that signal, but also generating supplementary information, the possible contents of which are explained in more detail below. The sensor device and control unit can therefore be described or considered "intelligent sensor technology."This means that the range of functions of the output device can be reduced accordingly.

[0022] Examples of relevant additional information are given and explained in more detail below.

[0023] The additional information may relate in particular to the measured quantity to be recorded or already recorded. The additional information can therefore generally include direct or indirect details about the measured quantity.

[0024] As mentioned, a measured quantity typically represents a numerical value without further information, i.e., in particular without an associated (physical) unit. If, in the device according to the invention, the additional information relating to the measured quantity to be detected or detected includes a physical unit associated with the measured quantity, e.g., temperature in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, pressure in bar or Pascal, etc., or other units related to the measured quantity, such as percentages, e.g., for a proportion of a certain substance in another substance, i.e., the proportion of moisture or a gas, e.g., carbon monoxide, in the gas mixture, e.g., air, the additional information can, of course, include (physical) quantities on different scales or multiples of each other, i.e., values ​​in bar and mbar or values ​​in percent and per mille.

[0025] The additional information relating to the measured quantity to be detected or detected can also include at least one (physical) quantity that can be derived or deduced from the measured quantity to be detected or detected. Depending on the design of the sensor device, such derived (physical) quantities can be, for example, condensation or dew points, derived or deduced in particular from detected temperature and pressure, or (mechanical) stresses, derived or deduced, for example, from detected forces.

[0026] If, in the device according to the invention, the additional information relating to the measured quantity to be detected or detected includes at least one predefinable or predetermined upper and / or lower limit value for the measured quantity to be detected or detected, such limit values ​​can, for example, relate to a specific, non-negligible, proportional concentration of a particular substance in a specific mixture of substances. For example, corresponding limit values ​​can relate to a specific, non-negligible, proportional concentration of a particular fluid, i.e., a gas such as carbon monoxide, in a fluid mixture, i.e., a gas mixture such as air. Of course, limit value ranges or intervals are also to be understood as corresponding limit values.

[0027] Additional information relating to the measured quantity to be recorded or already recorded may also include a mean value averaged from several individual measured quantities, particularly over time. Such mean values ​​may, for example, be averaged values ​​of individual measured quantities from a defined period or interval, or averaged values ​​of individual measured quantities from a specific number of individual measured quantities.

[0028] Naturally, it is conceivable to assign specific weights to individual or multiple measured variables.

[0029] Furthermore, it is possible that the additional information relates to the operation of the sensor device. The additional information can therefore generally contain direct or indirect details about the operation of the sensor device.

[0030] Additional information relating to the operation of the sensor device can include, for example, a maximum upper limit value for the measurement signal that can be detected by the sensor device and / or a minimum lower limit value for the measurement signal that can be detected by the sensor device. Such measurement signal limits allow the possible measurement signal spectrum of the sensor device to be mapped. Therefore, additional information relating to the sensor device can also include a possible measurement signal spectrum of the sensor device.

[0031] Additional information relating to the operation of the sensor device may also include at least one calibration information relating to at least one calibration process of the sensor device. Such calibration information may include all details or information related to at least one calibration process to be performed and / or at least one calibration process already performed of the sensor device. This includes, for example, details or information on the type and execution of the calibration process, the date of the calibration process, the result of the calibration process, etc.

[0032] The additional information relating to the operation of the sensor device can, analogously, also include at least one adjustment information relating to at least one adjustment process of the sensor device. Such adjustment information can include all details or information related to at least one adjustment process to be performed and / or at least one adjustment process already performed on the sensor device. This includes, for example, details or information on the type and execution of the adjustment process, the date of the adjustment process, the result of the adjustment process, etc.

[0033] It is also possible that the additional information relating to the operation of the sensor device includes at least one setting information relating to a user-defined setting of at least one operating parameter of the sensor device. Such setting information can include all details or information related to the user-defined change or setting of at least one operating parameter of the sensor device. This includes, for example, settings of a specific measured quantity to be detected, e.g., in the case where a user wishes to detect the concentration or presence of a specific substance; settings of a sensing range (measuring range) to be detected, e.g., in the case where a user only wishes to detect a measurement signal range lying within corresponding maximum and minimum measurement signal limits, i.e.,if a user only wants to record measurements in a temperature range of 10 to 50°C, but the sensor device has a wider measuring range, for example -20 to +120°C, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the additional information relating to the operation of the sensor device includes at least one factory setting information relating to the sensor device's factory settings. Such factory setting information can contain all factory-predefined settings of the sensor device's operating parameters.

[0035] It is also conceivable that the additional information relates to the sensor device. The additional information can therefore generally include direct or indirect details about the sensor device itself.

[0036] Additional information relating to the sensor device can include, for example, the type of measurement quantity(ies) that can be detected by the sensor device. This additional information can therefore include details about which type of measurement quantity(ies) can be detected by the sensor device. This includes, for example, details about the fact that the sensor device can detect temperature and / or pressure, i.e., that the sensor device is designed to detect temperature and / or pressure, etc.

[0037] Additional information relating to the sensor device can also include the chemical-physical structure of at least one chemical-physical substance that can be detected by the sensor device. This additional information can therefore include details or information about which types of substances can generally be detected by the sensor device. This includes, for example, information about whether the sensor device can detect certain gases, liquids, etc., or which specific types of gases, liquids, etc., can be detected.

[0038] Additional information relating to the sensor device may also include identification information that uniquely identifies the sensor device. This additional information may therefore, particularly in the form of a serial number, contain details or information about which unit of a series of corresponding sensor devices it is. The additional information may also include indirect details or information about the manufacture or manufacturing conditions of the sensor device.

[0039] Furthermore, it is possible that the additional information relating to the sensor device includes manufacturing information concerning the manufacturing process of the sensor device, in particular the manufacturer and / or the date and / or place of manufacture. The additional information may accordingly also include direct details or information on the manufacturing or manufacturing conditions of the sensor device.

[0040] From the above explanations, it follows that the device as a whole makes it possible to generate or provide additional data or information via the control unit or the sensor unit in the form of corresponding additional information and to transmit this to the output unit in addition to the measurement information.

[0041] In the case of additional information relating to the measured quantity to be acquired or already acquired, the output device does not need to generate and / or maintain any further processing of the measured quantity information, since information related to the measured quantity is already generated by the control device and transmitted to the output device in the form of additional information. Similarly, in the case of additional information relating to the operation of the sensor device, the output device does not need to generate and / or maintain any data or information relating to the operation of the sensor device, since information related to the operation of the sensor device can be generated by the control device and transmitted to the output device in the form of additional information.Accordingly, if the output device provides additional information relating to the sensor, it is not necessary to generate or store any data or information concerning the sensor, since information related to the sensor can be generated by the control device and transmitted to the output device in the form of additional information. As mentioned above, the functionality of the output device can therefore be reduced, and the output device can be designed to be comparatively simple and, in particular, standardized.

[0042] In general, the data or information contained in the supplementary information does not need to be generated or maintained by the output device. Therefore, as explained, the output device can be of a simpler design. In particular, there is no mandatory requirement to configure the output device with regard to a specific sensor device. Rather, with the device according to the invention, it is possible to operate the output device with different sensor devices without any problems, since all data or information required for joint operation is generated by the sensor device and transmitted to the output device. Conversely, different sensor devices can easily be operated with a single output device.This results in particular manufacturing and economic advantages, since the output device or one of the devices belonging to it can be manufactured in far fewer versions, basically only in a single version.

[0043] In a further development of the device, the control unit can be configured to provide the measured quantity information and / or additional information with a time stamp, in particular a date and / or time. Thus, it is possible to date and / or time-stamp the generation and / or transmission of measured quantity information as well as additional information, thereby documenting it. This can be useful, for example, for evaluation and testing purposes of the device, i.e., in particular the sensor device, and / or the measured quantities. Measured quantity information and additional information documented accordingly can be archived, i.e., temporarily stored, in a storage medium.

[0044] It is therefore possible that the control unit and / or the output unit includes at least one storage device configured for the temporary storage of at least one piece of measurement information and / or at least one piece of additional information. The control unit should have access to the respective storage devices and the measurement information or additional information stored therein. One such storage device could be, for example, a so-called flash memory.

[0045] The output device can be configured to transfer at least one piece of additional information stored in an output-side storage medium to the sensor-side storage medium(s). This can be useful, for example, if additional information is stored in an output-side storage medium that is not stored in a sensor-side storage medium. This might be the case, for instance, if additional information containing relevant setting information, which was transferred from a first sensor to the output device, is now to be transferred from the output device to another sensor to operate the second sensor based on the setting information of the first sensor. The same applies, in particular, to relevant calibration or adjustment information.In general, the output device's storage medium can be used as a "backup location" for certain measurement information or additional information generated by the control device.

[0046] The control unit can be configured to transmit, after establishing a connection with an output device, first additional information relating to the sensor device and / or its operation, followed by measured value information. This allows the output device to be "prepared" for operation with a specific sensor device by first transmitting data or information concerning the sensor device and / or its operation. Subsequently, measured value information, as well as corresponding additional information relating to the measured or already measured value, can be transmitted to the now "prepared" output device. This makes the operation of the device simple and efficient.

[0047] It was mentioned that the sensor device and the control device can be formed or arranged on or in a first housing part, which is particularly rod-shaped or cylindrical, and that the output device can be formed or arranged on or in a second housing part. Since the sensor device can be connected to the output device, the first housing part, or more generally, a first housing part, can consequently also be connected to the second housing part, or more generally, a second housing part. This is typically a connection that can be detached without causing damage or destruction.

[0048] It is conceivable that the device further comprises a fastening element that can be connected to or is connected to the second housing part and that has at least one fastening area for attaching the fastening element to at least one third object, e.g., a wall of a building or a pipeline. The fastening element can thus be described or considered as a mechanical interface between a third object and the second housing part. Consequently, the dispensing device connected to the fastening element can be attached to a third object via the fastening element.

[0049] Certain functional components of the device can also be arranged or integrated on or within the mounting part. These can include, in particular, interfaces for data transmission, power supply for the output device or the sensor device, or the control device, etc. The mounting part can have a separate housing-like area for this purpose, on or within which the corresponding functional components can be arranged.

[0050] The typically (non-destructive) detachable connection between the second housing part and the fastening part, or vice versa, can be achieved, for example, by the interaction, particularly a positive-locking connection, of at least one connecting element on the housing part side with at least one corresponding connecting element on the fastening part side. Such connecting elements can, for example, be corresponding snap-fit / latch elements arranged or formed on both the fastening part and the second housing part, which engage with each other, particularly positively, when the second housing part is connected to the fastening part.

[0051] The first housing part and / or the second housing part and / or, if applicable, the mounting part can be explosion-proof, in particular with the type of protection increased safety (Ex-e), intrinsic safety (Ex-i), potting compound (Ex-m), or flameproof enclosure (Ex-d). The device, i.e., the components or functional parts associated with it, can thus be used in potentially explosive atmospheres. Further details and specifications for the individual types of protection are known and can be found in particular in the standard DIN EN 60079-0, to which reference is made in this context.

[0052] According to a suitable embodiment of an explosion-proof device, it is provided that the first housing part is designed in the type of intrinsic safety (Ex-i), the second housing part in the type of potting encapsulation (Ex-m) or in the type of flameproof encapsulation (Ex-d) and the fastening part in the type of increased safety (Ex-e).

[0053] The device may further include a control unit or be connectable to or connected to such a unit. A corresponding control unit is configured to control at least one controllable variable of a controllable process. Typically, at least one control loop is implemented in the control unit. The output unit is expediently configured to transmit at least one measurement value to the control unit. The control unit is expediently configured to control the at least one controllable variable of at least one controllable process based on the transmitted measurement value.

[0054] The invention further relates to a method for acquiring and outputting at least one measurement parameter description by means of a device as described. The method can therefore also be described or considered a method for operating a device as described. All descriptions relating to the device apply analogously to the method.

[0055] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiment described below and from the drawing. The single figure shows a schematic representation of a device for acquiring and outputting at least one measurement parameter.

[0056] The single figure shows a schematic representation of a device 1 for acquiring and outputting at least one measurement parameter. It is evident that the figure is a purely schematic representation of the device 1.

[0057] The device 1 comprises as essential components or functional components a sensor device 2, a control device 3 belonging to the sensor device 2 and an output device 4.

[0058] Sensor device 2 is configured to acquire measurement signals. The measurement signals relate to the measured quantity to be acquired by sensor device 2.

[0059] The measurement signal(s) detectable by the sensor device 2 are typically raw data which must be processed and converted into at least one measured quantity.

[0060] In principle, any measurement signal can be acquired with the sensor device 2. The sensor device 2 can therefore, for example, be any sensor (not shown) for measuring the temperature in a specific detection range, or it can include at least one such sensor.

[0061] The sensor unit 2 includes the control unit 3 for processing the corresponding measurement signals. The control unit 3 is configured to process the acquired measurement signal and, based on this signal, to generate measurement information relating to the measured quantity. The control unit 3 incorporates suitable hardware and / or software processing algorithms by means of which the corresponding measurement signals can be processed or converted into corresponding measurement quantities. The measurement quantities are represented in corresponding measurement information.

[0062] The control unit 3 is configured for communication with at least one communication partner, such as the output unit 4. Within the context of communication with a communication partner, the control unit 3 is specifically configured for transmitting measurement information to the communication partner. The control unit 3, or the sensor unit 2, therefore comprises a communication unit 5, i.e., in particular a transmitting and / or receiving unit, by means of which a communication link 6, in particular a bidirectional one, can be established with at least one communication partner. Thus, various types of information can be transmitted between the control unit 3 and the at least one communication partner, and vice versa, via the communication link 6.

[0063] The communication link 6 can be wired or wireless, and analog or digital. It is therefore conceivable that the control unit 3 and the output unit 4 communicate with each other without a mechanical-physical connection between the sensor unit 2 and the output unit 4, i.e., wirelessly or via radio. The sensor unit 2 and the output unit 4 can thus, in principle, be spatially separated or arranged independently of each other.

[0064] The output device 4 is fundamentally configured for communication with the control device 3. As explained, the output device 4 and the control device 3 thus represent communicating communication partners. The output device 4 therefore also includes a communication device 7, i.e., in particular a transmitting and / or receiving device, by means of which a communication connection, in particular a bidirectional one, can be established with at least one communication partner, in particular the control device 3.

[0065] The output device 4 is configured to output measurement information transmitted by the control device 3 to an output device-side output means 8 and / or to transmit measurement information transmitted before the control device 3 to at least one further communication partner.

[0066] As mentioned, the corresponding measurement information transmitted to output device 4 can be displayed as optical information on the output device's output means 8. Output means 8 can be a display. Alternatively or additionally, as also mentioned, it is possible to transmit the corresponding measurement information transmitted to output device 4 to at least one other communication partner (not shown).

[0067] The output device 4 can be mechanically and physically connected to the control device 3; that is, the output device 4 and the control device 3, together with the sensor device 2, can be connected, at least temporarily, to form a single assembly or, by forming a single assembly comprising several components or groups of components. Despite the fact that the output device 4 and the control device 2, together with the sensor device 2, can be connected to form a single assembly, the output device 4 and the control device 3, together with the sensor device 2, are fundamentally to be considered separate components or groups of components of the device 1.

[0068] The control unit 3 is additionally configured to generate at least one piece of supplementary information and to transmit this supplementary information to at least one communication partner, i.e., in particular, the output unit 4. The functionality of the control unit 2 and the sensor unit 3 is thus extended to include not only processing a corresponding measurement signal and generating corresponding measurement information based on the processed measurement signal, but also generating supplementary information. The sensor unit 2 together with the control unit 3 can therefore be described or considered as "intelligent sensor technology".

[0069] The additional information can relate to the measured quantity or quantity already measured. Therefore, the additional information can generally include direct or indirect details about the measured quantity.

[0070] A measured quantity typically represents a pure numerical value without further information, i.e., in particular without an associated (physical) unit.

[0071] Additional information relating to the measured quantity can include a physical unit associated with that quantity, e.g., temperature in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, pressure in bar or pascal, etc., or other units related to the measured quantity, such as percentages. For example, such additional information may include details about the proportion of a specific substance in another substance, i.e., the proportion of moisture or a gas, e.g., carbon monoxide, in a gas mixture, e.g., air. This additional information can include (physical) quantities on different scales or multiples of each other, i.e., values ​​in bar and mbar or values ​​in percent and per mille.

[0072] Additional information relating to the measured quantity can also include at least one (physical) quantity that can be derived or derived from the measured quantity. Depending on the design of the sensor device 2, such derived (physical) quantities can be, for example, condensation or dew points, derived or derived in particular from the measured temperature and pressure, or (mechanical) stresses, derived or derived, for example, from measured forces.

[0073] Additional information relating to the measured quantity can also include at least one predefinable or predetermined upper and / or lower limit value for the measured quantity. Such limits can, for example, relate to a specific, non-negligible or non-exceedable proportional concentration of a particular substance in a specific mixture of substances. For instance, corresponding limits can relate to a specific, non-negligible or non-exceedable proportional concentration of a particular fluid, i.e., a gas such as carbon monoxide, in a fluid mixture, i.e., a gas mixture such as air.

[0074] Additional information relating to the measured quantity can also include a mean value averaged from several individual measured quantities, particularly over time. Such mean values ​​can, for example, be averaged values ​​of individual measured quantities from a defined period or interval, or averaged values ​​of individual measured quantities from a specific number of individual measured quantities. Specific weightings of individual or multiple measured quantities are also conceivable.

[0075] It is also possible that the additional information relates to the operation of sensor device 2. The additional information can therefore generally contain direct or indirect details about the operation of sensor device 2.

[0076] Additional information relating to the operation of sensor device 2 can, for example, include a maximum upper measurement signal limit that can be detected by sensor device 2 and / or a minimum lower measurement signal limit that can be detected by sensor device 2. Such measurement signal limits allow the possible measurement signal spectrum of sensor device 2 to be mapped. Therefore, additional information relating to sensor device 2 can also include a possible measurement signal spectrum of sensor device 2.

[0077] Additional information relating to the operation of sensor device 2 may also include at least one calibration information relating to at least one calibration process of sensor device 2. Such calibration information may include all details or information related to at least one calibration process to be performed and / or at least one calibration process already performed of sensor device 2. This includes details or information on the type and execution of the calibration process(s), the date of the calibration process(s), the result of the calibration process(s), etc.

[0078] Similarly, additional information relating to the operation of sensor device 2 can also include at least one adjustment information relating to at least one adjustment process of sensor device 2. Such adjustment information can include all details or information related to at least one adjustment process to be performed and / or at least one adjustment process already performed of sensor device 2. This includes details or information on the type and execution of the adjustment process(s), the date of the adjustment process, the result of the adjustment process, etc.

[0079] It is also possible that additional information relating to the operation of sensor device 2 includes at least one setting information relating to a user-defined setting of at least one operating parameter of sensor device 2. Such setting information can include all data or information related to the user-defined change or setting of at least one operating parameter of sensor device 2. This includes settings of a specific measured quantity to be detected, e.g., in the case where a user wishes to detect the presence or concentration of a specific substance, settings of a sensing range (measuring range), etc.

[0080] Furthermore, it is conceivable that additional information relating to the operation of sensor device 2 includes at least one factory setting information relating to sensor device 2. Such factory setting information can contain all factory-predefined settings of operating parameters of sensor device 2.

[0081] It is also conceivable that the additional information relates to sensor device 2. The additional information can therefore generally contain direct or indirect details about sensor device 2 itself.

[0082] Additional information relating to sensor device 2 can, for example, include the type of measured quantity(ies) that can be detected by sensor device 2. This additional information can therefore include details or information about which type of measured quantity(ies) can be detected by sensor device 2 in principle. This includes, for example, details or information that temperature and / or pressure can be detected by sensor device 2, i.e., that sensor device 2 is designed for detecting temperature and / or pressure, etc.

[0083] Additional information relating to sensor device 2 can also include the chemical-physical structure of at least one chemical-physical substance that can be detected by sensor device 2. This additional information can therefore include details or information about which types of substances can generally be detected by sensor device 2. This includes information about whether or not certain gases, liquids, etc., can be detected by sensor device 2, or which specific types of gases, liquids, etc., can be detected.

[0084] Additional information relating to sensor device 2 may also include identification information that (uniquely) identifies sensor device 2. This additional information may therefore include, in particular in the form of a serial number, details or information about which unit of a series of corresponding sensor devices 2 it is.

[0085] Furthermore, it is possible that additional information relating to sensor device 2 includes manufacturing information relating to the manufacturing process of sensor device 2, in particular the manufacturer and / or the manufacturing date and / or the manufacturing location of sensor device 2.

[0086] With the device 1, it is possible to generate or provide additional information or data via the control unit 3 or the sensor unit 2 in the form of corresponding additional information and to transmit this to the output unit 4 in addition to the measurement information.

[0087] Therefore, no further processing of the measured quantity information is required by output device 4, in particular no generation and / or storage of such information, since information related to the measured quantity is generated by control device 3 and transmitted to output device 4 as supplementary information. Similarly, output device 4 is not required to generate and / or store any data or information relating to the operation of sensor device 2, since information related to the operation of sensor device 2 can be generated by control device 3 and transmitted to output device 4 as supplementary information.Accordingly, output device 4 does not need to generate and / or store any data or information relating to sensor device 2, since information related to sensor device 2 can be generated by control device 3 and transmitted to output device 4 in the form of additional information. The functionality of output device 4 can therefore be significantly reduced, and the output device can be designed to be comparatively simple and, in particular, standardized.

[0088] The control unit 3 can also be configured to provide a measurement value and / or additional information with a time stamp, in particular a date and / or time. Thus, it is possible to stamp the generation and / or transmission of measurement value information as well as additional information with a "date or time stamp" and thereby document it, for example, for evaluation and testing purposes of the device, i.e., in particular the sensor device 2, and / or the measured values.

[0089] The control unit 3 and / or the output unit 4 therefore each include a storage device (not shown), e.g., in the form of a FLASH memory, which is configured to store at least one measurement value and / or at least one additional information, at least temporarily. The control unit 3 has access to the respective storage devices and the measurement value or additional information stored therein.

[0090] Output device 4 can be configured to transfer at least one piece of additional information stored in an output device-side storage medium to a sensor device-side storage medium. This is useful if additional information is stored in an output device-side storage medium that is not stored in a sensor device-side storage medium. This can be the case, for example, if additional information containing relevant setting information, which was transferred from a first sensor device 2 to output device 4, is now to be transferred from output device 4 to another sensor device 2 in order to operate the further sensor device 2 based on the setting information of the first sensor device 2.

[0091] The control unit 3 can be configured to transmit, after establishing a connection with the output unit 4, first additional information relating to the sensor unit 2 and / or its operation to the output unit 4, followed by measurement information. In this way, it is possible to "prepare" the output unit 4 for operation with a specific sensor unit 2 by first transmitting data or information relating to the sensor unit 2 and / or its operation – in the sense of basic information – to the output unit 4. Subsequently, measurement information, as well as corresponding additional information relating to the measurement to be acquired or already acquired, can be transmitted to the now "prepared" output unit 4. The operation of the device 1 can thus be made simple and efficient.

[0092] The sensor device 2 and the control device 3 can be structurally connected. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the sensor device 2 and the control device 3 are arranged together in a first housing part 9, which is in particular rod-shaped or cylindrical. The communication device 5 is also located in the housing part 9. The output device 4 is arranged in a second housing part 10. Since the sensor device 2 can be connected to the output device 4, the first housing part 9 can also be connected to the second housing part 10. This connection can be detached without causing damage or destruction.

[0093] The device 1 further comprises a fastening part 11 that can be connected to or is connected to the second housing part 10 and which has at least one fastening area for attaching the fastening part 11 to at least one third object, e.g., a wall of a building or a pipeline. The dispensing device 4 connected to the fastening part 11 can be attached to a third object via the fastening part 11.

[0094] Certain functional components (not shown) of the device 1 can also be arranged or formed on or in the mounting part 11. These can be, for example, interfaces for data transmission, for supplying power to the output device 4, the sensor device 2, or the control device 3, etc. The mounting part 11 can have a separate housing-like area (not shown) for this purpose, on or in which the corresponding functional components can be or are arranged.

[0095] The (non-destructive) detachable connection of the second housing part 10 with the fastening part 11, or vice versa, can be achieved by, in particular, a positive-locking interaction of at least one connecting element on the housing part side (not shown) with at least one corresponding connecting element on the fastening part side (not shown). Such connecting elements can, for example, be corresponding snap-fit / latch elements arranged or formed on both the fastening part 11 and the second housing part 10, which engage each other, in particular in a positive-locking manner, when the second housing part 10 and the fastening part 11 are connected.

[0096] The first housing part 9, the second housing part 10, and the mounting part 11 can be designed to be explosion-proof. The device 1 can thus be used in potentially explosive atmospheres. The first housing part 9 is expediently designed with intrinsic safety protection (Ex-i), the second housing part 10 with encapsulation protection (Ex-m) or flameproof enclosure protection (Ex-d), and the mounting part 11 with increased safety protection (Ex-e).

[0097] Although not shown in the embodiment depicted in the figure, the device 1 may also include, or be connectable to, a control unit. Such a control unit is configured to control at least one controllable variable of a controllable process. The output device 4 is configured to transmit at least one measurement value to the control unit. The control unit is configured to control the at least one controllable variable of at least one controllable process based on the transmitted measurement value.

Claims

[1] Device (1) for recording and outputting at least one measurement information describing at least one measurement quantity, comprising: - at least one sensor device (2) which is configured to detect at least one measurement signal relating to at least one measurand to be detected, wherein the sensor device (2) comprises a control device (3) which is configured to process the detected measurement signal(s) and, on the basis of the processed measurement signal(s), to generate measurement information relating to the measurand to be detected or detected, and to transmit the generated measurement information to at least one communication partner, wherein the control device (3) is additionally configured to generate at least one additional piece of information relating to the measurand to be detected or detected and / or to the sensor device (2) and / or to the operation of the sensor device (2), and to transmit the corresponding additional information to at least one communication partner,wherein the additional information relating to the measured quantity to be measured or recorded includes at least one physical unit of the measured quantity to be measured or recorded and at least one predefinable or predetermined upper and lower limit value of the measured quantity to be measured or recorded; and, - an output device (4) that can be connected to or is connected to the sensor device (2), which is equipped to output the measurement information transmitted by the control device (3) to an output device-side output means (8) and / or to transmit the measurement information transmitted by the control device (3) to at least one communication partner; wherein the sensor device (2) is configured to generate all information required for joint operation from the sensor device (2) and to transmit it to the output device (4), so that the output device (4) can be operated with different sensor devices without further ado. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the additional information relating to the measured quantity to be recorded or recorded further includes at least one physical quantity that can be derived from or is derived from the measured quantity to be recorded or recorded and / or a mean measured quantity averaged from several individual measured quantities, in particular over time. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the additional information relating to the operation of the sensor device (2) includes an upper measurement signal limit that can be detected by the sensor device (2) at most and / or a lower measurement signal limit that can be detected by the sensor device (2) at least at least and / or at least one calibration information relating to at least one calibration process of the sensor device (2) and / or at least one adjustment information relating to at least one adjustment process of the sensor device (2) and / or at least one setting information relating to a user setting of at least one operating parameter of the sensor device (2) and / or at least one factory setting information relating to the factory settings of the sensor device (2). [4] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the additional information relating to the sensor device (2) includes the type of measurement quantity detectable by the sensor device (2) and / or the chemical-physical structure of at least one chemical-physical substance detectable by the sensor device (2) and / or at least identification information identifying the sensor device (2), in particular a serial number, and / or at least manufacturing information relating to the manufacturing process of the sensor device (2), in particular the manufacturer and / or the date and / or the place of manufacture of the sensor device (2). [5] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control device (3) is configured to provide the measurement information and / or the or additional information with a time identifier, in particular a date and / or a time. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control device (3) is configured to transmit, after establishing a connection with the or an output device (4), first additional information relating to the sensor device (2) and / or the operation of the sensor device (2) to the output device (4) and subsequently measurement information. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control device (3) and / or the output device (4) includes at least one storage means which is designed to store at least one measurement information and / or at least one additional information at least temporarily. [8] Device according to claim 7, characterized by, that the output device (4) is configured to transmit at least one additional piece of information stored in an output device-side storage medium to the sensor device-side storage medium. [9] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor device (2) and the control device (3) are jointly formed or arranged on or in a first housing part (9), in particular a cylindrical one. [10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the output device (4) is formed or arranged on or in a second housing part (10). [11] Device according to claim 10, characterized bya fastening part (11) that can be connected or joined to the second housing part (10) and which has at least one fastening area for fastening the fastening part (11) to at least one third object, in particular a wall of a building or a pipeline. [12] Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that the second housing part (10) can be detachably connected or connected to the fastening part (11) by, in particular by, positive locking, interaction of at least one housing part-side connecting element with at least one corresponding fastening part-side connecting element. [13] Device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by, that the first housing part (9) and / or the second housing part (10) and / or, if applicable, the fastening part (11) are explosion-proof, in particular in the type of protection increased safety (Ex-e) or in the type of protection intrinsic safety (Ex-i) or in the type of protection potting encapsulation (Ex-m) or in the type of protection flameproof encapsulation (Ex-d). [14] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one control device which is configured to control at least one controllable controlled variable of a controllable process, wherein the output device (4) is configured to transmit at least one measurement information to the control device, wherein the control device is configured to control the at least one controllable controlled variable of at least one controllable process on the basis of the transmitted measurement information. [15] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the control device (3) is connectable to or connected to the output device (4) via a wireless or wired analog or digital communication link.

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