Mounting bracket for a transmitter for laboratory applications and laboratory measuring station

Abstract

The invention discloses a holder for a transmitter (3) for laboratory applications, comprising a receptacle (5) configured to receive a transmitter (3), wherein the internal geometry of the receptacle (5) accommodates the outer contour of the transmitter (3) at least partially, wherein any operating elements (9), display elements (10) and connections (11) of the transmitter (3) are recessed from the receptacle (5), wherein the transmitter (3) is configured to be detachably, in particular directly, connected to a sensor (2), wherein the receptacle (5) comprises an opening (6) through which the sensor (2) connected to the transmitter (3) is guided; and a connection element (7) connected to the receptacle (5) and configured to be attached to a support (8), in particular to a DIN rail, tripod clamp, magnetic board, stand, tripod, rod or the like. The invention also discloses a laboratory measuring station with such a holder.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holder for a transmitter for laboratory applications and a laboratory measuring point.

[0002] There are many transmitters on the market that are used in industrial environments, such as the applicant's "Liquiline CM44." These are mounted on DIN rails or panels, or are set up as desktop devices.

[0003] Smaller transmitters, such as the applicant's "Liquiline Mobile CML18," do not have such mounting or installation options due to their size. These smaller transmitters are also referred to as "mobile transmitters" or "handheld transmitters." A single sensor is connected to such transmitters, for example, for measuring pH / redox, conductivity, oxygen, and temperature. Such a transmitter is known, for example, from DE 10 2017 128 741 A1.

[0004] To mount a handheld transmitter in a laboratory environment, the connected sensor is usually secured using a laboratory clamp. Without a suitable holder, such as a laboratory clamp, the transmitter must be held firmly in place by hand. Alternatively, the sensor can also be connected to the transmitter via a cable, which requires holding both the sensor and the transmitter.

[0005] Securing the sensor in the clamp can place stress on the sensor, which could lead to deformation. The clamp must be loosened to remove the transmitter with the sensor connected. If the sensor is connected to the transmitter via a cable, only the sensor can be secured in the clamp. The transmitter must be placed on the table or held by hand. In addition, both hands are often required for daily work in the laboratory (changing samples, cleaning the sensor, documentation, etc.). The handheld transmitter cannot be optimally secured so that the display is legible and other laboratory work can be carried out smoothly at the same time.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of facilitating the work with a handheld transmitter in the laboratory environment.

[0007] The object is achieved by a holder for a transmitter for laboratory applications, comprising a receptacle which is designed to receive a transmitter, wherein the internal geometry of the receptacle receives the external contour of the transmitter at least in sections, wherein any operating elements, display elements and connections of the transmitter are recessed from the receptacle, wherein the transmitter is designed to be detachably, in particular directly, connected to a sensor, wherein the receptacle comprises an opening through which the sensor connected to the transmitter is guided; and a connection element which is connected to the receptacle and is designed to be fastened to a carrier, in particular to a top-hat rail, tripod clamp, magnetic wall, stand, tripod, rod or the like.

[0008] The object is further achieved by a laboratory measuring point, comprising a sensor with at least one sensitive element for detecting a measured variable; a transmitter with an outer contour, wherein the sensor is detachably connected to the transmitter, in particular directly; and a holder with a receptacle with an inner geometry which at least partially receives the outer contour of the transmitter and the transmitter is inserted into the inner geometry, wherein the receptacle comprises an opening through which the sensor connected to the transmitter is guided, and a connection element which is connected to the receptacle and is designed to be fastened to a carrier, in particular to a top-hat rail, tripod clamp, magnetic wall, stand, tripod, rod or the like.

[0009] This makes it possible to continue using existing equipment (laboratory clamp, tripod, pipette holder, DIN rail, etc.; see below) and attach a handheld transmitter to it. Flexible installation positions are possible, as explained further below. The transmitter can be easily removed from the holder without having to loosen laboratory clamps, etc. The transmitter does not need to be held by hand. Furthermore, the transmitter is not dependent on a connected sensor being clamped in a holder. This avoids inappropriate forces on the sensor, which could damage it. This enables friction-free laboratory work.

[0010] One embodiment provides that the transmitter comprises one or more operating elements, display elements and connections, and these are recessed from the receptacle.

[0011] One embodiment provides that the receptacle takes up approximately one third, preferably half, of the height of the transmitter.

[0012] One design provides that the holder completely encloses the transmitter.

[0013] One embodiment provides that the holder and the connecting element are made from one piece.

[0014] One embodiment provides that the receptacle and the connecting element are designed to be rotatable relative to one another.

[0015] One embodiment provides that the support is designed as a support rail, in particular according to DIN EN 60715:2018-07, DIN EN 60715:2001-09, DIN EN 50022, DIN EN 50023, DIN EN 50024, DIN EN 50035, DIN EN 50045 or DIN EN 60715, and the connecting element is designed correspondingly thereto.

[0016] One embodiment provides that the carrier is designed as a clamp, tripod clamp or laboratory clamp, and the connection element is designed correspondingly thereto, in particular the connection element is cylindrical with its longitudinal axis along the height of the transmitter.

[0017] One embodiment provides that the connecting element comprises a rim.

[0018] One embodiment provides that the brim has an opening, in particular for passing through a cable.

[0019] One embodiment provides that the carrier is designed as a housing with a spherical joint head, and the connecting element has a ball socket.

[0020] One embodiment provides that the carrier is designed as a pipette holder system, pipette carousel, charging stand for pipettes, pipette stand, pipette holder or charging cradle for a pipette, each with a holder for a pipette, and the connecting element is designed corresponding to the holder.

[0021] One embodiment provides that the connecting element comprises one or more threads for a tripod or GorillaPod, in particular a thread according to DIN 4503-1 / ISO 1222, preferably a 1 / 4" 20 thread UNC or 3 / 8" 16 thread UNC.

[0022] One embodiment provides that the carrier is designed as a rod, in particular as a laboratory rod, and the connecting element is designed correspondingly thereto, in particular in the form of a pair of tongs.

[0023] One embodiment provides that the connecting element or the holder comprises a magnet or is magnetically designed, which is designed to attach the laboratory measuring point to a magnetic surface.

[0024] This is explained in more detail using the following figures. Fig. 1a-c show the claimed laboratory measuring point in one embodiment. Fig. 2a-e show the claimed laboratory measuring point in one embodiment. Fig. 3a, b show the claimed laboratory measuring point in one embodiment. Fig. 4 shows the claimed laboratory measuring point in one embodiment. Fig. 5a, b show the claimed laboratory measuring point in one embodiment. Fig. 6 shows the claimed laboratory measuring point in one embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 shows the claimed laboratory measuring point in one embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 shows the claimed laboratory measuring point in one embodiment. Fig. Figure 9 shows the claimed laboratory measuring point in one embodiment.

[0025] In the figures, identical features are identified by identical reference numerals.

[0026] The claimed laboratory measuring point in its entirety has the reference number 1 and is, for example, in Fig. 1a. A laboratory measuring point 1 comprises a transmitter 3 and a connected sensor 2 as well as the holder 4. The Fig. 1a shows the laboratory measuring point 1 in a configuration for measuring in a glass; Fig. 1b shows the laboratory measuring point 1 without transmitter 3 and sensor 2; and Fig. 1c shows the laboratory measuring point 1 held in the hand with the sensor 2, which is guided through the opening 6 of the holder 5 (see below).

[0027] First, we'll look at a transmitter 3. A transmitter 1, also called a measuring transducer, is generally a device that converts an input variable into an output variable according to a fixed relationship. Measuring transducer and transmitter are used synonymously here. A sensor is connected to a transmitter. Its raw measured values ​​are processed in the transmitter, for example, averaged or converted into another variable using a computational model, such as the process variable to be determined, and possibly forwarded, for example, to a computer connected via wireless communication.

[0028] The “transmitter” of the present inventors is a “small” transmitter, which is approximately the size of the Fig. 1c, it can be easily held with a single hand and fits in the palm of a hand. This type of transmitter is also referred to as a "mobile transmitter" or "handheld transmitter." Transmitter 1, for example, has edge lengths of 5 cm by 8 cm by 5 cm. Transmitter 3 can also be roughly triangular in shape with rounded edges, especially the side facing away from the display 10. Transmitter 3 has a connection element 11 (see Fig. 2a) for connecting a sensor 2 via a suitable cable 21 or connecting a USB cable for charging the sensor 2.

[0029] The transmitter 3 comprises a display element / display 10 and one or more operating elements 9, such as keys, knobs, buttons, or softkeys, via which the transmitter 3 can be operated. For example, measurement data from the sensor 2 (see below) is displayed on the display 10. Likewise, the sensor can be configured and parameterized using the operating elements 9 and the corresponding view on the display 10. The display 10 can also be designed as a touch display, and the operating elements 9 can then also be part of the touch display, specifically as touch operating elements. The transmitter 3 comprises a data processing unit. The transmitter 3 can also comprise one or more wireless modules, such as Bluetooth (in particular with the Low Energy protocol stack known as "Bluetooth Low Energy" (also known as BTLE, BLE, or Bluetooth Smart; preferably at least the "Bluetooth 4.0" standard), mobile communications (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G), or others.This can be used to connect to a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet or a computer.

[0030] Data is transmitted, whereby the "data" can be measurement data from sensor 2. However, the "data" can also be configuration values ​​(parameters) of sensor 2. Sensor 2 is parameterized via the connected device (e.g., a smartphone), and the configuration values ​​are transmitted via interface 16 (transmitter 3 to sensor 2; see below) via transmitter 3 and sensor 2.

[0031] A wide variety of sensors 2 can be connected to the transmitter 3, such as sensors for measuring pH, redox, conductivity, oxygen, temperature, and others. The sensor 2 comprises at least one sensitive element for detecting the corresponding measured variable. The sensitive element is in contact with the medium to be measured. The sensor 2 is cylindrical and has a diameter of, for example, 12 mm. The coupling body area (see below) has a slightly larger diameter, approximately 14-15 mm.

[0032] The sensor 2 comprises a cylindrical coupling body in its upper region (i.e., the end facing away from the sensitive element). The transmitter 3 comprises a hollow cylindrical end region at one end, which is designed to complement the coupling body of the sensor 2. These are designed to plug into one another and are firmly and detachably connected to one another, for example, via a bayonet lock. A reverse arrangement is possible.

[0033] Sensor 2 and transmitter 3 form an interface 16. This interface 16 is designed, for example, as a galvanically isolated, particularly inductive, interface, which can be coupled to one another via a mechanical plug connection via the coupling bodies. The mechanical plug connection is hermetically sealed, so that no external liquid, such as the medium to be measured, air, or dust, can penetrate into the interior of transmitter 3. Data (bidirectional) and energy (unidirectional, i.e., from transmitter 3 to sensor 2) are sent or transmitted via interface 16.

[0034] A laboratory measuring point 1 therefore comprises a sensor 2, which is connected to the transmitter 3 and the holder 4.

[0035] The holder 4 comprises a receptacle 5 with an inner geometry, which at least partially accommodates the outer contour of the transmitter 3, and the transmitter 3 is inserted into the inner geometry. The transmitter 3 therefore fits exactly into the receptacle 5. The receptacle 5 can also have a stepped geometry as shown, creating a snug fit. The receptacle 5 consists of "elements", but the receptacle is a single piece. There are webs 5b, 5c which hold the transmitter 3 along the longitudinal axis on the front side (side of the display 10), and a curved part 5a for the rear side of the transmitter 3. The basic structure is formed by the frame 5d; see the Fig. 2b.

[0036] Mounting 5 takes up about one-third or half the height of the transmitter. With a height of transmitter 3 of 8 cm, mounting 5 is therefore about 2.5 cm to 4 cm high. This shows approximately Fig. 2a in the low or Fig. 2d in the higher configuration, see especially elements 5a-c. In one configuration, the receptacle 5 completely encloses the transmitter 3, thus the receptacle 5 is a kind of cage for the transmitter 3. However, the display element 10, control elements 9, or connections are, of course, left out.

[0037] The receptacle 5 includes an opening 6 through which the sensor 2 connected to the transmitter 3 is guided. Since the sensor 2 is guided through the opening 6, the opening has a diameter of at least greater than 12 mm. The transmitter 1 has an edge length of 5 cm, thus the opening is smaller than 5 cm.

[0038] The holder 4 further comprises a connection element 7, which is connected to the receptacle 5 for the transmitter 3. The laboratory measuring point 1 can be attached to a support 8 via the connection element 7, for example to a top-hat rail, tripod clamp, magnetic wall, stand, tripod, rod, or similar.

[0039] Fig. 2a-d show one embodiment. In these embodiments, the support 8 is designed as a clamp, tripod clamp, or laboratory clamp. The connecting element 7 is designed accordingly. The connecting element 7 is cylindrical with its longitudinal axis along the height of the transmitter. This shows Fig. 2a. The length of the cylinder 7 can also vary, Fig. Figure 2b shows a higher variant of the connecting element 7. This allows rotation in the XY plane when the clamp engages the upper part of the connecting element 7. The connecting element 7 can comprise a rim 12, see Fig. 2b, so that the connecting element 7 does not slip off the terminal. The flange 12 has an opening 13 for passing a cable through.

[0040] This also shows Fig. 1a-c. In Fig. 1a shows the entire laboratory measuring point 1, clamped in a laboratory clamp. In Fig. 1b shows the holder 4 without transmitter 3 and without sensor 2 in a clamp. Fig. 1c shows the clamped holder 4 through whose opening 6 the sensor 2 is just inserted

[0041] Fig. 3a, b show one embodiment. The support 8 is designed as a support rail, in particular according to DIN EN 60715:2018-07, DIN EN 60715:2001-09, DIN EN 50022, DIN EN 50023, DIN EN 50024, DIN EN 50035, DIN EN 50045, or DIN EN 60715. The connecting element 7 is designed accordingly.

[0042] The receptacle 5 and the connecting element 7 are designed to be rotatable relative to one another.

[0043] Fig. 3b shows a design for the DIN rail with a rotation in the YZ plane. Fig. 5 shows a design (here again for a terminal) in the XY plane.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the support is designed as a housing with a spherical joint head (not shown). Accordingly, the connecting element has a ball socket. Or the reverse is the case, i.e., the support has the ball socket and the connecting element has the joint head.

[0045] Fig. 5a, b show an embodiment. The carrier 8 is designed as a pipette holder system 17 ( Fig. 5a), pipette carousel, pipette charging stand, pipette stand, pipette holder, or charging cradle for a pipette, each designed with a holder for a pipette. Accordingly, the connecting element 7 is designed to correspond to the holder ( Fig. 5b).

[0046] Fig. Figure 6 shows one embodiment. The connecting element 7 comprises one or more threads 14 to which a tripod or GorillaPod 18 can be connected. The thread 14 is a thread according to DIN 4503-1 / ISO 1222, preferably a 1 / 4" 20-thread UNC or 3 / 8" 16-thread UNC.

[0047] Fig. Figure 7 shows one embodiment. The support 8 is designed as a laboratory rod 19, approximately 10 mm in diameter. The connecting element 7 is designed accordingly, for example, in a pincer-like manner, to grip the rod 19.

[0048] The connecting element 7 or the receptacle 5 comprises a magnet or is magnetically designed. The design with the magnet is shown in Fig. 4. Reference numeral 15 indicates that the connecting element 7 is magnetic (reference numeral 15). Fig. Figure 4 also shows the design for a laboratory clamp, see above. Two mounting options can also be used in parallel, as shown here with the magnet and the connection element for a laboratory clamp. In the design with the magnet, the connection element 7 is preferably designed with a rectangular base. This makes it possible to attach the laboratory measuring point 1 to a magnetic surface.

[0049] Fig. Figure 8 shows one embodiment. The support 8 is designed as a laboratory rod 19, approximately 10 mm in diameter. The connecting element 7 is designed accordingly, for example, secured by a screw, in particular a wing screw.

[0050] Fig.Figure 9 shows one embodiment. The support 8 is designed as a laboratory rod 19, approximately 10 mm in diameter. The connecting element 7 is designed accordingly, for example, as a tensioning clamp or spring band clamp. List of reference symbols 1 laboratory measuring point 2 sensors 3 transmitters 4 Bracket 5 Recording with internal geometry 5a-d Elements of 5 6 Opening 7 Connection element 8 carriers 9 controls 10 Display element 11 Connection 12 brim 13 Opening in 12 14 threads 15 Magnet 16 Interface 17 Pipette holder system 18 GorillaPod 19 Laboratory rod 20 terminal 21 cables QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2017 128 741 A1

[0003] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] DIN EN 60715:2018-07 [0015, 0041] DIN EN 60715:2001-09 [0015, 0041] DIN EN 50022 [0015, 0041] DIN EN 50023 [0015, 0041] DIN EN 50024 [0015, 0041] DIN EN 50035 [0015, 0041] DIN EN 50045 [0015, 0041] DIN EN 60715 [0015, 0041]

Claims

[1] Holder for a transmitter (3) for laboratory applications, comprising - a receptacle (5) designed to receive a transmitter (3), wherein the internal geometry of the receptacle (5) accommodates the external contour of the transmitter (3) at least in sections, wherein any operating elements (9), display elements (10) and connections (11) of the transmitter (3) are recessed from the receptacle (5), wherein the transmitter (3) is designed to be detachably, in particular directly, connected to a sensor (2), wherein the receptacle (5) comprises an opening (6) through which the sensor (2) connected to the transmitter (3) is guided; and - a connecting element (7) which is connected to the receptacle (5) and is designed to be fastened to a support (8), in particular to a top-hat rail, tripod clamp, magnetic wall, stand, tripod, rod or the like. [2] Laboratory measuring point (1), comprising - a sensor (2) with at least one sensitive element for detecting a measured variable; - a transmitter (3) with an outer contour, wherein the sensor (2) is detachably connected to the transmitter (3), in particular directly; and - a bracket (4) ▪ with a receptacle (5) with an inner geometry which at least partially accommodates the outer contour of the transmitter (3) and the transmitter (3) is inserted into the inner geometry, wherein the receptacle (5) comprises an opening (6) through which the sensor (2) connected to the transmitter (3) is guided, and ▪ a connection element (7) which is connected to the receptacle (5) and is designed to be fastened to a support (8), in particular to a top-hat rail, tripod clamp, magnetic wall, stand, tripod, rod or the like. [3] Laboratory measuring point (1) according to claim 2, wherein the transmitter (3) comprises one or more operating elements (9), display elements (10) and connections (11), and these are recessed from the receptacle (5). [4] Laboratory measuring point (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the receptacle (5) accommodates approximately one third, preferably half, of the height of the transmitter (3). [5] Laboratory measuring point (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (5) and the connecting element (7) are made from one piece. [6] Laboratory measuring point (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (5) and the connecting element (7) are designed to be rotatable relative to one another. [7] Laboratory measuring point (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (8) is designed as a support rail, in particular according to DIN EN 60715:2018-07, DIN EN 60715:2001-09, DIN EN 50022, DIN EN 50023, DIN EN 50024, DIN EN 50035, DIN EN 50045 or DIN EN 60715, and the connection element (7) is designed correspondingly thereto. [8] Laboratory measuring point (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier (8) is designed as a clamp (20), tripod clamp or laboratory clamp, and the connecting element (7) is designed correspondingly thereto, in particular the connecting element (7) is cylindrical with its longitudinal axis along the height of the transmitter (3). [9] Laboratory measuring point (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting element (7) comprises a rim (12). [10] Laboratory measuring point (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the rim (12) has an opening (13), in particular for passing through a cable.

Images