Primary connection part, in particular plug connection part, for a connection device for the inductive transmission of signals, kit, connection device and measuring apparatus

Abstract

A primary connection part (4.2), in particular a plug connection part, for a connection device (2.2) for the inductive transmission of signals comprises a primary circuit (19.2), a primary coil unit (21.2) in the primary circuit (19.2), comprising a primary coil (13.2) to be coupled inductively to a secondary coil (11), and at least one compensation means (31) for setting the coupling properties of the primary coil unit (21.2) to reference coupling properties. The invention also relates to a kit, a connection device (2.2) and a measuring apparatus (1.2) comprising at least one such primary connection part (4.2).

Description

[0001] Primary connecting part, in particular plug-in connecting part, for a connecting device for inductive transmission of signals, set, connecting device and measuring device

[0002] This patent application claims priority from German patent application DE 10 2023 202 369.5, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The invention relates to a primary connection piece, in particular a plug-in connection piece, for a connection device for the inductive transmission of signals. Furthermore, the invention relates to a set comprising at least one such primary connection piece. The invention also relates to a connection device comprising at least one such primary connection piece. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a measuring device comprising such a connection device.

[0004] DE 10 2017 113 420 A1 discloses a connection device for the inductive transmission of signals between a primary connection piece and a secondary connection piece. Signal transmission requires that the coupling properties of the two connection pieces are precisely matched. Even minor structural changes can lead to differing coupling properties, which can impair the compatibility of corresponding connection pieces and necessitate the costly replacement of large numbers of existing connection pieces.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved primary connection part for a connection device for the inductive transmission of signals, which in particular can be used particularly flexibly and is robust and economical in operation.

[0006] This object is achieved by a primary connecting part having the features of claim 1. It has been recognized that a primary connecting part for a connecting device for the inductive transmission of signals can be used particularly flexibly, as well as being robust and economical in operation, if the primary coil unit has at least one compensation means designed to adjust the coupling properties of the primary coil unit to reference coupling properties. The reference coupling properties are preferably determined by ensuring the inductive signal transmission via the connecting device, in particular between the primary connecting part and a secondary connecting part, in a particularly energy-efficient manner and / or with a particularly high degree of robustness against interference, for example, contamination and / or wear effects.The reference coupling characteristics may correspond to the coupling characteristics of a reference primary connection part, which ensures reliable signal transmission with the secondary connection part.

[0007] Because the compensation means ensures that the coupling properties of the primary coil unit are adjusted to the reference coupling properties, primary connecting parts of different stages of development can be reliably used with the same secondary connecting part. This allows the primary connecting part to be technically further developed without fear of compatibility issues, to be revised according to changing customer requirements, and to be flexibly manufactured using commercially available and economically procurable components, particularly electronic components. The compensation means ensures that the coupling properties can be adjusted with particular precision to the reference coupling properties, making signal transmission particularly efficient and interference-resistant during operation.

[0008] The terms primary and secondary are used to create an assignment to one of the two sides of a transformer coil pair that interact during inductive signal transmission, in particular to the primary coil side and / or the secondary coil side. Inductive signal transmission is fundamentally independent of direction. The terms primary and secondary are therefore to be understood in such a way that they can be interchanged. The primary side is preferably provided by a power supply. The secondary side can be arranged by a consumer, in particular a sensor. Alternatively, the arrangement can be reversed. In principle, both the primary connection part and the secondary connection part can have at least one compensation means for setting respective reference coupling properties.

[0009] The coupling properties are understood to mean all properties that affect the coupling capability of the primary connection part, in particular in a connection with the secondary connection part. The coupling properties include, in particular, the electrical properties of the electrical components of the primary connection part that influence the inductive signal transmission. The coupling properties can be determined by the resistors, inductors, capacitors and / or semiconductors, in particular switches and / or diodes, integrated into the primary circuit, in particular into an oscillating circuit for exciting the primary coil. The primary circuit preferably comprises an oscillating circuit for cyclically exciting an electrical current through the primary coil, in particular for applying an alternating voltage to the primary coil. The primary circuit preferably has an amplifier circuit, in particular a Class E amplifier.The resonant circuit can be a component of the amplifier circuit.

[0010] The inductively transmittable signals can comprise energy and / or information. The primary connection part is preferably designed to transmit electrical energy for operating a secondary connection part, in particular a secondary connection circuit, via the primary coil to the secondary coil. The transmitted electrical energy can be used, in particular, to supply additional loads, in particular at least one sensor. The information can comprise digital and / or analog signals, in particular data, in particular measurement data, in particular sensor data.

[0011] The primary coil unit comprises the primary coil and the at least one compensation means. The primary coil unit can further comprise a coil core, in particular a ferrite core, a coil body, and / or a housing, in particular a portion of the primary housing of the primary connection part.

[0012] The invention particularly relates to a method for adjusting the coupling properties of the primary connection part, in particular of the primary coil unit, to the reference coupling properties. The method is preferably further developed with at least one of the features described in connection with the primary connection part. The advantages of the method correspond to the advantages of the primary connection part. The coupling properties are preferably adjusted such that the coupling behavior of the primary connection part matches that of the secondary connection part.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary connection unit comprises a single or at least one, in particular at least two, in particular at least five, compensation means.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the compensation means is designed to compensate for a design change of the primary coil unit. The design change can comprise a change to components of the primary circuit and / or a change to interacting elements, for example, the coil core and / or the housing and / or the coil body. The design change can, in particular, be a change to the primary coil unit, in particular the primary coil, compared to a reference primary coil unit, in particular a reference primary coil, or a reference primary connection part. For example, the coil core and / or the coil geometry, in particular the coil wire and / or the coil length and / or the coil diameter and / or the number of windings and / or the winding thickness, can be changed.The compensation means is preferably designed such that the coupling properties of the primary coil unit are adapted to the changed design, in particular such that the coupling behavior matches the secondary connection part.

[0015] Compensation means that a specific, particularly undesirable, effect is at least partially, or even completely, counteracted. The design change leads to a change in the coupling properties, which is counteracted by the compensation means.

[0016] According to one aspect, the design change of the primary coil unit comprises a structural change and / or a redesign of the primary coil unit. The design change is, in particular, a change, in particular a deliberately induced change, compared to the design of a reference primary coil unit. For example, the design change can comprise a change in geometry and / or the addition, omission, and / or rearrangement of components of the primary coil unit, in particular the coil core and / or the coil body.

[0017] A design change does not refer to random deviations attributable solely to component tolerances. Unlike a design change, component tolerances often have a minor influence on the inductive coupling behavior, but in any case an influence that varies across a plurality of identical primary coil units. The influence of a design change on the inductive coupling behavior is non-varying and can therefore be precisely determined. The compensation means can be designed such that it compensates for a non-varying influence of a design change on the inductive coupling behavior, particularly compared to the reference primary coil unit, particularly across a plurality of identical primary connecting parts, in particular primary coil units.

[0018] According to a further aspect, the primary coil unit has the compensation means, in particular in the primary circuit, and the reference primary coil unit has no compensation means, in particular no corresponding compensation means. The compensation means is preferably designed to compensate for the design change of the primary coil unit compared to the reference primary coil unit.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one compensation means can be designed to compensate for a dimensional change of the primary coil. The dimensional change can be in the length and / or width, in particular the diameter, and / or the cross-sectional geometry and / or the wire geometry, in particular the wire length, and / or the number of windings and / or the winding thickness.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one compensation means can be designed to compensate for a change in the coupling properties that arises depending on the use of a coil former for the primary coil. The reference coupling properties can correspond to those of a primary coil unit with a coil former or a primary coil unit designed without a coil former. The compensation means can be designed to provide corresponding reference coupling properties without a corresponding coil former and / or with a corresponding coil former. In a primary coil unit without a coil former, the primary coil can be wound directly onto the coil core, in particular the ferrite core, or can be manufactured in an intrinsically stable manner and joined to the coil core. A primary coil wound onto a coil former has improved mechanical properties and is easier to manufacture.Depending on the use of a coil former, a change in the primary coil may result, with a corresponding influence on the coupling properties. The compensation means is preferably designed to compensate for the change in the coupling properties resulting from the change in the geometry of the primary coil caused by the coil former.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary coil unit can comprise a coil former for supporting the primary coil, wherein the at least one compensation means is designed to counteract the change in the coupling properties caused by the use of the coil former. Depending on the use of the coil former, a change in the coil core may be necessary, in particular a change in the geometry of the coil core. The compensation means can be designed to compensate for a change in the coupling properties resulting therefrom.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one compensation means is electrically integrated into the primary circuit. The compensation means can be electrically connected to the primary circuit, in particular in a series circuit and / or a parallel circuit with the primary coil. The compensation means can comprise a resistor and / or a capacitor.

[0023] According to one aspect, the at least one compensation means can be permanently integrated into the primary circuit. This means that the compensation means is permanently, i.e., non-switchably, electrically connected to the primary circuit. The compensation means is preferably an electrical component.

[0024] According to one aspect, the compensation means can be designed to be unchangeable, in particular non-switchable and / or non-adjustable, in particular integrated into the primary circuit. The compensation means can be a component whose properties, in particular electrical properties, are unchangeable and / or irreversibly changeable. Preferably, the compensation means is not designed to compensate for component tolerances, but rather to compensate for a design change. In this case, adjustability of the compensation means is not required. A primary connecting part with such a compensation means can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one compensation means is designed to adjust the inductance of the primary coil unit and / or the coupling factor present when interacting with the secondary coil unit. The compensation means can comprise a component of the coil core and / or the coil winding of the primary coil. For example, the coil core can be changed in length and / or the number of windings can be changed in order to adjust the coupling properties to the reference coupling properties.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one compensation means can comprise a compensation inductance. The compensation means preferably consists of the compensation inductance. The compensation inductance is preferably designed to adjust the electrical properties of the primary circuit, in particular of the resonant circuit for supplying the primary coil with an alternating voltage, to reference properties. The compensation inductance can be designed to adjust the overall electrical inductance present in the resonant circuit to that of a reference resonant circuit. According to one aspect of the invention, a ratio between the electrical inductance of the compensation inductance and the electrical inductance of the primary coil can be in a range from 1:1,000 to 1:1, in particular from 1:500 to 1:2, in particular from 1:100 to 1:5, in particular from 1:60 to 1:10.The electrical inductance of the compensation inductor preferably lies in a range from 0.1 pH to 10 mH, in particular from 1 pH to 1 mH, in particular from 10 pH to 500 pH, in particular from 50 pH to 250 pH. This allows for particularly flexible and precise control of the coupling properties.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the inductance of the primary coil is in a range from 1 pH to 100 mH, in particular from 10 pH to 10 mH, in particular from 100 pH to 1 mH. This ensures particularly robust and efficient signal transmission.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one compensation means, in particular the compensation inductance, is arranged substantially outside a coupling region of the primary coil and / or is designed to be magnetically independent, in particular arranged magnetically independently of the primary coil. The coupling region is understood to be a close region of the primary coil. The coupling region is preferably determined by its distance from the primary coil which corresponds to a maximum of twice the length of the primary coil and / or a maximum of five times, in particular a maximum of twice, in particular a maximum of once, the diameter of the primary coil. The coupling region can be limited by the smallest convex envelope which encloses the primary coil and the secondary coil in a transmission arrangement. In the transmission arrangement, the primary coil is preferably in the arrangement provided for signal transmission with respect to the secondary coil.Preferably, the compensation inductance is arranged outside the coupling region; in particular, a current required for signal transmission is not directly induced therein. In particular, the compensation inductance does not provide a winding that needs to be considered in the transformer coupling between the primary coil and the secondary coil.

[0029] Alternatively, the compensation means, in particular the compensation inductance, can be arranged within the coupling region.

[0030] The magnetic axes of the primary coil and / or the secondary coil can be oriented parallel to the magnetic axis of the compensation coil and / or at an angle to it, in particular at an angle of at least 10°, in particular at least 30°, in particular at least 60°, in particular 90°. The angled arrangement reduces the electromagnetic interaction between the coils.

[0031] The compensation coil may have electrical and / or magnetic shielding.

[0032] The invention is further based on the object of creating an improved set for a connecting device for the inductive transmission of signals, which is particularly flexible in use and robust and economical in operation.

[0033] This object is achieved by a set having the features of claim 14. The advantages of the set correspond to the advantages of the primary connecting part described above. In particular, the set can be further developed with at least one of the features described above in connection with the primary connecting part.

[0034] Apart from the primary coil unit, the reference primary connection part can essentially correspond to the primary connection part. The reference primary connection part preferably has a reference primary coil unit with reference coupling properties that match the secondary connection part, in particular that ensure the inductive signal transmission to the secondary connection part in a reliable manner.

[0035] The compensation means is preferably designed such that the coupling properties of the primary connection part, in particular of the primary coil unit, substantially correspond to the reference coupling properties of the reference primary connection part, in particular of the reference primary coil unit, in particular with regard to the achievable coupling factor. A difference between the coupling properties of the reference primary connection part and the primary connection part, in particular with regard to the coupling factor, is preferably a maximum of 50%, in particular a maximum of 20%, in particular a maximum of 10%, in particular a maximum of 5%, in particular a maximum of 2%, in particular a maximum of 1%.Without the compensation means, the coupling properties of the reference connecting part and the connecting part, in particular with regard to the coupling factor, preferably differ by at least 1%, in particular at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, in particular at least 20%, in particular at least 30%, in particular at least 50%, and / or a maximum of 60%, particularly when using the same secondary connecting part. According to one aspect of the invention, the set comprises at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least five, in particular at least ten, reference primary connecting parts and / or at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least five, in particular at least ten, primary connecting parts.

[0036] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved connecting device for the inductive transmission of signals, which is particularly flexible in use and robust and economical in operation.

[0037] This object is achieved by a connecting device having the features of claim 15. The advantages of the connecting device correspond to the advantages of the primary connecting part and / or the set. The connecting device can be further developed with at least one of the features described above in connection with the primary connecting part and / or the set.

[0038] Preferably, all primary connecting parts, in particular including the reference primary connecting parts, are compatible with the same secondary connecting part. This eliminates the need to distinguish between exclusively compatible combinations of connecting parts. Faulty connections are thus eliminated.

[0039] The reference primary connection part preferably has a different structure than the primary connection part; in particular, it can be designed without a compensation means for adjusting the coupling properties.

[0040] The maximum electrical power that can be transmitted via the connecting device is preferably a maximum of 500 W, in particular a maximum of 100 W, in particular a maximum of 10 W, in particular a maximum of 5 W, in particular a maximum of 1 W, and / or at least 1 mW, in particular at least 0.5 W, in particular at least 1 W, in particular at least 10 W.

[0041] The data rate that can be transmitted via the connection device is preferably a maximum of 10 Mbit / s, in particular a maximum of 1 kbit / s, and / or at least 100 bit / s, in particular at least 1 kbit / s, in particular at least 1 Mbit / s.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting device is designed as a plug connection. The primary connecting part can have a plug connection means. The secondary connecting part can have a mating plug connection means.

[0043] The connecting device can have a locking means for mechanically locking the primary connecting part against the secondary connecting part. The locking means can have a bayonet lock and / or a locking element and / or a locking bolt. Preferably, the locking means comprises a locking ring, in particular a locking ring mounted rotatably about a central longitudinal axis.

[0044] The primary connection part and / or the secondary connection part can have a wired and / or wireless connection, in particular a WiFi, Bluetooth, and / or radio connection. Preferably, the primary connection part has a cable connection, in particular for connecting to evaluation electronics.

[0045] The invention is further based on the object of creating an improved measuring device which is particularly flexible in use and robust and economical in operation.

[0046] This object is achieved by a measuring device having the features of claim 17. The advantages of the measuring device correspond to the advantages of the primary connecting part, the set, or the connecting device. Preferably, the measuring device is further developed with at least one of the features described above in connection with the primary connecting part, the set, and / or the connecting device. The sensor can be attached to the primary connecting part and / or to the secondary connecting part, in particular rigidly and / or flexibly, in particular by a cable, connected thereto. Preferably, the sensor is connected to the secondary connecting part, and the primary connecting part has a cable connection for connection to evaluation electronics.

[0047] The at least one sensor can comprise a pH sensor and / or a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or a humidity sensor and / or a redox sensor and / or an oxygen sensor and / or a conductivity sensor and / or a liquid sensor and / or a gas sensor and / or an optical sensor, in particular for detecting turbidity and / or fluorescence and / or an optically operating liquid sensor, and / or a sensor for detecting ozone, free chlorine, free bromine, chlorine dioxide, total chlorine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, optical) and / or nitrate (optical) and / or an SAC measuring sensor and / or a sensor for detecting a fill level and / or a boundary layer and / or an ultrasonic sensor and / or an ion-selective sensor, in particular a cation-selective sensor, and / or an amperometric sensor and / or a potentiometric sensor.Preferably, the at least one sensor is formed integrally with the primary connecting part and / or the secondary connecting part.

[0048] The primary connecting part, the set, the connecting device and / or the measuring device can be specially designed for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere.

[0049] The primary connection part and / or the secondary connection part can have a computing unit, in particular a microcontroller for processing data, in particular measurement data of the sensor.

[0050] For further details on the design of the at least one sensor and / or the connecting device, reference is made to DE 10 2017 113 420 A1, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the figures. They show:

[0052] Fig. 1 is a perspective, partially sectioned view of a reference connection device for inductively transmitting signals, comprising a secondary connection part and a reference primary connection part with a reference primary coil wound directly onto a ferrite core,

[0053] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the reference connection device in Fig. 1,

[0054] Fig. 3 is a perspective, partially sectioned view of a connecting device for inductively transmitting signals, comprising the secondary connecting part and a primary connecting part with a primary coil wound on a coil body and a compensation means for adjusting coupling properties to reference coupling properties,

[0055] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the connection device in Fig. 3, respectively.

[0056] Fig. 5 is a plan view of the coil body in Fig. 3.

[0057] An embodiment of a measuring device 1.1, 1.2 with a connecting device 2.1, 2.2 and a sensor 3 connected thereto is described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5.

[0058] Sensor 3 is designed as a pH sensor. Sensor 3 can alternatively or additionally be designed as a redox sensor, a conductivity sensor, an oxygen sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or a pressure sensor. The reference connection device 2.1 described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 has a reference primary connection part 4.1 and a secondary connection part 5. Sensor 3 is rigidly connected to the secondary connection part 5.

[0059] The secondary connection part 5 has a secondary housing 6 with a thread 7, in particular an external thread. The thread 7 is designed for fastening the secondary connection part 5 to a measuring point. The thread 7 is designed in particular such that the secondary connection part 5 can be attached to a measuring chamber wall such that the sensor 3 is arranged in the measuring chamber and the secondary connection part 5 is arranged at least partially outside the measuring chamber, wherein the measuring chamber wall is sealed by the secondary connection part 5, in particular a sealing element, preferably in a fluid-tight, in particular gas-tight manner. The secondary housing 6 has a tool engagement 8 for rotating the secondary connection part 5, in particular for screwing the thread 7 to the measuring chamber wall.

[0060] The secondary connection part 5 comprises a secondary circuit 9, which is preferably formed at least partially on a secondary circuit board 10. A secondary coil 11 is formed in the secondary circuit 9. The secondary coil 11 is a component of an inductive coupling path for the transformer-based transmission of signals, in particular energy and information.

[0061] The secondary coil 11 is wound on a secondary coil former 12. The secondary coil former 12 is hollow-cylindrical in shape. A primary coil 13.1, in particular a cylindrical one, of the reference primary connection part 4.1 can be inserted at least partially and reversibly into the cylindrical central recess 18 of the secondary coil former 12.

[0062] The secondary housing 6 encloses the secondary circuit 9 with the secondary coil 11, preferably in a fluid-tight, in particular gas-tight manner.

[0063] For the mechanical connection of the reference primary connection part 4.1 with the secondary connection part 5, these interact in the manner of a plug connection. A locking means prevents the plug connection from being released, particularly unintentionally. The locking means is designed as a bayonet lock. The locking means comprises a locking sleeve 14, which is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis 15 of the reference primary connection part 4.1 and is otherwise fixedly attached to a primary housing 16 of the reference primary connection part 4.1.

[0064] The primary housing 16 of the reference primary connection part 4.1 has a cylindrical projection 17 for engaging in the cylindrical recess 18 of the secondary housing 6, which is surrounded by the secondary coil body 12 or the secondary coil 11.

[0065] The reference primary connection part 4.1 comprises a reference primary circuit 19.1, into which a reference primary coil 13.1 is integrated. The reference primary coil 13.1 is wound, in particular directly, on a ferrite core 20. The reference primary coil 13.1 is arranged, in particular at least partially, in particular completely, in the region of the cylindrical projection 17. In particular, the reference primary coil 13.1 overlaps the cylindrical projection 17 in an orthogonal projection onto a plane oriented parallel to the central longitudinal axis 15. A reference primary coil unit 21.1 comprises the reference primary coil 13.1 and the ferrite core 20, in particular, the reference primary coil unit 21.1 is formed therefrom. The reference primary coil unit 21.1 has an electrical inductance LR of 500 Ω.

[0066] A basic circuit diagram of the reference connection device 2.1 is described with reference to Fig. 2. The reference primary circuit 19.1 has a reference amplifier circuit 22.1, which is preferably designed as a Class E amplifier. The reference amplifier circuit 22.1 comprises a supply voltage terminal 23, ground terminals 24, and a carrier frequency terminal 25. The carrier frequency terminal 25 is connected to the gate terminal of a transistor 26 of the reference amplifier circuit 22.1. The ground terminal 24 is connected to the source terminal, and the supply terminal 23 is connected to the drain terminal of the transistor 26. The reference amplifier circuit 22.1 further has an amplifier inductance 27 and two amplifier capacitors 28a, 28b.

[0067] The reference primary coil 13.1, in particular the amplifier capacitors 28a, 28b, are components of an electrical resonant circuit which is excited in particular by means of the transistor 26 connected via the carrier frequency connection 25.

[0068] The reference primary connection part 4.1, in particular the reference primary coil unit 21.1, has reference coupling properties, particularly when interacting with the secondary connection part 5. The reference coupling properties influence the transmission behavior of the reference connection device 2.1 with regard to the signals to be inductively transmitted. The reference coupling properties are determined in particular by the electrical inductance LR of the reference primary coil unit 21.1 and / or the reference coupling factor kR resulting from the interaction with the secondary connection part 5. The reference coupling properties are particularly decisive for the inductive signal transmission, in particular for the response behavior of the electrical resonant circuit, for the inductive coupling between the reference primary circuit 19.1 and the secondary circuit 9 and / or for the functionality and robustness of a signal source connected to the reference primary circuit 19.1 and / or signal processing connected to the secondary circuit 9.

[0069] The secondary circuit 9 is shown with an equivalent resistor 29, which comprises a corresponding signal processing, in particular comprising the sensor 3.

[0070] The connecting device 2.2 described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5 has a primary connecting part 4.2. The structure of the primary connecting part 4.2 largely corresponds to the structure of the reference primary connecting part 4.1. The primary connecting part 4.2, like the reference primary connecting part 4.1, is designed to establish a reversibly detachable connection for the inductive transmission of signals with the secondary connecting part 5. In contrast to the reference primary connecting part 4.1, the primary coil 13.2 of the primary connecting part 4.2 is wound on a coil former 30. The primary coil unit 21.2 of the primary connection part 4.2 has a compensation means 31 for adjusting the coupling properties of the primary coil unit 21.2 to the reference coupling properties of the reference primary connection part 4.1, in particular the reference primary coil unit 21.1. The coil former 30 is described in further detail with reference to Fig. 5.The coil former 30 comprises a winding section 32 and a terminal section 33. The coil former 30 has a receiving space 34 for a ferrite core 20. The receiving space 34 can be designed as a blind hole or a through-bore. A winding surface 35 of the winding section 32 is cylindrical in shape.

[0071] The coil body 30 comprises coil terminals 36a, 36b for electrical and / or mechanical connection to the primary circuit 19.2 and / or a primary board 37 at least partially supporting the primary circuit 19.2.

[0072] A schematic diagram of the primary circuit 19.2 is shown in Fig. 4. The primary circuit 19.2 includes an amplifier circuit 22.2, in particular a Class E amplifier.

[0073] The amplifier circuit 22.2 of the primary connection part 4.2 essentially corresponds to the reference amplifier circuit 22.1 of the reference primary connection part 4.1. However, there is a changed electrical inductance Ls of the primary coil 13.2 compared to the reference primary coil 13.1 due to the changed arrangement of the primary coil 13.2 relative to the ferrite core 20 or relative to the secondary coil 11 caused by the coil former 30.

[0074] Due to the use of the coil former 30, the primary coil 13.2 is arranged at a greater radial distance R from the longitudinal axis 15. The primary coil 13.2 has a radial distance AR from the ferrite core 20. The primary coil 13.2 is arranged radially closer to the secondary coil 11 than the reference primary coil 13.1, whereby the magnetic coupling of the secondary coil 11 to the primary coil 13.2 is more pronounced than to the reference primary coil 13.1. In particular, the electrical inductance Ls and the coupling factor kR change, which—as previously described—can impair the compatibility of the primary coil unit 21.2. In general, the changed electrical properties Ls, 1 <R nicht alleine durch die Änderung der Wicklungszahl der Primärspule 13.2 wiederhergestellt werden. Eine Änderung des verwendeten Ferritkerns 20 wäre ebenso wenig ausreichend. Dessen Spezialanfertigung wäre zudem wenig wirtschaftlich.

[0075] The electrical inductance L of the primary coil unit 21.2 comprises the electrical inductance Ls of the primary coil 13.2. In order to compensate for the geometric differences compared to the reference primary coil unit 21.1, in particular the resulting changes in the properties of the transformer, in particular with regard to the inductance Ls of the primary coil 13.2, in particular when interacting with the secondary coil 11, in particular with regard to the leakage inductance, the primary coil unit 21.2 has the compensation inductance 38 with the electrical inductance LK. The electrical inductance LK is designed such that the coupling characteristic of the primary coil unit 21.2 essentially corresponds to that of the reference primary coil unit 21.1, in particular such that the electrical inductance L of the primary coil unit 21.2 essentially corresponds to the electrical inductance LR of the reference primary coil unit 21.1.

[0076] With a more pronounced magnetic coupling due to primary coil 13.2, the leakage inductance decreases compared to the reference primary coil 13.1 when interacting with secondary coil 11. The compensation coil Lk serves to compensate for the decreasing leakage inductance. Particularly preferably, the size of the compensation inductance Lk is dimensioned such that approximately the same electrical conditions are achieved compared to the situation without changed mechanical dimensions, in particular the same leakage inductance.

[0077] Without the electrical inductance Lüder compensation inductance 38, the electrical inductance L of the primary coil unit 21.2 would be lower than the electrical inductance LR of the reference primary coil unit 21.1, which would result in a changed transmission behavior between the secondary connection part 5 and the primary connection part 4.2 compared to the transmission behavior between the secondary connection part 5 and the reference primary connection part 4.1. In particular, the excitation behavior of the resonant circuit formed by the respective amplifier circuit 22.1, 22.2 would be different. The compensation means 31 adjusts the coupling properties of the primary connection part 4.2, in particular of the primary coil unit 21.2, to the reference coupling properties of the reference primary connection part 4.1, in particular of the reference primary coil unit 21.1.

[0078] The compensation inductance 38 preferably has an electrical inductance LK in a range from 1% to 50%, in particular 25%, of the inductance L of the primary coil 13.2. The electrical inductance LK of the compensation inductance 38 is preferably in a range from 1 pH to 500 pH, in particular at 250 pH. Preferably, the sum of the electrical inductance L of the primary coil 13.2 and the electrical inductance LK of the compensation inductance 38 essentially corresponds to the reference inductance LK of the reference primary coil 13.1. The compensation means 31 advantageously ensures that, despite a modified design of the primary connecting part 4.2 compared to the reference connecting part 4.1, in particular a modified electrical design, which would in particular lead to modified coupling properties, the primary connecting part 4.2 interacts reliably and energy-efficiently with the secondary connecting part 5.

[0079] The primary connection part 4.2 and the reference primary connection part 4.1 together form a set for reversible connection to the secondary connection part 5, particularly in the form of a plug connection. Each primary connection part 4.1, 4.2, together with the secondary connection part 5, forms the connection device 2.1, 2.2 for inductive signal transmission.

[0080] The primary connection part 4.1, 4.2 can be connected to an evaluation device via a cable connection 39 or wirelessly, in particular via radio, WiFi, and / or Bluetooth. The power supply to the secondary connection part 5 and / or the sensor 3 is preferably provided via the primary connection part 4.1, 4.2, in particular via the primary coil 13.1, 13.2, in particular provided by the evaluation device.

[0081] The functionality of the respective measuring device 1.1, 1.2, the respective connecting device 2.1, 2.2, the set or the respective primary connecting part 4.1, 4.2 is as follows:

[0082] The secondary connection part 5 is initially separated from the respective primary connection part 4.1, 4.2. The thread 7 is screwed to a measuring chamber wall. The sensor 3 is designed as a pH sensor and is arranged in the measuring chamber, in particular at a measuring point. The secondary coil 11 is arranged outside the measuring chamber, in particular at a distance from the measuring chamber wall. The secondary connection part 5 is ready for reversible connection to the primary connection part 4.1, 4.2.

[0083] For the inductive transmission of signals between the secondary connection part 5 and one of the primary connection parts 4.1, 4.2, these are plugged onto one another. The primary coil 13.1, 13.2, in particular the cylindrical projection 17 of the primary housing 16, is inserted into the secondary coil 11, in particular into the cylindrical recess 18 of the secondary housing 6. The plug connection is locked by means of the locking sleeve 14. For this purpose, the locking sleeve 14 is rotated about the central longitudinal axis 15, in particular relative to the primary housing 16. This creates a positive connection, which preferably comprises a locking projection that engages a locking groove.

[0084] The plug connection forms a mechanical connection between the secondary connection part 5 and the primary connection part 4.1, 4.2. At the same time, the arrangement of the primary coil 13.1, 13.2 in the secondary coil 11 establishes a connection for the inductive transmission of signals, in particular energy and information.

[0085] Because the primary connection part 4.2 has the compensation means 31, the coupling properties of the primary connection part 4.2, in particular of the primary coil unit 21.2, essentially correspond to the reference coupling properties of the reference primary connection part 4.1, in particular of the reference primary coil unit 21.1. Thus, the secondary connection part 5 can be used equally reliably and efficiently with the primary connection part 4.2 and with the reference primary connection part 4.1.

[0086] Structural changes to the primary connection part 4.2 compared to the reference primary connection part can be made without fear of compatibility issues. Structural changes can also be made to the secondary connection part 5. The terms "primary" and "secondary" are interchangeable. Likewise, the secondary connection part 5 can be designed with a compensation means 31 according to the above description in order to adjust its coupling properties to the reference coupling properties.

[0087] The measuring device 1.1, 1.2, the connecting device 2.1, 2.2, the primary connecting part 4.1, 4.2, and the set are particularly robust and economical in operation due to their connection compatibility. Faulty connection of incompatible connecting parts 4.1, 4.2, and 5 is reliably prevented. Existing connecting parts 4.1, 4.2, and 5 can be reused without restrictions, particularly together with technically advanced connecting parts 4.1, 4.2, and 5, without any limitations and, in particular, without any compatibility issues. The assembly effort required to replace corresponding connecting parts 4.1, 4.2, and 5 is avoided. The compensation means 31 ensures that the coupling properties of the primary connecting part 4.2, in particular of the primary coil unit 21.2, can be precisely adapted to the required reference coupling properties. The achievable coupling quality is increased.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Primary connection part (4.2), in particular plug connection part, for a connection device (2.2) for inductive transmission of signals, comprising 1.1 a primary circuit (19.2), and 1.2 a primary coil unit (21.2) in the primary circuit (19.2), with 1.2.1 a primary coil (13.2) for inductive coupling with a secondary coil (11), and 1.2.2 at least one compensation means (31) for adjusting the coupling properties of the primary coil unit (21.2) to reference coupling properties.

2. Primary connection piece (4.2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one compensation means (31) is designed to compensate for a design change of the primary coil unit (21.2).

3. Primary connection piece (4.2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one compensation means (31) is designed to compensate for a dimensional change (AR) of the primary coil (13.2).

4. Primary connection piece (4.2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one compensation means (31) is designed to compensate for a change in the coupling property which results depending on the use of a coil body (30) for the primary coil (13.2).

5. Primary connection part (4.2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primary coil unit (21.2) has a coil body (30) for supporting the primary coil (13.2), wherein the at least one compensation means (31) is designed to counteract the change in the coupling properties caused by the use of the coil body (30).

6. Primary connection part (4.2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one compensation means (31) is electrically integrated into the primary circuit (19.2).

7. Primary connection part (4.2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one compensation means (31) is permanently integrated into the primary circuit (19.2).

8. Primary connecting part (4.2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one compensation means (31) is designed to be unchangeable, in particular non-switchable and / or non-adjustable.

9. Primary connecting part (4.2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one compensation means (31) is designed to adjust the electrical inductance (L) of the primary coil unit (21.2).

10. Primary connecting part (4.2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one compensation means (31) has a compensation inductance (38).

11. Primary connection piece (4.2) according to claim 10, characterized in that a ratio between the electrical inductance (LK) of the compensation inductance (38) and the electrical inductance (Ls) of the primary coil (13.2) is in a range from 1:100 to 1:

2.

12. Primary connecting part (4.2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical inductance (Ls) of the primary coil (13.2) is in a range from 10 pH to 10 mH.

13. Primary connecting part (4.2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one compensation means (31) is arranged outside a coupling region of the primary coil (13.2).

14. Set for a connecting device (2.1, 2.2) for inductive transmission of signals, comprising 14.1 at least one reference primary connection part (4.1), in particular a reference plug connection part, with 14.1.1 a reference primary circuit (19.1), and 14.1.2 a reference primary coil unit (21.1) in the reference primary circuit (19.1) with reference coupling properties, and 14.2 at least one primary connecting part (4.2) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the compensation means (31) adjusts the coupling properties of the primary coil unit (21.2) to the reference coupling properties.

15. Connecting device (2.2) for inductive transmission of signals, comprising 15.1 at least one primary connecting part (4.2) according to one of claims 1 to 13 or a set according to claim 14, and 15.2 at least one secondary connecting part (5) with at least one Secondary coil (11) for inductive coupling to the primary coil (13.2) and / or to a reference primary coil (13.1) of the reference primary coil unit (21.1).

16. Connecting device (2,2) according to claim 15, characterized in that it is designed as a plug connection.

17. Measuring device (1.2), with 17.1 at least one sensor (3), and 17.2 a connecting device (2.2) according to one of claims 15 or 16 for transmitting sensor signals.

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