Measuring assembly of a field device on a container

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring assembly comprising a field device (18) which is disposed on a container (10) having at least one strut (12), wherein: the field device (18) is fastened to the at least one strut (12) of the container (10) by means of a fastening structure (28); the fastening structure (28) is wedge-shaped and comprises a rest surface (30) and a wedge surface (32) running obliquely to the rest surface; the fastening structure (28) rests on the container (10) by means of the rest surface (30) and is seated against the strut (12) by means of the wedge surface (32); and the fastening structure (28) is fastened to the strut (12) by means of at least one fastening element (38) such that the wedge surface (32) is pulled toward the strut (12) and is seated against the strut. The invention also relates to a field device (18), to an adapter, and to a method for producing a measuring assembly.

Description

[0001] Measuring arrangement of a field device on a container

[0002] The present invention relates to a measuring arrangement according to claim 1. The invention further relates to a field device according to claim 8, an adapter according to claim 9 and a method for producing a measuring arrangement according to claim 10.

[0003] Various measuring arrangements are known from the state of the art in which field devices are mounted on containers.

[0004] The invention particularly relates to containers that lack a suitable mounting option, such as a flange or threaded connection. These containers are particularly long-life tanks or storage tanks made of non-metallic materials, especially plastics. The containers are typically portable. Such tanks are generally so-called IBCs (intermediate bulk containers), which have a bladder and are surrounded on the outside by a grid with several metal struts.

[0005] To monitor the condition of the contents in the container, a field device is to be mounted on the container despite the lack of a pre-installed mounting option. The field device's placement should be as intuitive and cost-effective as possible while simultaneously allowing for a stable installation of the field device on the container.

[0006] State-of-the-art solutions sometimes involve complicated adapter solutions. Some also involve connections to the container, whereby part of the connection must be disposed of after removing the field device.

[0007] The underlying object of the invention is therefore to provide a measuring arrangement of a field device on a container, a field device, an adapter, and a method for producing a measuring arrangement, which enable a cost-effective, simple, and, as resource-efficient as possible, detachable attachment of a field device to a container. This object is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. Further practical embodiments and advantages are described in conjunction with the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention relates to a measuring arrangement comprising a field device arranged on a container with at least one strut. Field devices are devices used in the "field," i.e., in an area outside of control rooms. Field devices include, in particular, actuators, sensors, data collectors (data loggers), and measuring transducers. In particular, the field device is connected to a higher-level unit, for example, a control system or a control unit. This higher-level unit serves, in particular, for process control, process visualization, and / or process monitoring. The field device can, in particular, be a monitoring and optimization sensor (M&O sensor). Such an M&O sensor is used, in particular, to collect information that is sent to a cloud or an internal server.

[0009] Alternatively, the field device can also be a field device for determining a location, whereby the position of a container is sent to a higher-level unit to track its position.

[0010] In particular, the field device is a self-contained device that does not have a wired power supply or communication connection. In particular, the field device has an energy storage device.

[0011] In particular, the field device comprises a housing, a sensor unit, and an electronic module arranged within the housing. The measured process variables are typically evaluated and are preferably used to monitor containers and the material contained therein.

[0012] The field device is, in particular, a radar sensor or a capacitive sensor for detecting a limit level or fill level of a medium in the container. Alternatively, it is a position sensor. The container has at least one strut. The container is made, in particular, of plastic and comprises a bladder in which the medium is arranged and a grid with several struts arranged around the bladder. In particular, it is an IBC. The at least one strut is usually made of metal.

[0013] In the case of a radar sensor, the field device is arranged in particular on the top side of the container and preferably on a strut extending along the top side, preferably in the middle of the top side.

[0014] It is also conceivable - for example for a capacitive sensor - to arrange the field device on a strut arranged on the side.

[0015] The field device is directly or indirectly attached to the container's strut using a mounting structure. As explained below, the mounting structure can be either the housing of the field device itself or an adapter that indirectly connects the field device to the strut.

[0016] The fastening structure is wedge-shaped and has a flat support surface and a wedge surface running at an angle to it. The support surface and the wedge surface form an acute angle. The support surface rests on the container, and in this case, in particular, on the bladder, and the wedge surface rests on the strut. The wedge surface can be flat, have an arcuate shape, or have a curve or a recess, in particular such that the strut is accommodated therein.

[0017] Furthermore, the base body is fastened to the strut by means of a fastening element in such a way that the wedge surface is drawn in the direction of the strut and rests against it.

[0018] The wedge shape of the mounting structure and the additional fastening element ensure a stable position of the field device. The support surface lies flat against the container and is pressed against the container's surface with a certain amount of pressure. No liquid can collect underneath. If the mounting structure is the housing of the field device, it can be easily and intuitively attached directly to the strut. If the mounting structure is an adapter, existing field devices can be attached to the container using this adapter. In this case, a torsion-proof and stable position of the field device is achieved purely through the geometric design of the housing.

[0019] To improve the field device's stability against tipping, the support surface of the mounting structure extends beneath the strut, particularly when viewed in a cross-section of the strut, so that the mounting structure extends on both sides of the strut. By attaching the fastening element to the strut and resting the support surface on the container on either side of the strut, the mounting structure, and thus also the field device, cannot rotate around the contact point on the strut (pivot point).

[0020] In particular, the majority of the fastening structure and the field device with sensor element and electronic module extends on the side of the strut on which the wedge surface rests against the strut and only a smaller part of the fastening structure extends under the strut to the other side of the strut.

[0021] In a practical embodiment, the wedge surface has a shoulder on the side facing the contact surface, i.e., at the transition to the contact surface. A shoulder means, in particular, that the wedge surface initially transitions into a shoulder surface running parallel to the support surface. The shoulder extends, in particular, on the side of the strut facing away from the wedge surface (viewed in cross-section). The shoulder allows the size of the fastening structure to be reduced; in particular, with small angles between the wedge surface and the support surface, the length of the fastening structure can be reduced.

[0022] In particular, the side of the wedge surface facing away from the support surface features a stop. A stop here refers to a surface that runs at an angle to the wedge surface. The stop effectively counteracts slippage of the fastening structure below the strut.

[0023] In a further practical embodiment, the fastening element is a band-shaped tension element. For example, the tension element can be a band, a cable tie, or a hose clamp. Bands, cable ties, or hose clamps are widely used fastening elements and are therefore intuitive to use. They are also inexpensive parts. If the fastening structure is detached from a container, some of it can be reused or only a small amount of waste is generated. By means of the fastening element, the fastening structure is fixed to the strut in particular such that the wedge surface rests against the strut. In particular, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the strut, several, in particular two, fastening elements are arranged on the fastening structure at a distance from one another.

[0024] Such a band-shaped tension element can, in particular, be guided through a channel integrated into the fastening structure. The tension element is then positively secured in the channel to prevent lateral slippage (in the longitudinal direction of the strut). Alternatively, the tension element can be arranged so as to extend around an exposed section of the fastening structure.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the fastening element comprises a clamping element by means of which a clamping hold of the fastening structure on the strut is realized. Such a clamping element can in particular be a spring-loaded pivot arm which is arranged on the fastening structure and which at least partially engages around the strut. The length of the pivot arm can in particular be extended against a spring force in order to place the pivot arm around a strut. The spring force reduces the length again, and the fastening structure is then pulled towards the strut. The clamping element can also be clamps or pliers loaded with spring force, which press the fastening structure against the strut. After the clamping element has been released, it can be reused to fasten a different fastening structure.

[0026] In particular, the support surface has a spring that exerts a spring force downward toward the container. The spring is arranged in particular in the part of the fastening structure that extends beneath the strut, on the side of the strut facing away from the wedge surface. The spring can be used to apply an additional force to the fastening structure, counteracting twisting and increasing the contact force on the part located on the other side of the pivot point of the fastening structure—in particular, the part with the sensor element. Furthermore, deformations of the container can be compensated.

[0027] The invention also relates to a field device for arrangement on a container with at least one strut. The field device has a housing which has a wedge-shaped fastening structure as described above, with a support surface and a wedge surface running obliquely thereto. Here, the housing of the field device itself is designed such that it can be fastened directly to the strut. With regard to details of the fastening structure, reference is made to the present description. In particular, the housing is designed to be fastened to the strut by means of a fastening element. For example, the housing can have an integrated channel or the like, so that a band-shaped tension element can be guided around part of the housing. Alternatively or additionally, a clamping element can be formed on the housing.

[0028] The invention additionally relates to an adapter for arranging a field device on a container with a strut, wherein the adapter has a wedge-shaped fastening structure with a support surface and a wedge surface running obliquely thereto. Here, too, reference is made to the present description with regard to the fastening structure. The adapter has, in particular, a field device fastening section to which the field device can be connected to the adapter. The field device is connected to the adapter in particular by screwing or clipping. In particular, the adapter is designed to be fastened to the strut by means of a fastening element. For example, the adapter can have an integrated channel or the like so that a band-shaped tension element can be guided around part of the adapter. Alternatively or additionally, a clamping element can be formed on the adapter.

[0029] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a measuring arrangement, in particular a measuring arrangement as described above with a field device on a container with at least one strut. The field device is positioned on the container by means of a wedge-shaped fastening structure such that a support surface rests against the container and a wedge surface rests against the strut. The fastening structure is fixed to the strut by means of a fastening means such that the wedge surface is pulled against the strut. With regard to the advantages of the method and further features, reference is made to the above description.

[0030] Further practical embodiments and advantages are described below in conjunction with the figures. They show:

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a container comprising a bladder and several struts and a field device arranged on the top in a perspective view,

[0032] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a measuring arrangement with a field device in a first embodiment on a container with a strut, in a cross section through the strut,

[0033] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a measuring arrangement with a field device in a second embodiment on a container with a strut, in a cross section through the strut,

[0034] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a measuring arrangement with a field device in a third embodiment with a swivel arm in a first position on a container with a strut, in a cross section through the strut,

[0035] Fig. 5 the measuring arrangement from Fig. 4 with the swivel arm in a second position and

[0036] Fig. 6 the measuring arrangement from Fig. 4 and 5 with the swivel arm in a third position.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a container 10 with a plurality of struts 12. In the present case, this is an IBC, which has a bladder 14 made of plastic for holding the filling material. A grid 16 made of a plurality of struts 12 is arranged around the bladder 14. The struts 12 are made of metal. In the present case, a field device 18 is arranged on top of the container 12 (shown only schematically here). This is a radar measuring device for determining the fill level in the container 10. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a measuring arrangement with a field device 18 in a first embodiment and with a container 10 with a strut 12.

[0038] The field device 18 comprises a housing 20, in which a sensor element 22 in the form of a radar antenna, an electronic module 24, and an energy storage device 26 are arranged. The housing 20 is oriented such that the radar antenna radiates toward the container 10.

[0039] In this case, the housing 20 has a wedge-shaped fastening structure 28 with a flat support surface 30 and a wedge surface 32 extending at an angle thereto. The support surface 30 rests on the container 10—here, the bladder 14—and the wedge surface 32 rests against the strut 12. The wedge surface 32 is also flat here. However, other geometries, such as curves or arcuate shapes for the wedge surface 32, are also conceivable.

[0040] On the side of the wedge surface 32 facing the support surface 30, i.e., between the wedge surface 32 and the support surface 30, a shoulder 34 is formed. The shoulder extends parallel to the support surface 30.

[0041] Furthermore, a stop 36 is formed on the side of the wedge surface 32 facing away from the support surface 30. The stop 36 extends at an angle to the wedge surface 32.

[0042] The housing 20 is attached to the strut 12 by means of a fastening element 38 in the form of a cable tie 40, so that the wedge surface 32 is pulled against the strut 12 and rests against it. The cable tie 40 runs through a channel 42 integrated into the housing 20.

[0043] The contact point of the wedge surface 32 on the strut 12 simultaneously represents the pivot point D of the housing 20 around the strut 12. The housing 12 is secured against twisting because the housing 12 extends with part of the wedge surface 32 and the shoulder 34 under the strut 12.

[0044] By tightening the cable tie 40, a force A is exerted on the housing 20, thereby pressing the field device 18 to the left against the strut 12. Due to the inclined wedge surface 32, the housing 20 is pressed downward against the container 10 with a force B by being tightened against the strut 12. Since the housing 20 has a flat support surface 30, which extends in front of and behind the pivot point D and thus to the sides of the strut 12, the housing 18 cannot rotate about the strut 12, but is fixed flat on the container 10 in accordance with the forces C and D.

[0045] In the following, the same reference numerals are used to describe further embodiments for identical or at least functionally equivalent components as for the description of the first embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a measuring arrangement with a field device 18. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the support surface 30 has a spring 44. The spring 44 is arranged in the region of the shoulder 34 and exerts a spring force on the container 10, thus counteracting rotation with an additional force on the housing 20.

[0047] Figures 4 to 6 show a third embodiment of a measuring arrangement with a field device 18. Here, the housing 20 has a spring-loaded pivot arm 46 as a fastening element 38. The pivot arm 46 is telescopically adjustable in length and has a spring 48. The pivot arm 46 can be extended against the spring force.

[0048] The pivot arm 46 is shown in an open position in Fig. 4. To place the pivot arm 46 around the strut 12, the pivot arm 46 is extended against the spring force and pivoted relative to the housing 20 so that the pivot arm 46 encloses the strut 12 (see Fig. 5).

[0049] Fig. 6 then shows the final assembly position, wherein the wedge surface 32 is pulled against the strut 12 by the spring force in the pivot arm 46 and is held thereon.

[0050] 10 containers

[0051] 12 struts

[0052] 14 Bladder

[0053] 16 grids

[0054] 18 field device

[0055] 20 housings

[0056] 22 sensor element, radar antenna

[0057] 24 Electronic module

[0058] 26 energy storage units

[0059] 28 Mounting structure

[0060] 30 contact surface

[0061] 32 wedge surface

[0062] 34 paragraph

[0063] 36 stop

[0064] 38 Fastening element

[0065] 40 cable ties

[0066] 42 channel

[0067] 44 spring

[0068] 46 Swivel arm

[0069] 48 spring

[0070] D Pivot point

[0071] A, B, C, D force

Claims

Patent claims 1. A measuring arrangement comprising a field device (18) which is arranged on a container (10) with at least one strut (12), wherein the field device (18) is fastened to the at least one strut (12) of the container (10) by means of a fastening structure (28), characterized in that the fastening structure (28) is wedge-shaped and has a support surface (30) and a wedge surface (32) running obliquely thereto, wherein the fastening structure (28) rests on the container (10) with the support surface (30) and bears against the strut (12) with the wedge surface (32), and wherein the fastening structure (28) is fastened to the strut (12) by means of at least one fastening element (38) in such a way that the wedge surface (32) is pulled in the direction of the strut (12) and bears against it.

2. Measuring arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support surface (30) extends on both sides of the strut (12) when viewed in a cross section.

3. Measuring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side of the wedge surface (32) facing the support surface (30) has a shoulder (34).

4. Measuring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side of the wedge surface (32) facing away from the support surface (30) has a stop (36).

5. Measuring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening element (38) is a band-shaped tension element (40).

6. Measuring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening element (38) comprises a clamping element (46) by means of which a clamping hold of the fastening structure (32) on the strut (12) is effected.

7. Measuring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support surface (30) has a spring (44) which exerts a spring force in the direction of the container (10).

8. Field device for arrangement on a container (10) with at least one strut (12), wherein the field device (18) has a housing (20) with a wedge-shaped fastening structure (32) with a support surface (30) and a wedge surface (32) running obliquely thereto.

9. Adapter for the indirect arrangement of a field device (18) on a container (10) with at least one strut (12), wherein the adapter has a wedge-shaped fastening structure (32) with a support surface (30) and a wedge surface (32) running obliquely thereto.

10. Experience in producing a measuring arrangement of a field device (18) on a container (10) with at least one strut (12), wherein the field device (18) is positioned on the container (10) by means of a wedge-shaped fastening structure (32) so that a support surface (30) rests on the container and a wedge surface (32) rests on the strut (12), and wherein the fastening structure (32) is fixed to the strut (12) by means of a fastening means (38) such that the wedge surface (32) is pulled against the strut (12).

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