Adapter

Abstract

The invention relates to an adapter (3) for the connection of an interface (1) of a first interface type to an interface (2) of a second interface type. The adapter (3) has first contact elements (31) for connection to the interface (1) of the first interface type and second contact elements (32) for connection to the interface (2) of the second interface type. A connecting device (30) of the adapter (3) for connecting the first contact elements (31) to the second contact elements (32) allows for switching between a first type of connection and a second type of connection between the contact elements (31, 32).

Description

[0001] adapter

[0002] The invention relates to an adapter for connecting an interface of a first interface type to an interface of a second interface type.

[0003] In the field of process automation, field devices are used to determine or monitor process variables such as the fill level, flow, temperature, pH value, or pressure of a medium. Different connector types have been established for powering field devices and transmitting signals. Adapters are commonly used to connect devices or cables with interfaces that use different connector types.

[0004] JP 2002-134210 A describes an adapter that has movable flat contact elements for use with different sockets.

[0005] The prior art also discloses the use of plugs or adapters that allow access to special device modes. For example, DE 34 07 463 A1 discloses a scale and a connecting cable, with an adapter in the form of an intermediate plug allowing switching to a specific scale mode. In DE 10 2009 029 042 A1, a measuring device has several contact levels that are accessible for normal operation or for special purposes such as service tasks or production. The contact levels are connected by different plugs.

[0006] A problem arises when the signal assignment of a connector can change depending on the application. This is common, for example, with point level switches, which can indicate either a level undershoot or an overshoot. The respective control signals are output via different pins. If both signals are to be routed to the same contact of a cable connected to the field device, two different adapters would be required. The invention is therefore based on the object of proposing an adapter for connecting interfaces with different interface types that can be used for different assignments.

[0007] The invention solves the problem by means of an adapter for connecting an interface of a first interface type to an interface of a second interface type, wherein the adapter has first contact elements for connecting to the interface of the first interface type, wherein the adapter has second contact elements for connecting to the interface of the second interface type, wherein the adapter has a connecting device for connecting the first contact elements to the second contact elements, and wherein the connecting device is designed such that the connecting device enables switching between a first type of connection between the first contact elements and the second contact elements and a second type of connection between the first contact elements and the second contact elements.

[0008] The adapter is designed to connect interfaces belonging to different interface types. For this purpose, the adapter has a plurality of contact elements, with first contact elements corresponding to the first interface type and second contact elements corresponding to the second interface type. The adapter can therefore be connected to both interfaces via its contact elements. In addition, the adapter has a connecting device which connects the first and second contact elements to one another. The connecting device allows switching between two different connection types. The contact elements are therefore linked to one another in at least two different selectable configurations via the connecting devices. Depending on the application, signals can therefore be routed from the first contact elements to different second contact elements.Alternatively, the signals can be routed from different first contact elements to the second contact elements.

[0009] One embodiment includes the connecting device being designed such that at least one connection between a first contact element and a second contact element is fixed. In this embodiment, at least one connection between the different contact elements is fixed and fixed and thus the same for both aforementioned connection types. Therefore, not all connections between the first and second contact elements need to be changed when switching between the two connection types.

[0010] One embodiment provides for the first interface type to be an M12 interface and the second interface type to be a valve interface. An alternative term for a valve interface is a three-pin electrical connector with protective contact. Examples of a valve interface include: B. the connection plug according to DIN 43650 in design A (ISO 4400) or in design A with 18 mm contact spacing (ISO 4400, EN 175301-803 and the old DIN standard 43650A) or in design B with 10 mm contact spacing (according to ISO 6952, EN 175301-803 and the old DIN standard 43650B) or in design C with 8 mm contact spacing (according to ISO 15217, EN 175301-803 and the old DIN standard 43650C) or in design B / Industry with 11 mm contact spacing or in design Micro C with 9.4 mm contact spacing.

[0011] One embodiment includes the connecting device having at least one bridge element, the bridge element being designed such that the bridge element creates a connection between at least one first contact element and one second contact element, the bridge element and the connecting device being designed and coordinated with one another such that the bridge element can assume one of at least two contacting positions, and each contacting position is assigned to one of the two connection types. In this embodiment, switching between the connection types takes place via a bridge element which can assume two different contacting positions in or on the connecting device. In this way, a separate connection is created between the first and second contact elements. In one embodiment, switching takes place by mechanical action on the bridge element.In one embodiment, the adapter also features an actuator that acts on the bridge element. One embodiment provides for the bridge element to be movable between the two contact positions.

[0012] One embodiment includes that the bridge element can be removed from the connecting device and inserted with at least two different orientations.

[0013] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0014] Fig. 1 shows schematically the adapter for contacting two different interfaces and the two exemplary interfaces,

[0015] Fig. 2 shows two different interface types,

[0016] Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of an interface side of the adapter,

[0017] Fig. 4 shows schematically the first principle of switching between different contacting positions, which is implemented in the adapter of Fig. 3,

[0018] Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of an interface side of the adapter,

[0019] Fig. 6 shows schematically the second principle of switching, which is implemented in the adapter of Fig. 5.

[0020] Figure 1 schematically shows two interfaces 1, 2 according to different interface types. It is indicated that the interface types are characterized by at least different geometries, making it impossible to directly plug the interfaces 1, 2 (here specifically: plug 1 and socket 2). Therefore, the adapter 3 is required, which ensures the mechanical coupling and the correct routing of the signal and power paths.

[0021] In the example shown, interface 1 of the first interface type has pins as contact elements, while the other interface 2 has sockets. In this example, the first interface 1 is intended to belong to a field device—specifically, a point level switch—that is designed as a vibration sensor. The second interface 2 belongs to a cable connecting the field device to a control room.

[0022] Corresponding to the geometric design of the interfaces 1, 2, the adapter 3 has corresponding contact elements 31, 32, which are each located on one side of the adapter 3. The adapter 3 therefore has two sides with contact elements 31, 32 that correspond to the contact elements of an assigned interface 1, 2.

[0023] Between the contact elements 31, 32 is a connecting device 30, via which the different contact elements 31, 32 are connected to one another. The connecting device 30 thus determines which contact element 31 on one side of the adapter 3 is connected to which contact element 32 on the other side of the adapter 3. According to the invention, the type of connection realized via the connecting device 30 is not fixed, but can be variably changed. Depending on the application, signals or currents can therefore be routed differently in the adapter 3.

[0024] Let us consider the example of a point level switch. Such a point level switch can be used in min mode to detect when a level is undershot. This is also referred to as pump protection. Conversely, in max mode, when a fill level is exceeded is indicated. This is what is known as overfill protection. Depending on the mode in which the point level switch is operated, the respective control signal is output on different contact elements of interface 1. However, if the control signal is to be available on the same contact element or the same contact elements of the second interface 2 regardless of the operating mode, a separate adapter 3 would have to be available for each mode. Here, according to the invention, the routing of the control signal in adapter 3 is changed. Fig. 2 shows an M12 connector as an example for the first interface 1, which belongs to the point level switch.This is a round connector. The second interface 2 belongs to a pump connector. Both connector types are obviously geometrically incompatible. The numbers indicate the pin assignments for the first interface 1 and the sockets of the second interface 2, respectively.

[0025] The following figures, Fig. 3 to Fig. 6, each indicate how the adapter 3 can be switched over via the connecting device 30. In the examples shown, a bridge element 33 is used. It is also provided that some contact elements 31, 32 have fixed and thus unchangeable connections. The type of connection is therefore only partially variable here. Reference is also made to Fig. 2 in the description.

[0026] Figure 3 shows the side of the adapter 3 assigned to the second interface 2. Located in the center between the four contact elements 32 is the bridge element 33, which—as indicated here by the double arrow—can be moved between two end positions. Depending on the contact position of the bridge element 33, a different type of connection of the contact elements 31, 32 in the adapter 3 results.

[0027] Fig. 4 shows what happens when the bridge element 33 is moved. Here, the bridge element 33 is connected to the terminals 1, 2, and 4 of the first interface 1. This creates two contacts with the pin numbered 1. Below the bridge element 33 are the four contact elements 32, which correspond to the second interface 2. The sockets numbered 2 and 3 are each present twice. In addition, there are blind contacts in the center, which also serve to mechanically support the bridge element 33.

[0028] In the state shown, the bridge element 33 connects the contact elements with the numbers 1 and 2 of the first interface 1 with the contact elements 32 with the numbers 2 and 3 for the second interface 2. If the bridge element 33 is moved to the left, the contact elements of the first interface 1 with the numbers 4 and 1 are led via the contact elements 32 with the numbers 2 and 3 to the second interface 2. It should be indicated here that the electrical connection is created via the mechanical contact. The other contact elements 31, 32 are invariably connected to one another - each indicated by the vertical line. In this case, it is primarily the contact elements designated PE that are in contact with one another. Furthermore, the contact element with the number 3 is also connected to the contact element no. 1 for every type of connection.

[0029] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show an alternative design of the side of the adapter 3 with the contact elements 32 for the second interface 2. The bridge element 33 can be removed and inserted with two different orientations.

[0030] The bridge element 33 has four pins of different lengths which are used for electrical contact. The contact elements 31, 32 are designed in such a way that the pins of the bridge element 33 can be reversibly inserted into them, thus creating the electrical connection. The contact elements 31, 32 have fixed relative positions to one another. On the right-hand side are the contact elements 31, 32 which are to be connected for the max mode of the point level switch. On the left-hand side are the contact elements 31, 32 for the min mode. This is indicated by the word "Max" appearing on the inserted bridge element 33. As can be seen, the contact elements 31 with no. 4 and no. 1 are connected to the contact elements 32 with no. 3 and no. 2 respectively.

[0031] Below, the bridge element 33 is shown inverted and marked with the word "Min" for clarity. The long pins are positioned on the right side (here in the drawing) due to the rotation and can therefore electrically connect the contact elements 31, 32 located there when plugged in. Reference symbols

[0032] 1 interface of a first interface type

[0033] 2 Interface of a second interface type 3 Adapter

[0034] 30 connecting device

[0035] 31 first contact element

[0036] 32 second contact element

[0037] 33 bridge element

Claims

Patent claims 1. Adapter (3) for connecting an interface (1) of a first interface type to an interface (2) of a second interface type, wherein the adapter (3) has first contact elements (31) for connecting to the interface (1) of the first interface type, wherein the adapter (3) has second contact elements (32) for connecting to the interface (2) of the second interface type, wherein the adapter (3) has a connecting device (30) for connecting the first contact elements (31) to the second contact elements (32), and wherein the connecting device (30) is designed such that the connecting device (30) enables switching between a first connection type between the first contact elements (31) and the second contact elements (32) and a second connection type between the first contact elements (31) and the second contact elements (32).

2. Adapter (3) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device (30) is designed such that at least one connection between a first contact element (31) and a second contact element (32) is unchangeable.

3. Adapter (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first interface type is an M12 interface and the second interface type is a valve interface.

4. Adapter (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting device (30) has at least one bridge element (33), wherein the bridge element (33) is designed such that the bridge element (33) creates a connection between at least one first contact element (31) and a second contact element (32), wherein the bridge element (33) and the connecting device (30) are designed and matched to one another such that the bridge element (33) can assume one of at least two contacting positions, and wherein each contacting position is assigned to one of the two connection types.

5. The adapter (3) according to claim 4, wherein the bridge element (33) is displaceable between the two contacting positions.

6. The adapter (3) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the bridge element (33) is removable from the connecting device (30) and insertable with at least two different orientations.

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