Contactless radar sensor arrangement having limit level electronics

Abstract

The present invention relates to a contactless radar sensor arrangement (10) having limit level electronics (22). The radar sensor arrangement (10) also has a radar antenna (21), which is coupled to the limit level electronics (22), and a housing (18). At least the limit level electronics (22) are arranged in the housing (18). The housing (18) has at least one first switching signal output (26), which is coupled to the limit level electronics (22). The radar antenna (21) is designed to emit a radar signal in the direction of a media surface (16) and to detect a reflected measurement signal. The limit level electronics (22) are at least designed to determine, on the basis of the radar signal and the measurement signal, whether a first fill level threshold value (38A) has been fallen below or exceeded and subsequently to output a first switching signal (36) for an external component on the basis of the first switching signal output (26).

Description

[0001] Non-contact radar sensor arrangement with point level electronics

[0002] The present invention relates to a contactless radar sensor arrangement with limit level electronics.

[0003] Point level sensors for detecting the fill level of a medium relative to specified fill level thresholds are widely used, for example, to prevent the reservoir from overflowing with the medium. Point level sensors are typically configured to output switching signals to external components. If a fill level threshold is exceeded, an external pump can be activated based on the measured values ​​of the point level sensor and a switching signal, for example, to remove at least some of the medium from the underlying reservoir and thus lower the fill level.

[0004] However, the most widely used point level sensors are based on measurement techniques that require contact between a sensor element of the point level sensor and the medium. For example, vibration sensors, conductive, or capacitive measurement techniques can be used. However, these measurement techniques all rely on direct contact with the medium.

[0005] As a result, at least parts of the point level sensor come into contact with the medium, which contaminates the corresponding components, potentially alters their properties, and requires maintenance or cleaning to ensure the components function at least at specified intervals. Depending on the type of medium, this contact can also limit the service life of the corresponding components, for example, in the case of corrosive media.

[0006] Although non-contact level detection techniques are also known, such as radar measurement techniques, these are only used with level sensors. Level sensors are not designed to output switching signals, but rather output analog or digital level signals, which can be used, for example, to display the level on an external display device. The signals output by level sensors can only be used to control external components if a process control system or an external control device is also provided to interpret the signals output by the level sensors.

[0007] There is therefore a need to eliminate or at least reduce the disadvantages of known point level sensors. In particular, there is a need to create a system that allows level measurement with respect to specified limit values ​​in such a way that the measurements do not require contamination or contact with the medium to be detected, with the signal generated based on the measurements being configured to directly control external components.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent patent claims and the following description, each of which, individually or in (sub)combination, may represent aspects of the disclosure.

[0009] According to one aspect, some embodiments of the invention relate to a contactless radar sensor arrangement with point level electronics. The radar sensor arrangement has at least one radar antenna coupled to the point level electronics and a housing in which at least the point level electronics is arranged. The housing has at least one first switching signal output coupled to the point level electronics. The radar antenna is configured to emit a radar signal toward a media surface and to detect a reflected measurement signal. The point level electronics is configured at least to determine, based on the radar signal and the measurement signal, whether a first fill level threshold has been undershot or exceeded and subsequently, based on the first switching signal output, to output a first switching signal for an external component.

[0010] This provides a radar sensor arrangement that can advantageously detect the fill level without contact, allowing it to be assessed in relation to a limit level threshold value. Based on the evaluation, a switching signal can advantageously be output for the direct control of external components, for example, without the need for an additional process control system or an external control unit. Therefore, the radar sensor arrangement is particularly compact compared to existing sensor arrangements. In addition, direct contact between the components of the sensor arrangement and the medium to be analyzed can be avoided. As a result, maintenance requirements are reduced compared to previous approaches, and the service life of the sensor arrangement is extended compared to previous approaches, particularly in the case of corrosive media.

[0011] Preferably, the level of the medium is assessed based on the radar signal and the detected measurement signal, based on a time-of-flight measurement by the level control electronics, and evaluated in relation to at least one level threshold. This means that the radar signal is emitted by the radar antenna at a specific time, and that the measurement signal is detected by the radar antenna at a later time. The time difference between the times of emission of the radar signal and detection of the corresponding measurement signal makes it possible to determine the distance of the medium surface from the radar antenna and thus the level of the medium within the corresponding reservoir. This evaluation is ensured by the level control electronics.

[0012] The radar antenna of the radar sensor unit can be designed, for example, in the form of a horn antenna, a planar antenna, a parabolic antenna, a lens antenna, an array antenna, or any other desired antenna shape. This increases the variability of the radar sensor arrangement.

[0013] Alternatively, the switching signal may also be configured to be perceived as a warning signal for reception by an external component, for example by a warning device or a process control system.

[0014] Optionally, the level control electronics are at least configured to determine, based on the radar signal and the measurement signal, whether a second level threshold, which is different from the first level threshold, has been undershot or exceeded. This allows further level conditions to be defined in order to trigger switching signals output as needed. In particular, this increases the variability of the radar sensor arrangement. The fact that the first level threshold and the second level threshold are different also ensures hysteresis, so that fluctuating behavior of the output switching signal can be avoided. In some embodiments, the first level threshold can be greater than the second level threshold. Then, for example, when the first level threshold is reached, a switching signal can be output such that an external component, such as a pump, is activated.Once the medium level has fallen below the second (lower) threshold, a switching signal can be output to deactivate the pump again. The radar sensor arrangement thus enables switching signals corresponding to the level.

[0015] In other embodiments, the first fill level threshold can also be lower than the second fill level threshold. In this case, a double safety mechanism with regard to the fill level of the medium can be ensured. For example, a switching signal for activating an external component, such as a pump, can be output as soon as the fill level exceeds the first fill level threshold. If it is subsequently determined that even the second (larger / higher) fill level threshold is exceeded by the fill level of the medium, the output switching signal can be varied. For example, the varied switching signal can indicate that an error is present. In this case, it can be assumed, for example, that the external component, such as the pump, is defective.Alternatively, the varied output switching signal can also influence other external components, such as an inlet valve to a reservoir containing the medium. In this case, the inlet valve can be closed, for example, to prevent the fill level within the reservoir from rising further and, as a result, the reservoir from overflowing (if the inlet valve is not closed).

[0016] Optionally, more than two level thresholds can of course be provided, each resulting in different switching signals being output to influence one or more external components coupled to the radar sensor arrangement.

[0017] The housing preferably has at least one second switching signal output. The switching signal output is coupled to the level control electronics. The level control electronics are at least configured to output a second switching signal for an external component based on the second switching signal output. This further increases the variability of the radar sensor arrangement. Thus, when a certain level threshold is exceeded or undershot, different switching signals can be provided to external components simultaneously. This improves the radar sensor arrangement's ability to control external components.

[0018] In some embodiments, a specific switching signal can be provided for each switching signal output. In this case, the switching signal outputs can be assigned to different fill level thresholds. This means that when a specific fill level threshold is exceeded or undershot, for example, the first fill level threshold, a switching signal is output exclusively via a specific switching signal output, for example, the first switching signal output. In this case, no switching signal is output via the second switching signal output. In contrast, exceeding or undershooting another fill level threshold, for example, a second fill level threshold, can result in a switching signal being output exclusively via the second switching signal output and not via the first switching signal output.This reduces the complexity of the radar sensor arrangement with regard to the generation and provision of the switching signals.

[0019] Preferably, the number of switching signal outputs can correspond to the number of intended level threshold values.

[0020] In some embodiments, the point level electronics comprises a relay coupled to at least the first switching signal output and / or a transistor coupled thereto, based on which at least the first switching signal can be generated. Of course, different relays and / or transistors can also be provided for all other switching signal outputs. Relays and transistors are relatively simple and precise to control, have a relatively long service life, and can ensure clearly distinguishable signal states at their respective outputs depending on their respective switching position. For example, the distinguishable signal states can vary greatly in terms of signal amplitude. Therefore, the output signals from relays and transistors are particularly well suited to be used as switching signals for external components.

[0021] To control the relays and / or transistors, the limit level electronics can have corresponding control circuits, for example a pulse width modulator and / or gate driver circuits.

[0022] Optionally, the radar sensor arrangement additionally comprises at least one level electronics unit coupled to the radar antenna. The housing has at least one additional level signal output coupled to the level electronics unit. The level electronics unit is at least configured to determine a level of a medium in a reservoir based on the radar signal and the measurement signal and subsequently output at least one level signal for an external component using the at least one additional level signal output. The level signal output is different from the switching signal outputs coupled to the limit level electronics unit. Using the level electronics unit, a level signal can thus be provided for an external component, for example a level indicator, using the level signal output, which is independent of specific level threshold values.In other words, the level signal can be provided, in particular, as a continuous signal via the level signal output. Therefore, the level signal is generally not suitable as a switching signal, at least not unless an additional process control system is used. As a result, within a single radar sensor arrangement, both switching signals and level signals can be provided via the respective outputs for external components. Advantageously, only a single measuring arrangement based on the radar antenna is required for this. Previous approaches have been based on different (separate) components being provided for level detection and limit value exceedance / undershoot. Therefore, the present radar sensor arrangement is particularly compact compared to previous approaches, reducing the number of required components and the required installation space.For example, the reservoirs containing the corresponding medium only need a single coupling connection for coupling to the radar sensor array, instead of at least two separate coupling connections as previously required. The level electronics (like the point level electronics) is also configured to determine the distance of the medium surface from the radar antenna using a time-of-flight calculation based on the radar signal emitted by the radar antenna and the corresponding measurement signal detected by it. As a result, the level of the medium in the corresponding reservoir can be determined. Unlike the point level electronics, the level electronics do not need to relate the determined level of the medium within the reservoir to corresponding level threshold values.

[0023] The level electronics are preferably configured to output an analog or digital level signal via the at least one additional level signal output. Both types of level signals can be used for continuous signal reproduction and are compatible with many external components, such as level indicators. The level electronics can have appropriate circuits to convert the level signal into analog or digital format.

[0024] In some embodiments, the level signal output is multi-pole. In this case, the level signal can be multi-component. The level electronics can then be configured to output individual components of the level signal based on separate components of the level signal output. This increases the variability of the radar sensor arrangement because, based on the different components of the level signal, additional information can be provided for an external component, such as a level indicator, using the multi-pole level signal output. In addition, a plausibility / verification mechanism can also be taken into account, for example. One component of the level signal can be used to verify the information transmitted by another component of the level signal.In addition, the multi-pole level signal output also enables coupling with a process control system in order to actively control external components.

[0025] Optionally, the level electronics can be configured to output a level signal in the form of a 4 mA to 20 mA signal or a HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) signal, or for various bus systems such as Profibus. These signal types are generally known, ensuring compatibility with external components from various manufacturers and types.

[0026] Preferably, the point level electronics and the level electronics are integrated into a common sensor electronics unit of the radar sensor assembly. The housing can then enclose the common sensor electronics unit in a single internal volume. This makes the radar sensor assembly particularly compact. The required installation space is then minimized. The common sensor electronics unit enables additional synergy effects with regard to the necessary electronic components, since these can be used at least partially for both the point level electronics unit and the level electronics unit.

[0027] In some embodiments, the housing has at least a first chamber and a second chamber separate from the first chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber have different internal volumes. The point level electronics and the fill level electronics are arranged in different internal volumes. This allows the point level electronics and the fill level electronics to be spatially separated from one another, thus preventing mutual interference. As a result, the influence of electronic interference from the other electronics can be avoided. Although different chambers are provided for the different electronics in this case, both electronics are nevertheless arranged within a single housing. This makes the radar sensor arrangement particularly compact.

[0028] Optionally, the at least one switching signal output and the at least one additional level signal output are arranged in different chambers of the housing. This prevents crosstalk from one output to the other, thus reducing or preventing influences from electronic interference.

[0029] In some embodiments, the at least one switching signal output and the fill level signal output can also have different output types with regard to the socket geometry / plug geometry. This makes it possible to minimize the risk of manual misoperation of the signal outputs, in particular confusion thereof. The radar antenna is preferably arranged within the housing. For example, the housing can have a housing section through which the radar antenna is covered from the medium. As a result, the radar antenna is completely protected by the housing from contact with the medium. In this case, the housing section can be permeable to the radar signals emitted by the radar antenna and the measurement signals received by it. For example, the housing section can comprise a window.

[0030] In an alternative, the radar antenna protrudes at least partially from the housing of the radar sensor array. This prevents any influence of a housing section covering the radar antenna on the radar signals / measurement signals. As a result, the signal evaluation can be designed more compactly, since the influence of the corresponding housing section does not need to be considered / compensated.

[0031] In another alternative, the radar antenna is located on the outside of the housing. This makes it particularly easy to replace the radar antenna if necessary.

[0032] In some embodiments, the housing has receiving devices by means of which the housing can be reversibly fixed to an external component by means of fastening means. In the case of the fixed housing, the radar antenna is arranged and aligned such that a radar signal can be emitted from it into an internal volume of the external component. The corresponding external component can in particular be a reservoir container for receiving and / or storing a medium whose fill level within the reservoir container is to be detected and assessed. The receiving devices of the housing can in particular be designed to correspond to receiving devices of the reservoir container. As a result, the housing and thus the radar sensor arrangement can in particular be compatible with a process connection of the reservoir container.

[0033] The disclosure, as well as further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. Therein: - Fig. 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of a radar sensor arrangement according to one embodiment and a reservoir container with a medium,

[0034] - Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic representation of a radar sensor arrangement according to an embodiment and a reservoir container with a medium with a different fill level,

[0035] - Fig. 3 is a simplified schematic representation of a radar sensor arrangement according to a further embodiment and a reservoir container with a medium,

[0036] - Fig. 4 is a simplified schematic representation of a radar sensor arrangement according to a further embodiment and a reservoir container with a medium,

[0037] - Fig. 5 is a simplified schematic representation of a radar sensor arrangement according to a further embodiment,

[0038] - Fig. 6 is a simplified schematic representation of a radar sensor arrangement according to a further embodiment,

[0039] - Fig. 7 is a simplified schematic representation of a radar sensor arrangement according to a further embodiment, and

[0040] - Fig. 8 is a simplified schematic representation of a radar sensor arrangement according to a further embodiment.

[0041] The following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, is intended to describe various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to be the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is merely an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples contained herein are not exhaustive or limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications of the described embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments.Therefore, the described embodiments are not limited to the embodiments shown, but have the widest possible scope of application consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0042] All features disclosed below with respect to the embodiments and / or the accompanying figures may be combined alone or in any sub-combination with features of the aspects of the disclosure, including features of preferred embodiments, provided that the resulting combination of features is meaningful to a person skilled in the art.

[0043] For the purposes of the disclosure, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means, for example, (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all other possible combinations when more than three elements are listed. In other words, the phrase "at least one of A and B" generally means "A and / or B," namely "A" alone, "B" alone, or "A and B."

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of a radar sensor arrangement 10 according to an embodiment and a reservoir container 12 with a medium 14.

[0045] The reservoir container 12 is filled with the medium 14 up to a media surface 16.

[0046] The radar sensor assembly 10 comprises a housing 18 which, according to this embodiment, has a single chamber 19 defining an internal volume 20 of the housing 18.

[0047] The radar sensor assembly 10 has a radar antenna 21, which, according to this embodiment, extends into the reservoir container 12. Additionally, the radar sensor assembly 10 has a limit level electronics unit 22, which in this case includes at least one relay 24. The limit level electronics unit 22 has at least one data processing device.

[0048] In addition, the radar sensor arrangement 10 has a plurality of switching signal outputs 26, 26A, 26B arranged on an outer side of the housing 18. The point level electronics 22 are coupled to both the radar antenna 21 and the switching signal outputs 26. Using the relay 24, the point level electronics 22 are configured to output specific switching signals via the switching signal outputs 26, which can differ with respect to different switching states based on the relay 24, for example, with respect to their amplitude.

[0049] The radar antenna 21 is configured to transmit radar signals into the interior volume of the reservoir container 12 and subsequently detect corresponding measurement signals. The measurement signals are generated by at least a portion of the radar signals transmitted by the radar antenna 21 being reflected by the media surface 16 and being detected by the radar antenna 21 as reflected measurement signals.

[0050] In some embodiments, the limit level electronics 22 may be configured to control the radar antenna 21 such that it outputs corresponding radar signals and subsequently detects measurement signals.

[0051] In an alternative, the radar sensor arrangement 10 may also comprise a dedicated antenna control (not shown) based on which the transmission and detection of the corresponding radar signals and measurement signals is controlled.

[0052] The limit level electronics 22 are at least configured to determine a fill level of the medium 14 within the reservoir container 12 based on the radar signals emitted by the radar antenna 21 and the measurement signals detected by it, for example based on a transit time measurement.

[0053] Due to the underlying measuring principle (radar), the radar sensor arrangement 10 is configured for contactless detection and determination of the fill level of the medium 14 within the reservoir container 12. Additionally, the radar sensor arrangement 10 is also configured for the direct control of external components using the switching signal outputs 26.

[0054] In the present case, a pump 28 is coupled to the radar sensor arrangement 10. Additionally, the pump 28 is coupled to the reservoir container 12 via a fluid line 30. The pump 28 has a circulation device 32, by means of which the medium 14 can be removed from the reservoir container 12 and supplied to an additional external component via a further fluid line 34. Alternatively, no circulation device 32 needs to be provided; instead, other pumping technologies can be used, for example, diaphragm-based pumps. Thus, the fill level of the medium 14 within the reservoir container 12 can be reduced when the pump 28 is activated.

[0055] The radar sensor arrangement 10 is now configured using the switching signal outputs 26 to directly control the pump 28 based on a switching signal 36, for example to activate and deactivate it, in particular without the need for an external process control system.

[0056] In addition, the level control electronics 22 of the radar sensor arrangement 10 are configured to assess the fill level of the medium 14 with respect to at least one fill level threshold value 38 and subsequently output a switching signal 36 based on the switching signal output 26 in accordance with predetermined conditions.

[0057] According to this embodiment, three fill level thresholds 38A, 38B, 38C are provided. The level control electronics 22 are therefore configured to vary the switching signal 36 depending on the respective fill level thresholds 38A, 38B, 38C, provided the fill level exceeds or falls below a corresponding fill level threshold 38, and to control the pump 28 accordingly.

[0058] Thanks to the non-contact measurement technology, the components of the radar sensor array 10 can be largely or entirely protected from contamination by the medium 14 through direct contact with it. This reduces maintenance and cleaning effort compared to previous approaches that only use touch-sensitive measurement techniques, and extends the service life of the components of the radar sensor array 10.

[0059] Fig. 2 shows a simplified schematic representation of a radar sensor arrangement according to one embodiment and a reservoir container containing a medium with a different fill level. Only the differences from the previous embodiment are discussed.

[0060] The fill level of the medium 14 within the reservoir tank 12 is now such that the media surface 16 is above the second fill level threshold 38B. Exceeding the second fill level threshold 38B may have been detected, in particular determined, by the level limit electronics 22 based on the radar signals emitted by the radar antenna 21 and the subsequently acquired measurement signals. Subsequently, the level limit electronics 22 may vary the switching signal 36 such that the pump 28 is activated, thus removing the medium 14 from the reservoir tank 12. This can prevent the reservoir tank 12 from being flooded with the medium 14.

[0061] As a result, the fill level of the medium 14 within the reservoir container 12 will decrease. If, for example, the media surface 16 falls below the first fill level threshold 38A, this can also be determined by the level limit electronics 22, and the switching signal 36 can subsequently be adjusted accordingly to deactivate the pump 28.

[0062] According to these embodiments, the first fill level threshold 38A is smaller than the second fill level threshold 38B, which in turn is smaller than the third fill level threshold 38C. As a result, the third fill level threshold 38C can ensure, for example, that flooding of the reservoir container 12 or direct contact of the medium 14 with the radar antenna 21 can be prevented.

[0063] The fill level threshold values ​​38 can, of course, be adjusted and selected as required, which is why other relative ratios may also exist.

[0064] Fig. 3 shows a simplified schematic representation of a radar sensor arrangement 10 according to a further embodiment and a reservoir container 12 with a medium 14. Again, only the differences from the previous embodiments are discussed.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the radar sensor arrangement 10 additionally comprises level electronics 40. The limit level electronics 22 and the level electronics 40 are arranged within a single internal volume 20 formed by the chamber 19 of the housing 18. This makes the radar sensor arrangement 10 particularly compact. The level electronics 40 comprises at least one data processing device. In addition, the radar sensor arrangement 10 has a plurality of level signal outputs 42, 42A, 42B. The level electronics 40 is coupled to both the radar antenna 21 and the level signal outputs 42.

[0066] The level electronics 40 are configured to determine a fill level of the medium 14 within the reservoir container 12 based on the radar signals emitted by the radar antenna 21 and the measurement signals subsequently detected by it. Unlike the limit level electronics 22, however, the level electronics 40 does not relate the fill level of the medium 14 within the reservoir container 12 to different fill level threshold values ​​38. In addition, the level electronics 40 are configured to output an analog, or alternatively digital, fill level signal 46 to an external component, for example a fill level indicator 44, via the fill level signal outputs 42. The fill level signal 46 is output continuously, while the switching signal 36 can instead be output in pulse form, or alternatively also continuously.

[0067] According to the present embodiment, the level signal outputs 42 are configured according to the HART signal protocol, so that the level signal 46 is a HART signal here. Alternatively, the level signal outputs 42 can also be configured according to a different standard, for example, the 4 mA to 20 mA standard.

[0068] Through this embodiment, the radar sensor arrangement 10 combines the possibilities of providing directly corresponding switching signals 36 on the one hand and directly corresponding fill level signals 46 for external components on the other hand, based on a non-contact measuring technology and the use of only a single sensor element, here the radar antenna 21. Therefore, the radar sensor arrangement 10 is particularly compact.

[0069] The housing 18 can have corresponding receiving devices for coupling to the reservoir container 12. Since both the fill level of the medium 14 within the reservoir container 12 and the exceeding / falling below corresponding fill level threshold values ​​38 can be detected and determined using the individual radar sensor arrangement 10, the reservoir container 12 only needs to have a single process connection for coupling to the radar sensor arrangement 10. This saves installation space. Alternatively, the limit level electronics 22 and the fill level electronics 40 can also be formed within a single sensor electronics unit (not shown). This allows synergy effects to be achieved with regard to the required electronic components.

[0070] Fig. 4 shows a simplified schematic representation of a radar sensor arrangement 10 according to a further embodiment and a reservoir container 12 with a medium 14. Again, only the differences from the previous embodiments are discussed.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the housing 18 of the radar sensor assembly 10 comprises an internal partition wall 48, which divides the housing 18. As a result, different chambers 19, 19A, 19B are created, forming different, mutually separated internal volumes 20, 20A, 20B.

[0072] According to this embodiment of the radar sensor assembly 10, the level control electronics 22 are arranged within the internal volume 20A of the first chamber 19A, and the switching signal outputs 26 are also coupled to the first chamber 19A. In contrast, the level control electronics 40 are arranged within the second internal volume 20B defined by the second chamber 19B. Additionally, the level signal outputs 42 are also coupled to the second chamber 19B.

[0073] Thus, the limit level electronics 22 and the level electronics 40 can be separated from each other by the internal partition wall 48. As a result, mutual influence, for example due to electronic interference, can be reduced or prevented. This leads to an improvement in the signal quality of the signals output by the respective electronics. Although different chambers 19 are provided, both the limit level electronics 22 and the level electronics 40 are of course coupled to the radar antenna 21 in this embodiment as well. Figs. 5 to 8 show further simplified schematic representations of a radar sensor arrangement 10 according to further embodiments. Only the differences will be discussed in each case.

[0074] In the embodiments of the radar sensor arrangement 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the radar antenna 21 is arranged on an outer surface of the housing 18. As a result, it may happen, particularly at particularly high fill levels of the medium 14 within the reservoir container 12, that the radar antenna 21 nevertheless comes into direct contact with the medium 14 and may thus be contaminated.

[0075] In contrast, the embodiments of the radar sensor arrangement 10 in Figs. 5 and 6 show that the radar antenna 21 can also be arranged such that it only partially protrudes from the housing 18. This can reduce the risk of contamination of the radar antenna 21 through contact with the medium 14.

[0076] In addition, according to these embodiments, an optional, additional internal partition wall 50 is provided within the housing 18, by which the radar antenna 21 is spatially separated from the limit level electronics 22 and the level electronics 40.

[0077] While in the embodiment according to Fig. 5 the limit level electronics 22 and the fill level electronics 40 are arranged within a single chamber 19, the electronics according to the embodiment according to Fig. 6 are separated from each other and arranged in different chambers 19A, 19B.

[0078] In the embodiments of the radar sensor arrangements 10 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the radar antenna 21 is arranged entirely within the housing 18. The housing 18 then has a housing section 52 adjacent to the radar antenna 21, which is permeable, or at least largely permeable, to the radar signals emitted by the radar antenna 21 and the measurement signals detected by it. For example, the housing section 52 can be made of a suitable material. Thus, contact between the radar antenna 21 and the medium 14 can be completely prevented. As a result, the maintenance and cleaning effort of the radar sensor arrangement 10 is reduced compared to existing approaches. In addition, the service life of the radar sensor arrangement 10 can be extended, particularly in the case of corrosive media 14.

[0079] While in the embodiment according to Fig. 7 the limit level electronics 22 and the fill level electronics 40 are arranged within a single chamber 19, the electronics according to the embodiment according to Fig. 8 are separated from each other and arranged in different chambers 19A, 19B.

[0080] Specific embodiments disclosed herein use circuitry (e.g., one or more circuits) to implement standards, protocols, methods, or technologies disclosed herein, operatively couple two or more components, generate information, process information, analyze information, generate signals, encode / decode signals, convert signals, transmit and / or receive signals, control other devices, etc. Circuitry of any type may be used.

[0081] In one embodiment, a circuit such as the control device includes, among other things, one or more data processing devices such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), or the like, or any combination thereof, and may include discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronics, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the circuit includes hardware circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuits, implementations in digital circuits, and the like, and combinations thereof).

[0082] In one embodiment, circuitry includes combinations of circuitry and computer program products with software or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer-readable memories that cooperate to cause a device to execute one or more of the protocols, methods, or technologies described herein. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes circuitry, such as microprocessors or portions of microprocessors, that require software, firmware, and the like to operate. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more processors or portions thereof and the associated software, firmware, hardware, and the like.

[0083] In this disclosure, reference may be made to quantities and numbers. Unless expressly stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered limiting, but rather as examples of the possible quantities or numbers in connection with the disclosure. In this context, the term "plurality" may also be used in the disclosure to refer to a quantity or number. In this context, the term "plurality" means any number greater than one, e.g., two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "about," "approximately," "near," etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value.

[0084] Although the disclosure has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to make equivalent changes and modifications after reading and understanding this description and the accompanying drawings.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A non-contact radar sensor arrangement (10) with point level electronics (22), wherein the radar sensor arrangement (10) has at least one radar antenna (21) coupled to the point level electronics (22) and a housing (18) in which at least the point level electronics (22) is arranged, the housing (18) has at least one first switching signal output (26A) coupled to the point level electronics (22), and the radar antenna (21) is configured to emit a radar signal in the direction of a media surface (16) and to detect a reflected measurement signal, wherein the radar sensor arrangement (10) is characterized in that the point level electronics (22) is at least configured to determine, based on the radar signal and the measurement signal, whether a first fill level threshold value (38A) has been undershot or exceeded, and subsequently to output a first switching signal (36) for an external component based on the first switching signal output (26A).

2. Radar sensor arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the limit level electronics (22) are at least configured to determine, based on the radar signal and the measurement signal, whether a second fill level threshold value (38B) is undershot or overshot, which is different from the first fill level threshold value (38A).

3. Radar sensor arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (18) has at least one second switching signal output (26B) which is coupled to the limit level electronics (22), and that the limit level electronics (22) is at least configured to output a second switching signal (36) for an external component based on the second switching signal output (26B).

4. Radar sensor arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the limit level electronics (22) has a relay (24) coupled at least to the first switching signal output (26A) or a transistor coupled thereto, based on which at least the first switching signal (36) can be generated.

5. Radar sensor arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radar sensor arrangement (10) additionally has at least one fill level electronics unit (40) which is coupled to the radar antenna (21), in that the housing (18) has at least one additional fill level signal output (42) which is coupled to the fill level electronics unit (40), and in that the fill level electronics unit (40) is at least configured to determine a fill level of a medium in a reservoir based on the radar signal and the measurement signal and subsequently to output at least one fill level signal (46) for an external component based on the at least one additional fill level signal output (42).

6. Radar sensor arrangement (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the level electronics (40) are configured to output an analog or a digital level signal (46) based on the at least one additional level signal output (42).

7. Radar sensor arrangement (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the fill level signal output (42) is multi-pole, that the fill level signal (46) is multi-component, and that the fill level electronics (40) are configured to output individual components of the fill level signal (46) based on separate components of the fill level signal output (42).

8. Radar sensor arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the level electronics (40) are arranged to output a level signal (46) in the form of a 4 mA to 20 mA signal or a HART signal.

9. Radar sensor arrangement (10) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the limit level electronics (22) and the fill level electronics (40) are formed in a common sensor electronics of the radar sensor arrangement (10), and that the housing (18) comprises the common sensor electronics in a single internal volume (20).

10. Radar sensor arrangement (10) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the housing (18) has at least a first chamber (19A) and a second chamber (19B) separate from the first chamber (19A), that the first chamber (19A) and the second chamber (19B) comprise different internal volumes (20A, 20B), and that the limit level electronics (22) and the fill level electronics (40) are arranged in different internal volumes (20A, 20B).

11. adar sensor arrangement (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one switching signal output (26) and the at least one additional fill level signal output (42) are arranged on different chambers (19A, 19B) of the housing (18).

12. Radar sensor arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radar antenna (21) is arranged within the housing (18) or that the radar antenna (21) protrudes at least partially from the housing (18) of the radar sensor arrangement (10) or is arranged on an outer side thereof.

13. Radar sensor arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (18) has receiving devices by means of which the housing (18) can be reversibly fixed to an external component by means of fastening means, and in that the radar antenna (21), in the case of the fixed housing (18), is arranged and aligned such that a radar signal can be emitted from it into an internal volume of the external component, in particular wherein the external component is a reservoir container (12) for receiving and / or storing a medium (14).

Images