Sensor system and combination thereof with a control device for actively air-conditioning at least one display cabinet

Abstract

In order to air-condition at least one display cabinet (V) by means of a controlled gas mixture circulating system (10; 10'), a sensor system (11) having a plurality of sensors and a control device (13) for the circulating system (10; 10') is disclosed in order to measure parameters to be regulated or monitored, a first sensor (111) detecting the humidity of the gas mixture (L) as a first parameter. The sensor system (11) is characterized in that a second sensor (112) detects the presence of contaminants in the gas mixture (L) as a second parameter and both sensors (111, 112) are integrated into the sensor system (11) and are provided at the same location on or in the interior of the display cabinet (V). A circulating drive (P) located in the circulating system (10) is controlled on the basis of the detected parameters, and the sensor system (11) is equipped with a plug-in connection (113) in order to connect the sensors (111, 112), which are located on a circuit board (PT), to the control device (13).

Description

[0001] Sensors and their combination with a control device for the active climate control of at least one exhibition display case

[0002] The invention relates to the climate control of one or more display cases, in particular a sensor system and a combination thereof with a control device for the active climate control of at least one display case.

[0003] Standard display cases often consist of a base element and a glass-enclosed showcase element mounted on it, in which at least one exhibit is kept for display. The applicant has been manufacturing such display cases for decades, and they are disclosed, for example, in DE 202013 102 868 U1.

[0004] To protect the exhibits and ensure their optimal preservation, display cases must be climate-controlled. A distinction is made between passive and active climate control. Passive climate control is achieved, if possible, without the use of electrically operated components (fans, circulation pumps, possibly with filters, UV irradiation, etc.) solely through the use of hygroscopic material (preferably silica gel), which removes moisture from the interior of the display case. This material is often located in a drawer or container in the base, a so-called climate control compartment, into which a cassette containing conditioned silica gel can be inserted (see: https: / / llfa.de / klimatisierung / silikagel-e.html). Air exchange or circulation between the climate control compartment and the interior of the display case occurs via natural convection.

[0005] Active climate control refers to the use of electrically operated components, such as the aforementioned fans, circulation pumps (possibly with filters), UV irradiation, etc. These components can form part of a circulation system that actively climate-controls the display case. Such a system is disclosed in DE 20 2021 106 042 U1.

[0006] DE 11 2016 005 361 T5 discloses an exhibition display case (“enclosure”) equipped with at least one recirculation system (“MEA air movement device”) for a gas mixture located inside the display case, in particular in a showcase element of the display case. The recirculation system comprises a filter device with a humidity-regulating agent and a recirculation drive. These components are connected to the interior of the display case by means of gas-tight connecting elements to form a circuit in which the gas mixture circulates. The filter device stabilizes the humidity of the gas mixture and filters out impurities from the gas mixture. Furthermore, a sensor system is disclosed, comprising several sensors (83, 84) and connected to a control device (80) for controlling the recirculation system in order to measure parameters to be regulated.to monitor parameters for the control device; wherein the multiple sensors (83, 84) are arranged on or in the interior of the display case (Fig. 6) and detect parameters relating to the gas mixture as input signals for the control device in order to control the circulation system depending on the detected parameters, wherein a first sensor (83) detects the humidity of the gas mixture as a first parameter. A second sensor (84) detects the oxygen content of the gas mixture, so that both the oxygen content and the humidity level can be controlled.

[0007] In DE 10 2006 022 296 A1, a so-called climate control module with control device and several sensors for measuring temperature and humidity is disclosed for the active climate control of an exhibition display case.

[0008] In active climate control systems, sensors are of paramount importance for the optimal control of the components. The sensors must be capable of measuring the parameters to be controlled or monitored as accurately, reliably, and without interference as possible, such as relative humidity, temperature, or the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) inside the display case.

[0009] The applicant itself has developed and disclosed solutions for this (see above-mentioned DE 20 2021 106 042 U1).

[0010] Accordingly, a sensor system and a combination thereof with a control device are known, which are used for climate control of at least one display case by means of at least one controlled circulation system for a gas mixture (such as air) located in the interior of the display case, in particular in a showcase element of the display case, wherein the respective circulation system has at least the following components: a filter device with a humidity-regulating agent, and a circulation drive, wherein the components together with the interior of the display case are connected to at least one circuit by means of gas-tight connecting elements, in which the gas mixture circulates.The gas mixture is circulated to stabilize its moisture content and filter out impurities using a filter device. The sensor system comprises several sensors and is connected to the control device of the circulating system to measure parameters to be controlled or monitored by the control device. The sensor system includes at least two sensors that detect parameters relating to the gas mixture as input signals for the control device in order to control the circulating system based on these detected parameters, with a first sensor detecting the moisture content of the gas mixture as a first parameter.

[0011] It is therefore common practice to use a sensor system with several different sensors installed at various measuring points in or on the display case. While the electrically operated components and their control systems are often housed in the base of the display case, most of the required sensors must be positioned as close as possible to, or even better, inside the display case itself, in order to accurately measure the parameters on-site. It is important that these sensors are installed in the display case in a space-saving, unobtrusive, and, if possible, invisible to the viewer.

[0012] Furthermore, it would be desirable to develop a cost-efficient solution suitable for the active climate control of very large or multiple exhibition display cases.

[0013] The problem is solved by a sensor system with the features of claim 1. Accordingly, the sensor system according to the invention is characterized in that, in addition to the first sensor which detects the humidity, a second sensor is also provided which detects the contamination of the gas mixture as a second parameter, wherein the two sensors (i.e., the RH sensor and the VOC sensor) are integrated into the sensor system (11) and are arranged at the same location on or in the interior of the display case, and that the control device controls the circulation drive located in the circulation system by means of the two detected parameters depending on the detected parameters, and that the sensor system is equipped with a plug connection to connect the sensors located on a circuit board to the control device.

[0014] The circuit board can also be referred to as a "multi-sensor board", on which all sensors are compactly arranged and which can be quickly connected to the control device via a plug connection or replaced with an existing board (repair case, update, expansion of the sensor system ....).

[0015] This allows for the space-saving and efficient integration of multiple, ideally many different, sensors into a single sensor unit, enabling them to be mounted in the same location in or on the display case. A plug-in connection is provided for this purpose, allowing the components on the circuit board, especially the sensors, to be quickly and effectively connected to the control device and, if necessary, the power supply. All sensors can be powered by a single power supply, and signal transmission to the control device can be efficiently achieved, for example, via a single interface.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the subordinate claim 8, a

[0017] A combination consisting of such a sensor and control device is proposed. And according to dependent claim 12, a

[0018] A circulation system is proposed that is equipped with such a combination of sensors and a control device. Finally, according to dependent claim 14, a display case is proposed that is equipped with at least one such circulation system.

[0019] Particularly advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims:

[0020] Preferably, the sensor assembly comprises a single circuit board on which at least two sensors, in particular two sensor chips, are arranged, one of which is heat-sensitive and the other of which emits heat during operation, and wherein conductor tracks connecting these two sensors or chips are arranged in a meandering pattern on the circuit board. This can also be referred to as a "multi-sensor circuit board." This achieves a very space-saving, high degree of integration without the heat generation of one chip (e.g., a VOC chip) impairing the function of the other heat-sensitive chip (e.g., a temperature sensor), because the meandering conductor track arrangement effectively reduces or even prevents heat transfer.

[0021] In this context, the heat-sensitive sensor or chip (111) can be configured to detect the temperature and / or humidity inside the display case, and / or the heat-emitting sensor or chip can be configured to detect volatile organic compounds contained in the gas mixture.

[0022] Preferably, the sensor is arranged in a sleeve, in particular in an electrically non-conductive and / or thermally non-conductive sleeve, which is designed to be inserted into the interior of the display case in a largely vertical position, in particular from below into the base of the interior of the display case. This not only provides optimal protection for the sensor, but also significantly simplifies its placement and any necessary replacement.

[0023] In this context, it is advantageous if the sleeve is made of carbon fiber and / or is provided with a cap, wherein at least the sleeve or the cap has several openings, in particular slot-shaped openings, through which the gas mixture circulating in the at least one circuit can flow easily and directly to the sensors.

[0024] Regarding the combination of sensor technology and control device according to the invention, it is advantageous if the control device is equipped with storage means and a processor with a time unit in order to function as a data logger in order to record the input data (measured values) and output data (control data).

[0025] Furthermore, the sensor and / or control device can be equipped with a battery or an electrical buffer storage system to ensure sufficient power is available to operate the sensor or control device in the event of a power failure.

[0026] The control device can also be designed to function as a master control device in a master-slave arrangement with another circulation system, in particular with its control device.

[0027] As regards the circulation system according to the invention, it can also include a sterilization device to sterilize the circulating gas mixture.

[0028] As for the display case according to the invention, it can also be equipped with at least two circulation systems, each having a control device, wherein a control device of one of the circulation systems is designed to function as a master control device in a master-slave arrangement with another of the circulation systems, in particular with its control device.

[0029] This enables effective master-slave operation, which is particularly efficient for the climate control of larger display cases and / or arrangements of several display cases in an exhibition space.

[0030] The invention is described in detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, which depict the following schematic representations:

[0031] Fig. 1 shows the construction of an exhibition display case according to the invention, including sensors and a control device for active climate control;

[0032] Fig. 2 shows in detail the sensor technology according to the invention used for air conditioning, in which several sensors are integrated.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows the construction of an exhibition display case V according to the invention, designed for active climate control. The case comprises a lower base element SL and, above it, a glass display case element SK, in which exhibition objects or exhibits E1 and E2 are located. Inside the display case V or the display case element SK is a gas mixture, e.g., cleanroom air L, which is circulated by means of two circulation systems 10 and 10' by pumps P and P' respectively (see also Fig. 2) (see circuits KL and KL'). The gas mixture is then cleaned of impurities such as dust, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), etc., in filter devices 12 and 12'. Additionally, a sterilization device 14 or 14' is provided, which sterilizes the circulating gas mixture L, e.g., by UV irradiation, and thus eliminates germs.The components designed for active air conditioning, in particular pumps P, P' and sterilization devices 14, 14', are controlled in the two circuits KL and KL' respectively by a control device 13 and 13' respectively, depending on measured values ​​provided by a sensor system 11 according to the invention. The design and function of the sensor system 11 and its interaction with the control device 13 are described in more detail below, also with reference to Fig. 2.

[0034] The sensor assembly 11 comprises at least two sensors 111 and 112, which are integrated on a circuit board PT to transmit the measured values ​​or parameters acquired by the sensors to the control device 13. Depending on this, the control device 13 then controls the components, in particular the pump(s) P and P' and the sterilization device 14 and 14'. Both sensors 111 and 112 can also be implemented as sensor chips. For example, a first sensor chip 111 is used to measure temperature (T sensor) and relative humidity (RH sensor), and a second sensor chip 112 is used to measure volatile organic compounds (VOC sensor). However, the VOC sensor chip 112 generates a certain amount of heat during operation, and the T / RH sensor chip 111 is inherently heat-sensitive.

[0035] Therefore, the circuit board PT is also referred to as a "multi-sensor board." Since all sensors are compactly arranged on the PT board, it is important to prevent neighboring sensors from interfering with each other and thus causing measurement errors. In this example, the heat generated by the VOC sensor chip 112 can travel via conductors LB to the heat-sensitive T / RH sensor chip 111, which should be avoided. To this end, the connecting conductors LB are designed in a meandering shape, significantly increasing the length of the heat conduction path and thereby considerably reducing heat transfer.

[0036] All sensors 11 are housed in a sleeve HS, which is made of carbon fiber to prevent heat conduction. The sleeve HS can be inserted into the interior of the display case V from below, through the base BD. Furthermore, the sleeve HS is equipped with a cap (not shown) that has slot-shaped openings, allowing the sensors to be in direct contact with the air inside the display case V. The sensors / chips 111 and 112 are connected to the control unit 13 via a connector 113 and a connecting cable. This control unit regulates the climate control of the aforementioned components, namely the pumps P / P' and sterilization devices 14 / 14', based on the measured values / data.

[0037] The first control device 13 acts as the master in a master-slave configuration (see data line MS in Fig. 1), i.e., for the second control device 13' or its circulation unit 10', which functions only as a slave. This allows the air conditioning in a configuration with two or even more circulation units to be controlled very efficiently centrally via a single sensor 11 and only one (here the first) control device 13.

[0038] In this context, it is advantageous if the sensor is equipped with a signal converter (not shown). This is because often at least some of the components on the circuit board transmit signals according to a standard suitable for circuit board and device-internal data transmission, such as the [standard name missing]. 2 C-Bus standard, which can be implemented using a two-wire connection. The l 2The C-Bus standard is particularly suitable for master-slave configurations, although data transmission is limited to shorter distances. However, to enable a master-slave configuration of several widely separated display cases, the sensor system includes a signal converter (e.g., integrated into connector 113) that converts the signal according to the standard. 2 converts the C-Bus standard transmitted signals into a signal format suitable for external data transmission, especially for data transmission over cable lengths of several meters (easily 20-30 meters and more).

[0039] For the operation and monitoring of the central control device 13, it is equipped with a wireless communication module, for example, a Bluetooth module (BT), to exchange data via Bluetooth (BT) with a mobile device, in this case a user's smartphone, concerning operating software installed on the device, in this case a proprietary operating app. The user or operator (e.g., museum staff) can, among other things, monitor the operation of display case V or a system comprising several display cases and, if necessary, adjust the function of the control device 13 by changing parameters. The user is also informed of any triggered alarms.

[0040] Furthermore, the control device 13, by means of storage media and a processor equipped with a time unit (not shown), is also capable of functioning as a data logger to record input and output data of the control device 13 and / or the data exchanged with the mobile device. This data can also be viewed via the user's app.

[0041] In summary, for the climate control of at least one exhibition display case V by means of at least one controlled gas mixture circulation system 10; 10', a sensor system 11 with several sensors and a control device 13 for the circulation system 10; 10' is disclosed in order to measure parameters to be controlled or monitored; wherein a first sensor 111 detects the humidity of the gas mixture L as a first parameter.The sensor system 11 is characterized in that a second sensor 112 detects the contamination of the gas mixture L as a second parameter, and that both sensors 111, 112 are integrated into the sensor system 11 and are arranged at the same location on or in the interior of the display case V, wherein a circulation drive P located in the circulation system 10 is controlled depending on the detected parameters, wherein the sensor system 11 is equipped with a plug connection 113 to connect the sensors 111, 112 located on a circuit board PT to the control device 13.

[0042] List of reference signs

[0043] V Display case (also called display case for short)

[0044] SK (upper) display case element

[0045] SL (lower) base element

[0046] BD Floor

[0047] E1, E2 Exhibition objects / exhibits

[0048] L Gas mixture (e.g. air)

[0049] 10, 10' Circulation system(s)

[0050] P, P' Circulation drive(s) or pump(s)

[0051] 12, 12' Filter device(s)

[0052] 13, 13' Control device(s)

[0053] 14, 14' Sterilization protection(s)

[0054] KL, KL' circulatory system; circulation(s)

[0055] II Sensor technology with multiple integrated sensors

[0056] HS Sleeve

[0057] PT board, here equipped with a multi-sensor board

[0058] III First sensor / chip for measuring room humidity and temperature

[0059] 112 Second sensor / chip for measuring contamination by volatile organic compounds, here VOC chip

[0060] LB conduction pathway(s), meandering in shape

[0061] 113 Plug connection, possibly with signal converter

[0062] BT wireless communication module, here Bluetooth module

[0063] MS data line for master-slave communication

Claims

Patent claims (for PCT) 1. Sensors (11) for climate control of at least one display case (V) by means of at least one controlled circulation system (10; 1O') for a gas mixture (L) located in the interior of the display case (V), in particular in a display case element (SK) of the display case (V), wherein the respective circulation system (10) comprises at least the following components: a filter device (12) with a humidity-regulating agent, and a circulation drive (P), wherein the components (12; P) together with the interior of the display case (V) are connected by means of gas-tight connecting elements to form at least one circuit (KL) in which the gas mixture (L) circulates in order to stabilize the humidity of the gas mixture (L) by means of the filter device (12) and to filter out impurities from the gas mixture (L); wherein the sensor system (11) comprises several sensors and is connected to a control device (13) for controlling the at least one circulation system (10;10') is connected to perform measurements of parameters to be controlled or monitored for the control device (13); wherein the sensor system (11) has at least two sensors (111, 112) that detect parameters relating to the gas mixture (L) as input signals for the control device (13) in order to control the circulation system (10) depending on the detected parameters, wherein a first sensor (111) detects the moisture content of the gas mixture (L) as a first parameter;characterized in that a second sensor (112) detects the contamination of the gas mixture (L) as a second parameter, wherein the first and the second sensor (111 , 112) are integrated in the sensor assembly (11 ) and are arranged at the same location on or in the interior of the display case (V), that the control device (13) controls the circulation drive (P) located in the circulation system (10) by means of the two detected parameters depending on the detected parameters, and that the sensor assembly (11) is equipped with a plug connection (113) to; to connect the sensors (111 , 112) located on a circuit board (PT) to the control device (13).

2. Sensor (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensors located on the circuit board (PT) are designed as sensor chips (111, 112), one of which chip (111) is heat-sensitive and another chip (112) is heat-emitting during operation, and that conductor tracks (LB) connecting these two sensor chips (111, 112) are arranged in a meandering pattern on the circuit board (PT).

3. Sensor (11 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the heat-sensitive sensor chip (111 ) is configured to detect the temperature and / or humidity inside the display case (V).

4. Sensor (11 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the heat-emitting sensor chip (112) is configured to detect volatile organic compounds contained in the gas mixture (L).

5. Sensor (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (11) is arranged in a sleeve (HS), in particular in an electrically non-conductive and / or a thermally non-conductive sleeve (HS), which is designed to be inserted into the interior of the display case (V) in a largely vertical position, in particular from below into the base (BD) of the interior of the display case (V).

6. Sensor (11) according to claim 5, characterized in that the sleeve (HS) is made of carbon fiber and / or is provided with a cap, wherein at least the sleeve (HS) or the cap has several openings, in particular slot-shaped openings, through which the gas mixture (L) circulating in the at least one circuit (KL; KL') can flow to the sensors (111, 112).

7. Sensors (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the components and / or sensors located on the circuit board (PT) transmit signals according to a standard suitable for circuit board and device-internal data transmission (l 2 C) transmitted and that the sensor (11) has a signal converter, in particular a signal converter integrated in the connector (113), which complies with the standard (l 2 C) converts transmitted signals into a signal format suitable for external data transmission, in particular for data transmission over line lengths of several meters.

8. Combination of sensor (11) and control device (13) according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Combination of sensor technology (11) and control device (13) according to claim 8, characterized in that the control device (13) is integrated with one of the components of the circulation system (10), in particular with the circulation drive (P).

10. Combination of sensor (11) and control device (13) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the control device (13) is equipped with storage means and a processor with a time unit in order to function as a data logger in order to record the input and output data.

11. Combination of sensor (11) and control device (13) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the control device (13) is designed to function as a master control device in a master-slave arrangement (MS) with a further circulation system (10'), in particular with its control device (13').

12. Circulation system (10) comprising a combination of sensors (11) and a control device (13) according to one of claims 8 to 11.

13. Circulation system (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the circulation system (10) also includes a sterilization device (14) for sterilizing the circulating gas mixture (L).

14. Display case (V) equipped with at least one circulation system (10) according to claim 12. is equipped with claim 12 or 13.

15. Display case (V) according to claim 14, characterized in that the display case (V) is equipped with at least two circulation systems (10, 10') each with a control device (13, 13'), of which the The control device (13) of one (10) of the circulation systems is designed to function as a master control device in a master-slave arrangement (MS) with another (10') of the circulation systems (10'), in particular with its control device (13').

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