Device for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic signals

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic signals. A battery holder (2) is provided in the interior (10) of a housing (1), and the battery holder (2) has a contacting component (24) for electrically contacting a battery (4), which is located in the interior (20) of the battery holder. A connecting component (23) electrically connects the contacting component (24) to an electronic device (3), and the connecting component (23) is in the form of a flexible printed circuit board which has an antenna component (25). The invention also relates to a process automation field device.

Description

[0001] Device for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic signals

[0002] The invention relates to a device for sending and / or receiving electromagnetic signals. Furthermore, the invention relates to a field device for process automation.

[0003] In modern technology, it is common practice to monitor and control processes in process plants using field devices. These field devices are therefore designed as either sensors or actuators. The sensors have a measuring unit for determining and / or monitoring process variables such as fill level, temperature, viscosity, flow rate, or pH value. To control the field devices or to transmit measurement data, many are equipped with either a wired or wireless communication interface. For wireless communication in particular, antennas are required for sending and receiving electromagnetic signals. Such antennas can be implemented as separate units that are connected to a field device to enable wireless communication. Some of these devices use battery power for signal processing to avoid the need for an additional connection to the field device.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of proposing a device for sending or receiving electromagnetic signals, which is characterized by the simplest possible construction and which can be powered by a battery.

[0005] The invention solves the problem by a device for sending and / or receiving electromagnetic signals, comprising a housing, a battery holder and an electronic device, wherein the battery holder is at least partially arranged in an interior of the housing, wherein the battery holder has an interior for receiving at least one battery, wherein the battery holder has at least one contacting component for electrically contacting a battery, wherein the battery holder has at least one connecting component for electrically connecting the contacting component to the electronic device, wherein the connecting component is at least partially designed as a flexible circuit board, and wherein at least the portion of the connecting component designed as a flexible circuit board has an antenna component.

[0006] The device according to the invention has a housing containing a battery holder for receiving a battery. Here and in the following, "battery" is understood to mean any type of energy storage device, regardless of whether it can be charged once or multiple times. In the latter case, the battery could alternatively also be referred to as an accumulator or simply a rechargeable battery.

[0007] The battery is intended to supply the electronic device with electrical energy, for which at least one contacting component with an electrical contact is provided. In one embodiment, the contacting component consists at least partially of a printed circuit board and has a component for electrically contacting one terminal of the battery. Therefore, in one embodiment, a second contacting component is provided, so that there is one such component in the device for the positive and one for the negative terminal. The contacting component and the electronic device are electrically connected to each other via a connecting component.

[0008] An antenna component serves for the actual transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals and is located at least on that part of the interconnect component that is designed as a flexible circuit board. This flexible circuit board therefore incorporates at least one antenna component, either by carrying it or by having the antenna component at least partially embedded within the interconnect component.

[0009] Overall, this results in a very compact design, since the connecting component not only serves to transmit electrical energy from the contacting component to the electronic device, but also incorporates an antenna component that serves the device's primary function: transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic signals. Furthermore, the flexible circuit board design allows for mobility. This is advantageous, for example, for replacing the battery, which also involves removing the contacting component.

[0010] One embodiment of the battery holder consists of a base and a cap, with the base and cap at least partially enclosing the interior of the battery holder, and the base and cap being reversibly connected. In this embodiment, the battery holder is multi-part. The components—the base and cap—are designed to be reversibly connected. This is important for inserting and replacing the battery.

[0011] One embodiment involves the connecting component and the cap being connected to each other, either directly or indirectly. In this embodiment, the connecting component and the cap form a single component. Preferably, the contacting component (e.g., mechanically or via an adhesive) is connected to the cap, and thus the connecting component is indirectly connected to the cap. The cap therefore carries, for example, at least part of the connecting component, and preferably at least the component for electrically contacting one of the battery terminals. Thus, for example, when replacing the battery, only one step is required to access it: For instance, only the cap needs to be removed to detach the contacting component—or, in particular, the component for directly contacting a battery terminal—from the battery.This demonstrates the advantage of the connection component designed as a flexible circuit board, which allows mechanical movement - within certain limits.

[0012] One embodiment consists in the connecting component extending at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the battery holder outside the base body. In this embodiment, the connecting component—and in particular the section designed as a flexible circuit board—is located outside the base body and is specifically arranged along the longitudinal axis. The connecting component thus extends over the longitudinal side of the base body. This embodiment is characterized by the connecting component preferably being in strip form, i.e., having a narrower width than length.

[0013] One embodiment involves implementing the antenna component as a conductor track. In this embodiment, the antenna component is, for example, directly implemented as a conductor track on the interconnect component. Therefore, in this embodiment, the antenna component is defined by at least one conductor track on a flexible printed circuit board.

[0014] One embodiment features a reversibly opening housing. In this embodiment, the housing can be opened reversibly – that is, without damage and, in particular, can be resealed. This is important, for example, so that the battery can be inserted into the housing or replaced if necessary. In another embodiment, the housing is made of multiple parts. Thus, for example, a part of the housing can be removed to access the battery.

[0015] An alternative or supplementary embodiment provides that the battery holder and the housing are designed and coordinated in such a way that they are movable relative to each other. According to this embodiment, for example, the battery holder can be slid out of the housing to insert or replace a battery.

[0016] Another embodiment is characterized in that the device is designed such that access to the interior of the battery holder is only possible under defined conditions – in particular, laboratory conditions. In this embodiment, for example, a locking device or a type of seal ensures that access to the battery is only possible under defined and preferably electrically safe conditions. Such defined conditions exist, for example, in a laboratory or during manufacturing. Conversely, if a battery is replaced or inserted in a process plant, for example, a component of the device is destroyed, or it becomes apparent, for example, through the breaking of a seal, that such an action has been carried out. This can, for example, result in the invalidation of a warranty for the device.In one embodiment, the battery holder is designed to be removable from the housing as a single unit and detachable from the electronic device. In this embodiment, the battery holder is a self-contained component that can be removed from the housing. This means that the battery holder can be removed, for example, with a battery already installed, or inserted into the housing with a battery already installed. For instance, it is possible to remove the battery holder from a potentially explosive atmosphere, install a battery or replace the battery outside of the area, and then return it as a single unit to insert the battery holder and battery into the housing. In one embodiment, when the battery holder is removed, the contact electrodes remain connected to a battery inside the holder if a battery is installed.The battery holder is preferably equipped with components such as electrical resistors for explosion protection.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention relates to a field device for process automation comprising the apparatus. The field device preferably serves to determine and / or monitor at least one process variable, e.g., fill level, pressure, flow rate, temperature, or pH value. The designs and embodiments concerning the apparatus also apply accordingly to the field device, so repetition is omitted.

[0018] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show:

[0019] Fig. 1: a section through a schematic representation of the device,

[0020] Fig. 2: a spatial representation of an alternative embodiment of a part of a device,

[0021] Fig. 3: an enlarged section of a further representation of the design of Fig. 2 and

[0022] Fig. 4: A section through an alternative embodiment of the device with a removed battery holder. Fig. 1 schematically shows the structure of the device. The housing 1 encompasses the battery holder 2 in its interior 10, and the battery 4 is located in the interior 20 of the battery holder 2. The electronic device 3 is supplied with electrical energy by the battery 4. For this purpose, the two indicated contact elements 24, 29 are provided. These establish electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of the battery 4. "Battery 4" here refers to any type of replaceable energy storage device, including a rechargeable battery (accumulator). In this embodiment, the housing 1 and the battery holder 2 are cylindrical and arranged largely rotationally symmetrically around the longitudinal axis 21.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the battery holder 2 can be displaced relative to the housing 1 along the longitudinal axis 21 and thus removed from the housing 1 – at least partially. This simplifies the replacement or insertion of the battery 4. The housing 1 is designed in two parts, with a cap 11 reversibly connected to a base body 12. The cap 11 can be removed, in particular, to access the interior 10 of the housing 1 and the battery 4 in the battery holder 2.

[0024] Regarding the two contact components 24 and 29, it should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the upper contact component 24 is positionally variable, while the lower contact component 29 (which, for example, is partially designed as a spring) is fixed in position within the housing 1. This is used to allow the battery 4 to be replaced, i.e., removed from the housing 1.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows very schematically how it is possible to move the upper contacting component 24 away from the battery 4 and therefore from its position.

[0026] For this purpose, the contacting component 24 is connected to the electronic device 3, which is a flexible printed circuit board, via the connecting component 23. This provides intrinsic flexibility, making it possible to reposition the upper contacting component 24 and, in particular, to remove it from the battery 4. Since the device primarily serves to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals, a dedicated or primary antenna component 25 is required, which here is implemented as part of the connecting component 23 and therefore, for example, as a conductor track on the flexible printed circuit board. Thus, only one component 23 is required, which even performs a dual function (electrical contacting and transmitting or receiving signals).

[0027] In Fig. 3, the cap 11 has been removed from the base body 12 of the housing 1 to allow access to the battery holder 2 and the battery (not shown). The battery holder 2 has a base body 26 and a cap 27 that can be reversibly connected to it, together enclosing the interior 20 of the battery holder 2. When the cap 27 of the battery holder 2 is removed, the interior 20 is accessible. When the cap 27 of the battery holder 2 is in place, a battery, for example, is secured in the interior 20 and electrically connected.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the (thus removable) contacting component 24 for electrically connecting the battery 4 is also connected to the cap 27. The contacting component 24 is located on the inside of the cap 27 (see Fig. 2). The connection between the contacting component 24 and the cap 27, and therefore their mechanical coupling, means that if the cap 27 is removed by opening it, the electrical connection to the battery 4 is also disconnected. For this relative movement between the cap 27 and the base body 26 of the battery holder 2, a hinge 28 is provided in the illustrated embodiment between the base body 26 and the cap 27.

[0029] Alternatively, the connecting component 23 extends continuously to the contacting component 24. Since the contacting component 24 is connected to the electronic device 3 (see Fig. 1) via a connecting component 23 designed as a flexible circuit board, the removal or

[0030] The cap 27 can be fitted easily and reliably. It is clearly visible how the strip-shaped connecting component 23 extends along the outside of the base body 26 into the base body 12 of the housing 1 and up to the electronic device 3 located there (see Fig. 1).

[0031] For the actual function of the device in relation to sending or

[0032] For receiving electromagnetic signals, an antenna component 25, designed as a conductor track, is located on the connecting component 23 in the illustrated embodiment. Therefore, one component – ​​the connecting component 23 – performs both the function of the electrical connection between the battery 4 and the electronic device 3 and the function of the carrier unit for the antenna component 25. Furthermore, the implementation as a flexible circuit board allows the interior 20 of the battery holder 2 to be opened relatively easily.

[0033] In the schematic representation of Fig. 4, the housing 1 is connected to a sensor unit 5, which is here by way of example a tuning fork.

[0034] The housing 1 consists of a cap 11 and a base body 12, both of which enclose an interior space 10. In the illustration, the cap 11 is detached from the base body 12 to allow removal of the battery holder 2. The battery holder 2 is reversibly connected to the electronic device 3 via a connector (not shown) and is disconnected from the electronic device 3 in the illustrated state. The electronic device 3 is coupled to the sensor unit 5.

[0035] The battery holder 2 is a component which offers space in its interior for a battery 4, which is contacted via the two contacting components 24, 29.

[0036] In the illustrated design, it is therefore possible to leave the sensor unit 5 with housing 1 in a potentially explosive atmosphere and to replace the battery 4 outside the area or then return it to the area.

[0037] to be incorporated. The electronic device 3 is located here – as in Fig. 1 – below the battery holder 2 and therefore in the base body 12 of the housing 1. In an alternative embodiment, it is located in the cap 11. In addition, depending on the embodiment, the electronic device 3 can also be multi-part and arranged in a distributed manner. Reference numerals

[0038] Housing

[0039] Battery holder electronic device

[0040] battery

[0041] Sensor unit

[0042] Interior of the case

[0043] Housing cap, housing base, battery holder interior, longitudinal axis, connecting component, contacting component, antenna component, battery holder base, battery holder cap, battery holder joint, other contacting component

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic signals, with a housing (1), a battery holder (2) and an electronic device (3), wherein the battery holder (2) is arranged at least partially in an interior (10) of the housing (1), wherein the battery holder (2) has an interior (20) for receiving at least one battery (4), wherein the battery holder (2) has at least one contacting component (24) for electrically contacting a battery (4), wherein the battery holder (2) has at least one connecting component (23) for electrically connecting the contacting component (24) to the electronic device (3), wherein the connecting component (23) is at least partially designed as a flexible printed circuit board, and wherein at least the portion of the interconnection component (23) designed as a flexible printed circuit board has an antenna component (25).

2. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the battery holder (2) further comprises a base body (26) and a cap (27), wherein the base body (26) and the cap (27) at least partially encompass the interior (20) of the battery holder (2), wherein the base body (26) and the cap (27) are reversibly connected to each other, and wherein the connecting component (23) and the cap (27) are connected to each other.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the connecting component (23) extends at least partially along a longitudinal axis (21) of the battery holder (2) outside the base body (26).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antenna component (25) is implemented as a conductor track.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing (1) can be opened reversibly, and wherein the battery holder (2) is designed to be removable as a unit from the housing (1) and detachable from the electronic device (3).

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device is designed in such a way that access to the interior (20) of the battery holder (2) is only possible under defined conditions - in particular laboratory conditions.

7. Field device for process automation with a device according to one of claims 1 to 6.

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