Measuring Device for Determining Physical Properties, Chemical Properties, Biological Properties and/or Materials in the Surroundings of at Least One Sensor or of the at Least One Sensor as a Component of the Measuring Device

Abstract

The invention relates to measuring devices for determining physical properties, chemical properties, biological properties and/or substances in the environment of at least one transducer or of the at least one transducer itself as a component of the particular measuring device. The measuring devices are in particular characterised in that they are simple and robust to control and their function can be influenced. For this purpose, the measuring device consists of at least one transducer as a component of a passive device and/or as a component of an active measuring functional unit. The active measuring functional unit further consists of a data-processing system and a transceiver unit for electromagnetic radiation, and is interconnected to an electric power source. Furthermore, the transceiver unit of the active measuring functional unit is wirelessly connected to at least one transceiver unit, for electromagnetic radiation, of at least one passive device that comprises at least one operating element, comprises at least one switch, is designed for controlling the measuring device, is designed for signalling, is designed for obtaining measured values, is designed for displaying an operating state, is designed for calibrating the transducer, is formed as a data medium, and/or is formed as a data store.

Claims

1. Measuring device for determining physical properties, chemical properties, biological properties and/or substances in the environment of at least one transducer (5) or of the at least one transducer (5) as a component of the measuring device, characterised in that the transducer (5) is a component of an active measuring functional unit (1) and/or of a passive device (2), in that the active measuring functional unit (1) comprises at least one data-processing system and one transceiver unit for electromagnetic radiation, which are interconnected to an electrical power source, and in that the transceiver unit of the active measuring functional unit (1) is wirelessly connected to at least one transceiver unit, for electromagnetic radiation, of at least one passive device (2) that comprises at least one operating element in conjunction with at least one switch as a component of an electrical circuit, comprises at least one switch as a component of an electrical circuit, is designed for controlling the measuring device, is designed for signalling, is designed for displaying an operating state, is designed for transferring measured and/or reference values, is designed for calibrating the transducer, is formed as a data medium, and/or is formed as a data store, the electromagnetic radiation being electromagnetic radiation that transmits power and either signals and/or data such that at least one passive device (2) in conjunction with at least one active measuring functional unit (1) forms a component of the measuring device.

2. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the electrical power source is electric mains, an accumulator, a power store, a power converter or a combination thereof.

3. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the transducer (5) is an electrochemical sensor, a biochemical sensor, an optical sensor, a semiconductor sensor, a solids sensor, a microsystem, an electrode, an optrode, a physical sensor element or a combination thereof.

4. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the passive device (2) comprises a data-processing system that is connected to the operating element, the switch, the signalling system, the display, the data medium, the data store, a measured value transducer and/or a measuring transmitter.

5. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the passive device (2) for calibrating the transducer (5) is a calibration cuvette.

6. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the passive device (2) for calibrating the transducer (5) comprises at least one pressure sensor, one temperature sensor, one pH sensor, one conductivity sensor and/or one moisture sensor in each case.

7. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the passive device (2) comprising the switch operates as a function-starting or function-ending switch via the data-processing system of the active measuring functional unit (1).

8. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the passive device (2) in the form of a data store contains data in the form of times, identification data, codes, reference values, actual values, software, a mathematical function, linearisation parameters, calibration parameters and/or an algorithm for influencing the data-processing system of the active measuring functional unit (1).

9. Measuring device according to claim 5, characterised in that the calibration cuvette in the form of a passive device (2) is connected to the active measuring functional unit, the calibration cuvette comprising at least two measured values and/or reference values.

10. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the data-processing system of the active measuring functional unit (1) and a data-processing system as a component of the passive device (2) are connected to one another by means of the respective transceiver units in order to transmit power and signals and/or data so as to influence the mode of operation of the particular data-processing system.

11. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the passive device (2) for signalling is a passive device (2) that emits at least one optical and/or at least one acoustic signal.

12. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the operating element of the passive device (2) is at least one key and/or at least one switch in conjunction with a data-processing system of said passive device (2).

13. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the passive device (2) comprises at least one sensor element, the passive device (2) being a passive device (2) comprising the at least one sensor element or the sensor element being connected to the data-processing system of the passive device (2).

14. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the transceiver unit for electromagnetic radiation and the active measuring functional unit (1) are releasably connected to one another, and in that the transceiver unit is interconnected to the active measuring functional unit (1) and to the electrical power source.

15. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the transceiver unit for electromagnetic radiation, which unit can be connected to the active measuring functional unit (1), is connected to a data medium, a data store and/or an additional data-processing system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] In the drawings:

[0069] FIG. 1 shows a measuring device comprising an active measuring functional unit and a passive device in the form of a cuvette,

[0070] FIG. 2 shows a measuring device comprising an active measuring functional unit in a passive device in the form of a cuvette,

[0071] FIG. 3 shows a measuring device comprising an active measuring functional unit and a passive device for controlling the measuring device,

[0072] FIG. 4 shows a passive device in the form of an information means, and

[0073] FIG. 5 shows a passive device comprising a transducer, which is mounted on an active measuring functional unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0074] The measuring devices for determining physical properties, chemical properties, biological properties and/or substances in the environment of at least one transducer or of the at least one transducer itself as a component of the particular measuring device substantially consists of the transducer, the at least one active measuring functional unit together with its data-processing system, its connection to at least one transceiver unit for electromagnetic radiation, its electrical power source, and at least one passive device, which comprises a transceiver unit for electromagnetic radiation and [0075] comprises at least one operating element in conjunction with at least one switch as a component of an electrical circuit, [0076] comprises at least one switch as a component of an electrical circuit, [0077] is designed for controlling the measuring device, [0078] is designed for signalling, [0079] is designed for displaying an operating state, [0080] is designed for transmitting measured and/or reference values, [0081] is designed for calibrating the transducer, [0082] is formed as a data medium, and/or [0083] is formed as a data store.

[0084] In this case, the electromagnetic radiation is electromagnetic radiation that transmits power and either signals and/or data, preferably in the near field (NFC), such that the passive device forms a measuring device together with the active measuring functional unit and the transducer.

[0085] In a first embodiment, the passive device can be a calibration cuvette.

[0086] In this regard,

[0087] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a measuring device comprising an active measuring functional unit 1, a transducer 5 and a passive device 2 in the form of a cuvette 3 including the lamp 4 for signalling, the passive device being located here outside the electromagnetic radiation (field) used, and

[0088] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of said passive device 2 in the form of a cuvette 3 located inside the electromagnetic radiation used between the active measuring functional unit 1 and the passive device 2 such that the passive device is active.

[0089] If an active measuring functional unit 1 comprising a transducer 5 is to be calibrated in the field, i.e. in the field of application, a reference medium has to be provided on the sensitive part and therefore on the transducer 5. In the transducer 5 for dissolved oxygen, this can be done by means of a cuvette 3, for example, which is filled with a corresponding calibration solution, or, in the case of fluorescence optical sensors for pO2/dissolved oxygen, with a calibration gas. The calibration medium in the form of a solution or gas can also be provided by a sponge impregnated therewith or as part of a flow (gas cuvette).

[0090] A cuvette 3 of this type has to be handled according to specific requirements, this most often requiring said cuvette to be directly mounted on or around the transducer 5 and the initiation of the calibration/adjustment function on the measuring device, usually at the cable end of the active measuring functional unit 1, i.e. remote from the transducer 5 that is subjected to the reference conditions. In the use example, the transducer, mounted on the measuring functional unit 1 in this case, can also be inserted into the cuvette 3 in order to achieve the reference conditions. The calibration function is advantageously triggered by means of the passive device 2 of the cuvette 3. This can be a component of the cuvette 3 or is a separate device arranged on the cuvette 3. The passive device 2 contains a data-processing system in conjunction with the transceiver unit for electromagnetic radiation. For this purpose, the transceiver unit consists of a known transmitter and receiver or a combination of a transmitter and receiver in conjunction with an antenna/coil in each case. The data-processing system of the passive device is connected to at least one lamp 4. Said lamp can be one or more known light-emitting diodes, in particular different-coloured light-emitting diodes. Furthermore, the passive device 2 can be provided with at least one additional sensor element, which is connected to the data-processing system of the passive device. The sensor element can be a temperature or pressure sensor.

[0091] In order to be calibrated using the cuvette 3, the transducer 5 mounted on the active measuring functional unit 1 is in contact with the medium. For this purpose, the passive device 2 can be formed as a cap or tube section. After assembly, the cuvette is detected by the active measuring functional unit 1 and the connection between the transceiver units of the active measuring functional unit 1 and of the passive device 2 is established. The operational readiness of the passive device 2, created by the electromagnetic radiation, is displayed by means of the lamp 4. In the simplest case, the operational readiness simultaneously causes the active measuring functional unit 1 to start the function of calibrating the transducer 5 by means of the data-processing system thereof. At the end of said function, a corresponding signal is sent from the active measuring functional unit 1 to the passive device 2, which in turn leads to the actuation of an additional lamp or of the lamp 4. The cuvette 3 can be removed once again or filled with the next reference medium in order to repeat the process.

[0092] Said process can therefore be easily controlled on-site. Due to its passive nature, the passive device is constantly ready for use.

[0093] In addition to the operating modes, data can of course also be transmitted so that measured data, permissions or specific measurement conditions can be exchanged.

[0094] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a measuring device comprising an active measuring functional unit 1, a transducer 5 and a passive device 2 for controlling the measuring device.

[0095] Active measuring functional units 1, which do not have digital, wired communication, but function using analogue interfaces, for example the 4 to 20-mA current loop or with 0 to 5 V DC voltage, are not directly able to modify a measuring condition, for example in the form of a measuring interval, of setting the amplification or of the measured-value filter strength, to start or stop the measurement, or to output status information via said analogue interfaces. The passive device 2 allows such functions to be activated, configured and/or read out. In this case, the active measuring functional unit 1 can operate the transducer 5, for example, at a new measuring interval by means of the passive device 2. This occurs when the passive device 2 enters the coupling range of the transceiver unit of an active measuring functional unit 1. For this purpose, the passive device 2 can also be provided with keys 6 and/or with a screen (e.g. ink display), also in the form of a touchscreen. Keys and a screen are connected to the data-processing system of the passive device such that a specific operating mode of the data-processing system can be triggered or terminated. This operating mode is transmitted to the data-processing system of the active measuring functional unit 1 so that the operating mode of the active measuring functional unit 1 and of the transducer 5 can be changed accordingly. By means of the screen or lamp, the particular operating mode can be controlled and/or influenced. Alternatively to interactive keys, the passive functional unit can also transmit specific configurations automatically such that it is sufficient to bring the two transceiver units in the radio range.

[0096] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a passive device 2 in the form of an information means.

[0097] In a third embodiment, the passive device 2 is an information means relating to the status of the measuring device or a combination of the configuration and/or the transfer of commands and the associated status information. Measuring devices or sensors in the form of a subassembly of measuring devices consisting of the active measuring functional unit 1 and at least one transducer 5, often do not comprise integrated indicators. This can be for economic reasons, on account of sealing requirements for the sensors, material problems, measures relating to explosion protection or environmental conditions (for example sensors for use in water in sewage plants, which are submerged in the water). It is also essential that various applications do not to allow permanent access to the sensors, and therefore such indicators are useless.

[0098] However, there is often a temporary need to have the status directly displayed on the sensor.

[0099] For this purpose, the passive device 2 can advantageously be used. Said device contains an indicator in the form of at least one lamp 4 or a display. For this purpose, the passive device 2 can be formed as a key, in the form of a card, as an armband, as a key ring or as a tag. For this purpose, the lamp can in particular be a multi-coloured light-emitting diode. If the passive unit enters the range of the transceiver unit of the active measuring functional unit 1, the power required for the passive device 2 to operate can be transmitted and communication can be started. In this case, commands or configuration data can be exchanged and/or the status information relating to the data-processing system of the sensor 1 is transmitted to the passive device 2. In this case, the light-emitting diode is switched on via the data-processing system of the passive device 2 such that a colour or flash frequency assigned to the status is emitted.

[0100] Such an embodiment of the passive device 2 can advantageously be fixed to the transceiver unit for electromagnetic radiation of the measuring functional device by a magnetic force (for example sintered NdFeb magnets) for continuous use or for the desired coupling time.

[0101] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a passive device 2 comprising a transducer 5, which is mounted on an active measuring functional unit 1.

[0102] In this embodiment, the passive device 2 is formed having a pH electrode, for example, which is connected to the active measuring functional unit 1 in the form of a replaceable element that is not in wired contact therewith and is galvanically isolated therefrom.

[0103] Power for the passive device including the transducer 5 is transferred by means of the transceiver units of the active measuring functional unit 1 and of the passive device 2. Communication, i.e. the exchange of data, also takes place via this path.

[0104] The electrode, i.e. the transducer 5, together with the associated passive device 2 is thereby robustly connected to the active measuring functional unit 1 so as to be galvanically isolated therefrom and so that it can be replaced.

[0105] Additional transducers, for example in the form of temperature sensors, in the passive device 2 can be directly processed by means of the data-processing system in the passive device 2 and thus allow for the reduced transmission of data (measured values) to the active measuring functional unit 1.

[0106] As a result of the simultaneous use of a plurality of passive functional units, for example as a result of the use of an additional passive device in the form of a cuvette, calibration in accordance with the representations in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the above-described use example can also take place in this use example.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0107] 1. active measuring functional unit/sensor [0108] 2. passive device [0109] 3. cuvette [0110] 4. lamp [0111] 5. transducer [0112] 6. key(s)