DE102015118198A1 - Monitoring unit and field device arrangement with a monitoring unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Signaling, device-specific monitoring unit for a particular controlled by a control room control device with a control armature, such as a control valve, the Stellarmatur actuated, in particular pneumatic actuator and an actuator driving the control electronics such as a positioner, comprising a signal receiver for receiving at least one Leitwartenspezifischen and / or stellgerätespezifischen , in particular actuating electronics-specific, operating information, in particular an error state, an emergency shutdown state, a maintenance state, an actual operating state, such as a distance measured value, a pressure measurement value, a desired operating state; a display such as a traffic light for outputting a predetermined signaling code; and processing electronics external to the processing electronics, which evaluates the at least one received operating information in such a way that the predetermined signaling code is assigned to the at least one operating information according to a predetermined monitoring key, and causes the output of the predetermined signaling code.

Description

The invention relates to a signaling, device-specific monitoring unit for a particular controlled by a control room control device. The invention also relates to a field device arrangement of a process plant, such as a food processing plant, such as a brewery, a power plant, a petrochemical plant, or the like, which includes a control device and a signaling, device-specific monitoring unit. The monitoring electronics comprises a display for outputting a predetermined signaling code, which can indicate, for example visually or acoustically, whether the actuating device is working faultlessly or incorrectly or whether the actuating device has possibly even been switched off.

From US 8,708,746 B2 is known a positioner, which is integrated in a connector. The positioner can be connected to a control valve so as to realize a control device that can be controlled from a control room. In the plug-like housing of the positioner displays are provided to indicate the status of the positioner. To indicate safety-critical errors, the plug-in positioner has proved to be poorly suited, since positioner errors can go undetected if, for example, as a result of an error, no correct activation of the control unit's own display takes place.

Out WO 99/21066 A1 a method and a device for verifying the operating state of a safety-related actuator is known, which has a monitoring unit with indicator lights that signal the state of the actuator. The actuator includes a positioner with a microprocessor for performing actuator diagnostics. The microprocessor of the positioner may send messages to the monitoring unit to control them such that the display indicates, for example, the execution of a diagnostic or a fault alarm. In the process engineering system, a communication link in the form of a paired cable is provided for all communication between a control room and the control device located in the field. The control message from the positioner to the monitoring unit is sent by the microprocessor of the positioner by changing a signal in the communication link from the microprocessor.

In the known field device arrangement has proved to be disadvantageous that the positioner may, if errors occur that affect the diagnostic and / or communication function of the positioner, may no longer send messages to the monitoring unit to control their display. The display of the monitoring unit then indicates that the actuator is operating correctly, although in reality there may be serious errors. Furthermore, it has been found that by changing the signals on the communication line for transferring the messages from the positioner to the monitoring unit, the signals which are changed for transporting the message can be falsified in such a way that subsequent errors occur when the control valve is actuated. In addition, the known field device arrangement requires a specially configured for driving a monitoring unit actuator with appropriately adjusted positioner. In order to retrofit existing field devices with a monitoring unit, therefore, according to the known field device arrangement, the actuating electronics of the existing actuating device must be exchanged or reconfigured at high cost and time.

It is the object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to provide a signaling, device-specific monitoring unit for a particular controlled by a control room control device and a field device arrangement with a signaling monitoring unit, with the low retrofit effort a safe and error-resistant monitoring of Actuator can be enabled.

This object is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims.

Accordingly, a signaling, device-specific monitoring unit for a particular controlled by a control room control device is provided with a control armature. The signaling monitoring unit can in particular be such Stellstellindividuell that, for example, one, several or all actuators of a process plant, such as a food processing plant, a power plant, a petrochemical plant or the like, each assigned its own monitoring unit. A control device usually has an actuating armature, such as a control valve, a control armature confirming, in particular pneumatic actuator and an actuator driving the control electronics, such as a positioner, on.

The signaling, device-specific monitoring unit comprises a signal receiver for receiving at least one control-system-specific and / or setting device-specific, in particular setting-electronics-specific, operating information. In particular, operating information may be an error condition, an emergency shutdown condition, or a maintenance condition. An operating information can also be an actual operating state, such as a distance measured value, which may relate, for example, to a travel of an actuator or control valve, a pressure reading, for example concerning a pressure in a process fluid of the process plant or in a pneumatic fluid for actuating a pneumatic actuator, or a temperature reading may be, for example, refer to the temperature of the process fluid or the temperature of a component of the actuator. Also, a desired operating state can realize operating information. Furthermore, the signaling device-specific monitoring unit comprises, for example, an acoustic or visual display for outputting a predetermined signaling code, for example a signal color or a signal tone. In addition, the signaling, device-specific monitoring unit comprises non-electronic processing electronics, which is designed to evaluate the at least one received operating information such that according to a predetermined monitoring key, the predetermined signaling code of the at least one operating information is assigned, and causes the output of the predetermined signaling code. It is clear that the entire electronics of the actuating device can be designated with electronic control and insofar as the processing electronics can also be referred to as an adjustment device foreign. On the basis of the evaluation according to the predetermined monitoring key, the processing electronics can determine which predetermined signaling code the display issues as a result of the at least one received operating information. The fact that the operating information evaluation is not done by the control electronics in the positioner, the monitoring unit is capable of independent of any malfunction of the actuator independently on the basis of the received operating information to recognize what type of signaling code to be issued has to be. There is also no need to configure the control electronics or their positioner specifically for the monitoring unit or to change signals in order to notify the monitoring unit of a control message. If every control unit of a process plant is equipped with a monitoring / control unit-specific monitoring unit, operating personnel outside of a control room can easily find out whether the plant has incorrectly operating control gear and quickly recognize where a fault occurs.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the processing electronics is designed to evaluate at least two, preferably four or six, received operating information such that according to the predetermined monitoring key the predetermined signaling code is assigned to the at least two evaluated operating information. By way of example, the processing electronics can be designed to evaluate a plurality of pressure measurement values recorded in chronological succession according to predetermined pressure values which form a key and, in the case of a deviation from the predetermined pressure value key, to associate the pressure measurement values with, for example, a leakage error code.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention that can be combined with the previous one, the processing electronics comprises a microprocessor, in particular a microcontroller, and / or an analog logic circuit for assigning the received actuator-specific operating information to the predetermined signaling code and / or for causing the output of the predetermined one Signaling codes through the display. For example, as described above, a microcontroller may be configured to evaluate a pressure reading against a pressure setpoint key to cause the display to issue the leak fault code in the event of a leakage error detection, for example, by actuating a blue LED. An analog logic circuit can, for example, assign a predetermined signaling code to a received controller-specific operating information as a function of a current or voltage threshold. For example, when the threshold is undershot or exceeded by the received actuator-specific operational information, the logic circuitry may associate a predetermined signaling code representing an error condition or a properly-functioning condition.

An analog logic circuit may in particular be designed to assign a predetermined error signaling code to a received actuator-specific operating information in the form of an either active or inactive analog signal. In particular, an analog output active on an output pin during normal operation can become inactive in a faulty error, which assigns the analog logic circuit to a predetermined error signaling code.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the processing electronics comprise the signal receiver. Signal receiver and processing electronics can be realized in particular in functional union, for example by a microcontroller.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the signal receiver actively extracts the setting device-specific operating information from the actuating device, in particular the adjusting electronics. In particular, the signal receiver is designed to subtract the operating information by the Signal receiver a request for a particular specific actuator-specific operating information to the control device, in particular the control electronics, sends to cause the control device, in particular the control electronics to notify the signal receiver, the control unit specific operating information.

A monitoring unit, which is designed to actively extract the operating information from the actuator, can realize a kind of master-slave connection, in which the monitoring unit as a master unit is hierarchically superior to the actuating device, which functions as a slave unit, wherein the Actuator, in particular the control electronics, commands the monitoring unit to submit a specific actuator-specific information sequence.

In another embodiment of the invention, the signal receiver is adapted to receive the actuator-specific operating information by the actuator-specific operating information derives from an operating signal that is addressed to the control electronics, or derives from an operating signal, which comes from the control electronics and the control electronics is addressed to a non-monitoring addressee, such as a control room. In particular, the adjusting electronics are designed to receive and / or to output formatted operating signals in accordance with a HART protocol or according to a fieldbus protocol. In this embodiment, the signal receiver of the monitoring unit listens for communication between the adjusting electronics and an addressee, such as a control room, which differs from the monitoring unit and the adjusting electronics. For example, the signal receiver can subtract an electrical operating signal from a cable connection between the control electronics and control room inductively or by parallel connection, without disturbing the operating signal. The signal receiver can also be designed to listen to a wireless, for example by wireless, in particular WLAN or Bluetooth, or infrared transmitted operating signal between a control room and a monitoring unit foreign communication unit, such as a control room, and to receive the setting device-specific operating information. In particular, the signal receiver can receive operating signals that are formatted according to a HART protocol or according to a fieldbus protocol, which originate from the control electronics or are addressed to the control electronics, recognize as operating device-specific operating information and pass it on to the processing electronics external to the control electronics for evaluation.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the monitoring unit has a housing which accommodates the processing electronics and comprises at least one housing wall, which is arranged between the processing electronics and the adjusting electronics and separates the processing electronics from the adjusting electronics. Preferably, the housing for the monitoring electronics is formed separately from a housing of the control electronics. In particular, the housing comprises a connection which corresponds to a connector strip.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises a connector for connection to the actuator. For example, the connector may be designed as a two-wire connector, RS-232 connector, USB connector, M8 connector, M12 connector, device socket, or the like. The connector of the housing is preferably male. In particular, the housing has another connector such as a two-conductor connector, an RS-232 connector, USB connector; M8 connector, M12 connector, device connector or the like, for connecting to a computer, a control room or the like. Another connector may preferably be female. Such a housing may be adapted to be connected to a housing of a control electronics by an existing output slot of the control electronics, in which a cable connection is connected to a control room or a computer, for connection of the monitoring unit for use. If the housing of the monitoring unit is equipped with a further connector, it can be positioned as an additional module between the control electronics housing and a normally directly connected signal transmission cable or the like.

In a further development of the invention, which can be combined with the previous one, the housing of the monitoring electronics picks up the display or a separate display housing is provided which receives the display which is separate or separate from the housing for the monitoring electronics. In the latter case, the monitoring electronics can be connected to the display by cable or wirelessly by means of wireless signals. A housing can be arranged with the monitoring electronics directly to the actuator to receive the at least one Leitwartenspezifische and / or actuator specific operating information, while the display with the display housing freely selectable, for example, on the actuator or spaced from the actuator at a highly visible location can be arranged.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the monitoring unit has a particular of the power supply of Control electronics independent power supply for the processing electronics. For example, the monitoring unit may comprise an accumulator, such as a battery, or a generator, which converts the auxiliary pneumatic power of the actuator into electrical supply energy.

The invention also relates to a field device arrangement of a process plant, such as a food processing plant, such as a brewery, a power plant, a chemical plant, such as a petrochemical plant, or the like. The field device arrangement comprises an actuating device with a control electronics, which has a positioner for controlling a particular pneumatic actuator and a signaling, device-specific monitoring unit. The monitoring unit can in particular be designed as described above. The signaling, device-specific monitoring unit of the field device arrangement comprises a signal receiver for receiving at least one actuating device-specific, in particular setting electronics-specific, operating data, such as operating information, in particular an error state or a maintenance state. The actuator-specific operating date may also be an actual operating state, such as a distance measured value, a pressure measured value or a temperature measured value, or a desired operating state. Actuator-specific operating data may in particular be a leakage value or a leakage state when a predetermined leakage limit value is exceeded. Furthermore, the signaling, device-specific monitoring unit comprises a display for outputting a predetermined signaling code. The control electronics has at least one control signal input via which the positioner receives the at least one operating data, for example, from the control room and / or has at least one power supply input via which the positioner is supplied with electrical energy.

According to the invention the control electronics comprises an additional communication interface which is coupled directly to the monitoring unit to output via the display actuator-specific operating data associated signaling codes. By having the adjusting electronics via an additional communication interface in addition to the at least one control signal input, it can be ensured that the information transmitted via the control signal input is not corrupted by the transmission of operating data to the monitoring unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the field device arrangement according to the invention, the additional communication interface has at least one, preferably exactly one, exactly two or exactly three pins. In particular, an RS-232 connector, a USB connector, an M8 connector, an M12 connector or a device connector has the at least one pin. For many actuators, a control electronics has an output with three pins. Of these three pins is often exactly one pin unused. The device-specific monitoring electronics, for example, be placed as an intermediate connector for such standard three-pin output of the actuator such that the two standard pins used are connected by the intermediate connector with a line that is usually sitting directly on the three-pin connector, to transmit signals to a control room. The third, usually unused pin can then be used exclusively to provide field device specific operating data of the monitoring unit.

In a preferred embodiment of a field device according to the invention, the adjusting electronics are arranged in a housing having an opening, in particular with a screw thread, which can be assigned to a signal conductor, such as a cable connection, for communication of the control electronics with the control room, a computer or the like , The screw thread may preferably be a so-called PG thread.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention of a field device according to the invention the adjusting electronics is arranged in a housing having an opening, wherein the adjusting electronics has a particular arranged in the opening connector, in particular a device connector for a cable connection for communication with the control room, a computer or the like ,

In an embodiment of a field device arrangement according to the invention, the additional communication interface is designed to transmit the setting device-specific operating data as at least one, preferably exactly one or two, continuous or modulated, binary signal. For example, an error operating date can be transmitted via a pin of a device plug connector, which is provided for error signal transmission.

In a preferred embodiment of a field device according to the invention, the additional communication interface is designed to transmit the at least one actuator-specific operating date to the monitoring unit as an addressed operating signal, for example as a HART signal, or as a desired signaling code for the display. In such an embodiment can be spoken by a master-slave communication between the actuator and the device-specific monitoring unit, wherein the monitoring unit operates as a hierarchically subordinate slave according to the commands of acting as a master actuator. For example, the monitoring unit may be designed to control the display in accordance with the desired signaling code. The additional communication interface may, for example, communicate an operating date as an operating signal addressed to the monitoring unit, for example if the actuating device has detected an error on the basis of an internal error detection routine, or if a diagnostic routine of the actuating device has detected an impaired operation of the actuating device, the error detection or the diagnosis result.

In a preferred embodiment of a field device according to the invention, the field device has a control electronics housing in which the control electronics is housed, and the field device further comprises an additional housing in which the processing electronics is housed. The control electronics and the processing electronics are separated from each other by at least one housing wall of the housing and / or a housing wall of the positioner housing. In other words, the control electronics housing and the additional housing create two separate spaces for on the one hand the control electronics and, on the other hand, the processing electronics.

In a preferred embodiment of a field device according to the invention, the processing electronics comprises a microprocessor, in particular a microcontroller, and / or an analog logic circuit for assigning the at least one actuator specific operating date to the predetermined signaling code and / or causing the output of the predetermined signaling code by the display. For example, a microcontroller, in particular a microprocessor, may be equipped with a HART communicator to receive and interpret a HART signal coded operating date from the control electronics to cause the display of the predetermined signaling code by the display.

In a further, with the previous combinable preferred embodiment of the field device arrangement according to the invention, the monitoring unit has a particular independent of the power supply of the control electronics power supply for the processing electronics. An independent energy supply, as described above, for example, as an accumulator, in particular as a battery or as a generator, be realized.

Further preferred embodiments are specified in the subclaims. Further characteristics, advantages and features of the invention can be seen in the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 a schematic representation of a field device arrangement with a control device and a monitoring unit, which are connected via a common two-wire connection with a control room;

2 a field device with a control device, the control electronics is connected to a control room, and connected to the control electronics monitoring unit;

3 a field device arrangement with a control device connected to a control room and with a monitoring unit, the processing electronics access to the power supply to the connection between the control device and the control room;

4 a field device arrangement with a control device and a monitoring unit with a common power supply;

5 an exemplary embodiment of a monitoring unit whose housing can be inserted between a conventional actuator-side connector and a conventional control-line-side connector;

5a the monitoring unit according to 5 in assembled condition;

6 an exemplary embodiment of a monitoring unit with a housing with a threaded connection for screwing in the usual positioner housing;

6a the monitoring unit according to 6 in assembled condition; and

7 a field device with a control valve, which is actuated by an actuator and connected thereto control electronics with a monitoring unit.

In the 1 to 7 are the same or similar components, generally the same or similar 100 . 200 . 300 . 400 . 500 or 600 provided with increased reference numerals.

In 1 is a monitoring unit according to the invention of the illustrated field device arrangement 100 with the reference number 101 Mistake. The monitoring unit 101 is individually an actuator 151 assigned by a control room 191 is controlled to control a process fluid flow of a process fluid of a process plant (not shown). The control room 191 can numerous (not shown) actuators a triggering process equipment, each actuator may optionally have an actuator-individual monitoring unit.

The actuator 151 is with the control room 191 through a two-wire connection 181 connected to the power supply to the actuator and to transmit data or signals between the control room and the actuator. For energy supply, for example, a 24 Volt DC supply can be provided and for communication with the actuator, for example, via the two-wire connection 181 an analog or digital 4-20 mA Steuerleitsignal be transmitted, preferably using a HART protocol.

The actuator 151 includes a control valve 153 with which the actuator 151 can act on a process fluid to adjust a process fluid flow, for example, in terms of volume flow, a differential pressure or the like. For actuating the control valve 153 includes the actuator 151 also a pneumatic drive 155 , which is for actuating the control valve 153 may be connected for example by means of a valve rod for power transmission. The pneumatic pressure acting in the pneumatic drive 155 in the force for the control valve 153 is converted by a pneumatic source 193 provided that is not part of the actuator 151 have to be.

For controlling the pneumatic drive 155 with a drive or actuating pressure includes the control electronics 157 of the actuator 151 at least one IP converter 161 , For example, the control electronics 157 as a positioner with an I / P converter 161 be realized. If the control electronics 157 , as in 1 presented by the control room 191 as control conductance a position control value for the control valve 153 gets preset, the control electronics, the actual position of the control valve 153 from a position or displacement sensor 163 experienced and about the I / P converter 161 according to known control algorithms a control pressure for the pneumatic drive 155 generate, so that the control valve 153 assumes a desired position according to the Steuerleitwert.

The adjusting electronics 157 For example, an actual position of the displacement sensor 163 for example, for diagnostic purposes via the two-wire connection 181 to the control room 191 transfer. For this purpose, the control electronics 157 a communication electronics 167 include. The communication electronics 167 may be adapted to receive and optionally issue a HART protocol coded signal or signals generated according to another protocol, such as the Applicant's Fieldbus Foundation protocol or the original interface protocol (SSP). The communication electronics 167 For example, it can be realized as a so-called HART coupler or HART interpreter. Additionally or alternatively, the communication electronics 167 the control electronics 157 be designed for receiving and / or outputting analog continuous or modulated binary signals. In particular, pulse-width modulated (PWM) signals are considered as modulated binary signals, but also frequency-modulated (FM) or amplitude-modulated (AM) binary signals.

The monitoring unit 101 includes a signal receiver 111 , a processing electronics 121 and an optical signal code display, such as a traffic light 131 , The traffic lights 131 has three LED lights 133 on, for example, are red, yellow and green. It is clear that in place of LED lights 133 also other bulbs can be used or optical displays that are non-self-luminous, such as e-ink displays. The traffic lights 131 can in the case 103 the monitoring unit 101 be arranged. The monitoring unit 101 but may instead have an indicator that is housed in a different housing than the housing 103 that the processing electronics 121 contains (not shown).

To receive operating information from the control electronics includes the processing electronics 121 a signal receiver 111 , The signal receiver 111 can for example be separated as a HART interpreter from a microcontroller-based processing electronics 121 be realized. But it is also conceivable that the processing electronics 121 in functional union with the signal receiver 111 is realized, for example as analog signal processing electronics or logic circuit.

The signal receiver 111 can physically affect the connection between the control electronics 157 and the control room 191 access, for example, according to 1 by the signal receiver 111 with the two-wire connection 181 connected is. It is clear that a connection between a control room 191 and a control device 151 can also be wireless, for example, by radio. In such a case, the monitoring unit includes 101 as signal receiver 111 a radio transponder or the like.

The signal receiver 111 can operation information from the control electronics 157 received by the communication between the control electronics 157 and the control room 191 listening or listening and deriving the signals from eavesdropping communication. That is, the operating information provided by the control electronics 157 be generated to the control room 191 to be transmitted by the signal receiver 111 captured to from the processing electronics 121 to be evaluated. Based on the evaluation of the signal receiver 111 received operating information (s) decides the processing electronics 121 , which signal code is output from the display or whether about the red LED, the yellow LED or the green LED 133 the traffic light 131 is illuminated. It will be between the control room 191 and control electronics 157 transmitted operating signal is not corrupted.

In an alternative embodiment, the signal receiver 111 an operating information from the actuator 151 pull off. For example, the signal receiver 111 an actual position value obtained by the position sensor 163 is determined, request or request. If the signal receiver 111 from the actuator 151 an actuator-specific operating information, such as an actual operating value or actual operating state requests, this can be done, for example, that the signal receiver 111 a corresponding command to control electronics 151 sent for answering with the desired actual operating value. Upon such a command, the electronic controls 157 the signal receiver 111 the requested actual operating value with. This can be control electronics 157 by means of the communication electronics 167 on to the signal receiver 111 Generate and output addressed operating signal.

For subtracting operating information of the actuator 151 can the signal receiver 111 also with other electronic components of the actuator 151 as its control electronics 157 For example, a sensor such as a position sensor 163 be connected. For subtracting operating information of the actuator 151 the signal receiver needs 111 then not with the control electronics 157 but can override these and directly with individual electronic components, such as the position sensor 163 , the actuator 151 communicate. Such a structure may be useful, in particular, if the actuator 151 not with a control electronics 157 , as a typical positioner or the like, equipped, which has a certain intelligence.

In the 2 illustrated field device arrangement 200 differs from the field device arrangement described above 100 essentially by the type of connection of the monitoring unit 101 respectively. 201 to the respective actuator 151 respectively. 251 ,

The connection between the control room 291 and the actuator 251 or its electronic control 257 is similar to the previously described embodiment by means of a two-wire connection 281 , About the two-wire connection 281 is used to control the actuator 251 a control value, for example, as a 4 ... 20 mA signal from the control room 291 to the control electronics 257 transmitted. The control signal or the entire communication between the actuator 251 and the control room 291 may be substantially as described above with respect to the previous embodiments. It is clear that the control valve 253 , the pneumatic drive 255 for actuating the control valve 153 and the pneumatic source 293 , from which the supply pressure for the pneumatic drive 255 is also able to function as described above and also in the other embodiments described below can be made in the same manner described above.

In the execution according to 2 the power supply of the monitoring unit is performed by a power transmission line 283 from the control electronics 257 to the monitoring unit 201 , or their processing electronics 221 , The power transmission line 283 is separate from the connection 281 between the control room 291 and control electronics 251 , The energy, which is between control electronics 251 and the processing electronics 221 over the power transmission line 283 can be transmitted from the connection 281 between control electronics 251 and control room 291 come. The energy to be transmitted may alternatively from an energy storage, such as a battery or pneumatic generator operated, the control electronics 257 come (not shown). The monitoring unit 201 may also have its own power supply unit, such as an accumulator or a pneumatically operated generator (not shown), in this case, a power transmission line 283 unnecessary.

For communication between the control electronics 257 and the processing electronics 221 is in the field device arrangement 200 an operating signal line 285 provided between the processing electronics 221 and the control electronics 257 is arranged to processing electronics 221 and control electronics 257 signal transmission according to connect with each other. The operating signal line 285 can be between the signal receiver 211 the processing electronics 221 and the communication electronics 267 the control electronics 257 be misplaced. An operating signal line 285 can be realized for example by a socket, such as a USB socket or an RS232 socket of the control electronics 257 in which a corresponding connection, so for example a USB connector or a RS232 connector of the monitoring unit 201 , is used. Such a slot can be with conventional control electronics 257 For example, be provided for connecting the computer of a maintenance technician, so that the monitoring unit 201 taking advantage of existing slots of a control electronics 257 can be connected to this.

The monitoring unit 201 itself can also with appropriate slots, For example, be equipped with USB sockets or RS232 sockets, so in particular maintenance technicians access to the control electronics 257 is provided immediately.

The signal receiver 211 the processing electronics 221 the monitoring unit 201 can at the field device arrangement 200 Operating information of the actuator 251 deduct by using the operations information line 285 the desired operating information is requested. The requesting of operating information, as described above, for example, as a command to the control electronics 257 or by subtracting measurement data, for example from the position sensor 263 happened directly. About a company information line 285 can be a signal receiver 211 also, for example, with a control signal input of the control electronics 257 and in particular an I / P converter 261 be connected in order to deduct operating information regarding the control in this way. In the field device arrangement 200 is the company information management 285 separate to the control line 281 realizes unwanted interference between the monitoring unit 201 and the control communication of the actuator 251 to be able to exclude. The signal code output may be substantially as described above by a traffic light 231 with several different colored lights 233 respectively.

To evaluate the operating information of the operating data of the actuator 251 can the processing electronics 221 a software, such as the original software TROVIS Applicant or the like, perform, which is capable of a number of operating data or operating information, such as a particular time-related control signal or control signal and a particular time-related control position based on known diagnostic algorithms on the positioner 251 perform related diagnosis. It is clear that the processing electronics 221 basically numerous known diagnostic functions related to that of the monitoring unit 201 assigned actuator 251 can perform.

Furthermore, it is clear that instead of the exemplified pneumatic drive 255 with a control rod for actuating a control valve 257 For example, a hydraulic or electric drive (not shown), and a pivot valve (not shown) or a pump (not shown) may be provided as a control valve. In other words, a monitoring unit 201 for a wide variety of actuators 251 be suitable without an existing actuator 251 for retrofitting with the monitoring unit 201 necessarily retrofit hardware or software side is. At the same time, the monitoring unit allows one of the adjusting electronics 257 of the actuator 251 independent diagnosis, in particular by such errors of the control electronics 257 is not disturbed, which also affect their ability to diagnose or communicate. The monitoring unit 201 can thus serve as an additional safety instrument of a process engineering system and is particularly suitable for field devices or actuators that fulfill safety-critical functions.

Compared to the field device arrangements 100 and 200 of the 1 and 2 the field device arrangement differs 300 according to 3 especially by the turn different connection of the actuator 251 or its control electronics 357 on the one hand, the monitoring unit 301 and on the other hand, the control room 391 , The general structure and the general function of the actuator 351 can be done essentially as in the embodiments described above.

The control room 391 can the actuator 351 or its place electronics 357 , similar to the field device arrangement 100 according to 1 , by means of a two-wire connection 381 communicate a control signal. It should be understood that in all of the described embodiments, the connection between the control room and the actuator need not be limited to a two-wire connection, as shown, but also a four-wire connection or another type of connection can be used. From the two-wire connection 381 between the control room 391 and the control electronics 357 dines according to 3 the monitoring unit 301 with energy via the energy exhaust pipes 384 ,

The processing electronics 321 receives from the control electronics 357 , which is preferably implemented here as a positioner, operating data via the operating data line 387 , The positioner 357 is in the field device arrangement 300 designed to be at regular intervals or when certain operating conditions or operating state changes operating data to the processing electronics 321 via the operating data line 387 to send. As operating data are further processed operating information of the actuator 351 to understand, in contrast to raw operating information, such as actual measurements or the like. For example, a leakage value determined on the basis of pressure measurement values can be detected as the operating data. The positioner 357 can over the data transmission line 387 the processing electronics 321 Transmit operating data that cause the processing electronics 321 the traffic lights 331 prompted with one of the LEDs 333 the traffic light 331 to illuminate and thus result in the issuing of a company code.

For example, the control electronics 357 in the simplest case via the operating data line 387 transmit a binary 1 or 0 signal and the traffic light 331 only two different LEDs 333 include, for example, a red and a green LED, and the processing electronics 321 the operating date, that of the control electronics 357 via the operating data line 387 be evaluated so evaluate that at a binary 1, the green LED 333 is activated for issuing a signal code indicating that the actuator is functioning properly, or for a binary 0, the red LED 333 activate, which signals an error or an emergency.

When the processing electronics 321 over only a single operating data line 387 for transmitting only one binary signal with the electronic control unit 357 can still be more complex signals from the control electronics 357 to the processing electronics 321 be sent, for example by pulse width modulation of the binary signal. The processing electronics 321 can then the pulse width modulated binary signal, which they through the signal receiver 311 from a pulse width modulator 367 , So a communication electronics of the positioner 357 receives, receives and processes to map more than two states and accordingly more than two different signal codes by means of the traffic light 331 submit.

Many commercially available actuators are equipped with a standard connection, which is provided with a two-wire connection, in particular for connection to a control room and also an additional binary connection. In order to save costs for additional cables, their installation and maintenance, this third connection is usually unused. The monitoring unit according to the invention 301 may be particularly suitable for such a connection. So can a monitoring unit 301 with a connector, such as a device plug, both for a two-wire connection 381 as well as for an operating data connection 387 provide additional monitoring functions by utilizing existing functionalities of conventional actuators. The energy supply can also be done in other ways than via an energy supply line 384 take place, for example, from a separate energy source of the monitoring unit 301 ,

The field device arrangement 400 according to 4 differs from the embodiments of preferred field device arrangements described above 100 . 200 and 300 again in particular by the connection of the actuator 451 to the monitoring unit 401 and the control room 491 ,

In the field device arrangement 400 is next to connection 481 for transmitting a 4-20 mA control signal from the control room 491 to the control electronics 457 a separate power supply line 482 provided from which both the monitoring unit 401 as well as the control electronics 457 Food. It is clear that the power supply also in the field device arrangement 400 as in one of the field device arrangements described above 100 . 200 or 300 can be done.

For transmission of operating data from the control electronics 457 to the processing electronics 421 indicates the field device arrangement 400 two operating data lines 487 . 488 on. Like the previous ones regarding the in 3 illustrated field device arrangement 300 described operating data line 387 can over the operating data lines 487 and 488 in particular continuous binary signals are transmitted. It is clear that further (not shown) binary lines or operating data lines from the control electronics 457 to the processing electronics 421 can be provided.

If on each of the operating data lines 487 . 488 in the simplest form only one binary 0 or binary 1-signal are transmitted, this is sufficient for the transmission of 2-bit information, which is used to control a traffic light 431 with three different colored lights 433 technically completely sufficient. The processing electronics 421 is then designed to over the operating data lines 487 . 488 the signal receiver 411 evaluated operating data and assign them a corresponding color, which by the traffic light 431 is to be displayed. Incidentally, the operating data lines transmitted therewith can also be used 487 as described above, for example, pulse width, frequency, or amplitude modulation done.

It is also conceivable that the processing electronics 421 has a binary command output (not shown) from the actuator 451 the output of one or more operating data, for example by means of the operating data lines 487 and 488 to request. By notifying a command or trigger signal, the monitoring unit 401 the control electronics 457 of the actuator 451 also cause to perform a Stellgerätediagnose and the diagnostic result of the monitoring unit 401 for example, as described above as binary 1 or binary 0. If the monitoring unit deducts operating information from the actuating device by the monitoring unit causing the actuating device to output desired operating information, the monitoring unit can be regarded as a so-called master unit and the actuating device or the adjusting electronics can be regarded as a so-called slave unit.

5 . 5a . 6 and 6a show special versions of monitoring units 501 . 601 and their mechanical and electronic connection to a positioner 552 . 652 , On The representation of a control room and a complete actuator is in favor of readability in the 5 and 6 waived. When connecting a monitoring unit 501 . 601 can the connection of the monitoring unit to the control device for signal transmission and / or power supply according to one of the above with respect 1 to 4 be realized described embodiments.

In the 5 illustrated monitoring unit 501 is designed to be between a device plug 594 of the positioner 552 and a device box 592 , from which a communication link 581 extending in the direction of a (not shown) control room, to be arranged. The appliance plug 594 and the appliance socket 592 can in particular according to the Standard DIN EN 175301-803 be educated. The appliance plug 594 may for example be referred to as a valve connector or angle plug. The appliance box 592 or device socket can also be referred to as a cable socket or cable socket. Such a device plug has at the three o'clock position and the nine o'clock position a cross-sectionally U-shaped pin and possibly another U-shaped pin in the six o'clock position and a bar-shaped pin in the twelve o'clock position. Position.

For picking up the pins of the appliance plug 594 includes the appliance box 592 correspondingly shaped and positioned recordings. For a positionally true and secure hold of the device box 592 relative to the device plug 594 To ensure a screw is provided, extending through the device box 592 extends and to secure the device box 592 on the device plug 594 is screwed with this. When using a monitoring unit 501 between device plug 594 and appliance socket 592 a correspondingly longer locking screw is required. The contact surfaces between the opposite surfaces from which protrude the pins or in which the pin receptacles are embedded, can be provided with one or two seals to prevent, for example, that condensate reaches the live pins. For this purpose, depending on a sealing washer between the plug and socket can be provided.

For signal transmission according to the insertion of the monitoring unit 501 between the positioner 552 and the control room (not shown) is the monitoring unit 501 according to the 5 on the actuator side with device-dose receptacles 592a for the pins of the device plug 594 of the positioner 552 equipped and on the control room side with device plug-like pins 594a on which a device socket 592 can be placed. The pictures 592a and / or pins 594a the monitoring unit 501 can also DIN EN 175301-803 comply with the standards.

According to signal transmission and / or energy transmission, a connection of the monitoring unit 501 with the positioner 552 according to one of the above with regard to 1 to 4 be described described embodiments (in 5 not shown in detail). The connection of the monitoring unit 501 generally takes place depending on which signal transmission over the connection 581 is provided between the control room and the (not fully shown) actuator, that is, for example, over the before the use of the monitoring unit 501 existing connection both energy and control signal to the positioner 552 be provided or, for example, over the existing line 581 no actuation energy but only control signals are transmitted.

As above with regard to in 3 described embodiment, it is possible that not all on a device plug 594 existing pins are actually used for communication with a control room. In such an embodiment can already existing, for communication with the control room itself unused pins of a device plug 594 especially for the transmission of operating information or operating data to the monitoring unit 501 be provided.

According to 5 and 5a is the appliance plug 594 with an external thread 508 for screwing into an internal thread 558 a Gehäusoffnung 556 of the positioner housing 554 intended. Such an internal thread 558 a positioner housing 554 can be realized for example by a so-called PG thread or steel armored pipe thread. Alternatively, a metric thread, for example M12 × 1.5, M16 × 1.5, M20 × 1.5 or M36 × 2.0 can be used. Alternatively, the device plug as part of the positioner housing 554 be realized without threaded adapter (not shown), so that on an opening 556 in the positioner housing 554 can be waived. The housing 554 of the positioner 552 can in the usual way, as shown schematically, with a display 559 be equipped with the positioner operating status.

The communication electronics 567 of the positioner 552 includes a power strip that connects to the pins of the device plug 594 can be connected by cable connection signal transmission.

In one embodiment (not shown), the remote unit output of the monitoring unit may be used instead of pins 594a be equipped with a connection line to the control room. In other words, the monitoring unit can simultaneously function as a device socket 592 realize, so that on the device plug 594 a positioning device 554 not two components, monitoring unit and additional cable socket, need to be infected, but only a single component. Such a monitoring unit may be referred to as integrated device can.

Instead of a connection of a transmission unit according to a so-called DIN cube plug accordingly DIN EN 175301-803 For example, a so-called M12 sensor plug, preferably according to DIN standard IEC 61076-2-101 used (not shown), for connecting the control device and monitoring unit.

The monitoring unit 601 according to 6 differs from the monitoring unit according to 5 primarily by the shape of the actuator housing 654 (which has no display) and the connections 608 . 609 of the monitoring unit housing 603 , At the in 6 represented monitoring unit 601 is on the case 603 the monitoring unit 601 an external thread 608 provided in a corresponding internal thread 658 a housing opening 656 of the positioner housing 654 can be screwed. The thread pairing can be realized in particular by means of a PG screw connection or a steel armored pipe thread screw connection, or with a standard metric thread, as described above. Such a bundled monitoring unit 601 is particularly suitable for positioners 652 whose housing 654 having a corresponding threaded opening. For signal transmission according to the connection between the positioner 652 and the monitoring unit 601 are in the case 603 of the positioner 652 a power strip 667 and another power strip 611 in the case 603 the monitoring unit 601 provided, between which a cable connection can be realized.

For connecting the monitoring unit housing 603 to a connection 681 to the control room, another internal (not shown) or external thread 609 be provided. Provided a communication from the monitoring unit 601 to be done only with the actuator, similar to the execution of 4 , can on the additional thread 609 be waived. Apart from the specifics of the connection, the monitoring unit corresponds 601 essentially the monitoring unit 501 as above with regard to 5 described. The electrical and / or signal transmission according to communication of the monitoring unit 601 can according to one of the above with respect 1 to 4 described embodiment.

7 shows a field device 51 , which has a double-acting pneumatic drive 55 includes, via an actuator of a control valve 53 was pressed. At the yoke between pneumatic actuator 55 and control valve 53 is a positioner 52 in a positioner housing 54 arranged. The positioner 52 is with a monitoring unit 1 fitted. The positioner 52 and / or the monitoring unit 1 in particular as above with regard to 5 be executed described.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the figures and claims may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in the various embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100, 200, 300, 400

 Field devices arrangement

1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601

 monitoring unit

103, 503, 603

 casing

111, 211, 311, 411

 signal receiver

121, 221, 321, 421

 processing electronics

131, 231, 331, 431

 traffic light

133, 233, 333, 433

 LED lights

51, 151, 251, 351, 451

 positioner

53, 153, 253

 Control valve

55, 155, 255

 pneumatic drive

157, 257, 357, 457

 Vice electronics

161, 261

 I / P transducer

163, 263

 displacement sensor

167, 267, 567

 communications electronics

181, 281, 381, 481, 581, 681

 Two-wire connection

191, 291, 391, 491

 control room

193, 293

 pneumatic source

281

 control line

283

 Power transmission line

285

 Operating signal line

367

 Pulse width modulator

384

Energy extraction lines

387,487, 488

 Operating data line

482

 Power line

508, 608, 609

 external thread

52, 552, 652

 positioner

54, 554, 654

 Positioner housing

556, 656

 housing opening

558, 658

 inner thread

559

 display

592

 appliance box

592a

 pins

594a

 Recordings

594

 connectors

611, 667

 power strip

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 8708746 B2 [0002]
• WO 99/21066 A1 [0003]

Cited non-patent literature

• Standard DIN EN 175301-803 [0072]
• DIN EN 175301-803 [0074]
• DIN EN 175301-803 [0080]
• DIN standard IEC 61076-2-101 [0080]

Claims (18)

Signaling, device-specific monitoring unit ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) for a particular of a control room ( 191 . 291 . 391 . 491 ) controlled actuating device ( 151 . 251 . 351 . 451 ) with a control valve, such as a control valve ( 153 . 253 . 353 . 453 ), an actuating armature actuating, in particular pneumatic actuator ( 155 . 255 . 355 . 455 ) and an actuating electronics controlling the actuator ( 157 . 257 . 357 . 457 ) as a positioner, comprising: - a signal receiver ( 111 . 211 . 311 . 411 ) for receiving at least one control-system-specific and / or setting device-specific, in particular setting electronics-specific, operating information, in particular an error state, an emergency shutdown state, a maintenance state, an actual operating state, such as a distance measurement value, a pressure measurement value, a desired operating state; An advertisement, such as a traffic light ( 131 . 231 . 331 . 431 ), for outputting a predetermined signaling code; and - non-electronic processing electronics ( 121 . 221 . 321 . 421 ), which evaluates the at least one received operating information such that, according to a predetermined monitoring key, the predetermined signaling code is assigned to the at least one operating information, and causes the output of the predetermined signaling code. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing electronics ( 121 . 221 . 321 . 421 ) evaluates at least two, preferably four or six, received operating information such that according to the predetermined monitoring key the predetermined signaling code is assigned to the at least two evaluated operating information. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing electronics ( 121 . 221 . 321 . 421 ) comprises a microprocessor, in particular a microcontroller, and / or an analog logic circuit for assigning the received actuator-specific operating information to the predetermined signaling code and / or for causing the output of the predetermined signaling code by the display. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing electronics ( 121 . 221 . 321 . 421 ) the signal receiver ( 111 . 211 . 311 . 411 ). Monitoring unit ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal receiver ( 111 . 211 . 311 . 411 ) the actuator-specific operating information from the actuator ( 151 . 251 . 351 . 451 ), in particular the control electronics ( 157 . 257 . 357 . 457 ), in particular the signal receiver ( 111 . 211 . 311 . 411 ) is designed to deduct the operating information by the signal receiver a request for a particular specific actuator-specific operating information to the actuator ( 151 . 251 . 351 . 451 ), in particular the control electronics ( 157 . 257 . 357 . 457 ), sends to the actuator, in particular the control electronics ( 157 . 257 . 357 . 457 ), cause the signal receiver ( 111 . 211 . 311 . 411 ) to communicate the actuator-specific operating information. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the signal receiver ( 111 . 211 . 311 . 411 ) is adapted to receive the actuator-specific operating information by the actuator-specific operating information derives from an operating signal that is addressed to the control electronics, or derives from an operating signal derived from the control electronics and the control electronics to a monitoring unit foreign addressee, such as Control room is addressed, in particular, the control electronics is designed to receive according to a HARToder fieldbus protocol formatted operating signals and / or deliver. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring unit ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) has a housing, the processing electronics ( 121 . 221 . 321 . 421 ) and at least one housing wall, which between the processing electronics ( 121 . 221 . 321 . 421 ) and the control electronics is arranged and the processing electronics ( 121 . 221 . 321 . 421 ) Separated from the control electronics, wherein preferably the housing for the monitoring electronics is formed separately from a housing of the control electronics, wherein in particular the housing comprises a terminal corresponding to a connector. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the housing has a connector, such as a 2-wire connector, RS-232 connector, USB connector, M8 connector, M12 connector, a device socket or the like, for connection to the actuator ( 151 . 251 . 351 . 451 In particular, the housing includes another connector, such as a 2-conductor connector, RS-232 connector, USB connector, M8 connector, M12 connector, Appliance connector or the like, for connecting to a computer, a control room or the like. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the housing ( 103 . 203 . 303 . 403 ) of the monitoring electronics ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) receives the display or that the monitoring unit ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) to the housing ( 103 . 203 . 303 . 403 ) has separate display housing for the monitoring electronics, which receives the display, wherein the monitoring electronics with the display by cable or wireless signal transmission is connected. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring unit ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ) a particular of a power supply of the control electronics ( 157 . 257 . 357 . 457 ) independent power supply for the processing electronics ( 121 . 221 . 321 . 421 ) having. Field device arrangement ( 100 . 200 . 300 . 400 ) a process engineering plant, such as a food processing plant, such as a brewery, a power plant, a chemical plant, such as a petrochemical plant, or the like, comprising: - a control device ( 151 . 251 . 351 . 451 ) with a control electronics, which has a positioner for controlling a particular pneumatic actuator; and - a signaling, device-specific monitoring unit (in particular according to one of the preceding claims) ( 101 . 201 . 301 . 401 ), which is a signal receiver ( 111 . 211 . 311 . 411 ) for receiving at least one actuator-specific, in particular stellelektronikspezifischen, operating date, such as operating information, in particular a fault condition, an emergency shutdown, a maintenance status, an actual operating state, such as a distance measurement, a pressure reading, a desired operating condition, and a display , like a traffic light ( 131 . 231 . 331 . 431 ) for outputting a predetermined signaling code; wherein the control electronics at least one control signal input, via which the positioner, the at least one operating date, for example, from the control room ( 191 . 291 . 391 . 491 ), and / or has at least one power supply input, via which the positioner is supplied with electrical energy, characterized in that the control electronics comprises an additional communication interface which is coupled directly to the monitoring unit to output via the display actuator-specific operating data associated signaling codes. Field device arrangement ( 100 . 200 . 300 . 400 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the additional communication interface has at least one pin, preferably exactly one pin, exactly two pins or exactly three pins, wherein in particular an RS-232 connector, USB connector, M8 connector, M12 Connector or a device connector comprising at least one pin. Field device ( 100 . 200 . 300 . 400 ) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the adjusting electronics is arranged in a housing having an opening, in particular with a screw thread, which communicates with a signal conductor, such as a cable connection, for communication of the control electronics with the control room Computer or the like can be assigned, and / or that the control electronics has a particular arranged in the opening connector, in particular a device connector for a cable connection for communication with the control room, a computer or the like. Field device arrangement ( 100 . 200 . 300 . 400 ) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the additional communication interface is adapted to transmit the setting device-specific operating data as at least one, preferably exactly one or exactly two, continuous or modulated, binary signal. Field device arrangement ( 100 . 200 . 300 . 400 ) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the additional communication interface is adapted to transmit the at least one setting device-specific operating date as addressed to the monitoring unit operating signal, for example as a HART signal, or as a desired signaling code for the display. Field device arrangement ( 100 . 200 . 300 . 400 ) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the field device comprises a control electronics housing in which the control electronics is housed, and an additional housing in which the processing electronics is housed, so that the control electronics and processing electronics by at least one housing wall of Housing and / or the positioner housing are separated from each other. Field device arrangement ( 100 . 200 . 300 . 400 ) according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the processing electronics a microprocessor, in particular a microcontroller, and / or an analog logic circuit for assigning the at least one received actuator-specific operating date to the predetermined signaling code and / or Causing the output of the given signaling code by the display. Field device arrangement ( 100 . 200 . 300 . 400 ) according to one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the monitoring unit has a particular independent of the power supply of the control electronics power supply for the processing electronics.

Images