Measuring device with flange, flange and container

Abstract

A measuring device configured to be mounted on or in an opening of a container, and including a flange for abutting against a top side of a wall surrounding the opening of the container, and a plurality of clamping or expanding devices configured to adjust a clamping or expanding force and apply the clamping or expanding force to a bottom side of the wall or an inside side of the opening to secure the flange to the opening.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 19,179,066.6, filed on June 7, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to measuring devices in industrial environments. In particular, this invention relates to measuring devices for mounting on or in the opening of a container, flanges configured for mounting on or in the opening of a container, and containers on which measuring devices or flanges are mounted. Background Technology

[0004] Measuring devices in industrial environments can be configured for filling level measurement, limit level detection, flow measurement, pressure measurement, level and flow measurement, or temperature measurement. These field devices (also referred to below as measuring devices) are designed for mounting on or within the opening of a container. This mounting is achieved via flange fasteners or screw-in fasteners. In the case of flange fasteners, measuring devices such as level measuring devices have a plate-shaped flange that surrounds the device's neck in a flange-like manner to be screwed onto a corresponding mating flange in the opening area of ​​the container.

[0005] When the fastener is screwed in, the antenna neck itself is fitted with an external thread, allowing the level measuring device to be screwed into the corresponding internal thread in the opening of the container.

[0006] Sensors can also be installed using assembly clips or fixtures. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an alternative for fixing a measuring device to a container.

[0008] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims. Improvements to the invention are given in the following description of the dependent claims and embodiments.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a measuring device configured to be mounted on or in the opening of a container. For this purpose, the measuring device has a flange configured to abut against the top side of a wall surrounding the container opening. A clamping or expanding device is provided, configured to adjust and apply a pulling or expanding force to the bottom side of the wall or the inside of the opening to secure the flange to the opening.

[0010] Therefore, the universal sensor mount can be used for a large number of different openings in containers or other measuring devices.

[0011] Even when a suitable mounting opening (e.g., flange or bolt joint) is unavailable, it is not necessary to use a special mounting flange. Nor is it necessary to provide corresponding threads on the sensor. Therefore, installation and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0012] Furthermore, depending on the container design, such as in the case of containers made of thin-walled metal sheets or plastic containers, flange or threaded installation is technically impossible. In this case, the operator must create a separate fixing option.

[0013] The measuring device can be easily and quickly mounted on the process interface using its flange and clamping or expanding mechanism via expansion and clamping techniques. This eliminates the reliance on specialized fixing devices (e.g., flanges or threads) at the measuring point. A simple opening on the container or other measuring device suffices. The opening can be designed arbitrarily, as the clamping or expanding mechanism can be adjusted to different opening diameters and cross-sections by moving radially outward or inward.

[0014] Measuring devices can be designed for process automation in industrial environments. The term "process automation in industrial environments" can be understood as a subfield of technology encompassing all measures for operating machines and equipment without human intervention. One goal of process automation is to automate the interaction of various components within a plant in industries such as chemical, food, pharmaceutical, petroleum, paper, cement, shipping, or mining. To this end, a wide range of sensors can be used, particularly suited to the specific requirements of process industries, such as mechanical stability, insensitivity to contaminants, extreme temperatures, and extreme pressures. Typically, the measurements from these sensors are transmitted to a control room where process parameters such as fill level, limit levels, flow rate, pressure, or density can be monitored, and settings throughout the plant can be changed manually or automatically.

[0015] One subfield of process automation in industrial environments involves logistics automation. In logistics automation, processes within buildings or individual logistics equipment are automated using distance and angle sensors. Typical applications include logistics automation systems for areas such as airport baggage and cargo handling, traffic monitoring (toll collection systems), trade, parcel delivery, and building security (access control). A common thread in the examples listed above is the need to combine presence detection with precise measurements of object size and location. For this purpose, sensors based on optical measurement methods, such as lasers, LEDs, 2D cameras, or 3D cameras, can be used. These sensors detect distance based on the time-of-flight (ToF) principle.

[0016] Another subfield of process automation in industrial environments involves factory / manufacturing automation. Examples of this application can be found in many industries, such as automotive manufacturing, food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, or general packaging. The goal of factory automation is to automate the production of goods performed by machines, production lines, and / or robots—that is, to operate without human intervention. The sensors used here, and the specific requirements for measurement accuracy in detecting the position and size of the objects, are comparable to those in the aforementioned examples of logistics automation.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the measuring device includes a flange seal disposed on the underside of a flange and configured to be pressed against the top side of the container wall when a clamping or expanding force is applied. This integrated seal ensures further sealing of the measuring point relative to the process. Therefore, a measuring device with a standardized process interface can be used, eliminating the need for separate spare parts.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the clamping or expanding device includes a clamping bolt and a clamping element, which can be moved toward the bottom side of the flange by rotating the clamping bolt to apply a clamping force.

[0019] In addition, a frame can be provided in which the clamping bolts are held, and the frame and the clamping bolts move radially outward along the groove in the flange, so that the clamping or expansion device can be adjusted to different opening diameters and cross-sections.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the flange includes an opening or hole with internal threads, which is configured to be screwed into a measuring device housing having corresponding external threads to secure the measuring device housing to the flange.

[0021] This external thread can be located, for example, on the neck of an antenna.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the measuring device further includes a screw mechanism (e.g., in the form of a bolt or clamping nut) for mounting on the external threads of the measuring device housing. The clamping or expanding device has an expanding support, wherein a flange is arranged, for example, between the clamping nut and the expanding support. By actuating the screw mechanism, the flange is pressed toward the expanding support, causing the expanding support to expand radially outward to generate an expanding force.

[0023] The fixing device described in the previous paragraph can be used as a substitute for or supplement to the fixing device with clamping bolts and clamping elements described above.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the measuring device includes a built-in circumferential seal disposed between the measuring device housing and the flange. Specifically, the circumferential seal may be designed in the form of a sealing ring or an O-ring.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the measuring device includes a second clamping or expanding device, wherein the two clamping or expanding devices are mounted on a flange opposite to each other.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the measuring device includes second and third clamping or expanding devices. Other clamping or expanding devices may also be provided. In this embodiment, all clamping or expanding devices are mounted on the flange at the same radial distance from the flange center point, wherein adjacent clamping or expanding devices have the same angle.

[0027] On the other hand, it relates to a flange configured to be mounted on or in an opening of a container. The flange has an opening configured to receive and retain a measuring device, for example, that can be screwed into or pushed into the opening.

[0028] A flange bottom side is provided, which is configured to abut against the top side of the wall surrounding or forming an opening of the container. Furthermore, the flange includes a clamping device configured to adjust and apply a clamping force to the bottom side of the wall or the inside of the opening to secure the flange to the opening.

[0029] It should be noted that the flange may have all the features associated with the measuring device described in the above and below descriptions of the figures.

[0030] On the other hand, it relates to a container on which the measuring device described above and below is mounted and / or on which the flange described above and below is mounted.

[0031] Specifically, the container can be a plastic container or a thin-walled metal sheet container. Embodiments of this description will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrations in the drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. If the same reference numerals are used in the description of the drawings, they represent the same or similar elements. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the measuring device according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 A top view of the flange is shown.

[0034] Figure 3 A detailed view of the clamping device is shown.

[0035] Figure 4 A measuring device according to another embodiment is shown.

[0036] Figure 5 A measuring device and container according to another embodiment are shown.

[0037] Figure 6 A measuring device according to another embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 A measuring device 100 with a flange 115 is shown, which is fixed to the wall 112 of the container 106 by clamping or expanding devices 110, 116.

[0039] The measuring device 100 includes a measuring device housing 127 having a horn-shaped antenna on the process-facing side, the antenna having an external thread at its neck. This external thread is screwed into an opening 118 of a flange 115. A bottom side 120 of the flange abuts against a top side 111 of a container wall 112, wherein a sealing ring 125 can be disposed between the bottom side 120 of the flange and the top side 111 of the wall.

[0040] Two horizontally movable clamping elements 110 and 116 are provided, which can move radially outward along the flange until they abut against the container opening.

[0041] If the clamping bolts 122 of the two clamping devices 110 and 116 are actuated (see...) Figure 2 and 3 For example, the clamping connector 116 in the form of a clamp plate moves vertically upward toward the bottom side 113 of the container wall 106 via clamping bolts 122 (especially as...). Figure 3 (As shown).

[0042] Optionally, a cover 124 may be provided to seal the horizontally adjustable clamping devices 110, 116.

[0043] Figure 2 Shown in overall view (right side) Figure 1 The flange is shown in top view and in section in detailed view (left). The flange 115 includes two clamping devices arranged coaxially opposite each other, each having a clamping bolt 122. The clamping bolts are horizontally movable within a groove-shaped recess 123. Figure 2 As shown in the left half, the clamping bolt 122 is located in the frame 110, the clamping bolt is held in the frame, and the frame can move together with the clamping bolt along the groove 123 in the flange 115.

[0044] In addition, a type of tube 134 can be provided in which the clamping bolt is located. In the lower base region of the frame 110, a recess 126 is provided for receiving the tip of the clamping bolt.

[0045] Figure 4 An arrangement is shown with a measuring device mounted below the sealing plane 131, which is screwed into the flange 115 from below.

[0046] Figure 5A level radar-type measuring device is shown, which has an electronic housing 132 and a clamping or expansion device 107, fixed to a container 106.

[0047] Figure 6 A detailed cross-sectional view of the clamping or expansion device is shown. The clamping or expansion device may also be referred to as an expansion and clamping unit. The measuring device 100 is manually inserted through a predetermined opening in the container 106. By means of a clamping nut 103 having a shortened contact surface 109, a flange plate 104 having seals 105, 101 and an expansion actuator 135 is pressed against the container wall, particularly against the top side 111 of the container wall 112. Subsequently, by the rotational movement of the nut, the expansion bracket 107 is pressed against the inside 114 of the container opening by the expansion actuator 135 and the bracket suspension portion 117. Due to the appropriate design of the expansion bracket, the flange plate is pulled towards the top side 111 of the container wall 112. Therefore, selective sealing of the process and secure fixation can be ensured.

[0048] For this purpose, the expansion bracket 107 is designed in an S-shape, such that the downward pressure of the expansion actuator 135 on one end of the expansion bracket 107 causes the other end to move radially outward and is superimposed with an upward movement.

[0049] The built-in seal 101 moves on a smooth surface (sliding surface) during clamping to avoid deformation and thus damage to the seal, and to ensure sealing function.

[0050] By reducing the contact area between the clamping nut and the flange plate 104, friction is minimized. This prevents the flange plate from twisting during clamping.

[0051] For proper installation, at least two expansion brackets 107 are advantageous. However, three, four, or more expansion brackets can also be installed.

[0052] The expansion and clamping technology on the sensor process interface (Prozessanschlüssen) allows for universal mounting at openings on or above the measuring device.

[0053] With individually adjustable clamping technology, the sensor can be easily, quickly, and securely mounted onto thin-walled containers or other measuring devices with any type of opening.

[0054] Through expansion technology, the measuring device can be easily, quickly, and securely installed into thick-walled containers with corresponding holes (or circular openings).

[0055] The diameter of the opening in the container or at the measuring point must correspond to the expansion device on the measuring apparatus. Different designs of the expansion device can cover and seal different opening diameters.

[0056] It can also provide corresponding adapter flanges with standardized sensor connection terminals (e.g., G1 / 2 inch or NPT connection threads) for both expansion and clamping technologies. There is no longer a need to store sensors with different process interfaces.

[0057] Furthermore, it should be noted that "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. It should also be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the foregoing exemplary embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of the other foregoing exemplary embodiments. Reference numerals in the claims should not be considered limiting.

Claims

1. A measuring device (100) configured to be mounted on or in an opening of a container (106), said measuring device comprising: Flanges (104, 115) are configured to abut against the top side (111) of the wall (112) of the container, the wall surrounding the opening of the container; Clamping or expanding devices (107, 110, 116, 117) are configured to, when the measuring device is mounted on or in the opening of the container, adjust the clamping or expanding force and apply the clamping or expanding force to the bottom side (113) of the wall or the inside side (114) of the opening to secure the flange to the opening. Bolts or clamping nuts, The clamping or expanding device includes an expanding bracket, and The flange is arranged between the bolt or the clamping nut and the expansion bracket, such that when the bolt or the clamping nut is screwed in, the flange is pushed toward the expansion bracket and squeezed toward the expansion bracket, causing the expansion bracket to expand radially outward to generate the expansion force toward the inside of the opening.

2. The measuring device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: Flange seals (105, 125) are disposed on the bottom side (120) of the flange and are configured to be pressed against the top side (111) of the wall (112) of the container (106) when the clamping or expanding force is applied.

3. The measuring device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The flange (104, 115) has an opening (118) with internal threads, which is configured to screw into the measuring device housing (127) to secure the measuring device housing to the flange.

4. The measuring device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: An inner circumferential seal (101) is arranged between the measuring device housing (127) and the flanges (104, 115).

5. The measuring device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: Second clamping or expanding device (107, 110, 116, 117), The two clamping or expanding devices are mounted on the flanges (104, 115) opposite to each other.

6. The measuring device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The second and third clamping or expanding devices (107, 110, 116, 117), All clamping or expanding devices are mounted on the flange (104, 115) at the same radial distance from the center point (130) of the flange.

7. A container (106) on which a measuring device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is mounted.

8. The container (106) according to claim 7, wherein it is implemented as a plastic container.

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