Explosion-proof housing with removable center post

Abstract

The explosion-proof housing (1) according to the invention has a housing body (2) which delimits an interior space (3) and comprises a housing opening (9) which provides access to the interior space (3), at least one central strut (14) which extends between sections of the housing body (2) and divides the housing opening (9) into at least two opening sections (9a, 9b), and at least two separate covers (32) which are set up and arranged for being fixed in a closed state respectively on the housing body (2) and the central strut (14) in such a way that a spark-proof gap (41, 42, 52, 53) is always formed between the covers (32) and the housing body (2) and between the covers (32) and the central strut (14). The central strut (14) is detachably mounted on the housing body (2) and in the mounted state loosely supported and movably clamped on the housing body (2) in such a way that it is not directly fixed on the housing body (2) by fixing means. The central strut (14) can therefore be removed from the housing body (2) individually and relatively easily and quickly in order to provide an unobstructed housing opening (9) with maximum dimensions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an explosion-proof enclosure in which the openings and gaps between the internal space of the enclosure and the surrounding environment are so narrow and long that flames, sparks, or heated particles cannot reach the surrounding environment from the enclosure. These enclosures conform to, for example, flameproof type pressure-resistant encapsulation (Ex d) according to one of the standards EN 60079-1 or IEC 60079-1. Background Technology

[0002] An explosion-proof enclosure is used in hazardous atmospheres to protect a potential ignition source within its interior space, which could ignite the atmosphere. For example, electrical and / or electronic devices may serve as ignition sources. Such devices are also capable of reliable operation within the enclosure's interior space in hazardous areas.

[0003] Such explosion-proof enclosures are known in themselves. For example, EP 1 107 656 A2 describes an explosion-proof enclosure of the flammable type with a pressure-resistant package (Ex d). The enclosure has a enclosure body with an opening. The cover of the explosion-proof enclosure can be placed on an abutment surface surrounding the opening. A clamping connection can be established between the cover and the enclosure body by means of a clamp.

[0004] Furthermore, US 4,180,177 A discloses an explosion-proof enclosure having an opening that can be closed by means of a rotatable cover. In the closed state, the cover is secured to the enclosure body by screws to seal the internal space of the explosion-proof enclosure against ignition and breakdown from the surrounding environment.

[0005] Such explosion-proof enclosures have been proven in practice. Typically, the enclosure components of a pressure vessel are joined together via a flat gap. In this way, the pressure vessel can be closed by a cover that is continuously connected to the enclosure via the flat gap. The long, narrow flat gap ensures that no ignition sparks, flames, or flammable hot gases can escape from the interior space of the enclosure and potentially ignite the surrounding explosive atmosphere.

[0006] The housing opening is typically relatively large to allow electronic and / or electrical devices to be arranged within the interior space. This, in turn, means that the cover closing the housing opening can be large and heavy, and must withstand the explosive pressure residing within the housing's interior space. Consequently, manipulating the cover becomes difficult when electrical and / or electronic devices or other internal components are installed within the housing. For example, a rotatable cover requires expensive hinges that must hold the large, heavy cover in place and ensure sufficient range of rotation to allow access to the housing's interior space through the housing opening when the cover is in the open position. If the cover contains internal components and / or operating elements for operating electrical and / or electronic devices, such as displays, switches, buttons, touch-sensitive surfaces, or monitors, the weight and manipulation of the cover can become even more difficult, depending on the housing's structure.

[0007] To avoid or reduce these problems, a pressure-resistant enclosure with two or more caps arranged side-by-side has been developed, which can be opened to provide access to the interior space of the explosion-proof enclosure. The enclosure must have corresponding integral supports in the area of ​​the access opening, and the caps must be abutted against and secured to these supports while constructing a gap resistant to ignition breakdown.

[0008] For example, CN 202712771 U describes an explosion-proof enclosure having an enclosure body defining an enclosure opening, the enclosure opening being divided into two opening sections by a central support of the enclosure body and surrounded by a flange of the enclosure body. Two caps can be mounted on the central support and the flange to seal the enclosure opening in a fire-resistant manner.

[0009] A pressure-resistant enclosure with multiple separate caps and at least one integral support thereon is relatively difficult to manufacture, install, and use. In conventional constructions, the integral support is rigidly joined by means such as welding it to a housing frame or housing flange that surrounds the housing opening, such that the clearance surface of the support and the plane of the surrounding housing clearance surface are in the same plane. The surrounding housing clearance surface and the clearance surface of the support must be jointly re-machined after joining by milling, grinding, or other suitable machining methods to achieve a flatness suitable for the desired clearance dimension. This may require multiple machining processes and is therefore expensive and time-consuming in any case. The support, rigidly connected to the housing, further obstructs free access to the housing and restricts the entire access opening.

[0010] To overcome these drawbacks, DE 10 2019 102 832 proposes a frame member detachably fastened to the housing body. This frame member has a circumferential spacer surrounding the housing opening and a central spacer extending within the circumferential spacer and dividing the housing opening into at least two opening segments. At least two separate covers are provided, which, in their closed position, abut against the circumferential spacer and the central spacer, respectively, thereby creating a fire-resistant gap between the covers and the frame member. During housing installation, the frame member can be temporarily omitted or removed from the housing to provide a large access opening to the interior space of the housing, through which large electrical and electronic devices can also be placed. The frame member and covers are then fastened to the housing body to close the housing and create the fire-resistant gap.

[0011] However, the frame components must be constructed relatively stably. Especially if the cover is to be abutted against the spacer and secured to it flammably and puncture-proof, for example by bolts, the spacer forming the integral part of the frame must be relatively robust and thick. Such frame components can be quite heavy, difficult to manufacture, and difficult to manipulate due to their size and weight. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Based on this, the objective of this invention is to provide an explosion-proof housing that has a simple structure, is relatively easy to install, and facilitates the installation of electrical and / or electronic devices and other large internal components within the interior space of the explosion-proof housing.

[0013] The explosion-proof enclosure according to the invention is particularly a fire-resistant "pressure-resistant encapsulation" (Ex d) enclosure and has an enclosure body, at least one central pillar, and at least two separate covers. The enclosure defines an internal space and has an enclosure opening providing access to the internal space and an encircling enclosure clearance surface surrounding the enclosure opening. The at least one central pillar is detachably mounted to the enclosure body, allowing it to be removed individually from the enclosure body, and in the installed state extends between sections of the encircling enclosure clearance surface and divides the enclosure opening into at least two opening sections. In the installed state, the at least one central pillar is loosely supported on the enclosure and not directly fixed to the enclosure body. The central pillar has at least one central pillar clearance surface. The at least two separate covers are provided and arranged to be secured to the enclosure body and the central pillar respectively in the closed state, thereby forming a fire-resistant clearance between the covers and the enclosure body on the encircling enclosure clearance surface and between the covers and the central pillar on the at least one central pillar clearance surface.

[0014] The present invention is based on the concept that the support pillar is so detachably mounted that it can be quickly and easily removed from the housing for installation operations. This significantly facilitates the installation of large electrical and electronic devices or other internal components within the housing's interior space. Furthermore, according to the invention, it is ensured that the clearance plane of the at least one central support pillar does not need to be aligned with the same plane as the surrounding housing clearance surface through costly adjustments. All of this is achieved through the advantageous, loose support of the at least one central support pillar.

[0015] The explosion-proof housing can be a box-shaped housing defining an internal space with, for example, a square outline, or it can have a cylindrical, polygonal, or other suitable cross-sectional profile. The multiple housing walls of the explosion-proof housing can be interconnected by threaded connections, adhesive connections, welded connections, or other connection methods that can withstand possible explosion pressures within the internal space and prevent the escape of flames, sparks, or flammable gases from the internal space. Electrical or electronic devices or other internal components that may generate sparks or ignition sources during operation can be installed within the internal space.

[0016] Multiple such central supports and multiple covers can be provided, especially in terms of quantity corresponding to the number of opening sections formed. The covers are not necessarily placed side by side, but can also be stacked one on top of the other or arranged in other positions relative to each other.

[0017] Advantageously, the surrounding shell gap surface defines a first gap in the ignition-resistant breakdown gap, and the at least one central pillar gap surface defines a second gap in the ignition-resistant breakdown gap, and the first and second ignition-resistant breakdown gaps are flat gaps in a common plane. This enables a simple design and manufacture of the shell and achieves reliable and effective explosion protection.

[0018] Advantageously, the at least one central support can be configured to be movably clamped to the housing even when loosely supported. No fixing device is provided for directly securing the at least one central support to the housing body, not only when the cover is closed but also when the cover is open. This loose support and movable clamping of the central support facilitates manipulation, primarily installation and removal, and provides a basis for an arrangement where costly adjustments or machining of the central support are not required to place the clearance surface of the at least one central support in the same plane as the clearance surface of the surrounding housing.

[0019] The central support pillar according to the invention is not an integral part of the intermediate frame, which is fastened to the housing body to provide a spacer for securing the cover. More precisely, the central support pillar is a slightly elongated beam or load-bearing member, which can be solid, preferably rectangular or square in cross-section, or can be constructed as a rectangular tube, square tube, or profile, such as a C-profile.

[0020] A support device can be provided, which can have a first support element on a central pillar and a second support element on the housing body that cooperates with the first support element. The first and second support elements cooperate in such a way that the central pillar is loosely supported and movably clamped to the housing and can be quickly and easily removed from the housing at any time without having to dismantle any solid connection between the central pillar and the housing.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, one of the first and second support elements may include a connecting plate disposed on one of at least one central support column and the housing body and having an elongated hole, while the other support element may include a fitting element, preferably a pin, which is movably received in the elongated hole when the at least one central support column is mounted on the housing body. For example, the connecting plate with the elongated hole may be disposed on the central support column, and the fitting element may be disposed on the housing body, or vice versa.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one central support has two substantially L-shaped connecting plates at each of its longitudinal ends. These connecting plates, which can also be referred to as L-shaped corner pieces or L-shaped profiles, have one arm correspondingly positioned on the side of the at least one central support and the other arm having an elongated hole. Pins forming fittings can be constructed on the housing body, these fittings cooperating with their respective elongated holes to loosely support and movably hold the at least one central support. Connecting plates with elongated holes are provided on both sides of the central support, on both sides of the central support gap surface, these holes being loosely inserted into the pins on the housing body. The installation is performed quickly and with minimal cost using simple measures.

[0023] In one embodiment, the elongated hole can have a single elongated section with an open end and extending along a direction perpendicular to the central support gap surface. The elongated section is designed to be wide and long enough to allow relative movement with clearance between the elongated hole and its corresponding pin. The installation is particularly simple because the central support is simply inserted into its corresponding pin through its elongated hole and can be moved to a position where the cover can be closed and secured to the central support through a single movement of the central support perpendicular to the housing opening. However, the central support is not in any way secured to the housing body, and as long as the cover is not closed and secured, the central support may unintentionally detach from the housing body, for example, if accidentally struck by a person.

[0024] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, each elongated hole has two or more elongated hole segments, which are connected to each other with bends, and each elongated hole segment is designed to be wide and long enough to allow relative movement between the elongated hole and its associated pin or other fitting device. For example, an elongated hole segment with an open end can be used to insert a central support into its associated pin, while at least one other elongated hole segment receives the pin at its end position, where the cover can be closed and secured. The at least one bend between the elongated hole segments prevents the loosely supported central support from easily and unintentionally detaching from the housing body.

[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment, each elongated hole in each L-shaped connecting plate of the central strut has a first elongated hole section, a second elongated hole section, and a third elongated hole section, wherein the first elongated hole section is oriented perpendicular to the central strut clearance surface and has an open end to allow insertion of the elongated hole into its corresponding pin, and the second elongated hole section is arranged parallel to and offset relative to the first elongated hole section and has a length that allows the central strut to make limited movement perpendicular to the housing opening at its end position, and the third elongated hole section connects the first elongated hole section and the second elongated hole section. This design not only provides simple manipulation during installation and removal but also provides high safety when the central strut is loosely supported on the housing body.

[0026] A clamping device with clamping features is provided to clamp and secure the cover to the housing body and at least one central support, maintaining a clearance against ignition breakdown. Preferably, a threaded device is used as the clamping mechanism, wherein internal threads can be formed in the housing body and the central support, into which a bolt passing through the cover can be screwed. The internal threads can also be formed in an internally threaded sleeve, which is fixed, for example, by welding, bonding, or otherwise joined to the housing body and / or the central support. Tightening of the clamping device provides and maintains the clearance against ignition breakdown not only on the surrounding housing clearance surface but also on the clearance surface of at least one central support. For example, hinges or other joints that rotatably support the cover on the housing body can have a large clearance, which is eliminated when the cover is clamped by means of the clamping mechanism.

[0027] In addition to screws, other clamping devices, such as clamping clips, quick-clamp locking mechanisms or other closing mechanisms or fastening devices, or clamping or retaining devices, can be used to maintain a secure connection between the cover and the housing body. Even in the event of a pulsating pressure rise in the housing, it can be ensured that the gap width of the anti-ignition breakdown gap does not exceed a few hundredths of a millimeter and will in no way reach the gap size that allows for deflagration breakdown.

[0028] The clamping device used to secure the cover to the housing body and the central support is not used to directly and securely fix the central support to the housing body. The fire-resistant housing does not have any clamping, holding, or other securing devices that would cause the central support to be directly fixed to the housing body. No such securing device exists.

[0029] Advantageously, the at least one central support can be loosely supported on the housing body such that it can be pulled and moved toward the cover when the cover is clamped to the at least one central support by means of a clamping device, or when the cover abuts against the central support and is secured, so that the gap surface of the central support contacts the mating abutment surface of the cover or the intermediate frame inserted between the central support and the cover, and reaches the same plane as the surrounding housing gap surface. For example, in an embodiment using an L-shaped connecting plate with an elongated hole, the elongated hole can be provided with such length and width in the elongated hole section that functions at the end position of the central support that the central support moves toward the cover along the elongated hole section only by tightening a clamping device, such as a bolt, until it contacts the gap surface of the cover or the intermediate frame and creates the ignition-resistant breakdown gap therebetween. Therefore, the central support is configured for self-adjustment by automatically and self-fittingly positioning itself when the cover is secured to the central support. This eliminates the costly adjustment process and machining on the central support.

[0030] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the explosion-proof housing may further have an intermediate frame made of a thin, slightly flexible sheet metal, which is detachably fixed to the housing body. The intermediate frame has a peripheral spacer and at least one intermediate spacer, wherein the peripheral spacer surrounds the housing opening and abuts against the housing gap surface when constructing a first ignition-resistant breakage gap, and the intermediate spacer extends within the peripheral spacer and covers at least one central support post and abuts against the gap surface of at least one central support post when constructing a second ignition-resistant breakage gap, wherein an ignition-resistant breakage gap is formed between each cover and the intermediate frame. Such an intermediate frame can be integrally made of a thin sheet metal, along with the circumferential spacer and the intermediate spacer, where particularly high machining precision is not required for the intermediate frame. Instead, the flexibility of the relatively thin, standard-manufactured sheet metal can be advantageously utilized to ensure a tight closure of the gaps on both sides of the intermediate frame, enabling a high degree of machining freedom. When the thin intermediate frame is inserted between the cover and the housing body and the central support, an optimal, predetermined, ignition-resistant flat gap with a defined gap size is obtained in a defined plane after the cover is closed and secured, without requiring any costly adjustments.

[0031] The thin intermediate frame can have a thickness of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, and in a preferred embodiment, approximately 3-4 mm. This results in lower material costs and lighter weight for the intermediate frame, which also simplifies handling. The thickness is measured perpendicular to the gap surface of the intermediate frame. The thin intermediate frame plate can fit tightly against the gap surfaces of the cover, housing body, and central support, forming the desired fire-resistant penetration gap.

[0032] Such a thin intermediate frame can be used particularly advantageously in conjunction with a loosely supported central support. The intermediate frame is less meaningful or reliable with a firmly positioned central support because deformation can easily occur at the transition between the thin intermediate frame plate and the solid central support, which can adversely affect the gap size. This is avoided by separating the thin intermediate frame plate from the thin intermediate spacer and the central support, and by the loose support of the central support. When the cover and intermediate frame are clamped onto the housing body and the central support, the central support gently and evenly abuts against the thin intermediate frame, thus preventing deformation of the intermediate frame and creating a minimum gap of uniform size along the entire central support gap surface.

[0033] In embodiments with a thin intermediate frame, a clamping device can be provided. This clamping device is configured to clamp and secure the intermediate frame against the housing body and at least one central support, maintaining a fire-resistant clearance therebetween, and to clamp and secure the cover against the circumferential spacers and at least one intermediate spacer of the intermediate frame plate, maintaining a fire-resistant clearance therebetween. At least some, preferably most or even all, of the clamping elements of this clamping device can secure not only the intermediate frame but also the corresponding cover. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Other advantageous designs of the invention are derived from the description and drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below with the aid of the drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of the explosion-proof enclosure in a closed state is shown; Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 A perspective view of the explosion-proof enclosure in the open position; Figure 3 A simplified diagram illustrates the following: Figure 1 The explosion-proof housing in the open position and with the central support removed; front view. Figure 4A perspective view of a central support column loosely supported within an explosion-proof enclosure is shown. Figure 5 The top view shows the arrangement according to Figure 4 The central pillar along with the connecting plate placed on it; Figure 6 The interface between the enclosure body and the central support column of the explosion-proof enclosure is shown in an enlarged perspective view. Figure 2 The extracted portion Z; Figures 7a-7c With similar Figure 6 The simplified perspective view shows the installation view used to illustrate the mounting of the central support on the housing body; Figure 8 The top view shows the arrangement according to Figure 1 Explosion-proof housing; Figure 9 The previous view showed according to Figure 1 A special diagram showing the casing along with the gaps that prevent ignition and breakdown; Figure 10 It shows according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the interface between the cover and the central support of the explosion-proof housing in the closed state, showing the ignition-resistant clearance formed between the cover and the central support and the support device for the central support. Figure 11a and 11b Another embodiment of the support device for loosely supporting the central strut on the housing body of the explosion-proof housing is shown in a very simplified perspective view; Figure 12 An exploded view of another embodiment of the explosion-proof housing using an intermediate frame is shown; Figure 13 A simplified diagram illustrates the following: Figure 12 A perspective view of the middle frame of the shell; Figure 14 The view, with the cover of the casing removed, is directed towards the central frame, showing the arrangement of... Figure 12 The front view of the housing in the open state; Figure 15 A top-down view shows the arrangement of... Figure 12 The explosion-proof enclosure; and Figure 16 With similar Figure 10 The simplified diagram illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cut-off portion of the interface, which includes... Figure 12 The shell's cover, intermediate frame, and central support are illustrated, with the ignition-resistant clearance and support device for the central support shown in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0035] exist Figure 1 and 2 The figures illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an explosion-proof housing 1. The explosion-proof housing 1 has a housing body 2 that defines an internal space 3. For this purpose, the housing body 2 has a plurality of housing walls 4 connected to each other. The housing walls 4 can be connected to each other, for example, by threaded connections, adhesive connections, welded connections, combinations of these connections, or other suitable connection methods, which can withstand possible explosion pressures in the internal space 3 and prevent flames, sparks, or flammable hot gases from escaping from the internal space 3. The housing body 2 can, for example, be substantially box-shaped and have five housing walls 4 that define a squarely delineated internal space 3.

[0036] In a variation of the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 2 can also be a hollow cylindrical shape or have a polygonal cross-sectional profile. The shape of the housing body 2 can, in principle, be freely chosen.

[0037] Pressure relief devices 6 can be arranged in one or more housing walls 4 to provide a gas flow channel between the internal space 3 and the external environment 7 of the explosion-proof housing 1. At least one gas flow channel of the pressure relief device 6 is configured such that no flammable gas, spark, or flame can reach the surrounding environment 7 from the internal space 3. In the event of an explosion within the internal space 3, the pressure relief device 6 reduces the maximum explosion pressure, ensuring that the correspondingly lower strength of the explosion-proof housing 1 is sufficient to withstand the maximum possible explosion pressure within the internal space 3. This allows the explosion-proof housing 1 to be manufactured more easily and with less difficulty.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure relief device 6 can have a porous body 8 integrated into the sidewall of the housing body 2, and the porous body has sufficient volume to cool the hot gas flow entering the porous body 8, thereby reducing its volume and preventing the formation of overpressure peaks in the internal space 3. Furthermore, additional pressure relief effects can be achieved by means of the porous body 8 through gas transfer to the outside.

[0039] The housing body 2 has a housing opening 9. The internal space 3 can be accessed through the housing opening 9, so as to, for example, place... Figure 3 At least one electrical and / or electronic device 11, which is shown and may serve as an ignition source for an atmosphere with an explosive hazard in the surrounding environment 7, is arranged in the interior space 3 of the housing body 2 or the explosion-proof housing 1.

[0040] In the embodiment described herein, the housing opening 9 of the housing body 2 is surrounded by a housing flange 12 that completely closes the housing opening 9 circumferentially. A housing abutment surface or housing clearance surface 13 facing away from the housing body 2 is present on the housing flange 12. Preferably, the entire housing abutment surface 13 extends in a single plane. In a modified embodiment, the housing abutment surface 13 can also be formed by the end faces of the housing walls 33, which surround the housing opening 9. Therefore, depending on the thickness or bulkiness of the housing walls 33, the housing flange 12 can be optionally omitted when the wall thickness of the housing walls 33 is sufficiently large.

[0041] In addition, the explosion-proof housing 30 includes a central support 14 which is detachably mounted on the housing body 2, so that the central support can be removed from the housing body 2 as needed to allow unobstructed access to the interior space 3 of the housing 1 with the housing opening 9 open to the maximum extent. Figure 3 The diagram shows the explosion-proof housing 1 in the open position, with the central support 14 removed from the housing 1. In the installed position, the central support 14 extends between two sections of the housing body 2 in such a way that it divides the housing opening 9 into two opening sections. Figure 1 and 2 In the example shown, the central support preferably, but not necessarily, extends approximately at the center of the horizontal extension of the housing body 2 between the horizontal upper flange section 16 and the horizontal lower flange section 17 of the housing flange 12, and the central support divides the housing opening 9 into two rectangular opening sections 9a and 9b that are side by side and substantially the same size.

[0042] The central pillar 14 is also as follows Figure 4 As seen in the simplified perspective view, it is preferably a solid beam or load-bearing member, which here has, for example, a square or rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, the central support has a central support abutment surface 18 on one side, which extends in a single plane and is precisely machined into a gap surface 18 to define a gap resistant to ignition penetration. The central support abutment surface 18 in... Figure 2 As can be seen in the middle, Figure 4 The central pillar is shown with a view toward the back side 19 of the central pillar 4, which in the installed state faces the interior space 3 of the housing 1 and extends here parallel to the central pillar abutment surface 18.

[0043] The length of the central support 14 corresponds to the net height of the internal space 3, which corresponds to the distance between the upper shell wall and the lower shell wall 4 or the distance between the upper flange section 16 and the lower flange section 17. The central support 14 is preferably machined such that it fits into the shell wall 4 or the flange sections 16, 17 with a very small clearance.

[0044] To enable quick and easy installation and removal of the central support column 14 from the housing body 2, and to allow for self-adjustment of the central support column, the central support column 14 is loosely supported on the housing body 2. That is, the central support column 14 is not directly and securely fixed to the housing body 2. Instead, a support device 20 is provided to loosely support and movably clamp the central support column 14 onto the housing body 2. The support device 20 has a first support element 21 fastened to the central support column 14 and a second support element 22 located on the housing body 2, the second support element cooperating with the first support element 21.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the first support element 21 is formed by a substantially L-shaped connecting plate, which can also be referred to as an L-shaped corner piece or L-shaped profile, and has a first arm 24 and an integrally formed second arm 26, which form substantially perpendicular angles with each other. The first arm 24 of the connecting plate 23 is fastened to the side 27 of the central pillar 14 near the corresponding end of the central pillar 14, for example by welding, bonding, screwing, or otherwise securely fixing thereto, such that the second arm 26 extends from the side 27 in the opposite direction at the corresponding end of the central pillar 14 and terminates at substantially the same height as the upper or lower end face 28 of the central pillar 14.

[0046] In the second arm 26, also as in accordance with Figure 5As can be seen in the top view of the central support column 14 with connecting plate 23, elongated holes 29 are provided. These elongated holes 29 have a slightly elongated and multiplely curved shape, comprising multiple interconnected elongated hole sections 29a-29c. The first elongated hole section 29a has an end that opens towards the back side 19 of the central support column 14 in the installed state, allowing the elongated hole 29 to be inserted into the corresponding second support element 22 of the support device 20 on the housing body 2. The second elongated hole section 29b extends entirely inside the second support arm 26 and is arranged parallel to and offset from the first elongated hole section 29a, wherein the second elongated hole section 29b, like the first elongated hole section 29a, is oriented perpendicularly to the central support column abutment surface 18 in the installed state. The third elongated hole section 29c connects the first elongated hole section 29a and the second elongated hole section 29b, wherein a substantially 90° bend is formed between the first elongated hole section 29a and the connecting section 29c and between the connecting section 29c and the second elongated hole section 29b.

[0047] All the elongated holes 29 in the connecting plates 23 have the same orientation, so that in the installed state, the elongated holes 29 of the connecting plates 23 extend at the longitudinal ends of the central support 14 in a manner that is staggered from each other in the horizontal direction and at the opposite ends of the central support 14 on the side 27 in a manner that is aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction of the central support 14.

[0048] The second support element 22 of the support device 20 is formed by a fitting element disposed on the housing body 2, the fitting element being configured to be movably received in a corresponding elongated hole 29 of the corresponding connecting plate 23 when the central support column 14 is mounted on the housing body 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the second support element 22 is formed by a substantially cylindrical pin 31, the diameter of which is slightly smaller than the width of the elongated hole 29, such that the pin 31 fits into the corresponding elongated hole 29 with clearance and that relative movement of the pin 31 relative to the elongated hole 29 is not problematic.

[0049] Figure 6 The diagram shows the central support 14 mounted on the housing body 2, in which the pin 31 is received at the closed end of the elongated hole 29 in the connecting plate 23, yet movable relative to the elongated hole 29. The central support 14 is thus loosely supported and movably clamped onto the housing body 2.

[0050] It goes without saying that the pin 31 does not necessarily have to be constructed as a cylinder, but can have any suitable shape, which is suitable for inserting the associated connecting plate 23 with the elongated hole 29 into the pin or other fitting element and for being movable relative to it. The horizontal spacing between the pins 31 on the upper or lower housing wall 4 corresponds to the horizontal spacing between the elongated holes 29 at each longitudinal end of the central support 14.

[0051] Figures 7a-7c A perspective view of the interface between the central support 14 and the corresponding upper or lower shell wall 4 of the housing body 2 is shown to illustrate the process of mounting the central support 14 onto a section of the housing body. Although only the interface between, for example, the upper section of the housing body 2 and the upper longitudinal end of the central support 14 is shown here, it is self-evident that the explanation herein applies in the same manner to the lower section of the housing body 2 and the lower longitudinal end of the central support 14. In particular, the central support 14 is mounted not only on the upper section of the housing body 2 but also on its lower section. The installation process is also the same for central supports 14 that are to be arranged horizontally or otherwise oriented onto the housing body 2.

[0052] To install the central support 14, it is guided from the outside onto the housing body 2 and positioned such that the open end of the first elongated hole section 29a is substantially opposed to the pin 31 on the housing body 2, while the central support 14 remains outside the housing body 2. Subsequently, the central support 14 can be moved substantially perpendicular to the housing opening 9 toward the interior space 3 until the pin 31 enters the first elongated hole section 29a of the elongated hole 29, or in other words, the elongated hole 29 is inserted into the pin 31 with its open end. This initial movement of the central support 14... Figure 7a It is indicated by arrow A in the middle, while Figure 7b The image shows a state in which the pin has been at least partially received in the first elongated hole section 29a.

[0053] Continue to refer to Figure 7b The central support post is moved along direction A until the pin 31 reaches and passes the bend between the first elongated hole section 29a and the intermediate third elongated hole section 29c that connects the first elongated hole section 29a and the second elongated hole section 29b. Once this is achieved, the central support post 14 can move along the bend as described above. Figure 7b The horizontal direction indicated by arrow B in the image is basically perpendicular to... Figure 7aThe pin 31 moves in the direction A and parallel to the housing opening 9, causing it to move or relatively move more and more along the third elongated hole section 29c toward the second elongated hole section 29b. Whenever the (relative) movement or motion of the pin 31 is mentioned here, it is self-evident that this causes the central support column 14 itself to move or shift, but this results in a corresponding relative movement between the pin 31 and the elongated hole sections 29a-29c.

[0054] Once the pin 31 reaches the opposite end of the third elongated hole section 29 and aligns with the second elongated hole section 29b, the pin 31 can pass over another bend and enter the interior of the second elongated hole section 29b. Then, the pin 31 can be further moved along... Figure 7c The direction indicated by arrow C is perpendicular to... Figure 7b The pin moves relative to the inner space 3 in the direction of B and perpendicular to the housing opening 9, so that the pin moves or moves relative to the second elongated hole section 29b toward its closed end.

[0055] When the pin 31 reaches the closed end of the elongated hole 29, the central support 14 is in its end position, in which it is ready to be detachably installed, loosely supported, and movably clamped onto the housing body 2. The width and length of the elongated holes 29 in all the elongated hole sections 29a-29c are so appropriately selected compared to the dimensions of the pin 31 or other fittings that each pin 31 or other fitting can be easily received with clearance in its respective elongated hole 29 and move along the hole, providing the central support 14 with a corresponding degree of freedom of movement relative to the housing body 2 in the installed state. In the end position, the central support 14 can retract slightly toward the inner space 3 relative to the housing flange 12, and especially the housing abutment surface 13, as is also... Figure 6 The same as what is visible.

[0056] It goes without saying that the first and second support elements 21 and 22 on the central support 14 and the housing body 2 are interchangeable, so that a slightly modified connecting plate with elongated holes can be provided on the housing body 2 if necessary, while the pin 31 or other fitting device can be provided on the central support 14. In addition, the pin 31 can be integrally constructed on the central support 14 or the housing body 2 or can be firmly fixed thereto by any connection method, such as by tightening, welding or other means.

[0057] Refer again Figure 1 and 2It can be seen that the explosion-proof housing 1 also has at least two covers 32. The covers 32 are configured to completely cover the housing opening 9 in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the number and size of the covers 32 correspond to the number and size of the opening sections 9a, 9b defined by one or more such central pillars 14. In the illustrated preferred embodiment with a single, preferably centrally located central pillar, there are two covers 32, which can be substantially the same size. If there are two or more central pillars 14 or two or more opening sections of the housing opening 9, the number of covers 32 increases accordingly.

[0058] The covers 32 are manufactured as separate components and are not directly connected or kinematically coupled to each other. Each cover 32 is capable of moving independently of one or more other covers 32 between a closed position and an open position. For those conforming to... Figure 1 and 2 For the explosion-proof housing 1, the cover 32 is in Figure 1 The diagram shows the cover in its corresponding closed position, while the cover is in... Figure 2 The cover 32 is in the corresponding open position. It can function as an upward-rotating wing door. Figure 8 The hinge or joint 33 shown, if present, can be rotatably mounted on the housing body 2 or housing flange 12 and can rotate between a closed position and an open position. The cover 32 can also be made as a completely separable component that is not hinged to the housing body 2.

[0059] Such as especially by Figure 1 and 2 As can be seen, a clamping device 34 is provided to detachably connect the cover 32, the central support 14, and the housing body 2 to each other. In particular, the clamping device 34 is provided and configured to clamp and fix the cover 32 against the housing body 2 and the central support 14, thereby forming and maintaining a defined ignition-resistant clearance between the cover 32 and the housing body 2 and the central support 14.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping device 34 is based on a threaded connection and includes a bolt 36 and a threaded hole 37 cooperating therewith. The threaded hole is grooved in the housing body 2, particularly the housing flange 12's housing abutment surface 13, and distributed along the central support 14. Furthermore, an opening 38 is provided in the cover 32, which, in the closed state, aligns with the threaded hole 37 of the housing body 2 and the central support 14, and can optionally be threaded or unthreaded.

[0061] Also as Figure 10As can be seen, the bolt 36 passes through the opening 38 of the cover 32 and is screwed into the threaded hole 37 of the housing body 2 and the central support 14 and is tightened so as to securely fix the cover 32 for use.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the solid central support 14 has a thickness measured vertically between the central support abutment surface 18 and the back side 19, sufficient to allow for the direct formation of internal threads within the central support 14. Therefore, the internal threads are an integral part of the central support 14.

[0063] Alternatively, the central support 14 can also be constructed with a reduced thickness, for example, as a U-shaped profile, wherein an internally threaded sleeve, such as that not shown in detail here, can be mounted on the back side 19 of the central support 14 facing the interior space 3. The connection between the threaded sleeve and the central support 14 can be established by welding, bonding, or any other suitable connection method. By using a central support 14 with a reduced thickness and a threaded sleeve, the weight of the central support 14 can be reduced as needed.

[0064] The installation and setup of the explosion-proof enclosure 1 will now be explained in detail.

[0065] First, the housing body 2 is provided, assuming that the central support 14 has not yet been installed on the housing body 2. Otherwise, if, for example, the explosion-proof housing 1 should be modified after use and the entire housing opening 9 is required to accommodate large and bulky electrical and / or electronic devices 11 in the internal space 3, the central support 14 can be quickly and easily removed from the housing body 2 as needed. The removal and disassembly of the central support 14 from the housing body 2 is in accordance with... Figures 7a-7c The process is performed in the reverse order as described above and in conjunction with these figures. Therefore, the central support 14 can be moved perpendicularly and laterally to the entry opening 9, so that the elongated hole 29 moves relative to the pin 31 on the housing body 2, thereby moving the pin relative to the elongated hole 29 until the pin leaves the connecting plate 23 through the open end of the elongated hole 29. If the central support 14 is removed in this manner, it can be removed, thus providing an unobstructed entrance to the interior space 3 through the entire housing opening 9.

[0066] If all electrical, electronic, or other devices 11 have been positioned or installed in the interior space 3, then they can subsequently be combined with the preceding components. Figures 7a-7cThe described method allows the central support column 14 to be detachably mounted on the housing body 2. In the installed state, the central support column 14 is loosely supported on the housing body 2 by means of the support device 20. The cover 32 can then be closed and securely connected to the housing body 2 and the central support column 14 by means of the clamping device 34. For this purpose, the bolt 36 is passed through the opening 38 in the cover 32 and screwed into the threaded holes 37 in the housing body 2 and the central support column 14 and tightened.

[0067] If the bolt 36 is tightened into the internal thread of the threaded hole 37 of the central support 14, the central support 14 can move toward the cover 14 due to its loose and movable support on the housing body 2 until the central support abutment surface 18 abuts tightly against the corresponding abutment surface 39 of the cover 32. This is achieved by the loose and movable support between the pin 31 and the elongated hole 29, especially in the second elongated hole section 29b.

[0068] In a securely installed state, the cover abutment surface 39 of each cover 32 abuts against the corresponding half of the surrounding housing abutment surface 13 and the central support abutment surface 18 and is pressed against them by the clamping device 34. A first ignition-resistant penetration gap 41 is created between the cover abutment surface 39 of each cover 32 and the housing abutment surface 13, as it is in accordance with Figure 8 In the top view of the shell 1, according to Figure 9 In the front view or according to Figure 10 As shown in the detailed cross-sectional diagram. The first anti-ignition and penetration gap 41 is a flat gap, which lies in the gap plane defined between the cover abutment surface or cover gap surface 39 and the housing abutment surface or housing gap surface 13.

[0069] Furthermore, the cover 32 is also secured to the central support 14 by clamping device 34, such that the cover abuts its corresponding circumferential section (inner end section) with the corresponding section of the central support abutment surface 18 of the central support 14. The opposing inner ends of the covers 32 are arranged with a small gap relative to each other in the closed state, without contacting each other. The end sections of the cover abutment surface or cover gap surface 39 form a second ignition-resistant clearance 42 with the corresponding section of the central support abutment surface or central support gap surface 18. This clearance 42 is also constructed as a flat clearance and lies in the same plane as the first ignition-resistant clearance 41. Therefore, a substantially circumferential continuous ignition-resistant clearance is formed on each cover 32, comprising the first ignition-resistant clearance 41 and the second ignition-resistant clearance 42.

[0070] All the ignition-resistant breakdown gaps 41 and 42 are flat gaps, which are in the same gap plane and are narrow and long enough that no flame, spark or ignitable hot gas can escape from the internal space through the ignition-resistant breakdown gaps.

[0071] The clamping device 34 keeps the cover 32 firmly against the housing body 2, so that even if a pulsed pressure rise occurs in the housing 1, the gap width will not reach the gap size that allows for ignition and breakdown.

[0072] Optional additional seals can be provided according to the IP protection rating to prevent dust and / or water from entering the internal space 32. The dimensions of the ignition-resistant breakdown gaps 41, 42 are designed with respect to the flow path between the internal space 3 and the surrounding environment 7, independent of the optional seals, so that the hot gas or spark or flame is sufficiently cooled or extinguished before it travels from the internal space 3 outward to the explosion-hazardous surrounding environment 7. Ignition-resistant breakdown is achieved in this way. The design of the ignition-resistant breakdown gaps 41, 42 conforms to one or more pre-defined standards. Preferably, the explosion-proof housing 1 is constructed in accordance with the ignition-resistant type "pressure-resistant enclosure" (Ex d) according to one of the standards EN 60079-1 or IIC 60079-1.

[0073] Various modifications to the explosion-proof housing described above are possible. As mentioned above, the housing 1 can have different shapes, numbers, and arrangements of the central support column 14 and the associated cover 32. For example, more than two central supports 14 can be provided, which can be positioned side by side, parallel to each other, or in other orientations relative to each other. Horizontal supports can also be provided, which can also allow the covers 32 to be stacked vertically. Such supports can also be detachably mounted on the housing body 2 with the described loose support and degrees of freedom of movement. It should be emphasized that the concepts of "loose support" and "movable clamping" particularly apply to the installation state of the central support column 14 on the housing body 2 before the cover 32 is fixed to the housing body 2 and the central support column 14 by the clamping device 34. However, no clamping device, holding device, or other fixing device is provided for directly or securely fixing the central support column 14 to the housing body 2.

[0074] Different clamping devices can be set. Instead of threaded connections, clamping clips, quick-clamping locks or other closing mechanisms or clamping devices, fastening devices, clamping or holding devices can make the cover 32 firmly abut against the housing body 2 and the central support 14.

[0075] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are as follows: Figure 11a , Figure 11b , Figure 12-16 As shown in the figures. As long as these embodiments are consistent with the embodiments described above in terms of structure and / or operating principle, reference will be made to the foregoing description based on the same reference numerals.

[0076] exist Figure 11a and 11b In, with similar Figure 7c The illustration depicts a modified embodiment of the elongated hole 29 in the L-shaped connecting plate 23 for loosening and movable support of the central support column 14. Figure 11b In this configuration, each elongated hole 29 has only one first elongated hole section 29a and a second elongated hole section 29b, but no third elongated hole section 29c in between. The first elongated hole section 29a extends substantially laterally perpendicular to the side 27 of the central support 14, such that its open end facing laterally extends outward from the connecting plate 23. The first elongated hole section 29a transforms directly into the second elongated hole section 29b when a 90° bend is constructed, and the pin 31 is received in the second elongated hole section at the indicated end position. For installation, the central support 14 is positioned between the upper and lower sections of the housing body 2 or housing flange 12 and moved laterally parallel to the housing opening, such that the pin 32 enters the first elongated hole section 29a and moves relative to the corresponding elongated hole 29 all the way to the second elongated hole section 29b.

[0077] Figure 11b The diagram illustrates another alternative design for the elongated hole 29. Here, the elongated hole 29 has only one unique elongated hole section, which has an open end facing away from the central support abutment surface 18 and a closed end facing the central support abutment surface 18. To mount or remove the central support 14 from the housing body 2, only a single movement of the central support 14 along a direction A perpendicular to the housing opening 9 is required to insert or remove the elongated hole 29 into or from the corresponding pin 31 and to allow the elongated hole 29 and the pin 31 to move relative to each other.

[0078] According to another advantageous embodiment of the explosion-proof housing 1 of the present invention, in Figures 12 to 16As shown in the diagram. This embodiment of the housing 1, in addition to the housing body 2 and the detachably mounted and loosely supported central support column 14, utilizes an intermediate frame 43, which is inserted between the cover 32 and the housing body 2 and the central support column 14 during operation. The intermediate frame 43 is constructed of a thin, slightly flexible sheet material and can be made of the same, especially metallic, material as the housing body 2 and the central support column 14. The thickness of the intermediate frame 43 can be less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, to ensure good cooperation with the central support column 14.

[0079] The intermediate frame 43 has a circumferential spacer 44 and at least one intermediate spacer 46. The circumferential spacer 44 is configured to surround the housing opening 9 in the installed state and abut against the housing abutment surface or housing gap surface 13 of the housing body 2 when constructing a gap to prevent ignition and breakdown. For this purpose, a first surface segment 47a of the inner frame abutment surface or frame gap surface 47, preferably extending in a single plane, is formed on the circumferential spacer 44. The frame abutment surface 47 is configured to abut against the housing abutment surface 13. The inner frame region 48 of the intermediate frame 43 surrounded by the circumferential spacer 44 preferably has the same shape and size as the housing opening 9 of the housing body 2.

[0080] The intermediate frame 43 has a central spacer 46 that passes through the internal region 48 of the frame and divides the internal region into two sections, which correspond to the opening sections 9a and 9b of the shell opening 9 defined by the central support column 14. The intermediate frame 43 is constructed according to... Figure 12 In the decomposition diagram and according to Figure 13 In the perspective view, the embodiment shown separately features a single central partition 46 that divides the interior region 48 of the frame into a first region segment 48a and a second region segment 48b. Multiple central partitions 46 may also exist, matching the number of the central pillars 14.

[0081] The at least one intermediate spacer 46 is preferably connected to the circumferential spacer 44 at each of its two ends. The intermediate spacer can be integrally formed with the circumferential spacer 44 or securely connected to the circumferential spacer by bonding, welding or other suitable means. The intermediate spacer 46 preferably extends in a straight line. The intermediate spacer 46 has another section 47b on its back side, which faces and covers the central support 14 in the installed state.

[0082] On the outer surface of the intermediate frame 43, which is opposite to the housing body 2 and the central support column 14 in the installed state, the intermediate frame 43 has an external frame abutment surface or frame gap surface 49. The external frame abutment surface 49 includes a first abutment surface section 49a on the circumferential spacer 44 and a second abutment surface section 49b on the intermediate spacer 46.

[0083] Furthermore, a through hole 51 is constructed in the intermediate frame 43. When the cover 32 is in the closed state and the intermediate frame 43 is inserted between the cover 32 and the housing body 2, the through hole is aligned with the threaded hole 47 in the housing body 2 and the central support 14, as well as the opening 38 of the cover 32.

[0084] Figure 14 A front view of the housing body 2 together with the intermediate frame 43 mounted thereon is shown in the open state, wherein the cover 32 is omitted. The circumferential spacer 44 of the intermediate frame 43 is adjacent to and at least partially covers the frame area of ​​the housing body 2 surrounding the housing opening 9 or, if present, the housing flange 12, while the intermediate spacer 46 is adjacent to and at least substantially covers the central support 14.

[0085] The cover 32, intermediate frame 43, housing body 2, and central support 14 are detachably and securely connected to each other by means of a clamping device 34 having multiple clamping devices, particularly bolts with corresponding threaded holes 37. The clamping device 34 is configured to clamp and secure the intermediate frame 43 against the housing body 2 and the central support 14, and to clamp and secure the cover 32 against the circumferential spacers 44 and the intermediate spacers 46 of the intermediate frame 43. Here, countersunk screws (not illustrated) can be used to pre-install the intermediate frame 43 on the housing body 2, while the bolts 36 or other clamping devices pass through the opening 38 of the cover 32 and the through hole 51 of the intermediate frame 43 and are screwed into the threaded holes 37 in the housing body 2 and the central support 14 and tightened, so that not only the intermediate frame 43 but also the cover 32 is ultimately secured.

[0086] In the installed state, the first internal frame abutment surface region 47a abuts against half of the surrounding housing abutment surface 13 and is pressed against the housing abutment surface by the clamping device 34, thereby forming the first fire-resistant penetration gap 41 therebetween. Furthermore, the second internal frame abutment surface region 47b, while abutting against the intermediate spacer 46, is pressed against the central support abutment surface 18, forming a second fire-resistant penetration gap 42 therebetween. The fire-resistant penetration gaps 41 and 42 are flat gaps in a common plane defined between the intermediate frame 43 and the housing body 2 and the central support 14.

[0087] Furthermore, when the cover 32 abuts against and is fixed to the intermediate frame, a third anti-ignition-breakdown gap 52 is correspondingly formed between the section 49a of the outer frame abutment surface 49 on the circumferential spacer 44 of the intermediate frame 43 and the opposing half of the surrounding cover abutment surface 39, while a fourth anti-ignition-breakdown gap 53 is formed between the surface section 49b of the outer frame abutment surface 49 on the intermediate spacer 46 of the intermediate frame 43 and the inner edge section of the cover abutment surface 39 of the cover 32. The first to fourth anti-ignition-breakdown gaps 41, 42, 52, and 53 are in Figure 15 As shown in the figure, Figure 15 The simplified diagram illustrates the following steps while omitting some details: Figure 12 A top view of the explosion-proof housing 1.

[0088] exist Figure 16 The image shows a cross-section of a portion of the housing 1, in which the cover 32, the intermediate spacer 46 of the intermediate frame 43, and the central support 14 are shown in their installed state. Figure 16 It is known in particular that the second anti-ignition-breakdown flat gap 42 and the fourth anti-ignition-breakdown gap 53 are constructed between the middle spacer 46 and the central support 14 of the intermediate frame 43 on the one hand, and between the inner edge sections of the cover 32 on the other hand. Figure 16 The diagram also illustrates the support device 20 that loosely supports and movably clamps the central pillar 14 to the housing body 2, and the exemplary bolt 36 that detachably connects the cover 32 and the intermediate frame 43 to the central pillar 14 and maintains a fire-resistant clearance. When the bolt 36 is tightened, the central pillar 14 can be gently and evenly pulled, moved, pressed against, and uniformly compressed against the central spacer 46 of the thin intermediate frame 43, thereby preventing deformation of the intermediate frame 43 and creating an optimal, minimal fire-resistant clearance 53 with a uniform width along the entire central pillar clearance surface 18 without requiring any adjustments.

[0089] The explosion-proof housing 1 according to the invention comprises: a housing body 2 that defines an internal space 3 and includes a housing opening 9 providing access to the internal space 3; at least one central support 14 that extends between sections of the housing body 2 and divides the housing opening 9 into at least two opening sections 9a, 9b; and at least two separate covers 32 that are provided and arranged to be secured to the housing body 2 and the central support 14 respectively in a closed state, such that ignition-resistant gaps 41, 42, 52, 53 are always formed between the covers 32 and the housing body 2 and between the covers 32 and the central support 14. The central support 14 is detachably mounted on the housing body 2 and is loosely supported and movably clamped to the housing body 2 in the installed state, such that the central support is not directly secured to the housing body 2 by means of a fixing device. The central support 14 can therefore be removed from the housing body 2 individually, relatively easily and quickly, to provide an unobstructed housing opening 9 with maximum size.

Claims

1. An explosion-proof enclosure (1), comprising: The housing body (2) defines an interior space (3) and has a housing opening (9) that provides an entrance to the interior space (3), wherein the housing body (2) has a surrounding housing gap surface (13) that surrounds the housing opening (9). At least one central support (14) is detachably mounted to the housing body (2) such that it can be removed from the housing body (2), and in the installed state extends between sections of the surrounding housing gap surface (13) and divides the housing opening (9) into at least two opening sections (9a, 9b), wherein the at least one central support (14) is loosely supported on the housing body (2) in the installed state, and wherein the at least one central support (14) has at least one central support gap surface (18); and At least two separate covers (32) are provided and arranged to be fixed to the housing body (2) and the central support (14) respectively in the closed state, thereby forming an ignition-resistant gap (41, 42; 52, 53) between the cover (32) and the housing body (2) on the surrounding housing gap surface (13) and between the cover (32) and the central support (14) on the gap surface (18) of at least one central support.

2. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding housing gap surface (13) defines a first ignition-resistant clearance (41) among the ignition-resistant clearances (41, 42; 52, 53), and the at least one central support gap surface (18) defines a second ignition-resistant clearance (42) among the ignition-resistant clearances (41, 42; 52, 53), wherein the first and second ignition-resistant clearances (41, 42) are flat clearances in a common plane.

3. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one central support (14) is provided for being loosely supported and movablely clamped on the housing body (2), and no fixing device is provided for directly fixing the at least one central support (14) to the housing body (2).

4. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a support device (20) is provided for loosely supporting and movably clamping the at least one central support column (14) onto the housing body (2), wherein the support device (20) has a first support element (21) on the central support column (14) and a second support element (22) on the housing body (2) that cooperates with the first support element.

5. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 4, wherein one of the first and second support elements (21, 22) has a connecting plate (23) disposed on one of the at least one central support (14) and the housing body (2) and configured with an elongated hole (29), and the other of the first and second support elements (21, 22) has a fitting element (31) which is movable and received in the elongated hole (29) when the at least one central support (14) is mounted on the housing body (2).

6. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one central pillar (14) has two substantially L-shaped connecting plates (23) at each longitudinal end, one arm (24) of the connecting plate is disposed on one side (27) of each of the at least one central pillar (14), and the other arm (26) of the connecting plate has an elongated hole (29), and wherein a pin-shaped fitting element is constructed on the housing body (2), the fitting element cooperating with the corresponding elongated hole (29) to loosely support and movably retain the at least one central pillar (14).

7. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each elongated hole (29) has a unique elongated hole section having an open end and extending in a direction perpendicular to the central support gap surface (18), and the elongated hole section is designed to be wide and long enough to allow relative movement between the elongated hole (29) and the associated fitting element (31).

8. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each elongated hole (29) has two or more elongated hole sections connected to each other in the case of constructing a bend and the elongated hole sections are designed to be wide and long enough to allow relative movement between the elongated hole (29) and the associated fitting element (31).

9. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 8, wherein each elongated hole (29) has a first elongated hole section (29a), a second elongated hole section (29b) and a third elongated hole section (29c), wherein the first elongated hole section is oriented perpendicular to the central support gap surface (18) and has an open end, the second elongated hole section is arranged parallel to and offset relative to the first elongated hole section (29a), and the third elongated hole section connects the first elongated hole section (29a) and the second elongated hole section (29b).

10. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the explosion-proof housing (1) is provided with a clamping device (34) to clamp and fix the cover (32) to the housing body (2) and the at least one central support (14) and maintain the ignition-resistant clearance (41, 42; 52, 53).

11. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one central support (14) is loosely supported on the housing body (2) such that the at least one central support is pulled toward the cover (32) by means of the clamping device (34) clamping the cover (32) onto the at least one central support (14) so ​​that the central support gap surface (18) contacts the mating abutment surfaces (39, 47) on the cover (32) or inserted on the intermediate frame (43) between the at least one central support (14) and the cover (32) and reaches the same plane as the surrounding housing gap surface (13).

12. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 2, the explosion-proof housing further comprising an intermediate frame (43) made of a thin, slightly elastic plate, the intermediate frame being detachably fastened to the housing body (2) and the intermediate frame having a circumferential spacer (44) and at least one intermediate spacer (46), wherein the circumferential spacer surrounds the housing opening (9) and abuts against the housing gap surface (13) in constructing the first fire-resistant penetration gap (41), and the at least one intermediate spacer extends inside the circumferential spacer (44) and covers the at least one central pillar (14) and abuts against the at least one central pillar gap surface (18) in constructing the second fire-resistant penetration gap (42), wherein additional fire-resistant penetration gaps (52, 53) are formed between each cover (32) and the intermediate frame (43).

13. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 12, wherein the intermediate frame (43) has a thickness of less than 10 mm.

14. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 12, wherein the intermediate frame (43) has a thickness of less than 5 mm.

15. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 12, wherein the explosion-proof housing (1) is provided with a clamping device (34) for clamping and fixing the intermediate frame (43) against the housing body (2) and at least one central support (14) and maintaining an anti-ignition-breakdown gap (41, 42) therebetween, and clamping and fixing the cover (32) against the circumferential spacer (44) and at least one intermediate spacer (46) of the intermediate frame (43) and maintaining an anti-ignition-breakdown gap (52, 53) therebetween, wherein the clamping device (34) has a clamping device (36) for securely fixing the intermediate frame (43) and the corresponding cover (32).

16. The explosion-proof housing (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The explosion-proof housing is a pressure-resistant enclosure of the ignition-resistant type.

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