Housing for automated field devices
By using plastic rings as mechanical connections in the field equipment housing, the tilt and damage of the housing cover during operation is solved, allowing easier operation and longer service life.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380078757.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-11-16
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing field equipment housing covers are prone to tilt and damage when opened and closed, and require greater force to operate.
A plastic ring is used as a releasable mechanical connection device to guide the placement and removal of the housing cover through the overhang of the plastic ring to ensure good centering of the cover and reduce friction.
It effectively prevents the tilt and damage of the housing cover during operation, reduces the force requirement for opening and closing, and improves the service life of the housing cover.
Smart Images
Figure CN120130130A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a housing, in particular a housing for field devices, and to field devices in automation technology. Background Art
[0002] In automation technology, especially in process automation technology, field devices are usually applied, which are used to determine, optimize and / or influence process variables. Sensors are used to record process variables, such as filling level measuring devices, flow measuring devices, pressure and temperature measuring devices, conductivity measuring devices, etc., which record corresponding process variables, filling levels, flows, pressures, temperatures and conductivities. Actuators are used to influence process variables, such as valves or pumps, through which the liquid flow in a pipeline section or the filling level in a container can be changed. In principle, all devices that are applied near the process and deliver or process process-related information are called field devices. In connection with the present invention, the term "field device" thus also includes remote I / O and generally includes devices arranged at the field level. A large number of such field devices are manufactured and sold by the company Endress+Hauser.
[0003] Such field devices always have a field device housing consisting of a housing body and a housing cover. Usually, the housing body is made of sheet metal. In order to attach the housing cover, in this case, a "jam, jelly or marmalade jar connection" or a "bayonet connection" is provided, because for manufacturing reasons, a metric thread cannot be directly provided in the body made of sheet metal. Depending on the specific manner of the releasable mechanical connection selected for implementation, the guidance of this housing cover is significantly less defined than in the case of a metric thread. In the case of this less-than-desired guidance, there is a possibility that the housing cover rubs and may tilt when being put on and taken off, resulting in the connection being possibly damaged. In addition, due to mechanical friction, a greater force is required to open and close the housing cover. Summary of the Invention
[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a housing, in particular a housing for field devices, which can be easily opened and closed without the risk of tilting and / or damage.
[0005] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a housing as claimed in claim 1, in particular a housing for field devices and a field device in automation technology as claimed in claim 6.
[0006] The housing of the present invention, particularly the housing of a field device, includes a housing body and a housing cover. Among them, the housing body has a tank-like shape with an opening, and forms an inner space that can be accessed through the opening. Among them, the housing body is formed of metal, preferably formed of steel, and particularly preferably formed of stainless steel. Among them, the housing body includes a substantially cylindrical region that abuts and defines the opening, and the housing cover can be placed on the substantially cylindrical region to close the housing body. Among them, the housing cover and the cylindrical region have means for releasable mechanical connection other than a threaded connection. A plastic ring is located in the opening and at least partially fits into the inner contour of the cylindrical region. The plastic ring is further implemented in such a way that it at least partially extends beyond the outer contour at the opening adjacent to the cylindrical region, so that the housing cover is guided by the plastic ring when placed on the cylindrical region.
[0007] According to the present invention, a plastic ring is provided. The plastic ring extends laterally outward beyond the upper edge of the metal sheet housing and thus has a hanging portion. The diameter of the hanging portion is slightly larger than the diameter of the opening of the housing. In this way, the cover is better centered and guided. In a given situation, the cover does not rub against the housing but against the plastic ring. This ensures the prevention of noise and damage to the housing and the cover. Since the plastic ring can be manufactured significantly more precisely than the housing made of metal sheet, the centering of the cover is improved by the ring, which in turn means a reduced possibility of tilting.
[0008] An advantageous embodiment of the housing (especially the housing of a field device) of the present invention may stipulate that the plastic ring is implemented in such a way that the total maximum overhang of the plastic ring does not exceed 0.5 mm, preferably does not exceed 0.4 mm, and very particularly preferably does not exceed 0.3 mm. The plastic ring uses the maximum overhang to at least partially extend beyond the outer contour at the opening adjacent to the cylindrical region.
[0009] Another advantageous embodiment of the housing (especially the housing of a field device) of the present invention may stipulate that the plastic ring is implemented in such a way that the total minimum overhang of the plastic ring is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, and particularly preferably at least about 0.25 mm. The plastic ring uses this minimum overhang to at least partially extend beyond the outer contour at the opening adjacent to the cylindrical region.
[0010] Another advantageous embodiment of the housing of the present invention (in particular the housing of a field device) may provide that the cylindrical region of the housing body includes, on the outer surface, a plurality of radially protruding bayonet projections, preferably arranged equidistantly relative to each other, by means of which the housing cover can be locked in the closed position by means of a rotational movement, and wherein the plastic ring is embodied in such a way that the plastic ring at least extends beyond the outer contour of the protruding bayonet projections of the cylindrical region.
[0011] Another advantageous embodiment of the housing of the present invention (in particular the housing of a field device) may provide that the plastic ring is embodied in such a way that the plastic ring can be releasably connected to the housing body via a clamping connection and can thus be releasably clamped or snapped in the housing body.
[0012] The present invention also relates to a field device in automation technology, which has a housing according to one of the above embodiments, in particular a housing of a field device. Description of the Drawings
[0013] The present invention will now be explained in more detail based on the drawings, the figures in the drawings being as follows:
[0014] Figure 1 : Schematic view of a field device in automation technology
[0015] Figure 2 : Perspective view of the housing body at the opening defined by the cylindrical region of the housing body with the plastic ring of the present invention, and
[0016] Figure 3 : Cross-sectional view of the plastic ring formed according to the present invention in the region of the overhang. Detailed Description of the Invention
[0017] Figure 1 The general construction of a field device 1 in automation technology is schematically shown. The field device 1 includes a housing 1.1, which has a housing cover 1.2 and a housing body 1.4. The housing body 1.4 is made of sheet metal, preferably steel sheet metal, particularly preferably stainless steel sheet metal, such as, for example, 316L. The housing body 1.4 has a substantially pot-shaped shape with a bottom plate and an opening, through which the inner space 1.3 can be accessed. The opening 1.6 with a substantially circular cross-section is defined and formed by the cylindrical region 1.5 of the housing body 1.4.
[0018] Furthermore, the field device 1 further includes sensors and / or actuator elements 5 arranged on or in the housing 1.1 for setting and / or recording process variables, and field device electronics 4 located in the inner space 1.3, which is implemented to operate the sensors and / or actuator elements 5 among other functions.
[0019] To enable maintenance / parameter measurement and / or display of information of the field device 1, for example with reference to the process variables to be recorded or set, the field device 1 can have an interaction and / or display element 2. As Figure 1 shown, the interaction and / or display element 2 can be integrated in the housing cover 1.2 of the field device or inserted into the housing wall of the housing body 1.4.
[0020] Alternatively, the interaction and / or display element 2 can also be fixed to the outer side of the housing wall. In the case where the field device 1 includes the interaction and / or display element 2, the field device electronics 4 can also be adapted to drive the interaction and / or display element 2, and thus correspondingly operate the interaction and / or display element 2.
[0021] Figure 2 A perspective view of the housing body 1.4 at the opening 1.6 defined by the cylindrical region 1.5 of the housing body 1.4 is shown, in which the plastic ring 3 of the present invention is provided in the opening. In this example, the cylindrical region 1.5 of the housing body 1.4 is implemented on the outer surface 1.51 in such a way that three radially protruding bayonet protrusions 1.53 are provided (only two of which are visible in Figure 2 ), through which the housing cover 1.2 can be locked in the closed position by means of a rotational movement. In the example of the embodiment, the radially protruding bayonet protrusions 1.53 are arranged equidistantly from each other on the outer surface 1.51 of the cylindrical region 1.5.
[0022] According to the present invention, the plastic ring 3 is located in the opening 1.6 of the housing 1.4. The plastic ring 3 is formed in such a way that it fits into the inner contour 1.52 of the cylindrical region 1.5, i.e., it abuts tightly against the cylindrical region. In this case, the plastic ring 3 does not need to contact the cylindrical region tightly over the entire 360°, but can also be in non-tight contact partially, especially at the locations where the radially protruding bayonet protrusions 1.53 are located. The plastic ring 3 is formed in such a way that it at least partially and radially extends beyond the outer contour at the opening 1.6 adjacent to the cylindrical region 1.5.
[0023] Figure 3Shows a cross-sectional view of the plastic ring 3 formed according to the present invention in the region of the overhang 3.1, which is used to describe the overhang 3.1 in more detail. With this overhang, the plastic ring 3 extends radially beyond the outer contour at the opening 1.6, at least in the region of the bayonet projection 1.53. It has proven to be particularly preferred that, in this case, the maximum overhang 3.1 of the plastic ring 3 extending beyond this outer contour does not exceed 0.5 mm, preferably does not exceed 0.4 mm, and particularly preferably does not exceed 0.3 mm. Regarding the minimum overhang 3.1, it has proven to be particularly preferred that the overhang 3.1 is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, and very particularly preferably at least 0.25 mm.
[0024] In addition, the plastic ring 3 can have one or preferably more holding and / or clamping elements 3.2 for releasably connecting and thus releasably clamping the plastic ring 3 in the housing body. The holding and / or clamping elements 3.2 are then arranged equidistantly from each other. Furthermore, the holding and / or clamping elements 3.2 can be formed in such a way that they can be inserted into, and thus can clamp or snap onto, the inwardly extending crimp or ridge 1.7 of the housing located at the lower end of this cylindrical region.
[0025] List of reference numerals
[0026] 1 Field device
[0027] 1.1 Field device housing
[0028] 1.2 Cover of the field device housing
[0029] 1.3 Inner space of the field device housing
[0030] 1.4 Housing body
[0031] 1.5 Cylindrical region
[0032] 1.51 Outer surface or outer contour of the cylindrical region
[0033] 1.52 Inner surface or inner contour of the cylindrical region
[0034] 1.53 Bayonet projection
[0035] 1.6 Opening of the field device housing
[0036] 1.7 Inwardly extending crimp or ridge of the housing.
[0037] 2 Interaction and / or display element
[0038] 2.1 Pane
[0039] 3 Support ring
[0040] 3.1 Overhang
[0041] 3.2 Holding and / or clamping elements
[0042] 4 Electronic device or electronic circuit
[0043] 5 Sensor and / or actuator elements
[0044] 6 Connecting elements
Claims
1. A housing, in particular a housing for a field device, comprising a housing body (1.4) and a housing cover (1.2), wherein, the housing body (1.4) has a pot-shaped form with an opening (1.6) and forms an inner space (1.3) accessible through the opening (1.6), wherein the housing body (1.4) is formed of metal, preferably steel, particularly preferably stainless steel, wherein the housing body (1.4) includes a substantially cylindrical region (1.5) adjoining and defining the opening (1.6), on which the housing cover (1.2) can be placed to close the housing body (1.4), wherein the housing cover (1.2) and the cylindrical region (1.5) have means (1.53) for releasable mechanical connection other than a threaded connection, wherein a plastic ring (3) is located in the opening (1.6) and at least partly engages with the inner contour (1.52) of the cylindrical region (1.5), the plastic ring (3) being further embodied in such a way that the plastic ring (3) at least partly extends beyond the outer contour (1.51) at the opening adjoining the cylindrical region, such that the housing cover (1.2) is guided by the plastic ring (3) when placed on the cylindrical region (1.5).
2. The housing according to claim 1, in particular a housing for a field device, wherein, the plastic ring (3) is embodied in such a way that the maximum overhang (3.1) of the plastic ring (3) in total does not exceed 3 mm, preferably does not exceed 2.5 mm, particularly preferably does not exceed 2 mm, and the plastic ring (3) at least partly extends beyond the outer contour (1.51) at the opening adjoining the cylindrical region (1.5) by means of the maximum overhang (3.1).
3. The housing according to claim 1 or 2, in particular a housing for a field device, wherein, the plastic ring (3) is embodied in such a way that the minimum overhang (3.1) of the plastic ring (3) in total is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, particularly preferably at least about 0.25 mm, and the plastic ring (3) at least partly extends beyond the outer contour (1.51) at the opening adjoining the cylindrical region (1.5) by means of the minimum overhang (3.1).
4. The housing according to one or more of the preceding claims, in particular a housing for a field device, wherein, The cylindrical region (1.5) of the housing body (1.4) comprises, on the outer surface (1.51), a plurality of radially projecting bayonet projections (1.53), preferably arranged equidistant from one another, by means of which the housing cover (1.2) can be locked in the closed position by means of a rotational movement, and wherein the plastic ring (3) is embodied in such a way that the plastic ring (3) extends at least beyond the outer contour (1.51) of the projecting bayonet projections (1.53) of the cylindrical region (1.5).
5. A housing as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, in particular a field device housing wherein the plastic ring (3) is embodied in such a way that the plastic ring (3) can be releasably connected to the housing body via a clamping connection (1.4) and can thus be releasably clamped or snapped in the housing body.
6. A field device in automation technology, having a housing as claimed in claim 1, in particular a field device housing (1.1).