Explosion-proof device and cover assembly for hazardous environments

Abstract

The invention relates to an explosion-proof device and a cover assembly for a hazardous environment. An explosion-proof device for use in a hazardous environment is provided. The device comprises a housing. The housing includes a body, a protruding rim extending away from the body and defining an opening, and a rim thread positioned on a surface of the protruding rim. The apparatus also includes a cap assembly including a joint including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being attached to the body. The cap assembly further includes a cap including a cap top and a cap side extending from the cap top, the cap side further including a cap thread complementary to the rim thread. The cap assembly also includes a radial support attached with the second portion and preventing the cap from disengaging from the radial support. The cover assembly is rotatably coupled with the housing via the joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the present disclosure relates generally to explosion handling and, more particularly, to explosion protection devices and cover assemblies. Background Art

[0002] Field devices such as sensors, analyzers, and interfaces are used in various industrial devices, systems, and / or methods. In environments where explosive substances (such as alcohol and / or petroleum products) are present or may potentially be present (e.g., hazardous environments), there may be a risk that the explosive substances may be ignited by the electronic equipment in the field device. Some field devices may involve explosive substances, such as sensors used in production processes, where explosive substances are present in precursors, intermediate products, by-products, and / or final products. In addition, the environment in which such devices are used may contain explosive substances, such as gases, which may be ignited by the electronic equipment in the device and / or by explosions originating from within the device.

[0003] Known explosive disposal systems and methods are disadvantageous in several respects and improvements are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, an explosion-proof device for use in hazardous environments is provided. The explosion-proof device includes a housing sized to enclose a device within the housing and including a body. The housing also includes a protruding rim extending away from the body and defining an opening that provides access to the device. The housing also includes rim threads positioned on the surface of the protruding rim. The explosion-proof device also includes a cover assembly including a joint including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being attached to the body. The cover assembly also includes a cap including a cap top and a cap side extending from the cap top, the cap side also including cap threads complementary to the rim threads. The cover assembly also includes a radial support attached to the second portion and preventing the cap from detaching from the radial support. The cover assembly is rotatably coupled to the housing via the joint.

[0005] On the other hand, a cover assembly for an explosion-proof device for a hazardous environment is provided. The cover assembly includes a joint comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to be attached to the housing of the explosion-proof device. The cover assembly also includes a radial support attached to the second portion. The cover assembly also includes a cap comprising a cap top and a cap side extending from the cap top. The radial support includes a support protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the radial support, the cap side also including a side protrusion positioned adjacent to the end of the cap side opposite to the cap top and protruding from the outer surface of the cap side, the support protrusion being positioned between the cap top and the side protrusion and preventing the cap from detaching from the radial support. The cover assembly is configured to be rotatably coupled to the housing via the joint.

[0006] In another aspect, a method for assembling an explosion-proof device for use in hazardous environments is provided. The method includes forming a cap assembly. The cap assembly includes a joint including a first portion and a second portion. The cap assembly also includes a cap including a cap top and a cap side extending from the cap top, the cap side also including a cap thread. The cap assembly also includes a radial support attached to the second portion of the joint and preventing the cap from detaching from the radial support. The method also includes attaching the cap assembly to a housing of the explosion-proof device, the housing being sized to contain a device therein and including a body. The housing also includes a protruding rim extending away from the body and defining an opening that provides access to the device; and a rim thread positioned on a surface of the protruding rim and complementary to the cap thread. Attaching the cap assembly also includes attaching the first portion of the joint to the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

[0008] Figure 1A is a left perspective view of an example explosion proof device.

[0009] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A right perspective view of the explosion proof device is shown.

[0010] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A perspective view of an explosion proof device is shown with its cover assembly open.

[0011] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A The enlarged view of the explosion-proof device shown in FIG. Figure 1A Indicated by 1D.

[0012] Figure 1E yes Figure 1D Right perspective view of the portion shown.

[0013] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A left perspective view of an example cover assembly of an explosion proof device is shown.

[0014] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A right perspective view of the cover assembly is shown.

[0015] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A perspective view of a latch pin and ring in an example latch of a cover assembly is shown.

[0016] Figure 3A yes Figure 2A A front perspective view of a first connector portion of an example connector of a cap assembly is shown.

[0017] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A rear perspective view of the first connector portion is shown.

[0018] Figure 3C yes Figure 2A A perspective view of a joint pin in a joint of a cover assembly is shown.

[0019] Figure 3D Shown Figure 2A Example radial supports for a cover assembly are shown.

[0020] Figure 3E yes Figure 3D A right perspective view of the radial support is shown.

[0021] Figure 4A yes Figure 2A A rear perspective view of an example cap of the cover assembly is shown.

[0022] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A right perspective view of the cap is shown.

[0023] Figure 5A yes Figure 2A A side perspective view of the cover assembly is shown with a section of the radial support removed.

[0024] Figure 5B yes Figure 1B The explosion proof device shown is along Figure 1B A cross-sectional view taken along section line 5B-5B in FIG.

[0025] Figure 5C yes Figure 5B The enlarged view of the explosion-proof device shown in FIG. Figure 5B It is represented by 5C.

[0026] Figure 6A When the cap is screwed onto the protruding edge in the explosion-proof device housing, a portion of the explosion-proof device is screwed onto the protruding edge. Figure 1A A cross-sectional view taken along section line 6A-6A in FIG.

[0027] Figure 6B The explosion proof device is shown when the cap is twisted off the protruding rim.

[0028] Figure 6C The explosion proof device is shown with the cover assembly open.

[0029] Figure 7 Yes Figures 1A to 6CA flow chart of an example method of assembling an explosion-proof device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present disclosure includes explosion-proof devices and cover assemblies for use in hazardous environments. As used herein, an explosion-proof device is configured for use in environments where explosive materials are or may be present and is configured to comply with standards for such environments. In this disclosure, resistance to explosion and / or flammability risks, including those from electronic instruments, is described as explosion resistance. In the following description, methodological aspects are partially self-explanatory and partially discussed explicitly.

[0031] Electronic instruments (e.g., electronic measuring instruments and displays) can contribute to high-quality, safe, and / or efficient process management. In environments where explosive and / or flammable substances may be present (e.g., hazardous environments), electronic instruments can pose an explosion risk. In particular, when electronic instruments are used for on-site analysis of flammable and / or explosive process substances, they can pose an ignition risk. For example, flammable and / or explosive gases being analyzed by the electronic instrument could ignite if they come into contact with components within the electronic instrument.

[0032] Equipment operating in hazardous environments presents a risk of explosion through ignition of surrounding gases or vapors, dust, fibers, or fly ash. By way of example only, such hazardous environments may occur in refineries, petrochemical plants, grain silos, wastewater and / or treatment facilities, and other industrial facilities where the surrounding environment creates volatile conditions and the risk of fire or explosion is increased. In the presence of occasional or continuous airborne flammable gases, flammable vapors or dust, or other combustible substances, a high level of attention is required to the safe and reliable operation of these facilities as a whole, including, but not limited to, the safe operation of the equipment, such as confining sparks within the equipment to prevent possible fire or explosion. Consequently, numerous standards have been promulgated relating to the use of electrical products in explosive atmospheres to enhance the safety of hazardous locations by taking into account the assessed risk potential of explosion or fire.

[0033] For example, Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) standard UL 1203 sets forth the Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof Electrical Equipment Criteria for hazardous locations. Electrical equipment manufacturers can receive UL certification that meets the applicable rating standards for hazardous locations, and UL certification is an important aspect of a manufacturer's ability to successfully bring products to the North American market or any other market that accepts UL Standard 1203.

[0034] The National Electric Code (NEC) generally classifies hazardous locations by class and category. Class I locations are locations where flammable vapors and gases may be present. Class II locations are locations where combustible dusts may be found. Class III locations are locations where the hazard is due to the presence of fibers or flying dust that may ignite easily. Class I, Division 1 covers locations where flammable gases or vapors may be present under normal operating conditions or under frequent repair or maintenance operations, or where failure or incorrect operation of process equipment may also cause simultaneous failure of electrical equipment. Class 1 represents a higher explosion risk than, for example, Class 2, which refers to locations where flammable gases or vapors are normally handled in closed systems, confined in appropriate enclosures, or where the risk of explosion is normally avoided by forced mechanical ventilation.

[0035] The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) similarly classifies hazardous locations as Class I, Zone 0, 1, or 2, indicating locations where flammable gases or vapors are present in air in quantities sufficient or potentially sufficient to create an explosive or ignitable mixture. According to the IEC definition, a Class I, Zone 0 location is one where flammable gases or vapors are present in ignitable concentrations continuously or for extended periods. A Class I, Zone 1 location is one where flammable gases or vapors may be present in ignitable concentrations due to repair or maintenance operations or due to the leakage or potential release of ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors, or is adjacent to a Class I, Zone 0 location from which ignitable concentrations of vapors may be transferred.

[0036] Electronic instruments may be present in hazardous environments that may contain flammable and / or explosive substances, such as petrochemical production facilities. Therefore, in addition to the risk of internal ignition from electronic instruments, electronic instruments may also pose further risks to the external environment.

[0037] Furthermore, some external environments may pose additional risks to electronic devices. For example, ignition sources external to the electronic device may pose a risk to the electronic device. In such circumstances, it is desirable to prevent ignition of flammable and / or explosive materials in the external environment (and outside the electronic device) from entering the electronic device.

[0038] To comply with hazardous environment standards (such as ICE Standard 600079) and for the safety of field personnel, field devices may be housed in an enclosure. Threads are integral and play a key role in explosion protection or detonation resistance. An opening is required to access the field device. When not in use, the opening must be sealed with a threaded cover, where the threads provide a flame path that allows hot gases generated by an internal explosion to cool before reaching and igniting the surrounding atmosphere in the hazardous environment. Therefore, when the cover is closed over the opening, the threads must be intact and engage with corresponding threads on the opening of the enclosure. Furthermore, the cover must meet the required wall thickness to withstand the pressure from the explosion. For relatively large field devices contained in the enclosure, the opening is relatively large to allow access required for maintenance and / or operation. Therefore, the cover may become relatively heavy and bulky to meet the requirements of explosion handling. For example, the cover may have a diameter of 13.5 inches (34.29 cm) or larger and weigh 20 pounds (9 kg) or more. Manipulating such a large and heavy cover while ensuring thread integrity and engagement can be challenging, or even unwieldy, for field personnel. Furthermore, given the weight and size of the cover, accidentally dropping it could injure field personnel and / or damage the cover. Furthermore, pressure could build up within the housing. When the cover is removed from the housing, the accumulated pressure could launch the cover into the air, potentially injuring field personnel and / or damaging the cover.

[0039] The explosion-proof device, cap assembly, and method described herein address the aforementioned issues with known explosion-proof devices. The cap assembly described herein is rotatably coupled to the housing body. In the cap assembly, the cap is retained by radial supports. Therefore, when the cap assembly is opened from the housing, the cap and the cap assembly remain together with the housing body, reducing or eliminating the possibility of the cap accidentally falling, thereby reducing the possibility of injury or damage to the cap. Furthermore, the cap assembly's latches and / or joints enhance the strength of the cap while retaining it within the cap assembly and housing, ensuring that it remains attached to the cap assembly and housing even under pressurized conditions. Maintaining the cap and cap assembly together with the housing also facilitates installation and removal of the cap, as the weight of the cap is borne by the radial supports, rather than by the operator. The cap assembly facilitates alignment of the cap threads with the housing threads, further enhancing ease of attachment of the cap to the housing and reducing the possibility of cross-threading and thread damage. This reduces or eliminates the burden on the operator of lifting the cap, engaging the cap threads with the rim threads, and aligning the cap with the opening, thereby improving the safety of the device and the operator.

[0040] Figures 1A to 1E An example explosion proof device 100 for use in a hazardous environment is shown. Figure 1AIt is a left perspective view of the explosion-proof device 100 . Figure 1B is a right perspective view of the explosion-proof device 100 . Figure 1C The explosion proof device 100 is shown with its cover assembly 102 open. Figure 1D yes Figure 1A FIG. 1 is a left perspective view of a portion of the explosion-proof device 100 indicated by ID in FIG. Figure 1E This is a right perspective view of the section.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, explosion-proof device 100 includes a housing 104 sized to contain an apparatus 106 therein. The apparatus may be an industrial instrument used in hazardous environments, such as chromatography equipment. Housing 104 includes a body 108. Housing 104 also includes a protruding rim 112 that extends away from body 108 and defines an opening 110 that provides access to apparatus 106. Housing 104 also includes rim threads 114 positioned on a surface of protruding rim 112. In the illustrated embodiment, rim threads 114 are positioned on an outer body surface 113 of housing 104. In some embodiments, rim threads 114 may be positioned on an inner body surface 115 of housing 104.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 104 further includes a cover assembly 102. The cover assembly 102 includes a cap 116 and radial supports 118. The cover assembly 102 further includes a joint 120 configured to rotatably couple the cover assembly 102 to the housing 104.

[0043] In operation, lid assembly 102 is coupled to housing 104 via joint 120. Lid assembly 102 can be opened or closed from housing 104 by swinging lid assembly 102 about joint 120, wherein lid assembly 102 rotates about an axis defined by joint 120.

[0044] Figures 2A to 2C An example cover assembly 102 is shown. Figure 2A is a left perspective view of the cover assembly 102 . Figure 2B is a right perspective view of the cover assembly 102 . Figure 2C is a perspective view of a fastening assembly in an example latch 202 of the cover assembly 102. In the example embodiment, the cover assembly 102 includes a cap 116, a radial support 118, and a joint 120. The cover assembly 102 also includes a latch 202 (see also Figure 1B and Figure 1E ). The latch 202 includes a first latch portion 208-1 and a second latch portion 208-2 (see also Figure 1B). In the illustrated embodiment, the first latch portion 208-1 is positioned on the radial support 118 and the second latch portion 208-2 is positioned on the body 108. In some embodiments, the positioning of the first latch portion 208 and the second latch portion 208 can be reversed, wherein the first latch portion 208 is positioned on the body 108 and the second latch portion 208 is positioned on the radial support 118. The first and second latch portions 208 define the latch aperture 109 ( Figure 2B , see also Figure 1E ), which is sized to receive a latch pin 212 therethrough. The latch 202 also includes a ring 204. The ring 204 can be coupled to the latch pin 212 at the end of the latch pin 212. In some embodiments, the lid assembly 102 does not include the latch 202.

[0045] In operation, to close the cover assembly 102 on the housing 104, the cover assembly 102 is rotated to the closed position. The cap 116 is rotated so that the cap threads 401 (see below) Figure 4A ) engages with the edge threads 114 on the protruding edge 112 of the housing 104. The connection between the cover assembly 102 and the housing 104 is reinforced by the latch 202. After the first latch portion 208 is positioned adjacent to the second latch portion 208. The latch pin 212 is inserted into the latch hole 109 defined in the first and second latch portions 208, thereby holding the first latch portion 208 and the second latch portion 208 together. One end of the ring 204 is attached to the first end of the latch pin 212. The other end of the ring 204 is placed on the second end of the latch pin 212 to keep the latch pin 212 positioned in the latch hole 109 (see Figure 1B and Figure 1E ). When opening the lid assembly 102, the latch 202 can be unlocked by removing the end of the ring 204 from the latch 202 and then removing the latch pin 212 from the latch hole 109. Unlocking the latch 202 can be done after the cap 116 is unscrewed from the protruding rim 112, so that the latch 202 can continue to hold the radial support 118 and the cap 116 together with the body 108 even when the housing 104 is pressurized, thereby improving worker safety and the integrity of the cap 116 by preventing the cap 116 from flying outward due to pressure.

[0046] Figures 3A to 3E An example joint 120 is shown. Figure 3A is a front perspective view of the first connector portion 301 of the connector 120 . Figure 3B is a rear perspective view of the first joint portion 301 . Figure 3C is a perspective view of the connector pin 303 of the connector 120 . Figure 3D is a left perspective view of the radial support 118 and the second joint portion 301 of the joint 120 . Figure 3Eis a right perspective view of the radial support 118 and the second joint portion 301 .

[0047] In the exemplary embodiment, the connector 120 includes a first connector portion 301-1 and a second connector portion 301-2 (see also Figure 1A ). Joint holes 305 are defined in the first joint portion 301 and the second joint portion 301. The first joint portion 301 also defines a fastener hole 311 sized to receive a fastener 218 therethrough (see Figure 2A ). Connector 120 also includes a connector pin 303. Connector pin 303 may include an enlarged end 308-e and a second end 308-s opposite enlarged end 308-e. Second end 308 defines a groove 310. Connector pin 303 also includes a stop 312. In the depicted example, stop 312 forms a loop or arc. When stop 312 is coupled to connector pin 303, the end of stop 312 is received in groove 310.

[0048] In operation, the joint 120 is assembled to the body 108 by coupling the first joint portion 301-1 with the second joint portion 301-2 so that the joint holes 305 are aligned. The joint pin 303 is inserted into the joint hole 305 and the stop 312 is placed into the groove 310. The second joint portion 301 can be connected to the radial support 118 or the support segment 302 (see Figure 3D ) is integrally formed, for example, by casting and machining. Alternatively, the second joint portion 301 may be coupled to the radial support 118 or the support segment 302, for example, by welding. By inserting the fastener 218 into the fastener hole 305 and the corresponding fastener hole 122 defined in the body 108 (see Figure 1D ), and the cover assembly 102 and the body 108 are fastened together via fasteners 218, and the cover assembly 102 assembled with the joint 120 is fastened to the body 108 of the housing 104. Example fasteners 218 may be screws.

[0049] For illustration purposes only, the lid assembly 102 is depicted with the tab 120 positioned on the left side of the housing and the latch 202 positioned on the right side of the housing. The tab 120 can be positioned on the right side so that the lid assembly 102 opens and swings to the right. The lid assembly 102 can include a plurality of latches 202 distributed around the protruding rim 112.

[0050] See also Figure 3D and Figure 3EIn an exemplary embodiment, the cover assembly 102 includes a radial support 118. In the depicted example, the radial support 118 includes two support segments 302. Support fasteners 304 engage the support segments 302. In some embodiments, the radial support 118 can be a single unitary component, or can be three or more segments, wherein the support fasteners 304 engage the support segments 302. When the radial support 118 is formed with multiple support segments 302, the diameter of the radial support 118 can be adjusted. The radial support 118 can be formed as a circular ring. The radial support 118 also includes a support protrusion 306 protruding from an inner surface 316 of the radial support 302. The support protrusion 306 is formed as an annular raised ring. The support protrusion 306 defines a support groove 318 in the radial support 118 adjacent to the support protrusion 306.

[0051] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The cap 116 of the lid assembly 102 is shown. Figure 4A is a rear perspective view of cap 116 . Figure 4B 1 is a right perspective view of the cap 116. In the example embodiment, the cap 116 includes a cap thread 401. The cap 116 includes a cap top 402 and a cap side 404 extending from the cap top 402. The cap side 404 is annular. The cap top 402 may include ridges 406 and define top grooves 407 between adjacent ridges 406. The top grooves 407 are shaped to receive a tool to rotate the cap 116. In the depicted example, the cap thread 401 is located on the inside surface 410 of the cap side 404, and the edge thread 114 is located on the outer body surface 113 of the body 108 (see FIG. Figure 1E ), such that the cap thread 401 is a female thread and the rim thread 114 is a male thread. In some embodiments, the positioning of the cap thread 401 and the rim thread 114 is reversed, wherein the cap thread 401 is positioned on the outer side surface 414 of the cap side 404 and the rim thread 114 is positioned on the inner body surface 115 of the body 108. The cap side 404 also includes a side protrusion 418. The side protrusion 418 can be positioned adjacent to an end 420 of the cap side 404 opposite the cap top 402. The cap side 404 can include a plurality of side protrusions 418. A side groove 408 is defined on the outer side surface 414 of the cap side 404. The side groove 408 can be continuous and form an annular shape. The side groove 408 can be positioned on the cap side 404, wherein two side protrusions 418 are adjacent to the side groove 408.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the cap 116 may be made of a metal, such as aluminum or steel. The cap 116 may be manufactured by methods such as casting, machining, or stamping.

[0053] In operation, to assemble the cap 116 with the radial support 118, the cap 116 and support segment 302 are positioned together such that the side protrusions 418 are received in the support grooves 318 and the support protrusions 306 are received in the side grooves 408. The support segments 302 are coupled together by the support fasteners 304.

[0054] Figures 5A to 5C A radial support 118 is shown coupled to the cap 116 . Figure 5A is a side view of the cover assembly 102 with one support segment 302 removed. Figure 5B It is along Figure 1B A partial cross-sectional view of the explosion-proof device 100 is shown taken along section line 5B-5B. Figure 5C is a partial enlarged view of the explosion-proof device 100, wherein the part is Figure 5B It is represented by 5C.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter 502 of the cap side portion 404 at the side protrusion 418 is greater than the inner diameter 504-p of the radial support 118 at the support protrusion 306, and is smaller than the inner diameter 504-o of the radial support 118 at some other inner locations of the radial support 118. Thus, because the side protrusion 418 is positioned further inward than the support protrusion 306, when a force (such as pressure from within the housing 104) is applied in a direction outward from the body 108, the support protrusion 306 prevents the cap 116 from being disengaged from the radial support 118. The cap side portion 404 may include a second side protrusion 418-2 that abuts the side groove 408 and is located on an opposite side from the first side protrusion 418-1, such that the support protrusion 306 is received in the side groove 408 and is positioned between the first side protrusion 418-1 and the second side protrusion 418-2. When the cap 116 is tightened onto the raised rim 112, the second side protrusion 418 prevents the cap 116 from being rotated too far toward the body 108. In the embodiment shown, the body 108 includes a boss 506 ( Figure 5C , see also Figure 1E ). Boss 506 prevents cap 116 from being rotated too far toward body 108. In some embodiments, body 108 does not include boss 506.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment, the inner diameter 504-p of the radial support 118 at the support protrusion 306 is smaller than the outer diameter 502 of the cap side 404 at the first side protrusion 418 and the second side protrusion 418. Therefore, the radial support 118 prevents the cap 116 from being separated from the radial support 118 at either end of the cap side 404, and vice versa, the cap 116 also prevents the radial support 118 from being separated from the cap 116.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the side groove 408 can be formed as an annular groove. The annular raised ring formed by the support protrusion 306 and the annular groove formed by the side groove 408 can be concentric so that the longitudinal axis 508 of the cap side 404 and the longitudinal axis 510 of the radial support 118 are aligned. The width 520 of the side groove is greater than the width 522 of the support protrusion 306. The translational movement of the cap 116 is limited to moving within the range of the width 520 of the side groove 408.

[0058] Figures 6A to 6C The cover assembly 102 is shown in different positions. Figure 6A The cap 116 is shown in a tightened position screwed onto the protruding rim 112 . Figure 6B The released position in which the cap 116 is twisted off the protruding rim 112 is shown. Figure 6C An open position is shown with the lid assembly 102 open from the body 108 .

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment, when the cap 116 is unscrewed from the protruding rim 112 or the cover assembly 102 is opened, the cap 116 is retained with the radial supports 118, thereby eliminating or reducing the possibility of the cap 116 falling and causing injury to a worker or damage to the cap 116. To screw the cap 116 onto the body 108, the cover assembly 102 is swung back to a position facing the protruding rim 112.

[0060] See again Figure 5B and Figure 5C In an example embodiment, the cover assembly 102 is advantageous in improving the ease of screwing the cap 116 onto the protruding rim 112. When the cover assembly 102 is coupled to the housing 104, the first joint portion 301 of the joint 120 attaches the radial support 118 to the body 108 on one side, and the (one or more) latches 202 can attach the radial support 118 on the other side. The radial support 118 is positioned to surround the protruding rim 112. The position of the joint 120 and the (one or more) latches 202 on the body 108 can be adjusted so that the longitudinal axis 510 of the radial support 118 and the longitudinal axis 508 of the cap side 404 are aligned with the longitudinal axis 512 of the protruding rim 112. When the cap 116 is assembled with the radial support 118, the longitudinal axis 510 of the radial support 118 and the longitudinal axis 508 of the cap side 404 are aligned (see Figure 5B When the radial support is placed on the protruding rim 112, the aligned longitudinal axes 510, 512 are also aligned with the longitudinal axis 512 of the protruding rim 112. With the axes aligned, the cap threads 401 more easily engage with the rim threads 114, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the cap threads 401 and / or the rim threads 114 due to cross-threading.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, a gap 524 is provided between the support protrusion 306 and the cap side 404. The width of the gap 524 is selected to balance the need to provide space for axial movement of the cap 116 and the need to limit radial movement of the cap 116 when aligning and engaging the threads 114, 401. The gap 524 provides space for axial movement of the cap 116 while not causing the cap side 404 to scrape against the radial support 118. At the same time, the gap 524 is selected to provide for self-alignment of the cap threads 401 and the edge threads 114, wherein the gap 524 is relatively small to limit radial movement of the cap 116. In some embodiments, a lubricant (not shown), such as a lubricating material or a lubricating coating, may be applied to the surface of the support protrusion 306 and / or the surface of the cap side 404 to reduce friction between the surfaces.

[0062] Figure 7 7 is a flow chart of an example method 700 for assembling an explosion proof device for use in hazardous environments. In an example embodiment, the method 700 includes forming 702 a lid assembly. The example lid assembly is the lid assembly 102 described herein. The method 700 also includes attaching 704 the lid assembly to a housing of the explosion proof device.

[0063] At least one technical effect of the assemblies, systems, and methods herein includes: (a) a cover assembly having a cap held by radial supports; (b) the cover assembly is rotatably coupled to a housing of an explosion-proof device via a joint; (c) self-alignment of threads is achieved by the cover assembly; and (d) a latch in the cover assembly improves the strength of holding the cover and the housing together.

[0064] Example embodiments of explosion-proof devices, assemblies, and methods are described in detail above. The systems and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein; rather, components of the systems and / or operations of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and / or operations described herein. Furthermore, the components and / or operations described may also be defined within or used in conjunction with other systems, methods, and / or devices, and are not limited to practice with only the systems described herein.

[0065] As used herein, an element or step described in the singular and preceded by the word "one" or "an" should be understood as not excluding multiple elements or steps, unless such exclusion is expressly recorded. In addition, reference to "an example" or "an example" of the present disclosure is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples that also incorporate the described features. In addition, with respect to the terms "comprises," "comprising," "having," "containing," and variations thereof as used herein, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the way the term "comprising" acts as an open transition word, without excluding any additional or other elements.

[0066] Although specific features of various embodiments of the present invention may be shown in some drawings but not in other drawings, this is only for convenience. According to the principles of the present invention, any feature in one drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature in any other drawing.

[0067] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If the structural elements of these other examples do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if these other examples include equivalent structural elements that are insubstantially different from the literal language of the claims, then these other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An explosion-proof device for use in hazardous environments, comprising: a housing sized to enclose a device therein and comprising a body, the housing further comprising: a raised rim extending away from the body and defining an opening providing access to the device; and a rim thread positioned on a surface of the protruding rim; and Cover assembly, comprising: a connector comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being attached to the body; A cap, comprising: the top of the cap; and a cap side portion extending from the cap top, the cap side portion further comprising cap threads complementary to the rim threads; and a radial support attached to the second portion and preventing the cap from detaching from the radial support, The cover assembly is rotatably coupled to the housing via the joint.

2. The explosion-proof device according to claim 1, wherein: The radial support includes a support protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the radial support, and the cap side also includes a side protrusion, which is positioned adjacent to the end of the cap side opposite to the cap top and protrudes from the outer surface of the cap side, the support protrusion is positioned between the cap top and the side protrusion and prevents the cap from detaching from the radial support.

3. The explosion-proof device according to claim 2, wherein: The support protrusion includes an annular raised ring, the cap side defines a side groove, the annular raised ring is concentric with the side groove and is received in the side groove.

4. The explosion-proof device according to claim 1, wherein: The cover assembly also includes a latch configured to removably couple the radial support with the body.

5. The explosion-proof device according to claim 1, wherein: The cap side includes a first side protrusion and a second side protrusion and defines a side groove positioned between the first side protrusion and the second side protrusion.

6. The explosion-proof device according to claim 5, wherein: The radial support member includes an annular raised ring concentric with the side groove, and an outer diameter of the cap side at the side groove is smaller than an inner diameter of the radial support member at the annular raised ring.

7. The explosion-proof device according to claim 1, wherein: The radial support includes a first support segment, a second support segment, and one or more support fasteners coupling the first support segment to the second support segment. 8 . The explosion-proof device according to claim 1 , further comprising a lubricant applied to the radial support and / or the cap side.

9. A cover assembly for an explosion-proof device for use in hazardous environments, comprising: a connector comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to attach to a housing of an explosion-proof device; a radial support attached to the second portion; as well as A cap, comprising: the top of the cap; and a cap side portion extending from the cap top, wherein the radial support comprises a support protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the radial support, the cap side portion further comprises a side protrusion, the side protrusion is positioned adjacent to an end of the cap side portion opposite to the cap top portion and protrudes from an outer surface of the cap side portion, the support protrusion is positioned between the cap top portion and the side protrusion and prevents the cap from detaching from the radial support, and Wherein, the cover assembly is configured to be rotatably coupled to the housing via the joint.

10. The cover assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The support protrusion includes an annular raised ring, the cap side defines a side groove, the annular raised ring is concentric with the side groove and is received in the side groove.

11. The cap assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The cover assembly also includes a latch configured to removably couple the radial support with the housing.

12. The cover assembly according to claim 9, wherein The cap side includes a first side protrusion and a second side protrusion and defines a side groove positioned between the first side protrusion and the second side protrusion.

13. The cover assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The radial support member includes an annular raised ring concentric with the side groove, and an outer diameter of the cap side at the side groove is smaller than an inner diameter of the radial support member at the annular raised ring.

14. The cap assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The radial support includes a first support segment, a second support segment, and one or more fasteners coupling the first support segment to the second support segment.

15. The cap assembly of claim 9, further comprising a lubricant applied to the radial supports and / or the cap sides.

16. A method of assembling an explosion-proof device for use in a hazardous environment, the method comprising: A cover assembly is formed, wherein the cover assembly comprises: a connector comprising a first portion and a second portion; A cap, comprising: the top of the cap; and a cap side portion extending from the cap top, the cap side portion further comprising cap threads; and a radial support attached to the second portion and preventing the cap from being detached from the radial support; Attaching the cover assembly to an explosion proof housing, the housing being sized to contain the device therein and including a body, the housing further comprising: a raised rim extending away from the body and defining an opening providing access to the device; and a rim thread positioned on the surface of the protruding rim and complementary to the cap thread, Wherein, attaching the cover assembly further comprises attaching the first portion of the connector to the body.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein Forming the cover assembly further includes: The gap between the cap side and the radial support is selected to facilitate self-alignment of the cap side with the protruding rim.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein Forming the cover assembly further includes: positioning the side protrusions of the cap side adjacent to the support protrusions of the radial support such that the support protrusions prevent the cap from disengaging from the radial support; and The radial support is assembled by joining a first support segment and a second support segment via one or more fasteners.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein The radial support comprises an annular raised ring, the cap side defines a side groove, and forming the cap assembly further comprises: Position the annular raised ring in the side groove.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein The cover assembly also includes a latch configured to removably couple the radial support with the body.

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