Industrial transmitter housing and mount

Abstract

An industrial transmitter includes a lower housing having a recess configured to receive an electronic module, the lower housing further having at least one mounting feature integrally formed in the lower housing. The electronic module is disposed within the recess. A cover is coupled to the lower housing to hermetically seal the electronic module within the lower housing and the cover. A transmitter includes an in-line housing having a first end and a second end, the in-line housing having an integrated mounting feature configured to receive a captured nut and position the captured nut in alignment with a mounting hole of the mounting feature. The electronic module is disposed within the in-line housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an industrial transmitter system, and more particularly, to an industrial transmitter housing and mounting member. Background Art

[0002] The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is rapidly evolving to provide easily connected instruments for monitoring and controlling obsolete and historically inaccessible applications. Instrument density and mobility, application types, regulatory differences, data security, sensitivity and sovereignty, and cost-value trade-offs are among the factors driving the need for a variety of sensing, actuation, and connectivity protocols.

[0003] Installing industrial measurement or networking equipment can be complex and inefficient due to the complexity of the required mounting hardware. The hardware can include several bolts and / or brackets that need to be assembled, and installing each unit can take several extra minutes and may require several different tools. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An industrial transmitter includes a lower housing having a recess configured to receive an electronics module and at least one mounting feature integrally formed therein. The electronics module is disposed within the recess. A cover is coupled to the lower housing to hermetically seal the electronics module within the lower housing and the cover.

[0005] An industrial transmitter includes an inline housing having a first end and a second end, the inline housing having an integral mounting feature configured to receive a captured nut and position the captured nut in alignment with a mounting hole of the mounting feature. An electronics module is disposed within the inline housing.

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages identified in the Background. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic module and a mountable housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3is a side view of a housing portion having improved mounting features according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the installation process of the housing parts is shown in FIG.

[0011] Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another installation process of the housing part.

[0012] Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another installation process of the housing part.

[0013] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of another housing (in-line type) having mounting features according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 8 is a schematic rear view of a housing (in-line) with mounting features according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a housing (in-line) with mounting features according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 10 is a side view of a housing (in-line) with mounting features according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 11 is a rear cross-sectional view of a housing (in-line) with mounting features according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 12 and Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an installation process regarding a housing (inline type) according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The adoption rate of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is increasing rapidly, creating opportunities for a new type of easily connected measurement and control instruments. These opportunities apply to both traditional measurement applications and new value optimization and health monitoring, which will help end users run their operations in a more efficient, reliable, sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

[0020] The embodiments described herein generally provide a device housing with an integrated mounting feature that simplifies the installation process by adapting to a variety of mounting mechanisms or styles. A single mounting bolt or hose clamp / mounting strap attaches the device to nearly any existing hardware, which reduces the complexity of the installation process while saving significant time.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic module and a mountable housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 100 includes a cover 102, an electronic module 104, and a lower housing 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 102 is configured to engage external threads 108 on the lower housing 106 to form an airtight seal for the electronic module 104. The electronic module 104 can take any suitable shape and size, but is typically configured to fit within a chamber formed by the cover 102 and the lower housing 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic module 104 is cylindrical and can include one or more printed circuit boards having suitable electronic components mounted thereon. System 100 can be considered an industrial transmitter. As used herein, industrial transmitters include measurement, control (actuator), or monitoring devices and IIoT devices, including gateways and repeaters.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the lower housing 106 includes at least one mounting feature 110. Preferably, for the sake of cost and simplicity, the mounting feature 110 is formed integrally with the lower housing 106. The mounting feature 110 includes a pair of arcuate surfaces 112, 114 that are configured to engage a curved surface, such as a pipe or conduit (not shown). The mounting feature 110 also includes a pair of slots 116, 118 that are configured to engage a belt, strap, or strip that can be wrapped around a physical structure (such as a tank) to mount the system 100 to the physical structure. In addition, the mounting feature 110 also includes an internally threaded hole 120 that is configured to threadably receive a fastener (such as a bolt) to attach the magnetic coupler (such as Figure 4 ) is mounted to the assembly, allowing the magnetic coupler to attach the system 100 to any suitable ferromagnetic surface.

[0023] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram of an electronic module with which embodiments of the present invention may be practiced. Electronic module 104 includes a controller 200 , a wireless communication module 202 , optional measurement circuitry 204 (shown in dashed lines), and a power supply module 206 .

[0024] Controller 200 may be any suitable circuit capable of performing programmed steps or functions to communicate with external device wireless communication module 202. Controller 200 may be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller, or a microprocessor.

[0025] The wireless communication module 202 is configured to interact with the controller 200 and communicate according to one or more standard protocols. Examples of wireless communication protocols include, but are not limited to, WirelessHART, Cellular (NB-IoT, LTE-M), Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, and Bluetooth Low Energy. In addition, the wireless communication module 202 can be connected to a wired connection and configured to communicate according to a wired process communication protocol. Examples of such wired communications include, but are not limited to, HART, 4-20mA, FOUNDATION TM Fieldbus, Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet, and Ethernet-APL. In examples where the electronic module 104 is not used in conjunction with a sensor, the measurement circuit 204 can be omitted. In such examples, the electronic module 104 can still be used as a communication repeater, such as a stand-alone wireless repeater. In addition, in embodiments where the communication module includes multiple protocol circuits, the electronic module can be used as a wireless gateway. For example, the wireless communication module 202 can receive HART signals via a wired connection and transmit the HART signals wirelessly using a suitable wireless communication protocol (such as WirelessHART).

[0026] The electronics module 104 includes a power management circuit 206 and provides regulated power to the components of the electronics module 104. In addition, the power management circuit 206 may also provide voltage monitoring for battery-operated components.

[0027] The electronic module 104 may also include a measurement circuit 204 coupled to the controller 200. The measurement circuit 204 includes suitable circuitry for measuring analog electrical characteristics (e.g., resistance, voltage, current, etc.) and providing a digital indication of the measured analog electrical characteristics to the controller 200. Suitable examples of circuitry for the measurement processing circuit include one or more analog-to-digital converters, one or more amplifiers, and / or one or more multiplexers or switches. In addition, the measurement circuit 204 provides general-purpose sensing of current and / or voltage for any number of applications, such as battery monitoring of an external power pack and diagnostic calculations. Any suitable type of sensor may be coupled to the measurement circuit 204, including but not limited to a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a liquid level sensor, a corrosion sensor, a gas detection sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0028] Figure 3 is a side view of a housing portion having improved mounting features according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3An enlarged view of the lower housing portion 106 and the mounting feature 110 within area 302 is shown. As shown, the arcuate surface 114 is configured to engage a pipe or conduit 300 (shown in phantom). In the example shown, the mounting feature 110 also includes a pair of internal corners 304, 306 that are configured to receive a rectangular bracket (not shown). Figure 3 Also shown is a knurled surface 308 that aids the user in engaging or disengaging the cap 102 (e.g., Figure 1 ) while retaining the lower housing portion 106.

[0029] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the installation process of the housing parts is shown. Figure 4 Magnetic coupler 400 is shown coupled to mounting feature 110 of lower housing 106. Magnetic coupler 400 includes a rectangular block portion 402 that is sized and shaped to be inserted into mounting feature 110. Thus, rectangular block portion 402 fits within tabs 404, 406. Magnetic coupler 400 includes an aperture 408 that allows a fastener, such as fastener 410, to pass through magnetic coupler 400 and engage internally threaded hole 120 of lower housing 106. Furthermore, aperture 408 is also counterbored so that head 412 of fastener 410 is completely disposed within hole 120 and does not protrude beyond surface 414. Surface 414 contains or is formed of a permanent magnet that enables the magnetic coupler, when attached to lower housing 106, to mount system 100 to any suitable ferromagnetic surface.

[0030] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another installation process of an IIoT housing part is shown. Figure 5 The lower housing 106 is shown coupled to the mounting bracket 500 using fasteners 412. As shown, the fasteners 412 pass through holes 502 in the bracket 500 and are received by internally threaded holes 120 in the lower housing 106. When the system 100 is mounted to a bracket such as the bracket 500, the corners 504, 506 of the bracket 500 preferably abut the interior corners 304, 306, respectively. Figure 3 This engagement of the corners of the bracket 500 with the interior corners 304, 306 allows for a simple, single bolt installation method, simplifying field installation.

[0031] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another installation process of the housing parts is shown. Figure 6The system 100 is shown mounted to a large diameter surface, such as a relatively large pipe or tank 600. In such an application, the lower housing 106 is supported directly on the pipe / tank 600, with the ends 602, 604 of the mounting feature 110 in direct contact with the pipe / tank 600. A band 606 is then inserted through slots 116 and 118, then wrapped around the structure and returned through the band clamping mechanism. When the band is tensioned (using any suitable means), the ends 602, 604 are securely pressed against the pipe / tank 600.

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of another housing (in-line type) having mounting features according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 An in-line housing 700 is shown having two threaded areas 702, 704. Housing 700 is considered an in-line housing because it is designed to be directly coupled to a process or process sensor using a direct threaded connection, manifold, or sealing system. These threaded areas facilitate coupling a cap (such as cap 102) to in-line housing 700. Additionally, a sensor module or plug can be threadedly connected to one of threaded areas 702, 704. Preferably, the chamber within housing 700 is sized and shaped to accommodate an electronics module (e.g., module 104). Figure 7 Also shown is an inline housing 700 having an integrally formed mounting feature 710. In the example shown, the mounting feature 710 includes four posts 712 that form a support structure for the mounting feature 710. Furthermore, the mounting feature 710 includes three walls 714, 716, and 718 extending between the posts 712. On a fourth side, a wall 720 extends between a pair of posts 712 and includes a slot 722. The slot 722 is sized to receive a nut 724 and has a width that captures the nut 724 so that it cannot rotate once inserted into the slot 722. The nut 724 is inserted into the slot 722 until the nut hole 726 aligns with the mounting hole 728, at which point a fastener can be extended through the mounting hole 728 and engage the nut hole 726. Figure 7 Also shown are a plurality of ribs 730 extending from a central mounting area 731 to the walls 714 or posts 712. These ribs add significant strength to the inline housing 700 and are preferably integrally formed therewith.

[0033] Figure 8 is a schematic rear view of a housing (in-line) with mounting features according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 The nut hole 726 (eg Figure 7 An in-line assembly of nuts 724 aligned with mounting holes 728 (as shown).

[0034] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 7. A cross-sectional view of the housing (inline) 700 is taken along section line AA in FIG. As can be seen, the nut 724 is positioned so that the nut hole 726 is aligned with the mounting hole 728. In addition, the wall 732 forms a stop and a blind hole for a fastener engaged within the nut 724. Figure 9 Also shown is a portion of a sensing module threaded into the IIoT in-line housing 700. The sensing module may be any suitable sensing module providing any suitable process variable sensor.

[0035] Figure 10 is a side view of a housing (in-line) with mounting features according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 Rear cross-sectional view of the housing (inline type) taken along section line BB in FIG. Figure 11 The nut 724 is shown captured on four sides 750, 752, 754, and 756. This helps ensure that the nut 724 will not rotate when the fastener is tightened. This is especially important in embodiments where the inline housing 700 is formed from a polymer or non-metallic material.

[0036] Figure 12 and Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the installation process of a housing (inline type) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is shown coupled to the horizontal support 750 and is Figure 13 752. In each case, the bracket is placed against the mounting feature 710 so that the wall of the bracket abuts the surface 754 of the inline housing 700. As can be seen, the support 712 extends partially around the bracket and provides additional support so that the inline housing can be mounted to the bracket using a single fastener, such as fastener 410. Preferably, a flat washer 756 and a lock washer 758 are used with the fastener 410.

[0037] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An industrial transmitter system comprising: a lower housing having a recess configured to receive an electronic module, the lower housing further having at least one mounting feature integrally formed therein; an electronic module disposed in the recess; and A cover is coupled to the lower housing to hermetically seal the electronic module within the lower housing and the cover.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one mounting feature includes a pair of arcuate surfaces configured to engage a pipe.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one mounting feature includes a pair of interior corners configured to receive a rectangular bracket.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one mounting feature includes a pair of slots configured to receive a mounting strap.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein The at least one mounting feature includes an internally threaded mounting hole.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a magnetic coupler attached to the at least one mounting feature.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The magnetic coupler includes a rectangular block portion sized and shaped to be inserted into the at least one mounting feature.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The magnetic coupler includes a hole sized to pass a fastener.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The hole includes a counterbore configured to allow a head of the fastener to be positioned below a surface of the magnetic coupler.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting features are configured to mount the system according to a variety of different mounting techniques.

11. An industrial transmitter system comprising: an inline housing having a first end and a second end, the inline housing having an integral mounting feature configured to receive a captured nut and position the captured nut in alignment with a mounting hole of the mounting feature; and An electronic module is disposed in the in-line housing.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein The electronic module includes a measurement circuit.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a sensor module threadedly engaged with one of the first end and the second end of the in-line housing, the sensor module operably coupled to the measurement circuit.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The mounting feature includes a slot configured to receive the captured nut.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein: The mounting features engage sides of the captured nut to prevent rotation of the captured nut.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein: The mounting feature includes a wall configured to form a blind hole with the mounting aperture.

17. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The mounting feature includes a plurality of support posts surrounding the mounting hole.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a wall extending between each pair of adjacent support struts.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of first ribs extending from a central mounting area of ​​the mounting feature to a given wall.

20. The system of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of second ribs extending from the central mounting area to a given support strut.

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