Protection devices and measuring devices

Abstract

This invention relates to a protective device (8) for protecting the sensor (4) of a measuring device (1) from contact, the measuring device being used to measure the state of a test object (9), particularly oil or fat, the measuring device (1) having a housing (2) and a measuring rod (3) disposed on the housing (2), the sensor (4) being disposed on the free end of the measuring rod, characterized in that the protective device (8) is detachably connected to the measuring rod (3) via a plug-in connection. An advantage here is that no additional threads are required on the measuring rod. This invention also relates to a measuring device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a protective device for protecting the sensor of a measuring device from contact, the measuring device being used to measure the state of a analyte, particularly oil or fat.

[0002] This utility model also relates to a measuring device with such sensor protection. Background Technology

[0003] Such measuring devices are known and are also used, for example, in quality control in the food and catering industries. The measuring device typically has a housing and a measuring rod mounted on the housing, with a sensor positioned at the free end of the measuring rod. To measure, for example, frying oil in a deep fryer, the measuring rod and sensor are immersed in the oil to be measured under operating conditions. The sensor must have as unobstructed contact with the oil as possible, therefore the sensor is positioned as exposed as possible on the measuring rod. However, the sensor is not protected from mechanical damage, such as impacts or contact with foreign objects.

[0004] It is known to embed the sensor, for example, recessed into the measuring rod, thus providing some edge and contact protection. A protective cage that can be screwed onto the measuring rod is also known. Neither of these solutions has proven optimal in practice.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for more easily operated and hygienic mechanical protection for sensors. Utility Model Content

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved by a protective device for protecting the sensor of a measuring device from contact. The measuring device is used to measure the state of the object being measured. The measuring device has a housing and a measuring rod disposed on the housing. The sensor is disposed on the free end of the measuring rod. The protective device is characterized in that it can be detachably connected to the measuring rod via a plug-in connection.

[0007] The objective of this invention is achieved by a measuring device for measuring the characteristics of an object. The measuring device has a housing and a measuring rod disposed on the housing. A sensor for measuring the characteristics of the object is disposed on the free end of the measuring rod. The invention is characterized in that a protective device is detachably connected to the measuring rod.

[0008] According to this invention, the protective device can be detachably connected to the measuring rod via a plug-in connection. The advantage lies in the elimination of the need for additional threads on the measuring rod. Such threads are complex to manufacture and require specific material properties and dimensions. Furthermore, threads are susceptible to contamination, which can accumulate and deposit in the individual thread lines. The plug-in connection eliminates contamination points, resulting in less contamination and making the measuring rod easier to clean. Therefore, a secure and hygienic connection of the protective device to the measuring rod can be achieved via the plug-in connection.

[0009] In one embodiment, the protective device has at least one stop that engages with a mating stop on the measuring rod in the use position and prevents the protective device from moving in at least one axial direction in the use position. This reliably prevents movement of the protective device during use and may at least partially expose the sensor to be protected.

[0010] This type of stop can be constructed in various ways and applied to different parts of the measuring rod.

[0011] In one embodiment, the stop at the distal end of the protective device is formed by at least one radially inwardly projecting surface that rests against the distal end of the measuring rod in the use position.

[0012] In one embodiment, the protective device has at least one locking element that engages with a locking device on the measuring device in the use position. The locking element cooperates with the locking device to jointly ensure that the protective device is securely fixed to the measuring rod or measuring device.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one stop is formed by a locking element and / or locking device. This not only retains the protective device but also prevents axial movement of the measuring rod.

[0014] In one embodiment, the locking device is configured as a recess or a protrusion. Preferably, the locking device can be configured as a groove or a locking edge.

[0015] In one embodiment, the locking element is configured to be elastically deformable. In this way, the locking element can be easily manufactured, and the locking device can be easily implemented without moving parts. This makes manufacturing advantageous and improves hygiene.

[0016] The protective device can preferably be inserted into or clamped onto the measuring rod using a flexible locking element, without the need for tools or other auxiliary devices. In particular, the protective device can also be removed in this manner, allowing for simple and quick cleaning of the measuring device or the protective device. This method also facilitates the easy replacement of any damaged protective device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the locking element is configured as a spring tongue oriented circumferentially and insertable radially onto the measuring rod. This means that the spring tongue at least partially surrounds the circumference of the measuring rod. In this embodiment, the stop may be an edge against which the spring tongue axially rests.

[0018] Alternatively, the at least one spring tongue can be oriented in the axial direction and can be inserted into the measuring rod in the axial direction.

[0019] Suitably, in this embodiment, the protective device has at least two, preferably three or four spring tongues, which are arranged circumferentially.

[0020] Here, the stop can also be formed by an edge, a surrounding groove, or by multiple axially oriented grooves, into which the spring tongue is embedded.

[0021] In one embodiment, the protective device has at least one radial and / or axial opening through which the object being measured can reach the sensor in the use position. These openings are preferably chosen to be as large as possible to allow the object being measured to reach the sensor as unobstructedly as possible. Here, the size of the openings can depend on the material to ensure sufficient stability of the protective device.

[0022] The protective device may be constructed, for example, as a grid or having, for example, multiple axially oriented slits or elongated holes distributed on the circumference.

[0023] Suitablely, the protective device can be constructed as a cage-like structure that surrounds the sensor in the usage position. This ensures good mechanical protection.

[0024] In one embodiment, the protective device surrounds at least one effective surface of the sensor. This means that the protective device does not necessarily completely surround the measuring rod, but only surrounds the sensor on its effective surface. For example, mechanical protection is not necessarily required on the back of the measuring rod (on which the sensor is not exposed). In this case, the protective device may be constructed, for example, as a semi-cylinder or partially cylindrical shape, which may be pushed onto the measuring rod in the axial direction.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the protective device may at least radially surround the effective surface of the sensor, and the protective device is at least radially spaced from the effective surface of the sensor.

[0026] In one embodiment, the protective device is constructed integrally. This allows for particularly simple and low-cost manufacturing.

[0027] The protective device can preferably be constructed as a stamped and bent part. This protective device can be manufactured essentially through two manufacturing steps: stamping and subsequent bending.

[0028] Metal plates are suitable as materials for protective devices; these plates can be stamped and bent, are elastic, and have good mechanical stability. Steel plates, such as spring steel or stainless steel, are particularly considered here.

[0029] Alternatively, the protective device can also be made of plastic, for example, constructed as an injection-molded part.

[0030] This invention also includes a measuring device for measuring the state of a analyte, particularly oil or fat. The measuring device has a housing and a measuring rod disposed on the housing, wherein a sensor for measuring the properties of the analyte is disposed at the free end of the measuring rod. According to this invention, the measuring device has a protective device that can be detachably fixed or fixed to the measuring rod. This protects the sensor of the measuring device from contact.

[0031] In one embodiment, the measuring rod has a locking device that engages with the locking element of the protective device in the use position, particularly the locking device being constructed as a recess or protrusion, especially as a groove or locking edge. This allows for simple and quick attachment of the protective device to the measuring rod and easy cleaning of the measuring rod. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The drawings are as follows:

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic plan view of the measuring device is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Detailed diagram of the sensor of the measuring device;

[0035] Figure 3 A perspective view of the protective device according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0036] Figure 4 An oblique view showing one embodiment of the measuring rod of the measuring device, on which a protective device is inserted;

[0037] Figure 5 A perspective view of the protective device according to the second embodiment is shown;

[0038] Figure 6 An oblique view showing another embodiment of the measuring rod of the measuring device, on which a protective device is inserted;

[0039] Figure 7 The cross-section of the measuring rod with the first protective device is shown; and

[0040] Figure 8 The cross-section of the measuring rod with a second protective device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1 An exemplary measuring device 1 is shown for measuring the state of a test object, particularly oil or fat. The measuring device 1 has a housing 2 and a measuring rod 3 disposed on the housing 2. A sensor 4 is disposed at the free end of the measuring rod 3.

[0042] The measuring device 1 in the example is constructed as a movable, operable measuring instrument, wherein the housing 2 has a handle 5, which the user can hold with one hand. The measuring rod 3 extends approximately at a right angle to the handle 5.

[0043] Sensor 4 is placed on sensor housing 6 in a planar manner, thereby exposing the effective surface 7 of the sensor.

[0044] To measure the object 9, the sensor 4 is immersed in the object 9, for example, in frying oil. To do this, the handle 5 on the housing 2 is held and the measuring rod 3 is immersed in the object 9 with the sensor 4. The measuring rod 3 ensures a safe distance between the object 9 and the handle 5, thereby preventing burns or scalds, for example, due to the heat of the object 9.

[0045] Figure 2 The free end of the measuring rod 3 of the measuring device 1 is schematically shown. In this embodiment, the measuring rod 3 has an annular groove 10, which constitutes a locking device 11. Furthermore, the two edges 12 of the groove form stops 13.

[0046] Figure 3 The first embodiment of the protection device 8 is shown. Figure 4 A partial view of measuring rod 3 is shown, which has according to Figure 3 8. Protective device in use.

[0047] The protective device 8 is constructed as a cage-like structure that surrounds the free end of the measuring rod 3 in the use position and, in particular, the sensor 4. The protective device 8 has multiple circumferentially distributed, axially oriented slits 14 or elongated holes through which the object 9 being measured can reach the sensor 4.

[0048] In this example, the protective device 8 is stamped from a sheet of metal and bent into a shape. The sheet of metal is preferably made of elastically deformable steel, such as spring steel.

[0049] The protective device 8 has a spring tongue 15 as a locking element 16. The spring tongue 15 is oriented circumferentially and is configured to be open on one side. The spring tongue 15 forms an insertion port 18 through which the protective device can be inserted into the measuring rod 3 in a generally radial direction. During insertion, the spring tongue 15 elastically deforms and essentially returns to its initial position in the use position, wherein the remaining tension promotes reliable retention. For this purpose, the inner diameter of the spring tongue 15 can be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the measuring rod 3 or the groove 10.

[0050] In this example, the spring tongue 15 is sized axially such that it fits into the groove 10 on the measuring rod 3. The spring tongue 15 has two axial edges 17 serving as stops 13, which engage with the edges 12 serving as stops in the groove 10 during use. Thus, the protective device 8 is secured in both axial directions.

[0051] The spring tongue 15 thus at least partially surrounds the circumference of the measuring rod 3, thereby reliably holding the protective device 8 on the measuring rod 3. Advantageously, the spring tongue 15 surrounds at least half of the circumference of the measuring rod 3. In particular, the width of the insertion port 18 of the spring tongue 15 is smaller than the diameter of the measuring rod 3.

[0052] Figure 5 An alternative embodiment of the protection device 8 is shown. This protection device 8 is essentially the same as... Figure 3 The protective device 8 is the same. Features with the same function are therefore given the same reference numerals.

[0053] In this embodiment, the protective device 8 has four spring tongues 15, which are oriented axially and arranged circumferentially. The axial edges 17 of the spring tongues 15 also form stops 13. The protective device 8 is pushed onto the measuring rod 3 axially from its free end until the spring tongues 15 are embedded in the grooves 10 of the measuring rod 3. Here, the edges 17 and 12 of the grooves 10 form stops in both axial directions, thereby reliably securing the protective device 8.

[0054] Figure 6 An alternative embodiment is shown in which the measuring rod 3 does not have a groove. In this example, the protective device 8 has, for example... Figure 3 The spring tongue 15 shown is circumferential. Alternatively, it may exist according to... Figure 5 Multiple axial spring tongues 15.

[0055] The protective device 8, acting as an axial stop 13, has a plurality of radially inwardly projecting tabs 20 or surfaces on its open end 19. The end 21 of the measuring rod 3 forms a stop 13 therein, which cooperates with these tabs 20 and at least prevents the protective device 8 from moving along the measuring rod 3 to such an extent that the sensor 4 is at least partially exposed.

[0056] Figure 7 The cross-section of measuring rod 3 is shown, which has, for example, according to Figure 3 Or the protective device 8 of 5. This protective device 8 is basically constructed as a cylindrical cage that completely surrounds the measuring rod 3.

[0057] Sensor 4 can be partially embedded in sensor housing 6, so that only the effective surface 7 of sensor 4 is exposed. The protective device 8 can therefore only enclose the exposed effective surface 7. This implementation... Figure 8 The image is shown in cross-section. The protective device 8 is essentially only a semi-cylinder. To secure the protective device 8, in this example, the measuring rod 3 has two opposing grooves 21 or notches, into which the edge 22 or track of the protective device 8 is respectively inserted, such that the protective device 8 can be pushed into the groove 21 in the axial direction. As a locking device, for example, a spring tongue of the protective device 8 can be inserted into the notch or opening of the measuring rod. The spring tongue can, for example, be part of the edge 22.

[0058] Besides the embodiments shown herein, many other variations are conceivable, particularly in the shape and design of the stop, locking device, and locking element, which can be varied, but the shape of the protective device itself can also be changed. The protective device can also be square or have a pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section. Therefore, this invention should not be limited in any way to the embodiments shown herein.

[0059] List of reference numerals

[0060] 1. Measuring device

[0061] 2. Shell

[0062] 3 Measuring rods

[0063] 4 sensors

[0064] 5 handles,

[0065] 6. Sensor housing

[0066] 7. Effective surface area of ​​the sensor

[0067] 8 protection devices,

[0068] 9. Items to be tested

[0069] 10 surrounding grooves,

[0070] 11. Card locking devices,

[0071] 12. The edge of the groove,

[0072] 13. Stop section,

[0073] 14 axially oriented slits

[0074] 15 spring tongues,

[0075] 16-card locking components,

[0076] 17. The edge of the spring tongue,

[0077] 18 insertion slots

[0078] 19 Open end,

[0079] 20 splices,

[0080] 21 grooves,

[0081] 22 edges,

[0082] 23. Matching stop section.

Claims

1. Guard device for protecting a sensor (4) of a measuring device (1) from contact, the measuring device being used for measuring a state of an object (9), wherein The measuring device (1) has a housing (2) and a measuring rod (3) disposed on the housing (2), and the sensor (4) is disposed on the free end of the measuring rod. The protective device (8) is characterized in that it can be detachably connected to the measuring rod (3) by a plug-in connection.

2. The protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that The test substance (9) is oil or fat.

3. Protection according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The protective device (8) has at least one stop (13) which cooperates with a matching stop (23) on the measuring rod (3) in the use position and prevents the protective device (8) from moving in at least one axial direction in the use position.

4. The protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that The stop (13) on the far end (19) of the protective device (8) is formed by at least one radially inwardly protruding surface (20) that rests against the far end of the measuring rod (3) in the use position.

5. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The protective device (8) has at least one locking element (16) which is engaged with the locking device (11) on the measuring device (1) in the use position.

6. The protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that At least one stop (13) is formed by the locking element (16) and a mating stop (23) is formed by the locking device (11).

7. The protection device of claim 5, wherein The locking device (11) is constructed as a recess or a protrusion, and / or the locking element (16) is elastically deformable.

8. The protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that The locking device (11) is constructed as a groove (10) or a locking edge.

9. The protection device of claim 5, wherein, The locking element (16) is constructed as a spring tongue (15), which is oriented in the circumferential direction and can be inserted into the measuring rod (3) in the radial direction, or the spring tongue (15) is oriented in the axial direction and can be inserted into the measuring rod (3) in the axial direction.

10. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The protective device (8) has at least one radial and / or axial opening (14) through which the object to be measured (9) can reach the sensor (4) in the use position, and / or the protective device (8) is constructed as a cage-like structure that surrounds the sensor (4) in the use position.

11. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The protective device (8) encloses and / or radially surrounds at least one effective surface (7) of the sensor (4), and the protective device (8) is at least radially spaced from the effective surface (7) of the sensor (4).

12. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The protective device (8) is constructed as a single unit.

13. The protection device of claim 12, wherein, The protective device (8) is constructed as a stamped and bent part.

14. The protection device of claim 13, wherein, The protective device (8) is made of a metal plate.

15. The protection device of claim 14, wherein, The protective device (8) is made of steel.

16. The protection device of claim 15, wherein, The protective device (8) is made of spring steel or stainless steel.

17. The protection device of claim 12, wherein, The protective device (8) is constructed as an injection molded part.

18. The protection device of claim 17, wherein, The protective device (8) is made of plastic.

19. Measuring device for measuring a property of an object (9), having a housing (2) and a measuring rod (3) arranged on the housing (2), wherein The sensor (4) for measuring the characteristics of the object (9) is disposed on the free end of the measuring rod (3), characterized in that the protective device (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is detachably connected to the measuring rod (3).

20. The measuring device of claim 19, wherein, The measuring rod (3) has a locking device (11) which is engaged with the locking element (16) of the protection device in the use position.

21. The measuring device of claim 20, wherein, The locking device (11) is constructed as a recess or a protrusion.

22. The measuring device of claim 21, wherein, The locking device (11) is constructed as a groove (10) or a locking edge.

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