Measuring system with two mechanically connectable or linked components

Abstract

A measuring system (100, 200, 300) is described, comprising a first component (1, 1'), a second component (3, 3') connectable to the first component (3, 3'), and at least one guide channel (9) provided in an end region (7, 7') of the first component (1, 1'). Each guide channel (9) extends from an end face of the end region (7, 7') to a recess (11, 11') spaced apart from the end face.The measuring system (100, 200, 300) comprises a hollow cylindrical component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31) that can be fixed in or on an end region (13, 13') of the second component (3), which for each recess (11, 11') comprises a spring-elastic, web-shaped region (17, 17', 29) with a radially projecting projection (19, 19'), and is designed such that each projection (19) of the fixed component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31) is guided through the associated guide channel (9) to the recess (11, 11') adjacent to the respective guide channel (9) when the first component (1, 1') is connected to the second component (3, 3') and snaps into place there.

Description

The invention relates to a measuring system having two components which can be connected or are mechanically connected to one another.Measurement systems are used in a large number of different applications, such as, for example, in chemistry, in the food industry, and also in water treatment plants, for example in sewage treatment plants, for measuring measurement variables of the most varied types.Corresponding measurement systems often have two or more components to be mechanically connected to one another. An example of this are measurement systems which comprise a component equipped with a measurement device for the measurement of at least one measurement variable, such as a sensor, a measurement probe or a immersion probe, which component is connectable or connected to a further component. In this case, the further component comprises, for example, electronics which can be connected or are connected to the measuring device. This electronics is designed, for example, to transmit, process and / or evaluate signals, such as measurement signals, and / or to supply the measuring device with energy.A further example is measurement systems in which a component comprises a housing, such as a sensor housing or an electronics housing, which can be closed by a further component designed as a housing cover or can be connected or is connected to a further component comprising a connection housing.Depending on the configuration and / or the location of use, measurement systems may be exposed to adverse environmental influences at least in sections. An example of this are components comprising measuring devices, which have sensor elements in contact with a medium during measuring operation for the measurement of the measurement variable(s) of the medium. Accordingly, not only the components but also the mechanical connections between the components must be designed in such a way that they can withstand these environmental influences.At the same time, it is desirable to be able to inspect, clean, maintain, repair and / or replace individual components and / or components arranged in the components as required in a manner which is as simple to handle as possible.This can be achieved, for example, by mechanically detachable connections between the components. In this case, however, it must be ensured that these connections cannot be released unintentionally, accidentally and / or by environmental influences, such as vibrations and / or vibrations.DE 10 2021 106 867 A1 describes a mechanical connection between a sensor body and a sensor cover, which is secured by means of a locking unit. For this purpose, the sensor body and the sensor cover each have a holder and the locking unit comprises a movably mounted magnetic locking element which can be displaced by a magnetic field acting thereon from a locking position securing the connection into a release position enabling the disconnection. An exemplary embodiment provides that the sensor cover comprises a cylindrical region which can be inserted into the sensor body and which can be connected to a hollow cylindrical end region of the sensor body by a bayonet connection. For this purpose, the sensor cover has guide channels introduced in an outer edge region of the cylindrical region, which each run from an end face of the cylindrical region to a transverse channel spaced from the end face and running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical region. As counterparts for this, the sensor body has for each guide channel of the sensor cover in each case a projection which projects inwardly on the inner side of the hollow cylindrical end region and is guided through the associated guide channel into the transverse channel adjoining the respective guide channel when the sensor cover is inserted into the housing body. In this exemplary embodiment, the locking device comprises, for each projection of the sensor body, a magnetic locking element in each case, which is held in a locking position by means of a spring element arranged in the sensor housing and connected to the respective locking element, in which locking position the locking element projects through a bore in the housing cover into one of the transverse channels in such a way that it locks the projection projecting into the respective transverse channel in its position.The locking elements which are provided in addition to the mutually complementary bayonet closure devices of the sensor housing and of the sensor cover and are connected to the spring elements have the advantage that they can effect a securing of the bayonet closure connection between the sensor housing and the sensor cover. However, it is disadvantageous that the number of components to be mounted increases due to the locking elements connected to the spring elements, and that a magnetic field must be exerted on each locking element both when this bayonet connection is produced and when this bayonet connection is released, by which magnetic field the respective locking element is moved from the locking position into the release position.It is an object of the invention to specify a connection between two components which is securable against unintentional detachment and requires as few components as possible.For this purpose, the invention comprises a measurement system having a first component, one or at least two identically shaped guide channels provided in an end region of the first component, wherein each guide channel runs from an end face of the end region to a recess spaced apart from the end face, a second component which can be connected or is mechanically connected to the first component, and a hollow cylindrical component which can be fixed or is fixed in or on an end region of the second component, wherein the component:for each recess, in each case comprises a spring-elastic, web-shaped region having a projection projecting in the radial direction and complementary to the respective recess, andThe projection of the fixed component is configured such that, when the first component is connected to the second component, each projection is guided through the associated guide channel to the recess adjoining the respective guide channel and latches there.The measuring system offers the advantage that the component forms a preferably one-piece component that can be produced cost-effectively and that takes over both the function of a bayonet locking device that can be connected to the bayonet locking device of the first component complementary thereto and the function of a securing element for securing the connection between the first component and the second component against an undesired release of the connection. In this respect, the spring-elastic, web-shaped regions offer the advantage that the projections can be deflected in such a way that, when the connection between the first and the second component is produced, they are guided through the guide channels of the first component into the associated recesses and latch there automatically on account of the restoring force of the spring-elastic, web-shaped regions. A further advantage is that the projections are held in this position securing the connection against unintentional detachment by the restoring force of the spring-elastic, web-shaped regions, without further components or other technical aids being required for this purpose.A further development consists in a slot adjoining one of the two mutually opposite longitudinal sides of each web-shaped region, by means of which slot the web-shaped region is separated from the regions of the component adjoining this longitudinal side, and a cutout adjoining the other of the two mutually opposite longitudinal sides, or the other longitudinal side is formed as an end side of the component, or b) adjoining the mutually opposite longitudinal sides of each web-shaped region of the component is in each case a slot, by means of which the respective web-shaped region is separated from the regions of the component adjoining its two longitudinal sides.Further developments consist in that each web-shaped region of the component has a smaller wall thickness than the remaining regions of the component, a difference between the wall thickness of the remaining regions and the wall thickness of each web-shaped region is greater than or equal to an extension of each projection running in the radial direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component, and / or the end region of the second component has one or more recesses into which the web-shaped region or the web-shaped regions of the component can be deflected when producing the mechanical connection between the first component and the second component.A first variant provides that each web-shaped region of the component is spaced apart from the two end faces of the component which are situated opposite one another parallel to the longitudinal axis of the component, each web-shaped region of the component is designed as a web running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component, and / or each projection is arranged in each case in the middle of one of the web-shaped regions.According to a second embodiment variant, each web-shaped region of the component comprises a first end in each case, which is spaced apart from the regions of the component adjacent to the first end.A further development of the second variant provides that each projection is arranged at the first end of the respective web-shaped region, the first end of each web-shaped region is separated from the regions of the component adjacent thereto by slots or recesses, each web-shaped region is formed as a web inclined or helical relative to the longitudinal axis of the component, and / or the first end of each web-shaped region adjoins one of the two end faces of the component.According to a development, the component is designed and / or usable as an exchangeable element in such a way that each projection breaks off by a torque greater than or equal to a predefined limit value when a mechanical connection between the first component and the second component is released, which is secured by each projection snapped into the associated recess in each case.A further development provides that each projection of the component comprises a respective recess in which a magnet is fastened, wherein the measurement system:one or more external magnetic field sources for safeguarding a connection between the first component and the second component secured by each projection of the component snapped into the associated cutout, which can be positioned on an outer side of the connection externally surrounding the cutout(s) in such a way that each projection can be moved out of the associated cutout by a magnetic field that can be exerted on the magnet fastened therein by means of the external magnetic field source(s), and / orone or more internal magnetic field sources for unlocking a connection between the first component and the second component secured by each projection of the component which is snapped into the associated cutout, said connection being arranged in the interior of the two components in such a way that each projection can be moved out of the associated cutout by a magnetic field which can be exerted on the magnet fastened therein by means of the internal magnetic field source(s).Further embodiments consist in the fact that the second component is designed as an outer component and the component is designed as an insert, wherein the insert is insertable or inserted into an interior space in the end region of the second component, the insert is designed as an insert fixable or fixed in the end region by means of an adhesive bond or by means of an interference fit, and / or the end region of the second component has an interior space externally delimited by a wall, wherein the wall has on the inside a structuring which is designed in such a way that an outer edge region of the insert enters into a form-fitting connection with the structuring when the insert is pressed into the end region, or the first component is designed as an outer component and the component is designed as a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is able to be mounted, fixed, pressed, shrunk or fixed by means of an adhesive bond in such a way that it is possible to press, fix onto the end region of the second component, surrounding the end region of the second component on all sides at least in sections on the outside.Further embodiments consist in the component being formed as a one-piece element, and / or being formed as an injection-molded part or as a 3D pressure part, and / or the component being formed from plastic, from a polyamide, from polyethylene, from a metal, from copper, from aluminum, from a spring steel, or from a composite material, or being formed as a metallic element sheathed with a plastic, each projection of the component being pin-shaped, each recess being formed as a recess complementary to the associated projection, as a bore or as blind-hole bores into which the projection can be inserted with an exact fit, each guide channel of the first component being formed as a channel which is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the end region of the first component and is open towards the environment, being helical, and / or being formed as a thread segment, and / or the end region of the first component has a chamfer on its end face, wherein:the first component is formed as an inner component, the chamfer of which is formed such that an axial height of the outer edge region of the end region of the first component decreases in a radial direction running from the inside to the outside, orthe first component is configured as an outer component, the chamfer of which is configured such that an axial height of an outer wall of the hollow cylindrical end region of the first component increases in a radial direction running from the inside to the outside.Further embodiments comprise a measurement system a) in which one of the two components comprises a measurement device for metrological detection of at least one measurement variable, is embodied as a measurement cell, as a sensor, as a measurement probe or as a immersion probe which can be immersed in a medium, and / or comprises a measurement cell, at least one element of a sensor and / or at least one sensor, and the other component comprises an electronics, a device for transmission, processing and / or evaluation of signals or measurement signals, and / or a device for energy supply, b) in which one of the two components comprises a housing which is connectable or connected via the component to a housing of the other component or is connectable or connected via the component to the other component embodied as a housing cover, and / or c) comprising a seal for sealing the mechanical connection between the first component and the second component, and / or wherein the first component or the second component comprises a sealing groove for receiving a seal, in which the seal is clampable or clamped between the first component and the second component.Furthermore, the invention comprises a method for securing a mechanical connection between a first component and a second component of a measurement system according to the invention, in which the component is fixed in or on the end region of the second component, and the mechanical connection between the first component and the second component is produced in such a way that each projection of the component respectively enters the associated guide channel, is guided through the guide channel to the cutout adjoining the respective guide channel and latches into this cutout.According to one embodiment of the method, the component is fixed in the hollow cylindrical end region of the second component configured as an outer component by the component being adhesively bonded into the end region or being fastened in the end region by means of a press fit, or is fixed to the end region of the second component configured as an inner component by the component being fixed by means of an adhesive bond or being pressed onto or shrunk onto the end region of the second component.A development comprises a method in which the mechanical connection between the first component and the second component is released by a torque which is greater than or equal to a predefined limit value at which each protrusion breaks off, or in which:each projection of the component comprises a recess in which a magnet is fastened,the mechanical connection between the first component and the second component is ensured by exposing each magnet to a magnetic field by which the magnet fastened in the respective projection and thus also the projection are moved such that the projection exits the associated recess in the first component, andreleasing the mechanical connection which is unsecured in this state.One configuration of the last-mentioned refinement provides that the first component or a replacement component used instead of the first component is connected to the second component or a replacement component used instead of the second component by a connection secured with each projection of the component or a replacement component used instead of the component.The invention and its advantages will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures of the drawing, in which a plurality of exemplary embodiments are shown. Identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a measuring system with a component designed as an insert; FIG. 2 shows a partially cut-away view of the measuring system from FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 shows a view of a component that can be used in the measurement system of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 4 shows: a cross-sectional view of the measuring system from FIG. 1 with the component shown in FIG. 3 ; FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a measuring system with a component designed as a sleeve; FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of a modification of the measuring system of FIGS. 1 and 2 ; FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of a further measurement system; FIG. 8 shows a partially cut-away view of the measurement system from FIG. 7 ; FIG. 9 shows: a view of a component of the measurement system of FIGS. 7 and 8 ; and FIG. 10 shows a measurement system with a magnetically detachable connection.The invention relates to a measurement system 100 having a first component 1, a second component 3 which can be connected or is mechanically connected to the first component 1 and a hollow cylindrical component 5 which can be fixed or is fixed in or on the second component 3.FIG. 2 shows a view of the measurement system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 in a state in which the first component 1 is connected to the second component 3.FIG. 3 shows a view of a modification of the component 5 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 The component 6 shown in FIG. 3 is also designed as a hollow cylindrical component 6 which can be fixed or fixed in or on the second component 3 in such a way that it can be used in the measuring system 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 instead of the component 5 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.As shown in FIG. 1, the first component 1 comprises an end region 7, such as the cylindrical or hollow cylindrical end region 7 shown, in which at least one guide channel 9 is provided, wherein the or each guide channel 9 extends in each case from an end face of the end region 7 as far as a recess 11 spaced apart from the end face. In principle, a single guide channel 9 is already sufficient. A presently preferred embodiment consists in providing two or more guide channels 9 of the same shape. FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the end region 7 has two guide channels 9 arranged opposite one another. Alternatively, however, the end region 7 of the first component 1 can also have three or more guide channels 9 distributed in the circumferential direction around the end region 7, which each run from the end face of the end region 7 as far as the recess 11 adjoining the end face thereof in the end region 7 of the first component 1. Regardless of the number of guide channels 9, each guide channel 9 is designed, for example, as a channel that is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the end region 7 and open toward the environment. For this purpose, the guide channels 9 are designed, for example, in the shape of a helix and / or as a thread segment.The second component 3 comprises an end region 13 in or on which the hollow cylindrical component 5 or 6 is fixable or fixed. The component 5, 6 has, for each recess 11 in the end region 7 of the first component 1, in each case a spring-elastic, web-shaped region 17 with a projection 19 projecting in the radial direction and complementary to the respective recess 11. In addition, the component 5, 6 is designed in such a way that each projection 19 of the fixed component 5, 6 is guided through the associated guide channel 9 to the recess 11 adjoining the respective guide channel 9 and latches there when the first component 1 is connected to the second component 3.FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the mechanical connection between the first component 1 and the second component 3 of a measurement system, which is formed analogously to the measurement system 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and comprises the component 6 shown in FIG. 3, in a sectional plane running through the projections 19 snapped into the recesses 11.In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 to 4, the first component 1 having the or each guide channel 9 is designed as an inner component, the end region 7 of which, when the connection between the first component 1 and the second component 3 is produced, enters an end region 13 of the second component 3, which is correspondingly designed here as an outer component. In this embodiment, the guide channels 9 are provided in an outer edge region of the end region 7 of the first component 1. In addition, the component 5, 6 is designed as an insert which can be inserted or is inserted into an interior 15 of the end region 13 of the second component 3 which is open toward the environment. In this respect, the end region 13 of the second component 3 is configured, for example, as a hollow cylindrical end region. In order that the projections 19 of the component 5, 6 engage in the associated recesses 11 when the mechanical connection is produced, the projections 19 in this exemplary embodiment are designed as projections 19 projecting on the inner side of the component 5, 6 in a radially inwardly extending direction.Alternatively, however, a configuration complementary thereto can also be used, in which the first component 1' having the or each guide channel 9 is formed as an outer component and the second component 3' is formed as an inner component, the end region 13' of which enters the end region 7' of the first component 1' formed as an outer component when the connection between the first component 1' and the second component 3' is produced. FIG. 5 shows, as an exemplary embodiment, a cross-sectional view of the mechanical connection between the first component 1' formed as an outer component and having the guide channels 9 and the second component 3' formed as an inner component. In FIG. 5, the end region 7' of the outer first component 1' is designed, for example, as a hollow cylindrical region, and the guide channels 9 are provided in an inner edge region of the end region 7' of the first component 1'. In this exemplary embodiment, the component 5' is designed as a sleeve which can be mounted or is mounted on the end region 13' of the second component 3' in such a way that it surrounds the end region 13' of the second component 3' on all sides at least in sections on the outside. In order that each projection 19' of the component 5' also engages in the associated recess 11' when the mechanical connection is produced, each projection 19' in this exemplary embodiment is in each case designed as a projection 19' projecting on the outer side of the component 5' in the radially outwardly running direction.Both in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 to 4 and in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 which is complementary thereto, the latching of the projections 19, 19' in the associated recesses 11, 11' in combination with the fixing of the component 5, 6, 5' in or on the end region 13' of the second component 3, 3' offers the advantage that the mechanical connection of the first component 1, 1' to the second component 3, 3' is thereby protected from unintentional detachment.In this respect, the invention also comprises a method for securing a mechanical connection between the first component 1, 1' and the second component 3, 3' of the measuring system 100 described above.This method comprises a first method step in which the component 5, 5', 6 is fixed in or on the end region 13, 13' of the second component 3, 3'. The component 5, 5', 6 can be fixed in different ways.An embodiment for this purpose, which can be used in connection with the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 to 4, in particular, consists in the component 5, 6, which is designed as an insert, being adhesively bonded into the end region 13 and fixed in the end region 13 by the adhesive bonding. An alternative embodiment to this, which can be used in connection with the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 to 4, in particular, consists in the component 5, 6 designed as an insert being fixed in the end region 13 by means of a press fit. Such a press fit is effected, for example, by corresponding mutually complementary dimensions of the interior space 15 and of the component 5, 6. Optionally, the fixing that can be achieved by means of the press fit can be additionally reinforced in that a wall of the end region 13 that externally bounds the interior 15 has on the inside a structuring, such as e.g. knurling, with which an outer edge region of the component 5, 6 enters into a form-fit connection when being pressed into the end region 13.Analogously, the component 5' which is embodied as a sleeve and is illustrated in FIG. 5 can also be pressed onto the end region 13' of the second component 3', shrunk on or fixed by means of an adhesive bond.Following the fixing of the component 5, 5', 6, the mechanical connection is produced between the first component 1, 1' and the second component 3, 3'.In conjunction with the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 to 4, the end region 7 of the first component 1 is introduced for this purpose into the component 5, 6 fixed in the second component 3 in such a way that each projection 19 enters in each case one of the guide channels 9, is guided through the guide channel 9 to the cutout 11 adjoining the respective guide channel 9 and engages there. Since the projections 19 are guided through the guide channels 9 to the recesses 11, a relative movement, such as a screwing movement, of the first component 1 relative to the second component 3 predefined by the course and / or the alignment of the guide channels 9 is connected to the production of the connection.When the end region 7 of the first component 1 is introduced into the component 5, 6 arranged in the end region 13 of the second component 3, the spring-elastic, web-shaped regions 17 of the component 5, 6 offer the advantage that they are deflected outwards by the forces exerted on the projections 19 when the first component 1 enters the second component 3 in such a way that the projections 19 enter the associated guide channels 9 when positioned correspondingly, for example by a rotation of the first component 1 relative to the second component 3.In this case, a proportion of the forces exerted by the first component 1 on the projections 19, by means of which the projections 19 are pressed outwards in the radial direction, can optionally be increased, for example, by the end region 7 of the first component 1 having a chamfer 21 on its end side, which chamfer is designed in such a way that an axial height of the outer edge region of the end region 7 of the first component 1 decreases in the radial direction running from the inside outwards.Regardless of the configuration in this regard, the web-shaped regions 17 are initially deflected outwards by the forces acting on the projections 19 when the connection is produced. This deflection brings about a restoring force counteracting the deflection, by means of which it is ensured that the projections 19 guided through the guide channels 9 to the recesses 11 automatically latch into the recesses 11 and are held there in their position.Analogously, the connection shown in FIG. 5 is produced in that the end region 13' of the second component 3' surrounded externally by the component 5' designed as a sleeve is inserted into the end region 7' of the first component 1' in such a way that each projection 19' respectively enters the associated guide channel 9, is guided through the guide channel 9 to the recess 11' adjoining the respective guide channel 9 and engages there.When the component 5' surrounding the end region 13' of the second component 3' is introduced into the end region 7' of the first component 1', the spring-elastic, web-shaped regions 17' of the component 5' have the advantage that they are deflected inward by the forces exerted by the first component 1' on the projections 19' when the component 5' enters the first component 1' in such a way that the projections 19' enter the associated guide channels 9 when the positioning is appropriate, for example, can be effected by a rotation of the first component 1' relative to the second component 3'.In this case, a proportion of the forces exerted by the first component 1' on the projections 19', by means of which the projections 19' are pressed inward in the radial direction, can optionally be increased, for example, by the end region 7' of the first component 1' having on its end face a chamfer 21' which is designed in such a way that an axial height of an outer wall of the hollow-cylindrical end region 7' of the first component 1' increases in the radial direction running from the inside outwards.Regardless of the design in this regard, the web-shaped regions 17' of the component 5' are initially deflected inward when the connection is produced by the forces acting on the projections 19'. This deflection brings about a restoring force counteracting the deflection, by means of which it is ensured that the projections 19' guided through the guide channels 9 to the recesses 11' automatically latch into the recesses 11' and are held there in their position.The above-described measuring system 100 and also the above-described method for securing the connection between the first component 1, 1' and the second component 3, 3' have the above-mentioned advantages. In this case, the measurement system 100 and / or the method can have different optional configurations which can be used individually and / or in combination with one another.Thus, the component 5, 5', 6 comprising the or each spring-elastic web-shaped region 17, 17' and the or each projection 19, 19' is formed, for example, as a one-piece element. Corresponding components 5, 5', 6 can be produced, for example, as injection molded parts or as 3D printed parts. Alternatively or additionally, the component 5, 5', 6 consists, for example, of a plastic material, such as, for example, a polyamide or polyethylene, of a metal, such as, for example, copper, aluminum or a spring steel, or of a composite material. Alternatively, the component 5, 5', 6 can be designed, for example, as a metallic element sheathed with a plastic, for example as a spring steel element sheathed with a plastic.The spring-elastic, web-shaped regions 17, 17' of the component 5, 5', 6 can be formed in different ways. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment in which a slot 23 adjoins one of the two mutually opposite longitudinal sides of each web-shaped region 17, by means of which slot the web-shaped region 17 is separated from the regions of the component 5 adjoining this longitudinal side, and a cutout 24 adjoins the other of the two mutually opposite longitudinal sides. Alternatively, the longitudinal side of each web-shaped region opposite the slot can, however, also be formed as an end side of the component.FIGS. 3, 4 to 5 show an exemplary embodiment in which the mutually opposite longitudinal sides of each web-shaped region 17, 17' are each adjoined by a slot 23, 23' by which the web-shaped region 17, 17' is separated from the regions of the component 6, 5' adjoining its two longitudinal sides.Optionally, the ability to deflect the web-shaped regions 17, 17' can additionally be increased in that the web-shaped regions 17, 17' have a smaller wall thickness than the other regions of the component 5, 5', 6.An embodiment variant shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 consists in that the wall thickness of the web-shaped regions 17, 17' is dimensioned such that a difference between the wall thickness of the remaining regions and the wall thickness of the web-shaped regions 17, 17' is greater than or equal to an extension of the projections 19, 19' running in the radial direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component 6, 5'.In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, this offers the advantage that the web-shaped regions 17 can be deflected outwards to such an extent during the production of the mechanical connection between the first component 1 and the second component 3 that the projections 19 can enter the guide channels 9 without additional space being required for this purpose in the interior of the end region 13 of the second component 3.Alternatively, the end region 13 of the second component 3 can also have one or more recesses 25 which each adjoin the interior 15 and into which the web-shaped regions 17 of the component 6 inserted into the interior can be deflected when producing the mechanical connection between the first component 1 and the second component 3. A corresponding modification of the connection shown in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the web-shaped regions 17 deflectable into the recesses 25 have, for example, a wall thickness which is truly smaller than or equal to the wall thickness of the remaining regions of the component 6.Analogous to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 to 4, the reduced wall thickness of the web-shaped regions 17' measured in the manner described above offers the advantage in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 that the web-shaped regions 17' can be deflected inward to such an extent during the production of the mechanical connection between the first component 1' and the second component 3' that the outwardly projecting projections 19' can enter the guide channels 9 without an additional recess being required for this purpose in the end region 13' of the second component 3', and subsequently engage in the associated recesses 11' on account of the restoring force of the web-shaped regions 17' acting radially outward here.In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to 6, the web-shaped regions 17, 17' of the component 5, 5', 6 are designed as webs spaced apart from the two end faces of the component 5, 5', 6 lying opposite one another parallel to the longitudinal axis of the component 5, 5' and / or running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical component 5, 5'. Accordingly, they are separated from the remaining regions of the component 5, 5', 6 in each case only by the slits 23, 23' adjoining them on both sides or the slits 23 and recesses 24 adjoining them. This embodiment offers the advantage that corresponding components 5, 5', 6 can be produced cost-effectively and the spring-elastic properties of the web-shaped regions 17, 17' can be predetermined by the material properties of the component 5, 5', 6 and the dimensions of the regions of the component 5, 5', 6 connecting the web-shaped regions 17, 17' to the remaining regions of the component 5, 5', 6.As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to 6, each projection 19, 19' in this embodiment variant is arranged, for example, in the middle of one of the web-shaped regions 17, 17'. This offers the advantage that the projections 19, 19' are located at that position along the web-shaped regions 17, 17' at which the web-shaped region 17, 17' can be deflected most strongly.Alternatively, instead of the components 5, 5', 6 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to 6, a component can also be used, the spring-elastic, web-shaped regions of which have a different orientation and / or are formed in a different manner.FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of a measurement system 200 as an exemplary embodiment, which differs from the measurement system 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to 6 in that instead of the component 5, 5', 6, a hollow cylindrical component 27 is provided, in which a first end of the or each spring-elastic, web-shaped region 29 is respectively spaced apart from the regions of the insert 27 adjacent to the first end.FIG. 8 is a view of the measurement system 200 illustrated in FIG. 7 in a state in which the first component 1 is connected to the second component 3. FIG. 9 shows a view of the component 27 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, The component 27 shown in FIGS. 7, 8 to 9 offers the advantage that the unconnected first end of each web-shaped region 29 is more deflectable than the central regions of the web-shaped regions 19, 19' of the components 5, 5', 6 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to 6 connected at both ends to the regions of the component 5, 5', 6 adjoining it. This offers the advantage that the projections 19 are located at that position along the web-shaped regions 29 at which the web-shaped region 29 can be deflected most strongly.Analogously to the exemplary embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5 to 6, the component 27 illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 to 9 is also configured, for example, in such a way that the mutually opposite longitudinal sides of each web-shaped region 29 are each adjoined by a slot 23, by means of which the web-shaped region 29 is separated from the regions of the component 27 adjoining its two longitudinal sides. In addition, the first ends of the web-shaped regions 29 are separated from the regions of the component 27 adjacent thereto by slots or recesses. Accordingly, the web-shaped regions 29 are connected here in each case only via their second end opposite the first end to the remaining regions of the component 27.FIGS. 7, 8 to 9 show an exemplary embodiment in this respect in which the unconnected first ends of the web-shaped regions 29 adjoin one of the two end sides of the component 27. This is effected, for example, in that the slots 23 adjoining the mutually opposite longitudinal sides of the web-shaped regions 29 each extend as far as this end side of the component 27.As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 to 9, the web-shaped regions 29 in this embodiment are configured, for example, as webs inclined, for example helical, at the first end, relative to the longitudinal axis of the component 27. Alternatively, the web-shaped regions comprising the unconnected first end can, however, also be arranged at another location within the component and / or the web-shaped regions have a different orientation.Analogously to the previously described exemplary embodiments, the web-shaped regions 29 of the component 27 shown in FIGS. 7, 8 to 9 that are not connected at the first end can also have a smaller wall thickness than the remaining regions of the component 27.Alternatively or additionally to the previously described embodiments, the projections 19, 19' of the component 5, 5', 6, 27 are each designed, for example, as pin-shaped projections. In this case, the recesses 11, 11' complementary to the projections 19, 19' are each designed, for example, as bores, in particular as blind bores, into which the projections 19, 19' can be inserted with a substantially precise fit. This offers the advantage that the projections 19, 19' snapped into the recesses 11, 11' achieve an at least almost play-free securing of the mechanical connection between the first component 1, 1' and the second component 3, 3'.An embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 to 9 consists in that the component 5, 5', 6, 27 is designed and / or usable as an exchangeable element in such a way that each projection 19, 19' breaks off by a torque that is greater than or equal to a predefined limit value when a mechanical connection between the first component 1, 1' and the second component 3, 3' is released, which is secured by each projection 19, 19' respectively engaged in the associated recess 11, 11', when a torque greater than or equal to a predefined limit value is released.In this respect, the method described above for securing the connection optionally comprises, for example, a method step in which the connection is released if necessary by a torque exerted thereon exceeding the limit value. The torque required for breaking off each projection 19, 19' can be predefined, for example, by the material of the component 5, 5', 6, 27 and / or the dimensions of each projection 19, 19'.The releasability of the connection, which can be effected by breaking off the projections 19, 19', offers the advantage that the first component 1, 1' and / or the second component 3, 3' can be inspected, cleaned, maintained, repaired and / or replaced by a replacement component after the mechanical connection has been released.In this respect, the method optionally comprises, for example, a further method step in which the component 5, 5', 6, 27 previously used for effecting and securing the connection is replaced by a replacement component, and the first component 1, 1' or the replacement component used instead of the first component 1, 1' is connected to the second component 3, 3' or the replacement component used instead of the second component 3, 3' via a mechanical connection secured by each projection 19, 19' of the replacement component. In this case, the component 5, 5', 6, 27 and the replacement component formed in the manner described above in connection with the component 5, 5', 6, 27 offer the advantage that they can be produced cost-effectively and can therefore be replaced cost-effectively at any time if required.FIG. 10 shows, as a further exemplary embodiment, a cross-sectional view of a measurement system 300 which differs from the measurement systems 100, 200 described above in that each protrusion 19 of the component 31 has in each case a cutout in which a magnet 33, such as a permanent magnet, is fastened. FIG. 10 shows the measurement system 300 in a state in which the first component 1 is connected to the second component 3. In this case, the first component 1 and the second component 3 are formed in the manner described above in connection with FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 to 9, and the component 31 is formed analogously to the previously described components 5, 5', 6, 27 apart from the magnets 33 inserted into the projections 19.In conjunction with the measuring system 300 illustrated in FIG. 10, the method described above for securing the connection between the first component 1 and the second component 3 optionally comprises, for example, a method step in which the connection is unlocked in which each magnet 33 is exposed to a magnetic field by which the magnet 33 fastened in the associated protrusion 19 and therefore also the protrusion 19 is moved in a radial direction running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component 31 in such a way that the protrusion 19 exits the associated recess 11 in the first component 1, and the mechanical connection which is not secured in this state is released.FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the measuring system 300 comprises one or more external magnetic field sources 35, such as electromagnets or permanent magnets, for generating the magnetic fields acting on the magnets 33, which are positioned on an outer side of the connection between the first component 1 and the second component 3 externally surrounding the recesses 11 in order to unlock the connection. Alternatively or additionally, however, the measuring system 300 can also comprise one or more internal magnetic field sources 37, such as electromagnets connected to a controller, which are arranged in the inner component formed by the first component 1 in FIG. 10 and are alternatively illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 10 and can be used instead of the external magnetic field sources 35.In this embodiment as well, the releasability of the mechanical connection offers the advantage that the first component 1 and / or the second component 3 can be inspected, cleaned, maintained, repaired and / or replaced with a replacement component after the connection has been released. The magnets 33 inserted into the projections 19 offer the advantage that the component 31 can be reused, since the connection can be unlocked and released without the projections 19 breaking off as a result. In this respect, it is also optionally possible here, for example, to move in such a way that the first component 1 or the replacement component used instead of the first component 1 is connected to the second component 3 or the replacement component used instead of the second component 3 via a connection secured by the projections 19 of the component 31.Alternatively, the mechanical connection shown in FIG. 10 and secured by the projections 19 with the magnets 33 inserted therein can also be released by a torque which exceeds the limit value required for breaking off the projections 19. This is advantageous in particular when the external magnetic field sources 35 and / or the internal magnetic field sources 37 are defective or are not available for other reasons.Independently of the previously described embodiments of the component 5, 5', 6, 27, 31, the first component 1, 1' and / or the second component 3, 3' can be configured in different ways depending on the type and function of the measuring system 100, 200, 300.An exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 and 10 consists in one of the two components 1, 3' comprising a measuring device 39 for the measurement-technology detection of at least one measured variable and the other component 3, 1' comprising an electronic system 41, such as e.g. a measuring electronic system connected or connectable to the measuring device 39. In this case, the component 1, 3' comprising the measuring device 39 is designed, for example, as a measuring cell, as a sensor, as a measuring probe or as a immersion probe which can be immersed in a medium. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring device 39 is configured, for example, in such a way that it comprises a measuring cell, at least one element of a sensor, and / or at least one sensor. In both variants, depending on the type of measured variable(s) to be measured, for example, at least one sensor, such as an oxygen sensor, a conductivity sensor and / or an optical sensor, such as a turbidity sensor, a sensor for measuring a spectral absorption coefficient, and / or a sensor for measuring a concentration of an analyte contained in the medium, such as a sensor for measuring a nitrite content, a nitrate content or an ammonium content, is used in the measuring system 100, 200, 300.Regardless of the configuration in this regard, the electronics 41 are designed, for example, in such a way that they comprise a device for transmitting, processing and / or evaluating signals, such as measurement signals, and / or a device for supplying energy.FIGS. 4 to 6 and 10 show exemplary embodiments of the measuring system 100, 200, 300 in which the first component 1, 1' comprises a housing 43, 43' which is connectable or connected to a housing 45, 45' of the second component 3, 3' via the component 5, 5', 6, 27, 31 which is fixable or fixed in or on the second component 3, 3'. Alternatively, however, the measuring system can also be designed in such a way that one of the two components comprises a housing, such as a sensor housing or an electronics housing, which can be closed by a second component designed as a housing cover, or can be connected or is connected to a second component comprising a connection housing.A further embodiment consists in that the measuring system 100, 200, 300 comprises a seal 47 for sealing the connection. FIGS. 4 to 6 and 10 show an embodiment in which the first component 1 or the second component 3' comprises a sealing groove for receiving the seal 47, in which the seal 47 can be clamped between the first component 1, 1' and the second component 3, 3'. The seal 47 is advantageous in particular when the first component 1, 1' and / or the second component 3, 3' is in contact with a medium during measurement operation.List of reference numbers:1, 1' first component 3, 3' second component 5, 5' component 6 component 7, 7' end region 9 guide channel 11, 11' cutout 13, 13' end region 15 interior space 17, 17' web-shaped region 19, 19' projection 21, 21' bevel 23, 23' slot 24 cutout 25 cutout 27 component 29 web-shaped region 31 component 33 magnet 35 external magnetic field source 37 internal magnetic field source 39 measuring device 41 electronics 43, 43' housing of the first component 45, 45' housing of the second component 47 seal 100 measuring system 200 measuring system 300 measuring systemReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedDE 10 2021 106 867 A1

[0008]

Claims

Measuring system (100, 200, 300) having a first component (1, 1'), one or at least two identically shaped guide channels (9) provided in an end region (7, 7') of the first component (1, 1'), wherein each guide channel (9) runs from an end face of the end region (7, 7') as far as a recess (11, 11') spaced apart from the end face, a second component (3, 3') which can be connected or is mechanically connected to the first component (3, 3'), and a hollow cylindrical component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31) which can be fixed or is fixed in or at an end region (13, 13') of the second component (3), wherein the component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31)): for each recess (11, 11'), in each case a spring-elastic, web-shaped region (17, 17', 29) having a recess (11, 11', 29) which projects in the radial direction and is in relation to the respective recess (11, 11') and is designed such that each projection (19, 19) of the fixed component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31) is guided through the associated guide channel (9) to the recess (11, 11') adjoining the respective guide channel (9) and engages there when the first component (1, 1') is connected to the second component (3, 3').Measuring system (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, in which: a) a slot (23) is adjacent to one of the two mutually opposite longitudinal sides of each web-shaped region (17), by means of which slot the web-shaped region (17) is separated from the regions of the component (5) adjacent to this longitudinal side, and a cutout (24) is adjacent to the other of the two mutually opposite longitudinal sides or the other longitudinal side is formed as an end side of the component, or b) a slot (23, 23') is adjacent to the mutually opposite longitudinal sides of each web-shaped region (17, 17', 29) of the component (6, 5', 27, 31), by means of which slot the respective web-shaped region (17, 17', 29) is separated from the regions of the component (6, 5', 27, 31) adjacent to its two longitudinal sides.Measuring system (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each web-shaped region (17, 17', 29) of the component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31) has a smaller wall thickness than the remaining regions of the component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31), a difference between the wall thickness of the remaining regions and the wall thickness of each web-shaped region (17, 17', 29) is greater than or equal to an extension of each projection (19, 19') running in the radial direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31), and / or the end region (13) of the second component (3) has one or more recesses (25) into which the web-shaped region (17) or the web-shaped regions (17) of the component (6, 27, 31) can be deflected when producing the mechanical connection between the first component (1) and the second component (3).Measuring system (100, 300) according to Claims 1 to 3, in which: each web-shaped region (17, 17') of the component (5, 5', 6, 31) is spaced apart from the two end faces of the component (5, 5', 6, 31) which are situated opposite one another parallel to the longitudinal axis of the component (5, 5', 6, 31), each web-shaped region (17, 17') of the component (5, 5', 6, 31) is designed as a web running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component (5, 5', 6, 31), and / or each projection (19, 19') is arranged in each case in the centre of one of the web-shaped regions (17, 17').Measuring system (200) according to Claims 1 to 3, in which each web-shaped region (29) of the component (27) comprises a first end in each case, which is spaced apart from the regions of the component (27) which are adjacent to the first end.Measuring system (200) according to claim 5, wherein: each projection (19) is arranged at the first end of the respective web-shaped region (29), the first end of each web-shaped region (29) is separated from the regions of the component (27) adjacent thereto by slots or recesses, each web-shaped region (29) is formed as a web inclined or helical relative to the longitudinal axis of the component (27), and / or the first end of each web-shaped region (29) adjoins one of the two end sides of the component (27).Measuring system (100, 200, 300) according to Claims 1 to 6, in which the component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31) is designed and / or usable as a replaceable element in such a way that each projection (19, 19') breaks off by a torque greater than or equal to a predefined limit value when a mechanical connection between the first component (1, 1') and the second component (3, 3') is secured by each projection (19, 19') which is respectively snapped into the associated cutout (11, 11').Measuring system (300) according to Claims 1 to 7, in which each projection (19) of the component (31) comprises a cutout in which a magnet (33) is fastened, wherein the measuring system (300) comprises: one or more external magnetic field sources (35) for safeguarding a connection between the first component (1) and the second component (3) which is secured by each projection (19) of the component (31) which is snapped into the associated cutout (11), said connection being positionable on an outer side of the connection which externally surrounds the cutout(s) (11) in such a way that each projection (19) is movable out of the associated cutout (11) by a magnetic field which can be exerted on the magnet (33) fastened therein by means of the external magnetic field source(s) (35), and / or comprising one or more internal magnetic field sources (37) for safeguarding a connection between the first component (1) and the second component (3) which is secured by each projection (19) of the component (31) which is snapped into the associated cutout (11), said connection being arranged in the interior of the two components (3) in such a way that each projection (19) can be moved out of the associated cutout (11) by a magnetic field which can be exerted on the magnet (33) fastened therein by means of the internal magnetic field source(s) (37).Measuring system (100, 200, 300) according to Claims 1 to 8, in which the second component (3) is formed as an outer component and the component (5, 6, 27, 31) is formed as an insert, wherein: the insert is insertable or inserted into an interior space (15) in the end region (13) of the second component (3), the insert is formed as an insert fixable or fixed in the end region (13) by means of an adhesive bond or by means of an interference fit, and / or the end region (13) of the second component (3) has an interior space (15) externally bounded by a wall, wherein the wall has on the inside a structuring which is formed in such a way that an outer edge region of the insert enters into a positive-locking connection with the structuring when the insert is pressed into the end region (13), or the first component (1') is designed as an outer component and the component (5') is designed as a sleeve, wherein the sleeve can be mounted, fixed, press-fit, shrink-fit or fixed by means of an adhesive in such a way that it surrounds the end region (13') of the second component (3') on all sides at least partially on the outside.Measuring system (100, 200, 300) according to Claims 1 to 9, in which the component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31) is formed as a one-piece element, and / or is formed as an injection-moulded part or as a 3D pressure part, and / or the component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31) is formed from plastic, from a polyamide, from polyethylene, from a metal, from copper, from aluminium, from a spring steel, or from a composite material or is formed as a metallic element sheathed with a plastic, each projection (19, 19') of the component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31) is pin-shaped, each recess (11, 11') is formed as a recess (11, 11') complementary to the associated projection (19, 19'), as a bore or as blind-hole bores into which the projection (19, 19') can be inserted with an exact fit, each guide channel (9) of the first component (1, 1') is formed as a channel which is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the end region (7, 7') of the first component (1, 1') and is open towards the environment, is helical and / or is formed as a thread segment, and / or the end region (7, 7') of the first component (1, 1') has a chamfer (21, 21') on its end face, wherein: the first component (1) is formed as an inner component, the chamfer (21) of which is formed in such a way that an axial height of the outer edge region of the end region (7) of the first component (1) decreases in a radial direction running from the inside to the outside, or the first component (1') is formed as an outer component, the chamfer (21') of which is formed in such a way that an axial height of an outer wall of the hollow-cylindrical end region (7') of the first component (1') in a radial direction, This increases from the inside to the outside direction.Measuring system (100, 200, 300) according to Claims 1 to 10, a) in which one of the two components (1, 3') comprises a measuring device (39) for metrological detection of at least one measured variable, is designed as a measuring cell, as a sensor, as a measuring probe or as a immersion probe which can be immersed in a medium, and / or comprises a measuring cell, at least one element of a sensor and / or at least one sensor, and the other component (3, 1') comprises an electronics system (41), a device for transmitting, processing and / or evaluating signals or measuring signals, and / or a device for supplying energy, b) in which one of the two components (1, 1') comprises a housing (43, 43') which, via the component (5, 5', 27, 31), has a housing (45, 45') of the other component (3, 3, 3') or being connectable or connected to the other component configured as a housing cover via the component (5, 5', 27, 31), and / or c) comprising a seal (47) for sealing the mechanical connection between the first component (1, 1') and the second component (3, 3'), and / or wherein the first component (1) or the second component (3') comprises a sealing groove for receiving a seal (47), in which the seal (47) is clampable or clamped between the first component (1, 1') and the second component (3, 3').Method for securing a mechanical connection between a first component (1, 1') and a second component (3, 3') of a measurement system (100, 200, 300) according to Claims 1 to 11, in which: the component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31) is fixed in or on the end region (13, 13') of the second component (3, 3'), and the mechanical connection between the first component (1, 1') and the second component (3, 3') is produced in such a way that each projection (19, 19') of the component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31) respectively enters the associated guide channel (9), is guided through the guide channel (9) to the recess (11, 11') adjoining the respective guide channel (9) and latches into this recess (11, 11').Method according to claim 12, in which the component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31) is fixed in the hollow cylindrical end region (13) of the second component (3) formed as an outer component by the component (5, 6, 27, 31) being adhesively bonded into the end region (13) or being fastened in the end region (13) by means of an interference fit, or is fixed to the end region (13') of the second component (3') formed as an inner component by the component (5') being fixed by means of an adhesion or being pressed onto or shrunk onto the end region (13') of the second component (3').Method according to claims 12 to 13, wherein: the mechanical connection between the first component (1, 1') and the second component (3, 3') is released by a torque which is greater than or equal to a predetermined limit value at which each protrusion (19, 19') breaks off, or wherein: each protrusion (19) of the component (31) comprises a respective recess in which a magnet (33) is fastened, the mechanical connection between the first component (1) and the second component (3) is unlocked by exposing each magnet (33) to a magnetic field by which the magnet (33) fastened in the respective protrusion (19) and thus also the protrusion (19) is moved such that the protrusion (19) exits the associated recess (11) in the first component (1) and the mechanical connection unlocked in this state is released.Method according to claim 14, wherein the first component (1, 1') or a replacement component inserted instead of the first component (1, 1') is connected to the second component (3, 3') or a replacement component inserted instead of the second component (3, 3') by a connection secured to each projection (19, 19') of the component (5, 5', 6, 27, 31) or a replacement component inserted instead of the second component (3, 3').

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