Window for an actuator and an actuator with window

Abstract

The invention relates to a window (20) provided for a housing of an actuator for automation technology for actuating a fitting such as a valve or a gate in a channel such as a pipeline, comprising: a support ring (21) made of a metallic, in particular stainless, material with an inner side (21.1) and an outer side (21.2); a transparent glass (22) which glass is cast into the support ring and completely fills a cross-sectional area of ​​the support ring.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a window for an actuator of automation technology for actuating a fitting such as a valve or a gate in a channel such as a pipeline and such a window.

[0002] Windows are used in actuators to protect, for example, a position indicator as shown in WO2021224415A1 from harmful mechanical influences.

[0003] However, designing such windows to be stable over the long term, particularly with regard to explosion protection, proves problematic. Typical solutions, such as using potting compound to seal a window pane within a housing wall, or screwing the window pane into the housing wall, are not stable over the long term; achieving a pressure-resistant encapsulation with potting compound is difficult.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a window that is robust and stable over the long term and can be used in actuators.

[0005] The problem is solved by a window according to independent claim 1 and by an actuator according to independent claim 9.

[0006] A window according to the invention, designed for a housing of an actuator for automation technology for actuating a fitting such as a valve or a gate in a channel such as a pipeline, comprises: a support ring made of a metallic, in particular stainless, material with an inside and an outside; a transparent glass, which is poured into the support ring and completely fills a cross-sectional area of ​​the support ring.

[0007] In this way, a potting compound between the support ring and the glass can be omitted, as the glass is held firmly in place by the support ring during the casting process. Furthermore, this method allows compliance with the requirements for flameproof enclosure type Ex d, for example, according to DIN EN 60079-1, particularly as of 2015-04, or IEC 60079-1 as of 2014-06.

[0008] In one embodiment, the metallic material has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, while the glass has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. where the second coefficient of thermal expansion is smaller than the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0009] This allows the cooling process after the glass has been poured into the support ring to create mechanical tension between the support ring and the glass, thus holding the glass in place.

[0010] In one embodiment, the deviation of the first coefficient of thermal expansion and the second coefficient of thermal expansion from an average value of the first coefficient of thermal expansion and the second coefficient of thermal expansion is less than 50% of the average value, and in particular less than 25% of the average value and preferably less than 15% of the average value.

[0011] This ensures that the mechanical stress between the support ring and the glass does not lead to the glass breaking.

[0012] In one embodiment, the glass is a borosilicate glass, a soda-lime glass, or a quartz glass.

[0013] In one embodiment, the metallic material comprises an iron material such as steel, in particular stainless steel or cast iron, or copper such as brass or bronze or aluminum.

[0014] In one embodiment, an inner surface of the inside of the support ring has at least a partial contour, which contour is at least partially covered by the glass. where the contouring includes, for example, grooves, ridges, slots or milled indentations.

[0015] This creates increased friction or a positive fit between the support ring and the glass. This ensures greater robustness in holding the glass in the support ring.

[0016] In one embodiment, the support ring has an inwardly extending collar against which the glass is supported. This prevents, for example, the glass from moving out of the support ring in one direction along a support ring axis.

[0017] In one embodiment, an outer surface of the outside has a contour at least in sections, wherein the contouring includes, for example, grooves, scratches, slots or milled indentations or a thread, in particular an Ex d thread.

[0018] An actuator according to the invention for automation technology for actuating a fitting such as a valve or a gate in a channel such as a pipeline comprises: a housing arrangement with at least one housing, wherein the at least one housing is formed by a housing wall, wherein at least one of the at least one housing has a window according to one of the preceding claims which is integrated into the housing wall of the housing.

[0019] In one embodiment, the integration of the window into the housing wall is accomplished by at least one of insertion, pressing in, plugging in, screwing in, and / or wherein the window is held by positive locking or force locking.

[0020] In one configuration, the actuator also includes: a motor such as an electric motor or a fluid motor; an electronic operating circuit for operating the motor; a drive for operating the fitting; a gearbox for transmitting torque or force from the engine to the output; wherein the motor, output, electronic operating circuit and gearbox are arranged in the housing assembly.

[0021] In one embodiment, the actuator has a position indicator which is arranged in the housing and can be viewed through the window.

[0022] In one embodiment, the housing is designed as a flameproof enclosure (Ex d) according to the type of ignition protection. This allows compliance with explosion protection requirements.

[0023] The invention will be described below using exemplary embodiments. Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary window according to the invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary actuator according to the invention.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary window 20 according to the invention for an actuator in automation technology, which is inserted into a housing wall 12 of the actuator housing. According to the invention, the window has a support ring 21 made of a metallic, in particular stainless, material, wherein the support ring 21 has an inner side 21.1 and an outer side 21.2 with respect to a longitudinal axis. Inside, or on the inner side, the window has a transparent glass 22, which is cast into the support ring and completely fills a cross-sectional area of ​​the support ring. In this way, the need for mounting the glass in the housing wall, for example by means of a thread or potting, can be avoided. Casting the glass into the metallic support ring ensures a robust and secure hold of the glass in the support ring. The window can then be fastened in the housing wall via the support ring.The housing wall can have a collar 12.1, as shown here, which constricts a housing opening 12.3 and against which the support ring 21 can be supported. A sealing ring 25 can be arranged, for example, in a groove in the support ring or in the collar, between the collar 12.1 of the housing wall and the support ring 21. This allows, for example, a seal against water and / or dust to be achieved.

[0025] In one embodiment, the metallic material of the support ring 21 has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, while the glass 22 has a second coefficient of thermal expansion, the second of which is smaller than the first. This ensures that during the cooling process after the glass has been poured into the support ring, the ring exerts mechanical stress on the glass. In this way, the glass is held firmly in the support ring.

[0026] In one embodiment, the deviation of the first and second coefficients of thermal expansion from their mean values ​​is less than 50%, and in particular less than 25%, and preferably less than 15%. This ensures that the mechanical stress exerted on the glass by the support ring does not lead to breakage.

[0027] The glass 22 can be, for example, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, or quartz glass. The metallic material can be an iron-based material such as steel, especially stainless steel or cast iron, or copper such as brass or bronze, or aluminum.

[0028] An inner surface 21.11 of the inner side 21.1 of the support ring can have at least a section of contouring 23, which contouring is at least partially covered by the glass, wherein the contouring has, for example, grooves, ridges, slots, or milled indentations. Since the glass penetrates the contouring 23 when poured into the support ring and thus assumes a complementary contouring, a positive fit is created between the support ring and the glass, which contributes to a secure hold of the glass in the support ring.

[0029] As shown in the enlarged section A, the ring can have an inward-reaching collar against which the glass is supported with respect to a force along the longitudinal axis.

[0030] The support ring 21 of the window 20 is inserted into a corresponding housing opening 12.3 in the housing wall 12. This can be achieved, for example, by insertion, pressing in, plugging in, or screwing in; the window can be held by positive locking or frictional locking.

[0031] For this purpose, an outer surface 21.21 of the outer surface 21.2 can have at least a section-wise contouring 24, wherein the contouring is formed, for example, by grooves, scratches, slots or milled indentations or a thread, in particular an Ex d thread.

[0032] The window according to the invention allows a long-term stable and robust Ex d safe housing for an actuator to be formed.

[0033] Fig.Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary actuator 1 according to the invention for automation technology for actuating a fitting, such as a valve or a gate, in a channel, such as a pipeline. The actuator comprises a motor 30, a gearbox 50, and an output 60, wherein the motor is configured to generate a force or a torque, and the gearbox transmits the force or torque to the output. The output is configured to actuate the fitting by means of the force or torque. An electronic operating circuit 40 is configured to operate the motor 30. A position indicator 70 is configured to display an actuation position or an actuation state to an operator of the actuator. A window 20 according to the invention is embedded in a wall of the housing 11, a housing assembly 10 of the actuator.The housing arrangement can comprise a single housing or multiple housings, as shown here. For example, the electronic operating circuitry can be located in a separate housing.

[0034] The representation shown here is purely schematic and should not be interpreted as restrictive. Reference symbol list 1 actuator 10 Housing arrangement 11 cases 12 Housing wall 12.1 Collar 12.2 Sealing ring 12.3 Case opening 20 windows Level 20.1 21 Support ring 21.1 Inside 21.11 Interior surface 21.2 Outside 21.21 Outdoor area 21.3 Collar 22 glasses 23 Contouring 24 Contouring 25 sealing ring 30 engine 40 electronic operating circuit 50 downforce 60 gearboxes 70 position indicator QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2021224415A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Window (20) designed for a housing of an actuator for automation technology for actuating a fitting such as a valve or a gate in a channel such as a pipeline, comprising: a support ring (21) made of a metallic, in particular stainless, material with an inner side (21.1) and an outer side (21.2); a transparent glass (22) which glass is cast into the support ring and completely fills a cross-sectional area of ​​the support ring. [2] Window according to claim 1, wherein the metallic material has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein the glass (22) has a second coefficient of thermal expansion, where the second coefficient of thermal expansion is smaller than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. [3] Window according to claim 2, wherein a deviation of the first coefficient of thermal expansion and the second coefficient of thermal expansion from an average value of the first coefficient of thermal expansion and the second coefficient of thermal expansion is less than 50% of the average value, and in particular less than 25% of the average value and preferably less than 15% of the average value. [4] Window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the glass (22) is borosilicate glass or soda-lime glass or quartz glass. [5] Window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the metallic material comprises an iron material such as steel, in particular stainless steel or cast iron, or copper such as brass or bronze or aluminium. [6] Window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an inner surface (21.11) of the inner side (21.1) of the support ring has at least a section of a contour (23) which contour is at least partially covered by the glass, where the contouring includes, for example, grooves, ridges, slots or milled indentations. [7] Window according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support ring (21) has an inwardly extending collar (21.3) against which collar the glass is supported. [8] Window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an outer surface (21.21) of the outer surface (21.2) has at least a section of a contour (24), wherein the contouring includes, for example, grooves, scratches, slots or milled indentations or a thread, in particular an Ex d thread. [9] Actuator (1) for automation technology for operating a fitting such as a valve or a gate in a channel such as a pipeline, comprising: a housing arrangement (10) with at least one housing (11), wherein the at least one housing is formed by a housing wall (12), wherein at least one of the at least one housing has a window (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the window is integrated into the housing wall of the housing via a housing opening (12.3). [10] Actuator according to claim 9, wherein the integration of the window (20) via the housing opening (12.3) of the housing wall (12) of the housing (11) is accomplished by at least one of insertion, pressing in, plugging in, screwing in and / or wherein the window is held by positive locking or force locking. [11] Actuator according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the actuator further comprises: a motor (30) such as an electric motor or a fluid motor; an electronic operating circuit (40) for operating the motor; a drive (50) for actuating the fitting; a gearbox (60) for transmitting a torque or force from the motor to the output; wherein the motor, output, electronic operating circuit and gearbox are arranged in the housing assembly. [12] Actuator according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the housing (11) is designed as a flameproof enclosure Ex d. [13] Actuator according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the housing wall has a collar (12.1) which constricts the housing opening (12.3) against which the support ring (21) is supported in at least one axial direction. [14] Actuator according to claim 13, wherein a sealing ring 25 is arranged between the collar (12.1) of the housing wall and the support ring (21), for example in a groove in the support ring or in the collar.

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