ADAPTER COMPONENT, FLOW METER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR AN ADAPTER COMPONENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter component for connecting a hydraulic component to a cover component of a flow meter. The present invention further relates to a flow meter and a method for manufacturing an adapter component.

[0002] Flow meters are used to measure the volumetric flow rate of a fluid and are found, for example, in heat and water meters. In heat meters, the amount of heat consumed in a building can be calculated from the fluid volume and the temperature difference between the supply and return lines.

[0003] Such flow meters often feature an impeller or are designed according to the principle of an impeller meter. The impeller is directly driven by the flowing fluid, for example, heating water. The number of revolutions per unit of time is measured by a coil. This coil is part of an electrical resonant circuit, the oscillation of which is periodically damped by a damping element (also called a modulator segment) mounted on the impeller. This occurs when the damping element, made of a highly conductive material, passes through the magnetic field of the coil, inducing eddy currents in the damping element. To prevent imbalances in the impeller, more than one damping element can be arranged on it, particularly in a rotationally symmetrical configuration. In this case, several counting pulses are generated per revolution, which are then processed by the evaluation electronics.It is important that the distance between the coil and the damping element(s) is as constant and precisely controllable as possible to enable accurate measurement. Multiple coils can also be used.

[0004] The coil(s) are usually located outside the measuring chamber, so they do not come into contact with the fluid. In contrast, the impeller rotates within a measuring chamber through which the fluid flows. The impeller is typically made of plastic, making it largely insensitive to most fluids, especially water. The damping element, however, must be made of a highly conductive metal, so there is a risk of corrosion upon contact with the flowing fluid.

[0005] DE 10 2010 055 752 discloses in this context a mechanical flow meter with an impeller, on the upper side of which is a kidney-shaped sensor layer, which is overmolded by the injection-molded material of the impeller body and is located inside the impeller body. The sensor layer consists, for example, of copper, alumina, potassium phosphate, or au and has a layer thickness of 5 to 10 µm.

[0006] DE 10 2009 030828 B3 discloses a water / heat meter comprising a hydraulic sensor arranged in a lower part and a counter arranged in an upper part, wherein the lower part and the upper part are connected to each other by at least one connection that cannot be broken without damage. The upper part and the lower part are connected to each other by means of a mounting ring, wherein the mounting ring and the lower part are connected to each other by a first connection that cannot be broken without damage, and wherein the mounting ring and the upper part are connected to each other by a second connection that cannot be broken without damage.

[0007] Current designs often distinguish between a fluid-carrying hydraulic component, in which the impeller is located, and a separate component that houses the coils and evaluation electronics. The hydraulic component can be made of metal or plastic. The separate component can be a single piece or multiple pieces and may be made of a different material than the hydraulic component. Often, these components are supplied by different manufacturers and assembled on-site at the intended installation location. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the distance between the coil and the damping element may not be precisely controllable. This, in turn, can lead to measurement inaccuracies or difficulties in evaluating the measurement signal.

[0008] Based on this, the present invention aims to provide a reliable approach, tolerant of manufacturing tolerances, for connecting an additional component to a hydraulic component. In particular, it aims to enable the connection of a scanning coil. Specifically, it seeks to provide a user-friendly and robust connection between measuring and evaluation components and a hydraulic component.

[0009] To solve this problem, the present invention relates in a first aspect to an adapter component for connecting a hydraulic component with a cover component of a flow meter, comprising: a receiving part with an annular outer section and a central section, wherein the central section comprises a first receiving part for a coil on a side facing the hydraulic component and a second receiving part for evaluation electronics on a side facing the cover component, and wherein the outer section and central section are connected via a flexible connection; and an annular sealing part corresponding to the outer section of the receiving part for creating a fluid-tight seal to the hydraulic component and / or to the cover component.

[0010] In another aspect, the invention relates to a flow meter for measuring a fluid flow through a pipe with: a hydraulic component for guiding the fluid flow with an impeller arranged in the fluid flow, on which a damping element is arranged; a coil for detecting a movement of the damping element on the impeller; a circuit board with evaluation electronics connected to the coil; a cover component for protecting the evaluation electronics from external influences; and an adapter component as previously described, which connects the hydraulic component to the cover component.

[0011] Finally, one aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing an adapter component as described above, comprising the following steps: Injection molding of the receiving part and subsequent injection molding of the sealing part with a different material in a two-component injection molding process.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the flow meter and the method can be implemented according to the embodiments described in the dependent claims for the adapter component.

[0013] According to the invention, an adapter component for connecting a hydraulic component to a cover component of a flow meter features a flexible connection between an outer section and an inner section. This connection is designed to be flexible, allowing for different dimensions or distances within predefined limits. The flexible connection particularly compensates for manufacturing tolerances and deformations caused by temperature changes during operation. For example, if the hydraulic component is manufactured by a different manufacturer than the cover component, or if different processes or materials are used for the hydraulic components and the cover component, dimensional differences can occur. To nevertheless maintain a predefined distance between the coil in the cover component and the damping element, the flexible connection allows for the compensation of manufacturing tolerances and deformations caused by temperature changes during operation.To enable the use of an impeller in the hydraulic component, the flexible connection according to the invention is employed. In other words, the adapter component acts as a kind of adapter, allowing for the flexible mounting of a circuit board for the evaluation electronics and a coil. The adapter component is therefore multifunctional. The adapter component can also be referred to as a fusion component.

[0014] The annular outer section of the adapter component's receiving part is rigidly (inflexibly) connected to the hydraulic component, for example, by clamping or screwing. The central section, in turn, is flexibly connected to the outer section, allowing movement relative to it within predefined limits. In this respect, the central section is flexibly mounted relative to the outer section and thus also relative to the hydraulic component. This flexibility refers to spatial displacement, particularly along a central axis perpendicular to the annular outer section. Furthermore, the outer section is connected to both the hydraulic component and the cover component via an annular sealing element, which provides a fluid-tight seal.In particular, for example, when screwing the adapter component into a corresponding receptacle of the hydraulic component, the sealing part may be deformed in order to achieve fluid tightness.

[0015] A watertight connection between the hydraulic component and the cover is of paramount importance, as the evaluation and display electronics located in the cover must be protected from moisture throughout its entire service life, and flow meters are frequently installed in wet areas. Despite the requirement for a watertight connection between the hydraulic component and the cover, the cover should preferably be rotatable on the hydraulic component, allowing the display to be rotated to any desired position.

[0016] Compared to previous approaches that used two or more separate parts in a flow meter, the flexible connection according to the invention offers improved robustness against manufacturing tolerances. The distance between the coil and the damping element can be precisely adjusted or specified to achieve high measurement quality. Measurement errors are avoided and the stability of the measurement signal is increased. Highly accurate flow rate measurement is provided. Even when using different materials, high measurement accuracy can still be achieved.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible connection is designed as a spring connection. The outer section and the central section are preferably spring-loaded relative to each other along a central axis perpendicular to a ring plane of the outer section. In particular, a spring travel of approximately 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and especially approximately 1 mm, can be provided. The flexible connection is designed as a spring connection. In particular, a strut or other mechanical connection can be designed to be spring-loaded. In this respect, the deformability of a material in the sense of a spring effect can be utilized to provide the flexible connection. It is particularly advantageous if the flexibility exists along a central axis. When joining the adapter component and the hydraulic component, inaccuracies in spacing, especially in this direction, must be avoided.For example, if the coil is mounted on the adapter component and the damping element or impeller is mounted within the adapter component, the distance between the coil and the damping element should be as uniform as possible, precisely definable, and independent of manufacturing tolerances. This distance is often variable, particularly along the central axis, as this corresponds to the joining direction of the adapter component and the hydraulic component. Flexibility or spring-loaded displacement along this axis allows for the creation of a defined distance by pressing or squeezing. In particular, the coil can be pressed against a contact surface on the hydraulic component (at a defined distance to the underlying damping element).

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter component is designed for connection to a round receiving opening of the hydraulic component. Preferably, the outer radius of the annular sealing element in its relaxed state is larger than the inner diameter of the receiving opening. Furthermore, the annular sealing element is preferably designed to create a fluid-tight seal to the hydraulic component by deformation. Connection to the round receiving opening can be achieved by pressing and locking (preferably) or by screwing. The adapter component is thus pressed into the corresponding receiving opening and secured by engaging appropriate locking elements. During this pressing action, the sealing element is deformed to create a fluid-tight connection. In other words, the annular sealing element functions as a sealing ring. This results in an efficiently manufactured and easy-to-use solution.efficient installation.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving part includes an annular receiving area in its outer section for receiving the sealing element. Preferably, the receiving part includes a compensation area for accommodating excess material resulting from deformation of the sealing element when connecting the adapter component to the hydraulic component. The receiving part can, in particular, include a circumferential recess for the sealing element. The sealing element is inserted into, or is located within, this annular receiving area. The preferably provided compensation area serves to accommodate a kind of bow wave of the sealing element when connecting the adapter component to the hydraulic component. In particular, during insertion, a kind of bow wave of the deformed material of the sealing element can be pressed into and inserted into this compensation area. This results in an efficient seal.By absorbing the bow wave in the compensation area, excessive pressure on the sealing component is prevented, thus ensuring the rotation of the cover component relative to the hydraulic component.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible connection comprises three struts for providing a spring effect through deformation. In particular, three curved struts may be provided. The struts are designed to be deformable, and their deformability provides the flexibility. Specifically, curved struts that act like a spring may be provided. A curved strut is understood to be, in particular, a strut with an S-shaped profile. It is understood that different shapes are possible. This results in efficient manufacturability with regard to cost and a reliable provision of the flexible connection.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the first recess comprises three receiving cavities extending substantially from the central section towards the hydraulic component, each designed to receive a coil. Preferably, the receiving cavities are configured to secure the coils in a coil plane parallel to an annular plane of the outer section, particularly by clamping and / or deforming a crimp rib. The receiving projections can, in particular, correspond to a type of leg extending from the central section towards the hydraulic component. This orientation towards the hydraulic component results in the smallest possible distance to the impeller and damping element.The flexible mounting of the central section allows for a defined distance to the hydraulic component and the impeller / damping element, as it enables a kind of pressing or clamping action against a contact surface on the hydraulic component. The coils can be mounted within a cavity. For example, a compression rib can be incorporated within the cavity, allowing the coils to be secured by mechanical deformation. The use of compression ribs allows the cavity to be larger than the coil itself, while still ensuring the coil remains fixed in place. This also compensates for geometric tolerances in the coils, resulting in efficient manufacturing and reliable performance of the desired functionality.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the second mounting comprises three supports that extend at least partially towards the cover component and terminate in three mounting points for a circuit board located in a mounting plane parallel to an annular plane of the outer section. The supports can thus run in the opposite direction to the mounting projections. The supports serve to secure a circuit board for the evaluation electronics. Because the evaluation electronics and the circuit board are also mounted on the central section, mechanical stress on the solder points is avoided. The points where the coil is connected to the circuit board are typically implemented by solder points. When the flexible connection is stressed to establish contact between the coil and the corresponding contact surface on the hydraulic component, the circuit board and the evaluation electronics are also displaced. In this respect, mechanical stress on the solder points is avoided.This results in mechanical robustness.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing element is made of a softer material than the receiving element. In particular, two different materials can be used. The different materials provide, on the one hand, the necessary sealing effect and, on the other hand, a flexible connection and the reliable provision of the corresponding receptacles for the evaluation electronics and the coils.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter component can be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process, in which the receiving part is injected in a first step and the sealing part in a second step. In particular, such a two-component injection molding process allows a soft and more plastically deformable material to be combined with a harder and more elastically deformable material. The use of a two-component injection molding process results in efficient manufacturability while simultaneously providing the desired functionality.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing ring is rotationally symmetrical at its interface with the hydraulic component and / or at its interface with the cover component to allow rotation of the cover component relative to the hydraulic component. The rotatability of the cover component, and optionally the adapter component, relative to the hydraulic component allows for the alignment of a display or other indicator. In typical installations, the hydraulic component is rigidly connected to a line. The adapter component and cover component are fixed to this line. Since the installation direction of the hydraulic component is not variable in this respect, the rotatability of the cover component, and optionally the adapter component, allows for a degree of adjustment of the display. This results in improved usability.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving part includes in its outer section a locking hook and / or a locking bearing for establishing a connection with the hydraulic component by locking. Preferably, the locking hook and / or the locking bearing has no radial limit to allow rotation of the adapter component relative to the hydraulic component. A locking connection particularly enables rotation. This rotation simplifies operation, accessibility, and the readability of any display that may be provided. Operability during operation of the flow meter is improved. The locking hook and locking bearing interact in a locking connection through a locking action. This results in a reliable and easily implemented locking mechanism.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving part has a predetermined breaking point designed to break when the adapter component is removed from the hydraulic component after initial fastening. Thus, once the adapter component and hydraulic component are initially connected, non-destructive disconnection is no longer possible. This ensures tamper resistance. Such flow meters are often used in distribution systems that require this level of tamper resistance. This can preferably be achieved by a predetermined breaking point on the receiving part.

[0028] In this context, a central section refers in particular to a part of a component that is arranged centrally (at least in one spatial direction). An outer section, on the other hand, is arranged radially outside this spatial direction, specifically around the central section. Both sections are part of a single component. The connection between the two sections is flexible, particularly due to its mechanical deformability. The sealing element is a separate component, but it may be connected to the receiving element. In particular, two different materials may be used for the receiving element and the sealing element.

[0029] The invention is described and explained in more detail below with reference to some selected embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the components of a flow meter according to the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the components of an adapter component according to the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of an adapter component according to the invention in a perspective view and in a sectional view; Figure 4 is two perspective views of an embodiment of an adapter component according to the invention; and Figure 5 is a construction view in four perspectives of an embodiment of a receiving part of an embodiment of the adapter component according to the invention.

[0030] In Figure 1A schematic diagram shows a flow meter 10 according to the invention for measuring fluid flow through a pipe (not shown). The flow meter 10 comprises a hydraulic component 12, a coil 14, a circuit board 16 with evaluation electronics 18, a cover component 20, and an adapter component 22. For clarity, the diagram is an exploded view, with the components assembled in the direction of the arrows.

[0031] Such flow meters 10 are inserted into a pipe, for example by screwing them in, to measure the fluid flow through that pipe. For example, in heat meters, a quantity of heat can be determined in this way, taking into account the temperature difference between the supply and return lines. Applications also include water consumption measurement and other fields.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic component 12 is connected to a pipeline by means of corresponding connecting pieces 24. The hydraulic component 12 is also referred to as the fluid-carrying component. The other components are not in direct contact with the fluid. Within the hydraulic component 12, the fluid flow is directed such that an impeller (shown in the illustration) Figure 1 (Not readily apparent) the fluid flow sets the impeller into rotational motion, thus diverting at least part of the fluid flow around it. A damping element, in particular one or more metal plates, is provided on the impeller and rotates with it. The movement of this metal plate influences a coil 14, which in turn can be measured. Therefore, the revolutions of the impeller can be recorded, allowing conclusions to be drawn about the fluid flow.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment in Figure 1Three coils 14 are provided. The coils 14 are connected to the evaluation electronics 18 on the circuit board 16 via their terminals. In particular, a wire connection with corresponding solder points can be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the evaluation electronics 18 also includes a display that can be read through a corresponding window 26 in the cover component 20. The cover component 20 is designed to protect the evaluation electronics 18 and all other components from external influences, such as moisture, water, or dust, etc.

[0034] Often, in such flow meters 10, the manufacturer of the hydraulic component 12 differs from the manufacturer of the other components, particularly those required for evaluation and data retrieval. Furthermore, the hydraulic component 12 is often made of a different material than the other components. For example, the hydraulic component 12 may be made of metal, while the other components may be injection-molded plastic parts. For these and other reasons, dimensional tolerances arise, which can mean that the distance between the coils 14 and the damping element of the impeller cannot be precisely specified. This distance is crucial for accurately measuring the movement of the impeller or the damping element, and deviations from a specified distance can lead to inaccurate measurements.In other words, the coils 14 must therefore be in direct contact with a contact surface under which the impeller with the damping element rotates, in order to specify a distance between coils 14 and damping element as precisely as possible.

[0035] To make the distance between the coils 14 and the damping element on the impeller as precisely controllable as possible, the adapter component 22 according to the invention is provided as an intermediate piece between the circuit board 16 with the evaluation electronics 18 and the cover 20 on the one hand, and the hydraulic component 12 on the other. In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter component 22 is designed to be coupled into a round receiving opening 23 of the hydraulic component 12, for example by snapping it into place. The adapter component 22 enables compensation of distances between the coils 14 and their predetermined positioning within the hydraulic component 12, below which the impeller with the damping element rotates.

[0036] In Figure 2 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the adapter component 22 according to the invention in a perspective view. The adapter component 22 comprises a receiving part 28 and a sealing part 30. In the illustration in Figure 2 The two components are shown separately for better visualization. It is understood that the receiving part 28 and the sealing part 30 are designed to lie against each other (joined in the direction of the arrow). The receiving part 28 serves to mechanically secure the adapter component 22 to the hydraulic component on the one hand, and to mechanically secure the coil, the circuit board with the evaluation electronics, and the cover component on the other. The sealing part 30 serves to create a fluid-tight seal to the hydraulic component and / or to the cover component. Preferably, a fluid-tight seal is created to both components.

[0037] In the production of the adapter component 22, it has proven advantageous to use a two-component injection molding process. In a first step, the receiving part 28 is injected. Then, a placeholder is removed, and in a second step, the sealing part 30 is injected. In particular, such a two-component injection molding process allows the use of two different materials for the two parts. The sealing part 30 can be made of an elastic material, while the receiving part 28 can be made of a material with lower elasticity. For example, TPS-SEBS-Lifoflex UV 50.01 B05 can be used as the soft component for the sealing part 30. For the hard component, the receiving part 28, ROMILOY, ABS+PC1035 / 04 can be used. In a manufacturing process according to the invention, the hard component is injected first to produce the adapter component.The soft component is then injected directly onto the hard component. This results in a single part that does not require additional assembly or joining in a separate assembly step.

[0038] In Figure 3 The adapter component 22 according to the invention is shown in perspective in two views in one embodiment. The illustration on the right shows a sectional view. The adapter component 22 comprises the receiving part 28 and the sealing part 30, which are shown assembled in the illustrated embodiment and can, for example, be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process, as described above. The receiving part 28 of the adapter component 22 comprises an annular outer section 32 and a central section 34.

[0039] The annular outer section 32 extends essentially in a ring-shaped plane. The central section 34 is arranged centrally within this annular plane with respect to the outer section 32. The central section 34 and the outer section 32 are connected to each other. The flexible connection 36 provided for this purpose allows movement of the outer section 32 relative to the central section 34, and vice versa. This movement is preferably provided along a central axis 38 perpendicular to an annular plane of the outer section. In particular, movement of approximately 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and especially approximately 1 mm, along this central axis 38 is possible.

[0040] The flexible connection 36 can be designed, in particular, as a spring connection to allow this mobility. This mobility or displacement capability means that the distance between the central section 34 and the hydraulic component, or between the contact surface on the hydraulic component and the coils on the central section, does not need to be precisely defined. Even with a slightly variable distance due to manufacturing tolerances, the flexible connection 36 can enable contact in virtually all cases. This requires precise measurement of the movements of the impeller in the hydraulic component and the associated damping element.

[0041] In Figure 3It is evident that the receiving part 28 is essentially ring-shaped or round in order to couple to a round receiving opening of a hydraulic component. The receiving part 28 comprises an annular (circumferential) receiving area 46 in which the sealing part 30 can be received. The sealing part 28 is essentially rotationally symmetrical in its relationship to the hydraulic component to allow rotation of the cover part 28 relative to the hydraulic component. This means that the entire adapter component, together with the cover part, can be rotated relative to the hydraulic component on the evaluation electronics. This allows, for example, the display of the evaluation electronics to be rotated relative to the hydraulic component for improved readability. This offers advantages in use.

[0042] In the sectional view on the right side of Figure 3It is evident that the sealing element 30 lies within the annular receiving area 46 of the receiving element 28. Since the sealing element 30 can deform when the adapter component 22 is connected to the hydraulic component, this receiving area 46 includes a compensation area 50. This compensation area 50 serves to absorb any excess material and deformation of the sealing element 30 during the connection of the adapter component 22 to the hydraulic component. Thus, a kind of bow wave of the soft material of the sealing element 30 is generated during the connection process, which can be absorbed by this compensation area 50. This prevents difficult handling and also prevents damage.

[0043] In Figure 4 The receiving part 28 of the adapter component is shown in two views from above and below. For clarity, the sealing part is shown in the illustration in Figure 4Hidden. The annular outer section 32 and the central section 34 are connected via the flexible connection 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible connection comprises three struts 36a, 36b, 36c, which are designed in the manner of a spring to provide a spring effect. The struts 36a, 36b, 36c are curved and thus enable a spring effect to be generated by deformation, thereby achieving the desired displacement of the central section 34 relative to the outer section 32. The dimensions of the flexible connection 36 are preferably determined experimentally such that the force required for the displacement is large enough to ensure, on the one hand, sufficient contact pressure between the coils and the contact surface on the hydraulic component, and on the other hand, that the load on the various components involved, in particular the soldered connections, etc., is not excessive.

[0044] To accommodate and secure the evaluation electronics, the mounting part 28 includes a second mounting 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the second mounting 40 is designed in three parts and comprises three supports 40a, 40b, 40c, which extend towards the cover component (not shown) and form the three mounting points for a circuit board. The circuit board then supports the evaluation electronics. The second mounting 40, or rather the three supports 40a, 40b, 40c, is connected to the central section 34. The supports 40a, 40b, 40c thus extend from the central section 34 towards the cover component. This means that the circuit board and the evaluation electronics can be secured on the side facing the cover component. This allows, for example, a display to be readable by an operator. It also provides access to the evaluation electronics.

[0045] Furthermore, the receiving part 28 includes a first receiving area 42 for the coil in its central section 34. The first receiving area 42 is located on the side of the central section 34, or receiving part 28, facing the hydraulic component. In the illustrated embodiment, the first receiving area 42 comprises three receiving cavities 42a, 42b, 42c, into which three coils can be inserted. The receiving cavities 42a, 42b, 42c extend into receiving extensions 44a, 44b, 44c, through which corresponding electrical contacts of the coil can be connected to the evaluation electronics. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving cavities 42a, 42b, 42c include a crimp rib by which a coil can be secured by pressing or deforming it. To mount the flow meter or the adapter component with the evaluation electronics and the coil, the coils can be pressed into the receiving cavities 42a, 42b, 42c and clamped there.This results in a simple and easily achievable assembly process.

[0046] In Figure 5 Four schematic construction views of the receiving part 28 are shown to illustrate the in Figure 4 to represent the components already introduced. Referring to the description introduced above. Figure 4 Reference is made to the introduced reference symbols and explanations. For the sake of clarity, the reference symbols in Figure 5 are only shown in a few places. In particular, the illustrations in Figure 5 The three struts 36a, 36b, 36c, which together form the flexible connection 36, are shown. Also visible are the three supports 40a, 40b, 40c, which together form the second receptacle 40. Also visible in Figure 5 are the three receiving cavities 42a, 42b, 42c, which together form the first receiving cavity 42.

[0047] In Figure 5It is also evident that the receiving part 28 includes a locking hook 48 in its outer section for fastening between the adapter component and the hydraulic component. This locking hook 48 interacts with a correspondingly designed detent bearing on the hydraulic component to enable simple fastening. Advantageously, several locking hooks and detent bearings interact around the circumference of the receiving part to ensure sufficient fastening security. Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that there is no radial limit on the hydraulic component, thus allowing the adapter component to rotate relative to the hydraulic component (see previous description).

[0048] The invention has been comprehensively described and explained with reference to the drawings and the description. The description and explanation are to be understood as examples and not as limiting. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments or variations will become apparent to a person skilled in the art when using the present invention and upon a detailed analysis of the drawings, the disclosure, and the subsequent claims.

[0049] In the claims, the words "comprise" and "with" do not preclude the presence of further elements or steps. The undefined article "a" or "an" does not preclude the presence of multiple elements. A single element or unit can perform the functions of several of the units mentioned in the claims. The mere mention of some measures in several different dependent claims is not to be understood as precluding the advantageous use of a combination of these measures. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be interpreted restrictively.

Claims

1. An adapter component (22) for connecting a hydraulic component (12) to a cover component (20) of a flow meter (10), comprising: a receiving part (28) having an annular outer section (32) and a central section (34), wherein the central section comprises a first receptacle (42) for a coil (14) on a side facing the hydraulic component and a second receptacle (40) for evaluation electronics (18) on a side facing the cover component, and wherein the outer section and the central section are connected via a flexible connection (36); and an annular sealing part (30) that corresponds with the outer section of the receiving part, for producing a fluid-tight seal to the hydraulic component and / or to the cover component.

2. The adapter component (22) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible connection (36) is configured as a spring connection; and the outer section (32) and the central section (34) are preferably displaceably spring-mounted relative to each other along a central axis (38) running perpendicular to a ring plane of the outer section, in particular by a spring distance of approximately 0.5 mm to 2 mm, in particular approximately 1 mm.

3. The adapter component (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter component is configured for connection into a round receiving opening (23) of the hydraulic component (12); and preferably an outer radius of the annular sealing part (30) in the relaxed state is greater than an inner diameter of the receiving opening and the annular sealing part is configured for producing the fluid-tight seal to the hydraulic component by deformation.

4. The adapter component (22) according to claim 3, wherein the receiving part (28) comprises in its outer section (32) an annular receiving region (46) for receiving the sealing part (30); and preferably comprises a compensation region (50) for receiving a material excess of a deformation of the sealing part when connecting the adapter component to the hydraulic component (12).

5. The adapter component (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible connection (36) comprises three struts (36a, 36b, 36c) for providing a spring effect through deformation, in particular three curved struts.

6. The adapter component (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first receptacle (42) comprises three receiving cavities (42a, 42b, 42c) that extend substantially from the central section (34) in the direction of the hydraulic component (12) and that are each configured for receiving a coil (14); and the receiving cavities are preferably configured for fixing the coils in a coil plane running parallel to a ring plane of the outer section (32), in particular by clamping and / or deformation of a crush rib.

7. The adapter component (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second receptacle (40) comprises three posts (40a, 40b, 40c) that extend at least partially in the direction of the cover component (20) and that terminate in three receiving points for a circuit board lying in a receiving plane running parallel to a ring plane of the outer section (32).

8. The adapter component (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a material of the sealing part (30) is softer than a material of the receiving part (28).

9. The adapter component (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter component can be manufactured in a two-component injection molding process in which the receiving part is injected in a first step and the sealing part (30) is injected in a second step.

10. The adapter component (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing part (30) is configured to be rotationally symmetrical at its contact surface to the hydraulic component (12) and / or at its contact surface to the cover component (20) in order to enable rotation of the cover component relative to the hydraulic component.

11. The adapter component (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving part (28) comprises in its outer section (32) a latching hook and / or a latching seat for producing a connection with the hydraulic component (12) by latching; and preferably the latching hook and / or the latching seat has no radial limitation in order to enable rotatability of the adapter component relative to the hydraulic component.

12. The adapter component (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving part (28) has a predetermined breaking point that is configured to break upon removal of the adapter component from the hydraulic component (12) after an initial attachment.

13. A flow meter (10) for measuring a fluid flow through a line, comprising: a hydraulic component (12) for passing the fluid flow therethrough, having an impeller arranged in the fluid flow, on which a damping element is arranged; a coil (14) for detecting a movement of the damping element on the impeller; a circuit board (16) having evaluation electronics (18) connected to the coil; a cover component (20) for protecting the evaluation electronics from external influences; and an adapter component (22) according to one of the preceding claims, which connects the hydraulic component to the cover component.

14. A method for manufacturing an adapter component (22) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of injection molding the receiving part (28) and subsequently injection molding the sealing part (30) with a different material in a two-component injection molding process.