Radiometric measuring device having a connection adapter

Abstract

The invention relates to a radiometric measuring device (10), comprising a housing (12), wherein a light detector (16) is arranged in the housing (12) and wherein a connection adapter (30) is arranged in the housing (12), wherein the connection adapter (30) serves to establish an electrical connection between the light detector (16) and a sensor electronics system (20), wherein the connection adapter (30) is of at least two-part design and has a first detector housing part (36) and a second connection housing part (38), wherein the first detector housing part (36) and the second connection housing part (38) are displaceable relative to each other in the axial direction and / or are rotatable relative to each other. The invention also relates to a connection adapter (30) and to a method for assembling a radiometric measuring device (10).

Description

[0001] Radiometric measuring device with connection adapter

[0002] The invention relates to a radiometric measuring device according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connection adapter for a radiometric measuring device according to claim 15 and to methods for assembling a radiometric measuring device according to claims 16 and 17.

[0003] Radiometric level measurement uses gamma radiation from a cesium or cobalt source to determine the fill level of tanks, for example. The measurement is based on the fact that the emitted gamma rays are attenuated when they pass through material, and the radioactive radiation that still penetrates the material is detected by a radiometric measuring device.

[0004] Such radiometric measuring devices typically contain a scintillator, which may consist of a crystal, a light detector, and evaluation electronics. Emitted gamma radiation striking the scintillator generates light flashes in the scintillator. These flashes are then transmitted (sometimes via optical elements) to the light detector, where they are converted into electrical pulses and amplified. The pulse rate (number of pulses per second) is a measure of the radiation intensity. Depending on the calibration, the pulse rate is converted by the evaluation electronics into a level, limit switch, density, or concentration signal.

[0005] For explosion protection reasons in particular, the scintillator, light detector, and sensor electronics components are typically housed in separate housing sections. The scintillator is typically located in a process-oriented scintillator housing section. This scintillator housing section is then separated from a central light detector housing section, in which the light detector is located, by a glass window. Light flashes generated by the scintillator can strike the light detector through the glass window. The light detector and detector electronics are typically located in the central housing section. The detector electronics convert the counted light pulses into an electrical signal. This signal is forwarded to sensor electronics located in a sensor electronics housing section.The connection between the sensor electronics and the detector electronics is usually made via contact pins, which extend through an Ex-glass feedthrough between the sensor electronics housing and the light detector housing.

[0006] Radiometric measuring instruments are typically used in harsh conditions. Therefore, the detector electronics are frequently exposed to high temperatures, vibrations, and even radioactive radiation, which can lead to the need for periodic replacement.

[0007] The underlying object of the invention is to provide a radiometric measuring device, a connection adapter and a method for mounting a radiometric measuring device, by means of which a particularly easy mounting of the connection adapter in the housing of the radiometric measuring device and a simple replacement of the detector electronics is enabled.

[0008] The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. Further practical embodiments and advantages are described in conjunction with the dependent claims.

[0009] A radiometric measuring device according to the invention comprises a housing (also referred to as a light detector housing) with a light detector arranged therein. The light detector serves to detect light flashes generated by a scintillator, which are then transmitted to the light detector. The light detector is designed, in particular, as an elongated, cylindrical body.

[0010] Furthermore, a connection adapter is arranged in the housing, which serves to establish an electrical connection between the light detector and a sensor electronics unit. The sensor electronics unit is arranged, in particular, in a separate sensor electronics housing adjacent to the housing. The sensor electronics unit serves, among other things, to process the electrical signal provided by the detector electronics unit. As already mentioned above, contact with the sensor electronics unit is established, in particular, via contact pins extending through a glass feedthrough.

[0011] The connection adapter is designed in at least two parts. The connection adapter comprises a first detector housing part. In particular, the first detector part has detector electronics for connection to the light detector. The detector electronics serve, in particular, to convert the counted light pulses into an electrical signal. The detector electronics and the sensor electronics are preferably arranged separately and spaced apart from one another, in particular for reasons of explosion protection and because the sensor electronics are more temperature-sensitive. The first detector housing part, in particular, at least partially surrounds the light detector.

[0012] The connection adapter also includes a second connection housing part. In particular, the second connection housing part has a connector plug for connecting to the sensor electronics, in particular to the contact pins.

[0013] The first detector housing part and the second connection housing part are displaceable relative to each other in the axial direction and / or rotatable relative to each other.

[0014] The connection adapter primarily serves to establish the electrical connection between the light detector and the sensor electronics with a single, compact component (a single subassembly). If the detector electronics need to be replaced, only a single component needs to be inserted into the housing. The connection adapter, in particular, secures the detector electronics in place, eliminating the need for any additional connection of the detector electronics to the housing, particularly screwing. The detector electronics are integrated into the connection adapter, making them easily replaceable.

[0015] The two-part design of the connection adapter enables axial displacement and / or rotation, which on the one hand enables tolerance compensation and / or - as explained in more detail below in connection with the process - also enables a screw connection of a base body and a cover of the housing when the connection adapter is already in place.

[0016] In a practical embodiment, the first detector housing part and the second connection housing part are subjected to a spring force in the axial direction. This means that axial displacement is supported by spring force. The first detector housing part and the second connection housing part are preloaded against each other by spring force in such a way that they are pressed apart in the axial direction. During assembly of the radiometric measuring device, in particular, a base body and a cover of the housing are screwed together, and the two housing parts are pressed together in the axial direction against the spring force. The spring force presses the second housing part with the connection plug against the contact pins and the first housing part against the light detector. The preload and axial displacement also compensate for temperature-related expansion of the individual components.

[0017] In particular, a spring (preferably a coil spring) is arranged captively between the first housing part and the second housing part. This can be achieved by the spring resting against a stop on each housing part. The stop is formed, in particular, by a shoulder on the first housing part and by a circumferential collar on the second housing part.

[0018] In particular, the first detector housing part is essentially cylindrical and surrounds and secures the detector electronics. The first detector housing part comprises a detector section and an adjoining guide section. The detector section has a larger diameter than the guide section. Accordingly, a shoulder is formed at the transition between the detector section and the guide section. The detector section surrounds the light detector and is separated from the guide section by an intermediate ceiling.

[0019] The second connection housing part is also particularly cylindrical. It has a lateral surface from which a circumferential collar extends on one side. The collar extends on the side facing away from the first detector housing part. The second connection housing part is inserted into the first detector housing part, with the maximum insertion depth being limited by the collar.

[0020] In order to realize a defined relative axial movement between the first detector housing part and the second connection housing part, the first detector housing part and the second connection housing part in particular have corresponding guide means. In particular, the first detector housing part has at least one slot, through which a resilient locking lug of the second connection housing part is arranged to protrude. Preferably, the first detector housing part has a plurality of slots distributed over its circumference, and the second connection housing part has corresponding resilient locking lugs. The at least one slot is formed in particular in the guide section of the first detector housing part. The second connection housing part is inserted into the first detector housing part, and the locking lugs spring outwards in the radial direction. The guide structures also serve as anti-twist devices.

[0021] The maximum spring travel of the spring - and also the maximum length of the connection adapter in the axial direction - is limited by the fact that the locking lug described above hits the upper end of a corresponding slot.

[0022] In a further practical embodiment, the second connection housing part itself is constructed in two parts and comprises an intermediate part and a ring part, wherein the ring part is rotatable relative to the intermediate part. The intermediate part then has, in particular, the at least one spring-elastic locking lug described above and is at least partially inserted into the first detector housing part.

[0023] The ring part has at least one locking lug at one end and a circumferential collar at the other end. The ring part is inserted into the intermediate part so that the collars contact each other and the at least one locking lug engages behind the end of the intermediate part. This axially fixes the ring part and the intermediate part. The ring part rests with its circumference against the intermediate part and is fitted in such a way that it can be rotated relative to the intermediate part.

[0024] The second connection housing part—and in the two-part design, especially the ring part—in particular accommodates additional electronics with the connector plug. The additional electronics comprise, in particular, a circuit board / printed circuit board, which is spaced apart from the detector electronics for explosion protection and EMC reasons. The circuit board is clipped, in particular, to the second connection housing part or, if applicable, to the ring part. The second connection housing part (or the ring part) and the circuit board, in particular, have corresponding features to ensure a clear installation position of the circuit board in the second connection housing part. For example, the second connection housing part can have a projection, and the circuit board a corresponding notch.

[0025] If the second connection housing part is designed in two parts, the connecting part can be rotated and positioned relative to the intermediate part so that the connection plug is aligned with the connection pins projecting through the cover.

[0026] In particular, the second connection housing part has at least one fixing structure extending in the axial direction. The fixing structure extends in particular on the side of the collar facing away from the first detector housing part. Preferably, a plurality of fixing structures are arranged distributed over the circumference. The at least one fixing structure serves to clearly position the second connection housing part with respect to the housing or the cover and in particular with respect to the connection pins. The fixing structure is in particular projections or pins projecting in the axial direction. In the installed position, the at least one fixing structure is then received in a corresponding recess in the cover and in particular in the glass feedthrough. The second connection housing part is then fixed against rotation relative to the cover.In a two-part design of the connection housing part, the at least one fixing structure is arranged in particular on the ring part. The ring part can rotate relative to the intermediate part and the first detector housing part.

[0027] In order to additionally fix the connection adapter to the cover in the axial direction, the second connection housing part has in particular means for positive fastening to the housing and in particular to the glass feedthrough arranged in the cover. The means for positive fastening are in particular snap hooks extending in the axial direction, which can spring outwards in the radial direction. These snap hooks engage behind the glass feedthrough and snap into a recess or groove provided for this purpose, so that the second connection housing part is fastened to the glass feedthrough. This is particularly advantageous during assembly when the connection adapter as a whole is fastened to the cover with integrated glass feedthrough and is then screwed into the housing together with the cover. The electrical connection between the connection plug and the detector electronics is made in particular via a flexible conductor ora cable. The flexible conductor can be routed inside or outside the first detector housing part. It can, in particular, be a ribbon cable. The flexible conductor has sufficient play both during axial displacement and during any rotation of the first detector housing part relative to the second connection housing part, ensuring that the electrical connection is maintained during displacement and / or rotation. The flexible conductor is, in particular, designed such that it is not taut even during repeated relative rotation of the first detector housing part and the second connection housing part (in particular the ring part), and even during maximum axial deflection. The "excess" part of the flexible conductor is arranged, in particular, in the area between the false ceiling and the additional electronics in the cylindrical intermediate part or in the guide section.The flexible conductor can, in particular, already be pre-bent in several turns and is unwound during assembly, specifically when screwing the cover and base body together.

[0028] In one embodiment, the connection adapter, with external cable routing, has guide structures for the flexible conductor on its exterior. Thus, a channel can be formed on the exterior of the first detector housing part, into which the conductor is inserted, and additionally, webs projecting laterally into the channel, preferably alternately from one side and the other, with the webs extending only across part of the channel width. The flexible conductor can be inserted, in particular, through an opening in the guide section up to below the additional circuit board.

[0029] Alternatively, the detector electronics can be connected via a pin strip, with the pin strip extending through the suspended ceiling. The flexible conductor then extends from the part of the pin strip protruding from the suspended ceiling to below the additional electronics, within the guide section.

[0030] In a further practical embodiment, the first detector housing encloses an interior space in which the detector electronics are located. This interior space can be filled with potting compound to protect the detector electronics. An opening is formed in the base plate for filling the potting compound. The interior space is surrounded in particular by the detector section, the intermediate ceiling, and the base plate.

[0031] In particular, the detector housing is also designed in two parts and comprises a support part and an outer part. The support part is particularly inserted into the outer part, with the relative position of the support part and outer part being clearly defined by corresponding retaining webs and guide rails. The outer part is particularly cylindrical and is connected to the base plate of the support part by means of a clip connection.

[0032] The support part has, in particular, means for securing the detector electronics, in particular a main circuit board. The support part has, in particular, a base plate which has an insertion opening for the light detector. Extending from the base plate in the axial direction are several retaining webs which serve for clipping in and / or plugging on the main circuit board of the detector electronics. In particular, the retaining webs have locking lugs which surround the main circuit board laterally, engage behind it, and secure it in the axial direction. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining webs have fixing pins which extend through the main circuit board and define a unique position for the main circuit board, preventing it from twisting.

[0033] On the underside of the base plate, i.e., the end of the connection adapter opposite the connector plug, at least one fixing pin is arranged. This pin is received in particular in a corresponding opening in the base body of the housing. The fixing pin ensures a clear position of the second detector housing part relative to the base body and prevents rotation. This is particularly advantageous in embodiments in which the first housing part and second housing part are rotatable relative to one another.

[0034] Furthermore, inwardly resilient support ribs can be arranged on the base plate for the suspension and centered mounting of the light detector. For this purpose, the first detector housing part - and in particular the base plate of the support part - has inwardly resilient support ribs, which rest against the light detector and are arranged to surround it. In a further practical embodiment, the connection adapter has support elements on its outer side for resiliently supporting the connection adapter in the housing of the radiometric measuring device. These can be, for example, elements that protrude in the radial direction, such as ribs or vanes, which extend over part of the circumference and can deflect in the radial direction. This can dampen the transmission of vibrations from the housing to the connection adapter.

[0035] The invention further relates to a connection adapter comprising a first detector housing part with detector electronics for connection to a light detector and a second connection housing part with a connector plug for establishing an electrical connection between the light detector and sensor electronics. The first housing part and the second housing are axially displaceable relative to one another and / or rotatable relative to one another. Regarding the advantages and further features of such a connection adapter, reference is made to the previous description.

[0036] The invention also relates to a method for assembling (i.e., assembling) a radiometric measuring device, in particular a radiometric measuring device as described above. First, the light detector is connected to the first detector housing part. For this purpose, the light detector is, in particular, inserted into the first detector housing part until the light detector's connection contacts protrude through the main board of the detector electronics.

[0037] The pre-assembled connection adapter is then arranged in the housing with the first detector housing part and the second connection housing part. The connection plug is connected to the sensor electronics and the second connection housing part is connected to a cover of the housing in a rotationally fixed manner. For this purpose, in particular the second connection housing part is aligned so that the connection plug contacts contact pins of the sensor electronics. The alignment is predetermined in particular by means of at least one fixing structure. In particular, the connection adapter is also fixed to the cover in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction by means of means for form-fitting fastening (in particular snap hooks). The connection adapter is now connected to the cover in a rotationally fixed manner and when the base body and the cover are subsequently screwed together, the connection adapter rotates as a whole.Due to the relative axial displacement of the first detector housing part and the second connection housing part, this change in length occurring during screwing can be compensated.

[0038] In an alternative assembly method, the pre-assembled connection adapter with the first detector housing part and the second connection housing part can be arranged in the housing, wherein the detector housing part is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a base body of the housing. This is achieved in particular by means of the fixing structures on the first detector housing part described above. Furthermore, the connection plug is connected to the sensor electronics, and the second connection housing part is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a cover of the housing. For this purpose, in particular, the connecting part of the second connection housing part is aligned such that the connection plug contacts contact pins of the sensor electronics. Furthermore, an anti-twist device is implemented, in particular by means of at least one fixing pin. After fixing the first detector housing part to the base body and the second connection housing part to the cover, the base body and the cover are then screwed together.The relative axial displacement of the first detector housing part and the second connection housing part allows for the length change that occurs during screwing. Furthermore, the second connection housing part (specifically, the ring part) is rotatable relative to the first detector housing part, which also allows for the screwing movement to be compensated.

[0039] Further practical embodiments are described below in conjunction with the figures. They show:

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a radiometric measuring device in a schematic representation,

[0041] Fig. 2 shows a connection adapter in a first embodiment in a perspective view obliquely from above,

[0042] Fig. 3 the connection adapter from Fig. 2 in a perspective view from below,

[0043] Fig. 4 shows the connection adapter from Fig. 2 and 3 in a cross section, Fig. 5 shows the connection adapter according to the first embodiment in an exploded view from the side,

[0044] Fig. 6 the connection adapter according to the first embodiment in an exploded view obliquely from above

[0045] Fig. 7 shows a connection adapter in a second embodiment in a perspective view obliquely from above,

[0046] Fig. 8 shows the connection adapter from Fig. 7 in a perspective view from below,

[0047] Fig. 9 the connection adapter from Fig. 7 and 8 in a cross section,

[0048] Fig. 10 shows the connection adapter according to the second embodiment in an exploded view from the side,

[0049] Fig. 11 the connection adapter according to the second embodiment in an exploded view obliquely from above.

[0050] Fig. 1 schematically shows a radiometric measuring device 10. The radiometric measuring device 10 comprises a housing 12 with several parts. A scintillator 14, which serves to detect radioactive radiation and generates light flashes, is arranged in a (lower) scintillator housing part 12a. A light detector 16 is arranged in a (middle) light detector housing part 12b. The light detector 16 converts the light flashes generated by the scintillator 14 into an electrical signal. The scintillator housing part 12a and the light detector housing part 12b are separated from each other for explosion protection reasons. An optical window 18, which is transparent to the generated light flashes, is arranged between the scintillator housing part 12a and the light detector housing part 12b.

[0051] The (middle) light detector housing part 12b is adjoined by an (upper) sensor electronics housing part 12c. A sensor electronics unit 20 (not shown here) is arranged in the upper sensor electronics housing part 12c. The light detector housing part 12b and the sensor electronics housing part 12c are also separated from each other. A glass feedthrough 22 is arranged between them, through which contact pins 24 extend, by means of which an electrical connection can be established between the sensor electronics unit 20 and the light detector 16.

[0052] As can also be seen in Fig. 1, the light detector housing part 12a is formed in two parts and has a cover 26 and a base body 28.

[0053] As already shown in Fig. 1, the light detector 16 is at least partially enclosed by a compact connection adapter 30. The connection adapter 30 has detector electronics 32 for connecting to the light detector 16 and a connector plug 34 for contacting the contact pins 24.

[0054] In the following, the connection adapter 30 together with the light detector 16 according to a first embodiment is described in detail in connection with Figures 2 to 6.

[0055] The connection adapter 30 is a compact component which, on the one hand, surrounds and contacts a part of the light detector 16 facing away from the scintillator 14 and, on the other hand, establishes contact with the sensor electronics 20.

[0056] The connection adapter 30 is designed in several parts and comprises a first detector housing part 36 and a second connection housing part 38.

[0057] The first detector housing part 36 encloses an interior space 40 and surrounds and secures the detector electronics 32 (see Fig. 4). The detector housing part 36 itself is constructed in two parts and includes a support part 42 and an outer part 44 (see Figs. 5 and 6).

[0058] The support part 42 (clearly visible in Figs. 4 to 6) comprises a base plate 46 and retaining webs 48 extending axially therefrom. The retaining webs 48 are slightly resilient and extend laterally past a main circuit board 50 of the detector electronics 32. At their ends, the retaining webs 48 each have a locking lug 52 with which they engage behind the main circuit board 50 of the detector electronics 32 and thus clamp it in place. Furthermore, a fixing pin 54 is arranged at each end of the retaining webs 48, which serves to prevent the main circuit board 50 from rotating. The retaining webs 48 and fixing pins 54 are not distributed equidistantly, but rather specify a clear relative position of the main circuit board 50 relative to the support part 42. The main board 50 has a plurality of connection openings 56 arranged in a circle through which connection contacts 58 of the light detector 16 extend.

[0059] Furthermore, the support part 42 has support ribs 60 which are resilient inwardly in the radial direction and which bear against the light detector 16 and centre and resiliently support the latter.

[0060] Four fixing pins 62 extend from the base plate 46 on the side facing away from the retaining webs 48. These are also arranged such that they can only be inserted into corresponding openings (not shown) in the base body 28 of the light detector housing 12b in a predetermined relative position. At the same time, this prevents the detector housing part 36 from rotating relative to the base body 28.

[0061] The support part 42, together with the retaining webs 48 and the detector electronics 32, is inserted into the outer part 44 and fixed in the axial direction by means of locking lugs 64, which engage in a corresponding opening 66. To ensure a clear relative position of the support part 42 in the outer part 44, the outer part 44 has guide rails 68 on its inner side that extend in the axial direction and into which the retaining webs 48 are received. This provides anti-twist protection. The support part 42 is pushed into the outer part 44 until the locking lugs 64 arranged on the base plate 46 spring outward into the corresponding opening 66 in the outer part 44.

[0062] The outer part 44 has a cylindrical base body with a first detector section 70 of a larger diameter and an adjoining guide section 72 of a smaller diameter. Due to the two different diameters, the outer part 44 has a shoulder 74. The detector section 70 and the guide section 72 are separated by an intermediate ceiling 76.

[0063] The detector section 70 with the intermediate ceiling 76 and the base plate 46 enclose the interior space 40 with the detector electronics 32. An opening 78 is formed in the base plate 46 through which potting compound can be filled into the interior space 40 to protect the detector electronics 32.

[0064] The connection housing part 38 is itself also designed in several parts and has an intermediate part 80 and a connecting part 82.

[0065] The intermediate part 80 is cylindrical and has a circumferential collar 84 on one side. The ring part 82 is also cylindrical and has a circumferential collar 86. The ring part 82 is inserted with the cylindrical section into the intermediate part 80 such that the two circumferential collars 84, 86 come into contact with one another. The intermediate part 80 and the ring part 82 are fixed in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction. For this purpose, the ring part 82 has locking lugs 88 which engage behind a lower edge of the intermediate part 80. The form-fitting connection in the axial direction is created partly by the locking lugs 88 and partly by the collar 86 resting thereon.

[0066] The ring part 82 clamps an additional electronics unit 90 with an additional circuit board 92 and the connector plug 34. For this purpose, the ring part 82 also has locking lugs 94, which spring outward when the additional circuit board 92 is inserted and subsequently form a support for the additional circuit board 92. For precise positioning of the additional circuit board 92 in the ring part 82, the ring part 82 has a projection 96, and the additional circuit board 92 has a corresponding notch 98.

[0067] Furthermore, the ring part 82 has three fixing structures 100 in the form of pins, which are arranged on the end face or the collar 86 of the ring part 82. Together with the connector plug 34, this ensures a clear positioning of the ring part 82 relative to the glass feedthrough 22 and the contact pins 24, and provides anti-twist protection.

[0068] The intermediate part 80 of the second connection housing part 38 is inserted into the outer part 44 of the first detector housing part 36. The intermediate part 80 is inserted into the cylindrical guide section 72 with a smaller diameter. The intermediate part 80 has locking lugs 102 that spring outward in the radial direction and are received in an axially extending slot 104 of the outer part 44. Furthermore, the intermediate part 80 has, laterally adjacent to the locking lugs 102, two axially extending grooves 106 into which ribs 108 on the inside of the outer part 44 engage. The ribs 108 and corresponding grooves 106, as well as the locking lugs 102 and slots 104, provide guidance and prevent rotation.

[0069] The intermediate part 80 and the outer part 44 are axially movable relative to each other. As a result, the first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38 are also axially movable relative to each other.

[0070] A coil spring 110 is arranged between the shoulder 74 of the outer part 44 and the collar 84 of the intermediate part 80. The coil spring 110 is arranged captively between the shoulder 74 and the collar 84. The coil spring 110 applies a spring force to the first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38, which causes the first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38 to be pressed apart in the axial direction. When the connection adapter 30 is mounted in the light detector housing part 12b, the first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38 can then be pressed together in the axial direction against the spring force. The maximum deflection of the coil spring 110 is limited by the stop of the locking lugs 102 at the end of the respective slot 104. The spiral spring 110 is then still under preload.

[0071] In addition to the axial displaceability described above, the first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38 are rotatable relative to one another in that the ring part 82 is rotatable relative to the first detector housing part 36.

[0072] The additional circuit board 92 or the connector 34 and the detector electronics 32 are connected to each other via a flexible cable (ribbon cable) (not shown). The flexible cable extends from the rear of the connector 34 in a channel 111 provided in the outer part through an opening 112 provided in the outer part 44 to a control board 114 for the flexible cable.

[0073] The following describes the assembly of the connection adapter 30. To form the first detector housing part 36, the main board 50 of the detector electronics 32 is placed in the specified position on the retaining webs 48 of the support part 42 and clipped into place with the locking lugs 52.

[0074] The connection adapter 30 is then connected to the light detector 16. For this purpose, the light detector 16 is inserted through a corresponding receiving opening 118 in the base plate 46 into the interior 40 of the first detector housing part 36. The connection contacts 58 of the light detector 16 then protrude through the main board 50.

[0075] The support part 42 is then inserted into the outer part 44 in a clearly defined relative position until the maximum insertion depth is reached and the outer part 44 and the support part 42 are locked together. The potting compound can then be poured into the interior space 40.

[0076] The control board 114 for the flexible conductor is then connected to the main board 50 and plugged onto the base plate 46 and clipped to it by means of the locking lug 116.

[0077] To assemble the second connection housing part 38, the additional board 92 is inserted into the ring part 82 in its unique relative position and the ring part 82 and the intermediate part 80 are inserted into each other until they are locked.

[0078] Before the first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38 are plugged into each other, the connection plug 34 and the control board 114 are connected to the flexible conductor.

[0079] The coil spring 110 is arranged between the shoulder 74 of the first detector housing part 36 and the collar 84 of the connection housing part 38. The first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38 are then inserted into one another. Here, too, insertion takes place in only one predetermined relative position. The locking lugs 102 of the intermediate part 80 extend through the respective slot 104 in the outer part 44.

[0080] The support part 42, the outer part 44, the intermediate part 80, and the ring part 82 are each inserted into one another along a common plug-in axis S. After the connection adapter 30 is mounted, it is inserted into the light detector housing part 12b.

[0081] For this purpose, the light detector 16, together with the connection adapter 30, is inserted into the base body 28 of the detector housing part 12b. The precise relative position of the connection adapter 30 to the base body 28 is determined by the fixing pins 62 and corresponding openings in the base body 28. The first detector housing part 36 is thus secured against rotation relative to the base body 28.

[0082] In the next step, the cover 26 is placed onto the second connector housing part 38. The relative position of the cover 26 to the second connector housing part 38, and in particular of the ring part 82 and the cover 26, is clearly defined by the alignment of the contact pins 34 and the connector plug 34 and by the fixing structures 100. The ring part 82 with the additional circuit board 92 and the connector plug 34 is connected to the contact pins 34 for the sensor electronics 20.

[0083] The cover 26 is then screwed to the base body 28. The rotation that occurs during this process can be compensated for by the relative rotatability of the second connection housing part 38 and the first detector housing part 36. The flexible cable extending from the second connection housing part 38 to the first detector housing part 36 is also pre-bent into several turns so that it is unwound through the screw connection.

[0084] The reduced length of the housing 12 in the axial direction due to the screw connection is compensated by the axial displacement between the first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38. The contact force on the contact pins 24 and the light detector 16 remains constant due to the spiral spring 110.

[0085] Figures 7 to 12 describe a further embodiment of a contact adapter 30. For the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for identical or at least functionally equivalent components as for the description of the first embodiment. According to the second embodiment, the connection adapter 30 is also constructed in several parts and comprises a first detector housing part 36 and a second connection housing part 38.

[0086] The first detector housing part 36 encloses an interior space 40 and surrounds and secures the detector electronics 32 (see Fig. 9). The detector housing part 36 itself is constructed in two parts and includes a support part 42 and an outer part 44 (see Figs. 10 and 11).

[0087] The support part 42 (clearly visible in Figs. 9 to 11) comprises a base plate 46 and retaining webs 48 extending axially therefrom. The retaining webs 48 are slightly resilient and extend laterally past a main circuit board 50 of the detector electronics 32. At their ends, the retaining webs 48 each have a locking lug 52 with which they engage behind the main circuit board 50 of the detector electronics 32 and thus clamp it in place. Furthermore, a fixing pin 54 is arranged at each end of the retaining webs 48, which serves to prevent the main circuit board 50 from rotating. The retaining webs 48 and fixing pins 54 are not distributed equidistantly, but rather specify a clear relative position of the main circuit board 50 relative to the support part 42. The main board 50 has a plurality of connection openings 56 arranged in a circle through which connection contacts 58 of the light detector 16 extend.

[0088] Furthermore, the support part 42 has support ribs 60 which are resilient inwardly in the radial direction and which bear against the light detector 16 and centre and resiliently support the latter.

[0089] The support part 42, together with the retaining webs 48 and the detector electronics 32, is inserted into the outer part 44 and is fixed in the axial direction by means of locking lugs 64, which engage in a corresponding opening 66. To ensure a clear relative position of the support part 42 in the outer part 44, the outer part 44 has guide rails 68 on its inner side that extend in the axial direction and in which the retaining webs 48 are received. This provides anti-twist protection. The support part 42 is pushed into the outer part 44 until the locking lugs 64 arranged on the base plate 46 spring outwards into the corresponding opening 66 in the outer part 44. The outer part 44 has a cylindrical base body with a first detector section 70 with a larger diameter and an adjoining guide section 72 with a smaller diameter. Due to the two different diameters, the outer part 44 has a shoulder 74.The detector section 70 and the guide section 72 are separated by an intermediate ceiling 76.

[0090] The detector section 70 with the intermediate ceiling 76 and the base plate 46 enclose the interior space 40 with the detector electronics 32. An opening 78 is formed in the base plate 46 through which potting compound can be filled into the interior space 40 to protect the detector electronics 32.

[0091] According to the second embodiment, the connection housing part 38 is formed in only one part.

[0092] The connection housing part 38 is cylindrical and has a circumferential collar 84 on one side.

[0093] The connection housing part 38 clamps an additional electronics unit 90 with an additional circuit board 92 and the connection plug 34. For this purpose, the connection housing part 38 has locking lugs 94, which spring outward upon insertion of the additional circuit board 92 and subsequently form a support for the additional circuit board 92. For precise positioning of the additional circuit board 92 in the connection housing part 38, the connection housing part 38 has a projection 96, and the additional circuit board 92 has a corresponding notch 98.

[0094] Furthermore, the connection housing part 38 has three fixing structures 100, which are arranged on the end face or the collar 84 of the connection housing part 38. Together with the connection plug 34, this ensures a clear positioning of the connection housing part 38 relative to the glass feedthrough 22 and the contact pins 24, and provides an anti-twist lock. For the positive fastening of the second connection housing part 38 to the glass feedthrough 22, the second connection housing part 38 has three axially extending means for positive fastening 101, here three snap hooks. These can spring outward and engage the glass feedthrough. The second connection housing part 38 is plugged into the outer part 44 of the first detector housing part 36. The connection housing part 38 is inserted into the cylindrical guide section 72 with a smaller diameter.The connection housing part 38 has radially outwardly resilient locking lugs 102, which are received in an axially extending slot 104 of the outer part 44. Furthermore, the connection housing part 38 has two axially extending grooves 106, each laterally adjacent to the locking lugs 102, into which ribs 108 engage on the inside of the outer part 44. The ribs 108 and corresponding grooves 106, as well as the locking lugs 102 and slots 104, provide guidance and prevent rotation.

[0095] The connection housing part 38 and the outer part 44 are axially movable relative to each other. As a result, the first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38 are also axially movable relative to each other.

[0096] A coil spring 110 is arranged between the shoulder 74 of the outer part 44 and the collar 84 of the connection housing part 38. The coil spring 110 is arranged captively between the shoulder 74 and the collar 84. The coil spring 110 applies a spring force to the first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38, which causes the first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38 to be pressed apart in the axial direction. When the connection adapter 30 is mounted in the light detector housing part 12b, the first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38 can then be pressed together in the axial direction against the spring force. The maximum deflection of the coil spring 110 is limited by the stop of the locking lugs 102 at the end of the respective slot 104. The spiral spring 110 is then still under preload.

[0097] The additional board 92 or the connector 34 and the detector electronics 32 are connected to each other via a flexible cable (ribbon cable) 120. The flexible cable 120 extends from a pin strip 122, which is connected to the detector electronics and extends through the false ceiling, to the rear of the connector 34. The flexible cable 120 extends within the guide section 72. The assembly of the connection adapter according to the second embodiment 30 is described below.

[0098] To form the first detector housing part 36, the main board 50 of the detector electronics 32 is placed in the specified position on the holding webs 48 of the support part 42 and clipped with the locking lugs 52.

[0099] The connection adapter 30 is then connected to the light detector 16. For this purpose, the light detector 16 is inserted through a corresponding receiving opening 118 in the base plate 46 into the interior 40 of the first detector housing part 36. The connection contacts 58 of the light detector 16 then protrude through the main board 50.

[0100] The support part 42 is then inserted into the outer part 44 in a clearly defined relative position until the maximum insertion depth is reached and the outer part 44 and the support part 42 are locked together. The potting compound can then be poured into the interior space 40.

[0101] To assemble the second connection housing part 38, the additional board 92 is inserted into the second connection housing part 38 in its unique relative position and locked.

[0102] Before the first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38 are plugged into each other, the flexible cable 120 is connected to the pin strip 122 and the additional electronics 92.

[0103] The coil spring 110 is arranged between the shoulder 74 of the first detector housing part 36 and the collar 84 of the second connection housing part 38. The first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38 are then inserted into one another. Here, too, insertion takes place in only one predetermined relative position. The locking lugs 102 of the intermediate part 80 extend through the respective slot 104 in the outer part 44. The support part 42, the outer part 44, and the second connection housing part 38 are each inserted into one another along a common insertion axis S.

[0104] After the connection adapter 30 is mounted, it is inserted into the light detector housing part 12b.

[0105] For this purpose, the light detector 16, together with the connection adapter 30, is first connected to the cover 26. The precise relative position of the connection adapter 30 to the cover 26 is determined by the fixing structures 100 and corresponding openings in the glass feedthrough 22. Additionally, the second connection housing part 38 engages the glass feedthrough 22 by means of attached means for positive fastening 101 (snap hooks). Overall, the connection adapter 30 is positively fixed to the cover 26 in the axial direction and secured against rotation.

[0106] The relative position of the cover 26 to the second connector housing part 38 is clearly defined by the alignment of the contact pins 24 and the connector plug 34 and by the fixing structures 100. The second connector housing part 38 with the additional circuit board 92 and the connector plug 34 is connected to the contact pins 24 for the sensor electronics 20.

[0107] The cover 26 is then screwed to the base body 28. The connection adapter 30 rotates together with the cover 26.

[0108] The reduced length of the housing 12 in the axial direction due to the screw connection is compensated for by the axial displacement between the first detector housing part 36 and the second connection housing part 38. The contact force on the contact pins 24 and the light detector 16 remains constant due to the spiral spring 110.

[0109] Radiometric measuring device housing a-12c housing parts

[0110] scintillator

[0111] Light detector optical window sensor electronics glass feedthrough contact pins

[0112] Lid

[0113] Basic body

[0114] Connection adapter detector electronics connector plug first detector housing part second connection housing part interior support part

[0115] outer part

[0116] Base plate retaining bars main board locking lug (retaining bar) fixing pins (retaining bar) connection opening

[0117] Connection contact of the light detector support rib

[0118] Fixing pin (support part) Locking lugs (base plate) Opening (outer part) Guide rail Detector section Guide section Heel False ceiling

[0119] Opening (base plate)

[0120] Intermediate part

[0121] Ring part

[0122] collar

[0123] Collar (ring part)

[0124] locking lug (ring part)

[0125] Additional electronics

[0126] Additional board

[0127] locking lug

[0128] projection

[0129] notch

[0130] Fixation structure

[0131] Means for positive fastening (snap hooks)

[0132] locking lug

[0133] slot

[0134] Nut

[0135] rib

[0136] spiral spring

[0137] channel

[0138] Opening (outer part)

[0139] Control board

[0140] locking lug

[0141] Receiving opening for flexible cable

[0142] pin header

[0143] Thru axle

Claims

Patent claims 1. Radiometric measuring device comprising a housing (12), wherein a light detector (16) is arranged in the housing (12) and wherein a connection adapter (30) is arranged in the housing (12), wherein the connection adapter (30) serves to establish an electrical connection between the light detector (16) and sensor electronics (20), wherein the connection adapter (30) is designed in at least two parts and has a first detector housing part (36) and a second connection housing part (38), wherein the first detector housing part (36) and the second connection housing part (38) are displaceable relative to one another in the axial direction and / or rotatable relative to one another.

2. Radiometric measuring device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first detector housing part (36) has detector electronics (32) for connection to the light detector (16) and / or that the second connection housing part (38) has a connection plug (34) for connection to the sensor electronics (20).

3. Radiometric measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first detector housing part (36) and the second connection housing part (38) are subjected to a spring force in the axial direction.

4. Radiometric measuring device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a spring (110) is arranged captively between the first detector housing part (36) and the second connection housing part (38).

5. Radiometric measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first detector housing part (36) and the second connection housing part (38) have corresponding guide means (102, 104) for a defined relative axial movement.

6. Radiometric measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second connection housing part (38) is designed in two parts and comprises an intermediate part (80) and a ring part (82), wherein the ring part (82) is rotatable relative to the intermediate part (80).

7. Radiometric measuring device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second connection housing part (38) has at least one fixing structure (100) on one end face.

8. Radiometric measuring device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that an additional electronics unit (90) with the connection plug (34) is arranged on the second connection housing part (38).

9. Radiometric measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second connection housing part (38) has means (101) for positive fastening to the housing (12).

10. Radiometric measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection plug (34) and the detector electronics (32) are electrically connected to one another via a flexible conductor.

11. Radiometric measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first detector housing part (36) is designed in two parts and comprises a support part (42) and an outer part (44).

12. Radiometric measuring device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support part (42) has means (52, 54) for fixing the detector electronics (32).

13. Radiometric measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first detector housing part (36) has at least one fixing pin (62) on its end face facing away from the second connection housing part (38).

14. Adiometric measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light detector (16) is resiliently received in the first detector housing part (36).

15. Radiometric measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection adapter (30) has support elements on its outer side for resilient support within the housing (12).

16. Connection adapter for connecting a light detector (16) in a radiometric measuring device (10) to sensor electronics (20), wherein the connection adapter (30) has a first detector housing part (36) with detector electronics (32) for connection to the light detector (16) and a second connection housing part (38) with a connection plug (34) for connection to the sensor electronics (20), wherein the first detector housing part (36) and the second connection housing part (38) are displaceable relative to one another in the axial direction and / or are rotatable relative to one another.

17. A method for assembling a radiometric measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 15, characterized in that firstly the light detector (16) is connected to the first detector housing part (36) and then the connection adapter (30) with the first detector housing part (36) and the second connection housing part (38) is arranged in the housing (12), wherein the connection adapter (30) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a cover (26) of the housing (12) by means of the second connection housing part (38) and then the base body (28) and the cover (26) are screwed together.

8. Method for assembling a radiometric measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 15, characterized in that firstly the light detector (16) is connected to the first detector housing part (36) and then the connection adapter (30) with the first detector housing part (36) and the second connection housing part (38) is arranged in the housing (12), wherein the first detector housing part (36) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a base body (28) of the housing (12) and the second connection housing part (38) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a cover (26) of the housing (12) and then the base body (28) and the cover (26) are screwed together.

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