Protective and measuring devices
A detachable snap-fit sensor guard with elastic locking elements addresses the need for effective sensor protection in measuring devices, ensuring secure and hygienic attachment without threads, improving usability and cleanliness.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025002297U
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-07-11
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-05
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-07-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing measuring devices for substances like oil or fat lack effective mechanical protection for sensors, particularly in food and gastronomy, as they are either not protected or use suboptimal solutions such as embedded sensors or protective cages that are complex to manufacture and hygienic.
A detachable snap-fit connection for a sensor guard that uses elastic locking elements and stops to securely attach to the measuring bar, ensuring easy handling and hygiene, without the need for threads, and providing mechanical protection.
The snap-fit connection allows for a secure, hygienic, and easy-to-clean sensor protection that prevents mechanical damage and exposure, enhancing usability and cleanliness.
Smart Images
Figure 0003252752000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a protective device for preventing contact with a sensor of a measuring device for measuring the condition of a substance to be measured, particularly oil or fat.
[0002] The invention further relates to a measuring device equipped with such a sensor guard. [Background technology]
[0003] Such measuring devices are known and are used, for example, for quality control, particularly in the food and gastronomy fields. The measuring device typically has a housing and a measuring bar arranged in the housing, with a sensor arranged at the free end of the measuring bar. For example, to measure frying oil for deep-frying, the sensor of the measuring bar is immersed in the oil to be measured under operating conditions. In this case, the sensor must contact the oil to be measured as unobstructed as possible, so the sensor is arranged as exposed as possible on the measuring bar. However, in this case, the sensor is not protected against mechanical damage, such as impact or contact by foreign objects.
[0004] In this case, it is known to arrange the sensor, for example, embedded in the measuring bar, which provides a certain degree of edge and contact protection. It is also known to use a type of protective cage that can be screwed onto the measuring bar. Both solutions have proven suboptimal in practice. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a mechanical guard for the sensor that is easier to handle and more hygienic. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The problem of the invention is solved by a sensor guard according to claim 1 and a measuring device according to claim 10.
[0007] According to the invention, the protective device can be detachably connected to the measuring bar via a snap-fit connection. The advantage of this invention is that an additional thread on the measuring bar is not required. Such threads are complex to manufacture and limit the specified material properties and dimensions. Threads are also susceptible to dirt that can accumulate and become stuck in the individual thread grooves. Since the snap-fit connection has no point of action for dirt, it is less likely to produce dirt, which also makes it easier to clean the measuring bar. The snap-fit connection therefore allows for a secure and hygienic connection of the protective device to the measuring bar.
[0008] In one embodiment, the protection device has at least one stop which, in the use position, cooperates with a stop on the measuring bar to prevent the protection device from being displaced in at least one of the axial directions in the use position, thereby reliably preventing the protection device from being displaced in use, which could result in at least partial exposure of the sensor to be protected.
[0009] Such stops can be designed in a variety of ways and can act on different points of the measuring bar.
[0010] In one configuration, the stop provided at the distal end of the protective device is formed by at least one surface projecting radially inward, which surface contacts the distal end of the measuring bar in the use position.
[0011] In one configuration, the protective device has at least one locking element which, in the use position, engages with a locking means provided on the measuring device and which cooperates with the locking means to generally securely hold the protective device on the measuring bar or measuring device.
[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element and / or locking means form at least one stop, thus achieving not only retention of the protective device but also protection against axial movement along the measuring bar.
[0013] In one embodiment, the locking means is formed as a recess or protrusion. Preferably, the locking means may be formed as a groove or a locking edge.
[0014] In one embodiment, the locking element is configured to be elastically deformable, which allows the locking element to be manufactured easily and the locking mechanism to be realized simply and without moving parts, which is advantageous in manufacturing and improves hygiene.
[0015] The elastic locking elements allow the protective device to be slipped or clipped onto the measuring bar, preferably without the need for tools or other auxiliary means. In particular, this allows the protective device to be removed again, making cleaning of the measuring device or the protective device simple and quick. This also makes it possible to easily replace a potentially damaged protective device.
[0016] In one embodiment, the locking element is formed as a spring tab that is oriented in the circumferential direction and can be fitted radially onto the measuring bar, i.e., the spring tab at least partially surrounds the circumferential surface of the measuring bar. In this embodiment, the stop can be an edge that the spring tab abuts against in the axial direction.
[0017] Alternatively, at least one spring tongue may be axially oriented and may be axially fitted onto the measuring bar.
[0018] In this configuration, depending on the purpose, the protection device has at least two, preferably three or four, spring tongues arranged distributed over the entire circumference.
[0019] In this configuration too, the stop may be formed by an edge into which the spring tongue engages, an annular groove or a number of axially oriented grooves.
[0020] In one embodiment, the protective device has at least one radial and / or axial opening through which the object to be measured can reach the sensor in the position of use. This opening is preferably selected to be as large as possible so that the object to be measured can reach the sensor as unhindered as possible. In this case, the size of the opening depends on the material, which allows the protective device to have sufficient stability.
[0021] The protection device can be configured, for example, as a grid and can have, for example, a number of axially oriented slots or slots distributed over the entire circumference.
[0022] For this purpose, the protection device is configured as a kind of cage which surrounds the sensor in the position of use, thus ensuring good mechanical protection.
[0023] In one embodiment, the protective device covers at least one active surface of the sensor. That is, the protective device does not need to surround the entire circumference of the measuring bar, but only the active surface of the sensor. For example, mechanical protection on the back side of the measuring bar where the sensor is not exposed is not necessarily required. In this case, the protective device can be configured, for example, as a semi-cylinder or partial cylinder that can be fitted onto the measuring bar in an approximately axial direction.
[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the protection device may radially surround at least the active surface of the sensor, the protection device being radially spaced apart from at least the active surface of the sensor.
[0025] In one embodiment, the protection device is formed in one piece, which allows for a particularly simple and inexpensive production.
[0026] The protection device can preferably be configured as a stamped and bent part, in which case the protection device can be produced essentially in two production steps, namely stamping and then bending.
[0027] Possible materials for the protective device are, for example, metal sheets that can be stamped and bent, are elastic and have good mechanical stability, and in this respect, particularly steel sheets, for example spring steel or special steel, come into consideration.
[0028] Alternatively, the protection device may be made from plastic, for example as an injection-molded part.
[0029] The invention also encompasses a measuring device for measuring the quality of an object, in particular oil or fat, comprising a housing and a measuring bar arranged in the housing, at the free end of which a sensor for measuring a property of the object is arranged. According to the invention, the measuring device has a protection device according to the invention that is removably attached or attachable to the measuring bar, so that the sensor of the measuring device is protected against contact.
[0030] In one embodiment, the measuring bar has a locking means which, in the use position, engages with a locking element of the protective device, in particular the locking means being configured as a recess or protrusion, in particular a groove or a locking edge, which allows for a simple and quick attachment of the protective device to the measuring bar and for easy cleaning of the measuring bar.
[0031] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to several embodiments and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the measuring device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a sensor of the measuring device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective device according to a first configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a protective device according to a second configuration. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of one configuration of a measuring bar of a measuring device fitted with a protective device; [Figure 6] 10 is a perspective view of a further configuration of the measuring bar of the measuring device fitted with a protective device; FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a measuring bar equipped with a first protection device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a measuring bar equipped with a second protection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] 1 shows a measuring device 1 for measuring the quality of a substance, in particular oil or fat. The measuring device 1 has a housing 2 and a measuring bar 3 arranged in the housing 2. A sensor 4 is arranged at the free end of the measuring bar 3.
[0034] The measuring device 1 in this example is configured as a portable measuring instrument that can be handled, and the housing 2 has a hand grip 5 at which a user can hold the housing 2 with one hand. The measuring bar 3 projects from the hand grip 5 at a somewhat right angle.
[0035] In this case, the sensor 4 rests flat in the sensor receptacle 6, so that the active surface 7 of the sensor is exposed.
[0036] To measure the object 9, the sensor 4 is immersed in the object 9, for example in frying oil. For this purpose, the housing 2 is held in the hand grip 5, and the sensor 4 of the measuring bar 3 is immersed in the object 9. In this case, the measuring bar 3 creates a safety distance between the object 9 and the hand grip 5, which makes it possible to avoid, for example, burns or scalds caused by the hot object 9.
[0037] 2 shows a schematic representation of the free end of the measuring bar 3 of the measuring device 1. In this configuration, the measuring bar 3 has an annular groove 10 which forms a locking means 11. Both edges 12 of this groove further form stops 13.
[0038] Figure 3 shows a first configuration of the protection device 8. Figure 4 shows a part of a measuring bar 3 equipped with the protection device 8 shown in Figure 3 in the position of use.
[0039] The protection device 8 is configured as a kind of cage, which in the position of use surrounds the free end of the measuring bar 3 and thus in particular the sensor 4. The protection device 8 has a number of axially oriented slots 14 or slots distributed over its entire circumference, through which the object to be measured 9 can reach the sensor 4.
[0040] In this example, the protection device 8 is stamped from sheet metal and bent to shape, preferably made from elastically deformable steel, for example spring steel.
[0041] The protective device 8 has a spring tongue 15 as a locking element 16. The spring tongue 15 is oriented in the circumferential direction and is open on one side. The spring tongue 15 forms an insertion opening 18, which allows the protective device to be inserted onto the measuring bar 3 in an approximately radial direction. During insertion, the spring tongue 15 is elastically deformed and returns to its initial position in the use position, and residual stresses can promote a secure hold. For this purpose, the inner diameter of the spring tongue 15 can be somewhat smaller than the outer diameter of the measuring bar 3 or the groove 10.
[0042] In this example, the spring tongue 15 is dimensioned in the axial direction to engage in a groove 10 in the measuring bar 3. In this case, the spring tongue 15 has two axial edges 17 as stops 13, which in the use position cooperate with the edges 12 as stops of the groove 10. This fixes the position of the protection device 8 in both axial directions.
[0043] The spring tongue 15 therefore at least partially surrounds the circumference of the measuring bar 3, thereby ensuring a secure hold of the protection device 8 on the measuring bar 3. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the spring tongue 15 surrounds the measuring bar 3 by at least more than half of the circumference. In particular, the width of the outer fitting opening 18 of the spring tongue 15 is smaller than the diameter of the measuring bar 3.
[0044] Figure 5 shows an alternative configuration of a protective device 8, which is substantially identical to the protective device 8 of Figure 3. Therefore, functionally equivalent features are given the same reference numerals.
[0045] However, in this configuration, the protective device 8 has four spring tongues 15, which in the illustrated configuration are axially oriented and distributed over the entire circumference, but the axial edges 17 of the spring tongues 15 also form stops 13. However, the protective device 8 is axially pushed onto the measuring bar 3 from its free end, after which the spring tongues 15 engage in the grooves 10 of the measuring bar 3. In this case, the edges 17 together with the edges 12 of the grooves 10 form stops both in the axial direction, which ensures that the protective device 8 is securely fixed in place.
[0046] Figure 6 shows an alternative configuration in which the measuring bar 3 does not have grooves. The protection device 8 in this example has circumferential spring tongues 15 as shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, axial spring tongues 15 as shown in Figure 5 may also be present. The protection device 8 has, as axial stops 13, in the illustrated configuration at the open end 19, a number of radially inwardly projecting tongues 20 or surfaces. In the illustrated configuration, the end 21 of the measuring bar 3 forms the stop 13, which cooperates with the tongues 20 to at least prevent the protection device 8 from being displaced along the measuring bar 3 and subsequently at least partially exposing the sensor 4.
[0047] Figure 7 shows a cross-section of a measuring bar 3 equipped with a protection device 8, for example as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 5. In the illustrated configuration, the protection device 8 is configured as a substantially cylindrical cage, which completely surrounds the measuring bar 3.
[0048] The sensor 4 may be partially embedded in the sensor receiving portion 6, so that only the active surface 7 of the sensor 4 is exposed. The protective device 8 may therefore only cover the exposed active surface 7. Such an arrangement is shown in cross section in FIG. 8. In the illustrated arrangement, the protective device 8 actually forms only half of a cylinder. To mount the protective device 8, the measuring bar 3 in this example has two opposite grooves 21 or notches into which one edge 22 or rail of the protective device 8 engages, so that the protective device 8 can be axially pushed into the groove 21. The locking means may, for example, be a spring tongue of the protective device 8 that engages in a notch or opening in the measuring bar. The spring tongue may, for example, be part of the edge 22.
[0049] In addition to the configurations shown in this specification, numerous other variations are possible, in particular the shape and configuration of the stops, the locking means and the locking elements, but also the shape of the protection device itself. The protection device may be rectangular or have a pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal cross section. The invention is therefore in no way limited to the configurations shown in this specification. [Explanation of symbols]
[0050] 1. Measuring equipment 2. Housing 3 Measuring Bar 4 sensors 5 Hand Grips 6 Sensor housing 7 Effective sensor surface 8 Protective devices 9 Object to be measured 10 Annular groove 11 Locking means 12 Edge provided in groove 13 Stopper 14 Axially Oriented Slits 15 Spring tongue 16 Locking element 17 Edge provided on spring tongue 18 External fitting opening 19 Open end 20 Tongue piece 21 Groove 22 Edge 23 Corresponding stopper
Claims
1. 1. A protective device (8) for protecting a sensor (4) of a measuring device (1) for measuring the condition of an object (9), in particular oil or fat, from contact with the sensor (4), the measuring device (1) having a housing (2) and a measuring bar (3) arranged in the housing (2), the sensor (4) being arranged at a free end of the measuring bar, characterized in that the protective device (8) can be detachably connected to the measuring bar (3) via a mating connection.
2. 2. A protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective device (8) has at least one stop (13) which, in the use position, cooperates with a corresponding stop (23) provided on the measuring bar (3) to prevent displacement of the protective device (8) in at least one axial direction in the use position.
3. 3. A protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the stop (13) provided at the distal end (19) of the protection device (8) is formed by at least one surface (20) projecting radially inward, which surface (20) is in contact with the distal end of the measuring bar (3) in the use position.
4. 4. The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the protective device (8) has at least one locking element (16), which, in the use position, engages with a locking means (11) provided on the measuring device (1), in particular the locking element (16) forms at least one stop (13) and the locking means (11) forms a corresponding stop (23).
5. 5. A protective device according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking means (11) are configured as recesses or protrusions, in particular as grooves (10) or locking edges, and / or the locking elements (16) are elastically deformable.
6. 6. A protective device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the locking elements (16) are formed as spring tongues (15), which are oriented in the circumferential direction and can be fitted radially onto the measuring bar (3), or at least one spring tongue (15) is oriented in the axial direction and can be fitted axially onto the measuring bar (3).
7. 7. A protective device according to claim 1, wherein the protective device (8) has at least one radial and / or axial opening (14) through which the object to be measured (9) can reach the sensor (4) in the position of use, and / or the protective device (8) is configured as a kind of cage surrounding the sensor (4) in the position of use.
8. 8. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the protection device (8) covers and / or radially surrounds at least one active surface (7) of the sensor (4), and the protection device (8) is radially spaced apart from at least the active surface (7) of the sensor (4).
9. 9. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the protection device (8) is made in one piece, preferably as a stamped and bent part, in particular from sheet metal, preferably from steel, spring steel or special steel, or as an injection-molded part, preferably from plastic.
10. 1. A measuring device (1) for measuring the properties of a substance (9), in particular oil or fat, comprising a housing (2) and a measuring bar (3) arranged in the housing (2), with a sensor (4) arranged at the free end of the measuring bar (3) for measuring the properties of the substance (9), characterized in that a protective device (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is detachably connected to the measuring bar (3).
11. 11. The measuring device according to claim 10, wherein the measuring bar (3) has a locking means (11) which, in the use position, engages with a locking element (16) of the protective device, and in particular the locking means (11) is formed as a recess or protrusion, in particular as a groove (10) or a locking edge.