Device for indicating a fill level in a container and method for putting the device into service

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for indicating a fill level in a container, comprising a first leg on which the container is or can be fixed and comprising a fill level indicator which has a scale, characterized in that the first leg is connected, for conjoint rotation, to a second leg with angular positioning deviating from 180°, on which second leg a counterweight is or can be fixed, and in that the second leg is pivotable as a pointer on the scale of the fill level indicator such that an increase in the fill level leads to pivoting of the second leg in a first direction on the scale and such that a decrease in the fill level leads to pivoting of the second leg in a second direction on the scale, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

Description

[0001] "Device for indicating a fill level in a container and

[0002] Procedure for commissioning the device"

[0003] State of the art

[0004] In closed, opaque containers, such as diaphragm expansion tanks used in heaters, reading the fill level is difficult. At the same time, knowing the current fill level of diaphragm expansion tanks is important to maintain the proper functioning of the heater. To prevent damage to the heater, the diaphragm expansion tank should always be filled within a defined range.

[0005] Devices and methods for monitoring and regulating the fill level in a diaphragm expansion vessel are known. However, a disadvantage of these devices is their comparatively complex design.

[0006] Object and advantages of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a comparatively technically simple device and a method for indicating the fill level of a diaphragm expansion vessel, which enables a comparatively simple, direct and accurate reading of the fill level of the diaphragm expansion vessel.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments are mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0010] To achieve the object, a device for indicating the fill level of a container is proposed, the device having a first leg to which the container is or can be fixed, and a fill level indicator with a scale, characterized in that the first leg is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a second leg of the device at an angular position deviating from 180 °, a counterweight of the device being fixed or can be fixed to the second leg, the second leg being pivotable as a pointer on the scale of the fill level indicator in such a way that an increase in the fill level of the container leads to a pivoting of the second leg in a first direction on the scale, and that a reduction in the fill level of the container leads to a pivoting of the second leg in a second direction on the scale opposite to the first direction.It is therefore possible to read the fill level in the container by pivoting the second leg on or along the scale of the fill level indicator. This enables a simple design of the device and easy visualization of the fill level. For example, this makes it possible to create a fill level indicator which requires no power supply at all and can therefore fulfil its function at all times. For example, the first and second legs can be arranged on a wall so that they can rotate about a pivot point or an axis of rotation. For example, the first and second legs are provided so that they can rotate together about the pivot point. For example, the first and second legs are mounted so that they can rotate at a pivot point.

[0011] For example, the first leg is designed as a vessel leg. It is conceivable that the second leg is designed as a counterweight leg. For example, the first leg is arranged to the second leg in a rotationally fixed manner at an angle which is less than 180°. For example, the first leg extends in a first longitudinal extent and the second leg extends in a second longitudinal extent, wherein the first and the second longitudinal extent enclose an angle of less than 180°.

[0012] For example, the second leg serves as a pointer for the fill level indicator. It is also conceivable that a pointing element is formed on the second leg, which serves as a pointer for the fill level indicator. It is conceivable that the pointing element is arranged in a fixed position on the second leg.

[0013] It is conceivable that the container is designed as a closed container. For example, the closed container is designed to be light-tight. For example, the container is completely closed. This prevents algae growth in the container. However, it is also conceivable that the container is designed as an open container. For example, the container has an opening, e.g. at an upper end of the container.

[0014] For example, the overall system on both sides of the lever is initially dependent on the effect of weight, sometimes supplemented or expanded, depending on the application and weight ratios, by elements such as acting ropes, rods, or bolts in order to influence the overlap of the resulting equilibrium moment curves. In one exemplary embodiment, however, the effective lever arm lengths of both sides forming the balance are not used alone, but rather the choice of angles used in the system.

[0015] In one conceivable embodiment, the term “connected in a rotationally fixed manner” also means that the first and second levers are connected to each other in a torque-transmitting manner.

[0016] For example, the first and second legs are connected to one another in a torque-transmitting manner by means of a pinion, a roller chain, a rope, a belt and / or a gear.

[0017] For example, the scale of the level indicator has at least three areas: a first, a second, and a third area. For example, the first area indicates a low fill level, the second area indicates a fill level at which the container is ready for use, and the third area indicates an overfill level. For example, the areas are color-coded to enable quick and easy visual recognition of the container's fill level.

[0018] For example, the second arm pivots clockwise when the fill level increases, while the second arm pivots counterclockwise when the fill level decreases. Alternatively, the second arm can pivot counterclockwise when the fill level increases, while the second arm pivots clockwise when the fill level decreases.

[0019] It is also proposed that the tank be designed as a diaphragm expansion tank. For example, the device is provided as a diaphragm expansion tank level indicator. Diaphragm expansion tanks are used, for example, in connection with heating or cooling systems.

[0020] To ensure that the device is suitable for as many containers of different sizes and weights as possible, it is proposed that, in order to adjust the lever length of the second leg, the latter have a plurality of holes or suspensions along its longitudinal extent, by means of which the counterweight can be fixed to the second leg. Thus, by appropriately selecting the lever length and / or the weight or mass of the counterweight, the device is suitable for smaller containers with a low weight and larger containers with a comparatively high weight.

[0021] In this context, it is also proposed that, in addition to or as an alternative to adjusting the lever length of the first leg, the latter has a plurality of bores or suspensions along its longitudinal extent, by means of which the container can be fixed to the first leg. It is also proposed that further bores or suspensions be provided on the first leg in the area around the pivot point of the device.

[0022] For example, the device, in particular the first leg, is designed in such a way that it is possible to adapt the angle of the rotationally fixed legs to the requirements of the progressions of the regions running into one another from the exponential to the linear region and from the linear region to the exponential region.

[0023] In order to be able to measure the fill level inside the container as accurately as possible, it is proposed that the lever length of the first and / or the second leg is selected such that, within a fill level range predetermined by a minimum fill level and a maximum fill level, there is a relationship, for example a linear one, for example an approximately linear one, between a change in the fill level and the resulting pivoting of the second leg on the scale. The minimum fill level is the fill level limit value above which the liquid level in the container is too low, in other words above which liquid should be topped up in order to prevent damage to the heater, for example.

[0024] The maximum fill level is, for example, the fill level at which the fill level in the container is considered to be too high and from which liquid should therefore be removed from the container.

[0025] There can be several reasons for the tank's fill level being too high. It's conceivable that the maximum fill level is the level that indicates that the tank is defective. If the tank is designed as a diaphragm expansion vessel, for example, the diaphragm of the diaphragm expansion vessel could be defective, allowing fluid to penetrate the diaphragm, causing the tank's fill level to exceed the maximum fill level.

[0026] In order to be able to detect, for example, an insufficient fill level as accurately and quickly as possible, it is proposed that the lever length of the first leg and / or the second leg is selected in such a way that the ratio of the pivoting to the change in weight of the container, coming from the exponential range, has already reached the following almost linear range.

[0027] In order to be able to detect, for example, an excessively high fill level as accurately and as quickly as possible, it is proposed that the lever length of the first arm and / or the second arm be selected such that outside a fill level range predetermined by a minimum fill level and a maximum fill level, there is an exponential relationship between a change in the fill level and the resulting pivoting of the second arm on the scale. For example, it is proposed that the lever length of the first arm and / or the second arm be selected such that outside a fill level range predetermined by a minimum fill level and a fill level approaching the maximum fill level, there is an exponential relationship between a change in the fill level and the resulting pivoting of the second arm on the scale.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible for the first leg and the second leg to be formed integrally as an angled leg component. This results in a simplified design of the device. For example, the leg component is designed as a double leg.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the pointer or the pointing element of the second leg is not present directly on the second leg. It is conceivable that the pointer or the pointing element is present at a distance from the second leg. For example, this creates a variable installation space for the device, particularly in confined spaces. It is conceivable that the pointer or the pointing element is connected to the second leg by means of deflections, e.g. by a cable, or mechanisms, e.g. by means of a gear. This improves visualization of the fill level because the fill level indicator can be relocated to an easily visible location.

[0030] For example, the container is connected to the first leg via a pulley system or a deflection device, e.g., a cable deflection device. This allows a greater or smaller transmission of the container's weight, or the container's fill level, on the first leg, which can improve the resolution of the fill level indicator. This also allows the device to be variably adapted to the available installation space.

[0031] A method for commissioning the device for indicating a fill level of the container is also proposed, the method comprising the following steps:

[0032] - Fixing the container to the first leg of the device,

[0033] - Selecting a counterweight such that a pivoting of the second leg can be represented on the scale when the container is empty and when the container is completely full,

[0034] - Calibrating the device with a plurality of different filling levels of the container

[0035] The device and method enable the device to be used with a variety of containers of different sizes, weights, and / or intended uses. Thus, the device can also be integrated into an existing device with a closed or open container, in particular into an existing heating system. For example, the device can be retrofitted. Commissioning and, in particular, calibration can be carried out on-site.

[0036] Furthermore, it is proposed that the lever length of the first leg and / or the second leg be adjusted such that a linear relationship exists between the pivoting of the second leg and a change in the fill level within a fill level range of the container defined by a minimum fill level and a maximum fill level. This enables a precise display and thus a precise visual detection of the current fill level in the container.

[0037] It is also proposed that the lever lengths of the first and second arms be coordinated in such a way that there is an exponential relationship between the pivoting of the second arm and the change in fill level outside of a fill level range of the container specified by a minimum fill level and a maximum fill level. For example, the minimum fill level is a fill level limit value above which the liquid level is too low, i.e., above which liquid should be refilled into the container to prevent damage, for example to the heater. For example, the maximum fill level is a further fill level limit value above which the fill level in the container is considered too high, i.e., liquid should be drained from the container.

[0038] Character description

[0039] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments. In the following:

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a device for indicating the fill level of a container, here with weight increasing counterclockwise on an increasing scale,

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a second device for indicating the filling level of a container, here with legs and pointer that can be moved on the axis and

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a third device for indicating a fill level of a container.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a first device 1 for displaying a fill level of a container 2. The container 2 is designed, for example, as a closed container, e.g. as a membrane compensation vessel. The device 1 has a first leg in the form of a vessel leg 3, to which the container 2 can be fixed via a suspension 19. Furthermore, a fill level indicator 5 is provided, which has a scale 4. The scale 4 is divided into three areas, with the first area 17 indicating a fill level that is too low, the second area 18 a target fill level, and the third area 16 indicating a fill level that is too high. To make it easier to visualize the fill level, it is preferred if the first area 17 and the third area 16 differ in color from the second area 18. For example, the scaling of the scale 4 can be selected to be red in the first area 17 and in the third area 16, and green in the second area 18.The vessel leg 3 is connected to a second leg, a counterweight leg 6, in a rotationally fixed manner at an angular position deviating from slightly less than 180°. For example, a counterweight 7 can be fixed to the counterweight leg 6 via a suspension 19. The counterweight leg 6 is at the same time designed as a pointer 8 which can be pivoted on the scale 4 of the fill level indicator 5 such that an increase in the fill level in the container 2 leads to a pivoting of the counterweight leg 6 in a first direction on the scale 4. Conversely, a decrease in the fill level in the container 2 leads to a pivoting of the counterweight leg 6 in a second direction on the scale 4 opposite to the first direction. In the present case, the second leg 6 pivots counterclockwise when the fill level increases, while when the fill level decreases, the counterweight leg 6 pivots clockwise.In other words, an increase in the fill level, for example, due to the addition of liquid, leads to an increase in the weight of the container 2, which in turn causes the counterweight leg 6 to pivot counterclockwise. Conversely, a reduction in the fill level leads to a reduction in the weight of the container and thus to a pivoting of the counterweight leg 6 in a clockwise direction. A mirrored design of the device is also conceivable.

[0044] The device 1 according to Figure 1 has a constant lever length 9, 10 of the vessel leg 3 and the counterweight leg 6. In contrast, the device according to Figure 2 has a plurality of bores 11 on the vessel leg 3 along its longitudinal extent, by means of which bores the container 2 can be fixed to the vessel leg 3. This makes it possible to adapt the lever length 9 of the vessel leg 3 in order to be able to use the device for different containers with different maximum fill levels and thus different weights or sizes. In addition, the counterweight leg 6 can also have a plurality of bores 11 along its longitudinal extent, by means of which bores the counterweight 7 can be fixed to the counterweight leg 6, whereby the lever length of the counterweight leg 6 can be adapted.The lever length 9, 10 of the vessel leg 3 and / or the counterweight leg 6 are selected such that, within a fill level range predetermined by a minimum fill level 12 and a maximum fill level 13, there is a linear relationship between a change in the fill level and the resulting pivoting of the counterweight leg 6 on the scale 4. For example, there is an approximately linear relationship between a change in the fill level and the resulting pivoting of the counterweight leg 6 on the scale 4. This enables the fill level to be read particularly accurately within the second range 18, i.e. within the range in which the container 2 has a sufficient fill level, the target fill level.For example, the lever lengths 9, 10 of the vessel leg 3 and / or the counterweight leg 6 are selected such that at the beginning of the scale, at the minimum fill level 12, the exponential relationship between the deflection of the counterweight leg 6 and a change in the weight of the container 2 has changed into a linear relationship. It is also conceivable that upon reaching the maximum fill level 13, the linear relationship changes back into an exponential relationship. This makes it possible to realize a linear scale range on the scale 4.

[0045] In the device according to Figure 2, an increase in the fill level in the container 2 leads to a clockwise pivoting of the counterweight leg 6 on the scale 4, whilst a reduction in the fill level in the container 2 leads to a counterclockwise pivoting of the counterweight leg 6 on the scale 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the container leg 3, the counterweight leg 6 and the pointer are connected in a rotationally fixed manner at different levels on the axis of rotation, but each at a different distance from the fastening plane, in this example the mounting wall. Figure 3 shows a further device 1 for indicating a fill level of a container 2, this device 1 differing from the preceding devices 1 in that the container leg 3 and the counterweight leg 6 are formed integrally as an angled leg.The angle leg is pivotally mounted at a pivot point 20 between its vessel leg 3 and its counterweight leg 6. The vessel leg 3 is curved or angled so that the vessel leg 3 and the counterweight leg 6 are manufactured as a single piece such that the angular position deviates from 180°. Furthermore, the counterweight leg 6 has an additional indicator element 15 which is connected to the counterweight leg 6 via a connecting link 14. For example, the indicator element 15 is rigidly connected to the counterweight leg 6 via the connecting link 14. This makes it even easier to read the fill level of the container 2.

[0046] The method for commissioning the device 1 comprises the following steps: Firstly, the container 2 is fixed to the vessel leg 3 and a counterweight 7 is selected such that a pivoting of the counterweight leg 6 can be represented on the scale 4 when the container 2 is empty and when the container 2 is completely full. The device 1 is then subjected to a plurality of known or ascertainable contents or weights 7, and the scale is marked or inscribed at the relevant point using suitable means, i.e. in a heating system the container 2 is filled with a liquid up to the predetermined calibration fill levels and the scale 4 corresponds to the respective equilibrium states of the vessel side and the counterweight side.In addition, the lever length 9, 10 of the vessel leg 3 and / or the counterweight leg 6 is adapted in such a way that there is a linear relationship between the pivoting of the counterweight leg 6 and a change in fill level within a fill level range predetermined by a minimum fill level and a maximum fill level. For example, the lever length is adjusted analogously in such a way that there is an exponential relationship between the pivoting of the counterweight leg 6 and the change in fill level, if possible outside a fill level range predetermined by a minimum fill level and a maximum fill level.

[0047] Reference symbol list

[0048] 1 device

[0049] 2 containers

[0050] 3 first leg

[0051] 4 scale

[0052] 5 Level indicator

[0053] 6 second leg

[0054] 7 Counterweight

[0055] 8 hands

[0056] 9 Lever length first leg

[0057] 10 Lever length second leg

[0058] 11 Hole

[0059] 12 Minimum fill level

[0060] 13 Maximum fill level

[0061] 14 connecting link

[0062] 15 Pointing element

[0063] 16 third area (level indicator)

[0064] 17 first area (level indicator)

[0065] 18 second area (level indicator)

[0066] 19 Suspension

[0067] 20 Pivot point

Claims

Claims 1. Device (1) for indicating a fill level of a container (2), with a first leg (3) to which the container (2) is fixed or can be fixed, and with a fill level indicator (5) having a scale (4), characterized in that the first leg (3) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a second leg (6), to which a counterweight (7) is fixed or can be fixed, at an angular position deviating from 180°, that the second leg (6) can be pivoted as a pointer (8) on the scale (4) of the fill level indicator (5) in such a way that an increase in the fill level leads to a pivoting of the second leg (6) in a first direction on the scale (4), and that a decrease in the fill level leads to a pivoting of the second leg (6) in a second direction on the scale (4) opposite to the first direction.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (2) is formed as a membrane compensation vessel.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for adjusting a lever length (10) of the second leg (6), the latter has a plurality of bores (11) or suspensions along its longitudinal extent by means of which the counterweight (7) on the second leg (7) can be fixed.

4. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that for adjusting a lever length (9) of the first leg (3), the latter has a plurality of bores (11) or suspensions along its longitudinal extent by means of which the container (2) can be fixed to the first leg (3).

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lever length (9, 10) of the first leg (3) and / or the second leg (6) is such is selected such that within a fill level range predetermined by a minimum fill level (12) and a maximum fill level (13), there is a linear relationship between a change in the fill level and the resulting pivoting of the second leg (6) on the scale (4).

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lever length (9, 10) of the first leg (3) and / or of the second leg (6) is selected such that outside a fill level range predetermined by a minimum fill level (12) and a maximum fill level (13) there is an exponential dependence between a change in the fill level and the resulting pivoting of the second leg (6) on the scale (4).

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first leg (3) and the second leg (6) are formed in one piece.

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second leg (6) is connected by means of a connecting member (14) to an additional pointer (15) movable along the scale (4).

9. A method for commissioning a device (1) for indicating a fill level according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps: - fixing a container (2) to a first leg (3); - Selecting a counterweight (7) such that a Pivoting of the second leg (6) can be depicted on the scale (4) when the container (2) is empty and when the container (2) is completely filled; and - Calibrating the device (1) with a plurality of different filling levels of the container.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the method comprises a further method step: - adjusting the lever length (9) of the first leg (3) and / or the lever length (10) of the second leg (6) in such a way that an exponential relationship between the pivoting of the second leg (6) and the change in fill level outside a range defined by a Minimum fill level (12) and a maximum fill level (13) within a specified fill level range.

Images