Explosion-proof enclosure

Abstract

The invention relates to an explosion-proof enclosure (10) comprising a first enclosure body (11) and a second enclosure body (12) which are connected to one another and together form an interior space of the explosion-proof enclosure (10). At least one stiffening feature is provided on at least one of the enclosure bodies (11, 12). The stiffening feature includes a bead-like or groove-like longitudinal depression (40) which extends in a longitudinal direction in a base surface (15, 25) of the relevant enclosure body (11) or (12). Each base surface (15, 25) may contain a single longitudinal depression (40) or a plurality of longitudinal depressions (40). The longitudinal depression (40), or at least one of the provided longitudinal depressions (40), has a stiffening structure (47), in particular a plurality of stiffening ribs (48) extending in a transverse direction (Y).

Description

R. Stahl Schaltgeräte GmbH, August 9, 2024, Am Bahnhof 30, STSA P233 WO prrn, 74638 Waldenburg, Keyword: Stiffening of pressure body contour Explosion-proof housing

[0001] The invention relates to an explosion-proof enclosure for use in environments with an explosive atmosphere. The explosion-proof enclosure can be designed with a suitable type of ignition protection. The explosion-proof enclosure has an interior that is explosion-proof from the environment in such a way that ignition sources inside the enclosure do not ignite the explosive atmosphere in the surroundings. Likewise, an explosion inside the enclosure does not ignite the surrounding explosive atmosphere.

[0002] The explosion-proof enclosure can be designed, for example, in the type of ignition protection Ex-d "flameproof enclosure" or Exfi "increased safety".

[0003] DE 10 2019 116 164 B3 describes an explosion-proof enclosure with a housing body that is sealed by means of a cover to prevent ignition penetration. A reinforcing frame is provided on the outside of the housing body to support the housing walls against explosion pressure inside the enclosure.

[0004] DE 10 2012 111 393 All of fenbart an explosion-proof enclosure with a first enclosure body and a second enclosure body made of plastic, each having a flange surrounding an enclosure opening. The two enclosure bodies are joined together by friction welding via the flanges.

[0005] A similar housing is also from DE 10 2022 102 793 Al is known. For reinforcement, an additional metallic reinforcing element is present at the flanges of the housing body. The reinforcing elements are connected to each other, for example, by screws or other metallic coupling elements.

[0006] Explosion-proof enclosures must withstand explosion pressure to prevent ignitable media (e.g., sparks, flames, hot gases, or similar) from escaping from the enclosure's interior into the surrounding environment, as they could ignite the explosive atmosphere. These enclosures may only be used in such potentially explosive atmospheres if they meet standardized test conditions, such as those defined in IEC 60079-1. For example, enclosures with a certain internal volume must withstand an internal pressure of approximately 1000 kPa to 2000 kPa for at least 10 seconds.

[0007] In multi-part enclosures, especially those made of plastic, the joint between the enclosure parts is critical with regard to pressure resistance. If gaps form there under pressure, the explosion-proof condition of the enclosure could be compromised, creating a hazardous situation. Particularly with enclosure designs that have non-circular circumferential walls, there is a risk that the enclosure walls will deform and bulge under pressure, which in turn leads to high stress at the joint between the enclosure parts. This can be countered by using very thick-walled, robust enclosure parts, but this increases the cost of such an enclosure and results in high resource consumption. Adding additional reinforcement frames is problematic both in terms of manufacturing and... in terms of assembly or installation, it is complex.

[0008] It can therefore be considered an object of the present invention to create an explosion-proof housing that is easy to manufacture and assemble and ensures a high level of explosion protection.

[0009] This problem is solved by an explosion-proof housing with the features of claim 1.

[0010] The explosion-proof enclosure according to the invention is designed, for example, in the type of protection "flameproof enclosure (Ex-d)" or in the type of protection "increased safety (Ex-e)". The explosion-proof enclosure meets the test conditions according to IEC 60079-1.

[0011] The explosion-proof housing could, for example, be a housing for an overload protection device or an overload relay for monitoring an electrical and / or electronic device, e.g. an electric motor.

[0012] The housing comprises a first housing body and a second housing body. Each housing body encloses an interior space. The housing bodies are preferably monolithic. They consist in particular of non-metallic material, preferably plastic or a composite material containing plastic. The housing bodies each have several side walls, e.g., two longitudinal and / or transverse side walls, which connect to one another and form a non-circular circumferential wall of the respective housing body.

[0013] Each housing body has a base area that It has multiple edges and therefore a polygonal contour. For example, the base can be at least substantially rectangular or square with two longitudinal edges and two transverse edges. Longitudinal side walls adjoin the longitudinal edges of the base, and transverse side walls adjoin the transverse edges of the base. Each longitudinal side wall is connected to two transverse side walls. Each transverse side wall is connected to two longitudinal side walls. The base and the side walls define the interior of the respective enclosure. The interior is accessible on the side opposite the base via an opening in the respective enclosure.

[0014] Each of the two housing bodies has a flange that surrounds the housing opening and has a connecting surface extending completely around the opening. The two housing bodies are connected to each other at these connecting surfaces. The connection is, in particular, a butt joint or an adhesive joint. The connection can be made, for example, by gluing and / or welding. In addition, separate fasteners may be present to create a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection.

[0015] It is preferred that the housing bodies are monolithic. The housing bodies can be made of, for example, a plastic or a composite material. The housing bodies can be manufactured very easily using an additive manufacturing process, injection molding, or another suitable casting process. A multi-component injection molding process can also be used to produce housing body components from different materials. to be integrally connected during and through the manufacture of the housing body.

[0016] The longitudinal side walls of each housing body extend lengthwise and are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction. The transverse side walls also extend transversely and are spaced apart from each other lengthwise. The side walls do not necessarily have to be completely flat; they can also have a curved shape along their extension parallel to the base surface, or obliquely or perpendicularly to the base surface, for example, convexly curved outwards away from the respective interior space.

[0017] At least one base surface of a housing body has a longitudinally extending recess. In one embodiment, a single longitudinal recess is present, although alternatively, several longitudinally extended recesses may be arranged one behind the other. The longitudinal recess, or the multiple longitudinal recesses arranged along a single straight line, has or have a total length along this line that is greater than 50%, greater than 70%, or greater than 80% of the length of the respective base surface along this line.

[0018] The at least one longitudinal recess is preferably arranged at a distance from the longitudinal side walls of the housing body. Preferably, the longitudinal recess of the base surface extends centrally through the housing body when viewed in the transverse direction.

[0019] In the longitudinal depression or in at least one A stiffening structure is present in the existing longitudinal recesses or in all existing longitudinal recesses. The stiffening structure may, for example, include stiffening ribs.

[0020] By additionally providing at least one longitudinal recess and at least one stiffening structure, the outward curvature of the base can be reduced when high pressure builds up inside the housing, for example, due to an explosion. The reduced curvature, in turn, leads to an overall lower deformation of the housing body and therefore relieves stress on the joint between the housing bodies. This reduces the risk of unwanted gap formation, particularly in the area of ​​the joint between the two housing bodies.

[0021] Such a housing can therefore have a large overall internal volume for accommodating ignition sources (for example, electrical and / or electronic components) without compromising explosion safety.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, both housing bodies each have exactly one or at least one longitudinally extending recess. It is also possible to arrange several longitudinal recesses in the transverse direction at a distance from each other, but this is not strictly necessary.

[0023] The longitudinal depression or the surface sections bounding the longitudinal depression are a monolithic component of the respective base surface.

[0024] In a preferred design, the wall thickness of each housing body is at least in the areas The wall thickness is constant, in which the respective housing body essentially has flat surface sections. At curves or radii where such surface sections transition into one another, the wall thickness can optionally be slightly greater. The wall thickness is measured in the direction of the surface normal of the base, the respective longitudinal side wall, or the respective transverse side wall. The wall thickness can, for example, be a maximum of 10 mm, a maximum of 8 mm, or a maximum of 5 to 6 mm.

[0025] It is preferred if the at least one stiffening structure has stiffening ribs extending in the transverse direction. Immediately adjacent stiffening ribs define a gap in the longitudinal direction. Several or all stiffening ribs can be aligned parallel to a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the gaps defined between two immediately adjacent stiffening ribs are of the same length when viewed in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] Stiffening ribs or other stiffening elements within the longitudinal recess, which extend completely through the longitudinal recess in the longitudinal direction, are preferably not present.

[0027] At least some or all of the existing stiffening ribs extend completely through the longitudinal recess in the transverse direction. In the exemplary embodiment, none of the stiffening ribs terminates within the longitudinal recess, forming a free end or free end edge when viewed in the transverse direction.

[0028] If optionally within the longitudinal recess we- If at least one receptacle or holder for components is present, stiffening ribs in this area connect the receptacle or holder to the respective opposing longitudinally extending recess flanks. Several stiffening ribs can be indirectly connected to each other via the receptacle or holder, in particular monolithically connected.

[0029] It is advantageous if the base of the respective housing body has curved surface transitions to form the at least one longitudinal recess. The surface transitions are, in particular, edgeless. The curved surface transitions can each have a constant curvature (constant radius) or a changing curvature (varying radius). Each curved surface transition can have a radius of at least 2 mm to 3 mm or at least 5 mm at the point of greatest curvature (smallest radius).

[0030] It is advantageous if the base of each housing body adjacent to the at least one longitudinal recess – particularly in the transverse direction adjacent to the at least one longitudinal recess – has a base surface section that is arranged in a common base plane. In contrast, a bottom surface is arranged in the longitudinal recess in a vertical direction at a distance from this base plane. In one embodiment, the bottom surface can be aligned parallel to the base plane or curved away from the interior.

[0031] The vertical direction is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction.

[0032] It is preferred if the stiffening structure does not protrude from the longitudinal recess. In particular, the stiffening structure does not protrude through the plane of the base surface defined by the base surface sections arranged adjacent to the at least one longitudinal recess. This ensures that the installation space inside the housing is not restricted by the stiffening structure.

[0033] To improve the stability of the longitudinal side walls of at least one housing body, each of its longitudinal side walls can have a curved section that arches into the interior. Viewed from the interior, this curved section represents a convex curvature. The curvature curves around a straight line that is parallel to the longitudinal direction. The curvature can have a constant curvature or a varying curvature.

[0034] One or two side wall sections can be attached to such a curved section, aligned parallel to each other or inclined at an angle to each other. The angle of inclination can, for example, have a maximum value of 25° or 15°.

[0035] Analogous to the longitudinal side walls, the transverse side walls of at least one housing body can also have curved sections projecting into the respective interior space. The curvature of these curved sections follows a straight line extending in the transverse direction and can also be a constant or changing curvature.

[0036] As explained, the two housing bodies are preferably made of a non-metallic material and pre- Partially manufactured from a material containing plastic. Optionally, the housing bodies can be connected to each other via metallic reinforcing elements and / or connecting elements, particularly in the area of ​​the flanges and thus close to their connection point.

[0037] Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawing. Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows...

[0038] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a housing comprising a first housing body and a second housing body in a cross-section.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a modified embodiment of a second housing body of the housing from Figure 1 in a cross-section.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a longitudinal section through the second housing body of the housing from Figure 1.

[0041] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a longitudinal section through the first housing body of the housing from Figure 1.

[0042] Figure 5 shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of a housing in a transverse direction.

[0043] Figure 6 shows a top view of the housing from Figure 5, looking vertically.

[0044] Figure 7 shows a cross-section through the housing from Figures 5 and 6 and

[0045] Figure 8 shows a longitudinal section through the housing from Figures 5 and 6.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an explosion-proof enclosure in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction X. The explosion-proof enclosure The device 10 has a first housing body 11 and a second housing body 12, which are connected to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, the connection between the two housing bodies 11, 12 is a non-removable connection, in particular a material-fit connection or adhesive connection.

[0047] Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through the second housing body 12 perpendicular to a transverse direction Y, and Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section through the first housing body. Figure 11, shown perpendicular to the transverse direction Y j, is shown in a schematic representation. Figure 2 shows a modified embodiment of the second housing body 12 in a schematic cross-sectional view. Figures 5 to 8 show an embodiment of an explosion-proof housing 10 in different views.

[0048] The basic structure of the explosion-proof housing 10 according to the invention will first be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0049] The longitudinal direction X, the transverse direction Y and a vertical direction Z are each aligned perpendicular to each other and form a reference coordinate system for the explosion-proof housing 10 .

[0050] The first housing body 11 has a first base surface 15. The first base surface 15, viewed in the vertical direction Z, has an essentially polygonal perimeter shape or Contour with straight or slightly outwardly curved edges. The contour can be quadrilateral, for example, essentially rectangular.

[0051] The first base 15 is adjoined by the first longitudinal side walls 16 and the first transverse side walls 17. The first longitudinal side walls 16 are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction Y, and the first transverse side walls 17 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X. The first longitudinal side walls 16 are connected to each other via the first transverse side walls 17. All first side walls 16, 17 are connected to the first base 15. In the exemplary embodiment, the transition between the first longitudinal side walls 16 and the first transverse side walls 17 on the one hand, and between the first side walls 16, 17 and the first base 15 on the other, is realized by a rounded surface transition, the radius of curvature of which can be constant or varying.

[0052] The base 15, the first longitudinal side walls 16, and the first transverse side walls 17 define a first interior space 18 of the first housing body 11. Viewed in the vertical direction Z, the first interior space 18 is accessible via a first housing opening 19 relative to the first base 15. A first flange 20 extends around the first housing opening 19 in the vertical direction Z. A first connecting surface 21 is located on the first flange 20 and is oriented at least partially perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The first connecting surface 21 completely surrounds the first housing opening 19.

[0053] The second housing body 12 is designed in principle analogous to the first housing body 11, so that reference can be made to the preceding description of the first housing body 11. The second housing body 12 has a second base surface 25, to which second longitudinal side walls 26 and second transverse side walls 27 are attached. The second longitudinal side walls 26 are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction Y, and the second transverse side walls 27 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X. The second base surface 25, the second longitudinal side walls 26, and the second transverse side walls 27 define a second interior space 28 of the second housing body 12. The second interior space 28 is accessible via a second housing opening 29 opposite the second base surface 25 in the vertical direction Z, which is enclosed by a second flange 30. A second connecting surface 31 is provided on the second flange 30, which completely encloses the second housing opening 29. The second flange 30 provides a second connecting surface 31, which is at least partially perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.is aligned parallel to the first connecting surface 21.

[0054] The inner and outer contours of the two connecting surfaces 21, 31 are preferably identical when viewed in the direction Z. When the connection between the connecting surfaces 21, 31 is fully established, the connecting surfaces 21, 31 extend parallel to each other, for example in a connecting plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z or in a conical connecting plane that is inclined obliquely to the vertical direction Z.

[0055] The connecting surfaces 21, 31 serve to connect the two housing bodies 11, 12. In the embodiments described here, the connection can be a material-fit connection and / or an adhesive connection. Optionally, mechanical fasteners can also be used to create a force-fit and / or The connection at the connecting surfaces 21, 31 can be made by welding, for example friction welding, ultrasonic welding or laser welding, by bonding using an adhesive or by any combination of the joining methods.

[0056] When the connection is established, the first housing opening 19 and the second housing opening 29 are directly adjacent to each other and extend in a common connecting plane (Figure 1). The first interior space 18 and the second interior space 28 then together form the entire interior space of the explosion-proof housing 10, which is available as installation space.

[0057] The basic structure of the two housing bodies 11 and 12, as described so far, is similar. However, the two housing bodies 11 and 12 are not necessarily identical.

[0058] At least one of the housing bodies 11, 12 has at least one stiffening feature to improve the stability and rigidity of the explosion-proof housing 10, by which the two housing bodies 11, 12 can be distinguished. This at least one stiffening feature can be present on only one of the two housing bodies 11, 12 or on both housing bodies 11, 12. The at least one stiffening feature serves to secure the respective housing body 11, 12 against undesirable deformation under high pressure occurring in the respective interior space 18 or 28, in order to prevent compromising the explosion-proof condition of the explosion-proof housing 10 and, in particular, to prevent gaps from forming at the joint between the two housing bodies 11, 12.

[0059] For example, both housing bodies 11, 12 each have a longitudinal recess 40 extending in the longitudinal direction X as a stiffening feature. The longitudinal recess 40 of the first housing body 11 is formed by the first base surface 15 and the longitudinal recess 40 of the second housing body 12 is formed by the second base surface 25 and is thus a monolithic, integral part of the respective base surface 15 or 25. The longitudinal recess 40 has a bottom surface 41 and recess flanks 42 adjoining the bottom surface 41. The depression flanks 42 are arranged in pairs opposite each other in the longitudinal direction X and in the transverse direction Y and form curved or rounded surface transitions between the base surface 41 and the base surface sections 43 of the respective base surface 15 or 25 adjoining the longitudinal depression 40.

[0060] In the vertical direction Z, the base surface 41 is offset from the base surface sections 43. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the base surface sections 43 of each housing body 11 or 12 define a first base surface plane El of the first housing body 11 and / or a second base surface plane E2 of the second housing body 12. The base surface plane El, E2 forms a virtual separation of the relevant longitudinal recess 40 from the adjacent first interior space 18 or second interior space 28, respectively.

[0061] Viewed in the transverse direction Y, the longitudinal recess 40 is centrally located in the first housing body 11 and / or second housing body 12. The width a of the respective longitudinal recess 40 in the transverse direction Y, measured between the transition points of the longitudinal recess 40 to the adjacent base surface sections 43, can, for example, be in the range of 15% to 50% and, in particular, 25%. up to 35% of the width b of the relevant base area 15 or 25. The width b of the first base area 15 or the second base area 25 is measured in the relevant first interior space 18 or second interior space 28 in the transverse direction Y between the first longitudinal side walls 16 or the second longitudinal side walls 26 at the points where the relevant base area section 43 transitions into the adjacent longitudinal side wall 16 or 26 (Figures 1 and 2). In the exemplary embodiment, these are the points where the base area section 43 leaves the relevant first or second base area plane El, E2.

[0062] The longitudinal recess 40 has a length c in the longitudinal direction X, which is measured analogously to the width a of the longitudinal recess 40 at the transition point to the adjacent base surface sections 43 (Figures 3 and 4). In the longitudinal direction X, the first base surface 15 and the second base surface 25 have a length d, which is measured between the transition points of the first base surface 15 to the first transverse side walls 17 and / or between the transition points of the second base surface 25 to the second transverse side walls 27. In the exemplary embodiment, these are the points at which the base surface section 43 leaves the respective first or second base surface plane El, E2.

[0063] The length c of the longitudinal recess 40 is at least 50% or at least 60% or at least 70% of the length d of the first base surface 15 and / or second base surface 25 .

[0064] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 4 Each housing body 11, 12 has exactly one longitudinal recess 40. Viewed in the longitudinal direction X, there are also two or More longitudinal depressions 40 are arranged in a row one behind the other. Additionally or alternatively, several parallel rows of at least one longitudinal depression 40 each could be arranged at a distance from each other in the transverse direction Y, such that a base area section 43 is present between each of two such rows of longitudinal depressions 40.

[0065] If, in a variation of the illustrated embodiment, several longitudinal recesses 40 are arranged adjacent to one another along a common straight line in the longitudinal direction X, the length ratios explained above refer to the total length of these multiple longitudinal recesses 40. If, in a variation of the illustrated embodiment, several longitudinal recesses 40 are arranged adjacent to one another along a common straight line in the transverse direction Y, the width ratios explained above refer to the total width of these multiple longitudinal recesses 40.

[0066] A stiffening structure 47 is present in at least one existing longitudinal recess 40, or in several existing longitudinal recesses 40, or in all existing longitudinal recesses 40. The stiffening structure 47 has, for example, several stiffening ribs 48 arranged parallel to and spaced apart from one another. In the exemplary embodiment, the stiffening ribs 48 extend completely through the entire width of the respective longitudinal recess 40 in the transverse direction Y, thus connecting the recess flanks 42 opposite each other in the transverse direction Y. The number of stiffening ribs 48 can vary.

[0067] In the longitudinal direction X, the stiffening ribs are 48 The stiffening ribs 48 are arranged at a distance from each other, such that two immediately adjacent stiffening ribs define a gap. The gaps can each be of the same length when viewed in the longitudinal direction X.

[0068] In the preferred embodiment, the stiffening ribs 48 do not end within the longitudinal recess 40 when viewed in the transverse direction Y, so that they do not form a free end edge there.

[0069] Optionally, in all embodiments, at least one receptacle or holder 49 for components can be provided in the longitudinal recess 40 or in at least one of the existing longitudinal recesses 40, as can be seen by way of example in Figures 7 and 8. The stiffening ribs 48 present in the area of ​​the holder 49 extend from the holder 49 to the respective opposite recess wall 42 and are, for example, indirectly connected to each other via the holder 49.

[0070] In the longitudinal direction X, the stiffening structure 47 no stiffening ribs.

[0071] The stiffening ribs, for example The stiffening structure 47 formed, for example, does not protrude from the relevant longitudinal recess 40 and thus does not penetrate the first base plane El of the first housing body 11 and / or the second base plane E2 of the second housing body 12.

[0072] The longitudinal side walls 16, 26 and / or the transverse side walls 17, 27 can be subdivided into several offset side wall sections 51 by curved transition areas, as is exemplified by The second longitudinal side walls 26 are shown in Figure 1 and the second transverse side walls 27 in Figure 3. Alternatively, the longitudinal side walls and / or the transverse side walls can also be entirely planar, as illustrated by the first longitudinal side walls 16 in Figure 1 and the first transverse side walls 17 in Figure 4. The side wall sections 51 can extend parallel to each other (Figures 1 and 3). Alternatively, the side wall sections 51 of a common longitudinal side wall or transverse side wall can also extend inclined to each other (Figure 2).

[0073] As an optional additional stiffening feature, at least one of the housing bodies 11, 12, and, for example, the second housing body 12, has a convexly curved section 52 projecting into the respective interior space (here, the second interior space 28). The curved section 52 can have a constant curvature or radius of curvature, or a varying curvature or radius of curvature. Side wall sections 51 of the respective longitudinal side wall and / or transverse side wall are separated from each other by the curved section 52. The radius of curvature of the curved section is preferably at least 3 mm to 5 mm.

[0074] In the explosion-proof housing 10, the stiffening is thus provided by the interior 18, 28 extending (Longitudinal recess 40) and / or the interior space 18, 28 reducing (curved section 52) housing areas are realized. These housing areas increase the stiffness of the first housing body 11 and / or the second housing body 12 and reduce deformation under compressive load.

[0075] In addition, further stiffening features may optionally be present on the outside of the explosion-proof enclosure 10 or the enclosure body 11, 12.

[0076] As illustrated in Figure 1, a stiffening web 53 adjoins the first flange 20 and / or the second flange 30 and can extend along the entire length of the flange 20 and / or 30. Alternatively, the stiffening web 53 can also be present only in sections along the longitudinal direction X and / or the transverse direction Y of the respective flange 20 and / or 30. For example, it is possible to arrange the stiffening web 53 only adjacent to a longitudinal side wall 16 and / or 26.

[0077] A gap 54 exists between the stiffening web 53 and the adjacent longitudinal side wall 16 or 26 and / or the adjacent transverse side wall 17 or 27. In one embodiment, the stiffening web 53 can extend essentially parallel to the immediately adjacent wall area of ​​the respective longitudinal side wall 16, 26 and / or the respective transverse side wall 17, 27. In the area of ​​the first connecting surface 21 and / or the second connecting surface 31, the first housing body 11 and / or the second housing body 12 therefore has a U-shaped or, alternatively, a V-shaped form in longitudinal and / or cross-sectional view.

[0078] Figure 1 shows a further optional embodiment that can be implemented in all embodiments. In the connection area between the two housing bodies 11, 12 and, for example, at the flanges, A connecting device 55 may be present at the joints 20, 30 and / or the optional stiffening webs 53. The connecting device 55 is designed to create a force-fit and / or form-fit connection between the two housing bodies 11, 12, in addition to a material-fit connection and / or adhesive connection at the connecting surfaces 21, 31. Furthermore, the connecting device 55 serves to further increase the stiffness of the explosion-proof housing 10 in the connection area between the two housing bodies 11, 12 and therefore also constitutes an optional stiffening feature.

[0079] The connecting device 55 has, for example, strip-shaped or plate-shaped stiffening elements 56 that extend at least partially along the flange 30 and, for example, along the optional stiffening web 53. The at least one stiffening element 56 can, for example, extend in a straight line in the longitudinal direction X or in a straight line in the transverse direction Y. In the direction of travel around the respective housing body 11, 12, the at least one stiffening element 56 can be substantially the same length as a straight section of the stiffening web 53 against which it abuts.

[0080] The at least one stiffening element 56 consists of a material with higher stiffness or bending stiffness than the material from which the housing bodies 11, 12 are made. In one embodiment, the at least one stiffening element 56 consists of metal and / or a metallic alloy.

[0081] The connecting device 55 has several connecting elements 57, which form a stiffening element 56 of the The first housing body 11 is connected to a stiffening element 56 of the second housing body 12. The connecting elements 57 are designed to transmit at least tensile forces and can optionally also be designed to transmit compressive forces. The connecting elements 57 thus serve in particular as tie rods that counteract separation of the two housing bodies 11, 12 at the connecting surfaces 21, 31. The connecting elements 57 extend in particular in the vertical direction Z. The connection by means of the connecting elements 57 can be detachable or permanent.

[0082] The fasteners 57 can be, for example, screws, bolts, or rivets. Flexible tension elements, such as wires or the like, can also be used as fasteners 57. It is also possible to use different types of fasteners 57 in an explosion-proof enclosure 10.

[0083] As an optional additional stiffening feature, external ribs 60 can be provided on the outside of the first housing body 11 and / or the second housing body 12. The external ribs 60 can, for example, be arranged on the first longitudinal side walls 16 and / or the second longitudinal side walls 26 and connect the respective longitudinal side wall 16, 26 with the adjacent stiffening web 53. The external ribs 60 are arranged adjacent to each other at a distance.

[0084] Additionally or alternatively, outer ribs 60 may also be present on the first transverse side walls 17 of the first housing body 11 and / or the second transverse side walls 27 of the second housing body 12, spaced apart are arranged in relation to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, the outer ribs 60 each extend parallel to the vertical direction and at right angles to the longitudinal direction X on the longitudinal side walls 16 and / or 26. Outer ribs 60 on the transverse side walls 17 and / or 27 extend in the vertical direction Z and at right angles to the transverse direction Y.

[0085] The first housing body 11 and the second housing body 12 are preferably made of plastic or a composite material. In the embodiments illustrated here, the first housing body 11 and the second housing body 12 are each monolithic. By way of example, only the elements of the connecting device 55 are manufactured separately and preferably from a different material than the other components of the housing bodies 11, 12, wherein these other components are preferably integral, monolithic components of the respective housing body 11, 12 and can therefore be manufactured by and during the manufacture of the respective housing body 11, 12.

[0086] The housing bodies 11, 12 can be manufactured by suitable casting processes (e.g., injection molding), including multi-component casting processes, or by additive manufacturing processes. When using a multi-component casting process, different materials can be monolithically and integrally joined together during the manufacture of the respective housing body 11, 12.

[0087] Figures 5 to 8 illustrate a construction example of an explosion-proof enclosure 10, as explained with reference to the schematic drawings in Figures 1 to 4. In this respect, reference can be made to the preceding Reference is made to the description. All of the above-described design variants can be implemented in the explosion-proof housing 10 shown in Figures 5 to 8.

[0088] The explosion-proof housing 10 according to Figures 5 to 8 is, for example, a component of an overload protection device, such as an overload relay. Connection devices 61 for electrical lines may be provided on the outside of the housing 10. One or more operating elements 62 may be provided on the housing 10, for example, on the second housing body 12. All penetrations through the housing bodies 11, 12 are designed to be explosion-proof, for example, by closing gaps with potting or other measures, or by implementing them as ignition-proof gaps.A flameproof gap in the sense of explosion protection is a gap whose cross-section is sufficiently small in relation to its flow path length to extinguish or sufficiently cool ignition media (for example, hot gases, flames, sparks) flowing from the interior 18, 28 towards the surroundings before they reach the surroundings with the explosive atmosphere.

[0089] The invention relates to an explosion-proof housing 10 comprising a first housing body 11 and a second housing body 12, which are connected to each other and together form an interior space of the explosion-proof housing 10. At least one of the housing bodies 11, 12 has at least one stiffening feature. This stiffening feature includes a longitudinally extending, rib- or groove-like longitudinal recess 40 in a base surface 15, 25 of the respective housing body 11 or 12. A single Longitudinal recess 40, or there may be several longitudinal recesses 40. The longitudinal recess 40, or at least one of the existing longitudinal recesses 40, has a stiffening structure 47, in particular several stiffening ribs 48 extending in a transverse direction Y. Reference character list: 10 explosion-proof housing 11 first housing body 12 second housing body 15 first base area 16 first longitudinal side wall 17 first transverse side wall 18 first interior 19 first case opening 20 first flange 21 first connecting surface 25 second base area 26 second longitudinal side wall 27 second transverse side wall 28 second interior 29 second case opening 30 second flange 31 second connecting surface 40 Longitudinal recess 41 floor area 42 Recess flank 43 Base area section 47 From stiffening structure 48 stiffening rib 51 Side wall section 52 Curvature cut 53 Aus st eifungs st eg 54 Free space 55 Connection device 56 stiffening element 57 Connecting element 60 Outer rib 61 Connection devices 62 Control element a Width of the longitudinal recess b Width of the base area c Length of the longitudinal recess d Length of the base area The first base plane E2 second base level X Longitudinal direction Y transverse direction Z Upward direction

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Having an explosion-proof enclosure (10): - a first housing body (11) with a first base surface (15), with first longitudinal side walls (16) adjoining the first base surface (15) and spaced apart in a transverse direction (Y), with first transverse side walls (17) adjoining the first base surface (15) and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction (X), which together enclose a first interior space (18) accessible via a first housing opening (19), wherein the first housing body (11) has a first flange (20) adjoining the first housing opening (19), which has a first connecting surface (21) completely enclosing the first housing opening (19), - a second housing body (12) with a second base surface (25), with second longitudinal side walls (26) adjoining the second base surface (25) and spaced apart in a transverse direction (Y), with second transverse side walls (27) adjoining the second base surface (25) and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction (X), which together enclose a second interior space (28) accessible via a second housing opening (29), wherein the second housing body (12) has a second flange (30) adjoining the second housing opening (29), which has a second connecting surface (31) completely enclosing the second housing opening (29), -28- wherein the first housing body (11) and the second housing body (12) are connected to each other at the opposing connecting surfaces (21, 31), characterized in that the first base surface (15) and / or the second base surface (15) has a longitudinal recess (40) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) with a stiffening structure (47).

2. Explosion-proof housing according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening structure (47) has stiffening ribs (48) extending in the transverse direction (Y) and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (X).

3. Explosion-proof housing according to claim 2, wherein at least some or all of the existing stiffening ribs (48) extend completely through the longitudinal recess (40) in the transverse direction (Y).

4. Explosion-proof housing according to claim 2 or 3, wherein none of the existing stiffening ribs (48) terminate within the longitudinal recess (40) forming a free end edge.

5. Explosion-proof housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first base surface (15) and / or the second base surface (25) transitions into the longitudinal recess (40) via curved surface transitions.

6. Explosion-proof housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first base surface (15) and / or the second base surface (25) each has a base surface section (43) adjacent to the longitudinal recess (40) in the transverse direction (Y), wherein the The base area sections (43) are arranged in a common base area plane (El, E2).

7. Explosion-proof housing according to claim 4, wherein the longitudinal recess (40) has a base surface (41) which is arranged at a distance and in particular parallel to the base surface plane (El, E2).

8. Explosion-proof housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stiffening structure (47) does not protrude from the longitudinal recess (40).

9. Explosion-proof housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first longitudinal side walls (16) each have a curved section (52) extending into the first interior space (18), which is curved about a straight line extending in the longitudinal direction (X).

10. Explosion-proof housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second longitudinal side walls (26) each have a curved section (52) extending into the second interior space (28), which is curved about a straight line extending in the longitudinal direction (X).

11. Explosion-proof housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first transverse side walls (17) each have a curved section (52) extending into the first interior space (18), which is curved about a straight line extending in the transverse direction (Y).

12. Explosion-proof housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second transverse side walls (27) each have a curved section (52) extending into the second interior space (28), which is curved about a straight line extending in the transverse direction (Y).

13. Explosion-proof housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing body (11) and / or the second housing body (12) is made of a non-metallic material, in particular plastic or a composite material.

14. Explosion-proof housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a stiffening element (56) is arranged on the first housing body (11) and on the second housing body (12), which are connected to each other by means of at least one connecting element (57).

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