Mounting device for mounting at least one filter element on a housing of a pressure transducer

Abstract

The invention relates to a mounting device (2) for mounting a filter element (1.8) on a housing (1.1) of a pressure transducer (1), the mounting device comprising: - a pressing ram (2.6) which is designed to press the filter element against / onto a position provided for the filter element in or on the housing for a predefined time at a defined pressure; - a carrier component (2.1) having a receiving area (2.2) for the housing of the pressure sensor, wherein the carrier component and / or the pressing ram are designed to move relative to one another from an insertion position, in which the housing is or can be brought into the receiving area, to a pressing position, in which the filter element is pressed by the pressing ram, wherein the carrier component and / or the pressing ram are further designed such that the pressing ram is arranged substantially orthogonally to the intended position in or on the housing, and wherein the pressing ram is designed, in the pressing position, to press onto the intended position in or on the housing for the predefined time at the defined pressure.

Description

[0001] Mounting device for mounting at least one filter element onto the housing of a pressure transmitter

[0002] The invention relates to a mounting device for mounting at least one filter element onto a housing of a pressure transmitter, in particular a relative pressure transmitter, and to a method for mounting a filter element using such a mounting device.

[0003] In pressure measurement technology, a distinction is made between differential, absolute, and gauge pressure transmitters. Differential pressure transmitters are used to measure the difference between two different pressures. With absolute pressure transmitters, the pressure to be measured is absolute, i.e., as a pressure difference relative to a vacuum. A gauge pressure transmitter measures the pressure as a pressure difference relative to a reference pressure. The reference pressure is usually the ambient pressure at the location of the gauge pressure transmitter. In most applications, this is atmospheric pressure at the point of use. However, if the sensor is used, for example, in a space under positive or negative pressure, the reference pressure is the internal pressure of that space.

[0004] In relative pressure transmitters, the reference pressure supply from the relative pressure sensor leads into an interior space within the housing and terminates there. The housing has a through-hole leading to the outside, through which the reference pressure supply is connected to the environment surrounding the relative pressure transmitter.

[0005] To protect against moisture ingress, the bore is regularly sealed with a filter element. Additionally, a cover for the filter element is necessary for mechanical protection and / or to prevent contamination. Nowadays, the installation of the filter element in its designated position within the housing, as well as the subsequent fitting of the cover, is done manually.

[0006] The disadvantage of this method is that it is prone to errors, for example, filter elements may be forgotten and / or regulations for applying the filter element may not be followed.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a remedy for this problem.

[0008] The problem is solved according to the invention by the assembly device according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 8.

[0009] The mounting device according to the invention for mounting at least one filter element onto a housing of a pressure transmitter, in particular a relative pressure transmitter, comprises:

[0010] - at least one pressure piston designed to press the at least one filter element onto a position provided for the at least one filter element in or on the housing for a specified time with a defined pressure,

[0011] - a support component with a receiving surface for the housing of the pressure transmitter, wherein the support component and / or the at least one pressure plunger are designed to move relative to each other from an insertion position in which the housing is brought into the receiving surface orto be moved to a pressing position in which the at least one filter element is pressed by the at least one pressing piston, wherein the support component and / or the at least one pressing piston are further designed such that, at least in the pressing position, the at least one pressing piston is arranged substantially orthogonally to the intended position in or on the housing of the housing located in the receiving surface, and wherein the at least one pressing piston is configured to press on the intended position in or on the housing with the defined pressure for the specified time in order to mount the at least one filter element.

[0012] An advantageous embodiment of the assembly device according to the invention further comprises a control unit designed to check whether the filter element is present in or on the housing at the intended position and / or whether the filter element is arranged centrally.

[0013] A further advantageous embodiment of the assembly device according to the invention provides that the assembly device is further configured so that the at least one pressure piston presses on the at least one filter element for at least 5 seconds, preferably at least 7 seconds, particularly preferably at least 10 seconds with a pressure of at least 1.5 bar, preferably at least 1.75 bar, particularly preferably at least 2 bar.

[0014] Another advantageous embodiment of the mounting device according to the invention provides that the receiving surface is recessed into the support component in the form of a depression.

[0015] Another advantageous embodiment of the mounting device according to the invention provides that the support component is attached to a base plate of the mounting device via rails, so that the support component can be moved in the axial direction between the insertion position and the pressure position.

[0016] Another advantageous embodiment of the assembly device according to the invention provides that the at least one pressure plunger is made of a soft material with a durometer value in the range of 20 to 40 Shore A.

[0017] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention

[0018] The assembly device provides that the at least one pressing plunger is made of a soft rubber material, plastic or another elastomer with, preferably, a constant material thickness of preferably at least 3 mm, particularly preferably at least 5 mm.

[0019] The invention further relates to a method for mounting a filter element onto a housing of a pressure transmitter, in particular a relative pressure transmitter, by means of a mounting device according to one of the previously described embodiments, wherein the method provides for the following steps:

[0020] - Inserting the housing of the pressure transmitter into the receiving surface of the support component;

[0021] - Procedure of moving the carrier components and / or the at least one pressure plunger into the pressure position;

[0022] - Pressing the at least one filter element into the intended position in or on the housing using the at least one pressure piston for the specified time with the defined pressure.

[0023] An advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention may provide that, before the housing is inserted into the receiving surface, the at least one filter element is positioned, in particular manually, at the intended position in or on the housing. In particular, the embodiment may provide that, before pressing the at least one filter element into place by means of the at least one pressing plunger, it is checked whether the at least one filter element is positioned at the intended position in or on the housing and / or it is checked whether the at least one filter element is positioned centrally at the intended position in or on the housing.

[0024] Another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention can provide that a marking is created in or on the housing after pressing on the at least one filter element.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following drawing. It shows: Fig. 1: a mounting device for the automated application of a filter element to a housing of a relative pressure transmitter.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a mounting device for the automated application of a filter element to a housing 1.1 of a relative pressure transmitter 1.

[0027] The relative pressure transmitter 1 is already arranged in a receiving surface of a support component of a mounting device 2, which will be described in more detail later, as shown in Fig. 1. The relative pressure transmitter 1 has a housing 1.1, which consists of a housing neck 1.2 and a housing head 1.3 arranged thereon. The housing head 1.3 forms a receiving space 1.4 for, e.g., an electronic unit or insert. The electronic unit 1.5 can, for example, be an electronic circuit for evaluating the measurement signal of a relative pressure sensor or relative pressure sensor element 1.6.

[0028] For example, capacitive ceramic sensors or semiconductor sensors, such as polysilicon sensors, can be used as relative pressure sensors 1.6. The relative pressure sensor 1.6 can comprise a base body that is pressure-tightly connected to a measuring diaphragm. A reference pressure chamber can be formed between the measuring diaphragm and the base body. The reference pressure chamber can be connected to a reference pressure path. To supply the relative pressure sensor with a reference pressure surrounding the pressure transducer, the reference pressure chamber can be extended to the outside via a reference pressure path. For this purpose, a bore can be provided in the housing neck. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, two bores are provided in the housing neck, of which only one is visible. The second bore can be arranged diametrically opposite it on the housing neck.

[0029] To prevent the ingress of moisture and / or water into the reference pressure path, each bore 1.7 in the housing intended for the reference pressure path is to be covered on its outer surface by a filter element 1.8. The filter elements 1.8 can be designed to be breathable and unidirectionally permeable to water vapor. They can also preferably be made of a water-repellent, hydrophobic material. The filter elements 1.8 thus have a membrane, in particular a semipermeable membrane, as the active surface. Preferably, the membranes of the filter elements are made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. An adhesive surface can be provided surrounding the membrane, by means of which the filter elements 1.8 can be attached to the housing 1.1 at the intended position. Preferably, the filter elements have a round active surface surrounded by an adhesive ring.

[0030] According to the invention, a mounting device 2 serves for the automated application or attachment of the filter elements 1, 8 to the housing 1.1. The mounting device 2 has a support component 2.1 with the previously mentioned receiving surface 2.2. The receiving surface 2.2 is adapted to an outer contour of the housing 1.1 of the relative pressure transmitter 1, so that the housing 1.1 can be positioned in or on the receiving surface 2.2 and / or held. For example, the receiving surface 2.2 can be recessed into the support component 2.1 in the form of a recess adapted to the outer contour of the housing, so that the housing 1.1 can be inserted into the recess. The support component 2.1 can be attached to a base plate 2.4 of the mounting device 2 via rails 2.3 such that the support component 2.1 can be moved in the axial direction. The housing 1 can be moved by means of the support component 2.1, which is mounted on rails 2.3 and is movable in the axial direction.1. The mounting device 2 is moved from an insertion position, in which the housing 1.1 is or can be placed into the receiving surface, to a pressing position, in which the filter element 1.8 is pressed against it. Additionally, the mounting device 2 can have a holding device 2.5, which is designed to hold the carrier component 2.1 in the pressing position for the actual process of pressing the filter element 1.8 against it, or to prevent unintentional movement. The holding device 2.5 can, for example, have a locking hook that engages with a corresponding locking lug on the carrier component when the carrier component has been moved into the pressing position.

[0031] To press the filter element 1.8 against the housing, the mounting device 2 further comprises at least one pressing plunger 2.6. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the mounting device 2 has two pressing plungers 2.6 in order to simultaneously press two filter elements 1.8, which are intended to cover the two diametrically opposed bores.

[0032] The pressure dies 2.6 are made of a soft material with a durometer value in the range of 20 to 40 Shore A. Preferably, the pressure dies 2.6 are made of a soft rubber material, plastic, or another elastomer with a constant material thickness of preferably at least 3 mm, particularly preferably at least 5 mm.

[0033] The pressure plungers 2.6 and the support component 2.1 are arranged, for example, on the base plate 2.4 of the mounting device 2, such that when the support component 2.1 is moved into the pressure position, the two pressure plungers 2.6 are arranged essentially orthogonally to the housing neck or the respective opening. Advantageously, the pressure plungers are designed such that a surface with which the plungers press against the filter elements has a structure adapted to the active area of ​​the filter element. In the case that the filter elements have a round active area and an adhesive ring surrounding the round active area, the plungers can have a round recess on their surface so that the pressure plungers 2.6 press only against the adhesive ring and not against the round active area.

[0034] Furthermore, the pressure pistons 2.6 are configured to press against the intended position in or on the housing with a defined force for a predetermined time while in the pressure position. This can be achieved, for example, by mounting the pressure pistons so that they are axially movable, allowing them to move onto the filter elements after the carrier component with the housing has been brought into the pressure position and press with a defined force for a predetermined time. For example, the pressure pistons 2.6 can be controlled and thus moved via a hydraulic or pneumatic system. Preferably, the pressure pistons are controlled in this manner.a process whereby they press the filter elements onto the position on the housing for at least 5 seconds, preferably at least 7 seconds, particularly preferably at least 10 seconds, with a pressure of at least 1.5 bar, preferably at least 1.75 bar, particularly preferably at least 2 bar.

[0035] Additionally, the assembly device 2 can include a control unit 2.8 configured to check whether the filter element(s) 1.8 are located in the intended position (bore) on the housing 1.1 and / or to check whether the filter element(s) 1.8 are arranged centrally in the intended position. Furthermore, the control unit 2.8 can be configured to emit a signal, in particular an acoustic signal, if it does not detect a filter element 1.8 and / or detects that the filter element 1.8 is not arranged centrally in the intended position (bore) on the housing 1.1. In particular, the control unit 2.8 can be configured to perform the check before the actual pressing of the filter elements 1.8 by the pressing pistons 2.6, thus ensuring that the filter elements 1.8, which are initially attached manually to the intended position (bore) on the housing 1.1, are checked.

[0036] Using the previously described mounting device 2, the following procedure for mounting the filter elements 1 .8 can be carried out.

[0037] For this purpose, the first step is to remove the housing 1.1 of the

[0038] The pressure transmitter 1 is inserted into the receiving surface 1,4 of the carrier component. At this point, the housing 1.1 may already have the filter elements 1.8 in their designated positions in or on the housing 1.1. For example, the filter elements 1.8 may have been manually applied by a production worker.

[0039] After the housing 1.1 has been inserted into the receiving surface 1.4, the support components 2.1 and / or the at least one pressure plunger 2.6 are moved into the contact position in a subsequent step. This can be done, for example, by moving the support components 2.1 on the rails 2.3.

[0040] Subsequently, in an optional step, the control unit 2.8 checks whether the filter elements 1, 8 are present in the intended position in or on the housing 1.1 and / or whether the filter elements 1, 8 are arranged concentrically with respect to that position. If the control unit 2.8 detects that the filter elements 1, 8 are not present in the intended position in or on the housing 1.1 and / or that the filter elements 1, 8 are not arranged concentrically with respect to that position, a signal is output by the control unit 2.8 and / or the pressing action of the pressure stamps 2.6 on the filter elements 1, 8 is prevented.

[0041] In a subsequent step, the filter elements 1.8 are pressed into the intended position in or on the housing 1.1 by means of the pressure stamps 2.6 for the specified time with the defined pressure.

[0042] Finally, as an optional step, a mark indicating that the filter elements 1.8 have been pressed into place can be made in or on the housing 1.1. This mark can be made, for example, by a stamping or similar means. For this purpose, the mounting device 2 can have an additional pressing-in die. Subsequently, a cover, e.g., in the form of a nameplate, is placed over the filter elements 1.8 as mechanical protection. Reference numerals: Pressure transmitter, Housing, Housing neck, Housing head, Mounting space, Electronic unit, Pressure sensor, Bore(s), Filter element, Mounting device, Support component, Mounting surface, Rails, Base plate, Holding device, Pressing die, Hydraulic or pneumatic system for actuating the pressing dies, Control unit

Claims

Patent claims 1. Mounting device (2) for mounting at least one filter element (1.8) onto a housing (1.1) of a pressure transmitter (1), in particular a relative pressure transmitter, comprising: - at least one pressure plunger (2.6) designed to press the at least one filter element (1 .8) onto a position provided for the at least one filter element (1 .8) in or on the housing for a specified time with a defined pressure; - a support component (2.1) with a receiving surface (2.2) for the housing (1.1) of the pressure transmitter (1), wherein the support component (2.1) and / or the at least one pressure plunger (2.6) are designed to move relative to each other from an insertion position, in which the housing (1.1) is or can be brought into the receiving surface (2.2), to a pressing position, in which the at least one filter element (1.8) is pressed against by the at least one pressure plunger (2.6), wherein the support component (2.1) and / or the at least one pressure plunger (2.6) are further designed such that, at least in the pressing position, the at least one pressure plunger (2.6) is arranged substantially orthogonally to the intended position in or on the housing (1.1) of the housing (1.1) located in the receiving surface (2.2), and wherein the at least one pressure plunger (2.6) is designed to press in the contact position for the specified time with the defined pressure on the intended position in or on the housing (1 .1 ) in order to mount the at least one filter element (1.8).

2. Assembly device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit (2.8) designed to check whether the filter element (1 .8) is present in or on the housing (1.1 ) at the intended position and / or whether the filter element (1 .8) is arranged centrally.

3. Mounting device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting device (1) is further configured to that the at least one pressing plunger (2.6) presses on the at least one filter element for at least 5 seconds, preferably at least 7 seconds, particularly preferably at least 10 seconds with a pressure of at least 1.5 bar, preferably at least 1.75 bar, particularly preferably at least 2 bar.

4. Mounting device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving surface (2.2) is recessed into the support component (2.1) in the form of a depression.

5. Mounting device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the support component (2.1 ) is attached to a base plate (2.4) of the mounting device (1 ) via rails (2.3) so that the support component (2.1 ) can be moved in the axial direction between the insertion position and the pressure position.

6. Assembly device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one pressure plunger (2.6) is made of a soft material with a durometer value in the range of 20 to 40 Shore A.

7. Assembly device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one pressing plunger (2.6) is made of a soft rubber material, plastic or another elastomer with, preferably, a constant material thickness of preferably at least 3 mm, particularly preferably at least 5 mm.

8. Method for mounting a filter element onto a housing (1.1 ) of a pressure transmitter (1 ), in particular a relative pressure transmitter, using a mounting device according to claim 1 , wherein the method provides the following steps: - Inserting the housing (1.1 ) of the pressure transmitter (1 ) into the receiving surface (2.2) of the support component (2.1 ); - Method of moving the carrier components (2.1) and / or the at least one pressure plunger (2.6) into the pressure position; - Pressing the at least one filter element (1 .8) by means of the at least one pressure plunger (2.6) onto the intended position in or on the housing (1.1 ) for the specified time with the defined pressure.

9. Method according to the preceding claim and assembly device according to claim 2, wherein, prior to inserting the housing (1.1 ) into the receiving surface (2.2), the at least one filter element (1.8) is arranged, in particular manually, at the intended position in or on the housing (1.1 ).

10. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein, prior to pressing the at least one filter element (1.8) by means of the at least one pressing plunger (2.6), it is checked whether the at least one filter element (1.8) is arranged at the intended position in or on the housing (1.1 ) and / or it is checked whether the at least one filter element (1.8) is arranged centrally at the intended position in or on the housing (1.1 ).

11. Method according to at least one of claims 8 to 10, wherein a mark is produced in or on the housing (1.1) after pressing on the at least one filter element (1.8).

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