Pressure-Equalization Element for a Field Device Used in Automation Technology

Abstract

A pressure-equalization element for equalization of pressure differences between at least two spatial areas assigned to a field device used in automation technology, comprising a main body, consisting of a securing element having an axial bore, that is used for securing the pressure-equalization element in a wall of the field device, and a disc-shaped carrier component having a lateral end surface. The disc-shaped carrier component is provided with a specified number (n, where n>2) of substantially radially-running recesses corresponding to the axial bore, wherein the radially-running recesses are offset from one another by a defined angular offset, and wherein the radially-running recesses are provided with a gas-permeable, liquid-barrier membrane in the region of the lateral end surface of the disc-shaped carrier components.

Claims

1-9. (canceled)

10. A pressure-equalization element for equalizing differences in pressure between at least two spatial areas assigned to an automation filed device, comprising: a main body which consists of a securing element with an axial hole which serves to fasten the pressure-equalization element in a wall of the field device; a protective cap; and a disc-shaped carrier component with a lateral end surface, wherein: a predetermined number (n, where n≧2 of cutouts that run substantially radially and correspond with said axial hole in said disc-shaped carrier component; said radially-running cutouts are offset from one another by a defined angular offset; said radially-running cutouts are provided with at least one liquid-blocking, gas-permeable membrane in the region of said lateral end surface of said disc-shaped carrier component; and said protective cap covers said disc-shaped support component in the region of an end surface and said lateral end surface.

11. The pressure-equalization element according to claim 10, wherein: said angular offset of the number (n) of said radially-running cutouts is preferably 360°/n.

12. The pressure-equalization element according to claim 10, wherein: four radially-arranged cutouts are provided in said disc-shaped carrier component that basically have an angular offset of 90°.

13. The pressure-equalization element according to claim 10, wherein: said disk-shaped carrier component has a stop edge in each of two regions of said lateral end surface that are axially offset from each other.

14. The pressure-equalization element according to claim 13, wherein: said membrane is designed to be annular and is attached between two stop edges.

15. The pressure-equalization element according to claim 10, wherein: said membrane is a unidirectionally water-vapor-permeable, water-repellent, breathable membrane.

16. An automation field device with at least one first inner chamber, wherein a pressure-equalization component is arranged in the wall of a housing of the field device which divides an inner chamber from the outer surroundings of the field device, said pressure-equalization component, comprising: a pressure-equalization element for equalizing differences in pressure between at least two spatial areas assigned to an automation filed device, comprising: a main body which consists of a securing element with an axial hole which serves to fasten the pressure-equalization element in a wall of the field device; a protective cap; and a disc-shaped carrier component with a lateral end surface, wherein: a predetermined number (n, where n≧2 of cutouts that run substantially radially and correspond with said axial hole in said disc-shaped carrier component; said radially-running cutouts are offset from one another by a defined angular offset; said radially-running cutouts are provided with at least one liquid-blocking, gas-permeable membrane in the region of said lateral end surface of said disc-shaped carrier component; and said protective cap covers said disc-shaped support component in the region of an end surface and said lateral end surface.

17. The automation field device with at least one first inner chamber and a second inner chamber, wherein the first inner chamber and the second inner chamber are separated from each other by an intermediate wall, wherein a pressure-equalization component is arranged in the outer wall of at least one of said two inner chambers, said pressure-equalization component, comprising: a pressure-equalization element for equalizing differences in pressure between at least two spatial areas assigned to an automation filed device, comprising: a main body which consists of a securing element with an axial hole which serves to fasten the pressure-equalization element in a wall of the field device; a protective cap; and a disc-shaped carrier component with a lateral end surface, wherein: a predetermined number (n, where n≧2 of cutouts that run substantially radially and correspond with said axial hole in said disc-shaped carrier component; said radially-running cutouts are offset from one another by a defined angular offset; said radially-running cutouts are provided with at least one liquid-blocking, gas-permeable membrane in the region of said lateral end surface of said disc-shaped carrier component; and said protective cap covers said disc-shaped support component in the region of an end surface and said lateral end surface.

18. A relative pressure-measuring sensor for the metrological detection of a pressure to be measured as a relative pressure in comparison to a reference pressure that predominates in the surroundings of the measuring sensor, comprising: a housing; the relative pressure sensor arranged in said housing; a pressure supply by means of which the pressure to be measured is supplied to the relative pressure sensor; and a reference pressure supply by means of which the reference pressure is supplied to the relative pressure sensor, wherein the reference pressure supply terminates in the opening in an outer wall of said housing, wherein a pressure-equalization element is inserted in the opening or the reference pressure supply, said pressure-equalization comprises: a pressure-equalization element for equalizing differences in pressure between at least two spatial areas assigned to an automation filed device, comprising: a main body which consists of a securing element with an axial hole which serves to fasten the pressure-equalization element in a wall of the field device; a protective cap; and a disc-shaped carrier component with a lateral end surface, wherein: a predetermined number (n, where n≧2 of cutouts that run substantially radially and correspond with said axial hole in said disc-shaped carrier component; said radially-running cutouts are offset from one another by a defined angular offset; said radially-running cutouts are provided with at least one liquid-blocking, gas-permeable membrane in the region of said lateral end surface of said disc-shaped carrier component; and said protective cap covers said disc-shaped support component in the region of an end surface and said lateral end surface.

Description

[0020] The invention is explained in greater detail with reference to the following figures. Illustrated are:

[0021] FIG. 1a: a perspectival representation of an embodiment of the pressure-equalization element according to the invention;

[0022] FIG. 2: a longitudinal section according to the designation A-A through the pressure-equalization element shown in FIG. 1,

[0023] FIG. 3: an exploded view of the embodiment of the pressure-equalization element according to the invention shown in FIG. 1,

[0024] FIG. 4: a section through the embodiment of the pressure-equalization element shown in FIG. 3 according to the designation B-B, and

[0025] FIG. 5: a schematic representation of a field device with a pressure-equalization element according to the invention.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the pressure compensation element 1 according to the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. FIG. 1 shows a perspectival representation, FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section according to the designation A-A in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 according to the designation B-B. The pressure-equalization element 1 according to the invention serves to equalize differences in pressure between two spatial areas assigned to an automation field device 13. It has a main body 2 which consists of an elongated securing element 3 with an axial bore 5 which serves to fasten the pressure-equalization element 1 in a wall 15 of the field device 13, a disc-shaped carrier component 4, and a protective cap 11. The pressure-equalization element 1 is fastened in the wall 15 of the field device 13 itself by means, for example, of a threaded joint, clamping, or adhesion.

[0027] When the pressure-equalization element 1 is in an assembled state, the protective cap 1 is connected securely to the disc-shaped carrier component 4.

[0028] The permanent or releasable connection is effected either by adhesion, welding—such as point welding—a mechanical threaded joint, or by elastic claws which are provided in the region of the free bottom edge of the protective cap 11. Corresponding permanent and releasable attachments are known to a person skilled in the art, so that further clarification is unnecessary.

[0029] It is advantageous when openings 22 are provided in the cover region of the protective cap 11 through which any condensate that forms can drain.

[0030] The disc-shaped carrier component 4 is bordered by a lateral end surface 7. A predetermined number (n, where n≧2) of cutouts 6 that run substantially radially and correspond with the axial bore 5 in the attachment component 3 are provided in the disc-shaped carrier component 4. The radially-running cutouts 6 which are designed as holes are offset relative to each other by a specific angular offset. In the region of the lateral end surface 7, the radially-running cutouts 6 in the disc-shaped carrier component 4 are provided with a liquid-blocking, gas-permeable membrane 8.

[0031] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the disc-shaped carrier component 4 has four radially-arranged cutouts 6. These are arranged basically at an angular offset of 90° relative to each other.

[0032] In the example shown, the top and bottom edges of the lateral end surface 7 are designed as axial stop edges 9, 10; moreover, the lateral end surface 7 serves as such a contact surface for the membrane 8. In the case presented, the annular membrane 8 is positioned between the two stop edges 9, 10. The membrane 8 closes all the cutouts 6 in the lateral end surface 7 of the disc-shaped carrier component 4. The membrane 8 is a unidirectionally water-vapor-permeable, water-repellent, breathable membrane. It is preferably made of Gore-Tex. Of course, it is sufficient for the breathable membrane 8 to cover the cutouts 6. Preferably, the annular membrane 8, or the membrane pieces covering the cutouts 6, are securely connected to the surface, or parts of the surface, of the lateral end surface 7. The seal 12 ensures that the gaseous medium flows exclusively through the radially-arranged cutouts 6 that are provided with a membrane 8.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a field device 13 with a pressure-equalization element 1 according to the invention. In the case shown, the field device 13 is a vibronic sensor. Corresponding sensors are offered and marketed by the applicant in different designs for different uses.

[0034] Like every sensor for determining and monitoring a process variable, in this case the limit level of a medium in a container, the density and/or viscosity of the medium, the field device 13 has a housing 14 in which the electronic components (not shown) are located, and a sensor element 21.

[0035] In the outer wall 15 of the housing 14 which separates the inner chamber 16, 18 with the electronic components from the outer surroundings 17, the pressure-equalization element 1 according to the invention is arranged in an opening 20. FIG. 5 also shows an embodiment of a field device 13 with two inner chambers 16,18. Depending upon the embodiment of the field device 13 and the requirements made of the field device 13, at least one pressure-equalization element 1 according to the invention is positioned in the outer wall of the inner chamber 16, and/or the inner chamber 18.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0036] 1 Pressure-equalization element

[0037] 2 Main body

[0038] 3 Securing element

[0039] 4 Disc-shaped carrier component

[0040] 5 Axial hole

[0041] 6 Radially-arranged cutout

[0042] 7 Lateral end surface

[0043] 8 Membrane

[0044] 9 Stop edge

[0045] 10 Stop edge

[0046] 11 Protective cap

[0047] 12 Seal

[0048] 13 Field device

[0049] 14 Housing

[0050] 15 Wall

[0051] 16 First inner chamber

[0052] 17 Outer surroundings

[0053] 18 Second inner chamber

[0054] 19 Intermediate wall

[0055] 20 Opening

[0056] 21 Sensor element

[0057] 22 End surface

[0058] 23 Opening slot