CA2281216C - Sensor - Google Patents
Sensor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2281216C CA2281216C CA 2281216 CA2281216A CA2281216C CA 2281216 C CA2281216 C CA 2281216C CA 2281216 CA2281216 CA 2281216 CA 2281216 A CA2281216 A CA 2281216A CA 2281216 C CA2281216 C CA 2281216C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sensor
- section
- electronics
- passageway
- insert
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D11/00—Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
- G01D11/24—Housings ; Casings for instruments
- G01D11/245—Housings for sensors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
- G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
- G01F23/296—Acoustic waves
- G01F23/2966—Acoustic waves making use of acoustical resonance or standing waves
- G01F23/2967—Acoustic waves making use of acoustical resonance or standing waves for discrete levels
Abstract
A sensor which includes a sensor section and an electronics section. The sensor section includes a sensor element. The electronics section includes a insert containing electronics. A passageway extends between the sensor section and the electronics section, through which the electronics section is connected to the sensor section. A connection element for the electrical connection of the sensor element of the sensor section to the electronics of the electronics section, which is an integral part of the insert, extends into and seals the passageway. With a sensor in accordance with the present invention, the sensor element is permanently protected against moisture.
Description
Eh 343 CA
August 12, 1999 Sensor FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a sensor which includes a sensor section having a sensor element, and an electronics section having a insert containing electronics, wherein the sensor section is protected against environmental conditions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sensors form the basis of industrial measuring and control engineering. For to this reason they are used in virtually all facilities in the large industry sector, e.g., in chemistry, in the food industry and in water processing plants. These sensors are used on site to measure and/or monitor process quantities such as pressure, temperature, fluid level, flow or other quantities to be measured. The sensors are placed at a measuring point and contain a sensor element which registers the desired process 15 quantity and changes it into an electric value. The electric value is sent to an electronic device, which further processes and converts this information into an electric output signal, which makes possible a display and/or the regulation of the measurement result.
A sensor typically includes a sensor section having a sensor element, and an 2o electronics section having electronics. The electronics section must have an opening through which the electronics can be positioned, and the electronics in the electronics section must be connectable to the sensor element in the sensor section.
Sensors are regularly exposed to changing environmental conditions, above all else fluctuations in temperature, creating a danger that moisture can penetrate the 25 device, which can greatly impair the function of the sensor element and/or the electronics.
Moisture penetrates, for example, if warm air with high humidity penetrates the sensor section and/or the electronics section and cools down. Upon cooling, the moisture contained in the air condenses and the accumulated water can no longer 3o escape, or only escape very slowly from inside of the sensor.
Eh 343 CA
August 12, 1999 In addition, moisture can penetrate if there is a temperature gradient between the inside of the sensor and its surroundings and the temperature falls below the dew point inside of the sensor. In this case, condensation also builds up on the inside of the sensor. The water trapped inside can no longer escape, or only escapes very slowly from inside of the sensor.
One objective of the present invention is to provide a sensor in which the sensor element is permanently protected against moisture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
to A sensor of the present invention includes - a sensor section which includes a sensor element, - an electronics section which includes a insert containing electronics, - a passageway between the sensor section and the electronics section, through which the electronics section is connected to the sensor section, and 15 - a connection element which connects the electrical connection of the sensor element to the electronics, the connection element -- being an integral component of the insert, -- extending into the passageway, and -- sealing the passageway.
2o In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention, the hollow sections inside of the insert and inside the connection element integrated with the insert are filled with a filling material.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, there is a seal between the passageway and the connection element.
25 In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, an air filter is fitted in an exterior wall of the electronics section.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronics section is sealed with a removable cover.
The sensor of the present invention offers the advantage that, despite the 3o necessary passageway between the sensor section and the electronics section, the interior is d=.vided ir:t=c~~ two separate ;sections . Therefore the volume of the holl.:~w secr_.ion, which can act as an air absorbing pump volume i true temperature changes, is practically restricted to t: he free vc~lurne remaining in t=he electz-onics section. ~~:r~ist.ure car. tlm_:refore only penetrate the el.ectronic:s section from outside, if at all. The sensor section is sealed and t:l~ere :is pract:i~:a-~ 1_y no exchange of air between tree sensor ~~c~ct:ion and the ~:~l.ect:roni.cs sect_Lon.
Another advantage of the sc~n:~ox- of: the present, invention is that it i:~ modular. The electronics and sensor elemerit are separate rr~mponents which <Jan be used independent of_ one another and are on:l.y 1 inked via the connection element . 'fhe :sensor ~;am t~hezE:fore be manufactured pit l:itt:le c,{pe~nse mnd o ~ fcJx: s a high degree of flexibility. For example, t:herE~ could be a kit of various electronics and different. types of sensor elements, which can be combined in any number of way;.
One broad aspec~t~ of the i nvent i on ~:>rovides a sensor comprising a sensc:~r section hav.Lr~g a sensor element, an electronics sect:ion l:u4x~rind am imsert~ which includes electronics, a passagew~~y between tre sensor section anc~ the electronics section th:rc>v.zgh whir_h the E'l.eCtY'onlCS section is connected to the sensor :section, and a connection element for electrical. connect.i..on of the sensor_ element to the electronics, said connect:ion element ext:endirrg into the passageway for sealing t:he ~.~assageway and said connection element being an integral component of the insert, wherein the connectio:r~ element..is d.etachably connected with the sensor element.
Another broa~:~. aspect of the --nvention provide~> a modular sensor cornprisinc~ a sensor sect:s_on bE:~:ing contained in a casing wc-~ich incluc:~es a sensor element arid an 3a electronics section being contained in an electronics casing, said electronics casing including electronics being positioned within an insert, said insert having a connection element for electrical connecting of the sensor element to the electronics, wherein the casings being connected with each other to form a passageway between the sensor section and the electronics section, said passageway connecting the electronics section with the sensor section, and wherein the connection element of the insert extends into the passageway for sealing the passageway, and wherein the connection element is detachably connected with the sensor element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Further features and advantages of the present invention will now be explained in the following description of an example embodiment with reference to the figures, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a cross section of the sensor with a flange for mounting; and Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the sensor with a screw mounting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figs. 1 and 2 show a sensor 2 in accordance with the present invention. The sensor 2 is to be mounted at a measuring point. For this purpose, the sensor 2 shown in Fig. 1 includes a flange 1 with which the sensor 2 can be mounted to another flange on, for example, a tank or a receptacle. Alternatively, the sensor 2 shown in Fig. 2 includes an outer thread 3 by means of which it could be screwed into an opening, for example into a tank or a receptacle.
3b The sensor 2 has a sensor section 5, which includes a sensor elerru~nt 7. The censor element 7 can be, for example, a. pressure= sensor element, a temperature sensor element, a capacitive z:l.ui_d l.evei probe, an u.:Ltrasonic sensor elemen~, a microwave Eh 343 CA
August 12, 1999 sending and receiving module, or a flow meter.
In the embodiment shown in the Figures, sensor element 7 includes an electro-mechanical transformer of a fluid level switch. A pot-shaped casing 8 seals the sensor section 5. The bottom of the pot-shaped casing 8 forms a membrane 9, on whose exterior side two vibrating rods 11 are mounted. Membrane 9 is set into vibration by the electro-mechanical transformer of the sensor element 7. Due to the vibrations of the membrane 9, the vibrating rods 11 vibrate vertically along their longitudinal axis.
The electro-mechanical transformer of the sensor element 7 is made up of a stack of piezoelectric elements, of which at least one functions as a transmitter and sets the membrane 9 into vibration and at least one functions as a receiver and receives the vibrations from the membrane 9.
The sensor 2 is mounted onto a receptacle in such a way that the vibrating rods 11 extend into the receptacle to a predetermined contents level, and determine and/or monitor when the contents of the receptacle reach the predetermined contents level.
The vibrating qualities of the vibrating structure depend on whether the vibrating rods 11 are covered by the contents of the receptacle or whether they vibrate freely. For example, the frequency, amplitude or duration of the vibration of the vibrating structure following a short-term vibration stimulation can be measured and analyzed.
It is also possible to continuously stimulate the vibrating structure to vibrate, for example at its resonance frequency, and to record and analyze the amplitude and/or frequency of this vibration.
In addition to sensor section 5, the sensor 2 also includes an electronics section 13. The electronics section 13 includes an electronics casing 14 and a insert 15. The insert 15 includes electronics 16.
Between sensor section 5 and electronics section 13 there is a passageway 17, through which the electronics section 13 is connected to the sensor section 5.
The invention includes a connection element 19 for the electrical connection of the sensor element 7 to the electronics 16. The connection element 19 is an integral component of the insert 15. The connection element 19 extends into passageway 3o and seals passageway 17. The outer geometry of the sensor element end of the Eh 343 CA
August 12, 1999 S
connection element 19 is the same as the inner geometry of the passageway 17.
In this way, the passageway 17 is sealed and the sensor section 5 and the electronics section 13 are separated from each other. There is preferably a gasket 31 between the passageway 17 and the connection element 19.
In the embodiment shown, where the sensor section 5 and the electronics section 13 are contained in two different casings 8 and 14, there is preferably also a gasket 33 between where the pot-shaped casing 8 and the electronics casing 14 meet, or as shown in the Figures, where they overlap. The two casings shown each have a cylindrical section and the two cylindrical sections wrap around each other co-axially.
The inner cylindrical section has a circular groove around it, in which the gasket 33 is placed.
The insert 15 and the connection element 19 are preferably a casing made of a single piece of plastic. The insert 15 has an opening on the side facing the connection element 19, through which electronic connections are routed. The electronics 16 are preferably an electronic circuit mounted on one or more circuit boards, and the circuit boards are plugged into sockets inside of the insert 15. Electric contact elements of the sockets produce an electric contact upon the insertion of the circuit boards into the sockets.
On the side of the connection element 19 facing the sensor element 7, there are 2o connections which can be connected to sensor element 7. These connections are, for example, clip plugs, into which the connecting wires 25 of sensor element 7 can be plugged. In the embodiment shown, the connecting wires 25 are wires which are directly connected to the electrodes of the piezoelectric elements of the sensor element 7. Each of the connecting wires 25 is connected to a contact element on the inside of the connection element 19 which is connected to the electronics 16 of the insert 15.
The insert 15 is sealed by a cover 21, preferably a removable cover. There are connectors 23 on the cover 21, each of which is electrically connected to a contact element which is connected to the electronics 16 of the insert 15. The sensor 2 can be supplied with energy through the connectors 23 and the output signal from the sensor 2 can be transmitted through the connectors 23.
Eh 343 CA
August 12, 1999 The remaining hollow sections inside of the insert 15 and the connection element 19, which is integrated with the insert 15, are preferably filled with a filling material 18, such as a silicone gel.
The electronics casing 14 has an opening through which the insert 15 is positioned during assembly. The opening of the electronics casing 14 is sealed with a removable cover 27. The cover 27 has an outer thread 28 and is screwed into the opening of the electronics casing 14. In addition, the cover 27 has a shoulder extending outwards radially, which when assembled rests on top of a ring surface at the opening of the electronics casing 14. In the ring surface there is a groove for 1o receiving a gasket 32. In the embodiment shown, the gasket 32 is an o-ring made of an elastomer. The opening of the electronics casing 14 is therefore sealed by the outer thread 28 of the cover 27 and by the gasket 32.
The connectors 23 can be accessed through the opened cover 27. There is usually a hermetically sealed passageway, not shown in Fig. 1, through which wires 15 are routed from outside the sensor 2 into the electronics section 13, which are then connected to the connectors 23.
The construction described above ensures that the sensor section 5 is separated from the electronics section 13 and is sealed, preferably hermetically, with the gasket 31. The sensor element 7 is therefore completely protected against moisture.
2o However, due to the necessary openings in the electronics section 13 it cannot be completely ruled out that moisture could penetrate into the electronics section 13.
Although the electronics 16 are protected by the surrounding insert 15 and, if necessary, by the filling compound 18, it is still recommended that the amount of penetrating moisture be kept to a minimum. For this purpose, the sensor 2 preferably 25 includes a waterproof air filter 35 in the outer wall of the electronics casing 14. The waterproof air filter 35 allows air exchange between the interior of the electronics section 13 and its surroundings while simultaneously acting as a water vapor barrier.
In this way, the creation of temperature gradients between the interior of the electronics section 13 and its surroundings are significantly reduced and the moisture 3o contained in air penetrating from outside is at least partially blocked.
Eh 343 CA
August 12, 1999 In addition, pressure equalization is achieved through the air filter 35, which prevents the gasket 32 and the cover 27 of the electronics section 13 from being stressed.
August 12, 1999 Sensor FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a sensor which includes a sensor section having a sensor element, and an electronics section having a insert containing electronics, wherein the sensor section is protected against environmental conditions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sensors form the basis of industrial measuring and control engineering. For to this reason they are used in virtually all facilities in the large industry sector, e.g., in chemistry, in the food industry and in water processing plants. These sensors are used on site to measure and/or monitor process quantities such as pressure, temperature, fluid level, flow or other quantities to be measured. The sensors are placed at a measuring point and contain a sensor element which registers the desired process 15 quantity and changes it into an electric value. The electric value is sent to an electronic device, which further processes and converts this information into an electric output signal, which makes possible a display and/or the regulation of the measurement result.
A sensor typically includes a sensor section having a sensor element, and an 2o electronics section having electronics. The electronics section must have an opening through which the electronics can be positioned, and the electronics in the electronics section must be connectable to the sensor element in the sensor section.
Sensors are regularly exposed to changing environmental conditions, above all else fluctuations in temperature, creating a danger that moisture can penetrate the 25 device, which can greatly impair the function of the sensor element and/or the electronics.
Moisture penetrates, for example, if warm air with high humidity penetrates the sensor section and/or the electronics section and cools down. Upon cooling, the moisture contained in the air condenses and the accumulated water can no longer 3o escape, or only escape very slowly from inside of the sensor.
Eh 343 CA
August 12, 1999 In addition, moisture can penetrate if there is a temperature gradient between the inside of the sensor and its surroundings and the temperature falls below the dew point inside of the sensor. In this case, condensation also builds up on the inside of the sensor. The water trapped inside can no longer escape, or only escapes very slowly from inside of the sensor.
One objective of the present invention is to provide a sensor in which the sensor element is permanently protected against moisture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
to A sensor of the present invention includes - a sensor section which includes a sensor element, - an electronics section which includes a insert containing electronics, - a passageway between the sensor section and the electronics section, through which the electronics section is connected to the sensor section, and 15 - a connection element which connects the electrical connection of the sensor element to the electronics, the connection element -- being an integral component of the insert, -- extending into the passageway, and -- sealing the passageway.
2o In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention, the hollow sections inside of the insert and inside the connection element integrated with the insert are filled with a filling material.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, there is a seal between the passageway and the connection element.
25 In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, an air filter is fitted in an exterior wall of the electronics section.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronics section is sealed with a removable cover.
The sensor of the present invention offers the advantage that, despite the 3o necessary passageway between the sensor section and the electronics section, the interior is d=.vided ir:t=c~~ two separate ;sections . Therefore the volume of the holl.:~w secr_.ion, which can act as an air absorbing pump volume i true temperature changes, is practically restricted to t: he free vc~lurne remaining in t=he electz-onics section. ~~:r~ist.ure car. tlm_:refore only penetrate the el.ectronic:s section from outside, if at all. The sensor section is sealed and t:l~ere :is pract:i~:a-~ 1_y no exchange of air between tree sensor ~~c~ct:ion and the ~:~l.ect:roni.cs sect_Lon.
Another advantage of the sc~n:~ox- of: the present, invention is that it i:~ modular. The electronics and sensor elemerit are separate rr~mponents which <Jan be used independent of_ one another and are on:l.y 1 inked via the connection element . 'fhe :sensor ~;am t~hezE:fore be manufactured pit l:itt:le c,{pe~nse mnd o ~ fcJx: s a high degree of flexibility. For example, t:herE~ could be a kit of various electronics and different. types of sensor elements, which can be combined in any number of way;.
One broad aspec~t~ of the i nvent i on ~:>rovides a sensor comprising a sensc:~r section hav.Lr~g a sensor element, an electronics sect:ion l:u4x~rind am imsert~ which includes electronics, a passagew~~y between tre sensor section anc~ the electronics section th:rc>v.zgh whir_h the E'l.eCtY'onlCS section is connected to the sensor :section, and a connection element for electrical. connect.i..on of the sensor_ element to the electronics, said connect:ion element ext:endirrg into the passageway for sealing t:he ~.~assageway and said connection element being an integral component of the insert, wherein the connectio:r~ element..is d.etachably connected with the sensor element.
Another broa~:~. aspect of the --nvention provide~> a modular sensor cornprisinc~ a sensor sect:s_on bE:~:ing contained in a casing wc-~ich incluc:~es a sensor element arid an 3a electronics section being contained in an electronics casing, said electronics casing including electronics being positioned within an insert, said insert having a connection element for electrical connecting of the sensor element to the electronics, wherein the casings being connected with each other to form a passageway between the sensor section and the electronics section, said passageway connecting the electronics section with the sensor section, and wherein the connection element of the insert extends into the passageway for sealing the passageway, and wherein the connection element is detachably connected with the sensor element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Further features and advantages of the present invention will now be explained in the following description of an example embodiment with reference to the figures, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a cross section of the sensor with a flange for mounting; and Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the sensor with a screw mounting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figs. 1 and 2 show a sensor 2 in accordance with the present invention. The sensor 2 is to be mounted at a measuring point. For this purpose, the sensor 2 shown in Fig. 1 includes a flange 1 with which the sensor 2 can be mounted to another flange on, for example, a tank or a receptacle. Alternatively, the sensor 2 shown in Fig. 2 includes an outer thread 3 by means of which it could be screwed into an opening, for example into a tank or a receptacle.
3b The sensor 2 has a sensor section 5, which includes a sensor elerru~nt 7. The censor element 7 can be, for example, a. pressure= sensor element, a temperature sensor element, a capacitive z:l.ui_d l.evei probe, an u.:Ltrasonic sensor elemen~, a microwave Eh 343 CA
August 12, 1999 sending and receiving module, or a flow meter.
In the embodiment shown in the Figures, sensor element 7 includes an electro-mechanical transformer of a fluid level switch. A pot-shaped casing 8 seals the sensor section 5. The bottom of the pot-shaped casing 8 forms a membrane 9, on whose exterior side two vibrating rods 11 are mounted. Membrane 9 is set into vibration by the electro-mechanical transformer of the sensor element 7. Due to the vibrations of the membrane 9, the vibrating rods 11 vibrate vertically along their longitudinal axis.
The electro-mechanical transformer of the sensor element 7 is made up of a stack of piezoelectric elements, of which at least one functions as a transmitter and sets the membrane 9 into vibration and at least one functions as a receiver and receives the vibrations from the membrane 9.
The sensor 2 is mounted onto a receptacle in such a way that the vibrating rods 11 extend into the receptacle to a predetermined contents level, and determine and/or monitor when the contents of the receptacle reach the predetermined contents level.
The vibrating qualities of the vibrating structure depend on whether the vibrating rods 11 are covered by the contents of the receptacle or whether they vibrate freely. For example, the frequency, amplitude or duration of the vibration of the vibrating structure following a short-term vibration stimulation can be measured and analyzed.
It is also possible to continuously stimulate the vibrating structure to vibrate, for example at its resonance frequency, and to record and analyze the amplitude and/or frequency of this vibration.
In addition to sensor section 5, the sensor 2 also includes an electronics section 13. The electronics section 13 includes an electronics casing 14 and a insert 15. The insert 15 includes electronics 16.
Between sensor section 5 and electronics section 13 there is a passageway 17, through which the electronics section 13 is connected to the sensor section 5.
The invention includes a connection element 19 for the electrical connection of the sensor element 7 to the electronics 16. The connection element 19 is an integral component of the insert 15. The connection element 19 extends into passageway 3o and seals passageway 17. The outer geometry of the sensor element end of the Eh 343 CA
August 12, 1999 S
connection element 19 is the same as the inner geometry of the passageway 17.
In this way, the passageway 17 is sealed and the sensor section 5 and the electronics section 13 are separated from each other. There is preferably a gasket 31 between the passageway 17 and the connection element 19.
In the embodiment shown, where the sensor section 5 and the electronics section 13 are contained in two different casings 8 and 14, there is preferably also a gasket 33 between where the pot-shaped casing 8 and the electronics casing 14 meet, or as shown in the Figures, where they overlap. The two casings shown each have a cylindrical section and the two cylindrical sections wrap around each other co-axially.
The inner cylindrical section has a circular groove around it, in which the gasket 33 is placed.
The insert 15 and the connection element 19 are preferably a casing made of a single piece of plastic. The insert 15 has an opening on the side facing the connection element 19, through which electronic connections are routed. The electronics 16 are preferably an electronic circuit mounted on one or more circuit boards, and the circuit boards are plugged into sockets inside of the insert 15. Electric contact elements of the sockets produce an electric contact upon the insertion of the circuit boards into the sockets.
On the side of the connection element 19 facing the sensor element 7, there are 2o connections which can be connected to sensor element 7. These connections are, for example, clip plugs, into which the connecting wires 25 of sensor element 7 can be plugged. In the embodiment shown, the connecting wires 25 are wires which are directly connected to the electrodes of the piezoelectric elements of the sensor element 7. Each of the connecting wires 25 is connected to a contact element on the inside of the connection element 19 which is connected to the electronics 16 of the insert 15.
The insert 15 is sealed by a cover 21, preferably a removable cover. There are connectors 23 on the cover 21, each of which is electrically connected to a contact element which is connected to the electronics 16 of the insert 15. The sensor 2 can be supplied with energy through the connectors 23 and the output signal from the sensor 2 can be transmitted through the connectors 23.
Eh 343 CA
August 12, 1999 The remaining hollow sections inside of the insert 15 and the connection element 19, which is integrated with the insert 15, are preferably filled with a filling material 18, such as a silicone gel.
The electronics casing 14 has an opening through which the insert 15 is positioned during assembly. The opening of the electronics casing 14 is sealed with a removable cover 27. The cover 27 has an outer thread 28 and is screwed into the opening of the electronics casing 14. In addition, the cover 27 has a shoulder extending outwards radially, which when assembled rests on top of a ring surface at the opening of the electronics casing 14. In the ring surface there is a groove for 1o receiving a gasket 32. In the embodiment shown, the gasket 32 is an o-ring made of an elastomer. The opening of the electronics casing 14 is therefore sealed by the outer thread 28 of the cover 27 and by the gasket 32.
The connectors 23 can be accessed through the opened cover 27. There is usually a hermetically sealed passageway, not shown in Fig. 1, through which wires 15 are routed from outside the sensor 2 into the electronics section 13, which are then connected to the connectors 23.
The construction described above ensures that the sensor section 5 is separated from the electronics section 13 and is sealed, preferably hermetically, with the gasket 31. The sensor element 7 is therefore completely protected against moisture.
2o However, due to the necessary openings in the electronics section 13 it cannot be completely ruled out that moisture could penetrate into the electronics section 13.
Although the electronics 16 are protected by the surrounding insert 15 and, if necessary, by the filling compound 18, it is still recommended that the amount of penetrating moisture be kept to a minimum. For this purpose, the sensor 2 preferably 25 includes a waterproof air filter 35 in the outer wall of the electronics casing 14. The waterproof air filter 35 allows air exchange between the interior of the electronics section 13 and its surroundings while simultaneously acting as a water vapor barrier.
In this way, the creation of temperature gradients between the interior of the electronics section 13 and its surroundings are significantly reduced and the moisture 3o contained in air penetrating from outside is at least partially blocked.
Eh 343 CA
August 12, 1999 In addition, pressure equalization is achieved through the air filter 35, which prevents the gasket 32 and the cover 27 of the electronics section 13 from being stressed.
Claims (29)
1. A sensor comprising a sensor section having a sensor element, an electronics section having an insert which includes electronics, a passageway between the sensor section and the electronics section through which the electronics section is connected to the sensor section, and a connection element for electrical connection of the sensor element to the electronics, said connection element extending into the passageway for sealing the passageway and said connection element being an integral component of the insert, wherein the connection element is detachably connected with the sensor element.
2. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the insert does not include sensor element.
3. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electronics section is contained in an electronics casing and the sensor section is contained in a separate casing being mounted with said electronics casing.
4. The sensor as claimed in claim 3 wherein each of said two casings have a cylindrical section, said two cylindrical sections together forming said passageway between the sensor section and the electronics section.
5. The sensor as claimed in claim 4 wherein the cylindrical section of said electronics casing wraps around the cylindrical section of said casing containing the sensor section.
6. The sensor as claimed in claim 3 wherein the sensor comprises a gasket being positioned between said two casings.
7. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor comprises a gasket being disposed within the passageway.
8. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the insert and the connection element is a plastic part.
9. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor element is a pressure sensor element.
10. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor element is a temperature sensor element.
11. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor element is a fluid level probe.
12. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor element is a ultrasonic sensor element.
13. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor element is a microwave module.
14. A modular sensor comprising a sensor section being contained in a casing which includes a sensor element and an electronics section being contained in an electronics casing, said electronics casing including electronics being positioned within an insert, said insert having a connection element for electrical connecting of the sensor element to the electronics, wherein the casings being connected with each other to form a passageway between the sensor section and the electronics section, said passageway connecting the electronics section with the sensor section, and wherein the connection element of the insert extends into the passageway for sealing the passageway, and wherein the connection element is detachably connected with the sensor element.
15. The sensor as claimed in claim 14 wherein each of said two casings have a cylindrical section, said two cylindrical sections together forming said passageway between the sensor section and the electronics section.
16. The sensor as claimed in claim 15 wherein the cylindrical section of said electronics casing wraps around the cylindrical section of said casing containing the sensor section.
17. The sensor as claimed in claim 14 wherein the connection element is separated from said sensor element.
18. The sensor as claimed in claim 14 wherein the sensor comprises a gasket being positioned between said two casings.
19. The sensor as claimed in claim 14 wherein the sensor comprises a gasket being disposed within the passageway.
20. The sensor as claimed in claim 14 wherein the insert and the connection element is a plastic part.
21. The sensor as claimed in claim 14 wherein the sensor element is a pressure sensor element.
22. The sensor as claimed in claim 14 wherein the sensor element is a temperature sensor element.
23. The sensor as claimed in claim 14 wherein the sensor element is a fluid level probe.
24. The sensor as claimed in claim 14 wherein the sensor element is a ultrasonic sensor element.
25. The sensor as claimed in claim 14 wherein the sensor element is a microwave module.
26. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor element is electrically connected to said connection element with connecting wires.
27. The sensor as claimed in claim 26 wherein the connecting wires being plugged into clip plugs being disposed within said connection element.
28. The sensor as claimed in claim 14 wherein the sensor element is electrically connected to said connection element with connecting wires.
29. The sensor as claimed in claim 28 wherein the connecting wires being plugged into clip plugs being disposed within said connection element.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002472176A CA2472176C (en) | 1998-09-02 | 1999-09-01 | Modular sensor |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP19980116545 EP0984248B1 (en) | 1998-09-02 | 1998-09-02 | Measurement detector |
| EP98116545.9 | 1998-09-02 |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002472176A Division CA2472176C (en) | 1998-09-02 | 1999-09-01 | Modular sensor |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2281216A1 CA2281216A1 (en) | 2000-03-02 |
| CA2281216C true CA2281216C (en) | 2005-04-05 |
Family
ID=8232565
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2281216 Expired - Fee Related CA2281216C (en) | 1998-09-02 | 1999-09-01 | Sensor |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (2) | EP1462773B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP3054148B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2281216C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE59811545D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (40)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE20321736U1 (en) * | 1987-07-15 | 2009-05-20 | Vega Grieshaber Kg | System for producing a modular device for determining a physical process variable and standardized components |
| JP4582879B2 (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2010-11-17 | 株式会社鷺宮製作所 | Resistivity meter electrode |
| DE10124678A1 (en) * | 2001-05-18 | 2002-11-21 | Endress & Hauser Gmbh & Co Kg | Process container monitoring probe has housing supporting probe rod and with threaded connection to wall of container |
| DE10124933A1 (en) * | 2001-05-21 | 2002-11-28 | Endress & Hauser Gmbh & Co Kg | Device used for process measurement and control technology comprises a lid made from a metallic material, and a metallic housing of a measuring apparatus |
| DE10233296A1 (en) * | 2002-07-22 | 2004-02-12 | Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Kg | Method for producing a housing for an encapsulated sensor and corresponding housing |
| DE10250065A1 (en) * | 2002-10-25 | 2004-05-06 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag, Reinach | Process measuring device |
| DE10316299B4 (en) * | 2003-04-08 | 2010-11-11 | Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Kg | Measuring device for determining and / or monitoring a process variable |
| DE20313695U1 (en) * | 2003-09-01 | 2003-12-04 | Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Kg | Field device for determining and / or monitoring a process variable |
| DE10356629C5 (en) * | 2003-12-01 | 2010-06-02 | Krohne Meßtechnik GmbH & Co KG | Method for operating an electronic measuring device |
| DE10361461B4 (en) | 2003-12-23 | 2022-12-01 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Modular gauge |
| DE102005009620A1 (en) | 2005-02-23 | 2006-08-31 | Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh | Ultrasound sensor, for vehicle parking assistance apparatus, has separate coupling housing for electrical connector, allowing sensor housing to be combined with different coupling housings |
| US7451662B2 (en) | 2005-02-25 | 2008-11-18 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Vibration type measurement transducer |
| EP1710545A1 (en) * | 2005-04-07 | 2006-10-11 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG | Sensor with overpressure relief device |
| US7363811B2 (en) | 2005-04-07 | 2008-04-29 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Measurement pickup |
| DE102005059662A1 (en) * | 2005-12-12 | 2007-06-14 | Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Kg | Sensor unit monitoring process variable comprises single-piece chamber housing sensor, electronics, partition and connections assembly, behind removable cover |
| DE102007021099A1 (en) | 2007-05-03 | 2008-11-13 | Endress + Hauser (Deutschland) Ag + Co. Kg | Method for commissioning and / or reconfiguring a programmable field meter |
| DE102007030691A1 (en) | 2007-06-30 | 2009-01-02 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Measuring system for a medium flowing in a process line |
| DE102007030700A1 (en) | 2007-06-30 | 2009-05-07 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Measuring system for a medium flowing in a process line |
| DE102007030690A1 (en) | 2007-06-30 | 2009-05-07 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Measuring system for a medium flowing in a process line |
| DE102007030699A1 (en) | 2007-06-30 | 2009-01-15 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Measuring system for a medium flowing in a process line |
| DE102007063372A1 (en) | 2007-12-30 | 2009-07-02 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Measuring system for a medium flowing in a process line |
| DE102007037166A1 (en) | 2007-08-07 | 2009-02-19 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | gauge |
| DE102007058608A1 (en) | 2007-12-04 | 2009-06-10 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Electric device |
| DE102008022373A1 (en) | 2008-05-06 | 2009-11-12 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Measuring device and method for monitoring a measuring device |
| DE102008001865A1 (en) * | 2008-05-19 | 2009-11-26 | Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Kg | gauge |
| DE102008054991A1 (en) * | 2008-12-19 | 2010-06-24 | Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Kg | Differential |
| DE102009002289A1 (en) | 2009-04-08 | 2010-10-14 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Method for determining period duration of periodic primary signal for determining e.g. mass flow rate, involves generating reference clock signal, and determining period duration based on number and reference values |
| EP2561603B1 (en) | 2010-04-19 | 2019-09-04 | Endress+Hauser Flowtec AG | Driver circuit for a measuring transducer and measuring system designed having same |
| DE202010006553U1 (en) | 2010-05-06 | 2011-10-05 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Electronic measuring device with an optocoupler |
| DE102010030924A1 (en) | 2010-06-21 | 2011-12-22 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Electronics housing for an electronic device or device formed therewith |
| DE102011076838A1 (en) | 2011-05-31 | 2012-12-06 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Meter electronics for a meter device and meter device formed thereby |
| DE102011085128A1 (en) | 2011-10-24 | 2013-04-25 | Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Kg | Device for determining and / or monitoring at least one process variable |
| DE102012107315B4 (en) * | 2012-08-09 | 2022-02-10 | Vega Grieshaber Kg | Oscillating device for a level measuring unit |
| DE102014119260A1 (en) | 2014-12-19 | 2016-06-23 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Connecting device for an electronics housing and transducer or field device with such a connection device |
| DE102015219900A1 (en) * | 2015-10-14 | 2017-04-20 | Mahle International Gmbh | Modular system for producing a liquid level measuring device |
| DE102015121462A1 (en) | 2015-12-09 | 2017-06-14 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Connecting device for mechanically connecting an electronics housing and a transducer housing, transducer with such a connection device or thus formed field device |
| DE102016114860A1 (en) | 2016-08-10 | 2018-02-15 | Endress + Hauser Flowtec Ag | Driver circuit and thus formed converter electronics or thus formed measuring system |
| DE102019116152A1 (en) * | 2019-06-13 | 2020-12-17 | Endress+Hauser SE+Co. KG | Vibronic multi-sensor |
| DE102020104066A1 (en) * | 2020-02-17 | 2021-08-19 | Endress+Hauser SE+Co. KG | Vibronic sensor |
| DE102022119145A1 (en) | 2022-07-29 | 2024-02-01 | Endress+Hauser Flowtec Ag | Connection circuit for a field device and field device |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH02285699A (en) * | 1989-04-27 | 1990-11-22 | Toshiba Corp | Electronic apparatus housing box |
| DE4120752C3 (en) * | 1991-06-24 | 2000-03-23 | Sensorenbau Gettorf Gmbh | Heat transfer meter |
| DE4418569A1 (en) * | 1994-05-27 | 1995-11-30 | Vdo Schindling | Inductive transmitter e.g. for monitoring rpm of wheel of motor vehicle |
| EP0766073B1 (en) * | 1995-09-28 | 2002-01-02 | Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. | Electronic casing |
-
1998
- 1998-09-02 EP EP04008268.7A patent/EP1462773B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-09-02 EP EP19980116545 patent/EP0984248B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-09-02 DE DE59811545T patent/DE59811545D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1999
- 1999-08-31 JP JP11245545A patent/JP3054148B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-09-01 CA CA 2281216 patent/CA2281216C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0984248B1 (en) | 2004-06-09 |
| EP0984248A1 (en) | 2000-03-08 |
| JP3054148B2 (en) | 2000-06-19 |
| CA2281216A1 (en) | 2000-03-02 |
| EP1462773A2 (en) | 2004-09-29 |
| EP1462773B1 (en) | 2013-07-17 |
| DE59811545D1 (en) | 2004-07-15 |
| JP2000074704A (en) | 2000-03-14 |
| EP1462773A3 (en) | 2005-06-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20180904 |