EP3837507A1

EP3837507A1 - Interface for connecting a fluid measurement point, and modular fluid measurement system

Info

Publication number: EP3837507A1
Application number: EP19752659.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Severin Ramseyer; Christian Schütze; Jean-Claude Chevrolet
Original assignee: Endress and Hauser Flowtec AG; Flowtec AG
Current assignee: Endress and Hauser Flowtec AG
Priority date: 2018-08-16
Filing date: 2019-07-30
Publication date: 2021-06-23
Also published as: CN112567213A; US20210172781A1; WO2020035305A1; US11802785B2; DE102018119887A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an interface (100) designed for connecting a fluid measurement point (200), comprising: a body (110), which body has at least two connection points (111), wherein: the body has fluid channels (112), which each lead to a connection point; the fluid channels each have, in the region of the associated connection point, a first channel axis (113); the connection points are in particular coplanar; the connection points are designed to each connect a port for sealed communication with a fluid channel from a connection direction (AR); the fluid channels are designed to feed a medium to or remove a medium from the fluid measurement point via the process connections, characterized in that the interface has at least one retaining element (120) for releasably fastening at least one port to the body, the retaining element having a receptacle (121) for a port, the retaining element being designed to be moved into an end position (EP) imparting the fastening.

Description

Interface for connecting a fluid measuring point and modular fluid measuring system

The invention relates to an interface for connecting a fluid measuring point and a modular fluid measuring system comprising the interface and a fluid measuring point connected to it.

In laboratories in which properties of media such as density or viscosity are to be determined by means of fluid measurement systems, fluid measurement points are each connected to an interface via which interface a medium to be examined is brought to the fluid measurement point and discharged again.

The establishment of a mechanical connection between the interface and the fluid measuring point has so far been cumbersome in the prior art. So sometimes screws are passed through an interface body, which in corresponding threads in one

Intervene in the fluid measuring point housing. This requires manual maneuvering of the interface and the fluid measuring point to one another. In addition, the establishment of threads in a fluid measurement point housing results in openings to an interior of the housing, which makes contamination of the fluid measurement point in the interior and a fluid measurement point failure more likely. In addition, the clamping forces transmitted from the screws to the fluid measuring point by means of the threads can disrupt measuring operation of the fluid measuring point.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an interface for connecting a fluid measuring point and a modular fluid measuring system comprising the interface and the fluid measuring point

to propose, in which the manufacture of a robust and tight mechanical connection is simplified and a fluid measuring point security is increased.

The object is achieved by an interface according to independent claim 1 and by a modular fluid measurement system according to independent claim 15.

An interface according to the invention set up to connect a fluid measuring point comprises: a body, which body has at least two connection points, the body having fluid channels, each of which opens into a connection point, the fluid channels each having a first channel axis in the area of the associated connection point, the connection points are in particular coplanar, the connection points for connecting one connection each for sealing

Communicating with one fluid channel each from a connection direction, the fluid channels being set up to supply or remove a medium to the fluid measuring point via the process connections, wherein the interface has at least one holding element for releasably attaching at least one connection to the body, the holding element holding one for each

Connection, wherein the holding element is configured to be moved into an end position mediating the attachment.

In one embodiment, the body has a first bearing for each connection point, and a second bearing on a side opposite the connection point, the first bearing and the second bearing being set up to support the holding element at least in the end position, the the first bearing and the second layer are set up to provide a hold against a movement directed away from the body along the connection direction.

In one embodiment, the first bearing has at least one first stop surface on which a counter surface of the holding element is held in a form-fitting manner in its end position, the second bearing having at least one second stop surface on which one

Counter surface of the holding element is positively held in its end position.

In one configuration, the first bearing has at least one first projection with at least one first arm, the first projection at least having a first environment

protrudes in areas, and the first boom at least the first environment

partially covered, the first bracket defining the first stop surface, and / or wherein the second bearing has at least one second projection with at least one second bracket, the second projection projecting beyond a second environment at least partially, and wherein the second bracket has the second environment roofed at least in some areas, the second boom defining the second stop surface. In one configuration, the first bearing is arranged between the connection points.

In one configuration, the first bearing for the holding element has a first axis of rotation of the holding element which runs perpendicular to the connection direction, the holding element being set up to be moved from the initial position into the end position by means of a rotary movement about the first axis of rotation. In one configuration, the second bearing has at least one first bore for receiving one screw each, by means of which screw the holding element can be fixed, the holding element having at least one second bore for receiving each screw.

In one embodiment, the arm has a rib on a side facing the body, which rib is set up to fix the axis of rotation, a cross-sectional profile of the rib being, for example, triangular, semicircular or

is semi-elliptical.

In one embodiment, the first bearing is a radial bearing, with a radial bearing axis parallel to the connection direction, which positively secures the holding element against movement in the axial direction. wherein the holding element is set up by means of a rotational movement around the

Radial bearing axis to be moved to the end position

In one embodiment, the holding element is set up to be moved into the end position perpendicular to the connection direction by means of a linear movement. In one embodiment, the holding element in its end position in the area of the receptacle is at least partially wedge-shaped, wherein in the wedge-shaped area a surface of the holding element facing the body is oblique to the connection direction.

In one configuration, the interface has a seal, for example a sealing ring, for at least one connection point. In one configuration, the connection point has a depression, which depression has a sealing seat.

In one configuration, the holding element is designed in the form of a disk or a plate.

In one embodiment, the body has at least two body elements, each of which

Body element has at least one connection and an associated fluid channel, wherein the body elements can be individually connected to the fluid measuring point.

A modular fluid measurement system according to the invention comprises: a fluid measurement point with at least two process connections; an interface according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one holding element is set up to press at least one process connection to an associated connection point; wherein the at least one receptacle of a holding element is set up to be positively connected to an associated process connection. In one embodiment, the holding element is set up against at least one

Of the process connection.

In one configuration, a shape of the recess is complementary, at least in sections, to an external shape of the process connection, thereby ensuring that the process connection is received without play perpendicularly to an accommodating direction of the process connection.

In one configuration, the fluid measuring point has a Coriolis measuring device, which

Coriolis measuring device is set up to measure a mass flow and / or a density of a medium flowing through a measuring tube of the Coriolis measuring device.

The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments. 1 outlines a front view of a modular fluid measurement system according to the prior art.

Fig. 2 outlines a front view of an exemplary modular according to the invention

Fluid measurement system.

FIG. 3 outlines exemplary sections through a first bearing and second bearing along a section plane shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 4 outlines an exemplary section through a first bearing and second bearing along a section plane shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 5 outlines an exemplary section through a first bearing or second bearing along a section plane shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 6 outlines an exemplary section through a first bearing along a section plane shown in FIG. 8.

Fig. 7 outlines sections through mouths of fluid channels.

8 outlines exemplary orientations and configurations of first bearings and second bearings of an interface according to the invention with regard to associated fluid channels. 9 outlines an exemplary holding element of an interface according to the invention.

10 outlines an exemplary holding element of an interface according to the invention.

1 1 outlines exemplary process connections of a fluid measuring point of a modular fluid measuring system according to the invention.

12 outlines an exemplary combination of a holding element with a

Process connection of a modular fluid measurement system according to the invention.

1 outlines a front view of a conventional modular fluid measurement system 300, in which a fluid measurement point 200 is connected to an interface 100 from a connection direction AR in order to supply or discharge a medium to the fluid measurement system via process connections 210 by means of fluid channels 1 12. Process connections can, for example, at

Flow measuring devices or Coriolis measuring devices for measuring the density and / or the

Mass flow of a medium can each be connected to at least one measuring tube, which measuring tube is set up to conduct the medium to be measured through the flow measuring device or the Coriolis measuring device. To attach the fluid measuring point to the interface, screws are passed through bores in the interface, which screws engage in bores provided for this purpose in a housing wall of a housing of the fluid measuring point. This is unsatisfactory for at least two reasons. The manual maneuvering of the fluid measuring point in connection with the interface is cumbersome, and the drilling of holes in the housing wall of the fluid measuring point is undesirable, since this risks contamination of an interior of the fluid measuring point. In addition, clamping forces acting by means of the screw connection can severely disrupt a measuring operation of the fluid measuring point.

For example, in a Coriolis measuring device, vibration properties become one

media-carrying measuring tube, which can change under the influence of clamping forces in a manner that is difficult to predict.

An object of the invention is to provide an interface 100 and a modular fluid measurement system 200, by means of which the problems described are solved, and in particular no screws have to be driven through the fluid block into a housing of the fluid measurement point, as outlined in FIG. 2.

The solution to the problems described is described by the following FIGS. 3 to 12, at least one holding element 120, see FIGS. 9, 10 and 12 of the interface is set up to press the process connections 210 of the fluid measuring point against an opening area of the fluid channels. The holding element in turn is by means of a first bearing 1 14.1 and by means of a second bearing 1 14.2 at least in one end position against movement in the opposite direction.

FIG. 3 outlines possible configurations of the first bearing and the second bearing, which are arranged opposite one another with respect to a fluid channel 1 12, the graphics showing sections along the section plane designated S1 in FIG. 8. Thus, as shown in the graphic above, the first bearing 1 14.1 can have a first projection 116.1 with a first bracket 1 17.1, which first bracket provides a first stop surface 1 15.1 for the holding element, and accordingly the second bearing 1 14.2 can have a second projection 1 16.2 with a second bracket 1 17.2, which second bracket provides a second stop surface 1 15.2 for the holding element.

Alternatively, as shown in the middle graphic, the second bearing 1 14.2 can also have a first bore 1 18.1 in the body 1 10 or in the body element 1 10.1, wherein a screw 1 18.3 of the interface is set up to engage in the first bore and the holding element 120 to fix.

The first boom 1 17.1 or the second boom 117.1 can, as shown in the graphic below, have a rib 1 17.3 which defines a stop. As shown here, the rib can have a triangular cross-sectional profile. Alternatively, the cross-sectional profile can also

be semi-circular or semi-elliptical.

4 outlines an alternative embodiment of the first bearing and the second bearing along the sectional plane S3 of the lower right graphic shown in FIG. 8, the first bearing 1 14.1 being arranged centrally between two second bearings 1 14.2. The first bearing is designed as a radial bearing RL and is set up to rotatably mount a holding element about a radial bearing axis RLA, the holding element 120 in this case having two receptacles 121 for receiving a process connection, as shown in FIG. 10.

5 outlines another embodiment of the first bearing and the second bearing along the sectional plane S3 shown in FIG. 8 of the lower left graphic, the first bearing 1 14.1 being arranged centrally between two second bearings 114.2.

The first bearing defines a stop surface for two holding elements, which are supported by the first bearing 1 14.1 and the second bearing 1 14.2, as shown for example in FIG. 12.

As an alternative, at least one second bearing can also each have a first bore with a screw according to the central graphic in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a first bearing 114.1 or second bearing 114.2 along a sectional plane S2 shown in FIG. 8. The first bearing or second bearing has two first projections 116.1 or second projections 116.2, each with a first arm 117.1 and a second arm 11 17.2, which are opposed with respect to the cutting plane S1. In this case, a holding element can be pushed along the cutting plane S1 through a tunnel defined by the cantilevers.

7 shows exemplary sections through a body 110 or body element 1 10.1

Mouths of fluid channels 1 12, wherein in a first case the body 1 10 has no recess, and a process connection must be pressed precisely in the area of the mouth.

In a second case, the body in the region of the connection point 11 1 can have a depression 11.3 which forms a sealing seat 11.4 for a process connection to be accommodated. As shown, a seal 1 1 1.1 or a sealing ring 11 1.2 can be arranged in the recess. A shape of the recess 11.3 is, for example, at least in sections complementary to an outer shape 212 of the process connection, thereby ensuring that the process connection is received without play perpendicularly to a receiving direction of the process connection.

8 outlines exemplary orientations and configurations of first bearings 114.1 and second bearings 114.2 of an interface according to the invention with regard to associated fluid channels, the bearings on a body 110 or body element 10.1 of the interface on opposite sides of an associated mouth of a fluid channel 1 12 are arranged.

In a first embodiment, see upper left graphic, the body has two fluid channels 112, around which fluid channels a first bearing 114.1 and a second bearing 114.2 are arranged, the bearings being arranged along a straight line, the first bearings are arranged between the mouths of the fluid channels. In a second embodiment, alignments of a first bearing and a second bearing are parallel to one another along different straight lines, see upper right graphic.

Alternatively, two second bearings can be assigned to a first bearing, as shown in the graphics below. In the lower left graphic, the first bearing 1 14.1 has a first projection 1 16.1 with two first brackets 1 17.1, as shown in FIG. 5, each first bracket each having a first stop surface for a respective holding element.

The lower right graphic outlines an interface in which a first bearing 1 14.1

Radial bearing axis RLA defines around which the holding element 120 is rotatably mounted, as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 9 outlines an embodiment of a holding element 120 which has a second bore 1 18.2 for the passage of a screw 1 18.3. The holding element has, on a side facing away from the bore, a receptacle 121 for receiving a process connection, which is designed in a fork shape and by means of two extensions 124 enclose a process connection in an assembled state.

In a side view, the holding element 120 can have a rectangular profile, as shown in the middle graphic or, as shown in the lower graphic, in the region of the receptacle 121 in the form of a wedge. In the event that the second bearing has no screw connection, the holding element can also be designed without a second bore 118.2.

10 outlines an embodiment of a holding element, which holding element 120 has a central bore 123 to receive the first bearing 1 14.1. In the area of ends of the

Holding element, the holding element has second bores 1 18.2 in order to be able to be fixed by means of screws. The holding element has two receptacles 121 for receiving one process connection each, the process connections being able to be pressed against a connection point 1 1 1 by means of a rotational movement of the holding element about the radial bearing axis RLA. In the area of the receptacles, the holding element can at least one

sectionally wedge-shaped cross-section, as by means of the cut along the

Section plane S4 shown.

The holding element shown in FIG. 10 can also be formed without second bores 118.2. In this case, the person skilled in the art will choose second bearings according to the upper sketch in FIG.

FIG. 11 outlines two schematic side views of process connections 210, the process connection having a stop surface 211, by means of which a positive connection

Connection between process connection and holding element can be established. An outer shape 212 of the process connection can have a projection 213 or a notch 214 or an incision 214.

12 outlines two exemplary mounts according to the invention for process connections by means of a holding element 120. The upper sketch shows a mount in which one

Holding element is held in a second bearing 1 14.2 by means of a screw 1 18.3 which engages in a first bore 1 18.1. The first bearing 114.1 on a side opposite the fluid bearing 1 12 to the second bearing has a first projection 116.1 with a bracket 1 17.1, which defines a first stop surface 1 15.1 for the holding element. The process connection 210 can be pressed on, for example, by bringing the holding element with the process connection into its receptacle in a form-fitting manner with the first bearing 114.1 and then a side of the holding element facing away from the first bearing along the Connection direction in the direction of the body 1 10 is moved. This corresponds to a rotational movement of the holding element about a first axis of rotation D1 defined by the first stop surface 1 15.1, which is perpendicular to the connection direction AR. This type of mounting can be advantageous if the second bearing 114.2 is not covered by a housing of a fluid measuring point, as indicated by the line connected to the process connection, and thus free access to the screw 118.3 is guaranteed.

The lower sketch of a mount shows a first bearing 114.1 with a first projection 1 16.1 and a first bracket 1 17.1, and a second bearing 114.2, which is designed, for example, according to FIG. 6. The holding element has a wedge shape in sections, wherein in the area of the wedge shape a surface of the holding element 122 facing the body is inclined to

Connection direction is. The wedge shape allows the process connection to be gripped by means of the receptacle and the holding element to be contacted in a loose fit with the first bearing. A further insertion, as indicated by the arrow, initially reduces the scope of movement of the process connection parallel to the connection direction and finally leads to a compression of the process connection against a sealing seat 1 1 1.4 according to FIG. 7.

In a corresponding manner, the process connections of a fluid measurement system can also be pressed against a connection point with an interface with a holding element according to FIG. 10.

A person skilled in the art is able to combine the configurations shown in FIGS. 3 to 12 in order to adapt them to his needs.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100 interface

1 10 bodies

1 10.1 Body element 111 connection point

1 11.1 Seal

1 11.2 Sealing ring

1 11.3 Deepening

1 11.4 Seal seat 1 12 fluid channel

113 first channel axis 114.1 first bearing

114.2 second camp 115 stop

115.1 first stop surface

115.2 second stop surface

116.1 first projection 116.2 second projection 117.1 first boom 117.2 second boom

117.3 rib

118.1 first hole 118.2 second hole

118.3 screw 120 holding element

121 recording

122 Body surface of the holding element 200 fluid measuring point

210 process connection

21 1 contact surface of the process connection

212 External shape of the process connection

300 Modular fluid measurement system

AR connection direction

AP starting position

EP end position

D1 first axis of rotation

51 cutting plane

52 cutting plane

S3 cutting plane

Claims

claims

1 . Interface (100) set up for connecting a fluid measuring point (200) comprising: a body (1 10), which body has at least two connection points (1 1 1), the body having fluid channels (1 12), each of which opens into a connection point, wherein the fluid channels in the area of the associated connection point each have a first channel axis (1 13), the connection points being in particular coplanar, the connection points being set up for connecting a connection from a connection direction (AR) in each case for tight communication with a fluid channel, wherein the fluid channels are set up to supply or remove a medium to the fluid measuring point via the connections, characterized in that the interface has at least one holding element (120) for releasably fastening at least one connection on the body, the holding element having a receptacle (121) for each connection, wobe i the holding element is set up to be moved into an end position (EP) conveying the fastening.

2. Interface according to claim 1, wherein the body has a first bearing (1 14.1) for each connection point, and a second bearing (1 14.2) on an opposite side with respect to the connection point, the first bearing and the second bearing being set up for this purpose to mount the holding element at least in the end position, the first bearing and the second layer being set up in each case to provide a hold (115) against a movement away from the body along the connection direction.

3. Interface according to claim 2, wherein the first bearing (1 14.1) has at least one first stop surface (1 15.1), on which a counter surface of the holding element is positively held in its end position, and / or wherein the second bearing (1 14.2) at least has a second stop surface (1 15.2), on which a counter surface of the holding element is positively held in its end position.

4. Interface according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first bearing has at least a first projection (1 16.1) with at least one first bracket (1 17.1), the first projection at least a first environment

protrudes in areas, and the first boom at least the first environment

partially covered, the first bracket defining the first stop surface, and / or wherein the second bearing has at least one second projection (1 16.2) with at least one second bracket (1 17.2), the second projection projecting beyond a second environment at least in sections, and wherein the second boom covers the second environment at least in regions, the second boom defining the second stop surface.

5. Interface according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first bearing is arranged between the connection points.

6. Interface according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first bearing for the holding element defines a perpendicular to the connecting direction first axis of rotation (D1) of the holding element, wherein the holding element is set up by means of a rotary movement about the first axis of rotation from the starting position in the end position to be moved.

7. Interface according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second bearing has at least one first bore (1 18.1) for receiving a screw (1 18.3), by means of which screw the holding element can be fixed, the holding element having at least one second bore ( 1 18.2) for receiving one screw each.

8. Interface according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first boom and / or the second boom on a side facing the body has a rib (1 17.3), which rib is set up to fix the axis of rotation, a cross-sectional profile of the rib, for example triangular, semicircular or

is semi-elliptical.

9. Interface according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first bearing (1 14.1) is a radial bearing (RL), wherein a radial bearing axis is parallel to the connection direction, the radial bearing, the holding element against movement in relation to a radial bearing axis (RLA) axial direction secures positively. wherein the holding element is set up by means of a rotational movement around the

Radial bearing axis to be moved to the end position

10. Interface according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the holding element is set up by means of a linear movement perpendicular to

Connection direction to be moved to the end position.

1 1. Interface according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the holding element in its end position in the area of the receptacle (121) is wedge-shaped at least in sections, wherein in the wedge-shaped area a surface (122) of the holding element facing the body is oblique to the connection direction.

12. Interface according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface for at least one connection point has a seal (1 1 1.1), for example a sealing ring (1 1 1.2).

13. Interface according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection point has a recess (1 1 1.3), which recess has a sealing seat (1 1 1.4).

14. Interface according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element is disc-shaped or plate-shaped.

15. Interface according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the body has at least two body elements (1 10.1), wherein each body element has at least one connection and and an associated fluid channel, wherein the

Body elements are individually connectable to the fluid measuring point.

16. Modular fluid measuring system (300) comprising: a fluid measuring point (200) with at least two process connections (210); an interface (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one holding element (120) is set up to at least one

Press process connection (210) to an associated connection point (11); wherein the at least one receptacle (121) of a holding element is set up to be positively connected to an associated process connection in each case.

17. Modular fluid measuring system according to claim 16, wherein the holding element is set up to act against at least one stop surface (21 1) of the process connection.

18. Modular fluid measurement system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein a shape of the recess (1 1 1.3) is at least in sections complementary to an outer shape (212) of the process connection, which ensures a play-free reception of the process connection perpendicular to a receiving direction of the process connection.

19. Modular fluid measuring system according to one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the fluid measuring point has a Coriolis measuring device, which Coriolis measuring device is set up to measure a mass flow rate and / or a density of a medium flowing through a measuring tube of the Coriolis measuring device.