CN220873342U - Device, IP converter, magnetic valve, position regulator, regulating valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a device, an IP converter, a magnetic valve, a position regulator and a regulating valve, wherein the regulating piece can safely and reliably work in an explosion hazard or ignition hazard environment. For this purpose, a device is proposed in which the actuating element is actuated by means of the magnetic field of an electromagnet located in a housing that is resistant to ignition penetration. The magnetic field of the electromagnet is guided out of the housing with the flux guide, which is guided through the housing in a penetration-proof manner. In this way, the magnetic force exerted by the electromagnet on the adjusting member of the device is transmitted to the adjusting member with little loss. The proposed device is suitable for use in a solenoid valve, an IP converter, a position regulator or a regulating valve of a process technical plant or a power plant.

Description

Device, IP converter, magnetic valve, position regulator, regulating valve

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to electromagnetic drives, in particular to a device and a method for operating a control element which can be operated safely in an explosion-or fire-critical environment, and to an IP converter, a magnetic valve, a position controller, a control valve and a device based thereon.

Background

The electromagnetic drive converts the electrical signal into mechanical motion. They are usually composed of a magnetic coil or electromagnet and a movable armature or adjusting element. The electrical power supplied to the coil body determines the position of the armature or the actuating element. The power consumption of the electromagnetic drive may be at least temporarily high. The same applies here to the current levels and/or voltages which occur in this case.

Electromagnetic drive devices are used in position regulators for regulating valves, magnetic valves or current-to-pressure transducers (IP transducers) to control pneumatic or hydraulic components and are therefore in many cases part of process plants or power plants. They may be subjected to various operating conditions, among which are conditions in which, for example, sparks from contacts of an electromagnetic drive may ignite an explosive vapor. Under such conditions, special protection measures are required for the operation of the electromagnetic drive. The measures can be distinguished by their function as follows:

1. Preventing sparks, flames, or explosions, or

2. To enclose an emerging spark, flame or explosion.

The first group includes the following protection measures, in which the current level and voltage used by the electromagnetic drive are limited to values at which sparks or heat can be excluded. The inherent safety of the drive produced in this way is in many cases accompanied by a comparatively complex structure and more expensive circuit components in order to prevent or intercept interference situations caused by wire breaks or short circuits, for example. In addition, a certain voltage or current range cannot be provided for use. It is a limitation to the force transmitted to the armature or the actuating element of the drive, the magnet size and/or the speed at which the armature or the actuating element can move. In order to be considered self-safe, the electromagnetic drive must meet DIN standard EN60079-11 in addition to the general explosion protection requirements as set by DIN standard EN 60079-0.

Among the second group of measures are pressure-resistant housings or enclosures for electrical contacts and components of electromagnetic drives. The housing or envelope can be designed in such a way that it prevents the propagation of sparks, flames or explosions out of the housing. The compressive strength of the housing or enclosure can be produced by the respective wall thickness and the minimum requirements for the connection surfaces or gaps in the housing or enclosure. For pressure-resistant housings or pressure-resistant enclosures, attention is paid not only to the general requirements of DIN standard EN60079-0, but also to the specific requirements of DIN standard EN 60079-1.

Alternatively, contact of the ignitable mixture or vapour with the electrical contacts or components may be prevented by using a shielding gas, such as for example argon, and a liquid or solid insulating material. This measure is mostly expensive and complex. Furthermore, they impose certain minimum requirements on the geometry and on the dimensions of the housing (see, for example, the requirements for casting the envelope specified in DIN standard 60079-18).

Furthermore, the protective measures often interfere with the transmission of magnetic forces to the armature or the actuating element. The weakening is determined by the larger distance, which is obtained by the desired wall thickness, layer thickness or other geometry set point and has to be overcome to transmit the magnetic force. The materials used for the housing and the protective measures may additionally shield or dissipate the magnetic field. In addition, the play of the adjusting element is generally limited. The actuating element may thus be operated less reliably or only with reduced response capacity or extended switching times. Additional mechanical components are often required to compensate for the limitation of the play of the adjustment member. This increases the costs for production, use and maintenance and also adversely affects the fail-safety of the drive or of the equipment equipped with it.

The prior art offers various possibilities for explosion-proof design of electromagnetic drives, which involve the use of cast electromagnets, as are known, for example, from DE 29 26 A1 or DE 198 43 A1. The contact with the ignitable vapors or gases is prevented by the electromagnet being cast or encased with an insulating material, including the electrical contacts and the associated switching elements. In addition to the additional costs for the insulating material, the housing surrounding the insulating material, and the casting of the electromagnet, this protection also requires a volume for the insulating material and the housing. The use of such electromagnets in the drive described in DE 10 2012 003 175 B4, for example, generally requires adjusting the geometry of the drive, in particular the design dimensions, and/or the use of smaller electromagnets, which are therefore also generally less powerful.

Publication EP 1,994a2 specifies the use of pressure-resistant housings or enclosures, specifically for accommodating electromagnetic drives or position regulators controlled by the drive. In this case, the mechanical movement of the drive or the position regulator out of the housing must be guided. However, this is often accompanied by friction losses and wear and adversely affects the accuracy and speed with which the adjusting member can be moved. Furthermore, the mechanical penetration through the housing limits the play of the adjusting element.

In addition to the position controller, electromagnetic drives are also used in IP converters, as described for example in DE 198 18 336 C1 or DE 10 2018 123 166 B3. In this case, the mechanical movement of the adjusting member is used to controllably open the outlet orifice of the nozzle. The nozzles are used here for the evacuation of the chambers, which are supplied with compressed air via an additional choke. The internal pressure of the chamber can be controlled by the controllable opening of the nozzle or the venting of the chamber. The pressure is the operating pressure of the IP converter. The operating pressure is determined by the current fed into the coil body of the electromagnetic drive. The IP converter is thus a current (I) -pressure (P) converter and has a current-pressure characteristic.

Publication US 5,464,041A describes a system with a plurality of valves, wherein the valves are electromagnetically adjusted by means of a single electrical winding to achieve simultaneous adjustment for each of the valves. The permanently magnetized portions of the magnetic circuit involved therein serve here to lock the two valves in the operating state in which they have been actuated.

Publication US 5,450,871A describes an electromagnetically actuated valve structure where separate magnetic circuits create magnetic coupling of a plurality of valve members so that separate electrical actuation coupled to the separate magnetic circuits can control a plurality of valves simultaneously.

Publication US 5,139,226A describes an electromagnetic fluid control valve, the valve body of which has an internal cavity and at least two openings through which fluid can be selectively led. The cross-sectional area of the core in which magnetic flux may be generated and the cross-sectional area of the movable magnetic armature are selected herein to efficiently confine the lines of magnetic flux. The resulting high magnetic flux density serves to maximize the force applied to the armature and minimize the armature mass, which in turn maximizes the armature speed.

The ignition penetration prevention design of the last three valve structures can also be obtained by casting or sheathing the electromagnet, including the electrical contacts and the associated switching elements, with an insulating material. The publication U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,041A exemplifies an epoxy resin for this purpose. This type of protection requires, in addition to the additional cost of the insulating material and the cast electromagnet, an additional volume of insulating material.

Disclosure of utility model

Tasks

The object of the utility model is to operate a control element in an explosion-or fire-hazard environment in a safe and reliable manner by means of an electromagnet by simple means.

Solution scheme

The use of the singular is not intended to exclude the plural and vice-versa unless otherwise specified. Some method steps will be described in detail below. The steps do not have to be performed in the order indicated, and the method to be presented may have other steps not mentioned.

In order to accomplish this task, a device for operating a regulating element in an explosion-or fire-hazard environment is proposed. The device has an electromagnet and a first housing with a wall attached, wherein the electromagnet is disposed within the first housing. At the wall, a second housing is arranged outside the first housing in which the electromagnet is arranged. The adjusting member is disposed on the second housing. In addition, the device has at least one magnetically soft flux guide, at least one of which is arranged such that it can be magnetized by the magnetic field in the electromagnet. At least one magnetically soft flux guide which can be magnetized by the magnetic field in the electromagnet is guided through the wall and the second housing. The leading through of the first housing and the magnetically soft flux guide to the wall is designed to be ignition penetration resistant, i.e. the gap between the first housing and the magnetically soft flux guide and the wall through which it is leading is designed to be ignition penetration resistant. The portion of the at least one magnetically soft flux guide that is guided through the first housing wall and the second housing is designed as one piece. The first housing is a pressure housing. The adjusting element is arranged outside the first housing and is designed such that it can be actuated by means of a magnetic field which is guided out of the first housing by means of at least one magnetically soft flux guiding element.

With this construction, the electromagnet and possibly the contact points for the electromagnet supply are located in the ignition penetration-proof space and thus in the device part, which absorbs the highest electrical power or the highest current strength and can form sparks or heat itself if necessary. The actuating element and possibly other mechanical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic components are located outside the ignition penetration-proof space (e.g. a pneumatic or fluid actuator or a switching unit, which is actuated by means of the actuating element or a magnetic field conducted from the first housing). This not only simplifies the installation and maintenance of the component, but also allows the structural dimensions of the first housing to be reduced. Furthermore, for self-safe designs, there are no restrictions regarding the generation of alternative voltages and/or current strengths for the magnetic field.

The at least one magnetically soft flux guide optimizes and/or enhances the force that can be applied to the adjusting element by means of the electromagnet through the first housing or the second housing. Interference effects, such as for example those caused by friction in the regulator guide or impact on the regulator (for example because of pressure fluctuations in the compressed air supply which may be controlled by the regulator), can thus be better compensated for. Furthermore, the adjusting member can be positioned more precisely. In addition, it can accelerate more violently and move more quickly from one location to another. The adjusting element can thus be operated more reliably, quickly and with greater precision, wherein the penetrating ignition-proof penetration design of the first housing and the soft magnetic flux guiding element ensures a safe operation of the device in an explosion-or fire-dangerous environment.

The regulating member may be constituted not only by a magnetizable material or a magnetically permeable material or only comprise one or more magnetizable portions. Preferably, the magnetizable portion or portions of the adjusting element are as close as possible to at least one soft magnetic flux guiding element, in particular the portion of the soft magnetic flux guiding element which protrudes from the first housing and is therefore in the region outside the first housing, which may be influenced most strongly by the electromagnet at least in the preferred embodiment.

The at least one magnetically soft flux guide can be embodied such that it ends flush with the second housing wall. Or the soft magnetic flux guide may extend beyond the second housing wall. In this case, the passage can be realized, for example, by means of a bore of the first housing wall and of the second housing. The bore of the first housing is designed in such a way that the ignition penetration resistance of the wall or the first housing is maintained. The soft magnetic flux guide or a part of the soft magnetic flux guide may also be provided with an adjusting mechanism or fine threads in order to be able to adjust or change the distance of the soft magnetic flux guide from the adjusting member.

The magnetically soft flux guide can also be inserted only into the wall and/or the second housing to such an extent that the magnetic field losses generated by the electromagnet can be transmitted or extended out of the first housing and/or the second housing in a negligible manner. In this way, at least one soft magnetic flux guide can be prevented from passing through a continuous gap, i.e. the through-opening of the soft magnetic flux guide in the wall and/or in the second housing is closed off.

The at least one magnetically soft flux guide or a portion thereof may form the core of the electromagnet. It may be a right cylindrical rod. It may also have pole pieces. The pole shoes can be truncated as well as rounded. The shape of which can be designed such that it cooperates with the shape of the corresponding adjusting element. In this way, the transfer of the electromagnet magnetic force to the adjusting member can be improved. The part of the at least one magnetically soft flux guide that is guided through the wall and the second housing is designed as one piece in order to avoid interruption of the magnetic conductor and the consequent loss of the magnetic force of the electromagnet to the adjusting member in this region.

The adjustment member may be formed of magnetically permeable material. The adjusting element and the at least one magnetically soft flux guiding element may be arranged such that the adjusting element may enclose a magnetic circuit formed by the at least one magnetically soft flux guiding element and the adjusting element at least in one position. The closing of the magnetic circuit may be complete, i.e. the regulating member contacts both magnetically soft flux guiding members or touches them at the same time. In or near this position, a maximum force can generally be applied to the adjustment member. In many cases, however, it may be advantageous for the adjusting element not to completely close the magnetic circuit, but rather for a gap to be left between the adjusting element and at least one of the magnetically soft-conducting flux elements, specifically in each predetermined position of the adjusting element. Nonlinear effects that normally occur with a completely closed magnetic circuit can thus be avoided. The control of the adjusting member can thus be performed with the same or at least similar or similar precision at any position. Thereby providing an entire travel zone for precise operation of the adjustment member.

The first housing forms a space with the soft magnetic flux guide penetrating therethrough for preventing penetration of ignition. It can be designed to withstand pressure or to meet DIN standard 60079-1. Other device protection measures can therefore generally be dispensed with. This relates in particular to measures which prevent the intrusion of explosive vapors and/or flammable mixtures into the first housing. Finally, by means of the pressure-resistant design, it is ensured that the spark occurring in the first housing is not transmitted via the through-holes of the first housing and the magnetically soft flux guide, but that the flame or explosion occurring in the first housing is also always intercepted. The wall thickness of the first housing or the wall to be selected depends here on the material used, the volume enclosed by the first housing and the type of combustible or explosive material. Typical wall thicknesses range from 9 to 12 mm (see DIN standard EN 60079-1).

The first housing and/or the wall and/or the second housing may be manufactured from a non-magnetically permeable material, in particular from a paramagnetic or diamagnetic material such as aluminium, brass, a non-magnetically permeable, for example austenitic stainless steel, or a non-magnetically permeable plastic, for example polyethylene or plexiglass. In this way, the magnetic field of the electromagnet, in particular the portion which is intended to protrude from the first housing or the second housing by the soft magnetic flux guide, is prevented from being deflected, weakened or shielded by the first housing and/or the wall and/or the second housing.

The at least one magnetically soft flux guide guided through the first and second housings may be fixed to prevent slipping out of the first and/or second housings. This may be achieved by anchoring the magnetically soft flux guide. The soft magnetic flux guide may also have a conical shaped region for this purpose with a correspondingly formed recess in the wall or in the second housing. Or it may have a protrusion or step which is inserted into the wall or the second housing when a force urging it out of the first housing or the second housing acts on the magnetically soft flux guide. It is likewise possible to provide a screw-like design of the magnetically soft flux guide or the base (with corresponding threads in the wall or the second housing).

The adjusting element can be mounted so as to be tiltable or rotatable and/or can be held by means of a spring in a position above at least one magnetically soft flux guide element passing through the first housing and the second housing. However, the magnetically soft flux guide can also be designed such that it protrudes from the second housing and serves to support the adjusting element. In this way it is ensured that the adjusting member either completely closes the magnetic circuit or leaves a (residual) gap in at least one position. The support can be designed differently. For the adjustment element to be mounted in a tilting manner against the magnetically soft flux guide element, it is generally sufficient for the magnetically soft flux guide element to protrude from the second housing by 0.5 to 1mm in order to achieve a typical adjustment element movement of 1 to 2 ° or a travel of about 50 to 60 pm.

The device or the soft magnetic flux guide may additionally be provided with means, such as (fine) threads for axial adjustment, by means of which it is possible to adjust how far the soft magnetic flux guide protrudes from the wall or the second housing. In this way, the distance between the adjusting member and the magnetically soft flux guiding member can be optimally adjusted or readjusted.

The adjusting element may have a window shaped recess which abuts the magnetically soft flux guiding element for supporting the adjusting element at only two points. If the soft-magnetic flux guide has a circular cross section with a bearing surface at the upper end, it can be realized, for example, by a rectangular or stadium-shaped cutout, or vice versa. In this way, complicated and/or costly components for the articulated mounting of the adjusting element can be avoided. The device may have a guide pin for fixing the adjusting member to the magnetically soft flux guiding member at the two bearing points. The adjusting member may for this purpose have cutouts or openings corresponding to the guide pins, such as round holes and long holes for the insertion of cylindrical guide pins. The fixation may be achieved by a nut screwed onto the guide pin or comprise other elements like for example a cap. Also, the adjustment member may be fixed by a spring depressing the adjustment member. Furthermore, an advantageous development has a counterweight for balancing the weight of the adjusting element supported on the magnetically soft flux guiding element.

All electrical components, switches and control elements and contacts which can be brought into contact with the combustible mixture in an explosion-or fire-dangerous environment are located in the first housing of the proposed device. In contrast, these components, elements and contacts need not be designed to be self-safe (e.g., in the sense of standard 60079-11). From which supply lines or electrical energy supply means for control signals can be excluded. They can be designed in a intrinsically safe or explosion-proof manner at low cost and can be guided through the first housing in a manner that is resistant to ignition penetration.

In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a controller for the electromagnet, which is also located in the first housing. For the self-sufficient supply of the device, a battery can also be provided in the first housing, so that the device can also be operated reliably in the event of a fault. If the controller is designed to be wireless addressable (e.g. via a WLAN interface, a radio interface and/or a bluetooth interface), the power supply lines can in many cases be dispensed with through the first housing. The same applies to wireless powering of the control unit and/or the battery, for example via an interface inductively coupleable to an external power supply unit.

The adjustment member and perhaps other mechanical components of the device are located outside the first housing. In other designs, the device may have an outlet orifice for the fluid, wherein the regulating member is designed and arranged to control or regulate the flow of fluid through the outlet orifice by operation of the regulating member. The adjusting element can be a flap in the region of the outlet opening, which can be pressed onto the outlet opening by means of an electromagnet in order to close it. For opening, the flap may be lifted. In addition to opening and closing, the fluid flow through the outlet opening can also be regulated in this way, precisely by means of the electrical power which is fed into the coil body of the device.

The outlet orifice may be an outlet orifice of a nozzle. The nozzle may be provided with a fine thread for adjusting and fine-tuning the distance between the nozzle and the device adjusting member and in particular the baffle. The tightness can thus be adjusted, in particular, with the closure of the flap.

The proposed device may comprise a further magnetically soft flux guide. Another soft magnetic flux guide is guided through the wall and the second housing, wherein the portion of the other soft magnetic flux guide that is guided through the wall and the second housing is designed as one piece, and the guided through of the wall by the other soft magnetic flux guide is designed to be ignition penetration resistant, i.e. the gap between the other soft magnetic flux guide and the wall through which it is guided is designed to be ignition penetration resistant. The other magnetically soft flux guide is also connected in the first housing to at least one magnetically soft flux guide which can be magnetized by the magnetic field inside the electromagnet. In this way, a magnetic circuit can be formed with the adjusting element, which has fewer interruptions, in particular fewer parasitic air gaps, or whose number of circuit interruptions is reduced.

For this purpose, only a single one-piece soft magnetic flux guide can be provided in the first housing. It is generally designed in a U-shape and is guided through the wall and the second housing with the two free ends of the U-shape, respectively, i.e. twice. Here, the part of the at least one soft magnetic flux guide that is guided through the wall and the second housing is designed as one piece and the soft magnetic flux guide is designed to be ignition penetration-proof for the two guiding passes of the wall, i.e. the gap between the soft magnetic flux guide and the wall through which it is guided twice is designed to be ignition penetration-proof. Because of the one-piece design, there is a smaller amount of parasitic and thus potentially interfering air gaps.

The device may be part of a magnetic valve such as a two-position two-way valve, IP transducer, position regulator, regulator valve or apparatus. It can be designed not only as an integral component but also as a modular component. The first housing or the second housing can here accommodate and enclose magnetic valves, IP converters, position regulators, control valves or other contacts and controls of the device in a manner that prevents ignition penetration. Additional or other measures for protecting other contacts and controls can therefore be dispensed with.

The object is also achieved by a method for operating a regulating element in an explosion-or fire-hazard environment, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

1. providing a device according to the utility model for operating a regulating member in an explosion-or fire-dangerous environment;

2. Setting an adjusting parameter;

3. The electrical power fed into the electromagnet is regulated such that the regulating element is moved into a position corresponding to the set regulating parameter.

The set adjustment parameter may be an on/off position, i.e. for example the adjustment member is only moved back and forth between two positions in use, for example in order to open or close the outlet opening. The adjustment parameter may also be the position of an adjustment member between an open position and a closed position, for example for adjusting the flow through the outlet opening. The set position can be obtained here by a lifting movement, a tilting movement and/or a rotation of the adjusting element. The adjustment parameters may also be the position, temperature and/or throughput of the adjustment member, depending on the application.

In general, there is a clear relationship between the electrical power fed into the electromagnet and the adjustment parameter or position that the adjustment element occupies at that power, at least after the start-up phase and/or as long as the adjustment element does not encounter other forces and/or disturbances that force the adjustment element out of its equilibrium position. The relationship may be determined, for example, at the time of installation or initialization of the device and stored for the method, for example, in a control unit of the device. It may also be preset and/or be a result of analog and/or automatic calibration. The latter may be performed at installation and/or maintenance, and/or at regular intervals, to take into account wear and changing environmental conditions that might affect the relationship.

Depending on the application, the electromagnet of the device according to the utility model can be operated with direct current. Operation with direct current results in many cases in a nonlinear force-displacement characteristic. This can be used to adapt the precision of the positionable adjustment member to the application in order to be able to control the adjustment member, for example, close to the closed position with a higher precision than in other positions, where the precise positioning of the adjustment member is less important. It is also conceivable to switch the operation from operating with direct current to operating with alternating current. The different force-displacement characteristic curves obtained from the two modes of operation can thus be combined as desired.

The method according to the utility model for operating a regulating element of a device according to the utility model can be used to control an IP converter, a magnetic valve, a position regulator, a regulating valve and/or a device. Thanks to the ignition-proof penetration design of the device, control can be achieved in an explosion-or fire-dangerous environment.

Further details and features come from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In this case, each feature may be implemented alone or in combination with one another. The manner in which the tasks may be accomplished is not limited to the embodiments described.

Drawings

Various embodiments are shown in the drawings. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote herein identical or functionally corresponding parts, in particular:

Fig. 1 shows a device for operating an adjustment member according to the utility model;

FIG. 2 shows a cover of the device of FIG. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a detail of the device of fig. 1;

Fig. 4 shows another view of a detail of the device of fig. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of a method for operating an adjustment member;

fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the device for operating an adjustment member according to the utility model;

Fig. 7 shows a detail of an alternative embodiment of the device for operating an adjustment member according to the utility model; and

Fig. 8 shows a detail of a further alternative embodiment of the device for operating an adjustment member according to the utility model.

Vocabulary list

Pressure-resistant enclosure

The pressure-resistant capsule means that the device is designed in a manner that is ignition-proof and that its operation is based on an explosion that may occur enclosed in a housing. This is achieved by the explosion-proof design of the housing and the explosion-proof gaps at all housing openings, for example at the shaft end through-holes in the case of motors. In addition, the surface temperature must also be limited when expected defects occur at the ignition temperature of the surrounding explosive atmosphere. The requirements for said anti-ignition mode are described in standard EN 60079-1.

Electromagnet

The electromagnet is a magnet including a coil, and a magnetic field can be formed in the coil by a current. Electromagnets in many cases have a core that guides and intensifies the magnetic field formed by the current. The core is typically formed of magnetically permeable pieces. Electromagnets are used as actuating magnets in tensioning armatures, pivoting armatures or in inserting armatures, relays or safety mechanisms. Other applications involve motors, separators or helmholtz coils.

Explosion of an explosion

Explosion is a process that accompanies outwardly directed rapid volume expansion along with release of large amounts of energy, generally creating high temperatures and releasing pressure and kinetic energy. The ultrasonic explosion generated by the explosive material is known as detonation and is achieved by a shock wave. A sub-sonic explosion is created by a relatively slow combustion process of low explosives, known as deflagration.

Magnetic flux guiding member

The magnetic flux guide is a member made of a soft magnetic material, and by this property, the magnetic flux of the magnetic field acting on the magnetic flux guide is concentrated (reinforced) or (continued) conducted. The flux guide is used, for example, in an electromagnet, a motor or a generator. The magnetic flux guiding member may be rod-shaped, columnar or horseshoe-shaped.

IP converter

The IP converter is a current-pressure transducer. The IP converter has an electromagnet, a magnet yoke and a tiltably mounted or longitudinally movable adjustment member. By means of which the outlet nozzle can be closed and opened again, wherein this is done on the basis of the air pressure of the repulsive adjustment member and the magnetic force attracting the adjustment member. The IP converter is supplied with compressed air having a pre-pressure Pv. The output air pressure Pa is regulated by opening or closing the outlet nozzle.

Pole shoe

Pole shoes are components made of soft magnetic material, which are used to make the magnetic field lines of permanent magnets or electromagnets or magnetically permeable elements appear and distribute in a defined shape.

Adjusting piece

The adjusting element is an element for operating and triggering a mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or electric device, for example, in order to open or close an outlet opening or an on-off safety mechanism or a relay.

Soft magnetic material

Soft magnetic materials are materials with high magnetic permeability that can be easily magnetized and demagnetized. It strengthens the magnetic field with its permeability and is characterized by a low coercivity and/or remanence. Soft magnetic materials include so-called soft iron, electric steel sheets or Dynamoblech, low carbon steel or silicon steel (FeSi), ferroalloys such as FeNi, feCo, feAl or FeAlSi and ferrites.

Penetration of ignition penetration prevention

The ignition penetration-proof passage is a passage of the component through the housing, whereby the gap and the opening between the passage component and the housing are designed or embodied such that the propagation of a spark or flame through the gap or opening is prevented or not possible. The ignition penetration resistance can be achieved by casting or plugging the gap or opening with an insulating material, which prevents the propagation of sparks or flames through the gap or opening. It can also be manufactured such that the gaps and openings are reduced to such an extent that they prevent sparks or flames from penetrating or at the same time penetrating into the gaps or openings and/or flames penetrating into the gaps or openings from extinguishing due to the geometric dimensions and/or shape.

Ignition preventing form

The ignition prevention mode refers to the design principle in the explosion prevention field. The basic idea behind each form of ignition protection is to minimize the risk of both an explosive environment and an ignition source being present.

Drawings

100. Device and method for controlling the same

110. Adjusting piece

120. First shell body

125. Wall with a wall body

127. Seam joint

130. Electromagnet

140. Connecting wire

150. Controller for controlling a power supply

160. Magnetic flux guiding member

161. Pole shoe

162. Core(s)

163. Adjusting mechanism

165. Another magnetic flux guiding member

166. Another pole shoe

167. Magnetic conductive connecting piece

168. Adjusting mechanism

170. Counterweight for vehicle

180. Cover for vehicle

182. Pin bolt

185. Adjusting screw

190. Nozzle

195. Outlet orifice

197. Cavity(s)

198. Second shell

200. Cover for a container

300. Details of the

305. Window-shaped notch

310. Part of the

320. Part of the

330. Stepped part

350. Round hole

360. Long hole

370. Guide pin

500. Method of

510. Providing device 100

520. Setting the position of the adjusting member 110

530. Adjusting the position of the adjusting member 110

600. Device and method for controlling the same

625. Wall with a wall body

700. Details of the

725. Wall with a wall body

760. Magnetic flux guiding member

761. Pole shoe

765. Magnetic flux guiding member

766. Pole shoe

800. Details of the

825. Wall with a wall body

860. Magnetic flux guiding member

861. Pole shoe

866. Pole shoe

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an apparatus 100 for operating an adjusting member 110 in an IP converter according to the present utility model. The device 100 includes a first housing 120 to which a wall 125 is attached. The wall 125 forms a cover of the first housing 120 that can be removed to install or maintain the device 100. In response, a seam 127 exists between the wall 125 and the remainder of the first housing 120. The first housing 120, the wall 125, and the seam 127 are designed to be resistant to ignition penetration.

The electromagnet 130 is located in the first housing 120. The electromagnet 130 is connected to the controller 150 by a connection wire 140. The controller 150 supplies the electromagnet 130 with electric power through the connection line 140. By means of the electrical power fed into the electromagnet 130 in this way, the controller 150 can control the electromagnet 130, in particular the strength of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 130. The electrical energy required for this purpose is supplied via a supply line (not shown). The supply line is led through the first housing 120 in a manner that prevents ignition penetration. In a similar manner, instructions or sensor data are transmitted to the controller 150 by data lines (not shown) that are also routed through the first housing 120 in a manner that prevents ignition penetration.

Electromagnet 130 has a core 162 formed of magnetically permeable member 160. The flux guide 160 has pole pieces 161. The pole piece 161 is guided through the wall 125 in a manner that prevents ignition penetration. The device 100 has a further magnetically conductive flux piece 165 with a further pole piece 166 and a magnetically conductive connection 167. The further flux guide 165 is arranged parallel to the flux guide 160 next to the electromagnet 130. The further pole shoe 166 is also guided through the wall 125 in a spark-ignition penetration-proof manner. The magnetically conductive connecting member 167 is slightly crimped over the magnetically conductive member 160 and the other magnetically conductive member 165 (as shown) or is connected to the magnetically conductive member 160 and the other magnetically conductive member 165 by a locking means. The flux guide 160 and the other flux guide 165 have adjusting mechanisms 163 and 168. The pole piece 161 of the flux guide 160 and/or the further pole piece 166 of the further flux guide 165 can be adjusted by means of the adjusting mechanism 163, 168 how far out the first housing 120 or the wall 125 protrudes.

The adjusting element 110 is supported on the pole piece 161 in the form of an equal arm rod. It is not centered on the pole piece 161 but on a location near one end of the adjustment member 110. The counterweight 170 is used to balance the asymmetric position. The support is carried out by means of a spring, which is fastened to the cover 180 by means of a pin 182. The spring presses the counterweight 170 onto the adjusting element 110 and presses the adjusting element 110 onto the area of the adjusting element 110 that abuts the pole shoe 161. In addition, the cover 180 with the pin 182 carries an adjustment screw 185. The adjusting screw 185 limits the play of the adjusting element 110, wherein the play can be changed as desired by means of the adjusting screw.

The adjusting member 110 may be pressed onto the outlet aperture 195 of the nozzle 190 by means of the electromagnet 130. The outlet opening 195 of the nozzle 190 can be completely covered by the adjusting element 110.

The nozzle 190 has a cavity 197. The cavity 197 is formed by the second housing 198. The second housing 198 is mounted to the wall 125 of the device 100. The nozzle 190 and the second housing 198 may be considered part of the device 100 in this embodiment. In other embodiments they may also form part of an IP converter in which the apparatus 100 is used. Pole shoes 161 of flux guide 160 are used to support the adjustment member 110 in the form of an equal arm rod. For this purpose, pole piece 161 is arranged such that it protrudes from second housing 198 by 0.5 mm. The other pole piece 166 ends flush with the second housing 198. In this way it is ensured that an air gap is left between the adjusting element 110 and the further pole shoe 166 in each position of the adjusting element 110. The size of the air gap may be varied by means of an adjustment mechanism 168.

Due to this construction of the device 100, the electrical coil or electromagnet 130 and its control 150 are located in the completely pressure-tight enclosure, i.e. the components in the system that require, receive and/or distribute the highest electrical power through the contact points in an explosion-or fire-hazard environment are located in the completely pressure-tight enclosure. The mechanical or pneumatic components, in particular the regulator 110 and the nozzle 190, are located outside the pressure-tight envelope. This not only simplifies the installation and maintenance of the components, but also allows the structural size of the first housing 120 to be reduced.

The flux guide 160, the further flux guide 165 and the flux guide 167 may be magnetized by means of an electromagnet 130. Magnetization is proportional to the current applied to electromagnet 130. Magnetization is transferred to the regulator 110 through the pole shoe 161. The adjustment member 110, the magnetically permeable flux member 160, the further magnetically permeable flux member 165 and the magnetically permeable connection member 167 form a magnetic circuit which is broken only by the air gap between the further pole piece 166 and the adjustment member 110. The force that the electromagnet 130 can exert on the adjusting element 110 is dependent on the air gap size and is greatest when the distance between the adjusting element 110 and the further pole shoe 166 is smallest. The air gap is dimensioned such that the covering of the outlet opening 195 by the adjusting member 110 can be controlled or adjusted with almost the same accuracy and with only a short delay or switching time at any position.

In this embodiment, the flux guide 160 is formed by a core 162 and a pole piece 161 of the electromagnet 130. In other embodiments, the core of electromagnet 130 may also be formed by another magnetic flux guide 165. The position of the electromagnet 130 is in principle irrelevant in the case of a magnetically conductive element of ideal magnetic conductivity.

Fig. 2 shows a view of the cover 200 of the device 100. The cap 200 includes the regulator 110, the wall 125, the electromagnet 130, and the nozzle 190. This view shows that the cover 200 as a whole can be lifted or lifted from the first housing 120. In addition, the view shows that the regulator 110 covers the nozzle 190 according to the baffle principle. The adjusting element 110 is designed for this purpose as a baffle at the end located above the nozzle 190.

In operation, the adjustment member 110 is controlled by the current flowing through the electromagnet 130 and the magnetic force applied to the adjustment member 110 by the electromagnet 130. It may here completely close the outlet aperture 195 of the nozzle 190 (closed position). When the electromagnet 130 is de-energized, i.e. when no current flows through the electromagnet 130 and the magnetically permeable member is not magnetized, and if the cavity 197 is supplied with compressed air, the regulating member 110 is lifted up to a position set by the position of the regulating screw 185 (open position) by the pressure accumulation between the outlet hole 195 and the regulating member 110 exerted by the compressed air. The adjustment member 110 may be in various positions therebetween.

Fig. 3 shows a detail 300 of the cover 200 or the device 100, wherein the counterweight 170 and the cover 180 have been removed in order to allow a depression to be seen in the support of the adjusting element 110, in particular the rectangular window 305 provided for this purpose. Detail 300 includes a portion 310 of pole piece 161 and a portion 320 of another pole piece 166. Portions 310, 320 are those portions of pole piece 161, another pole piece 166 that are guided through wall 125 in device 100. The two parts are narrowed in a step shape. The adjusting element 110 can be supported on the pole shoe 161 at two points by means of the cylindrical portion 310 of the excess cap and the rectangular window-shaped recess 305. To secure the adjuster 110 at two points, two guide pins 370 are provided. The guide pin 370 may be guided through the circular hole 350 and the long hole 360 of the adjuster 110. The guide pin 370 and the window 305 are arranged such that the adjusting element 110 is in the form of an equal-arm rod or is rotatably mounted on the pole shoe 161 about an axis formed by the bearing points.

The portions 310, 320 also have a step 330. The step 330 is constructed by using different radii in the cylindrical design of the sections 310, 320. The guide of the pole shoe 161, the other pole shoe 166 through the wall 125 is realized by means of two bores, which are also designed with different radii, so that the stepped portion 330 can be inserted into a corresponding stepped hole portion of the hole. In this way, the pole piece 161, the other pole piece 166 is prevented from sliding out of the first housing 120.

Fig. 4 shows another view of detail 300. This view shows the position of the circular hole 350 and the slot 360 with respect to the bearing point of the adjusting element 110 on the pole piece 161. The center of the guide pin 370 in this view lies on an axis formed by the bearing points. The fixing of the adjusting member 110 is thus carried out by a linear support and thus allows tilting in the form of an equal arm rod.

The circular hole 350 and the slot 360 are slightly larger than the outer diameter of the guide pin 370 with respect to the diameter or slot width. In this way, friction or clamping is prevented and the play required for tilting the adjusting element 110 is ensured.

Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of a method 500 for operating an adjusting member 110 by means of the device 100. In a first step 510 an IP converter with the apparatus 100 is provided. The (operating) pressure and thus the specific position of the regulating member 110 is set in step 520. The controller 150 of the apparatus 100 then controls the current flowing through the electromagnet 130 to generate a magnetic field that moves the regulator 110 to a position determined by the set pressure to regulate the set pressure within the cavity 197 in step 530.

The position determined by the set pressure in step 520 is in this embodiment a position between the closed position and the open position of the regulating member 110, including the closed position or the open position. By means of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 130, a force is applied to the adjusting element 110 in step 530, which force moves the adjusting element into a position determined by the set pressure or remains there if the adjusting element 110 is already in this position. If the adjustment element 110 is not already in the set position or position, a tilting movement of the adjustment element 110 about the axis defined by the two bearing points is effected here.

The controller 150 may determine the current intensity required to reach or maintain the position of the regulator 110 from a current-pressure characteristic that is measured and stored in a memory unit of the controller 150 prior to providing the IP converter or device 100. But typically operates in a regulation mode where the current level is continuously varied in accordance with the feedback signal until the desired pressure is reached.

Fig. 6 shows a device 600 according to the utility model, which is very similar in construction to the device 100. The device 600 has a wall 625. Wall 625 is a one-piece design of wall 125 and second housing 198 of device 100. The additional steps for mounting the second housing 198 can therefore be omitted. In addition, wall 625 is subjected to a greater load than wall 125. The same applies to the second housing 198 being fixed to the wall 125, in particular to the connection of the second housing 198 to the wall 125.

Fig. 7 shows a detail 700 of an alternative embodiment of the device for operating an adjustment member according to the utility model. Detail 700 includes wall 725. Magnetically permeable member 760 with pole piece 761 and magnetically permeable member 765 with pole piece 766 are guided through wall 725 in a manner that prevents ignition penetration. The flux pieces 760, 765 are not connected by the flux linkage 167, but are directly connected, as compared to the flux piece 160, the other flux piece 165. In this way the number of parasitic air gaps between the magnetically permeable parts of the device can be reduced.

Fig. 8 shows a detail 800 of a further alternative embodiment of the device for operating an adjustment member according to the utility model. Detail 800 also includes wall 825. A magnetically permeable feedthrough 860 with pole pieces 861 and 866 is guided through the wall 825 in a manner that prevents ignition penetration. The pole pieces 861, 866 are directly connected to each other by a one-piece U-shaped design of the flux guide 860, i.e. they are not located in the parasitic air gap between the pole pieces 861, 866.

Claims (15)

1. A device for operating an adjustment member for operating the adjustment member in an explosion or fire hazard environment, characterized in that the device has the following components:

a first housing to which the wall is attached;

An electromagnet is arranged on the upper surface of the shell,

Wherein the electromagnet is disposed within the first housing;

A controller for the electromagnet in question,

Wherein the controller is located within the first housing;

A second housing, which is provided with a second opening,

Wherein the second housing is arranged outside the first housing and the adjusting member is arranged on the second housing;

At least one magnetically soft flux guide,

Wherein the at least one magnetically soft flux guide is arranged such that it can be magnetized by a magnetic field within the electromagnet,

Wherein said at least one magnetically soft flux guide magnetizable by said magnetic field within said electromagnet is directed through said wall and through said second housing,

Wherein the part of the at least one magnetically soft flux guide that is guided through the wall and through the second housing is designed as one piece,

Wherein the gap between the first housing and the at least one magnetically soft flux guide and the wall through which it is directed is designed to be resistant to ignition penetration;

Wherein the adjusting element is designed to be operated by means of the magnetic field which is guided out of the first housing by means of the at least one magnetically soft flux guiding element.

2. Device for operating an adjustment member according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall and the second housing are designed in one piece.

3. Device for operating an adjustment member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first housing is a pressure housing.

4. Device for operating an adjustment member according to claim 1, characterized in that the first housing and/or the wall and/or the second housing are made of paramagnetic or diamagnetic material.

5. Device for operating an adjustment member according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one magnetically soft flux guide, which is guided through the wall and through the second housing, is secured against sliding out of the first housing and/or the second housing.

6. The device for operating an adjustment member according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one magnetically soft flux guiding member guided through the wall and through the second housing protrudes outwards of the second housing and serves to support the adjustment member.

7. The apparatus for operating an adjustment member according to claim 6, characterized in that,

The adjusting piece is provided with a window-shaped notch; and

The window-shaped recess rests on the at least one magnetically soft flux guide for support only at two points.

8. The apparatus for operating an adjustment member according to claim 7, characterized in that,

The device having a guide pin for the adjustment member;

Wherein the adjusting element can be fastened to the at least one magnetically soft flux guiding element at two bearing points by means of the guide pin.

9. The device for operating an adjustment member according to claim 1, characterized in that,

The device has an outlet aperture for the fluid; and

The regulating member is designed and arranged such that fluid flow through the outlet aperture is controllable by operation of the regulating member.

10. The device for operating an adjustment member according to claim 1, characterized in that,

The apparatus includes another magnetically soft flux guide;

wherein the further magnetically soft flux guide is directed through the wall and the second housing;

Wherein the portion of the further magnetically soft flux guide that is guided through the wall and the second housing is designed as one piece;

Wherein a gap between the further magnetically soft flux guide and the wall through which it is guided is designed to be resistant to ignition penetration;

wherein the further magnetically soft flux guide is connected within the first housing to the at least one magnetically soft flux guide which can be magnetized by a magnetic field within the electromagnet.

11. The device for operating an adjustment member according to claim 1, characterized in that,

Only a single one-piece soft magnetic flux guide is provided within the first housing;

The one-piece magnetically soft flux guide is guided twice through the wall and the second housing;

Wherein the gap between the one-piece soft magnetic flux guide and the wall through which it is guided twice is designed to be resistant to ignition penetration.

12. IP converter, characterized in that it has a device for operating an adjustment member according to any of claims 1 to 11.

13. A magnetic valve, characterized in that it has a device for operating an adjusting element according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A position regulator, characterized in that it has a device for operating an adjustment member according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A regulating valve, characterized in that it has a device for operating a regulating element according to any one of claims 1 to 11.