Terminal block with sealed interconnect system

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016381822-A1
Application number	US-201514753119-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Jun 29, 2015
Priority date	Jun 29, 2015
Publication date	Dec 29, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

A process variable transmitter for use in an industrial process includes a housing having a cavity formed therein. The housing has a barrier which divides the cavity into first and second cavities. Preferably, measurement circuitry in the first cavity is configured to measure a process variable of the industrial process. A terminal block assembly is positioned in the second cavity. The terminal block assembly forms a seal with the housing thereby forming a third cavity between the barrier and a circuit board of the terminal block assembly.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A process variable transmitter for use in an industrial process, comprising:
a housing having a cavity formed therein, the housing including a barrier which divides the cavity into first and second cavities; measurement circuitry in the first cavity configured to measure a process variable of the industrial process; and a terminal block assembly in the second cavity, the terminal block assembly forming a seal with the housing forming a third cavity between the barrier and a circuit board of the terminal block assembly.

2 . The process variable transmitter of claim 1 wherein the terminal block assembly includes a shroud member arranged to define the third cavity.

3 . The process variable transmitter of claim 2 wherein the shroud member comprises a metal shroud.

4 . The process variable transmitter of claim 2 including a seal between the shroud member and the housing of the process variable transmitter.

5 . The process variable transmitter of claim 4 wherein the seal comprises an O-ring.

6 . The process variable transmitter of claim 1 wherein the circuit board carries at least one circuit component in the third cavity.

7 . The process variable transmitter of claim 1 wherein the terminal block assembly includes a plurality of terminals for coupling to a two-wire process control loop.

8 . The process variable transmitter of claim 1 wherein the process control loop is used to provide power to power the process variable transmitter.

9 . The process variable transmitter of claim 2 including electrical conductors at least partially disposed within the barrier and extending into the third cavity to electrically connect the circuit board to the measurement circuitry.

10 . The process variable transmitter of claim 9 wherein the shroud member includes an aperture formed therein wherein the electrical conductors extend through the aperature.

11 . The process variable transmitter of claim 9 wherein the conductors carry power.

12 . The process variable transmitter of claim 9 wherein the conductors carry a communication signal.

13 . The process variable transmitter of claim 12 wherein the communication signal is in accordance with a two-wire process control loop communication standard.

14 . The process variable transmitter of claim 12 wherein the communication signal is for use in communicating between components of the process variable transmitter.

15 . The process variable transmitter of claim 9 wherein the conductors are arranged to compensate for misalignment.

16 . The process variable transmitter of claim 15 wherein the misalignment occurs in a connection between the circuit board and the measurement circuitry.

17 . The process variable transmitter of claim 1 wherein the barrier includes an opening and the terminal block is sealed against the opening

18 . The process variable transmitter of claim 1 wherein the circuit board carries a temperature sensor.

19 . The process variable transmitter of claim 1 wherein the circuit board carries communication circuitry.

20 . The process variable transmitter of claim 2 wherein the shroud member is soldered to the circuit board.

21 . The process variable transmitter of claim 1 including at least one electrical connection between the circuit board and the measurement circuitry.

22 . The process variable transmitter of claim 21 wherein the at least one electrical connection extends through the barrier.

23 . The process variable transmitter of claim 1 wherein the terminal block includes an alignment feature for alignment with the housing.

24 . The process variable transmitter of claim 1 including first and second end caps configured to enclose the respective first and second cavities of the housing.

25 . The process variable transmitter of claim 1 including a process variable sensor coupled to the measurement circuitry for use in measuring the process variable.

26 . The process variable transmitter of claim 9 wherein the connectors are mounted to the barrier.

27 . The process variable transmitter of claim 9 wherein the connectors are mounted to the terminal block assembly.

28 . The process variable transmitter of claim 1 wherein the circuit board carries temperature measurement circuitry configured to couple to an external temperature sensor.

29 . The process variable transmitter of claim 27 wherein the circuit board includes a temperature sensor for use in compensating measurements.

Assignees

• Rosemount Inc

Inventors

• Hausler George C
• Mccoy Steven John
• Eriksen Christopher Lee
• Cota Jeffrey Alan

Classifications

• G01D21/00

  Measuring or testing not otherwise provided for · CPC title

• H05K5/0065

  wherein modules are associated together, e.g. electromechanical assemblies, modular structures · CPC title

• G01D11/26 Primary

  Windows; Cover glasses; Sealings therefor · CPC title

• H05K7/1428

  for small modular apparatus with terminal block · CPC title

• H05K5/069 Primary

  Other details of the casing, e.g. wall structure, passage for a connector, a cable, a shaft · CPC title