Description

MULTI-PLANAR PRESSURE TRANSMITTER

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to a multi-planar pressure transmitter, and more particularly, to a multi-planar pressure transmitter, capable of being vertically installed regardless of the direction in which pressure to be measured is applied.

[2]

Background Art

[3] A pressure transmitter measures differential pressure, absolute pressure, and gauge pressure of a fluid such as gas (or vapor) and liquid, generates an output signal corresponding to the measured value, and indicates the generated output signal on an ordinary display device.

[4] FlG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a conventional pressure transmitter. The pressure transmitter 1 generally includes a pair of flanges 10 that support the entire pressure transmitter 1, and to which pressure to be measured is transmitted, a sensor module 2 that is located between the flanges 10 and measures the fluid pressure transmitted from the flanges 10, and an indicator 5 that is provided with a plurality of circuit parts for receiving, processing and displaying an electric signal generated from the sensor mode 2.

[5] Here, the sensor module 2 is composed of a converter 3 having a pair of diaphragms

3a, and a coupler 4 coupling the converter 3 to the indicator 5. The diaphragms 3a of the converter 3 are exposed to the fluid pressure transmitted from the flanges 10, and a closed chamber is defined between the diaphragms 3a. An inert fluid is charged in the chamber, and an electrode is connected between the inert fluid and the circuit parts of the indicator 5.

[6] The indicator 5 is coupled to the coupler 4 of the sensor module 2. A circuit board, connected to the electrode of the sensor module 2, and circuit parts, such as a terminal block, connected to the circuit board, are mounted in the indicator 5. These circuit parts process a signal sent from the converter 3 of the sensor module 2, and display the processed signal on a display panel 5a.

[7] The flanges 10 are coupled to opposite sides of the sensor module 2, are fastened to a bracket B to thereby support the entire pressure transmitter 1, and transmit the fluid pressure to be measured to the diaphragms 3a of the converter 3.

[8] Therefore, when the fluid pressure from the outside is transmitted to the diaphragms

3a of the converter 3 through the flanges 10, the diaphragms 3a are deformed in response to the transmitted fluid pressure, and thus the inert fluid transmits the de-

formation to the electrode of the sensor module 2. The signal transmitted to the electrode is sent to the circuit board of the indicator 5. The circuit parts connected to the circuit board process the signal sent from the diaphragms 3a of the converter 3, and display the processed signal on the display panel 5a.

[9] FlG. 1 is an exploded perspective view clearly illustrating the flanges 10 among the components of the pressure transmitter 1, and FlG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating only the flanges 10 of FlG. 1, wherein one of the flanges is cut out so as to show an internal fluid channel thereof. Each flange 10 is provided with an opening 11 at the center of an inner side thereof so as to face the corresponding diaphragm 3a of the converter 3, and with fluid channels 13, having threaded holes, in the middles of opposite sides thereof. The fluid channels 13 are connected to the corresponding opening 11. Therefore, the fluid pressure applied from the outside is transmitted to the opening 11 through the fluid channels 13, and the corresponding diaphragm 3a is deformed in response to the transmitted fluid pressure.

[10] Each flange 10 is provided with four coupling holes 12 at four corners thereof.

Therefore, the two flanges 10 are fastened with flange bolts 6 and flange nuts 7 through the coupling holes 12. Thereby, the two flanges 10 are coupled to each other, and the converter 3 is interposed between the two flanges 10.

[11] Further, each flange 10 is provided with threaded holes 14 above and below the opposite fluid channels 13 on the opposite sides thereof, respectively. These threaded holes 14 are used to fix the entire pressure transmitter 1, which is coupled by the two flanges 10, to the bracket.

[12] FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views illustrating the state in which the pressure transmitter

1 having the flanges 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is installed. The bracket B is fixed to a fixture S by a U-bolt T and nuts N, and first sides of the flanges 10 of the pressure transmitter 1 are fixed to the bracket B.

[13] This pressure transmitter 1 is installed either vertically or horizontally according to the inflow lines 8 or 9 of a fluid as in FlG. 3 or FlG. 4. In other words, the fluid inflow lines 8 or 9 are disposed on a first side or a lower side of the pressure transmitter 1 according to the type of fluid, such as steam, gas or liquid, and the installation conditions. At this time, the fluid channels 13 of the pressure transmitter 1 must be located so that they are opposite the fluid inflow lines 8 and 9. Thus, the installation direction of the pressure transmitter 1 is determined by the position of the fluid inflow lines 8 or 9.

[14] In the case where the pressure transmitter 1 is installed vertically, as in FlG. 3, this is suitable for the case where the fluid inflow lines 8 are disposed on the side of the pressure transmitter 1. In other words, in the state where the pressure transmitter 1 stands vertically, the fluid channels 13 of the flanges 10 are located on the side of the

pressure transmitter 1, and thus are easily coupled with the fluid inflow lines 8 located on the side of the pressure transmitter 1.

[15] In this manner, the vertically installed pressure transmitter 1 is located in a horizontal display direction, in which a person can accurately read pressure characters displayed on the display panel 5a while assuming a comfortable posture. Accordingly, an operator can accurately check the pressure measured by the pressure transmitter 1 in a comfortable posture.

[16] Alternatively, the pressure transmitter 1 may be installed horizontally, as in FlG. 4.

In other words, when the fluid inflow lines 9 are disposed on the lower side of the pressure transmitter 1, the pressure transmitter 1 is installed horizontally. In this case, because the fluid channels 13 of the flanges 10 are disposed toward the lower side of the pressure transmitter 1, the fluid inflow lines 9 disposed on the lower side of the pressure transmitter 1 can be easily coupled to the fluid channels 13 of the flanges 10.

[17] However, in the case where the pressure transmitter 1 is installed horizontally, as in

FlG. 4, various problems occur.

[18] First, in the case where the pressure transmitter 1 is installed horizontally, the value of the measured pressure is displayed on the display panel 5a in a vertical display direction. Hence, the operator fails to easily check the pressure value displayed in the vertical display direction. Furthermore, the operator frequently misreads the value of the measured pressure.

[19] Further, the pressure transmitter 1 installed horizontally, as in FlG. 4, has an unstably installed state and requires a wider installation space, when compared to that installed vertically as in FlG. 3.

[20] In addition, the pressure transmitter 1 is rather heavy. Thus, after this heavy pressure transmitter 1 has been horizontally installed for a long time, an excessive load acts between the coupled components due to its total weight, thereby accelerating damage to the components.

[21] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a pressure transmitter 1' and its flanges 10' used to solve the problems described with reference to FlG. 4. In this pressure transmitter 1', modified flanges 10' are used such that the pressure transmitter 1' can be vertically installed although the fluid inflow lines 9 are located on the lower side of the pressure transmitter 1'. The flanges 10' are structurally different from those 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. Specifically, the flanges 10' of HGS. 5 and 6 function to cut off first ends C from the flanges 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4.

[22] In this manner, the modified flanges 10' are directed to vertically install the pressure transmitter 1' although the fluid inflow lines 9 are located on the lower side of the pressure transmitter 1'.

[23] The flanges 10' are formed such that the fluid channels 13' thereof are located

toward the lower side of the pressure transmitter 1' when the pressure transmitter 1' is vertically installed. Therefore, in the case where the fluid inflow lines 9 are located on the lower side of the pressure transmitter 1', the modified flanges 10' are used, so that the fluid channels 13' can be aligned to the fluid inflow lines 9 installed on the lower side of the pressure transmitter 1' while the pressure transmitter 1' is installed vertically.

[24] As described above, in the case where the pressure transmitter 1 or 1' should be vertically installed irrespective of the fluid inflow lines 8 or 9, two types of flanges 10 and 10' are required because it is impossible to use one type of flange. In other words, in the case where the fluid inflow lines 8 are located on one side of the pressure transmitter 1, the flanges 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are required. In contrast, in the case where the fluid inflow lines 9 are located on the lower side of the pressure transmitter 1, the modified flanges 10' illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 are required.

[25] Thus, conventionally, in the case where the pressure transmitter 1 or 1' should be vertically installed irrespective of the orientation of the fluid inflow lines 8 or 9, modified flanges 10' are required in addition to the basic flanges 10. As a result, the modified flanges 10' must be additionally provided.

[26]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[27] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the problems occurring in the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pressure transmitter, capable of being vertically installed regardless of the position of each fluid inflow line.

[28]

Technical Solution

[29] In order to achieve the above object, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-planar pressure transmitter, which includes: a pair of flanges each having an opening into which a fluid supplied through a fluid inflow line flows; a converter detecting the pressure of the fluid flowing into the opening of the flange, converting the detected pressure into an electric signal and outputting the electric signal; and an indicator converting the electric signal input from the converter into the value of the pressure and displaying the pressure value, wherein each flange is provided with a first fluid channel connecting the fluid inflow line to the opening on any one of opposite sides thereof; and each flange is provided with a second fluid channel connecting the fluid inflow line to the opening on a lower side thereof.

[30] Here, each flange may be provided with a plurality of first threaded holes into

which a plurality of bolts for fixing the flange to a fixture is fastened, on one of the opposite sides thereof where the first fluid channel is located; and each flange may be provided with a plurality of second threaded holes into which a plurality of bolts for fixing the flange to the fixture is fastened, on the lower side thereof where the second fluid channel is located.

[31] Further, each flange may be further provided with bosses having threaded holes to which the plurality of bolts is fastened, on the other side thereof which is opposite the one side where the first fluid channel is located.

[32] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multiplanar pressure transmitter, which includes: a pair of flanges each having an opening into which a fluid supplied through a fluid inflow line flows; a converter detecting pressure of the fluid flowing into the opening of the flange, converting the detected pressure into an electric signal and outputting the electric signal; and an indicator converting the electric signal input from the converter into the value of the pressure and displaying the pressure value, wherein each flange is provided with first and third fluid channels connecting the fluid inflow line to the opening on opposite sides thereof; and each flange is provided with a second fluid channel connecting the fluid inflow line to the opening on a lower side thereof.

[33] Here, each flange may be provided with a plurality of first and third threaded holes into which a plurality of bolts for fixing the flange to a fixture is fastened, on the opposite sides thereof where the first and third fluid channels are located; and each flange may be provided with a plurality of second threaded holes into which a plurality of bolts for fixing the flange to the fixture are fastened, on the lower side thereof where the second fluid channel is located.

[34] Further, each flange may be further provided with bosses having threaded holes into which the plurality of bolts is fastened, on any one of the opposite sides thereof where the third fluid channel is located.

[35] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multiplanar pressure transmitter, which includes: a pair of flanges each having an opening into which a fluid supplied through a fluid inflow line flows; a converter detecting pressure of the fluid flowing into the opening of the flange, converting the detected pressure into an electric signal and outputting the electric signal; and an indicator converting the electric signal input from the converter into a value of the pressure and displaying the pressure value, wherein each flange is provided with a first fluid channel connecting the fluid inflow line to the opening on any one of opposite sides thereof; each flange is provided with a second fluid channel connecting the fluid inflow line to the opening on a lower side thereof; and each flange is provided with a plurality of bosses having threaded holes into which a plurality of bolts is fastened, on the other

side thereof which is opposite one side where the first fluid channel is located. [36]

Advantageous Effects

[37] According to the present invention, the multi-planar pressure transmitter can be vertically installed without a separate adaptor or various types of brackets irrespective of the orientation of each fluid inflow line. [38]

Brief Description of the Drawings [39] The above objects, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after a reading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: [40] FlG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a conventional pressure transmitter; [41] FlG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the flanges of FlG. 1, wherein one of the flanges is cut out;

[42] FIGS. 3 through 6 are schematic side views illustrating the state in which a conventional pressure transmitter is installed; [43] FlG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating a multi-planar pressure transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention; [44] FlG. 8 is a sectional perspective view illustrating one flange according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[45] FlG. 9 is an assembled perspective view of FlG. 7;

[46] FlG. 10 is a side view of HG. 9

[47] FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are an outer side view, an inner side view, and a sectional view illustrating the state where a vent valve is coupled to a flange; [48] FlG. 14 is a side view illustrating the state where one sides of flanges of a pressure transmitter is fixed to a bracket;

[49] FlG. 15 is a schematic sectional view illustrating only one flange of FlG. 14;

[50] FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 are a perspective view, a partial front sectional view, and a side sectional view, illustrating flanges according to another embodiment of the present invention; [51] FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 are a front view, a side view, and a sectional view taken along line A-A of FlG. 20, illustrating flanges according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; [52] FlG. 22 is a side view illustrating the state where the flanges of FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 are used; and [53] FlG. 23 and 24 are a front view and a sectional view illustrating flanges according

to still another embodiment of the present invention. [54]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[55] Reference will now be made in greater detail to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[56] FlG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating a multi-planar pressure transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FlG. 8 is a sectional perspective view illustrating one flange according to an embodiment of the present invention. FlG. 9 is an assembled perspective view of FlG. 7. FlG. 10 is a side view of FIG. 9.

[57] Among the components of a multi-planar pressure transmitter 100, the rest except flanges 110 characteristic of the present invention have the same construction and function as in the conventional pressure transmitter 1 or 1', and thus will be described in brief.

[58] The multi-planar pressure transmitter 100 of the present invention includes a pair of flanges 110 that is characteristic of the present invention, as illustrated in the exploded perspective view of FlG. 7, the assembled perspective view of FlG. 9, and the side view of FlG. 10, and a sensor module 140 that is provided between the pair of flanges 110 and measures fluid pressure transmitted from the flanges 110. The sensor module 140 includes a converter 130 and a coupler 132, wherein the converter 130 is provided with diaphragms 131 on opposite sides thereof. An indicator 150 is installed above the sensor module 140, and is provided therein with a plurality of circuit parts such as a display panel 151, so as to process and display a signal sent by the sensor module 140.

[59] Here, as clearly illustrated in HGS. 7, 8, 11, 12 and 13, each flange 110 is provided with an opening 111 at the center of an inner side thereof so as to face the corresponding diaphragm 131 of the converter 130, and with a first fluid channel 113 in the middle of one side thereof. The first fluid channel 113 is connected to the corresponding opening 111. Therefore, the fluid pressure applied from the outside is transmitted to the opening 111 through the first fluid channels 113, and thereby the corresponding diaphragm 131 of the converter 130, which faces the opening 111, is deformed. The converter 130 converts this fluid pressure into electric output, and then transmits it to a circuit board of the indicator 150.

[60] Meanwhile, each flange 110 is provided with a second fluid channel 115 in the middle of a lower side thereof, and the second fluid channel 115 is connected to the opening 111. Accordingly, the first fluid channel 113, the opening 111, and the second

fluid channel 115 are connected together to form an "L" fluid channel. Each flange 110 is provided with two coupling faces consisting of a first coupling face 117 and a second coupling face 118, which are perpendicular to each other.

[61] Each flange 110 is provided with four coupling holes 112 at four corners thereof.

Therefore, the two flanges 110 are fastened with flange bolts 121 and flange nuts 122 through the coupling holes 112. Thereby, the two flanges 110 are coupled to each other together with sealing O-rings 134, with the converter 130 interposed between the two flanges 110.

[62] Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 11, 12 and 13, each flange 110 is provided with first threaded holes 114, one of the fixing components constituting a fixing means, above and below the first fluid channel 113 on one side thereof, respectively.

[63] These first threaded holes 114 are used as fastening holes when one side of each flange 110 must be fixed to a bracket 160' as illustrated in FIG. 14. In other words, in the case where the inflow line 182 of fluid is located on the lower side of the multiplanar pressure transmitter 100 as in FIG. 14, the first threaded holes 114 are used for fastening one side of multi-planar the pressure transmitter 100.

[64] As illustrated in FIGS. 8, 11, 12 and 13, each flange 110 is provided with second threaded holes 116, which are other fixing components constituting the fixing means, on opposite sides of the second fluid channel 115 on the lower side thereof, respectively. The second threaded holes 116 are used as fastening holes when it is necessary to fix the lower side of each flange 110 to a bracket 160, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. In other words, in the case where the inflow line 181 of a fluid is located on one side of the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100, as in FIG. 10, the second threaded holes 116 are used for fastening the lower side of the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100.

[65] Meanwhile, the first fluid channel 113 or the second fluid channel 115 of each flange 110 is selectively fastened to a vent valve 123 as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 11, 12 and 13. When the fluid inflow line 181 is connected to the first fluid channel 113 on one side of each flange 110 as in FIG. 10, the vent valve 123 is fastened to the second fluid channel 115, as illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13. Therefore, the fluid pressure applied from the fluid inflow line 181 operates the corresponding diaphragm 131 of the converter 130 of FIG. 7 through the first fluid channel 113 and the opening 111.

[66] The bracket 160, yet another one of the fixing components constituting the fixing means, is coupled to the lower side of each flange 110, and supports the entire multiplanar pressure transmitter 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the bracket 160 is provided with through-holes 161 in a horizontal portion thereof so as to correspond to the first threaded holes 114 or the second threaded holes 116 of the pair of flanges 110. The first threaded holes 114 or the second threaded

holes 116 of the flanges 110 corresponding to the through-holes 161 are fastened with fixing bolts 174 that are other fixing components of the fixing means.

[67] A vent valve hole 162 is formed between the through-holes 161 of the bracket 160.

Therefore, the vent valve 123 is coupled to the first fluid channel 113 or the second fluid channel 115 of each flange 110 through the vent valve hole 162.

[68] The bracket 160 is provided with a plurality of fastening holes 163 on a vertical portion thereof. Both ends of a U-bolt 172 supported on a fixture 171 are inserted into the fastening holes 163, and then are fastened with nuts 173. Thereby, the bracket 160 is coupled to the fixture 171.

[69] As described above, the fixing means for fixing the flanges 110 to the fixture 171 includes the first threaded holes 114 and the second threaded holes 116 of each flange 110, the bracket 160, and the fixing bolts 174.

[70] In the inventive multi-planar pressure transmitter having this construction, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer circumference of the sensor module 140 is fitted into the lower portion of the indicator 150, and the openings 111 of the flanges 110 face the opposite diaphragms 131 of the converter 130. The flange bolts 121 are inserted into the four coupling holes 112 of the flanges 110, and are fastened with the flange nuts 122 at the ends thereof.

[71] Thereby, the converter 130 is coupled with the opposite flanges 110. The bracket

160 is fixed to the fixture 171 using the U-bolt 172 and the nuts 173, and then the bracket 160 faces the lower sides of the flanges 110. The bracket 160 is bolted to the flanges 110 by means of the fixing bolts 174. In other words, the second threaded holes 116 of the lower sides of the flanges 110 face the through-holes 161 of the bracket 160, and then are bolted with the fixing bolts 174. Thereby, the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100 is fixed on the bracket 160.

[72] As illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13, each vent valve 123 is fastened to the second fluid channel 115 through the vent valve hole 162 of the bracket 160, so that the path of the fluid pressure leads to the fluid inflow line 181, the first fluid channel 113, the opening 111, and the diaphragm 131.

[73] In this state, the lower sides of the flanges 110 are fixed to the bracket 160, and the first fluid channels 113 are located on one side of the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100. Therefore, the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100 is suitable for the case where the fluid inflow lines 181 are located on the side of the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100. In other words, the first fluid channels 113 of the flanges 110 stand opposite the fluid inflow lines 181 located on one side of the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100, so that the first fluid channels 113 can be easily connected with the fluid inflow lines 181. In this state, when supplied from the fluid inflow lines 181, the fluid pressure is transmitted to the openings 111 through the first fluid channels 113 of

the flanges 110. At this time, because the second fluid channels 115 of the flanges 110 are closed by respective vent valves 123, the fluid pressure transmitted to the openings 111 is not discharged to the second fluid channels 115, and thus acts on the diaphragms 131 opposite the openings 111.

[74] When the diaphragms 131 are operated by the fluid pressure, this operation is converted into an electric signal by means of the converter 130 of the sensor module 140. Then, the converted signal is displayed on the display panel 151 of the indicator 150.

[75] According to the present invention, the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100 is vertically installed, so that an operator can remain in a comfortable posture while accurately checking the measured pressure value displayed in a horizontal display direction.

[76] Meanwhile, as in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the case where fluid inflow lines 182 are located down the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100, first sides of the flanges 110 face the bracket 160', and are fastened with the fixing bolts 174. The vent valves 123 are fastened to the first fluid channels 113 of the flanges 110, respectively. Thereby, the fluid channel of the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100 leads from the fluid inflow lines 182 to the openings 111 by way of the second fluid channels 115.

[77] Therefore, the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100 is suitable for the case where the fluid inflow lines 182 are located on the lower side of multi-planar the pressure transmitter 100, because the first sides of the flanges 110 are fixed to the bracket 160', and because the second fluid channels 115 are located on the lower side of the multiplanar pressure transmitter 100. In other words, the second fluid channels 115 of the flanges 110 stand opposite the fluid inflow lines 182 located on the lower side of the pressure transmitter 100, so that the second fluid channels 115 can be easily connected with the fluid inflow lines 182. In this state, when supplied from the fluid inflow lines 182, the fluid pressure is transmitted to the openings 111 through the second fluid channels 115 of the flanges 110. At this time, because the first fluid channels 113 of the flanges 110 are closed by respective vent valves 123, the fluid pressure transmitted to the openings 111 is not discharged to the first fluid channels 113, and thus acts on the diaphragms 131 opposite the openings 111.

[78] The multi-planar pressure transmitter 100 of FlG. 14 is vertically installed even though the fluid inflow lines 182 are located on the lower side of the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100, so that the operator can accurately check the measured pressure value, displayed in a horizontal display direction, from a comfortable position.

[79] In the multi-planar pressure transmitter of the present invention, a well-known rotation screw 152 is fastened to the lower portion of the indicator 150. When the rotation screw 152 is loosened, the indicator 150 can be rotated about the sensor

module 140 in left- and right-hand directions. Therefore, in the state where the indicator 150 is installed as in FlG. 14, when the display panel 151 cannot be seen by the operator, the operator can loosen the rotation screw 152 and rotate the entire indicator 150 from side to side.

[80] In this manner, because the flanges 100 are provided with a plurality of fluid channels composed of the first fluid channel 113 and the second fluid channel 115, the present invention can easily connect the fluid inflow lines 181 or 182 to the first or second fluid channels 113 or 115 of the flanges 110 whether the fluid inflow lines 181 or 182 are located on a first side or a lower side of the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100.

[81] Accordingly, in the state where the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100 is vertically installed regardless of the position of the fluid inflow lines 181 or 182, the multi-planar pressure transmitter can be easily connected with the fluid inflow lines 181 or 182, so that the operator can check the measured pressure value, displayed in a horizontal display direction, from a comfortable posture, without confusion.

[82] Further, the present invention does not occupy a wide installation space because the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100 is vertically installed at all times. The conventional pressure transmitter installed horizontally is not only unstable but also requires a wider installation space, compared to the inventive pressure transmitter installed vertically. In contrast, the multi-planar pressure transmitter of the present invention is vertically installed at all times, and thus can overcome various problems with the conventional pressure transmitter.

[83] FlG. 16 is a schematic assembled perspective view illustrating a multi-planar pressure transmitter according to another embodiment of the present invention. FlG. 17 is a front sectional view illustrating one flange of FlG. 16. FlG. 18 is a side sectional view illustrating one flange of FlG. 16. In this embodiment of the present invention, each flange 210 is provided with a vent hole 212 so as to open and close an opening 211 thereof in the state where the multi-planar pressure transmitter 200 is assembled, and a separate vent valve 220 is fastened to the vent hole 212. Thus, the separate vent valve 220 allows gas or bubbles remaining in a fluid channel inside the multi-planar pressure transmitter 200 to be simply discharged outside.

[84] Meanwhile, when, among the first and second fluid channels 213 and 215 of each flange 210, the first fluid channel 213 is connected with a fluid inflow line 181, the second fluid channel 215 serves as the drain passage of a drain valve (not shown), and thus functions to discharge water or foreign materials remaining in the fluid channel of each flange 210.

[85] FIGS. 19 and 20 are a front view and a side view illustrating one flange according to yet another embodiment of the present invention respectively, and FlG. 21 is a

sectional view taken along line A-A' of FlG. 20. FlG. 22 is a side view illustrating the installed state of flanges according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[86] Each flange 310 is provided with a first fluid channel 313 and first threaded holes

314 on one side thereof, and a second fluid channel 315 and second threaded holes 316, as in the above-mentioned flange. The other side of each flange 310 is provided with separate bosses 317, each of which is formed with a threaded hole 318.

[87] The flanges 310 of the multi-planar pressure transmitter are installed to a bracket

160' as in FIG. 22. Specifically, the bosses 317 of the flanges 310 are located on one side of the bracket 160', and are fastened with fixing bolts 174, so that the entire multiplanar pressure transmitter 300 is fixed to the bracket 160'.

[88] The flanges 310 allow the multi-planar pressure transmitter 300 to be fixed to the bracket 160' irrespective of the positions of the fluid inflow lines 181 and 182. On one hand, in the case of the flanges 110 or 210 of FIGS. 7 through 18, when the fluid inflow lines 181 are located on one side of the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100, the bracket 160 illustrated in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10 is coupled to the lower sides of the flanges 110 or 210. Further, when the fluid inflow lines 182 are located on the lower side of the multi-planar pressure transmitter 100, the bracket 160' illustrated in FlG. 14 is coupled to first sides of the flanges 110 or 210. In this manner, in order to couple the flanges 110 or 210 of FIGS. 7 through 18, two types of brackets 160 and 160' must be provided according to the positions of the fluid inflow lines 181 and 182.

[89] On the other hand, the flanges 310 of HGS. 19 through 22 can be fixed to the bracket 160' using the bosses 317. Therefore, the flanges 310 are fixed to the bracket 160' using the bosses 317 regardless of whether the fluid inflow lines 181 are located on first sides of the flanges 310 or on the lower sides of the flanges 310. Consequently, the flanges 310 allow the multi-planar pressure transmitter 300 to be fixed to one type of bracket 160' only, irrespective of the positions of the fluid inflow lines 181 or 182.

[90] FlG. 23 is a schematic front view illustrating one flange according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FlG. 24 is a sectional view illustrating the flange of FlG. 23. Each flange 410 is provided with a first fluid channel 412 on one side thereof, and a third fluid channel 412' on the other side thereof, wherein the third fluid channel 142' connects a fluid inflow line 181' to an opening 411. Due to the third fluid channel 142', each flange 410 of the multi-planar pressure transmitter has a T- fluid channel. Specifically, on the basis of the opening 411 of each flange 410, the opposite sides of each flange 410 are provided with the first and third fluid channels 412 and 412', and the lower side of each flange 410 is provided with a second fluid channel 413. Each flange 410 is provided with three coupling faces consisting of first coupling faces 414 and 415 on the opposite sides thereof and a second coupling face 416 on the lower side thereof. The first coupling faces 414 and 415 are parallel to each

other, and are perpendicular to the second coupling face 416.

[91] The first, second and third fluid channels 412, 413 and 412' of each flange 410 are located in three directions when the multi-planar pressure transmitter is vertically installed. Therefore, irrespective of the directions in which the fluid inflow lines 181, 181' or 182 are located, the flanges 410 can be easily connected with the fluid inflow lines 181, 181' or 182 without a separate adaptor or various types of brackets.

[92] In the drawings and specification, typical exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, and although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and are not for the purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Industrial Applicability

[93] As described above, according to the present invention, the multi-planar pressure transmitter can be vertically installed without a separate adaptor or various types of brackets, irrespective of the positions of the fluid inflow lines.