MODULAR SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING A HOUSING

An explosion-proof housing, preferably of the ‘flameproof enclosure’ protection type, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of, preferably cast, wall modules.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the field of explosion-proof housings.

BACKGROUND

Explosion-proof housings can in particular be designed according to the ‘flameproof enclosure’ protection type. This prevents an explosion that is ignited by a working fluid inside the housing from penetrating to the outside and igniting the atmosphere around the housing. For this purpose, an opening of the housing can be closed by a flame arresting filter. Examples of such flame arresting filters can be derived from DE 10 2014 116 149 A1. The flame arresting filter can, for example, be welded to the edge of the opening, or be integrally joined thereto in another manner, as is apparent from DE 10 2017 112 149 A1 and DE 10 2017 122 957 A1. DE 10 2017 112 147 A1 describes a pressure relief body that is cast into a housing wall.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide a concept by way of which an explosion-proof housing can be produced easily and cost-effectively.

Disclosed is an explosion-proof housing, the housing including at least one wall module of a modular system for producing the housing. Also disclosed is an explosion-proof housing, the housing including at least one wall module of a modular system for producing the housing. Also disclosed is a modular system for producing an explosion-proof housing.

The explosion-proof housing according to the invention is preferably designed according to the ‘flameproof enclosure’ protection type. The housing can in particular satisfy a corresponding standard, for example the standard IEC/EN 60079-1 (protection type Ex d) or a corresponding US standard.

The housing comprises at least one module of a modular system for producing the housing.

Embodiments of the housing preferably comprise multiple (at least two) wall modules, which can also be referred to as segments. Cast wall modules are preferred. As an alternative or in addition, it is possible to use sheet metal parts, in particular formed sheet metal parts, as wall modules, or wall modules made of formed sheet metal parts. Mixed forms are possible, in which a wall module is made of at least one cast body and at least one sheet metal part. The sheet metal part can, for example, close an opening in the cast body in a flameproof manner.

In addition, a module according to the invention, for example a, preferably cast, wall module, is provided for an explosion-proof housing according to the invention.

According to the invention, a modular system for producing an explosion-proof housing according to the invention comprising at least one kind (type) of module is also provided. Embodiments of the modular system according to the invention can comprise a planar support element, serving as the module. A module can, for example, be a cast wall module or a wall module formed of sheet metal. The modular system can, for example, comprise at least one kind of elongated support elements, which can be arranged to form a frame. Embodiments of the modular system which, as an alternative or in addition, comprise at least one frame-shaped support element, which forms a module of the modular system, are possible. At least one kind of planar or elongated or frame-shaped support element can form an angle. As an alternative or in addition, the modular system can comprise at least one kind of planar or frame-shaped support element, which can be flat.

In addition, a method for producing an explosion-proof housing is provided. The method includes the steps of providing modules, for example wall modules that are cast or formed of sheet metal, and assembling the housing from the modules, for example the wall modules.

Further preferred features and embodiments of the housing, the module, the modular system and/or the method result from the following description:

A wall module can form a side wall, a cover or a bottom. Preferably, one wall module forms, or the wall modules form, side walls.

The wall modules can in particular enclose an interior space of the housing in the circumferential direction or laterally. The housing circumference is preferably closed by means of at least two or at least three or at least four wall modules. The wall modules that close the circumference preferably include at least two or at least three identical (of the same kind) wall modules. The wall modules enclosing the circumference of the interior space preferably belong to no more than three kinds. The kinds are preferably distinguished based on the different designs thereof, the design being cast in embodiments.

At least one wall module of the housing and/or at least one kind of wall module preferably includes a pressure relief opening. This opening can be closed in a flameproof manner by a pressure relief element. Publications cited above provide examples of possible flameproof pressure relief elements (also referred to as flame arresting filters) and the attachment thereof. The pressure relief element can be cast into the wall module, for example. Flameproof means that the closure does not allow any gas or particles to pass that is or are so hot that an explosive atmosphere outside the housing could become ignited. Rather, gaps present in the connecting site are so long, and additionally so narrow, that the gas and particles cool so much, while passing through the gaps, that the gas and the particles would not be able to ignite the atmosphere. The pressure relief element preferably allows gas exchange through the pressure relief opening, for example to ensure pressure equalization between the interior space of the housing and the outside surrounding area in the event of an explosion. The pressure relief element has open pores for this purpose, which preferably form flameproof gaps. At least one other wall module can be free of a pressure relief opening.

Preferably, at least one side of the housing is closed by a plate-shaped element. The element can, for example, form a bottom or a cover of the housing to close the bottom side or the upper side of the housing.

At least one wall module preferably comprises an alignment structure, which cooperates with a mating alignment structure of an element, in particular of a plate-shaped element, used to close the housing so as to arrange the wall module in the correct position relative to the element. At least one wall module preferably comprises at least one protrusion, for example a pin, and/or a recess, which is used to arrange the wall module in the correct position with respect to the element, in particular the plate-shaped element, and/or to connect the plate-shaped element to the wall module. In the assembled housing, the protrusion is preferably arranged in a recess in the element and/or a protrusion of the element is arranged in a recess of the wall module, the first being preferred when the wall module is cast.

At least one wall module preferably comprises a stabilization extension. The stabilization extension can be a rib or a web or an arm, for example. The stabilization extension extends away from the wall module. The stabilization extension can be used to stabilize the wall module and/or the connection between the wall module and the element. The at least one protrusion can be formed, in particular integrally formed, at the stabilization extension. The stabilization extension, and preferably also the protrusion, are preferably integrally formed at the wall module, in particular seamlessly connected in one piece to the wall module. When the stabilization extension, and possibly also the protrusion, are formed as part of the casting process of the wall module, subsequent attachment of the stabilization extension or of the protrusion is dispensed with.

The element can be connected, for example integrally, in particular welded and/or bonded, to the wall module. For example, the at least one protrusion is integrally connected, in particular welded and/or bonded, to the edge of the recess. The element can in particular be connected to the wall module by plug welding through recesses for the protrusions.

The wall modules are preferably integrally connected among one another. The wall modules can in particular be welded and/or bonded among one another.

When the housing is encapsulated according to the ‘flameproof enclosure’ protection type, existing gaps, which in general lead from the interior space of the housing to the outside, are flameproof. Preferably, a flameproof gap, in particular a flat gap, is defined in the arrangement between the wall modules and the element. The wall modules preferably form a flameproof gap, in particular a flat gap, with the element, in particular the plate-shaped element.

Each of the wall modules preferably comprises a flange section for attaching a further element, in particular the further plate-shaped element. The further element can, for example, form the cover or the bottom. The flange section is preferably seamlessly connected in one piece to the wall module. The flange section is preferably created as part of the casting process for producing the wall module.

The flange sections are preferably integrally connected, in particular welded and/or bonded, among one another.

After the wall modules have been connected among one another, the arrangement of the flange sections can be face-milled to form a flat gap between the flange sections and the element.

The further element can be attached to the flange sections, for example by means of a screw, clamping, weld and/or bonded joint or another form-locked, force-fit and/or integral connection.

While the housing, in principle, can have any arbitrary shape, which results from the arrangement of the wall module, the housing is preferably a polyhedron, in particular a prism, for example a cuboid having edges not of equal lengths or a cube.

Embodiments in which lateral edges of the housing form part of wall modules. Preferably, at least one of the wall modules includes at least one or only one edge of the housing, at least in sections.

Preferably, at least two wall modules are not attached to one another by way of a, or at a, lateral edge, that is, jointly forming an edge, if necessary together with the weld and/or bonded seam. Rather, the weld seam and/or bonded seam are preferably formed next to the edge in the circumferential direction, in particular parallel to the edge, at a distance from the edge of the housing. The weld and/or bonded seam is preferably a sealing seam to be able to dispense with ensuring a flameproof gap in the connection of the wall modules. The connection between the wall modules is completely closed by way of the sealing seam.

A wall module can comprise two wall sections that are angled with respect to one another, wherein the length of a wall section is preferably genuinely larger than the length of the second wall section. The wall sections abut in an imaginary manner at an edge of the housing. This edge (lateral edge) is consequently formed by a single wall module. The wall sections are preferably seamlessly connected in one piece to one another, and are particularly preferably produced during the casting production process of the wall module.

Two wall modules can in particular be welded and/or bonded to one another by way of a butt joint or a butt seam. The wall modules can be oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly, with respect to one another.

The modular system can, for example, comprise at least one, at least two, or only two, or at least three, or only three different kinds of side wall modules to enclose the interior space in the housing circumferential direction. For example, the kinds of wall modules can be distinguished according to size, shape and/or equipment. In particular, the kinds of wall modules can, for example, be distinguished according to the cast size or the cast shape. Some kinds of wall modules, for example one kind of wall module or two kinds of wall modules, can be equipped with pressure relief openings, while another kind of wall module, for example, does not include a pressure relief opening, that is, is free of pressure relief openings.

In the modular system according to the invention, exactly one kind or exactly two kinds of wall modules can in each case comprise at least one or exactly one vertical lateral edge of the housing and/or one or exactly one kind of wall module which is free of a vertical lateral edge of the housing.

In embodiments, a module can comprise a frame-shaped base body, which surrounds at least one opening that is closed in a flameproof manner by means of at least one sheet metal part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows an exemplary embodiment of a housing10according to the invention. The housing10comprises four vertical circumferential sides11ato11d. The housing10comprises a bottom12and a cover13. The illustrated exemplary embodiment of the housing10is cuboid having differently long edges or is cube-shaped. The housing10comprises four parallel vertical lateral edges14ato14d.

FIGS. 2ato 2dshow an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement15of four wall modules16ato16daccording to the invention of which the housing10according toFIG. 1is composed.

The arrangement15according toFIGS. 2ato 2dis assembled from four cast wall modules16ato16d, which enclose the interior space17of the housing10in the circumferential direction or laterally. The circumferential direction is defined in a horizontal plane. The cast wall modules16ato16dform the vertical circumferential side walls of the housing10. In principle, the wall modules16ato16dor individual wall modules can also be produced, in particular pressed, from sheet metal. The bottom12is formed by a plate-shaped element19. The cover13(not shown inFIGS. 2ato 2d) is likewise formed by a plate-shaped element20.

The housing10is assembled from two different kinds21,22of wall modules of a modular system. A first kind21of wall module of the modular system is characterized by comprising pressure relief openings24.1(for example, as shown, four pressure relief openings24.1or in the case of the third kind23of wall modules according toFIGS. 5ato 5d, for example, six pressure relief openings24.3) and by the dimension of the wall modules of the kind21. This kind21of wall modules is shown separately inFIGS. 3ato 3d. Each of the pressure relief openings24.1is closed in a flameproof manner by one or more gas-permeable pressure relief elements25.1.

Three identical wall modules16ato16c, that is, three specimens of the first kind21of wall module of the modular systems, are arranged so as to abut one another.

A second kind22of wall module (shown separately inFIGS. 4ato 4c) of the modular system does not include a pressure relief opening, but is otherwise identical to the first kind21of wall module, at least with respect to the outer shape and/or the dimensions.

A specimen of the second kind22of wall module belongs to the arrangement15according toFIGS. 2ato 2d. Embodiments of the arrangement15or of the housing10which comprise exactly two or exactly four specimens of the first kind21or of the second kind22of wall module are possible.

The first kind21of wall module according toFIGS. 3ato 3dcomprises a planar first wall section26.1. The wall module comprises a second wall section27.1, which is angled with respect to the first wall section26.1, for example angled perpendicularly. The first wall section26.1and the second wall section27.1abut, in an imaginary manner, an edge that is formed by a vertical lateral edge14a,14b,14c,14dof the housing10. On the opposite side, the wall modules of the first kind21do not comprise a lateral edge14a,14b,14c,14dof the housing. Rather, this edge forms part of a further specimen of a wall module of the same kind21or of the second kind22, which belongs to the arrangement15. The first wall section26.1and the second wall section27.1are seamlessly connected in one piece to one another. The casting mold (tool) is preferably designed accordingly to generate the wall modules of the first kind21with the first wall section26.1and the second wall section27.1.

The wall module21of the first kind of wall module comprises a flange section30.1. The flange section30.1is arranged so as to be angled transversely, for example perpendicularly, to the first wall section26.1and the second wall section27.1. The flange section30.1and the first wall section26.1and the second wall section27.1are seamlessly connected in one piece to one another. The casting mold is accordingly designed to generate the first wall section26.1, the second wall section27.1and the flange section30.1in a way in which these are integrally formed with one another.

Stabilization extensions31.1are integrally formed at the first wall section26.1. The stabilization extensions31.1are seamlessly connected in one piece to the first wall section26.1during the production of the wall module21.1by casting. These stabilization extensions31.1in the form of ribs extend away from the first wall section26.1, and more particularly away from the inner side32.1of the first wall section26.1, that is, in the arrangement15into the interior space17of the housing10. Protrusions33.1are arranged at each stabilization extension31.1. The protrusions33.1are preferably integrally formed at the stabilization extension31.1, particularly preferably formed during casting of the wall module21. The protrusions33.1can also be connected to the stabilization extensions31.1in another manner, for example by a weld joint or a bonded joint. However, integrally forming the protrusions33.1during casting is clearly preferred since these are used to arrange the wall modules16ato16din the correct position relative to one another, relative to the bottom element16and the connection of the bottom element16to the wall modules16ato16d.

The flange section30.1is connected, on the one hand, directly to the first wall section26.1and, on the other hand, via further rib-like stabilization extensions34.1to the first wall section26.1. The further stabilization extensions34.1are seamlessly connected in one piece to the first wall section26.1and to the flange section30.1.

Edge sections35.1,36.1,37.1at the first wall section26.1, at the second wall section27.1and at the flange section30.1are designed to be integrally joined, in particular welded, to corresponding edge sections of an abutting wall module. The edge sections35.1,36.1,37.1can, for example, comprise a chamfer, as shown. The edge section38.1of the wall element21can be used for integral joining, in particular joining by welding, to the bottom plate19.

As is apparent fromFIG. 3c, the pressure relief element25.1is preferably cast into the wall module21to close the pressure relief openings24.1. Integral casting eliminates a subsequent connection of the pressure relief element25.1to the wall module21. The pressure relief element25.1can, for example, be a mesh or a mesh arrangement, for example a woven mesh or a laid mesh or, for example, a random fiber body.

The second kind of wall modules22that are identical among one another according toFIGS. 4ato 4cdiffers from the first kind of wall modules21that are identical among one another according toFIGS. 3ato 3cin that no pressure relief openings are present. Otherwise, the shape, in particular the dimensions, of the cast further wall modules according to the second kind is identical. As a result, the description of the first kind21of wall module can thus otherwise be used to describe the second kind of wall module22, in particular the first wall section26.2, second wall section27.2, flange section30.2, stabilization extensions31.2, further stabilization extensions34.2, protrusions33.2thereof that are seamlessly connected in one piece to one another.

The third kind of wall modules23that are identical among one another, which is shown inFIGS. 5ato 5s, is preferably not to be connected to a further wall module23of the third kind across the corners. Rather, lateral edges14ato14dof the housing10are preferably exclusively intended to be formed by a wall module21of the first kind or a wall module22of the second kind of wall module. The wall modules of the first kind21and of the second kind22form these wall sections26.1and27.1or26.2and27.2that are angled with respect to one another, which abut in an imaginary manner at a lateral edge of the housing, so that the relevant lateral edge is formed by a single wall module21or22. In this way, wall modules do not have to be welded and/or bonded across the corners, but can be connected to one another by way of a butt joint.

The third kind of wall module23differs from the first kind of wall module21in the dimension and the absence of a second wall section. The description of the first kind21of wall modules can otherwise be used to describe the third kind23of wall module. In particular, the third kind23can include pressure relief openings24.3, as is apparent by way of example fromFIGS. 5ato 5c. The first wall section26.3, the stabilization extensions31.3, the further stabilization extensions34.3as well as the flange section30.3are preferably, for example as illustrated, seamlessly integrally formed in one piece. The protrusions33.3can likewise be integrally formed at the stabilization extension31.3during casting of the wall module23. As an alternative, the protrusions31.3can have been subsequently attached to the stabilization extensions31.3.

Using the exemplary embodiment of the modular system according to the invention comprising only three different wall modules21,22,23, it is possible to produce housings10of different sizes, as is apparent fromFIGS. 1a, 6aand 6b, which show the arrangements15of wall modules. Exemplary embodiments of the modular system according to the invention comprising only two different kinds, for example the first kind21and second kind22or the first kind21and third kind23or the second kind22and third kind23, are possible.

The procedure during the production of an explosion-proof housing10, for example of the housing10according toFIG. 1, can be carried out as follows, for example:

Preferably cast wall modules16ato16dare provided. If a housing10according toFIG. 1ais to be produced, two different kinds21,22of wall modules are needed, and more particular three wall modules21of the first kind, which each include pressure relief openings24.1, and one wall module22of the second kind, which has the same size, but does not include any pressure relief openings. Explosion-proof, in particular flameproof, cable feedthroughs can be introduced into one or more wall modules, in particular those without pressure relief opening, to electrically contact components in the interior space17of the housing10, which can form ignition sources. To enclose an interior space17of the housing10in the circumferential direction by way of the preferably cast wall elements16ato16d, the wall modules16ato16dare arranged to form a cuboid configuration of side walls, and more particular so that the pins33.1,33.2are guided through recesses40in the plate19, which can form the bottom12of the housing10, as is apparent fromFIG. 2c. In this way, the wall modules16ato16dcan be easily correctly positioned relative to the plate19and to one another. As an alternative or in addition to pins formed at the wall modules16ato16d, corresponding pins can be formed at the plate19, which can form the bottom or a rear wall, the pins engaging in recesses in the wall modules16ato16d. The wall modules16ato16dcan also easily be correctly positioned relative to the plate19using such an alignment device.

The plate19is connected to the wall modules16ato16dby way of plug weld spots through the recesses40in the plate19. In the process, a weld joint is created, in particular between the plate19and the pins33.1,33.1. It may be necessary to close a gap between the wall modules16ato16dand the plate19by way of a circumferential weld and/or bonded seam, that is, to form a sealing seam.

The wall modules16ato16dare connected among one another at the butt joint sites by butt seams, in particular weld and/or bonded seams. These are preferably sealing seams, so as not to have to ensure a flameproof gap between the abutting wall modules16ato16d. The edge sections35.1,35.2,36.1,36.2,37.1,37.2, which are provided with chamfers, of the first wall sections26.1,26.2, the second wall sections27.1,27.2and the flange sections30.1,30.2of the wall modules16ato16dare used for this purpose. As a result of the chamfers, the edge sections35.1,35.2,36.1,36.2,37.1,37.2form V-shaped recesses between abutting wall modules so as to form the butt joints for connecting the wall modules16ato16d.

As in the illustrated exemplary embodiments, at least two wall modules16ato16dare preferably not attached to one another by way of a or at a lateral edge14ato14dof the housing10, that is, jointly, if necessary by way of the weld and/or bonded seam, forming a lateral edge14ato14d. Rather, the weld seam and/or bonded seam are preferably formed next to the lateral edge14ato14d, in particular parallel to the lateral edge14ato14d, at a distance from the lateral edge14ato14d.

Feet41can be attached to the bottom plate19at the corners, for example by welding (FIG. 1c). An arrangement as shown inFIG. 2dis obtained. The weld seams are not shown separately inFIG. 2d. InFIG. 1, weld seams between wall modules and between the wall modules and the bottom plate19are assigned reference numeral42.

To be able to reliably close the housing10, the flange formed by the at least four connected flange sections30.1,30.2in the illustrated exemplary embodiments is preferably face-milled. Threaded boreholes43can be introduced into the flange, or other connecting means can be provided, to connect the cover plate20to the flange so as to close the housing10. A flameproof flat gap is preferably formed between the flange surface and the cover plate20.

The threaded boreholes43are preferably blind holes, which can extend into the further stabilization extensions34.1,34.2, however without penetrating into the interior space17of the housing10. In this way, on the one hand, high stability of the connection of the element20for forming the housing cover13is achieved, so as to allow the housing10to be reliably closed and, on the other hand, an explosion-proof threaded gap is prevented from having to be formed at this location.

Housings10having different sizes can be produced from cast and/or formed parts by way of the modular system according to the invention, without having to provide a dedicated casting mold or forming tool for each size of the housing10. In addition, it is less expensive to transport the individual wall modules16ato16hto the manufacturer of the housing10, than when a cast housing body has to be transported, which forms four circumferential sides11ato11d, for example. It is particularly easy to arrange and fix the wall modules16ato16hin a correct position at a plate19, for example a bottom plate19, when pins or other protrusions33.1,33.2,33.3and corresponding recesses40are present in the plate19for fixing the wall modules16ato16h. A housing10can be produced particularly cost-effectively by way of the modular system according to the invention when plate material (in particular commercially available standardized semi-finished product) is used for the housing bottom12and the housing cover13. The individual wall modules16ato16hare preferably integrally joined among one another and to one or both plate-shaped elements19,20, in particular by welding, bonding, or both combined. The wall modules16ato16hare preferably made of metal, in particular aluminum or steel, or plastic. As an alternative to cast wall modules16ato16h, it is possible to use formed sheet metal parts as wall modules16ato16hor wall modules made of formed sheet metal parts.

FIG. 7ashows an exemplary embodiment of a base body50as a module of a modular system according to the invention. Together with a closing element51a,51b, the module50can form a wall module52.FIG. 7bshows an example of such a closing element51aof the wall module52.FIG. 7cshows a further example of a closing element51b.FIG. 8shows a perspective view of the rear of a housing10composed of wall modules52of the type assembled from the base body50and closing elements51a,51baccording toFIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c. The wall module52is an example of a wall module that is produced from at least one cast base body50and at least one sheet metal part51a,51b. Such a base body50can include at least one opening53a,53bto save weight, which can be closed in a flameproof manner by way of the one closing element50a,50b.

The base body50has an angled or L-shaped configuration. As an alternative, the base body50can be planar and, if necessary, comprise a connecting shoulder. For example, the edge sections35.1,36.1,37.1of the embodiment according toFIGS. 1 to 6bform a connecting shoulder at a planar wall module. It is also possible to provide a U-shaped base body.

The types of closing element50a,50bfor closing the openings53a,53bcan have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the base body50, for example an L shape. As an alternative, multiple openings53a,53bcan each be closeable by a planar closing element50a,50b. The closing elements51a,51bcan be attachable to the outside of the base body or arrangeable in the base body. Further embodiments make both possible. The closing element50aaccording toFIG. 7bdoes not include any openings in the region for closing the openings in the base body. The closing element50baccording toFIG. 7cincludes a pressure relief opening54, which is to be closed by a flameproof pressure relief body54in the case of a housing10in the form of a flameproof enclosure.

The base body50preferably comprises an alignment structure55, for example a borehole55, by way of which the base body50can be aligned relative to an adjoining base body50and/or prefixed thereon, for example by way of a screw joint, so as to align the arrangement of the modules50, and subsequently fix the alignment, for example by way of weld and/or bonded joints. As is illustrated inFIG. 8, the wall modules52are arranged next to one another in pairs in an extension direction, here the height direction. Each pair encloses a section of the housing interior space in a U-shaped manner in the extension direction. By varying the number of pairs that are arranged next to one another, it is possible to produce housings10having different heights, and thus housings10having different inside volumes.

The modules50of a pair can, for example, be welded and/or bonded to one another at the abutting surfaces. The modules50abutting one another in a row direction can, for example, be welded and/or bonded to one another at the abutting surfaces. The weld and/or bonded seams form sealing seams so that no flameproof gap, for example a flat gap, has to be ensured at the abutting surfaces. The plate-shaped elements56, which form the bottom and the upper side of the housing10, are also preferably connected to the abutting modules50by sealing seams. The front side of the housing10, on which the housing10rests inFIG. 8, can be closed by a closing element, wherein a flameproof gap is formed between the closing element and the housing10. As is apparent fromFIG. 8, all base bodies50of the front row in the view are closed by closing elements50bof the type according toFIG. 7c, wherein the pressure relief opening in the closing element51bis closed by a flameproof, gas-permeable pressure relief element57. The pressure relief element57is preferably arranged on the interior space side of the closing element51bso as to be pushed from the inside against the closing element51bin the event of an explosion. As an alternative, it is possible to directly close an opening in the base body50by a pressure relief body57, without interposing a closing element. Other base bodies50of the housing can be closed by way of closing elements50aof the type according toFIG. 7bwhen a pressure relief element is not required at the corresponding site of the base body50. The pressure relief elements57, or also25.1,25.3(seeFIG. 1), can be protected against soiling, in particular the clogging of pores, by dust and/or moisture by way of a protective element (not shown), the protective element being destroyed and/or ruptured during an explosion so as to expose the fluidic connection between the interior space17of the housing10and the surrounding area through the pressure relief elements57or25.1,25.3.

FIG. 9illustrates a housing10according to the invention, the circumference of which is assembled from corner modules60and surface modules61made of sheet metal, which are welded and/or bonded to one another, forming sealing seams62. The sealing seams62are in each case configured parallel to the adjoining round edge63of the housing10. A corner joint, which forms the edge, is thereby avoided so as to achieve particularly high explosion resistance. The sealing seams62connect adjoining modules60,61by way of a lap joint (see section inFIG. 9). As an alternative, adjoining modules60,61can be connected to one another at the butt joint.

While the figures show cuboid housings10, embodiments of the modular system according to the invention can also be suitable for producing housing shapes that differ from the cuboid shape. In such embodiments, the outer sides of mutually abutting wall modules can, for example, include an angle of 90°, for example to be able to produce an L-shaped or U-shaped housing.

The concept according to the invention is in particular suitable for modules made of steel, aluminum or plastic.

An explosion-proof housing (10), preferably of the ‘flameproof enclosure’ protection type, is provided, wherein the housing10is assembled from multiple (at least two) wall modules (16ato16h) of a modular system comprising one or more module types.