Patent Publication Number: US-2022240397-A1

Title: Module of an explosion-proof housing

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a National Stage Application of PCT/EP2020/063041, filed on May 11, 2020, which claims the benefit of German Application No. 102019113194.4, filed on May 17, 2019, the contents each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to the field of explosion-proof housings, in particular according to the ‘flameproof enclosure’ protection type (Ex d). 
     BACKGROUND 
     Explosion-proof housings are known from the prior art. For example, DE 10 2017 112 159 A1 discloses a housing comprising a housing wall including inner cavities, which contribute, on the one hand, to relieving pressure in the interior space and, on the other hand, to increasing the deformation resistance of the housing wall. 
     There is a need for an improved concept for producing a housing having a vented interior space. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     To solve the problem, a module for producing a housing, the housing surrounding an interior space suitable for accommodating components that can form ignition sources, the module establishing at least one module interior space, which is fluidically connected to the interior space of the housing through a connection opening. 
     The module according to the invention forms a module type of a modular system according to the invention for producing a housing. The housing can in particular be designed according to the ‘flameproof enclosure’ protection type. Such housings must withstand an ignition of an explosive gas mixture taking place in the housing&#39;s interior space and the subsequent increase in pressure. Moreover, the housings must be designed in such a way that no flames or particle embers acting as ignition sources are able to make their way to the outside. In the event that gaps are present, these must have a minimum length and must not exceed a maximum width. Housing openings can be provided with gas-permeable, but flameproof pressure relief bodies, which are also referred to as flame arresting filters and prevent an explosion ignited in the housing from penetrating to the outside and igniting an explosive mixture present in the environment. The housing surrounds an interior space, which is intended to accommodate components that can form ignition sources. 
     The module establishes at least one module interior space, which is fluidically connected via a connection opening to the interior space of the housing. The connection opening can be part of the module. As an alternative or in addition, the module interior space can be fluidically connected to the interior space of the housing via a connection opening of a further module. 
     According to the invention, a method for producing a housing comprising the module and a modular system comprising at least one module are also provided. 
     Further advantageous features of the module according to the invention, of the housing according to the invention, of the method according to the invention, as well as of the modular system according to the invention can be derived from the following description: 
     The module interior space can be closed with respect to the surrounding area of the housing. As an alternative, the module interior space, when the housing has been produced, is fluidically connected to the surrounding area of the housing via at least one venting opening of the housing. 
     The wall surfaces of the module interior space act in a heat-absorbing manner, so that the module interior space helps to reduce pressure peaks, and thus to reduce mechanical stresses of the housing wall. The module interior space can be connected to the interior space via one or more connection openings. The module interior space acts as a cooling and pressure relief volume, whereby the pressure peak during an explosion in the interior space is mitigated. The module interior space preferably has a larger surface-to-volume ratio than the interior space of the housing so that penetrating gases are cooled better than in the interior space. 
     The module can comprise a base element, which holds at least one wall element delimiting the module interior space. The base element can be L-shaped (angled) or U-shaped, for example. The base element can be frame-shaped. The base element can be a casting. The at least one wall element can be a sheet metal element. The module interior space can be delimited between at least two wall elements, which are arranged on one side of the base element or on opposite sides of the base element (for example an inner side with an outer side). 
     Preferably, multiple modules of the modular system, for example multiple (at least two) identical modules (multiple specimens of the same type) and/or modules of different types can be arranged in succession, so as to form an assembled channel made of fluidically contiguous module interior spaces. The module interior spaces themselves are preferably channel-shaped, elongated. For example, the modules can be arrangeable in a row to form the channel. In the case of modules that are arranged in succession, as is intended by the modular system, ports of the module interior spaces are preferably aligned with respect to one another. The ports can, in particular, be aligned flush with one another. The ports can abut one another. In this way, it is particularly easy to connect the module interior spaces to form the assembled channel. 
     The module can comprise a connection opening. The connection opening is preferably closed in sections, or completely, by a gas-permeable pressure relief body. In any case, gas is preferably able to flow through the pressure relief body into the module interior space. The pressure relief body preferably has narrow pores and/or gaps, which prevent flame propagation. This prevents gas already present in the module interior space from igniting, which mitigates the explosion and further reduces the pressure peak. Regardless of whether or not the pressure relief body is flameproof, such a pressure relief body can withdraw heat from gas flowing through, and additionally cool this gas, if necessary, through expansion, for example as a result of the Joule-Thomson effect and/or through adiabatic expansion and/or through the ability thereof to absorb heat. These effects help to reduce the volume, and thus to relieve pressure. 
     The pressure relief body can, for example, be a wire gauze sintered body, a random fiber body, an otherwise sintered body, metallic or ceramic foam, or the like. The pressure relief body comprises open-pored material, that is, gas is able to pass through the pressure relief body through gaps in the pressure relief body, with heat being given off to the pressure relief body in the process. 
     In addition, a housing is provided, produced by way of at least one of the modules according to the invention. The housing preferably includes a venting opening, which fluidically connects the module interior space to the surrounding area of the housing. A venting opening is preferably provided on at least one end of the channel that is formed through at least one module interior space or through multiple (at least two) assembled module interior spaces. A port opening of a module interior space is preferably directed at the venting opening of the housing. The port opening of a module interior space can be aligned with the venting opening. The port opening can abut the venting opening. In embodiments, the port opening can form a venting opening of the housing. 
     It is possible for the connection openings not to be closed in a flameproof manner, so that an explosion in the interior space, in principle, can result in the ignition of gas in the intermediate volume, formed by the one or more, possibly assembled, module interior spaces. Nevertheless, and in particular when the connection openings are closed by gas-permeable pressure relief bodies, the intermediate volume helps to reduce pressure. When the module interior spaces communicate via venting openings, these must be closed in a flameproof manner if the housing is supposed to be flameproof. If, in contrast, the connection openings are flameproof so as to separate the housing interior space from the module interior spaces in a flameproof manner, the venting openings do not necessarily have to be closed in a flameproof manner. However, they can still be closed in a flameproof manner to prevent an explosion of gas in the module interior space from rolling over into the surrounding area. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further exemplary features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the figures. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a housing according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a further perspective view of the housing according to  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3 a    shows sub-modules of a wall module of a modular system for producing, for example, the housing according to  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of a housing; 
         FIG. 5  shows a top view onto a side the housing according to  FIGS. 1, 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows the top view according to  FIG. 4 , including venting openings closed by pressure relief bodies; 
         FIG. 7  shows an example of a wall module, assembled from two sheet metal modules; 
         FIG. 8 a    shows a first sheet metal module for the wall module according to  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 8 b    shows a second sheet metal module for the wall module according to  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a housing  10  according to the invention that is designed to be explosion-proof, preferably according to the ‘flameproof enclosure’ protection type (for example, Ex d according EN 60079-0). The housing  10  is composed of wall modules  11  of a modular system according to the invention for producing the housing  10 .  FIG. 2  shows a different perspective view of the housing  10 , looking at the rear side  12  of the housing  10 . 
       FIG. 3 a    shows a specimen of a module type  11  of the modular system.  FIGS. 3 b , 3 c , and 3 d    show different elements (sub-modules) of the module type  11 . 
     The module  11  is a wall module, which separates the interior space  13  of the housing  10 , which is provided for arranging components that can form ignition sources, from the surrounding area  14  of the housing  10 . The module  11  forms at least one section of the wall of the housing  10 . The module  11  is angled or L-shaped. Other embodiments of modules according to the invention can be U-shaped. Angled or U-shaped modules can include an edge or an edge section of the housing. In this way, the formation of an edge section by connecting two modules into an edge section can be dispensed with. Still other embodiments can be substantially planar and, possibly, comprise an appendage protruding toward the surface area of the module at an angle for the attachment to an adjoining module. 
     The module  11  can, as illustrated, comprise a frame-shaped base body  15  (see  FIG. 3 b   ) comprising two flat sections  15   a ,  15   b , which form an angle, as a base element. At least one of the sections  15   a ,  15   b  or both sections  15   a ,  15   b  can include a recess  16   a ,  16   b , which is surrounded by an attachment region  17   a ,  17   b . The base body  15  can be a casting. At least one or two rib sections  18   a ,  18   b  of the base body  15  can stabilize the angle of the sections  15   a ,  15   b . The rib sections  18   a ,  18   b  can be arranged on opposite edges of the base body  15 . As shown, the rib sections  18   a ,  18   b  can be connected at opposite ends of the base body by a respective attachment section  19   a ,  19   b . The rib sections  18   a ,  18   b  can include openings  20   a ,  20   b ,  21   a ,  21   b  located opposite one another in pairs, which form ports of one or more (two in the exemplary embodiment shown) module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b.    
     The recess or the recesses  16   a ,  16   b  can be closed by means of one or more first elements  23  in the assembled wall module. The first element or elements  23  can be sheet metal elements, for example.  FIG. 3 c    shows an angled or L-shaped sheet metal element as a first element  23  for closing both recesses  16   a ,  16   b . As an alternative, two separate sheet metal elements can be provided for closing the recesses  16   a ,  16   b . The first element or elements  23  for closing the recess or recesses  16   a ,  16   b  is or are held by the base body  15 . 
     The sheet metal element  23  can be arranged on the outside of the base body  15 , as shown, or on the inside of the base body  15 . The first element or elements  23  can in particular be welded and/or bonded to the base body  15  in the wall module  11 . The sheet metal element  23  can, for example, be welded or bonded to the attachment section or sections  19   a ,  19   b.    
     At least one second sheet metal element  24  can be arranged on at least one section of the first sheet metal element  23 , so as to delimit at least one, for example channel-like, module interior space  22   a ,  22   b , for example having a rectangular cross-section, together with the first sheet metal element  23 . The wall module  11  accordingly includes a module interior space  22   a ,  22   b  delimited from the housing interior space  13 . The second sheet metal element  24  is arranged adjoining the first sheet metal element  23  on the inner side of the base body  15 . Embodiments in which both the first sheet metal element  23  and the second sheet metal element  24  are arranged on the outer side are possible. Embodiments in which both the first sheet metal element  23  and the second sheet metal element  24  are arranged on the inner side of the base body  15  are possible. 
     So as to form at least one channel-shaped module interior space  22   a  together with the first sheet metal element  23 , the second sheet metal element  24  can comprise at least one or more (for example two, as shown) raised beads  25   a ,  25   b . These raised beads  25   a ,  25   b  form the flat channels  22   a    22   b  together with the opposite first sheet metal element  23 . Embodiments in which the sheet element  24  arranged on the inner side is free of beads, and the first sheet metal element  23  arranged on the outer side comprises beads, are possible. Embodiments in which both the first sheet metal element and the second sheet metal element  23 ,  24  comprise beads, are possible, which can be arranged adjoining one another so as to form two halves of a channel-shaped interior space  22   a ,  22   b.    
     At least one or each of the raised beads  25   a ,  25   b  can include a connection opening  26   a ,  26   b . The connection opening  26   a ,  26   b  connects the housing interior space  13  to the module interior space  22   a ,  22   b.    
     The connection opening  26   a ,  26   b  can be closed by a pressure relief body  27   a ,  27   b . This means that gas, in order to pass the connection opening  26   a ,  26   b , has to flow through the pressure relief body  27   a ,  27   b  first, during the process or afterwards, so as to flow from the interior space  11  of the housing  10  into the module interior space  22   a ,  22   b . The pressure relief body  27   a ,  27   b  can be flameproof and consequently close the connection opening  26   a ,  26   b  in a flameproof manner, so that hot gas and/or particles from the interior space  13  of the housing  10  can enter the module interior space  22   a ,  22   b  only in such a cooled state that gas present in the module interior space  22   a ,  22   b  is not ignited. In other embodiments, the closure of the connection opening  26   a ,  26   b  by the pressure relief body  27   a ,  27   b  is not flameproof. The pressure relief body  27   a ,  27   b  has open pores, which in embodiments form gaps that are so narrow and so long that flame propagation through the gaps is prevented. Due to the large pore surface, pressure relief bodies  27   a ,  27   b , regardless of whether or not these are flameproof, can withdraw heat from the flowing gas, and additionally withdraw heat therefrom, if necessary, through expansion, for example as a result of the Joule-Thomson effect and/or through adiabatic expansion. 
     For example, the pressure relief body  27   a ,  27   b  can be composed of multiple wire gauze layers, in particular woven wire cloth layers, which can be connected to one another by sintering to form a solid body. As an alternative, the pressure relief body  27   a ,  27   b  can, for example, have been created from metal particles, in particular metal spheres, ceramic spheres or the like, by sintering. In embodiments, a random fiber body can form a pressure relief body  27   a ,  27   b.    
     The channel-shaped elongated module interior space  22   a ,  22   b , formed between the two sheet metal elements  23 ,  24 , can, for example, be connected at both ends to a respective port opening  20   a ,  20   b  or  21   a ,  21   b  in the rib section  18   a ,  18   b.    
     The connection of the second sheet metal element  24  to the base body  15  can also be carried out by way of bonding and/or welding, for example. If the module interior space  22   a ,  22   b  is to be separated from the housing interior space  13  in a flameproof manner, weld and/or bonded seams between the first sheet metal element  23  and the base body  15 , and the second sheet metal element and the base body, are preferably sealing seams to be able to dispense with a flameproof gap (Ex gap) in place of the sealing seam. 
     As is apparent from  FIGS. 1 and 2, 2  specimens of the above-described module type  11  in each case surround a section of the interior space  13  of the housing  10  in a U-shaped manner. By varying the number of such pairs of modules  11  in an extension direction (for example height), it is possible to produce differently sized housings  10  by way of the wall module type  11  according to  FIG. 3 a   . In the illustrated exemplary embodiment according to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , four pairs of specimens of the described wall module type  11  are arranged successively in a row. These successively arranged pairs of base bodies  15  form a frame-shaped housing base body, which is partially closed by means of the sheet metal elements  23 ,  24 . 
     In principle, other module types can also form part of the modular system, for example a further module type can be a variant of the first module type, as shown in  FIG. 3 a   . This can essentially be composed in the same manner as the module type  11  according to  FIG. 3 a   . However, in the case of this module type or in the case of the variant of the first module type  11 , the arrangement of a second sheet metal element  24  for forming module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b  can be dispensed with, so that this module type does not establish a module interior space  22   a ,  22   b.    
     In the exemplary embodiment of the housing  10 , each of the two parallel rows of wall modules  11  forms at least one flow channel, two flow channels in the exemplary embodiment shown, which is formed in each case of the channel sections  22   a ,  22   b  of the modules  11  of the row that are fluidically connected to one another in the longitudinal direction or row direction. The channels or module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b  of the module extend in the row direction so that, when the modules  11  are arranged in succession, the port openings  20   a ,  20   b  or  21   a ,  21   b  are automatically arranged so as to abut one another in a flush manner. This makes it particularly easy to connect the module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b  to form a contiguous channel, since this occurs as part of the connection of mutually abutting modules  11 . This is illustrated in  FIG. 4  based on a side view of a row of two wall modules  11  abutting in the row direction. The progression of the module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b  extending in the row direction, which are flush with one another when the walls modules  11  are arranged next to one another, is illustrated with dotted lines. 
     Modules  11  that abut one another within a pair and/or modules  11  that abut one another in the row direction can, for example, be welded and/or bonded to one another to form the housing  10 . The butt seams between modules  11  abutting one another in a pair or in a row direction can, for example, be welded by means of a submerged arc welding method. Sealing seams are preferably formed between the wall modules  11  of the pairs and/or between the wall modules  11  abutting in the row direction, for example of the type according to  FIG. 3 a   . These can be weld seams and/or bonded seams. A flameproof gap in this location is replaced with the provision of a sealing seam. 
     In embodiments of the modular system, the modules  11 , according to a method according to the invention for producing a housing  10 , can be arranged to form the housing  10  and/or a housing section and can be aligned in pairs and/or by row sections, before the alignment is fixed, for example, by means of bonding and/or welding and/or screwing together. The base body can include an alignment device for this purpose, for example boreholes  34  in the rib sections. In addition or as an alternative to the compensation for relatively rough tolerances, it is possible to ensure by means of the alignment, preferably based on the alignment device, that port openings  20   a ,  20   b ,  21   a ,  21   b  of module interior spaces of abutting modules  11  abut one another in correct positional arrangement so as to form a contiguous channel made of module interior spaces  20   a ,  20   b ,  21   a ,  21   b.    
     As is apparent from  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the interior space  13  of the housing  10  surrounded in a U-shaped manner by the row of pairs is closed at both ends of the row by a respective plate-shaped element  30 ,  31 . The plate-shaped elements  30 ,  31  can be welded and/or bonded to the wall modules  11 , forming sealing seams. The plate-shaped elements  30 ,  31  can both terminate the channels, formed of the module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b , with respect to the surrounding area  14 . The channels thus form an interior pressure relief volume, which is not connected to the surrounding area  14  of the housing  10 . 
     In preferred embodiments, at least one of the plate elements  30 ,  31 , preferably at least the upper plate element  31  when the housing is in use, includes openings  32   a - d  or recesses or cut-outs, to which the flow channels are connected with the port opening  20   a ,  21   a  thereof of the modules  11  in the last row, so as to form venting openings  33   a - 33   d  for the flow channels. This is illustrated in  FIG. 5 , which shows a top view onto the upper side of the housing  10  according to  FIGS. 1 and 2  in a state in which the port openings  20   a ,  21   a  of the wall modules  11  of the uppermost row are visible through which openings  32   a - d  in the plate-shaped element  31 . These port openings  20   a ,  21   a  form the port openings of the channel assembled from module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b , which abut the venting openings  33   a - 33   d  in a flush manner or form these. The plate element  31  can form a module of the modular system, which is dimensioned so that the port openings  20   a ,  21   a  of the module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b  of the abutting modules  11  abut the openings  32   a - d  in the plate element  31 , when the plate element  31  is arranged at the row of pairs of modules  11 . The venting openings  33   a - 33   d  are preferably closed in a flameproof manner (see  FIG. 6 ), for example by gas-permeable pressure relief bodies  35   a - d  welded onto the openings  32   a - d , the pressure relief bodies being flameproof. The pressure relief bodies can be protected against environmental influences, such as dirt and/or moisture, by means of a protective element, to prevent pores of the pressure relief body from becoming clogged with dirt and/or moisture. In the event of an explosion in the interior space of the housing, the protective element can be automatically ruptured or destroyed, to expose the connection through the venting openings through the gas-permeable pressure relief bodies  35   a - d.    
     In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the modules  11  are arranged in such a way (see  FIG. 1 ) that the module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b  are established in the side walls of the housing  10 . In embodiments, the module  11  shown in  FIG. 3 a    can be (variably) arranged in such a way that, as an alternative or in addition, the module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b  are established in the rear wall  12  of the housing  10 . 
     Housings  10  having different heights can be produced by the module  11  of the modular system according to  FIG. 3 a   . As an alternative or in addition, modules  11  can be provided in modular systems according to the invention by means of which housings  10  having different footprints, different circumferences and/or shapes  10  that differ from the cuboidal shape can be produced. Modules  11  can be configured to not only delimit cuboidal interior spaces  13 , but, for example, to also delimit interior spaces across the corners, for example in an L or U shape. The module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b  can be aligned along an extension direction, for example a length, width or depth extension of the housing. As an alternative or in addition, module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b  can extend in the circumferential direction, for example to form a U-shaped channel. 
     The module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b  are preferably empty, if necessary, with the exception of pressure relief bodies  27   a ,  27   b  arranged therein for closing the connection opening. The empty cavities form absorption chambers for a pressure wave coming from the interior space  13 . The cavities can additionally help to increase the deformation resistance, i.e., to increase the rigidity and load-bearing capacity of the housing wall. 
     If an explosion occurs in the interior space of the housing, the pressure relief bodies  27   a ,  27   b  primarily act as heat sinks. As mentioned, the pressure relief bodies  27   a ,  27   b  do not necessarily have to be designed to be flameproof, in particular when the module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b  are closed with respect to the outside. A propagation of an explosion that occurs in the interior space  13  of the housing  10  into the module interior space  22   a ,  22   b  does not necessarily have to be precluded. For this reason, the pressure relief body  27   a ,  27   b  at the connection opening  26   a ,  26   b  may also be dispensed with or, in any case, may not be flameproof. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure relief body  27   a ,  27   b , however, is not only present in general, but additionally also designed to be flameproof, whereby a propagation of the explosion into the module interior space  22   a ,  22   b  is precluded if an explosion is ignited in the interior space  13 . The module interior space  22   a ,  22   b  thus acts particularly effectively as a pressure sink. An explosion of an appropriate gas mixture ignited in the interior space  13  of the housing  10  propagates via the possibly present pressure relief bodies  27   a ,  27   b , or also via venting openings  26   a ,  26   b  left open, into the module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b , which form cavities in the housing wall. In the process and at the walls of the module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b , the gas mixture undergoes rapid cooling, which results in a volume reduction, and thus a pressure reduction. The ratio of the surface to the volume of the module interior space or spaces  22   a ,  22   b  is preferably considerably greater than the ratio of the surface to the volume of the housing interior space  13 . In this way, and as a result of the action of the possibly present porous pressure relief body  27   a ,  27   b  for closing the connection opening or the connection openings  26   a ,  26   b  in a gas-permeable manner and/or as a result of the venting openings  33   a - 33   d , rapid cooling of the gases heated by the explosion, and thus a considerable pressure reduction, is achieved. It is therefore sufficient when the housing wall is designed with a relatively thin wall thickness in sections. In embodiments, for example, the first element  23  and the second element  24  thus only have sheet metal thickness. 
     The concept according to the invention is in particular suitable for large housings  10  having a housing interior volume of 500 liters or more, or even 1000 liters or more. Nonetheless, the concept can also be used for smaller housings  10 . Due to the connection openings that are distributed in the row direction and form pressure relief openings  26   a ,  26   b , it is possible, in particular in the case of a large housing  10 , when only a partial volume of the gas mixture present in the housing interior space  13  is ignited, to reduce the pressure wave with the aid of at least one pressure relief opening  26   a ,  26   b , and to push unburned gas from the interior space  13  of the housing  10 , through the pressure relief or connection openings  26   a ,  26   b  distributed over the lateral surfaces, into the contiguous intermediate volume, formed by the module interior spaces  22   a ,  22   b , so as not to become ignited. 
     For example, steel, aluminum and/or plastic are materials that can be used for the module  11 . For example, the base body  15  can be produced from gray cast iron, cast steel, or plastic molding. The sheet metal elements  23 ,  24  can be steel, aluminum or plastic sheets, for example. 
       FIG. 6  shows an exemplary embodiment of a wall module  11 ′ of a modular system according to the invention, which is composed of sheet metal parts  36 ,  37 . A first sheet metal part  36  can, as shown (see  FIG. 7 a   ), be angled or L-shaped, for example. In other embodiments, the first sheet metal part  36  can be planar with or without an attachment edge for attaching abutting modules. In other embodiments, the module can be U-shaped. A second sheet metal part  37  (see  FIG. 7 b   ) can comprise at least one raised bead  38 , so as to delimit an elongated module interior space  22  between the first sheet metal part  36  and the second sheet metal part  37 . The module  11 ′ can be connected to a specimen of the same module type to form a pair. Multiple pairs can be arranged in succession in a row direction, wherein module interior spaces  22  abut one another with the port openings thereof so as to form a contiguous channel made of module interior spaces  22 . For example, a connection opening  26  can be provided in the raised bead  38  for fluidically connecting the housing interior space  14  to the module interior space between the raised bead and the first sheet metal part  36 , which can be closed by a gas-permeable pressure relief body. 
     According to the invention, a module  11 ,  11 ′ for producing a housing  10 , in particular a housing  10  of the ‘flameproof enclosure’ protection type, is provided, wherein the housing  10  surrounds an interior space  13 , which is suitable for accommodating components that can form ignition sources. The electrical or electronic components can be connected to conductors of at least one flameproof electrical feedthrough (not shown) to electrically contact the components from outside the housing  10 . The feedthrough can be arranged in a first element  23 , for example. The module  11 ,  11 ′ establishes at least one module interior  22   a ,  22   b , which is fluidically connected via a connection opening  26   a ,  26   b  to the interior space  13  of the housing  10 . The module can be used to produce vented housings having different interior volumes. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 10 
                 housing 
               
               
                   
                 11, 11′ 
                 wall module 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 rear side 
               
               
                   
                 13 
                 interior space 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                 surrounding area 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 base body 
               
               
                   
                 15a 
                 first section 
               
               
                   
                 15b 
                 second section 
               
               
                   
                 16a 
                 recess 
               
               
                   
                 16b 
                 recess 
               
               
                   
                 17a 
                 attachment region 
               
               
                   
                 17b 
                 attachment region 
               
               
                   
                 18a 
                 rib section 
               
               
                   
                 18b 
                 rib section 
               
               
                   
                 19a 
                 attachment section 
               
               
                   
                 19b 
                 attachment section 
               
               
                   
                 20a, 20b 
                 openings 
               
               
                   
                 21a, 21b 
                 openings 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 module interior space 
               
               
                   
                 22a, 22b 
                 module interior space 
               
               
                   
                 23 
                 first element 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 second element 
               
               
                   
                 25a, 25b 
                 raised bead 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 connection opening 
               
               
                   
                 26a 
                 connection opening 
               
               
                   
                 26b 
                 connection opening 
               
               
                   
                 27a 
                 pressure relief body 
               
               
                   
                 27b 
                 pressure relief body 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 plate-shaped element 
               
               
                   
                 31 
                 plate-shaped element 
               
               
                   
                 32a-d 
                 openings 
               
               
                   
                 33a-33d 
                 venting openings 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 borehole 
               
               
                   
                 35a-d 
                 pressure relief body 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 First sheet metal part 
               
               
                   
                 37 
                 Second sheet metal part 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 raised bead