Pneumatic Module for a Gas Analysis Device, Production Method and Computer Program Product

Abstract

A method for producing a pneumatic module, a gas analysis device comprising at least one such pneumatic module, a computer program product via which the operating characteristics of a corresponding pneumatic module can be simulated, wherein the pneumatic module serves to adjust a fluid flow and is deployable in the gas analysis device and includes a support sleeve and a flow module that is contained in the support sleeve, where the flow module is connected at a first end thereof to the support sleeve in order to achieve greater measuring accuracy of the gas analysis device.

Claims

1. A pneumatic module for adjusting a fluid flow in a gas analysis device, comprising: a support sleeve; and a flow module which is contained in the support sleeve; wherein the flow module is connected at a first end thereof to the support sleeve to achieve greater measuring accuracy of the gas analysis device.

2. The pneumatic module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow module is connected in one of a non-detachable manner and detachable manner to the support sleeve in the region of a first end of the flow module.

3. The pneumatic module as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second end of the flow module opens into an interior chamber of the support sleeve.

4. The pneumatic module as claimed in claim 2, wherein a second end of the flow module opens into an interior chamber of the support sleeve.

5. The pneumatic module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support sleeve is configured, in the region of the first end of the flow module, for assembly into the gas analysis device.

6. The pneumatic module as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support sleeve is configured, in the region of the first end of the flow module, for assembly into the gas analysis device.

7. The pneumatic module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the support sleeve is configured, in the region of the first end of the flow module, for assembly into the gas analysis device.

8. The pneumatic module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support sleeve is formed as a single part or from multiple parts.

9. The pneumatic module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support sleeve is configured to be closed in a region of a second end of the flow module.

10. The pneumatic module as claimed in claim 9, wherein the support sleeve is configured to be closed by a cover fixed in a non-detachable manner in the region of the second end of the flow module.

11. The pneumatic module as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of (i) the flow module and (ii) the support sleeve is produced at least partially from a metallic material.

12. The pneumatic module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow module has at least one of (i) a minimum inner diameter of 1μ to 2.0 mm and (ii) a wall thickness of up to 5.0 mm.

13. The pneumatic module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow module is formed as a pinch throttle.

14. A method for producing a pneumatic module for a gas analysis device, the method comprising: a) providing a support sleeve and a flow module; b) inserting the flow module into an interior chamber of the support sleeve; c) producing a non-detachable connection between the support sleeve and the flow module in the region of a first end of the flow module; wherein at least one of said inserting and producing is performed automatically.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the pneumatic module comprises a support sleeve and a flow module which is contained in the support sleeve; and wherein the flow module is connected at a first end thereof to the support sleeve to achieve greater measuring accuracy of the gas analysis device.

16. A gas analysis device comprising: a conduction block having a plurality of channels; wherein at least two channels are connected together via an exchangeable pneumatic module; wherein the pneumatic module comprises a support sleeve and a flow module which is contained in the support sleeve; and wherein the flow module is connected at a first end thereof to the support sleeve to achieve greater measuring accuracy of the gas analysis device.

17. A computer program product for the simulation of operating characteristics of a pneumatic module into which a fluid flow is fed; wherein the computer program product comprises a representation of the pneumatic module; wherein the pneumatic module comprises a support sleeve and a flow module which is contained in the support sleeve; and wherein the flow module is connected at a first end thereof to the support sleeve to achieve greater measuring accuracy of the gas analysis device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to individual embodiments in figures. The figures are to be considered mutually complementary in that identical reference signs have the same technical significance in different figures. The features of the individual embodiment can also be combined with each other. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the figures can be combined with the features outlined above, in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section of a first embodiment of the pneumatic module in accordance with the invention;

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section of a second embodiment of the pneumatic module in accordance with the invention;

[0028] FIG. 3 shows an oblique view of a third embodiment of the pneumatic module in accordance with the invention;

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a partially transparent oblique view of an embodiment of part of a gas analysis device in accordance with the invention; and

[0030] FIG. 5 schematically shows a sequence of an embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a structure of a first embodiment of the inventive pneumatic module 10 in a longitudinal section. The pneumatic module 10 comprises a support sleeve 20 with an interior chamber 21 that is formed therein and in which a flow module 30 is arranged along a main axis 15 of the support sleeve 20. The support sleeve 20 itself is formed as a single part. The flow module 30 is configured as a pinch throttle 33 and has a constriction 36 in a central region. The flow module 30 is connected in the region of a first end 32 to the support sleeve 20 via a non-detachable connection 22 that is formed as a connection with a material bond. The first end 32 of the flow module 30 is arranged in a first section 26 of the support sleeve 20 such that a fluid flow 12 can enter in an assembled state of the pneumatic module 10. The fluid flow 12 flows through the flow module 30 and emerges into the interior chamber 21 of the support sleeve 20 at a second end 34 of the flow module 30. As a result of the flow module 30, the interior chamber 21 of the support sleeve 20 at least sectionally takes the form of a circumferential thin intermediate space 23. An outlet opening 48 is formed in the first section 26 of the support sleeve 20 and extends in an essentially radial direction relative to the main axis 15. The fluid flow 12 emerges via the outlet opening 46 in an active operating state of the pneumatic module 10. Furthermore, in the first section 26 of the support sleeve 20, a thread 24 is formed on an exterior surface of the support sleeve 20 and allows the pneumatic module 10 to be assembled into a conduction block 42 (not shown) of a gas analysis device 40. Furthermore, a sealing structure 48 is arranged in the first section 26 of the support sleeve 20. In the region of the second end 34 of the flow module 30, a cover 35 is arranged at a free end 17 of the support sleeve 20 and therefore of the pneumatic module 10. The cover 35 is likewise connected to the support sleeve 20 with a non-detachable connection 22. The support sleeve 20 is configured to be closed by the cover 35.

[0032] The support sleeve 20 ensures that the flow module 30 is shielded mechanically against the environment. The flow module 30 is likewise shielded against any heat input 45 from the environment. In order to ensure the mechanical and thermal shielding of the flow module 30, the support sleeve 20 has a sufficient sleeve wall thickness 47 and the flow module 30 has a wall thickness 37. The support sleeve also has a maximum outer diameter 19. This ensures adequate mechanical stability of the support sleeve 20, which also allows safe handling of the pneumatic module 10 but is compact at the same time. Accordingly, the flow module 30 is delicately formed and has a wall thickness 37 of up to 5 mm and/or a minimum inner diameter 38 of 1 μm to 2.0 mm. Furthermore, the non-detachable connection 22 between the support sleeve 20 and the flow module 30 is compact in structure. The support sleeve 20 therefore acts partially as a heat sink and the effect on the flow module 30 of a heat input 45 from the environment is reduced.

[0033] Both the support sleeve 20 and the flow module 30 are produced from a metallic material. The respective materials are selected so as to form an advantageous material pairing with respect to weldability. The non-detachable connection 22 is produced automatically via laser welding. Heat input into the flow module 30 is minimized and distortion of the flow module 30 is prevented thereby during the production of the pneumatic module 10. The pneumatic module 10 can therefore be produced precisely with increased process reliability. The pneumatic module 10 is represented by a computer program product 60 that is formed as a so-called digital twin. The computer program product 60 is configured to simulate the operating characteristics of the pneumatic module 10. In particular, it is possible thereby to simulate the characteristics of the fluid flow 12 as it flows through the pneumatic module 10.

[0034] A second embodiment of the inventive pneumatic module 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2 in a longitudinal section parallel to the main axis 15 thereof. The pneumatic module 10 comprises a support sleeve 20 with an interior chamber 21 which is formed therein and in which a flow module 30 is arranged along a main axis 15 of the support sleeve 20. The support sleeve 20 comprises a first section 26 and an adjoining second section 28. The first and second sections 26, 28 are connected together at a joining point 29 and are produced from respectively different metallic materials. The joining point 29 takes the form of a connection with a material bond. The flow module 30 is formed as a pinch throttle 33 and has a constriction 36 in a central region. The flow module 30 is connected in the region of a first end 32 to the first section 26 of the support sleeve 20 via a non-detachable connection 22 which takes the form of a connection with a material bond. The first end 32 of the flow module 30 is arranged in the first section 26 of the support sleeve 20 such that a fluid flow 12 can enter in an assembled state of the pneumatic module 10. The flow module 30 can be connected to the first section 26 of the support sleeve 28 during production. The second section 28 of the support sleeve 30 can then be connected to the first section 26. The handling of the flow module 30 during production is thereby further simplified.

[0035] The fluid flow 12 flows through the flow module 30 and emerges into the interior chamber 21 of the support sleeve 20 at a second end 34 of the flow module 30. As a result of the flow module 30, the interior chamber 21 of the support sleeve 20 at least sectionally takes the form of a circumferential thin intermediate space 23. An outlet opening 48 is formed in the first section 26 of the support sleeve 20 and extends in an essentially radial direction relative to the main axis 15. The fluid flow 12 emerges via the outlet opening 46 in an active operating state of the pneumatic module 10. Furthermore, in the first section 26 of the support sleeve 20, a thread 24 is formed on an exterior surface of the support sleeve 20 and allows the pneumatic module 10 to be assembled into a conduction block 42 (not shown) of a gas analysis device 40. Furthermore, a sealing structure 48 is arranged in the first section 26 of the support sleeve 20. In the region of the second end 34 of the flow module 30, the support sleeve 20 is configured to be closed at a free end 17. In contrast with the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cover 35 thereof is omitted in the embodiment of FIG. 2.

[0036] The support sleeve 20 ensures that the flow module 30 is shielded mechanically against the environment. The flow module 30 is likewise shielded against any heat input 45 from the environment. In order to ensure the mechanical and thermal shielding of the flow module 30, the support sleeve 20 has a sufficient sleeve wall thickness 47 in its second section 28. The support sleeve also has a maximum outer diameter 19 in its second section 28. This ensures adequate mechanical stability of the support sleeve 20, which also allows safe handling of the pneumatic module 10 but is compact at the same time. Accordingly, the flow module 30 is delicately formed and has a wall thickness 37 of up to 5 mm and/or a minimum inner diameter 38 of 1 μm to 2.0 mm. Furthermore, the non-detachable connection 22 between the support sleeve 20 and the flow module 30 is compact in structure. The support sleeve 20 therefore acts partially as a heat sink and the effect on the flow module 30 of a heat input 45 from the environment is reduced.

[0037] Both the support sleeve 20 and the flow module 30 are produced from a metallic material. The respective materials are selected so as to form an advantageous material pairing with respect to weldability. The non-detachable connection 22 is produced automatically via laser welding. Heat input into the flow module 30 is minimized and distortion of the flow module 30 is prevented thereby during the production of the pneumatic module 10. The pneumatic module 10 can therefore be produced precisely with increased process reliability. The pneumatic module 10 is represented by a computer program product 60 that is configured as a so-called digital twin. The computer program product 60 is configured to simulate the operating characteristics of the pneumatic module 10. In particular, it is possible thereby to simulate the characteristics of the fluid flow 12 as it flows through the pneumatic module 10.

[0038] A third embodiment of the inventive pneumatic module 10 is illustrated in an oblique view in FIG. 3. The pneumatic module 10 comprises a support sleeve 20, which extends essentially along a main axis 15. The support sleeve 10 has a first section 26, which is configured to introduce a fluid flow 12 into the pneumatic module 10. The first section 26 is provided with retaining projections and shoulders, which allow assembly into a conduction block 42 (not shown) of a gas analysis device 40. For the purpose of fixing the pneumatic module 10 in the gas analysis device 40, it is inserted into the conduction block 42 in an assembly direction 41. With the retaining projections and shoulders, the first section 26 of the support sleeve 20 is configured as a compressed-air connection interface 39. An outlet opening 46 through which a fluid flow 12 emerges during operation of the pneumatic module 10 is also formed in the first section 26. In a second section 28 of the support sleeve 20, which adjoins the first section 26, a tool extension 44 is formed in the region of a free end 17. The tool extension 44 is angular, in particular having six sides, so that the pneumatic module 10 can be gripped by a tool at the tool extension 44 for the purpose of assembly or disassembly. A flow module 30 (not shown) through which the incoming fluid flow 12 flows is contained in the support sleeve 20. In contrast with the fluid flow 12 entering, the fluid flow 12 emerging from the outlet opening 46 exhibits a total pressure drop. The interior of the pneumatic module 10 can be configured as per FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. The pneumatic module 10 can likewise be simulated in its operating characteristics by a computer program product 60 (not shown). The computer program product 60 is formed as a so-called digital twin.

[0039] FIG. 4 schematically shows part of an embodiment of an inventive gas analysis device 40. The gas analysis device 40 comprises a conduction block 42 in which a plurality of channels 43 are formed. The channels 42 are voids within the conduction block 42. For greater clarity, the conduction block 42 is illustrated in a transparent manner in FIG. 3. In addition to this, a plurality of pneumatic modules 10 are detachably held in the conduction block 42, i.e., they can be non-destructively detached therefrom. A first pneumatic module 10.1 is connected to a channel 43 which is formed as a feed channel 52 and through which a fluid flow 12 is guided into the first pneumatic module 10.1. After flowing through the first pneumatic module 10.1, the fluid flow 12 emerges via a channel 43 that serves as an outlet channel 54. The feed channel 52 is connected to the outlet channel 54 via the first pneumatic module 10.1 accordingly. The channels 43 are similarly connected via the further pneumatic modules 10. By virtue of the channels 43 being formed as voids in the conduction block 42, they are resilient against influences from the environment, in particular mechanical influences. The pneumatic modules 10, 10.1 are similarly resilient against mechanical and thermal influences from the environment. The pneumatic modules 10, 10.1 can be formed in accordance with the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 and have correspondingly reduced dimensions.

[0040] The channels 43 have diameters that are adapted to the dimensions of the pneumatic modules 10, 10.1. The conduction block 42 is correspondingly compact in structure. This allows greater miniaturization of the associated gas analysis device 40 at the same time as increased resilience. Furthermore, the pneumatic modules 10, 10.1 have support sleeves 20 that are formed as identical parts. The pneumatic modules 10, 10.1 can therefore be mutually exchanged. The pneumatic modules 10 can be exchanged easily, and therefore repair of the gas analysis device 40 is accelerated. Furthermore, the conduction block 42 can be deployed as an identical part for different structural types of gas analysis device 40. The conduction block 42 can be adjusted with respect to its fluid-mechanical characteristics by providing different pneumatic modules 10, 10.1, the pneumatic modules 10, 10.2 differing by virtue of their respective flow modules 30. That part of the gas analysis device 40 shown in FIG. 5 therefore realizes a modular concept for different structural types of gas analysis device 40. Furthermore, the operating characteristics of at least one pneumatic module 10, 10.1 can be simulated during operation of the gas analysis device 40 via a computer program product 60 that is formed as a digital twin of the respective pneumatic module 10, 10.1.

[0041] A sequence of an embodiment of the inventive method 100 is shown schematically in FIG. 5. The method 100 relates to the production of a pneumatic module 10 which is configured for use in a gas analysis device 40 (not shown). The method 100 comprises a first step 110, in which a support sleeve 20 and a flow module 30 are provided for use as workpieces for the pneumatic module 10. In a second step 120 following thereupon, the flow module 30 is inserted into an interior chamber 21 of the support sleeve 20. The insertion is made through an opening at a free end 17 of the support sleeve 20. In the region of a first end 32, the flow module 30 fits tightly in a first section 26 of the support sleeve 20 and is oriented so as to guide a fluid flow 12 into the interior chamber 21 of the support sleeve 20. The first section 26 of the support sleeve 20 is situated at an opposite end of the support sleeve 20 to the free end 17. Thus the flow module 20 reaches a designated assembly position in the second step 120. The second step 120 is performed automatically, in particular via a robot.

[0042] The method 100 further comprises a third step 130 that follows thereupon and in which a non-detachable connection 22 is produced between the support sleeve 20 and the flow module 30. The non-detachable connection 22 is formed as a connection with a material bond and cannot be detached without destruction. The non-detachable connection 22 is formed in the region of the first end 32 of the flow module 30. The third step 130 is likewise performed automatically, in particular via a robot. The third step 130 is followed by a fourth step 140, in which a cover 35 is provided and positioned at the free end 17 of the support sleeve 20. The opening at the free end 17 of the support sleeve 20 is closed by the cover 35. A non-detachable connection 22 between the cover 35 and the support sleeve 20 is also produced in the fourth step 140. Following the fourth step 140, the method 100 reaches an end state 200 in which the pneumatic module 10, having been produced in this way, is available. The pneumatic module 10 that has been produced via the method 100 is represented in a computer program product 60 (not shown) which is suitable for simulating the operating characteristics thereof.

[0043] Thus, while there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the methods described and the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.