Outlet nozzle for a centrifuge bowl, nozzle insert, centrifuge bowl, mounting tool, and method for mounting an outlet nozzle

Abstract

An outlet nozzle (40) for a centrifuge bowl (60) comprises a nozzle insert (10) and a nozzle holder (30). The nozzle insert (10) can be exchangeably fixed, in particular clamped, in the nozzle holder (30), and the outlet nozzle (40) has a flow channel (11) which determines the exit angle (δ) of the outlet nozzle (40), said flow channel (11) of the outlet nozzle (40) being formed, in particular, by the nozzle insert (10).

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. An outlet nozzle (40) for a centrifuge bowl (60), comprising: a nozzle insert (10); and a nozzle holder (30), wherein the nozzle insert (30) is fixed exchangeably in the nozzle holder (30), and wherein the outlet nozzle (40) has a flow channel (11), which determines an exit angle (δ) of the outlet nozzle (40).

17. The outlet nozzle (40) according to claim 16, wherein the nozzle insert (30) is clamped in the nozzle holder (30).

18. The outlet nozzle (40) according to claim 16, wherein the flow channel (11) of the outlet nozzle (40) is formed by the nozzle insert (10).

19. The outlet nozzle (40) according to claim 16, wherein the flow channel (11) is formed to be free from edges and/or corners and/or separating joints.

20. The outlet nozzle (40) according to claim 16, wherein the outlet nozzle (40) does not have a nozzle brick.

21. The outlet nozzle (40) according to claim 16, wherein a wall (17) of the flow channel (11) is formed as a completely defined 3D freeform surface.

22. The outlet nozzle (40) according to claim 16, wherein the nozzle insert (10) has a positioning element (29) which is positioned in a positioning opening (32) of the nozzle holder (30) when in a state fixed within the nozzle holder (30).

23. The outlet nozzle (40) according to claim 22, wherein the positioning element (29) is a positioning pin.

24. The outlet nozzle (40) according to claim 22, wherein the positioning opening (32) of the nozzle holder (30) is formed as a part of a positioning channel (33), and wherein a component of a tool (80) is inserted or insertable in a further positioning opening (34) of the positioning channel (33).

25. The outlet nozzle (40) according to claim 16, wherein the nozzle holder (30) has an external thread (36) for connecting to a centrifuge bowl (60).

26. A nozzle insert (10) for an outlet nozzle (40) according to claim 16, wherein the flow channel (11) of the nozzle insert (10) forms the flow channel (11) of the outlet nozzle (40), which determines the exit angle (δ) of the outlet nozzle (40).

27. A centrifuge bowl (60) with a bowl wall (61) having a plurality of circumferentially distributed openings (62) for receiving outlet nozzles (40), wherein at least one of the outlet nozzles (40) is formed according to claim 16.

28. The centrifuge bowl (60) according to claim 27, wherein in an area of the openings (62), recesses (65) each are formed opposite to a direction of rotation (D) on an external bowl surface (64), which recesses constitute contact edges (66) and/or contact surfaces (67) for a tool (80).

29. A method for mounting an outlet nozzle (40) into a centrifuge bowl (60), comprising the steps of: a) providing the centrifuge bowl (60) according to claim 27; b) providing the outlet nozzles (40); c) attaching a tool (80) to one of the outlet nozzles (40), namely to the nozzle holder (30) of the one of the outlet nozzles (40); d) screwing in the one of the outlet nozzles (40) into one of the plurality of circumferentially distributed openings (62) of the bowl wall (61) until a defined positioning depth is reached.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein step b) comprises mounting a nozzle insert (10) into the nozzle holder (30).

31. The method according to claim 29, further comprising step e), in which the tool (80) is removed after performing step d), wherein the tool (80) can only be removed if the outlet nozzle (40) is correctly positioned within the opening and the tool (80) is accordingly positioned in relation to contact edges (66) and/or contact surfaces (67) of the bowl wall (61).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] The invention will be explained below in more detail using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawings.

[0062] FIG. 1a shows a cross-section through a possible embodiment of a nozzle insert.

[0063] FIG. 1b is a perspective view of a nozzle insert.

[0064] FIG. 1c shows a cross-section through an outlet nozzle.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a nozzle holder.

[0066] FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b are a sectional as well as a perspective representation with respect to a tool for mounting and dismounting an outlet nozzle.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a sectional representation with respect to an outlet nozzle attached to a tool.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a representation with respect to an outlet nozzle to be inserted into a centrifuge bowl.

[0069] FIG. 6a is a representation with respect to a plurality of outlet nozzles inserted into a centrifuge bowl.

[0070] FIG. 6b is a sectional representation of a lower bowl part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be used for identical parts or parts of identical action.

[0072] FIG. 1a shows a cross-section through a possible embodiment with respect to a nozzle insert 10. This nozzle insert 10 serves for forming an outlet nozzle 40. For this purpose, the nozzle insert 10 is fixed within a nozzle holder 30 (see FIG. 1c in this context).

[0073] The nozzle insert 10 has a channel 11. This channel 11, when in the state inserted into the nozzle holder 30, forms the flow channel of the outlet nozzle 40. The channel 11 of the nozzle insert 10 thus is the flow channel of the outlet nozzle 40.

[0074] An inlet opening 12 can likewise be recognized. An outlet opening 13 is moreover indicated. In the state illustrated in FIG. 1a, the outlet opening 13 is closed. The process of opening the outlet opening 13 is performed by a ledge 16 being cut to length. Due to various possibilities of cutting to length of the ledge 16, different diameters can be formed with respect to the outlet opening 13.

[0075] In other words, the outlet opening 13 is formed by the sectional surface 19 through the spherical cavity 20.

[0076] Both the inlet opening 12 and the outlet opening 13 have a circular cross-section. The diameter of the inlet opening 12 is larger than the diameter of the outlet opening 13. The wall 17 forming the channel 11 is in particular formed as a completely defined 3D freeform surface. Due to that, the channel 11 is formed without any corners. Furthermore, no further elements, such as, e.g., nozzle bricks, are present within the channel 11 or the nozzle insert 10.

[0077] The 3D freeform surface, such as it is defined in conjunction with a CAD program, is in particular defined by a front guide curve 14 and a rear guide curve 15. As the front guide curve 14, the guide curve is designated, which in the state of use of the nozzle insert 10 is in the direction of rotation D of a bowl arranged in front, thus first in the direction of rotation. As the rear guide curve 15, the guide curve is designated, which in relation to the direction of rotation is arranged or formed behind the front guide curve 14.

[0078] In the illustrated example, the inlet opening 12, through which the material, to be separated, of the centrifuge bowl enters the outlet nozzle 40, is formed to be eccentrical to the substantially cylindrical external surface 18 of the nozzle insert 10. The front guide curve 14 as well as the rear guide curve 15 each start at the inlet opening 12 and terminate at the outlet opening 13. Both the front and the rear guide curves 14 and 15 each are formed of a plurality of guide curves. The section through the nozzle insert 10 illustrated in FIG. 1a is formed to be perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a centrifuge bowl. Accordingly, the sectional plane illustrated in FIG. 1a corresponds to a top view of a nozzle insert 10 in a case of application.

[0079] The front partial guide curve 12 is formed to be at an angle α to the X-axis. The rear partial guide curve 22 is formed to be at an angle β to the X-axis. The X-axis is a parallel to the inlet opening edge 23. The X-axis represents a horizontal line in relation to the axis of rotation of the bowl.

[0080] In the illustrated example, the angle α is 4°. The angle β is 11° in the illustrated example. In general, it applies that the angle β preferably is larger than the angle α. The angle β in particular is at least twice the angle α.

[0081] The axis 24 runs through the center of the outlet opening 13. Together with the perpendicular extension to the cap surface 25, the axis 25 forms the exit angle γ. In the depicted example, the angle γ is 17.5°. In other words, the exit direction of a solid substance or a jet of solid substance is 17.5° to the horizontal axis of the outlet nozzle 40.

[0082] The angles ε of the radially situated partial guide curves 26 and 27 leading to the outlet opening 13, each are tangentially 15° relative to the axis 24 of the outlet opening 13. The partial guide curves 26 and 22 and the partial guide curves 27 and 21 are connected to one another by means of differently sized curve sections. The radius 1 (R1), for example, is 12 mm, whereas the radius 2 (R2) is 7 mm.

[0083] As can be recognized in particular in FIG. 1b, two grooves 28 are formed on the external surface 18 of the nozzle insert 10. Sealing elements, in particular O-rings can be inserted into these groves 28. On the cap surface 25, a positioning element 29, namely a positioning lug is moreover formed. It is formed to be eccentrical to the longitudinal axis which is a perpendicular to the inlet opening 12 or the inlet opening edge 23.

[0084] In FIG. 1c, the nozzle insert 10 is illustrated in the state inserted into the nozzle holder 30. Sealing rings 31 are illustrated within the grooves 28. The positioning element 29 is inserted into a positioning opening 32 of a positioning channel 33 or positioned there. The positioning channel has a further positioning opening 34. As illustrated in FIG. 2, this positioning opening 34 is situated on a planar surface of the nozzle holder 30. The nozzle holder 30 moreover comprises an external thread 36. By means of this external thread 36, the outlet nozzle 40 can be screwed into an opening of a centrifuge bowl.

[0085] It can be recognized in FIG. 1c that the outflow direction A of the solid substance flowing out solely is defined by the channel 11 of the nozzle insert 10. In other words, the nozzle insert channel 11 corresponds to the flow channel of the outlet nozzle 40. The exit angle δ of the outlet nozzle 40 corresponds to the exit angle γ of the nozzle insert 10.

[0086] In FIG. 2, guiding elements 37 of the nozzle holder 30 can moreover be recognized. The guiding elements 37 are in particular formed as dovetail-like guiding elements. These are formed to be complementary to clamping elements of a tool. The guiding elements 37 enable the nozzle holder 30 to be pushed into a tool. Due to the guiding elements 37, a defined orientation of the nozzle holder 30 in relation to a tool is in particular enabled.

[0087] In FIGS. 3a and 3b, a possible embodiment with respect to a tool 80 is illustrated. In FIG. 3a, a partial sectional view is illustrated in this case in the longitudinal direction.

[0088] On a mounting surface 81, a spring-loaded latching element 82 can first be recognized. In addition, a further latching element 83 is formed. The further latching element 83 may be formed in the shape of a cylinder pin or threaded pin. The mounting surface 81 relates to the surface of the tool 80 getting into contact with the outlet nozzle 40 to be mounted (see FIG. 4 in this context).

[0089] Clamping elements 84 can likewise be recognized. The clamping elements 84 are formed in the shape of two clamping lugs for forming a dovetail-like guide. The height of the clamping elements 84 determines the positioning depth of the outlet nozzle 40. Once the clamping elements 84 abut against a recess bottom (see FIG. 5) of a centrifuge bowl, the outlet nozzle 40 cannot be inserted further into the bowl wall. The clamping elements 84 are formed to be complementary to the guiding elements 37 of the nozzle holder 30. Together with the spring-loaded latching element 82, the further latching element 83 and the clamping elements 84, the mounting surface 81 form a tool head 86. The tool head 86 is formed on a rod 87. At the further end of the rod 87, an actuating handle 85 is formed. At this end of the rod 87, a marking 89 can moreover be recognized. For removing an outlet nozzle 40, the nozzle must be facing upward. In other words, the marking 89 serves as a position indicator. In the illustrated example, this marking 89 is formed as a kind of indentation. A laser inscription, color marking, etc. are conceivable, as well.

[0090] In FIG. 4, the cooperation between the tool 80 and the outlet nozzle 40, in particular with the nozzle holder 30, is illustrated.

[0091] The spring-loaded latching element 82 is inserted into the further positioning opening 34 of the positioning channel 33. In this case, it is the positioning channel 33, within which the positioning element 29 of the nozzle insert 10 is also inserted. The mounting surface 81 of the tool head 86 of the tool 80 rests upon the planar surface 35 of the nozzle holder 30. The spring-loaded latching element 82, the further latching element 83, and the hereto complementary openings of the outlet nozzle 40 are formed such that solely the spring-loaded latching element 82 is insertable into the positioning channel 33, and the further latching element 83 is not insertable. Thus, the nozzle holder 30 is arranged in an exact and clearly defined position in relation to the tool 80.

[0092] In FIG. 5, a centrifuge bowl 60 having a bowl wall 61 is illustrated at least in sections. The bowl wall 61 has openings 62. In the openings 62, internal threads 63 are formed in turn. Into the internal threads 63, the external thread 36 of a nozzle holder 30 can be inserted.

[0093] In the area of the openings 62, recesses 65 are formed on the external bowl surface 64 each opposite to the direction of rotation D. The recesses 65 form contact edges 66 and contact surfaces 67. The contact edges 66 serve as contact edges for the tool 80, in particular for the tool head 86. It can be recognized that, when an outlet nozzle 40 is completely screwed in, the clamping elements 84 of the tool 80 rest upon contact surfaces 67 which can also be designated as recess bottom. The outlet nozzle 40 then cannot be screwed further into the centrifuge bowl 60. The positioning depth of the outlet nozzle 40 is thus defined by the height of the clamping elements 84.

[0094] In FIG. 5 it can be recognized in a very clear manner that the tool 80, due to the dovetail-like guide and the contact edges 66 being formed, can solely be inserted and extracted in a completely defined insertion and extraction direction E. Accordingly, it is also possible for the outlet nozzle 40 to become exactly positioned even without a direct view of the centrifuge bowl 60. The centrifuge bowl 60 usually is situated under a hood that is difficult to access (not illustrated). Due to the defined insertion and extraction direction E and the likewise defined positioning depth, the installing technician is not required to have an unrestricted view of the opening 62.

[0095] In FIGS. 6a and 6b, several outlet nozzles 40 positioned within the bowl wall 61 are illustrated. It can be recognized that all of the outlet nozzles 40 are exactly positioned with respect to the exit angle δ. All of the outlet nozzles 40 are situated on a common circumferential line of the centrifuge bowl 60.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0096] 10 nozzle insert

[0097] 11 channel

[0098] 12 inlet opening

[0099] 13 outlet opening

[0100] 14 front guide curve

[0101] 15 rear guide curve

[0102] 16 ledge

[0103] 17 wall

[0104] 18 external surface

[0105] 19 sectional surface

[0106] 20 spherical cavity

[0107] 21 front partial guide curve

[0108] 22 rear partial guide curve

[0109] 23 inlet opening edge

[0110] 24 axis of the center of the outlet opening

[0111] 25 cap surface

[0112] 26, 27 partial guide curves

[0113] 28 groove

[0114] 29 positioning element

[0115] 30 nozzle holder

[0116] 31 sealing ring

[0117] 32 positioning opening

[0118] 33 positioning channel

[0119] 34 further positioning opening

[0120] 35 planar surface

[0121] 36 external thread

[0122] 37 guiding element

[0123] 40 outlet nozzle

[0124] 60 centrifuge bowl

[0125] 61 bowl wall

[0126] 62 opening

[0127] 63 thread

[0128] 64 external bowl surface

[0129] 65 recess

[0130] 66 contact edge

[0131] 67 contact surface

[0132] 80 tool

[0133] 81 mounting surface

[0134] 82 spring-loaded latching element

[0135] 83 further latching element

[0136] 84 clamping element

[0137] 85 actuating handle

[0138] 86 tool head

[0139] 87 rod

[0140] 89 marking

[0141] A outflow direction

[0142] D direction of rotation of the bowl

[0143] E insertion/extraction direction

[0144] R1, R2 connecting radii of partial guide curves

[0145] α angle of the front partial guide curve

[0146] β angle of the rear partial guide curve

[0147] γ exit angle

[0148] δ exit angle of the outlet nozzle

[0149] ε angle