SIDE-CHANNEL MACHINE (COMPRESSOR, VACUUM PUMP OR BLOWER) HAVING AN EXTRACTION DUCT IN THE STRIPPER

Abstract

The invention relates to a side-channel machine having a housing (4a), located in the housing (4a) a side-channel (28) for guiding a gas, and at least one gas inlet opening (34) which is formed in the housing (4a) and is fluidically connected to the side-channel (28). Furthermore, the side-channel machine has at least one gas inlet pipe (29a) which connects to the at least one gas inlet opening (34), The side-channel machine further comprises at least one gas outlet opening (33) and at least one gas outlet pipe (31a) which connects to the at least one gas outlet opening (33). Furthermore, the side-channel machine has an impeller that can be made to rotate in the housing (4a), with impeller blades, which bound impeller cells arranged in the side-channel (28), for delivering the gas in the impeller cells from the at least one gas inlet opening (34) to the at least one gas outlet opening (33). The side-channel machine further has at least one interrupter (39) arranged between the at least one gas inlet opening (34) and the at least one gas outlet opening (33).

Claims

1.-12. (canceled)

13. A side-channel machine, comprising a housing; a side channel located in the housing for conducting a gas; at least one gas intake opening formed in the housing and having a flow connection to the side channel for conducting gas from the exterior the housing into the side channel; a gas intake pipe coupled with the at least one gas intake opening, the gas intake pipe adjoining the side channel substantially at a tangent thereto for a substantially tangential introduction of the gas into the side channel; at least one gas discharge opening disposed in the housing for removing the gas from the side channel; an impeller rotatable in the housing about a rotational axis, the impeller having impeller blades that delimit impeller cells disposed in the side channel for conveying gas located in the impeller cells in the side channel from the at least one gas intake opening to the at least one gas discharge opening; at least one interrupter disposed between the at least one gas intake opening and the at least one gas discharge opening, to prevent gas from being transported from the at least one gas discharge opening to the at least one gas intake opening; and at least one outlet channel disposed in the at least one interrupter for removing the gas enclosed in at least one of the impeller cells adjacent to the at least one outlet channel from the side channel into the at least one gas discharge opening.

14. The side-channel machine of claim 13, further comprising at least one vacuum channel adjoining the at least one outlet channel for vacuuming the gas enclosed in at least one of the impeller cells currently adjacent to the at least one outlet channel out of the side channel into the at least one outlet channel spaced apart from the side channel.

15. The side-channel machine of claim 14, wherein the at least one vacuum channel has an angle over the rotational axis between a downstream entry opening of the at least one vacuum channel in the side channel and an upstream start of the at least one vacuum channel in a range of 90° to 170°.

16. The side-channel machine of claim 15, wherein the angle is in a range of 120° to 140°.

17. The side-channel machine of claim 14, wherein the at least one vacuum channel has a larger cross section area than the at least one outlet channel.

18. The side-channel machine of claim 13, further comprising a gas discharge pipe adjoining the side channel substantially at a tangent thereto for a substantially tangential removal of the gas from the side channel.

19. The side-channel machine of claim 18, wherein the gas discharge pipe expands in a direction downstream of the gas discharge opening.

20. The side-channel machine of claim 13, further comprising a valve coupled to the at least one interrupter, the valve configured to prevent backflow of gas through the gas discharge opening into the at least one outlet channel.

21. The side-channel machine of claim 13, further comprising at least one relief groove disposed in the at least one interrupter, starting from the side channel, wherein a radial depth of the relief groove increases gradually in relation to the longitudinal central axis in the direction of conveyance.

22. A side-channel machine, comprising a housing; a side channel located in the housing for conducting a gas; at least one gas intake opening formed in the housing and having a flow connection to the side channel for conducting gas from the exterior the housing into the side channel; a gas intake pipe coupled with the at least one gas intake opening, the gas intake pipe adjoining the side channel substantially at a tangent thereto for a substantially tangential introduction of the gas into the side channel; at least one gas discharge opening disposed in the housing for removing the gas from the side channel; a gas discharge pipe coupled with the at least one gas discharge opening, the gas discharge pipe expanding in a direction downstream of the gas discharge opening; an impeller rotatable in the housing about a rotational axis, the impeller having impeller blades that delimit impeller cells disposed in the side channel for conveying gas located in the impeller cells in the side channel from the at least one gas intake opening to the at least one gas discharge opening; at least one interrupter disposed between the at least one gas intake opening and the at least one gas discharge opening, to prevent gas from being transported from the at least one gas discharge opening to the at least one gas intake opening; and at least one outlet channel disposed in the at least one interrupter for removing the gas enclosed in at least one of the impeller cells adjacent to the at least one outlet channel from the side channel into the at least one gas discharge opening.

23. The side-channel machine of claim 22, wherein the gas discharge pipe adjoins the side channel substantially at a tangent thereto for a substantially tangential removal of the gas from the side channel.

24. The side-channel machine of claim 22, further comprising at least one vacuum channel adjoining the at least one outlet channel for vacuuming the gas enclosed in at least one of the impeller cells currently adjacent to the at least one outlet channel out of the side channel into the at least one outlet channel spaced apart from the side channel.

25. The side-channel machine of claim 24, wherein the at least one vacuum channel has an angle over the rotational axis between a downstream entry opening of the at least one vacuum channel in the side channel and an upstream start of the at least one vacuum channel in a range of 90° to 170°.

26. The side-channel machine of claim 25, wherein the angle is in a range of 120° to 140°.

27. The side-channel machine of claim 24, wherein the at least one vacuum channel has a larger cross section area than the at least one outlet channel.

28. The side-channel machine of claim 22, further comprising a valve coupled to the at least one interrupter, the valve configured to prevent backflow of gas through the gas discharge opening into the at least one outlet channel.

29. The side-channel machine of claim 22, further comprising at least one relief groove disposed in the at least one interrupter, starting from the side channel, wherein a radial depth of the relief groove increases gradually in relation to the longitudinal central axis in the direction of conveyance.

Description

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the invention shall be described below in an exemplary manner with reference to the attached drawings. Therein:

[0034] FIG. 1 shows an illustration of a conventional side-channel machine and a flange-mounted drive, wherein the side-channel machine is shown in a longitudinal section,

[0035] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a side-channel machine according to the invention in accordance with a first embodiment,

[0036] FIG. 3 shows a top view corresponding to FIG. 2, of a side-channel machine according to the invention in accordance with a second embodiment,

[0037] FIG. 4 shows a top view corresponding to FIG. 2, of a side-channel machine according to the invention in accordance with a third embodiment,

[0038] FIG. 5 shows a simplified illustration, substantially showing a gas discharge pipe, a part of an impeller, and a part of an interrupter of a side-channel machine according to the invention in accordance with a fourth embodiment,

[0039] FIG. 6 shows a simplified illustration corresponding to FIG. 5, substantially showing a gas discharge pipe, a part of an impeller, and a part of an interrupter of a side-channel machine according to the invention in accordance with a fifth embodiment,

[0040] FIG. 7 shows a simplified illustration corresponding to FIG. 5, substantially showing a gas discharge pipe, a part of an impeller, and a part of an interrupter of a side-channel machine according to the invention in accordance with a sixth embodiment, and

[0041] FIG. 8 shows a simplified illustration corresponding to FIG. 5, substantially showing a gas discharge pipe, a part of an impeller, and a part of an interrupter of a side-channel machine according to the invention in accordance with a seventh embodiment.

[0042] First, in reference to FIG. 1, for the purpose of a general explanation, a conventional side-channel blower 1 comprises an impeller 3 with impeller blades 2, which is mounted in a housing 4 such that it can rotate about a longitudinal central axis, or rotational axis 5. A conventional drive 7 rotates the impeller 3. The gas is conveyed in this manner into the housing 4.

[0043] The housing 4 comprises a first housing part 8 and a second housing part 9. The first housing part 8 and the second housing part 9 are joined as shown in FIG. 1, and collectively encompass the impeller 3, with the impeller blades 2, which is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner on a drive shaft 10 such that it rotates therewith.

[0044] The impeller has a disk-like design. It comprises an inner impeller hub 11 with a central, circular hub bore 12. The impeller hub 11 is formed by an inner hub foot 13, which delimits the hub bore 12 radially toward the outside, and a radial, circular hub disk 14 adjoined thereto. Furthermore, the impeller 3 comprises a radial outer carrier ring 15, which adjoins the hub disk 18 on the outside, and overlaps it on both sides toward the longitudinal central axis 5. The carrier ring 15 has a number of impeller blades 2 distributed over its circumference, which extend radially away from the carrier ring 15. In particular, the impeller blades 2 are equidistant to one another. Impeller cells 50 are delimited by the impeller blades 2 in the direction of the circumference.

[0045] The drive shaft 10 is accommodated in the central hub bore 12. A conventional fitted key connection is provided between the drive shaft 10 and the hub foot 13 for transferring a torque applied by the drive shaft 10 to the impeller hub 11 in order to rotate the impeller 3.

[0046] The first housing part 8 has a central hub section 16, which radially and axially delimits a partial hub receiving space 17. A central shaft bore 18 passes through the hub section 16, opening into the partial hub receiving space 17. An annular side wall 19 adjoins the hub section 16, which extends radially outward from the hub section 16. A circumferential channel section 20 borders the outside of the side wall 19. The hub section 16, the side wall 19, and the channel section 20 are integrally formed as a molded unit, and form the first housing part 8.

[0047] The second housing part 9, which is screwed to the first housing part 8 with numerous fastener screws 21 also has a central hub section 22, which radially and axially delimits the partial hub receiving space 23. An annular side wall 24 adjoins the hub section 22, running radially outward.

[0048] A circumferential channel section 25 is connected to the outside of the side wall 24. A roller bearing 26 for the drive shaft 10 is disposed in the hub section 22. The hub section 22, the side wall 24 and the channel section 25 are integrally formed as a molded unit, and collectively form the second housing part 9.

[0049] The first housing part 8 and the second housing part 9 are connected to one another in the assembled state such that the two partial hub receiving spaces 17, 23 collectively delimit a hub receiving space 27, and the two channel sections 20, 25 collectively delimit a side channel 28 for conveying the gas. The two side walls 19, 24 are parallel to one another. The side channel 28 extends in an annular manner about the longitudinal central axis 5.

[0050] For practical purposes, the second housing part 9 forms a housing cover that can be removed from the first housing part 8. Alternatively, the reverse is also possible.

[0051] The side-channel blower 1 has two gas intake pipes 29. There is a gas intake pipe 29 on each housing part 8, 9. Each gas intake pipe 29 supplies a flute in the side channel 28. The gas that is to be conveyed in a flow direction 30 into the side-channel blower 1 can be introduced via the gas intake pipes 29 when the side-channel blower 1 is in operation.

[0052] Furthermore, the side-channel blower 1 has a gas discharge pipe (not shown), formed by the two housing parts 8, 9. There is a flow connection between the gas discharge pipe and the side channel 28. The gas can be removed from the side-channel blower 1 in a flow direction 32 via the gas discharge pipe. The gas intake pipes 29 and the gas discharge pipe are substantially perpendicular to one another.

[0053] The hub foot 13 of the impeller 3 is disposed in the hub receiving space 27 that is delimited by the hub sections 16, 22 when the side-channel blower 1 is assembled, wherein the drive shaft 10 passes through the hub bore 12. The hub disk 14 of the impeller 3 extends radially outward from the hub foot 13 between the spaced apart side walls 18, 24 of the housing 4. The carrier ring 15 and the impeller blades 2 are located in the circumferential side channel 28 thereby.

[0054] A first embodiment of the invention shall be explained below with reference to FIG. 2, with regard to how the subsequent embodiments can be used in the side-channel blower 1 depicted in FIG. 1. Reference shall be made to the explanations regarding the side-channel blower 1 depicted in FIG. 1. Identical components shall be labeled with the same reference symbols as those used with the side-channel blower 1 depicted in FIG. 1. Functionally identical, but structurally different components are labeled with the same reference symbol, followed by an “a.”

[0055] The side channel 28 in the side-channel blower 1 is spatially delimited, radially inward by a base 35, and radially outward by a ceiling 36, with respect to the longitudinal central axis 5. The base 35 and the ceiling 36 are opposite one another and spaced apart, such that they delimit the side channel 28. They are formed on the housing 4a.

[0056] A gas discharge pipe 31a is connected to the side channel 28, substantially tangential thereto, in the side-channel blower 1a in accordance with FIG. 2, such that gas conveyed in a conveyor 6 exits the side channel 28 via a gas discharge opening 33 in the housing in a substantially tangential direction. There is a gas deflection point between the side channel 28 and the gas discharge pipe 31a, adjacent to the gas discharge opening 33, with which the gas that has been conveyed is deflected slightly radially outward with respect to the longitudinal central axis 5. The conveyed gas is deflected slightly thereby in both the region of the base 35 as well as in the region of the ceiling 36.

[0057] The gas discharge pipe 31a expands substantially evenly in the flow direction 32 of the gas.

[0058] As can also be derived from FIG. 2, the at least one gas intake pipe 29a is connected to the side channel 28 substantially tangential thereto, such that the gas is conveyed into the side channel 28 in a substantially tangential direction via at least one gas intake opening 34 in the housing 4a.

[0059] Pressure losses in the side-channel blower 1a can be effectively reduced by the substantially tangential arrangement of the pipes 29a, 31a on the side channel 28.

[0060] An interrupter 39 is disposed in the side channel 28 between the gas discharge opening 33 and the at least one gas intake opening 34. The interrupter 39 has a side wall 40 adjacent to the gas discharge opening 33. Furthermore, the interrupter 39 has a radial inner wall 41, and a radial outer wall 42 opposite the inner wall 41, with respect to the longitudinal central axis 5.

[0061] A second embodiment of the invention shall be described below with reference to FIG. 3. Structurally identical components have the same reference symbols as those in the side-channel blowers 1, la depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. Functionally identical, but structurally different components have the same reference symbols, followed by a “b.”

[0062] With the side-channel blower 1b, the at least one gas intake pipe 29a again adjoins the side channel 28, substantially tangential thereto.

[0063] The gas discharge pipe 31b adjoins the side channel 28 at an absolute or full tangent. In accordance with FIG. 3, the connection between the side channel 28 and the gas discharge pipe 31b forms a smooth transition. This applies to both the radially inner as well as the radially outer guidance of the gas with respect to the longitudinal central axis 5.

[0064] It is advantageous when the gas discharge pipe 31a expands downstream of the gas discharge opening 33. It is particularly preferred that an inner flow guidance wall 37 of the gas discharge pipe 31b adjoining the base 35 deviates by an angle b from the parallel to an opposite outer flow guidance wall 38 of the gas discharge pipe 31b, as is indicated by a broken line in FIG. 3. The angle b is no more than 9°.

[0065] For practical purposes, there is a connection angle c, lying between 290° and 310° in relation to the longitudinal central axis 5, between a connection 55 of the gas discharge pipe 31b to the side channel 28 and the radially inner flow guidance wall 37 at the discharge of the side-channel blower 1b.

[0066] A third embodiment of the invention shall be described below in reference to FIG. 4. Identical parts are labeled with the same reference symbols as those in the preceding embodiments. Structurally different but functionally identical parts have the same reference symbols, followed by a “c.”

[0067] In the side-channel blower 1c depicted in FIG. 4, a outlet channel 43 passes through the interrupter 39c, which extends radially between the inner wall 41 of the interrupter 39c and the outer wall 42 of the interrupter with respect to the longitudinal central axis 5. The outlet channel 43 has a cross section area A.

[0068] A vacuum channel 44 adjoins the outlet channel 43 on the downstream side, at the radial interior thereof, which opens into the side channel 28 at a spacing to the outlet channel 43. The point of entry, or entry opening 45 of the vacuum channel 44 in the side channel 28 is located basically opposite the outlet channel 43. The entry opening 45 is spaced apart from the outlet channel 43 at an angle d over the longitudinal central axis 5 lying between 120° and 140°. The vacuum channel 44 has a larger, in particular substantially larger, cross section area B than the outlet channel 43.

[0069] Gas is vacuumed via the outlet channel 43 out of an impeller cell 50 of the rotating impeller 3 that is currently adjacent to an intake opening of the outlet channel 43 opening into the side channel 28. The gas is conveyed, e.g. through pressure differences, in particular between the intake opening 56 and the entry opening 45. In particular, the pressure at the entry opening 45 is lower than at the intake opening 56. The impeller cells 50 are spatially delimited in the circumferential direction of the side channel 28 by adjacent impeller blades 2. The gas then flows into the vacuum channel 44 and re-enters the side channel 28 via the entry opening 45.

[0070] A fourth embodiment of the invention shall be described below with reference to FIG. 5. Identical parts are labeled with the same reference symbols as in the preceding embodiments. Structurally different but functionally identical parts are labeled with the same reference symbols, followed by a “d.”

[0071] In the side-channel blower 1d depicted in FIG. 5, the outer wall 42d of the interrupter 39d, which also forms the flow guidance wall 37, extends parallel to an absolute speed vector, or absolute speed direction 46, of the gas flowing directly upstream of the interrupter at the flow point P. The absolute speed vector 46 is obtained by adding the circumferential speed of the impeller 3 about the longitudinal central axis 5 and the relative speed of the gas moving radially outward in relation to the longitudinal central axis 5.

[0072] The inner wall 41 and the outer wall 42 form an angle e of preferably between 15° and 40°, more preferably between 20° and 30°.

[0073] The gas discharge pipe 31 can expand in the direction of flow 32.

[0074] A fifth embodiment of the invention shall be explained below with reference to FIG. 6. Identical parts are labeled with the same reference symbols as in the preceding embodiments.

[0075] Structurally different but functionally identical parts are labeled with the same reference symbols, followed by an “e.”

[0076] In contrast to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the outlet channel 43e is located in the interrupter 39e in the side-channel blower 1e, forming a flow connection between the side channel 28 and the gas discharge pipe 31. The outlet channel 43e extends radially, or substantially radially, with respect to the longitudinal central axis 5.

[0077] For a reliable vacuum, the following applies in particular: p.sub.U>p.sub.T, wherein p.sub.U is the pressure prevailing in the impeller cell 50 at the outlet channel 43e, and p.sub.T is the pressure prevailing downstream of the outlet channel 43e in the gas discharge pipe 31.

[0078] A removal of the gas via the outlet channel 43e from the side channel 28 to the gas discharge pipe 31 is particularly reliable when the following condition is also fulfilled:

[00001]$V_1>u.Math.A_K.Math.\sqrt{\frac{p_2}{p_1}.Math.\left(1-{\left(\frac{D_i}{D_a}\right)}^2\right)}$

V.sub.1: suction volume flow or vacuum volume flow in the outlet channel 43e
u: circumferential speed of the impeller
A.sub.K: cross section area of the side channel 28 on the pressure side
p.sub.2/p.sub.1: pressure ratio over the side-channel blower 1e
D.sub.i: diameter of the impeller at the base of the impeller blade
D.sub.a: outer diameter of the impeller

[0079] The suction volume flow is therefore dependent on the circumferential speed of the impeller, the cross section area of the side channel on the pressure side, the pressure ratio over the side-channel blower, and the diameter of the impeller at the base of the impeller blade, and the outer diameter of the impeller.

[0080] A dead space hollow 47 extends from the gas discharge pipe 31 or the outer wall 42e of the interrupter 39e in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The outlet channel 43e opens into the dead space hollow 47.

[0081] A self-actuating valve plate 49 is attached to the interrupter 39e in the dead space hollow 47 via at least one attachment means 48, which closes the outlet channel 43e at the downstream end region thereof with respect to its intake opening 56 when it is in its closed position. In the open position, the valve plate 49 is lifted at least in part away from the interrupter 39e, and thus at least partially opens the outlet channel 43e to the gas.

[0082] The gas discharge pipe 31 thus has an expanded cross section area in the region of the dead space hollow 47. A gas dead space region is formed in the dead space hollow 47 when the side-channel blower 1e is in operation. There is thus a reduced gas pressure in the dead space hollow 47, such that gas is suctioned out of the impeller cell 50 that is currently adjacent to the outlet channel 43e when the valve plate 49 is open. When it is closed, valve plate 49 prevents an unintentional backflow of the gas from the gas discharge pipe 31, or the dead space hollow 47, into the outlet channel 43e, or the side channel 28, respectively.

[0083] Alternatively, a design without a valve plate 49 is also possible. The valve plate 49 can also be present in the design depicted in FIG. 6 if there is no dead space hollow 47.

[0084] A removal of the gas via the outlet channel 43e from the side channel 28 to the gas discharge pipe 31 is particularly reliable when the following condition is fulfilled:

[00002]$V_1>u.Math.A_K.Math.\sqrt{\frac{p_2}{p_1}.Math.\frac{1-{\left(\frac{D_i}{D_a}\right)}^2}{{\left(\frac{A_K}{A_V}\right)}^2-1}}$

[0085] A.sub.v: cross section area of the vena contracta of the Venturi nozzle in the gas discharge pipe 31

[0086] The suction volume flow is thus dependent on the circumferential speed of the impeller, the cross section area of the side channel at the pressure side, the pressure ratio over the side-channel blower, the diameter of the impeller at the base of the impeller blade, and the outer diameter of the impeller, as well as the cross section area of the vena contracta of the Venturi nozzle in the gas discharge pipe.

[0087] A sixth embodiment of the invention shall be described below with reference to FIG. 7. Identical parts are labeled with the same reference symbols as in the preceding embodiments.

[0088] Structurally different but functionally identical parts are labeled with the same reference symbols, followed by an “f.”

[0089] The side-channel blower if has a flow-reducing projection 51, instead of the dead space hollow 47 on the interrupter 39f, which extends into the gas discharge pipe 31. The outlet channel 43f also passes through flow-reducing projection 51. A valve plate 49 is preferably again attached to the flow-reducing projection 51 via at least one attachment means 48.

[0090] The gas discharge pipe 31 has a reduced flow cross section in the region of the flow reduction projection 51, such that the gas is conveyed there at a particularly high flow speed. Conversely, this results in a reduced pressure there, such that gas from the impeller cell 50 currently adjacent to the outlet channel 43f is vacuumed into the gas discharge pipe 31 via the outlet channel 43f. In this manner, a Venturi nozzle, or assembly, is basically created.

[0091] A seventh embodiment of the invention shall be described below with reference to FIG. 8. Identical parts are labeled with the same reference symbols as in the preceding embodiments. Structurally different but functionally identical parts are labeled with the same reference symbols, followed by a “g.”

[0092] There is at least one relief groove 52 in the interrupter 39g, starting from the side channel 28. There is preferably a spacing x between an upstream starting point 53 of the relief groove 52 and an axial or circumferential impeller cell opening 54, which is at least 1.5 times the spacing r between adjacent impeller blades 2 over the longitudinal central axis 5. The radial depth t of the relief groove 52 increases gradually in relation to the longitudinal central axis in the direction of conveyance. The angle e of the relief groove 52 is advantageously in correlation with the pressure ratio p2/p1 and the circumferential speed u of the impeller, wherein p2 is the prevailing pressure in the impeller cells 50, and p1 is the vacuum pressure of the side-channel blower. When the impeller cells 50 are relieved, the circumferential speed of the impeller 3 and the flow speed overlap, such that translatory or even supersonic flows may also occur. An estimation of the occurrences of supersonic flows is obtained from the following equation:

[00003]$M.Math.u_{\mathrm{krit}}=0.9.Math.{\left(\frac{p_1}{p_2}\right)}^{2.46}$

[0093] Supersonic flows occur when M*u>M*u.sub.krit. The at least one relief groove 52 can then be dimensioned according to the known laws of the “Prandtl-Meyer” function.

[0094] It is possible to combine the different embodiments, in particular with respect to the different pipes and interrupters.