EP1131562A1

EP1131562A1 - Multi-stage ejector pump

Info

Publication number: EP1131562A1
Application number: EP00962511A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thilo Volkmann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-09-20
Filing date: 2000-09-20
Publication date: 2001-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2020-09-20
Also published as: DE50010514D1; EP1131562B1; WO2001021961A1; DE29916531U1; US6582199B1

Abstract

A multi-stage ejector pump has an ejector nozzle system (18) whose nozzles are situated coaxially behind each other and are axially set apart from each other (compressed gaz nozzle (18A) and diffusors (18B, 18C)). Said ejector nozzle system can be axially sealingly pushed into a nozzle-receiving shaft (14) of a housing element (12). The housing wall is interrupted in the area of the suction gas inlet gap (24A, 24B) between adjacent nozzles to provide a fluid connection to suction chambers. The aim of the invention is to provide a multi-stage ejector pump of this type which has a compact construction, interchangeable nozzles and a high degree of efficiency. To this end, the ejector nozzle systems (18) are made up of a set of individual nozzles and nozzle spacers (22A, 22B) and each of the individual nozzles is provided with support elements on its outer periphery. Said support elements are axially set apart and provide tilt-free or low-tilt support in relation to the wall of the nozzle-receiving shaft (14). The nozzles and the nozzle spacers are held in contact with each other.

Description

Multi-stage ejector

The invention relates to a multi-stage ejector with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

For simple manufacture of multi-stage ejector pumps, it is known to assemble the housing as a kit from individual parts. Each kit part carries one of the nozzles in a transverse wall dividing a housing interior. If multi-pass ejector pumps are to be implemented, this wall can also carry several nozzles arranged side by side. The finished pump is created by assembling the housing parts. Here is the insertion of the nozzles, e.g. B. by gluing or even the one-piece integration of the nozzle in the partition relatively easy. However, there are many sealing surfaces between the housing parts. The options for compact design are very limited. Such an ejector is u. a. from DE-C1-44 91 977, Figures 7 to 9, known.

Ejector pumps are also known in which a continuous casting profile with inner partition walls is used and the nozzles are inserted transversely to the profile axis through stepped bores in the individual partition walls. The majority of the nozzles are located in the cavities on both sides of the partitions, which are used for gas distribution. Although the many sealing surfaces mentioned above are omitted here, it is difficult to fit and seal the nozzles. In addition, the compactness of such ejector pumps is not significantly better than that of the aforementioned modular pumps.

BESTATIGUNGSKOPIE Compact ejector pumps are known for tight spaces, in which the nozzles are pushed from various sides into a receiving bore of a housing against a stop and are glued there. Such ejector pumps can therefore only be implemented in one stage. A nozzle exchange is not possible.

Finally, a generic multi-stage ejector from DE-C1-44 91 977, Figures 1 to 5, is known, which is characterized in that a two-stage ejector nozzle system is formed in one piece and can be inserted as a whole in a nozzle receiving shaft. In order to realize the multi-stage, the one-piece, axially aligned nozzle body is connected to a suction opening by sections of larger inner diameter. On the one hand, this type of nozzle production requires very complex shaping steps in the area of undercut zones. On the other hand, only a cylindrical or conical shape of the nozzle cross sections lying one behind the other can be realized. The compressed gas supply and the suction gas chamber are housed in flanged components which are connected to the housing body comprising the one-piece nozzle by means of a number of filigree seals. The compressed gas connection and the suction gas connection are located in a side surface arranged parallel to the nozzle channel within the walls of flanged housing parts. These gas connections point away from the nozzle axis at right angles. The large number of additional sealing surfaces in the area of the flanged housing parts make this ejector prone to leakage. This risk is only slightly mitigated by the closed side walls of the housing body running along the nozzle arrangement in a U-shape.

Based on this, the invention is based on the problem of realizing a generic multi-stage ejector in a compact design with interchangeability of the nozzles and high efficiency. To achieve this object, a multi-stage ejector with the features of claim 1 is proposed. Accordingly, it is provided that the ejector-nozzle system consists of a set of individual nozzles and nozzle spacers, the distance Hold the suction gas inlet gap between adjacent nozzles. The nozzles can be inserted one after the other in the nozzle receiving shaft. By designing individual nozzles, each of these can be shaped from both ends in a manner that increases performance. In addition, each individual nozzle has at least two axially spaced support elements for its tilt-free or low-tilt support with respect to the shaft wall. This is the only way to achieve performance-optimized individual nozzles with simple alignment of all nozzles to a common nozzle axis, without having to glue the nozzles to the nozzle receiving shaft. An interference fit of the nozzle is conceivable, but O-rings on the outer circumference of each individual nozzle are preferably used as a sealant. The support elements can be cams or the like distributed around the circumference, but also O-rings or similar circumferential sealing means. These have the advantage of a double function since they also serve as a sealant. At least one clamping device is provided for the precise positioning of the nozzles and the nozzle spacers. As a result, the nozzles are clamped axially with their spacers or held in position.

The spacers can - in principle - z. B. in the form of steps in the nozzle receiving shaft on the housing element. According to the invention, preferably because it is easier to produce and easier to adapt to the desired nozzle arrangement, they are, however, provided separately or, preferably, in one piece - preferably eccentrically - on the nozzles and are inserted into the nozzle receiving shaft in each of the two cases. A particularly high degree of efficiency of the ejector is achieved if the spacers are only made of slim lugs or similar projections on one end of the nozzle. It is preferred to provide only one such spacer. A preferred arrangement of the one or more nose-shaped spacers is chosen such that the spacers are arranged in peripheral regions of the nozzles with less flow, for example between two adjacent nozzles. B. on the opposite side of the gas inlet nozzle. In order to be able to implement the suction chambers in a compact design as simply as possible, they are arranged parallel to the nozzle receiving shaft. For this purpose, preferably at least one suction gas bore, preferably designed as a blind bore, in which check valves provided with O-rings on their outer circumference are received in a sealing manner. The suction gas shaft parallel to the nozzle receiving shaft reduces the number of sealing points with simplified manufacture and a compact arrangement of the gas supply and discharge lines.

A stepped change in diameter in the axial direction is advantageous both for the nozzle receiving shaft and for the suction gas hole, because then the sealing O-rings only have to be slid along the short part near their final position along the shaft wall. In the area of larger step diameters, there is no contact with nozzles of smaller diameter.

To further improve the compactness of an ejector according to the invention, a bore (compressed gas bore) extending parallel to the nozzle receiving shaft is provided for the compressed gas supply. Its axis, more preferably, essentially forms a plane with the axis of the nozzle receiving shaft and the suction gas bore - that is to say with the suction gas shaft. As a result, a flat cubic block made of light metal or plastic can be realized as a housing element, which can be produced both by drilling from solid material and by injection molding. The parallel arrangement of the nozzle receiving shaft with the suction gas shaft and / or the compressed gas bore (compressed gas shaft) in a single housing block is - independently of the features of claim 1 - of independent inventive importance.

Known control valves for switching the vacuum function on and off and / or for actively blowing off a sucked-in part, ie for the purpose of breaking down the vacuum, are used in receiving bores, the latter of which can run approximately at right angles through the compressed gas bore and into the Extend nozzle receptacle. In this way, a very short overall length of the ejector block is made possible despite the presence of such control valves. The control valves can be moved back and forth within valve sleeves. The valve sleeves are inserted into the control valve holes by means of O-rings and clamped in their axial direction by a valve plate screwed onto the ejector block. The valve plate accommodates electromagnetic pilot or servo valves in a known manner, which establish or interrupt a fluidic connection between compressed gas and control valve and thereby pneumatically open or close the control valves.

Multi-stage ejector according to the invention can be used for generating vacuum z. B. for handling applications (sheet transport in press lines for body parts, pick-and-place applications in plastic injection molding and the like). They are extremely compact and lightweight and can easily integrate functions such as the electrical control of vacuum switching on and off and / or blowing off, and monitoring of the vacuum level.

In comparison to known single-stage compact ejectors, the efficiency of which is generally between 0.4 and 0.7 parts of suction air per part of compressed air used, the efficiencies of 1.2 to 2 parts of suction air per part of compressed air used can be achieved according to the invention. This is achieved, on the one hand, by the easy-to-implement multi-stage, in particular two-stage, ejector, and, on the other hand, by the aerodynamic design options for the valve cross-sections despite the compact design. The simple design of the ejector pumps according to the invention makes it possible to produce vacuum generators of different output sizes quickly and cost-effectively: only the nozzle system has to be replaced or inserted accordingly into the existing ejector block. All parts are easily accessible and easy to clean if the effect wears off due to dirt suction. In addition, the separability of the ejector block from the nozzles and valves allows a very simple material separation in the event of discarding. The aforementioned, as well as the claimed and described in the exemplary embodiment, components to be used according to the invention are not subject to any special exceptions with regard to their size, shape, material selection and technical conception, so that the selection criteria known in the respective application area can be used without restriction within the scope of the claims ,

Further details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention result from the following description of the accompanying drawing, in which - by way of example - a preferred embodiment of an ejector pump is shown. The drawing shows:

1 shows an ejector in axial section view.

Fig. 2 of the same ejector, the nozzle system in perspective

Representation as well

Fig. 3 of the same ejector one of the control valves in a perspective, longitudinal section in the open valve state.

1 shows in its basic form a cuboid-shaped ejector block made from drilled solid aluminum and serving as a housing element 10. A compressed gas bore 12, starting from the right end wall 10C in the drawing and ending shortly before the opposite end wall, forms a compressed gas inlet opening 12A at its mouth end. Parallel to the axis of the compressed gas bore 12, the housing element 10 has a nozzle-receiving shaft 14, which is designed as a four-stage bore, which has a shaft wall 14A which is only interrupted by axially offset, transverse bores 30C, 32C, 16C and 16D and which is in the same end wall 10C of the ejector block how the compressed gas bore 12 opens and (likewise) ends blindly just before the opposite ejector end wall 10D. A third suction gas bore 16 or suction gas shaft serving as a suction chamber is simply stepped designed and extends in the same plane as the compressed gas bore 12 and the nozzle receiving shaft 14, but with the mouth and the blind end arranged in opposite directions, the mouth serving as suction gas inlet opening 16A.

A three-part ejector-nozzle system 18 is inserted sealingly in the nozzle receiving shaft 14. This consists of a compressed gas nozzle 18A and a first and a second diffuser 18B and 18C. All three individual nozzles are supported against at least two axially spaced apart locations against the shaft wall of the nozzle receiving shaft 14. This is done predominantly by O-ring seals 20 (the O-rings have been omitted for the sake of clarity; only the O-ring grooves are shown) and a slight fit of the compressed gas nozzle 18A at the bottom of the bore. Due to multiple gradations 18D, 18E, 18F and 18G, the nozzles 18A to 18C can be pushed into the nozzle receiving shaft 14 with little wear. The nozzles are arranged coaxially to one another and shaped inside with a double cone with an optimized cross-sectional profile; they therefore have zones widened at both ends.

In order to ensure an axial spacing of the nozzles from one another and the formation of a defined suction gas inlet gap 24A, 24B between adjacent nozzles 18A / 18B or 18B / 18C, the diffusers 18B and 18C have finger-shaped spacers 22A and 22B which are connected to them and are eccentrically arranged (FIG 2) on. These form slim extensions at one point on the circumference in the area of the nozzle end face. They hardly interfere with the suction gas inlet at the suction gas inlet gap 24A and 24B between adjacent nozzles, because they are arranged in the zones with less flow and distant from the suction chambers 26AB. In the position of use of the individual nozzles shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the spacers 22A, 22B are supported on the adjacent nozzle end wall 18A or 18B '.

The nozzles 18A to 18C are secured by a connection plate 28 screwed on the end face to the housing element 10 and by means of the spacers 22A, 22B axially clamped against each other or held in position. The connection plate 28 has threaded bores 28A, 28B for a compressed gas connection and an exhaust gas connection.

The supply of compressed gas is ensured by control valves 30, 32. These are inserted with O-rings 20 in stepped valve receiving bores 30C and 32C. These valve receiving bores extend from an upper side wall 10A of the housing element 10 into the nozzle receiving shaft 14. The control valves consist of a transversely perforated guide sleeve 30A or 32A and a valve lifter 30B or 32B with actuating pistons 30E or 32E. 3, the valve lifters 30B, 32B and the actuating pistons 30E, 32E (initially) form separate components so that, owing to their different diameters, they can be inserted into the guide sleeve 30A, 32A from opposite sides. An end pin, not shown, of the valve tappet 30B, 32B is in a central bore 30E ', 32E' of the actuating piston 30E, 32E for the purpose of connecting the two parts, for. B. by screwing, insertable. A valve plate 34 sealingly against the side wall 10A of the housing element 10 and having sufficient pressure has two pairs of through bores 36A, 36B and 38A, 38B, which cover the inside of the compressed gas bore 12 on the one hand and the valve tappets 30B and 32B on the other hand with electromagnetic switching valves 36 or 38 connect. These switching valves 36, 38 are controlled electrically and release or shut off the fluid path in which they are installed. The back and forth movement of the valve lifters 30B and 32B thus takes place pneumatically in accordance with the gas pressures applied to the valve lifters when the switching valve 36 or 38 is open or closed. This takes into account different piston surfaces on the upper side and the lifter side of the actuating pistons 30E, 32E.

The control valve 30 is shown in FIG. 1 in its open position, in which the compressed gas path, as indicated by flow arrows, the nozzles

Flows through 18A, 18B and 18C. The control valve 32 is closed during this time because a vacuum is to be built up and maintained. As soon as sufficient When the vacuum is reached, the control valve 30 can be closed to save energy. In order to accelerate the release of the vacuum generated, the control valve 32 can be opened at the end of the corresponding work cycle. In this case, compressed gas flows through channels 32D, which are drawn within the housing element 10 and are shown in broken lines in the drawing, to the suction connection 40A of a vacuum connection block 40. The latter is screwed tightly to the end wall 10D of the housing element 10 and houses a vacuum monitoring switch 40B. This space-saving arrangement of the control valves 30 and 32 is made possible by perforations 30A, 32A in the guide sleeves 30A, 32A in the region of the compressed gas bore 12.

The suction chambers 26A and 26B are separated from one another by the check valves 26B and 26C inserted sealingly into the suction gas bore and have the known effect of achieving the desired vacuum more quickly and of using compressed air or energy more effectively.

The suction chambers 26A and 26B are connected to the nozzle receiving shaft 14 with annular gap spaces in the area of the suction gas inlet gaps 24A and 24B by connecting openings 16C and 16D running transversely to the suction gas bore 16. In order to achieve this, the side wall 10B of the housing element 10 opposite the switching valves 36 and 38 has a transverse bore which can be closed by blind plugs 16E and 16D.

A multi-stage ejector according to the invention thus essentially consists of a flat cuboid housing element 10 serving as an ejector block with three substantially parallel bores 12, 14, 16 in one direction of the housing element and connection bores running at right angles in a second direction of the housing element 10 30C, 32C, 10C, 16D, the end and side walls 10A to 10D receiving the bore openings being screwed tightly with connecting plates 28, 34, 40 or sealed with blind plugs 16D, 16E. The functioning of this highly compact arrangement results on the one hand from the above-described individual explanations. In connection with this, this means that when compressed air is connected to the connecting plate 28, the control valves 30 and 32 are closed in the idle state - as are the associated switching valves 36 and 38. To start the vacuum generation, the switching valve 38 is opened. This thus enables the passage through the connecting through holes 38A and 38B. Due to the different piston cross-sectional areas on both sides of the valve tappet 30B, the latter is moved into its open position and compressed air flows through the ejector nozzle channel with suction of suction air. The resulting vacuum is monitored by the vacuum monitoring switch 40B. If the vacuum is no longer needed, the switching valve 38 is closed and vented on the outlet side, so that the valve tappet 30B returns to the closed position. If the breakdown of the vacuum is to be actively supported, the switching valve 36 is now opened electromagnetically and thereby the control valve 32 pneumatically, so that compressed air reaches the vacuum connection 40A.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 housing element

10A side wall

10B side wall

10C end wall

10D end wall

12 compressed gas drilling

12A compressed gas inlet opening

14 nozzle receiving shaft

14A exhaust outlet

16 suction gas hole

16A suction gas inlet opening

16C connection opening

16D connection opening

16G blind plug

16F blind plug

18 ejector nozzle system

18A compressed gas nozzle

18A nozzle end wall

18B diffuser

18B 'nozzle end wall

18C diffuser

18D gradation

18E gradation

18F gradation

18G gradation

20 O-ring seals

22A spacer B Spacers A Suction gas inlet gap B Suction gas inlet gap C Compressed gas inlet opening A Suction chamber B Suction chamber C Check valve D Check valve

Connection plate A threaded hole B threaded hole

Control valve A guide sleeve A through hole B valve tappet C valve bore E adjusting piston E 'hole

Control valve A guide sleeve A through hole B valve tappet 2C valve receiving hole 2D channel 2E control piston 2E 'hole 4 valve plate 6 switching valve 6A through hole 6B through hole 8 switching valve A through hole B through hole

Vacuum connection block A suction connection B vacuum monitoring switch

Claims

claims

1. Multi-stage ejector, consisting

from at least one housing element (10) with at least one compressed gas inlet opening (12A) and with at least one suction gas inlet opening (16A) and with at least one exhaust gas outlet opening (14A) and

from at least one nozzle arrangement (ejector-nozzle system 18) with at least two nozzles (compressed gas nozzle 18A and diffusers 18B, 18C) with at least one compressed gas inlet opening (24C), arranged coaxially one behind the other and axially spaced within the housing element (10) at least one suction gas inlet gap (24A, 24B) between adjacent nozzles and an exhaust gas outlet opening, wherein

the housing element one, for. B. designed as a bore, nozzle receiving shaft (14) with a substantially continuous shaft wall and at least one wall opening (connecting openings 16C, 16D) per ejector stage for the suction gas inlet into the suction gas inlet gap (24A, 24B) and

the nozzles (18A, 18B, 18C) are provided on their outer circumference with at least one circumferential seal (20), the ejector-nozzle system (18) being pushed axially into the nozzle receiving shaft (14),

characterized,

that the ejector nozzle system (18) consists of a set of individual nozzles (18A, 18B, 18C) and nozzle spacers; that the nozzles (18A, 18B, 18C) are provided on their outer circumference with axially spaced support elements for tilt-free or low-tilt support against the shaft wall and can be inserted into the nozzle-receiving shaft (14), and

that at least one clamping means, such as a connecting plate (28), is provided for axially bracing or holding the individual nozzles (18A, 18B, 18C) and the nozzle spacers.

2. Ejector according to claim 1, characterized in that nozzle

Spacers (22A, 22B) are inserted, leaving the suction gas inlet gaps (24A, 24B) between the nozzle end ends between adjacent nozzles (18A, 18B; 18B, 18C) and can be inserted into the nozzle receiving shaft.

3. Ejector according to claim 2, characterized in that the spacers (22A, 22B) are designed as slim lugs or similar projections on a nozzle end.

4. Ejector according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a single spacer (22A, 22B) is arranged in a low-flow area of the peripheral zone of the nozzles, ie eccentrically.

5. Ejector according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that suction chambers (26A, 26B) are provided in a suction gas bore (16) arranged essentially parallel to the nozzle receiving shaft (14).

6. Ejector according to claim 5, characterized by check valves (26C, 26D) which can be inserted sealingly into the suction gas bore (16).

7. Ejector according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the nozzle receiving shaft (14) and / or the suction gas bore (16) are designed as graduated bores.

8. Ejector according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the nozzles (18A, 18B, 18C) and / or the check valves (26C, 26D) from a single side into a dead bore (nozzle receiving shaft 14 and / or Suction gas bore 16) can be inserted.

9. ejector according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by a substantially parallel to the nozzle receiving shaft (14) extending compressed gas bore (12).

10. Ejector according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing element (10) is designed as a flat cubic block made of light metal or plastic.

11. Ejector according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that approximately at right angles to the nozzle receiving shaft (14) at least one connecting bore to the compressed gas bore (12) and / or to the

Suction gas bore (16) is provided.

12. Ejector according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one control valve (30, 32) is arranged in a valve receiving bore (30C) connecting the compressed gas bore (12) and the nozzle receiving shaft (14) and controls the compressed gas flow through the connection opening.

13. An ejector according to claim 12, characterized in that the control valve (30; 32) is perforated in the region of the compressed gas bore (12)

Has valve guide sleeve (30A; 32A).

14. Ejector according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the compressed gas bore has at least one bypass valve controlled by a switching valve (36; 38) between the bore interior and the control valve (30; 32) for its pneumatic actuation.

15. Ejector according to claim 14, characterized in that the control valve (30; 32) has a double-acting control piston (30E; 32E) with different piston surfaces on both sides.