EP3728847A1

EP3728847A1 - Compressor and method for compressing a working medium

Info

Publication number: EP3728847A1
Application number: EP19700844.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Adler; Georg Fahrthofer; Sarah Gruber; Christoph Nagl; Markus Rasch; Markus Stephan; Henning WILLIG; Rene HIMMELSTEIN
Original assignee: MAXIMATOR GmbH
Current assignee: MAXIMATOR GmbH
Priority date: 2018-01-23
Filing date: 2019-01-23
Publication date: 2020-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 2039-01-23
Also published as: SA520412496B1; BR112020014787A2; CY1124198T1; RS61838B1; PL3728847T3; BR112020014787B1; PT3728847T; DK3728847T3; AU2019212750A1; US20210033088A1; WO2019145357A1; ZA202004547B; KR102406085B1; EP3728847B1; HRP20210742T1; CA3089191C; CL2020001911A1; ES2870704T3; SG11202007027UA; CN111656010A

Abstract

Compressor (1) and method for compressing a working medium, comprising the steps: - moving of a drive piston (2) which is driven by way of a driving medium within a first cylinder (3) between a first end position and a second end position; - moving of a high pressure piston (7) which compresses the working medium within a second cylinder (8) between a first end position and a second end position, - arranging of a high pressure seal (11) for sealing the high pressure piston (7); - arranging of a magazine (10) with a receptacle (IIa) for the high pressure seal (11) and with at least one replacement high pressure seal (12) in a first operating position, in which the high pressure piston (7) is sealed by way of the high pressure seal (11); - transferring of the magazine (10) from the first operating position into a second operating position, in which the high pressure piston (7) is sealed by way of the replacement high pressure seal (12).

Description

Compressor and method for compressing a working medium

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and a compressor according to the preamble of claim to 9th

Such compressors are known in the art in various th versions (see, for example, the US 4, 104, 008 A).

The US 4,104,008 A discloses a compressed air operated hydraulic pump having a working space and a pneumatic piston, wherein the pneumatic piston is connected to a hydraulic piston. By means of an auxiliary slide, which is sealed against the working space, and a spool, compressed air is conveyed to the pneumatic piston to move it against a spring force of a helical compression spring. By the movement of the pneumatic piston, the hydraulic piston is moved in a Hydraulikzy cylinder, on which a valve housing is pushed, which serves to connect hydraulic lines.

In US 2015/101679 Al a high-pressure fluid system with ver improved safety, maintenance and service functions is shown, which has a housing, a valve seat assembly, a Schmierströ flow path and an adjustable valve. The adjustable valve is configured to control the flow of pump fluid from the valve seat assembly to the seal assembly.

DE 197 10 717 A1 discloses a high-pressure device having drive means and pressure generating means which are actu bar with the drive means for generating pressure in a pressurized fluid. By a frame assembly, the drive means and the pressure generating means are in releasable connec tion with each other.

The volume to be compressed must be sealed against the cylinder tube in a reciprocating compressor. The seals ideally have negligible leakage. However, if leakage occurs due to wear or damage, it will be detected in the prior art and the replacement of the seal will be initiated. For this purpose, the operation of the compressor is stops, where appropriate, switched to a redundant compressor. Afterwards, a service technician is requested, who carries out the seal replacement on site.

This service is usually unscheduled and causes additional journeys and times and thus high costs. Furthermore, the operator must count on downtimes or provide for a redundancy system. The latter, however, ensures higher acquisition costs.

Seal replacement currently involves the following steps:

- Depressurise compressors and attachments.

- For highly flammable gases, such as molecular hydrogen, an inert gas (such as nitrogen) must be purged before opening the compressor. This process can take a lot of time, depending on the volume.

- Remove all attachments to remove the seal.

- Removing the gasket, fitting the new gasket (depending on the installation method and diameter, gaskets must be calibrated or heated before installation).

- Assembly of all attachments.

- For highly flammable gases, it is necessary to flush to an inert gas (such as nitrogen) prior to introduction of the working medium. This process can take a lot of time, depending on the volume.

- apply pressure and perform leak tests.

Accordingly, the object of the invention is to alleviate or eliminate at least one individual disadvantages of the prior art. The invention is particularly aimed at making the replacement of the high-pressure seal easier, faster and more cost-effective.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1. And a compressor with the features of claim 9. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

The inventive method for compressing a preferably gaseous working medium therefore comprises at least the following Steps :

- Moving a driven with a drive medium An

operating piston within a first cylinder between egg ner first end position and a second end position;

Moving a working medium compressing the high-pressure piston within a second cylinder between a first end position and a second end position,

- Arrange a high pressure seal to seal the high

pressure piston;

- Arrange a magazine with a recording for the high

pressure seal and with at least one replacement high-pressure seal in a first operating position, in wel holes of the high pressure piston is sealed abge by the high pressure seal;

- Transferring the magazine from the first operating position to a second operating position in which the Hochdruckkol ben is sealed by the replacement high-pressure seal.

The compressor according to the invention has at least:

a drive piston operable with a drive medium within a first cylinder, the drive piston being movable between a first end position and a second end position;

- A working medium compressing the high-pressure piston inner half of a second cylinder, wherein the high-pressure piston between a first end position and a second end position is movable; a high pressure seal for sealing the high pressure piston;

- A magazine with a receptacle for the high pressure seal and with at least one replacement high-pressure seal;

- A changing device with a drive for transferring the magazine between a first operating position for waterproofing device of the high pressure piston through the high pressure seal and a second operating position for sealing the high pressure piston by the replacement high pressure seal.

Advantageously, so that the seal exchange can be considerably simplified ver. In many cases, no service technician is required for the replacement of the seal. During gasket replacement, the compressor may remain operational or operational. Erfindungsge- measure at least one replacement high-pressure seal is arranged on the magazine. If the high-pressure seal can no longer ensure the sealing of the high-pressure piston due to wear or damage, the changing device is so be actuated that the magazine is brought from the first operating position to the second operating position. In this case, the high pressure seal of a high-pressure piston sealing function position is moved to a remote from the high pressure piston standby be. Conversely, the replacement high-pressure seal is moved from a remote from the high pressure piston standby in a high-pressure piston operating position, in which the high-pressure piston on the replacement high-pressure seal in the second Zylin is sealed. In the first and second operating positions, the high-pressure piston is connected fixedly or detachably to the drive piston, so that the high-pressure piston is driven via the drive piston. Preferably, the drive piston and the high-pressure piston as a pressure booster (pressure transducer) are ausgebil det, with a lower pressure of the drive medium is converted into a hö heren pressure of the working medium. If all (replacement) high-pressure seals are worn, the magazine can be exchanged as a whole against a corresponding magazine with unused (replacement) high-pressure seals. On the other hand, only new (replacement) high-pressure seals can be inserted into the magazine. For this purpose, the magazine may have a corresponding access opening. The exchange of magazines on site is quick and easy. The calibration and the introduction of the (replacement) high-pressure seals must advantageously not take place on the spot, but can be prepared. The service inserts for the replacement of the seals can thus be planned.

For purposes of this disclosure, the directional indications, such as "axial," "radial," refer to the center axis of the high pressure piston.

For transferring the magazine from the first operating position to the second operating position various Ausführungsvarian th are provided.

In a first embodiment variant for transferring the From the first operating position to the second operating position, the following steps are carried out:

- Moving the magazine together arranged in the receptacle high-pressure seal relative to the second cylinder in Wesentli surfaces in the direction of the central axis of the high pressure piston from the first operating position into a high pressure seal from the high-pressure piston-releasing first intermediate position;

Transferring the magazine from the first intermediate position into a second intermediate position which arranges the replacement high-pressure seal essentially coaxially with the high-pressure piston; and

- Moving the magazine together with the replacement high-pressure seal substantially in the direction of the central axis of the high-pressure piston from the second intermediate position to the second loading operating position.

In this embodiment, the magazine is displaceable in the axial direction to allow the removal of the high-pressure seal from the high-pressure piston. The second cylinder, however, can be immobile in the axial direction. In the first operating set ting the high-pressure seal on the outer circumference of the high pressure piston is to seal the reciprocating motion of the high-pressure piston. By operating the changing device, the magazine can be moved axially in one direction into the first intermediate position, in which the high-pressure seal, seen in the direction of the central axis of the high-pressure piston, is arranged outside the high-pressure piston. Thereafter, the magazine is moved to the second intermediate position, in which the center axes of the replacement high-pressure seal and the high-pressure piston are arranged substantially collinear chen. Finally, the magazine is axially displaced in the other direction to seal the replacement high pressure seal on the high pressure piston.

In this embodiment, shifting the magazine from the first operating position to the first intermediate position preferably comprises the following steps:

- release the high-pressure piston from the drive piston,

- Arranging the drive piston and the high pressure piston in egg nem distance from each other and

Moving the magazine from the first operating position in the Substantially in the direction of the central axis of the Hochdruckkol bens, so that the high-pressure seal in the first intermediate position, seen in the direction of the central axis of the drive piston, ben between the high-pressure piston and the Antriebskol is arranged.

After reaching the second operating position of the magazine, the high-pressure piston can in turn gekop pelt with the drive piston to continue the compression of the working medium.

In this embodiment, it is advantageous if the high-pressure piston when moving the drive piston and the high-pressure piston away from each other with a magnetic element in the direction of the central axis is arranged immovable.

In a second embodiment, the following steps are carried out for transferring the magazine from the first operating position to the second operating position:

- Moving the magazine together with arranged in the recording high-pressure seal together with the second cylinder We sentlichen in the direction of the central axis of the high pressure piston away from the drive piston from the first operating position into a high pressure seal from the high-pressure piston-releasing first intermediate position;

- Moving the magazine together with the replacement high-pressure seal together with the second cylinder substantially in Rich tion of the central axis of the high-pressure piston for Antriebskol ben out from the second intermediate position into the second loading operating position.

In the first operating position, the high-pressure seal sits on the high-pressure piston. To free the high-pressure seal from the high-pressure piston, the magazine can be moved together with the two-th cylinder axially in the one direction in the first intermediate position, in which the sealing contact between the high pressure piston and the high pressure seal solved is. Preferably, the high-pressure seal on the magazine in the ers th intermediate position on one end of the high-pressure piston in axia ler direction pushed out, so that the high-pressure seal is arranged in the axial direction outside of the high-pressure piston. Thereafter, the magazine can be brought into the second intermediate position, with which the arrangement of the replacement high-pressure seal is prepared. Finally, the magazine can be moved axially in the other direction together with the second cylinder to the replacement high-pressure seal on the magazine sealing on the

To arrange high-pressure piston.

In a third embodiment, the following steps are carried out for transferring the magazine from the first operating position to the second operating position:

- Moving the high-pressure piston substantially in the direction of the central axis of the high-pressure piston away from the magazine together with arranged in the recording high-pressure seal until the high-pressure seal is released from the high-pressure piston, so that the magazine is arranged in a first intermediate position;

- Move the high-pressure piston substantially in the direction of the central axis of the high-pressure piston to the magazine out until the replacement high-pressure seal is arranged on the high pressure piston is.

In this embodiment, the magazine and the second cylinder for the high pressure piston when replacing the high pressure seal can be immovably arranged. Instead, the high-pressure piston from the high pressure seal on the magazine can be gescho ben out, so that the movement of the magazine in the second inter mediate position is released. For this purpose, a shift of the high-pressure piston can be provided beyond the first or second end position. Advantageously, this is made possible by the fact that the pressure in a pressure chamber on the side facing away from the high-pressure piston side of the drive piston is lowered in comparison to the first operating position. After this Changing the replacement high-pressure seal, the pressure in the pressure chamber back to the level of the first operating position he be increased, so that the movement of the drive piston is limited in the second operating position to the first and second end position.

Preferably, the pressure chamber between a first Kolbenele element of the drive piston and a second piston element of the drive piston to be formed. The first and the second piston elements can be connected to one another via a connecting element, in particular a connecting rod, with which a maximum distance between the first piston element and the second piston element in the first or second operating position and a minimum distance between the first and second Kol benelement is provided in the first intermediate position.

In a fourth embodiment, the following steps are carried out for transferring the magazine from the first operating position to the second operating position:

- Moving the high-pressure seal from a, seen in the direction of the central axis of the high-pressure piston, arranged outside the recording position in an in the recording at parent position, wherein the replacement high-pressure seal is arranged in a further receptacle of the magazine, so that the magazine in a first Intermediate position is angeord net;

- Moving the replacement high-pressure seal of the arranged in the Wei direct recording of the magazine position in a, seen in the direction of the central axis of the high-pressure piston, outside the further recording of the magazine arranged position.

In the above-described first, second and third Ausfüh tion variant, the high-pressure seal in the first and two th operating position during compression of the working medium is disposed in each case within the receptacle on the magazine. At the fourth Variant is the recording on the magazine in the first operating position free of the high pressure seal. In the second operating position, the further intake is free of the replacement high-pressure seal. Accordingly, the high-pressure seal is in the first operating position in the axial direction au ßerhalb the inclusion of the magazine. In the second operating Stel ment, the replacement high-pressure seal is seen in the axial direction Rich outside the further recording of the magazine. When replacing the high pressure seal, the high pressure seal can be added to the next in the receptacle on the magazine before the magazine together with the replacement high-pressure seal in the second intermediate position is moved to replace the replacement high-pressure seal. Finally, the replacement high-pressure seal is pushed out of the further receptacle in order to arrange the replacement high-pressure seal in the second operating position. Thus, during operation of the compressor, one of the receptacles on the magazine is always empty in order to be able to absorb a worn high-pressure seal during the exchange operation.

In the fourth embodiment, the high pressure seal and the replacement high pressure seal are preferably displaced together with the second cylinder. , In this embodiment, it is particularly advantageous if the high-pressure seal and the replacement high-pressure seal each have substantially the same inner and outer diameter as the second cylinder. Preferably, the high pressure seal is in the first operating position Benach disclosed an axial end portion of the second cylinder angeord net. In the second operating position, however, the replacement high-pressure seal is arranged adjacent to the axial end region of the second cylinder. Furthermore, it is preferred if the high-pressure seal, seen in the axial direction, is arranged between the second cylinder and a pressure member. The pressure part is displaceably mounted in the axial direction by means of the changing device. To move the high-pressure seal from outside the recording in the recording, the pressure part is alternately shifted axially over the Wech selvorrichtung in one direction, so that the high-pressure seal is pushed ver together with the second cylinder. Accordingly, the second cylinder is displaced in the other direction to push out the replacement high-pressure seal from the further recording. Thereby the pressure part becomes taken. The displacement of the pressure member in the one direction Rich or the displacement of the second cylinder in the other direction is effected via the drive, such as a pneumatic rule drive, the changing device.

In each of the previously described embodiments, the magazine for transferring from the first intermediate position to the second intermediate position on the one hand to a substantially pa rallel to the central axis of the high pressure piston extending pivot axis pivoted or on the other hand substantially in the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the high-pressure piston who moved the.

According to a preferred embodiment, a Sensorvorrich device for detecting a leakage of the working medium is provided. The sensor device may be formed according to the prior art. For example, a pressure increase in a normally unpressurized leakage line can be determined in conjunction with the high-pressure seal. Furthermore, a gas measurement in the leakage line can be made.

Preferably, a control device on the one hand with the sensor device and the other verbun with the changing device to transfer the Maga zine from the first operating position to the second operating Stel upon detection of a leakage of the working medium.

In a first preferred embodiment, the Wech selvorrichtung for transferring the magazine from the first loading operating position in a first intermediate position is arranged to move the magazine together with arranged in the receptacle high-pressure seal substantially in the direction of the central axis of the high-pressure piston relative to the second cylinder.

In the first embodiment, a Spannvor device is preferably provided for releasably coupling the high pressure piston to the drive piston to. In the coupled state, the high-pressure piston moves together with the drive piston. In the released state, the high-pressure piston is dependent on the movement of the drive piston decoupled. In other embodiments, the drive piston and the high-pressure piston can be fixedly connected to each other.

In order to create space for replacing the high-pressure seal in this variant, it is advantageous if the high-pressure piston is arranged in the first intermediate position of the magazine in ben from Antriebskol dissolved and spaced state. It is particularly preferred if in the first intermediate position of the Maga interest of the high pressure piston in the first end position and the drive piston in the second, moving away from it end position is arranged. In this embodiment, the high pressure piston and the drive piston in the first intermediate position ma ximal away from each other, so that sufficient space for free position of the high pressure seal is present. In order to arrange the high-pressure piston in preparation for the seal change in distance from the drive piston to a preferred magnetic element for fixing the high-pressure piston is provided in the state of the drive piston th state in the first end position.

In a second preferred embodiment, the Wech selvorrichtung for transferring the magazine from the first loading operating position is set in a first intermediate position to move the magazine together with the second cylinder substantially in the direction of the central axis of the high-pressure piston.

In a third preferred embodiment, the exchange is selvorrichtung for transferring the magazine from the first loading operating position in a first intermediate position adapted to move the high-pressure piston substantially in the direction of the central axis of the high pressure piston on the first or second end position out.

In a fourth preferred embodiment, the Wech selvorrichtung for transferring the magazine from the first loading operating position is set to a first intermediate position to move the second cylinder substantially in the direction of the central axis of the high pressure piston to the high pressure seal from an axially arranged outside the recording position to bring in a position arranged in the receptacle. Furthermore, the changing device is preferably arranged for transferring the magazine from the first intermediate position into a replacement high-pressure seal substantially coaxially with the Hochdruckkol ben arranging the second intermediate position. Accordingly, the center axes of replacement high-pressure seal and high-pressure piston in the second intermediate position are substantially aligned linearly. The replacement high-pressure seal is located in the second intermediate position, seen in the axial direction, outside the high-pressure piston. By an axial Relativbewe movement between the replacement high pressure seal and high pressure piston, the second operating position can be achieved, in which the high-pressure piston is sealed by the replacement high-pressure seal.

In the first preferred embodiment variant described above, the changing device for transferring the magazine from the second intermediate position to the second operating position is preferably arranged to the magazine together with the recording arranged replacement high-pressure seal substantially in Rich tion of the central axis of the high-pressure piston relative to the second Move cylinder.

In the second preferred Ausführungsvari ante described above, the changing device for transferring the magazine from the second intermediate position to the second operating position is preferably arranged to move the magazine together with the two-th cylinder substantially in the direction of the central axis of the high-pressure piston.

In the third preferred Ausführungsvari ante described above, the changing device for transferring the magazine from the second intermediate position to the second operating position is preferably arranged to move the high-pressure piston substantially in the direction of the central axis of the high-pressure piston back into the first and second end position.

In the fourth preferred embodiment described above, the changing device for transferring the magazine from the second intermediate position to the second operating position is preferably configured to substantially equalize the second cylinder. Chen in the direction of the central axis of the high pressure piston to push ver to bring the replacement high-pressure seal of a arranged in a further receptacle of the magazine position in an axially arranged outside the recording position.

According to a preferred embodiment, a gaseous Ar beitsmedium, in particular molecular hydrogen, compressed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive piston is operated with a different from the working fluid, preferably gaseous drive medium, in particular air.

In order to move the high pressure seal away from the high pressure piston and instead to arrange the replacement high pressure seal adjacent the high pressure piston, the changing device is arranged in a preferred embodiment for pivoting the magazine to ei ne substantially parallel to the central axis of the high pressure piston pivot axis between the first intermediate position and the second intermediate position , In this imple mentation form, the magazine can be pivoted so that the replacement high-pressure seal is brought from a remote from the high pressure piston waiting position in a collinear with the high-pressure piston position.

In a further preferred embodiment, the Wech selvorrichtung is arranged for moving the magazine substantially in the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the high-pressure piston between the first intermediate position and the second intermediate position. In this embodiment, the magazine is We sentlichen in the radial direction displaceable to bring the replacement high-pressure seal from the remote from the high-pressure piston waiting position in the coaxial with the high-pressure piston position.

According to a preferred embodiment, the high-pressure seal and the replacement high pressure seal each have a housing in which at least one sealing element, in particular detachably, is arranged. This design facilitates the arrangement of unused sealing elements in the magazine as soon as the sealing elements of the high-pressure seal and replacement high-pressure seal become worn are. The sealing element is preferably formed circumferentially and extends over the full circumference of the high-pressure piston.

According to a preferred embodiment, the high-pressure seal and the replacement high-pressure seal each have a first sealing element for sealing a high-pressure side and a second sealing element for sealing a low-pressure side. The first sealing element is on the side of the high-pressure piston, the second sealing element is on the side of the drive or low-pressure piston.

Furthermore, it is favorable if the high-pressure seal and the replacement high-pressure seal each have a bearing element, in particular a guide band, a radial plain bearing or a recirculating ball bearing, for supporting the high-pressure piston. The bearing element preferably extends over the full circumference of the high-pressure piston.

In order to allow long operating periods of the compressor without maintenance intervals, the magazine preferably has a plurality of replacement high pressure seals, preferably between 2 and 7 He set high-pressure seals are provided.

The drive for transferring the magazine between the first loading operating position and the second operating position, depending on the embodiment preferably at least one particular electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic linear and / or rotary drive.

The previously explained magazine with the changing device can be used with different compressor types.

In a preferred embodiment, a single-acting drive piston is provided.

Another preferred embodiment is characterized by

- Another high pressure piston on the side facing away from the high-pressure piston side of the drive piston;

a further magazine with a receiving element for a further high-pressure seal for sealing the further high-pressure seal pressure piston in a first operating state of the other magazine and with at least one further replacement high-pressure seal for sealing the further Hochdruckkol ben in a second operating state of the other Maga interest;

- Another changing device for transferring the other magazine between the first operating position and the two th operating position.

In this embodiment, therefore, a double-acting drive piston is provided. The high pressure piston and the other high pressure piston can be operated in parallel or as stages.

The replacement of the other high-pressure seal and the interchangeable islands of the other replacement high-pressure seal can be done as in the above-described embodiments, so that can be dispensed with repetitions.

The invention will be explained below with reference to drawings darge presented embodiments.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a erfindungsge MAESSEN compressor with a drive piston and a high pressure piston in a central position, wherein a magazine with a high pressure seal and a replacement high pressure seal are arranged in a first operating position.

Fig. 2 shows the compressor of FIG. 1, wherein drive piston high-pressure piston are arranged in the other end position.

Fig. 3 shows the compressor of FIG. 1, 2, wherein the drive piston is moved away after releasing a clamping device from the high-pressure piston, so that a clearance between the drive piston and the high pressure piston is formed.

Fig. 4 shows the compressor of FIG. 1 to 3 in a first intermediate position of the magazine, in which the high pressure seal is pushed ver in the space between the drive piston and the high-pressure piston.

5 shows the compressor according to FIGS. 1 to 4 in an alternating Position after pivoting of the magazine from the first intermediate position, wherein the replacement high-pressure seal is arranged next to the high-pressure piston.

Fig. 6 shows the compressor according to FIGS. 1 to 5, wherein the set-high pressure seal is pushed onto the high-pressure piston.

Fig. 7 shows the compressor of FIG. 1 to 6 in the second operating position, wherein the high-pressure piston is in turn coupled to the drive piston on.

Fig. 8 to 12 respectively show a second embodiment of the compressor according to the invention with a displaceable in the axial and radial direction magazine, Fig. 8, the first loading operating position, Fig. 9, the first intermediate position, Fig. 10 shows a state between the first and second intermediate position 11 shows the second intermediate position and FIG. 12 shows the transfer to the second operating position.

13, 14 each show a third embodiment of the compressor according to the invention, in which the release of the high-pressure piston from the high-pressure piston by moving the high pressure piston between the first operating position (see Fig. 13) and a first intermediate position (see FIG .. 14) is effected.

15, 16 each show a fourth embodiment variant of the compressor according to the invention, in which the high pressure seal in the first operating position (see Fig. 15) is arranged outside of a receptacle of the magazine and is pushed by means of the second Zy Linders in the recording (see. Fig. 16).

1 to 7 show a first embodiment of a compressor 1 for compressing a gaseous working medium, for example molecular hydrogen. The compressor 1 has a pressure booster with a drive piston 2, which is within a first cylinder 3 between a first Endpo position (see Fig .. 2) and a second end position (not shown GE) back and forth. For driving the drive piston 2, a gaseous drive medium, in particular compressed air, is used. The drive piston 2 seals a first Volume 4 of the first cylinder 3 by means of a seal 5 against a second volume 6 of the first cylinder 3 from. Furthermore, a high-pressure piston 7 compressing the working medium is provided, which is reciprocated within a second cylinder 8 between a first end position (see Fig. 2) and a second end position (not shown). The Hochdruckkol ben 7 has a smaller piston area than the drive or low-pressure piston 2, so that a pressure ratio of the low pressure to the high pressure side is achieved. For coupling the high pressure piston 7 to the drive piston 2, a releasable clamping device 9 is provided in the first embodiment. This tensioning device 9 is known per se, so that near RE executions can do without. In other embodiment variants, see FIGS. 8 to 16, the high-pressure piston 7 can be fixedly connected to the drive piston 2 in order to transmit the movement of the drive piston 2 to the high-pressure piston 7.

The compressor 1 also has a magazine 10, which is equipped with egg ner recording 11 a for a high-pressure seal 11 and at least one further receptacle 12 a for a replacement high-pressure seal 12. The high pressure seal 11 causes the waterproofing device of the high pressure piston 7 in a first operating position during the compression of the working fluid. The replacement high-pressure seal 12 causes the sealing of the high-pressure piston 7 in a different second operating position of the Ma gazins 10 during the compression of the working medium. Furthermore, a changing device 13 for independent replacement of the high-pressure seal 11 through the replacement high-pressure seal 11 is seen before. The changing device 13 has a (only schematically shown in FIG. 1) drive 14, with which - as will be explained in detail below - the magazine 10 can be moved from the first operating position to the second operating position (and vice versa).

As further shown schematically in Fig. 1, a sensor device 15 is provided for detecting a leakage of the working medium. The sensor device 15 is connected to a Leckagelei device 16, on which emergent working medium (where appropriate, also exiting drive medium) can be detected. The sensor device 15 can - as in the prior art known per se - have a pressure measuring element for detecting the gas pressure in the leakage line 16. In addition or as an alternative, the sensor device 15 can be set up for qualitative or quantitative gas measurement. For this purpose, in the prior art, a variety of ways, based on electrical, physical and / or chemical measuring principles known, so that is not discussed in detail. In addition, the compressor 1 has an electronic control device 17, which is connected on the one hand to the sensor device 15 and on the other hand to the changing device 13. If a leakage of the working medium is detected at the sensor device 15, the drive 14 of the changing device 13 is controlled by the control device 17 such that the magazine 10 is moved from the first loading operating position to the second operating position to the replacement high-pressure seal 12 on the high-pressure piston 7 to arrange.

In the embodiment shown, the high-pressure seal 11 and the replacement high-pressure seal 12 each have a housing 18, in which at least one annular circumferential sealing element 19 is arranged re versible releasably. In the embodiment shown, the high-pressure seal 11 and the replacement high-pressure seal 12 each have a first annular sealing element 19a for sealing a high-pressure side and a second annular sealing element 19b for sealing a low-pressure side of the compressor 1. In addition, the high-pressure seal device 11 and the replacement high-pressure seal 12 in the embodiment shown from each one annular encircling bearing element 20, in the embodiment shown, a guide band, for supporting the high-pressure piston 7.

Depending on the design, the magazine 10 may have a plurality of replacement high-pressure seals 12. In many cases, it is favorable if between 2 and 7 replacement high-pressure seals 12 are provided on the magazine 10.

In the drawing, only for the understanding of the invention, he essential components of the compressor are shown.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the compressor may typically include numerous other components, but which are well known in the art. In the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7, the Maga zin 10 is on the one hand in the direction of a central axis 21 of the high pressure piston displaceable and on the other hand pivotable about a parallel and spaced apart pivot axis. To the sem purpose, the drive 14 of the changing device 13 shown in FIG. 1 to 7, a drive rod 14 a, which can be moved in the longitudinal direction by and about its own longitudinal axis 14 b pivoted.

FIGS. 1 to 7 illustrate the individual steps when changing from the first operating position using the high-pressure seal 11 into the second operating position using the replacement high-pressure seal 12.

According to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the magazine 1 is arranged in the first loading operating position, in which the high pressure piston 7 is sealed by the high pressure seal 11. The high pressure piston 7 is coupled via the tensioning device 9 with the drive piston 2, so that the high-pressure piston 7 and the drive piston 2 can move synchronously back and forth. Fig. 1 shows Antriebskol ben 2 and high-pressure piston 7 in each case in a middle position between tween the opposite dead centers. Fig. 2 shows the drive piston 2 in the first end position and the high-pressure piston 7 in the first end position.

According to FIG. 3, the tensioning device 9 is in the released state, wherein the high-pressure piston 7 is decoupled from the drive piston 2. The high pressure piston 7 is in the first end position and the drive piston 2 is arranged in the second end position, so that a maximum distance in the axial direction between high pressure piston 7 and drive piston 2 is achieved. In order to achieve this status, a magnetic element can be provided, wel Ches holds the high-pressure piston 7 in the dissolved from the drive piston 2 first end position. As a magnetic element, a permanent magnet 22a or a magnetic coil 22b may be provided. In the embodiment shown, the magnetic coil 22b is arranged concentrically around the high-pressure piston 7 on the second cylinder 8. Furthermore, the rest position of the high pressure piston 7 can be by a pressure difference between the first volume 4 of the first cylinder. 3 and achieve a high-pressure volume 23 of the second cylinder 8. This is achieved by the high-pressure volume 23 is relieved pressure, the first volume 4 remains pressurized. The resulting force pushes the Hochdruckkol ben 7 in the first end position.

According to Fig. 4, the magazine 10 is arranged in an axially to the Antriebskol ben 2 shifted first intermediate position. Since the high-pressure piston 7 and the drive piston 2 are arranged in entgegenge translated end positions, the high pressure seal 11 is located on the magazine 10 in the axial direction seen between the dissolved from the drive piston 2 end of the high-pressure piston 7 and the drive piston 2. The central axis 11 a of the high pressure sealing device 11th is collinear with the central axis 21 of the high-pressure piston 7. The central axis 12 a of the replacement high-pressure seal 12 is arranged parallel and in the radial direction at a distance from the central axis 21 of the high-pressure piston 7.

According to Fig. 5, the magazine 10 is in a first intermediate Stel development, in which the central axis 12a of the replacement high-pressure seal 12 is substantially collinear with the central axis 21 of the high-pressure piston 7 is arranged. The central axis 11 a of the high-pressure seal 11 is now arranged parallel and in the radial direction at a distance from the central axis 21 of the high-pressure piston 7. To achieve the change position, the magazine 10 is pivoted starting from the first intermediate position about the pivot axis 14b (compare arrow 24 in Fig. 4). The pivoting angle depends on the number and the arrangement of the replacement high-pressure seals 12 on the magazine 10.

According to Fig. 6, the replacement high-pressure seal 12 is pushed onto the high-pressure piston 7. For this purpose, the magazine 10, starting from the first intermediate position (see Fig. 5) in axia ler direction away from the drive piston 2 is moved until the replacement high-pressure seal 12 is seated on the high-pressure piston 7.

According to Fig. 7, the drive piston 2 is again coupled to the high-pressure piston 7, so that the operation of the compressor 1, now with the substitute replacement high-pressure seal 12, can be continued. 8 to 12, a further embodiment of the United poet 1 is shown, wherein only the difference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7 will be discussed below.

In this embodiment, the magazine 10 is moved together with the second cylinder 8 for the high-pressure piston 7 from the first loading operating position (see Fig. 8) away from the first cylinder 3 for the drive piston 2 in the first intermediate position (see FIG .. 9) , Thus, the clamping device 9 for the releasable coupling between the drive piston 2 and high pressure piston 7 entfal len.

Furthermore, this embodiment differs from each ner of Fig. 1 to 7, that the changing device 13 for Ver push the magazine 10 in the direction perpendicular to the central axis 21 of the high-pressure piston 7, i. in the radial direction, from the first intermediate position to the second intermediate position (and turned around) is set up.

Thus, the following steps are performed when changing from the high pressure seal 11 to the replacement high pressure seal 12.

According to FIG. 8, the compressor 1 is arranged in the first operating position, in which the high-pressure seal 11 on the magazine 10 effects the sealing of the high-pressure piston 7. The center axis 11a of the high-pressure seal 11 coincides with the central axis 21 of the high-pressure piston 21. The replacement high-pressure seal 12 is arranged in a radially away from the high pressure piston 7 th waiting position. The drive piston 2 is located in the end position shifted away from the magazine 10 (compare arrow 25a).

According to Fig. 9, the magazine 10 is moved together with the second Zy cylinder 8 in the axial direction (see, arrows 25b), so that the magazine 10 enters the first intermediate position. Meanwhile, the drive piston 2 and the high-pressure piston 7 are arranged in the end position shifted away from the magazine 10. Thus, the high pressure seal 11 slips when moving the magazine 10 with the second cylinder 8 from the end of the high pressure piston. 7

10, the magazine 10 is displaced in the radial direction relative to the second cylinder 8 (compare arrow 26b).

11, the magazine 10 passes through further displacement in the direction of arrow 26b in the second intermediate position, in which the replacement high-pressure seal 12 on the magazine 10 collinear with the high-pressure piston 7, but in the axial direction outside of it is arranged.

12, the magazine 10 is pushed together with the second Zy cylinder 8 in the axial direction on the high pressure piston 7 (see arrow 27) until the second operating position, with sealing arrangement of the replacement high-pressure seal 12 on the high-pressure piston 7 is reached ,

In the embodiment of Fig. 8 to 12 a doppelwir kender drive piston 2 is provided. In this embodiment, the compressor 1 has a further high-pressure piston 28 on the side facing away from the high-pressure piston 7 side of the drive piston 2. The drive piston 2 drives both the high pressure piston 7 and the other high pressure piston 28 at. In addition, a white teres magazine 29 with a receiving element 30a for a further high pressure seal 30 for sealing the further Hochdruckkol ben 28 in a first operating state of the other magazine 29 and at least one further receiving element 31a for another replacement high-pressure seal 31 for sealing the other high-pressure piston 28 provided in a second operating state of the wide ren magazine 29. For transferring the further magazine 29 between the first operating position and the second loading operating position is a further changing device 32 vorgese hen. The further magazine 29 and the further changing device 32 may be identical to the magazine 10 or to the changing device 13, so that repetitions should be dispensed with.

In Figs. 13, 14, a third embodiment of the United poet 1 is shown, in which - as in the second Ausfüh tion variant - a double-acting drive piston 2 with a further high pressure piston 28 is provided. In this variant Ausfüh is further a pressure chamber 33 between a first piston element 2 a of the drive piston 2 and a second piston element 2 b of the drive piston 2 is formed. The first piston element 2a and the second piston element 2b are connected to one another via a connecting rod 37. The pressure chamber 33 is connected to a (only schematically indicated) pressure line 34 to adjust the pressure in the pressure chamber 33. In the first operating position (see Fig. 14), a first, higher pressure in the pressure chamber 33 is provided. For transferring the magazine 10 into the first intermediate position, a second, lower pressure in the pressure chamber 33 is set, so that the axial distance between the first piston element 2a and the second piston element 2b is reduced in comparison to the first operating position. As a result, the high-pressure seal 11 slips from the high-pressure piston 7. At closing, the magazine 10 can be brought into the second intermediate position. By raising the pressure in the pressure chamber 33 to the first pressure, the second operating position of the magazine 10 is reached, in which the replacement high-pressure seal 12 is sealingly arranged on the high-pressure piston 7.

In Figs. 15, 16 a fourth embodiment of the United poet 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the receptacle 11a is located on the magazine 10 in the first operating position (see Fig. 15) in the empty state. The high-pressure seal 11 is seen in the axial direction outside the receptacle 11 a of the magazine 10 in a circumferential recess 35 of a housing of the pressure converter between a free end portion of the second cylinder 8 and an annular peripheral pressure member 36 is arranged.

To replace the high-pressure seal 11 by the replacement high-pressure seal 12, the high-pressure seal 11 is first received in the receptacle 11 a on the magazine 10. For this purpose, the pressure member 36 is displaced by means of the changing device 13 away from the drive piston 2, so that the pressure on the part 36 abut de high-pressure seal 11 is also displaced in the axial direction together with the second cylinder 8. The pressure member 36 may be pneumatically operated, for example. If necessary, then the high pressure piston 7 must be moved to the appropriate end position, so that the high pressure seal 11 from the high pressure piston 7 is released. Subsequently, the magazine 10 together with the replacement high-pressure seal 12 leads into the second intermediate position, in which the replacement high-pressure seal 12 in the Ausspa tion 35 of the second cylinder 8 is arranged. In the embodiment shown, this is achieved by pivoting the magazine 10. Finally, the replacement high-pressure seal 12 is pushed axially by displacement of the second cylinder 8 by means of Wechselvorrich 13 from the further receptacle 12 a, where is achieved with the second operating position.

In the fourth embodiment, the displacement of the high pressure seal and the replacement high pressure seal is preferably effected by a displacement of the second cylinder 8 substantially in the direction of the central axis of the high pressure piston.

Claims

Claims:

1. A method for compressing a working medium, with the

Steps:

- Moving a driven with a drive medium An

operating piston (2) within a first cylinder (3) between tween a first end position and a second Endpositi on;

Moving a working medium compressing Hochdruckkol bens (7) within a second cylinder (8) between egg ner first end position and a second end position,

- arranging a high pressure seal (11) for sealing the high pressure piston (7);

marked by:

- arranging a magazine (10) with a receptacle (11a) for the high pressure seal (11) and with at least one replacement high pressure seal (12) in a first operating position in which the high pressure piston (7) is sealed by the high pressure seal (11);

- Transferring the magazine (10) from the first operating position to a second operating position in which the high-pressure piston (7) by the replacement high-pressure seal (12) is sealed abge.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer of the magazine (10) from the first operating position to the second operating position comprises:

- Moving the magazine (10) together in the receptacle (11 a) to ordered high-pressure seal (11) relative to the second Zy cylinder (8) substantially in the direction of the central axis (21) of the high-pressure piston (7) from the first operating position into a high pressure seal (11) from the high-pressure piston (7) Lö send first intermediate position;

- Transferring the magazine (10) from the first intermediate position into a replacement high-pressure seal (12) substantially coaxially with the high-pressure piston (7) arranging second inter mediate position; and

- Moving the magazine (10) together with the replacement high-pressure seal (12) substantially in the direction of the central axis with (21) of the high-pressure piston (7) from the second intermediate into the second operating position.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the displacement of the magazine (10) from the first operating position into the first intermediate position comprises:

Detaching the high-pressure piston (7) from the drive piston (2),

- Arrange the drive piston (2) and the high-pressure piston

(7) at a distance from each other

- Moving the magazine (10) of the first operating Stel development substantially in the direction of the central axis (21) of the high pressure piston (7), so that the high pressure seal (11) in the first intermediate position, in the direction of the central axis (21) of the drive piston (2 ), between the high-pressure piston (7) and the drive piston (2) is arranged.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer of the magazine (10) from the first operating position into the second operating position comprises:

- Moving the magazine (10) together with in the receptacle (11 a) to ordered high-pressure seal (11) together with the second cylinder (8) substantially in the direction of the central axis (21) of the high-pressure piston (7) away from the drive piston

(2) from the first operating position into a high pressure seal (11) from the high-pressure piston (7) releasing first inter mediate position;

- Moving the magazine (10) together with the replacement high-pressure seal (12) together with the second cylinder

(8) substantially in the direction of the central axis (21) of the high pressure piston (7) to the drive piston (2) back from the second intermediate position to the second operating position.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer of the magazine (10) into the second operating position to summarizes:

- Moving the high-pressure piston (7) substantially in

Direction of the central axis (21) of the high-pressure piston (7) away from the magazine (10) together with the high-pressure seal (11) arranged in the receptacle (11a) until the high-pressure seal (11) is released from the high-pressure piston (7), so that the magazine (10) is arranged in a first intermediate position;

- Moving the high-pressure piston (7) substantially in

Direction of the central axis (21) of the high pressure piston (7) to the magazine (10) out until the replacement high-pressure seal (12) on the high-pressure piston (7) is arranged.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer of the magazine (10) from the first operating position into the second operating position comprises:

- Moving the high-pressure seal (11) of one, in Rich tion of the central axis (21) of the high-pressure piston (7), outside the receptacle (11 a) arranged position in a in the receptacle (11 a) arranged position, wherein the set-high pressure seal (12) in a further receptacle (12a) of the magazine (10) is arranged, so that the magazine (10) is arranged in a first intermediate position;

- Moving the replacement high-pressure seal (12) of the in the further receptacle (12 a) of the magazine (10) arranged position in a, seen in the direction of the central axis (21) of the high-pressure piston (7), outside the further on acquisition (12 a) of the magazine (10) arranged position.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the high-pressure seal (11) and the replacement high pressure seal (12) depending Weil together with the second cylinder (8) are moved.

8. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the magazine (10) for transfer from the first intermediate position to the second intermediate position by a in the sentlichen parallel to the central axis (21) of the high-pressure piston (7) extending pivot axis (14b) pivoted or Chen in Wesentli in the direction perpendicular to the central axis (21) of the high-pressure piston (7) is moved.

9. compressor (1) for compressing a working medium, aufwei send:

- One operable with a drive medium drive piston (2) within a first cylinder (3), wherein the drive piston (2) between a first end position and egg ner second end position is movable;

- A high-pressure piston (7) compressing the working medium within a second cylinder (8), wherein the high-pressure piston (7) between a first end position and a second end position is movable; a high pressure seal (11) for sealing the high pressure piston (7);

marked by:

- A magazine (10) with a receptacle (11 a) for the high pressure seal (11) and with at least one replacement high-pressure seal (12);

- A changing device (13) with a drive (14) for

Transferring the magazine (10) between a first loading operating position for sealing the high pressure piston (7) by the high pressure seal (11) and a second loading operating position for sealing the high pressure piston (7) by the replacement high pressure seal (12).

10. A compressor (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that a sensor device (15) for detecting a leakage of the Ar beitsmediums is provided, wherein a control device (17) on the one hand with the sensor device (15) and on the other hand with the changing device (13) is connected to transfer upon detection ei ner leakage of the working medium, the magazine (10) from the first operating position to the second operating position.

11. A compressor (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the changing device (13) for transferring the Maga interest (10) from the first operating position into a first inter mediate position is set up to

a. the magazine (10) arranged in the receptacle (11 a) High-pressure seal (11) substantially in the direction of the central axis with (21) of the high-pressure piston (7) relative to the second cylinder (8) to move and / or

b. the magazine (10) together with the second cylinder (8) substantially in the direction of the central axis (21) of the high pressure piston (7) to move and / or

c. the high-pressure piston (7) substantially in the direction of the central axis with (21) of the high-pressure piston (7) beyond the first or second end position to move beyond and / or

d. the second cylinder (8) substantially in the direction of the central axis (21) of the high-pressure piston (7) to move the high-pressure seal (11) from an axially outside of the receptacle (11 a) arranged position in one in the Aufnah me (11 a) arranged To give an opinion.

12. The compressor (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the changing device (13) further for transferring the Ma gazins (10) from the first intermediate position into a replacement high-pressure seal (12) substantially coaxially with the high-pressure piston (7 ) arranging second intermediate position is established.

13. A compressor (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the changing device (13) is arranged for transferring the magazine (10) from the second intermediate position to the second operating position to

a. the magazine (10) arranged in the receptacle (11 a) He set high-pressure seal (12) substantially in the direction of the central axis (21) of the high pressure piston (7) relative to the two th cylinder (8) to move and / or

c. the high-pressure piston (7) substantially in the direction of the central axis with (21) of the high-pressure piston (7) to move back into the first and second end position and / or

d. to displace the second cylinder (8) substantially in the direction of the central axis (21) of the high-pressure piston (7), around the replacement high-pressure seal (12) from a position arranged in a further receptacle (12a) of the magazine in an axially outside the further receptacle (12 a) arranged to bring position.

14. A compressor (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the high-pressure seal (11) and the replacement high-pressure seal (12) each have a housing (18), in which at least one sealing element (19; 19a, 19b) , in particular releasably, is arranged.

15. Compressor (1) according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the magazine (10) has a plurality of replacement high-pressure seals (12), wherein preferably between 2 and 7 replacement high-pressure seals (12) are provided.