EP4229319A1

EP4229319A1 - Vacuum valve for a vacuum transport system

Info

Publication number: EP4229319A1
Application number: EP21794524.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hanspeter Frehner; Martin NETZER; Florian Ehrne; Fabio Alejandro Dubois
Original assignee: VAT Holding AG
Current assignee: VAT Holding AG
Priority date: 2020-10-19
Filing date: 2021-10-15
Publication date: 2023-08-23
Also published as: CA3193013A1; CN116234998A; WO2022084172A1; DE102020006404A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum valve for closing a valve opening for a vacuum transport system in a gas-tight manner. The vacuum transport system has a transport tube with multiple transport tube segments for transporting a vehicle in the interior along the transport tube, and the valve opening defines an opening axis. The vacuum valve additionally has: a seal surface which encircles the valve opening, a closure component for closing the valve opening in a gas-tight manner, comprising a single-piece seal, which has a closed circumference and is designed to interact with the seal surface, and a drive unit for providing a movement of the closure component relative to the valve opening such that the closure component can be moved parallel to a closure axis from an open position into a closing position and back, wherein the closure component at least partly releases the valve opening in the open position, and the seal contacts the seal surface in the closing position and closes the valve opening in a gas-tight manner. The closure axis is perpendicular to the opening axis, and the respective course of the seal surface and the seal has a first and second main section as well as two lateral sections. The two main sections lie on planes which are oriented at a right angle to the opening axis and which are mutually spaced, and the two main sections are connected by one of the lateral sections on two respective opposing faces of the main sections.

Description

Vacuum valve for a vacuum transport system

The invention relates to a vacuum valve for essentially gas-tight sealing of a valve opening for a vacuum transport system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vacuum transport system and a method for venting a transport tube segment of a vacuum transport system.

Vacuum transport systems are currently still in the development phase. These are each a high-speed transport system in which capsules are located in a (largely) evacuated tube z. B. move on guide systems, rail systems, air cushions or magnetically repulsively gliding at very high speeds. In the vicinity of stations, linear motors can enable high accelerations, as in a magnetic levitation train, while electrically operated compressors can generate sufficient propulsion when the cruising speed is reached. Alternatively, a corresponding drive can be provided by the object moving in the tube.

Such a vacuum transport system has, for example, reinforced concrete supports with two adjacent travel tubes made of steel or other suitable materials containing metal and/or concrete, in which there is at least a rough or fine vacuum. Instead of being arranged on supports, the pipe system can also be constructed underground. By reducing the air resistance within the transport tube, the vacuum is intended to enable cruising speeds up to just above the speed of sound. Capsules or vehicles with space for several passengers can be placed in the tubes to be moved or loads are transported (e.g. cars).

The capsules or vehicles can, for example, be made primarily of aluminum or alternative lightweight materials and have a diameter of at least two meters. Furthermore, an unladen weight of 3 to 3.5 tons is proposed, with a payload of between 12 and 25 tons being possible.

The transport tubes can have an inner diameter slightly larger than the capsule diameter and a wall thickness of at least 20 mm. The internal pressure can z. B. at approx. 100 pascals (1 millibar) are maintained. The pillars that support the transport tubes can be positioned at an average distance of about 30 meters and protected against earthquakes by damping elements.

It is generally a problem for the operation of such a vacuum transport system to create and maintain a desired vacuum within the system. In particular, when unloading or loading or removing or inserting a transport vehicle into the transport tube, large losses of the internal vacuum can occur.

A further problem is the fulfillment of, in particular, official safety requirements, so that possible dangers can be avoided when operating the system. Especially when transporting people, but also when transporting goods (e.g. dangerous goods), it is essential that the safety devices provided allow people or goods to be rescued from the transport tube unharmed in an emergency. It is therefore the object of the present invention to solve these problems.

These objects are solved by realizing the characterizing features of the independent claims. Features that further develop the invention in an alternative or advantageous manner can be found in the dependent patent claims.

The present invention's approach to solving the above problems is based on an integration of a plurality of vacuum valves along the transport tube. With the help of the vacuum valves, certain station areas along the route can be atmospherically separated from the tube and ventilated for loading and unloading and made accessible. After loading, the area is closed again, evacuated and the valves opened.

On the other hand, the valves can be provided at certain regular intervals along the route. In an emergency, this allows a specific section of the transport tube to be closed and then ventilated so that people and/or goods can be rescued.

The invention relates to a vacuum valve for gas-tight sealing of a valve opening for a vacuum transport system, the vacuum transport system having a transport tube with a plurality of transport tube segments for transporting a vehicle inside along the transport tube, the valve opening defining an opening axis, and the vacuum valve also having has : a sealing surface surrounding the valve opening , a closure component for gas-tight closure of the valve opening with a peripherally closed, one-piece seal which is designed to interact with the sealing surface, and a drive unit for providing such a movement of the closure component relative to the valve opening that the closure component is parallel to a closure axis from an open position can be moved into a closed position and back, with the closure component in the open position at least partially releasing the valve opening, with the seal contacting the sealing surface in the closed position and closing the valve opening in a gas-tight manner, and with the closure axis being perpendicular to the opening axis, the Profiles of the sealing surface and seal each have a first and second main section and two side sections, the two main sections lying in planes which are at right angles to the axis of the opening and are spaced apart from one another , and are connected at two opposite sides of the main section each by one of the side sections .

In one embodiment, the side sections run in a U-shape in planes that are perpendicular to the axis of the closure.

In a further embodiment, surface normals of the sealing surface are always at right angles to the axis of the opening.

In a further embodiment, the seal has a Y-shaped cross section, with the two legs of the cross section making contact with the sealing surface in the closed position. In a further embodiment, the closure component is flat in the area between the two main sections, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the opening, and has a shoulder which carries the seal in the first main section.

In a further embodiment, the sealing surface is arranged in its second main section on the track bed and in its first main section in the shaft.

In a further embodiment, the vacuum valve has a valve housing. In particular, the valve housing can provide the valve opening and/or be designed to connect two transport tube segments of the vacuum transport system.

In a further embodiment, the valve housing has a shaft in which the closure component is fully positioned in the open position.

In a further embodiment, the valve housing has a slot which is designed in such a way that the closure component dips into the slot on its way from the open position to the closed position.

In a further embodiment, the slot is arranged and designed in such a way that the closure component is locked in the closed position in the direction of the opening axis by end faces on the slot.

In a further embodiment, the closure component is mounted linearly in the valve housing to the side of the valve opening.

The invention also relates to a vacuum transport system with a transport tube with several Transport tube segments for transporting a vehicle inside along the transport tube, wherein a negative pressure, in particular a vacuum, can be provided inside the transport tube relative to the surrounding atmosphere, the vacuum transport system having a plurality of vacuum valves each arranged between two adjacent transport tube segments according to the description herein and a controller, which is designed to control two adjacent vacuum valves in such a way that they close or open an internal volume of at least one intermediate transport tube segment.

In one embodiment, the vacuum transport system has an aeration device, the controller being designed to actuate the aeration device in such a way that a vacuum or negative pressure prevailing in the interior volume of the intermediate transport tube segment is eliminated by aeration.

In a further embodiment, the vehicle is a capsule or a vehicle for transporting at least one person and/or goods.

The invention also relates to a method for venting a transport tube segment of a transport tube of a vacuum transport system according to the description herein, with the steps: braking a vehicle traveling in the transport tube to a standstill, gas-tight closing of those vacuum valves that delimit the transport tube segment in which the vehicle has come to a standstill, ventilating the transport tube segment in which the vehicle is located with a ventilation device. The device according to the invention is described in more detail below, purely by way of example, on the basis of specific exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the drawings, with further advantages of the invention also being discussed. Show in detail:

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a transport tube

vacuum transport system ;

Fig. 2-4 an embodiment of a vacuum valve according to the invention;

Fig. 5 an embodiment of one according to the invention

closure component ;

Fig. 6 an embodiment of a profile of a seal according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a section of an exemplary transport tube 1 of a vacuum transport system in a schematic manner. The tube 1 is preferably composed of a large number of segments (see FIGS. 2a and 2b), which can be shut off from one another by vacuum valves (see FIGS. 3a and 3b).

Flooding with air or pressure equalization with the environment is relevant for safety reasons. For example, a vehicle 4 could experience a complication K, such as a patient medical emergency, a leak in the vehicle body 12, or a fire 14. In such an emergency situation, the vehicle 4 must stop as quickly as possible. If the situation permits, the vehicle 4 could be held in a defined transport tube segment, or also in any segment, in which case sensors for detecting the vehicle 4 are then preferably present. If the vehicle 4 comes to a standstill in such a way that a valve cannot close, the next available valve can advantageously be accessed. Otherwise, a device could also be provided which moves the vehicle 4 in such a way that the valve area becomes free and the valve can close.

The vehicle 4 can be a capsule or a vehicle and can be designed to transport at least one person and/or goods.

As FIG. 2 shows in detail, the vacuum valve has in particular a housing 5 in which the closure component is mounted in a linearly displaceable manner. However, the housing can also be provided by the transport tube system, i . H . the valve opening and/or the sealing surface could also be regarded as an external part, that is to say as not belonging to the vacuum valve. As a third variant, the housing 5 is part of the vacuum valve, but not the valve opening 6, which seen in this way is then part of the tube.

The valve opening 6 is integrated into the vacuum transport system, as can be seen from the continuous rails 7 . The valve opening defines an opening axis Al.

In FIG. 3 the sealing surface 8 is shown, which runs in mutually offset sections. A first main section H11 of the sealing surface is located in shaft 9 on the outer wall of the tube. The seal 10 rests here in the closed position. The lateral mounting and guidance 11 of the closure component 12 can also be seen here, which advantageously saves space compared to conventional shaft guides that drive the locking component from above.

The closure component 12 is planar throughout, except for a shoulder in the upper part 12 which supports the seal in the main section H21. In the main section H22 the seal 10 rests in the closed position on the main section H12 of the sealing surface 8 . The main sections H11 and H21 lie in a first plane which is perpendicular to the opening axis A1. The main sections H12 and H22 lie in a second plane, which is also perpendicular to the opening axis A1. The first level and the second level are offset axially (relative to the opening axis A1) with respect to one another. This offset is bridged by the side sections, which are covered here but are to be explained in more detail with reference to FIG.

The sealing surface 8 runs around the valve opening 6 and the peripherally closed, one-piece seal 10 is consequently designed to interact with the sealing surface 8 so that the valve opening can be closed in a gas-tight manner.

A drive unit 13 provides such a movement of the closure component 12 relative to the valve opening that the closure component is displaceable parallel to the closure axis A2 from the open position to the closed position and back. The closure axis A2 is perpendicular to the opening axis Al.

If the vacuum valve is fully open, the closure component 12 is completely immersed in the shaft 9 through the slot 14 .

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the vacuum valve in the closed position. Here is the paragraph in question Closure component 12 is clearly visible in the upper area, which ultimately also causes the main sections H21 and H22 to be offset.

On the way from the open position to the closed position, the flat area of the closure component enters the tube through the slot 14 . In its first and second main section H21 and H22, the seal then touches the sealing surface 8 on its respective first and second main section H11 and H12 and thus closes the valve opening in a gas-tight manner.

FIG. 6 shows an example of how the seal 10 is then applied to the sealing surface 8. The seal 10 has in particular a sealing lip with a Y-shaped cross section or profile. By pressing against the sealing surface 8, the Y-legs spread, which promises additional security of the seal when the high pressure difference occurs when the pipe segment is flooded. The (not necessarily symmetrical) Y-profile also ensures that sealing can take place in both directions.

However, such a Y-profile of the seal 10 is not absolutely necessary. In other embodiments, the seal has any other type of profile, such as a circular, rectangular, triangular, square, polygonal, labyrinth-like, U-shaped, W-shaped, or M-shaped profile.

The pressure difference occurring due to the flooding of the segment also causes a very high force to be exerted on the closure component 12 . The fact that the slot 14 allows little or no play of the immersed closure component 12, this is so by the Faces of the slot 14 locked or. recorded throughout the first main section.

The geometry of the seal perimeter is now shown in detail in FIG. Here, the side sections S21 and S22 of the seal run in a U-shape, for example, in planes that are perpendicular to the closure axis A2 or lie parallel to the opening axis Al. Side sections of the sealing surface S 11 and S 12 run correspondingly (see FIG. 3). The legs of the U-shaped sections connect the two main sections of the seal or the sealing surface . This creates the axial offset, whereby the valve can be closed by vertical infeed (along the closure axis).

The surface normals of the sealing surface 8 or of the seal 10 are always at right angles to the opening axis Al. For this reason, sealing is always carried out perpendicularly to the pressure exertion at all points of the circumferential seal. In the compression direction, the seal itself is therefore never deflected or changed by the pressure difference - it is independent of the flooding. Retention of the closure component 12 is disengaged because it is taken care of by the faces of the slot 14 .

In its second main section H22, the seal 10 and, correspondingly, the course of the closure component 12 is designed in such a way that it is sealed against the track bed as a sealing surface 8. Specifically, this can mean that the shape of the closure component 12 and/or that of the seal 10 is adapted to a track bed. But it can also mean, as in the case of FIG. 4, that an uneven track bed can be covered by a closure component 12 that is flat in this area and a seal 10 by elastic "Clinging up" of the sealing material is bridged and sealed. In other words, in one embodiment the seal 10 is designed to close the valve opening in a gas-tight manner in that the seal seals gas-tight against a track bed structure, which is encompassed by the sealing surface, by elastic deformation in the second main section. An uneven track bed, i. H . a track bed structure of whatever kind that is not a flat surface may, but does not have to, have a rail, as can be seen in FIGS. 2-4. There may also be depressions in the roadway or a combination of elevations and depressions, with the seal 10 per se at least partially compensating for these unevennesses by elastically adapting its shape.

Other forms of a sealing surface are of course also conceivable, e.g. B. a straight shape, so that the second main section H22 of the seal can at least partially dip into a flat groove in the track bed as a sealing surface (not shown). Such grooves do not normally disturb the vehicle 4 since magnetic guides are preferably used and in particular also because the "plate", ie the closure component 12, can be designed very thin, as a result of which the groove in the base can be very thin. Such an additional groove would additionally lock the closure component in the axial direction.

The transport tube segments of a vacuum transport system can each be connected to the housing 5, as shown in FIG. A controller (not shown), in particular a computer, controls two adjacent vacuum valves 3a and 3b in such a way that they close an internal volume of the transport tube segment in between or open . A ventilation device 15 is then z. B. also controlled by the controller in order to lift a vacuum or negative pressure prevailing in the interior volume of the intermediate transport tube segment 2a by ventilation.

In particular, in some or all of the tube segments, a loading/unloading hatch z. B. to be provided for a vehicle (not shown in FIG. 1).

When "two adjacent vacuum valves" are mentioned, this of course also includes the case that two segments are flooded at the same time by closing two valves, between which there are two tube segments and one valve that remains open, or even three tube segments and two of missing valves , and so on .

It goes without saying that the figures shown only show possible exemplary embodiments schematically. According to the invention, the various approaches can also be combined with one another and with valves for closing off process volumes under vacuum conditions of the prior art.

Claims

patent claims

1. Vacuum valve (3a, 3b) for gas-tight sealing of a valve opening (6) for a vacuum transport system, the vacuum transport system having a transport tube (1) with a plurality of transport tube segments (2a, 2b) for transporting a vehicle (4) inside along the transport tube, the valve opening defining an opening axis (Al), characterized by

• a sealing surface (8) surrounding the valve opening,

• a closure component (12) for gas-tight closure of the valve opening with a peripherally closed, one-piece seal (10) which is designed to interact with the sealing surface, and

• a drive unit (13) for providing such a movement of the closure component relative to the valve opening that the closure component can be moved parallel to a closure axis (A2) from an open position to a closed position and back, the closure component in the open position at least partially releasing the valve opening, wherein the seal contacts the sealing surface in the closed position and closes the valve opening in a gas-tight manner, and wherein the closing axis is perpendicular to the opening axis, wherein

- the profiles of the sealing surface and seal each have a first and second main section (H11, H12, H21, H22) and two side sections (Sil, S12, S21, S22), - the two main sections lie in planes which are perpendicular to the axis of the opening and are spaced apart from each other, and are connected on two opposite sides of the main section, each by one of the side sections.

2. Vacuum valve (3a, 3b) according to claim 1, wherein the side sections (S11, S12, S21, S22) extend in a U-shape in planes which are perpendicular to the closure axis (A2).

3. Vacuum valve (3a, 3b) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein surface normals of the sealing surface (8) are always at right angles to the opening axis (Al).

4. Vacuum valve (3a, 3b) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal (10) has a Y-shaped cross section, the two legs of the cross section contacting the sealing surface (8) in the closed position.

5. Vacuum valve (3a, 3b) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure component (12), viewed in a plane perpendicular to the opening axis (A1), is planar in the area between the two main sections (H11, H12, H21, H22) and has a shoulder which carries the seal (10) in the first main section (H21).

6. vacuum valve (3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a valve housing. 16

7. Vacuum valve (3a, 3b) according to claim 6, wherein the valve housing (5) has a shaft (9) in which the closure component (12) is fully positioned in the open position.

8. Vacuum valve (3a, 3b) according to claim 7, wherein the sealing surface (8) is arranged in its second main section (H12) on the track bed and in its first main section (Hll) in the shaft (9).

9. Vacuum valve (3a, 3b) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the valve housing has a slot (14) which is designed such that the closure component (12) dips into the slot on its way from the open position to the closed position .

10. Vacuum valve (3a, 3b) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the slot (14) is arranged and designed such that the closure component (12) is locked in the closed position in the direction of the opening axis (A1) by end faces on the slot .

11. Vacuum valve (3a, 3b) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the closure component (12) is mounted linearly to the side of the valve opening (6) in the valve housing (5).

12. Vacuum transport system with a transport tube (1) with a plurality of transport tube segments (2a, 2b) for transporting a vehicle (4) inside along the transport tube, with a negative pressure, in particular a vacuum, being able to be provided inside the transport tube relative to the surrounding atmosphere, 17 marked by

• a plurality of vacuum valves (3a, 3b) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, each arranged between two adjacent transport tube segments, and

• a controller designed to control two adjacent vacuum valves in such a way that they close or open an internal volume of at least one intermediate transport tube segment.

13. Vacuum transport system according to claim 12, comprising a ventilation device (15), wherein the controller is designed to control the ventilation device in such a way that a vacuum or negative pressure prevailing in the interior volume of the intermediate transport tube segment is eliminated by ventilation.

14. Vacuum transport system according to claim 13, wherein the vehicle (4) is a capsule or a vehicle for transporting at least one person and/or goods.

15. Method of venting a transport tube segment

(2a, 2b) of a transport tube (1) of a vacuum transport system according to one of claims 12 to 14, with the steps:

• braking a vehicle (4) traveling in the transport tube to a standstill,

• gas-tight closing of those vacuum valves (3a, 3b) that delimit the transport pipe segment in which the vehicle has come to a standstill,

• Aerating the transport tube segment in which the vehicle is located with an aerating device.