Condensate discharge device for discharging condensate

Abstract

The invention relates to a condensate discharge device (2, 102) for discharging condensate, comprising: a housing (4, 104); an interior space (6, 106) formed in the housing (4, 104) for containing a fluid; an inlet (8, 108) formed in the housing (4, 104) for introducing a fluid into the interior space (6, 106) of the housing (4, 104); an outlet (10, 110) formed in the housing (4, 104) for discharging fluid out of the interior space (6, 106) of the housing (4, 104); a valve (12, 112) disposed in the housing (4, 104) and having a valve body (14, 114) configured to move to a release position (F) and a closed position (S), where the valve body (14, 114) releases fluid flow between the interior space (6, 106) and the outlet (10, 106) when in the release position (F) and blocks fluid flow between the interior space (6, 106) and the outlet (10, 106) when in the closed position (S); and a drive device (16, 116) for moving the valve body (14, 114), the drive device (16, 116) being configured to move the valve body (14, 114) into the release position (F) and / or the closed position (S). According to the invention, the drive device (16, 116) is an electromagnetic or magnetically acting drive (16, 116) or has an electromagnetic drive (16, 116).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a condensate drain device for draining condensate, comprising: a shell; an internal space formed in the shell for accommodating a fluid; an inlet formed in the shell for introducing the fluid into the internal space of the shell; an outlet formed in the shell for draining the fluid out of the internal space of the shell; a valve arranged in the shell, the valve having a valve body configured to move to a release position and a closed position, wherein the valve body releases the fluid flow between the internal volume and the outlet when in the release position, and blocks the fluid flow between the internal volume and the outlet when in the closed position; and a drive device for moving the valve body, the drive device being configured to move the valve body to the release position and / or the closed position. Background Art

[0002] Condensate drains of this type are known in the prior art. They are used to drain condensate generated in steam-conducting facilities, for example in the chemical industry or the energy industry. For example, floating condensate drains are known in the prior art, which are installed at certain locations in the steam-conducting facilities where condensate is expected to accumulate. In the case of such flat condensate drains, the discharge of condensate takes place as a function of the filling level of the condensate in the housing of the floating condensate drain. If the filling level in the housing exceeds a predetermined level or height, a flat ball arranged in the housing and connected to the valve floats, whereby the valve is actuated and the flow cross section in the condensate drain is opened. The condensate then flows out of the housing in the direction of the outlet. If the filling level is below a predetermined minimum value, the valve is closed by the sinking floating ball. The function of the floating condensate drain is thus largely independent of the temperature of the condensate and provides for pressure fluctuations in the system.

[0003] Although condensate drains of this type known from the prior art have proven themselves, there is still room for improvement. As a function of the steam pressure, floating condensate drains usually have a relatively large volume in order to be able to accommodate a float with a corresponding buoyancy. Furthermore, due to their design and mechanical structure, the responsiveness of condensate drains of this type is firmly predetermined. In addition to this, monitoring conventional floating condensate drains of this type, in particular integrating them into digitalized facilities, has proven to be challenging.

[0004] A first concept is also known which uses a motorized drive device to move valve bodies in compressed air systems; in installations with high steam pressures and steam temperatures, this type of drive does not ensure the required tightness and temperature resistance when used. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to further develop a condensate drain device of the above-mentioned type in order to eliminate the disadvantages existing in the prior art as far as possible. In particular, a condensate drain device is specified which is designed in a compact manner, can be easily monitored and provides safe operation (a high degree of sealing to the surrounding area is achieved) even when used in installations with high steam temperatures and steam pressures.

[0006] In the case of a condensate drain device of the type mentioned above, the object is achieved according to the invention in that the drive device is formed as an electromagnetic or magnetically acting drive or has an electromagnetic drive. The invention makes use of the knowledge that by using such an electromagnetic drive, a precise movement of the valve body can be achieved, thereby simultaneously ensuring a high tightness of the condensate drain device. Furthermore, a further advantage is that good integration is also possible in digital control systems, enabling a compact design of the valve body and precise actuation.

[0007] The drive preferably has a movable drive part and a static drive part, wherein the movable drive part is arranged in the inner space of the housing and is connected to the valve body, and the static drive part is arranged outside the inner space and is separated from the latter in a fluid-tight manner, in particular by a wall, wherein the static drive part is configured to drive the movable drive part by a magnetic drive force.

[0008] This preferred further development makes use of the realization that the movable drive part in the inner space of the housing is separated in a fluid-tight manner from the static drive part outside the inner space. This allows the valve body to be driven without the drive having to have, for example, a movable lead through the housing. In a sense, the inner space is thus isolated from the static drive part, and it is achieved thereby that the condensate drain device always remains tightly closed even when used under conditions of high steam temperatures and high steam pressures. The corresponding drive simultaneously provides a compact structure of the condensate drain device without requiring a large internal volume to accommodate a float of corresponding size. Furthermore, the drive can be adapted to the desired operating parameters by appropriate control thereof.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the drive is formed as a linear motor, wherein the movable drive part is formed as a slide and the static drive part is formed as a stator. The use of a linear motor has proven to be very suitable for driving the valve body, wherein the basic principle of a linear motor allows the formation of isolated slides and stators.

[0010] A further development of the invention is that the drive device has a pipe which is connected to the housing in a fluid-conducting manner on the inside and in which the slide is accommodated in the interior of the pipe, wherein the outside of the pipe is sealed relative to the housing, wherein the stator is arranged or formed on the outside of the pipe. According to the invention, dynamic seals (which are exposed to greater wear) can be avoided. By arranging the stator on the outside of the pipe and accommodating the slide in the interior of the pipe, the idea of ​​isolating the interior of the pipe and therefore the slide from the stator on the outside of the pipe is again achieved. In addition, the tubular basic shape provides a particularly suitable guidance for the slide in the pipe.

[0011] The slider preferably has at least two permanent magnets, which are particularly formed as ring magnets or disk magnets. According to a preferred embodiment, the permanent magnets are separated from each other by non-magnetic spacers. According to a preferred embodiment, the stator has at least two coils, which are configured to generate a magnetic field for driving the slider.

[0012] A further development of the invention is that the linear motor is designed to capacitively determine the position of the slide. Based on the above features, it is not only achieved that the slide can be safely driven by transmitting the required force, but also that the position of the slide can be determined, from which the position of the valve body can be derived at the same time. In other words, the opening state of the valve can be monitored in this way, and this information can be used to control the condensate drain device.

[0013] A further development of the invention is that the valve body is formed as a rolling ball, which is configured to release the valve seat of the valve in the release position and to close the valve seat in the blocking position. According to a preferred embodiment, the valve body is also configured to release the valve seat in sections in at least one intermediate position, which is arranged between the release position and the blocking position. In this way, the valve can be completely opened, completely closed or only partially opened. As a result, the release of condensate from the condensate drain becomes finely controllable, because the valve body can be brought into the position required for control reasons.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the ball is arranged on a ball lever, wherein the ball lever is connected to a slide, so that the translational movement of the slide moves the ball from the release position to the blocking position and vice versa. In addition, considering the lever principle, by using such a ball lever, the required operating force can be further applied to the ball.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the condensate drain device is substantially horizontally flow-through in the operating position, wherein the slide of the linear motor is driven in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0016] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the condensate drain device is substantially vertically flow-through in the operating position, wherein the slide of the linear motor is driven in a substantially vertical direction.

[0017] In the case of a vertically flowing condensate drain device, it is preferably provided that the ball lever is supported on the housing via a spring element, so that the movement of the ball lever into the release position is supported by the spring force of the spring and the movement of the ball lever into the closed position tensions the spring. In this way, when the condensate drain device is vertically flowing, approximately the same actuating force of the ball lever in the direction of the closed position and the release position is achieved, whereby the control or regulation of the linear drive is correspondingly simplified.

[0018] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the drive is formed as an axial flux motor, wherein the movable drive part is formed as a rotor and the static drive part is formed as a stator. Such an axial flux motor essentially utilizes the same operating concept as a linear drive, but does not convert motion into linear motion, but into rotational motion.

[0019] The rotor preferably has three or more permanent magnets, in particular six permanent magnets, which are in particular equidistant from the axis of rotation of the rotor and evenly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. In this way, sufficient operating forces can be transmitted and a good ability to control the axial flux motor is also achieved.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the stator has three or more coils, in particular six coils, which are designed to generate a magnetic field for driving the rotor, wherein in particular the coils are at the same distance from the axis of rotation of the rotor as the magnets, and in particular at least one of the coils, in particular all of the coils, has a ferromagnetic core for strengthening the magnetic field. By forming a stator with three or more, in particular six coils, a reliable force transmission from the stator to the rotor is made possible. In addition, the magnetic field is strengthened by the ferromagnetic core.

[0021] A further improvement of the invention is that the rotor is accommodated on the inner side of the housing wall of the interior space, and the stator is arranged on the outer side of the housing wall. In this way, a sealed separation of the rotor from the stator is achieved, so that steam can be reliably prevented from escaping from the housing. The movable parts do not need to be guided through the housing opening, so that the risk of leakage is significantly reduced overall.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotor is connected to the spindle in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the spindle is mounted on the housing in a rotationally movable manner. A further development of the invention is that the valve body is formed as a disc with a hole slot, which is rotatable about the rotation axis, wherein the hole slot overlaps the flow channel by rotating the disc into a release position, so that the fluid-conducting connection with the outlet is released, and the disc blocks the fluid-conducting connection with the outlet by rotating the disc into a closed position. According to a preferred embodiment, the spindle has a spindle slide, which is coupled to the disc via an actuating part, so that an axial movement of the spindle slide along the spindle causes a rotation of the disc into the release position and the closed position.

[0023] According to a preferred further development, the actuating part is pivotably mounted on the end remote from the spindle slide, wherein the disc has a cam which is movably guided in a groove of the actuating part so that the pivoting movement of the actuating part causes a rotation of the disc. According to a preferred embodiment, the disc is an upper disc, wherein a lower disc is arranged below the upper disc, the lower disc serving as a rotational bearing for the upper disc, wherein in particular the upper disc is pushed against the lower disc by a spring element. In this way, due to the formation of two discs arranged one on top of the other, a reduction in the actuation resistance is achieved. At least one disc or in particular both discs are respectively made of a ceramic material. This again has a positive influence on the friction behavior and wear.

[0024] According to an alternative further preferred development, the valve body is formed as a valve pin, which is rotatably received on the valve sleeve and wherein the valve pin has an outlet groove which, in the release position, is in fluid-conducting connection with a bore opening formed in the valve sleeve and releases a fluid flow through the valve and which, in the closed position, blocks a fluid flow through the valve, wherein the valve body can in particular additionally be brought into an intermediate position in which the outlet groove is at least partially in fluid-conducting connection with the bore opening.

[0025] A further improvement of the invention is that the valve pin is connected to a lever, and wherein the lever is connected to a slide, so that a translational movement of the slide causes the valve pin to be rotationally moved from the release position to the blocking position and vice versa. In this way, the translational movement of the slide is converted into a rotational movement for actuating the valve pin.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the condensate drain device has a sensor device for detecting at least one operating state of the fluid and / or the condensate drain device and for providing at least one signal representative of the at least one operating state. The condensate drain device preferably also has a control device, which is formed to receive the at least one signal and output a control signal to a drive device for moving the valve body and / or to a higher-level controller. The sensor device and / or the control device can be directly assigned to the condensate drain device or can be part of the condensate drain device or can also be alternatively formed as a separate component connected to the condensate drain device. By this aspect of the condensate drain device, the transmission of the signal provided by the sensor device for controlling the drive device (thus in particular an electromagnetic or magnetic force acting drive or an electromagnetic drive) is achieved in an advantageous manner, thus achieving a system that is autonomous from a control-related aspect and is based on the values ​​measured by the sensor device and used to actuate the drive to control and move the valve body. Compared to, for example, a floating condensate drain device, this has further advantages, for example, the sensor data can be detected, further processed, evaluated and used to control the condensate drain device, for example in an integrated control system with a high proportion of digital technology.

[0027] A further development of the invention is that the sensor device has a level electrode formed on the housing for detecting the fluid level, wherein the level electrode preferably extends essentially vertically in the operating position and is configured for sensing the fluid level in the housing.

[0028] The sensor device preferably has a Hall sensor which is designed to sense the position of the slide and / or the rotor and in particular to determine the valve position as a function of the position of the slide and / or the rotor.

[0029] The sensor device is preferably a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor accommodated in a housing.

[0030] A further improvement of the present invention is that the control device is connected to the sensor in a wired or wireless manner to transmit a signal, wherein the control device is configured to control the drive device so that the drive device moves the valve body to a closed position or a released position according to a measurement value of at least one sensor. The control device is preferably also configured to move the valve body to an intermediate position between the closed position and the released position.

[0031] A further improvement of the invention is that a Peltier element is arranged on the housing, in particular on the drive device, and the Peltier element is configured to generate electrical energy from a temperature difference between the housing temperature of the housing and the ambient temperature, and / or the condensate drain device has an external energy supply. In this way, the condensate drain device can be supplied with energy from an external energy source, or can generate energy itself by utilizing the Peltier effect. A further improvement of the invention is that the Peltier element is connected to the drive device and / or the control device, and the electrical energy generated by the Peltier element is used to operate the drive device and / or the control device.

[0032] The control device preferably has a data interface, which is designed to receive data from a wired or wireless network and / or to send data to a wired or wireless network, wherein the data has at least one of the following: a measured value of at least one sensor, a position of a slide or a rotor as an indication of a valve position, control data for controlling the drive device. In this way, the drive device or the condensate drain device can be controlled by an external controller, respectively, and the corresponding measured values ​​(such as fluid level, pressure, temperature, position of a slide or a rotor) can be transmitted to the corresponding data network. The data is preferably stored in the cloud or transmitted from the cloud to the condensate drain device. For example, data related to chemical, energy technology or other industrial facilities can thus be advantageously detected and evaluated by the condensate drain device according to the invention.

[0033] The invention has been described above with reference to a condensate drain device. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for draining condensate, in particular a method for draining condensate by using a condensate drain device according to at least one of the exemplary embodiments described above. With regard to the method, the invention solves the above-mentioned object by the following steps: sensing a measured value, which is indicative of a fluid level in an interior space of a housing of the condensate drain device, controlling a drive device such that the drive device moves a valve body of the condensate drain device into a closed position or a released position depending on the measured value.

[0034] The method utilizes the same advantages and preferred embodiments as the condensate drain device according to the invention, and vice versa. In this respect, reference is made to the above statements, the content of which is incorporated herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of a condensate drain device according to the invention is shown in a cross-sectional view in a first operating state;

[0037] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1Detailed view of the condensate drain device;

[0038] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of the condensate drain device of the present invention in a second operating state;

[0039] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A second exemplary embodiment of a condensate drain device according to the invention is shown in a cross-sectional view;

[0040] Figure 6 A third exemplary embodiment of a condensate drain device according to the invention is shown in a cross-sectional view;

[0041] Figure 7 A fourth exemplary embodiment of a condensate drain device according to the invention is shown in a cross-sectional view;

[0042] Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 8 A detailed view of a cross section of a condensate drain device;

[0043] Fig. 9 10A and 10B show the Figure 7 Detail of the condensate drain system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figures 1 to 3 A condensate drain device 2 for draining condensate is shown. The condensate drain device 2 has a housing 4. An internal space 6 configured to accommodate a fluid is formed in the housing 4. An inlet 8 is also formed in the housing 4. The inlet 8 is configured to introduce a fluid into the internal space 6 of the housing 4. An outlet 10 is also arranged in the housing 4. The outlet 10 is configured to drain the fluid from the internal space 6 of the housing 4. A valve 12 is also arranged in the housing 4. The valve 12 has a valve body 14, and the valve body 14 is configured to move to a release position F and a closing position S. When in the release position F, the valve body 14 releases the fluid flow between the internal space 6 and the outlet 10, and when in the closing position S, the valve body 14 blocks the fluid flow between the internal space 6 and the outlet 10. The condensate drain device 2 also has a drive device 16 for moving the valve body 14.

[0045] The drive device 16 is configured to move the valve body 14 into the release position F and / or the closed position S. The drive device 16 is formed as an electromagnetic or magnetically acting drive 16. The drive device 16 has a movable drive part 18 which is arranged in the interior 6 of the housing 4 and is coupled to the valve body 14.

[0046] The drive device 16 also has a static drive component 20, which is arranged outside the inner space 6 and is separated from the movable drive component 18 in a fluid-tight manner by a wall 22. The static drive component 20 is configured to drive the movable drive component 18 by a magnetic drive force. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment, the valve body 14 is in the release position F, so that the fluid flow between the inner space 6 and the outlet 10 is released.

[0047] The drive device 16 is formed as a linear motor 26. The movable drive part 18 is formed as a slide 28. The static drive part 20 is formed as a stator 30. The drive device 16 has a pipe 32, which is connected to the housing 4 in a fluid-conducting manner on the inside. The slide 28 is accommodated in the interior 33 of the pipe 32. The outer side 35 of the pipe 32 is sealed, welded or brazed relative to the housing 4. The stator 30 is arranged on the outer side 35 of the pipe 32. The slide 28 has a plurality of permanent magnets 34, which are formed as ring magnets or disk magnets. The plurality of permanent magnets 34 are separated from each other by corresponding spacers 36. The stator 30 has at least two coils, and in the present exemplary embodiment has a greater number of coils, which are configured to generate a magnetic field for driving the slide 28. The linear motor 26 is also configured to capacitively determine the position of the slide 28.

[0048] In such Figures 1 to 3 In the case of the exemplary embodiment shown, the valve body 14 is formed as a rolling ball 40. The rolling ball 40 is formed to release the valve seat 41 of the valve 12 when in the release position F and to close the valve seat when in the blocking position S. As already explained, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A release position F is shown; Figure 3 The closed position S is shown. The valve body 14 is also configured to release the valve seat 41 in sections in at least one intermediate position Z. The intermediate position Z is located between the release position F and the blocking position S. The roller ball 40 is arranged on a roller ball lever 42. The roller ball lever 42 is connected to the slide 28 so that a translation movement of the slide 28 moves the roller ball 40 from the release position F to the blocking position S and vice versa.

[0049] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the condensate drain device flows substantially vertically in the operating position. In this respect, the slide 28 of the linear motor 26 is also driven in a substantially vertical direction. The roller lever 42 is supported on the housing 4 via the spring element 44 and the spring bearing 88 so that the roller lever 42 is in a substantially vertical position. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The movement into the shown release position F is supported by the spring force of the spring element 44. The movement of the roller lever 42 into the closed position S tensions the spring element 44.

[0050] The condensate drain device 2 also has a sensor device 70 for detecting at least one operating state of the fluid and / or the condensate drain device 2. The condensate drain device 2 also has a control device 72, which is formed to output a control signal to the drive device 16 to move the valve body 14. The sensor device 70 also has a pressure sensor 78 and a temperature sensor 80 accommodated in the housing 4. The control device 72 is connected to the sensors 74, 78, 80 in a wired or wireless manner to conduct signals. The control device 72 is configured to control the drive device 16 so that the drive device 16 moves the valve body 14 to the closed position S or the released position F according to the measurement value of at least one of the sensors 74, 78, 80.

[0051] The Peltier element 82 is arranged on the housing 4, in particular on the drive device 16. The Peltier element 82 is configured to generate electrical energy using the temperature difference between the housing temperature of the housing 4 and the ambient temperature. Alternatively or additionally, the condensate discharge device 2 has an external energy supply. The Peltier element 82 is connected to the drive device 16 and / or the control device 72. The electrical energy generated by the Peltier element 82 is used to operate the drive device 16 and the control device 72. The control device 72 also has a data interface, which is not described in detail in the figure. The data interface is configured to receive data from a wired or wireless network and / or send data to a wired or wireless network, wherein the data has at least one of the following: a measurement value of at least one of the sensors 72, 78, 80, a position of the sliding member 28 (as an indication of the valve position), and control data for controlling the drive device 16.

[0052] In particular, from Figure 2 It can be seen that a compensation gap 24 is provided between the sliding member 28 and the pipe member 32. Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that the drive rod 46 is connected to the slide 28 via a bearing 47. The drive rod 46 is in turn guided through the elongated hole 43 of the ball lever 42, and two pins 50 ensure the axial connection. The pins 50 have the effect of "driving" the drive rod 46 with the ball lever 42. A sliding sleeve 52 supported on a position indicator 54 is also connected to the drive rod 46. The movement of the ball lever 42 is achieved by the movement of the drive rod 46. In particular, Figure 2 It can be seen that the slide 28 has an end 86. The drive device 16 also has a drive housing 92, which is screwed to the housing 4 via a housing threaded connection 90. As mentioned above, the valve body 14 is Figure 3 In the state shown, it is in the closed position S.

[0053] according to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The exemplary embodiment utilizes reference Figures 1 to 3The drive device 16 described above is different from Figure 4 The drive device 16 shown has a Hall sensor 76. The Hall sensor 76 is configured to sense the position of the slide 28 and determine the position of the valve based on the position of the slide 28. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment of , the drive rod 46 acts on the valve body 14, which is formed as a valve pin 58. The valve pin 58 is rotatably received on the valve sleeve 60. The valve pin 58 has an outlet groove 61, which in the release position F is fluidically connected to the orifice opening 63 formed in the valve sleeve 60 and releases the fluid flow through the valve 12, and which in the closed position blocks the fluid flow through the valve 12, wherein the valve 14 can in particular additionally be brought into an intermediate position Z, in which the outlet groove 61 is at least partially fluidically connected to the orifice opening 63. This connection can in particular be from Figure 5 The valve pin 58 is connected to a lever 62 which in turn is connected to the slide 28 via a drive rod 46. This connection is such that a translational movement of the slide 28 rotationally moves the valve pin 58 from the release position F to the blocking position S and vice versa. The slide 28 also has a sensor magnet 94.

[0054] exist Figure 6 In the exemplary embodiment shown, Figures 1 to 3 In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown, the condensate drain device 2 is oriented substantially horizontally. The slide 28 of the linear motor 26 is driven in a substantially horizontal direction. Figures 1 to 3 Related description.

[0055] Compared to the first-mentioned exemplary embodiment, according to Figure 6 The condensate drain device 2 of FIG. 4 has no spring element 44 for supporting the ball lever 42. The reason for this is that the actuation forces in both lever directions are comparable due to the horizontal arrangement of the slide 28. The ball 40 rolls into the recess 45, thereby ensuring a stable open position.

[0056] Figures 7 to 9 Another exemplary embodiment of a condensate drain device 102 for draining condensate is shown. The condensate drain device 102 has a housing 104. An interior space 106 for accommodating a fluid is formed in the housing 104. An inlet 108 is also formed in the housing 104 for allowing the fluid to enter the interior space 106 of the housing 104. An outlet 110 is also formed in the housing 104 for draining the fluid from the interior space 106 of the housing 104. A valve 112 having a valve body 114 is arranged in the housing 104. The valve body 114 is configured to move to a release position F (see Figure 7 and Figure 8) and the closed position S. In the release position F, the valve body 114 releases the fluid flow between the interior space 106 and the outlet 110. In the closed position S, the valve body 114 does not release the fluid flow between the interior space 106 and the outlet 110, that is, blocks the fluid flow. The condensate drain device 102 also has a drive device 116 for moving the valve body 114. The drive device 116 is configured to move the valve body 114 to the release position F and the closed position S. The drive device 116 is formed as a magnetic force drive 116, in particular a direct drive 116, and is enclosed by a drive housing 194. The drive device 116 has a movable drive component 118. The movable drive component 118 is arranged in the interior space 106 of the housing 104 and is coupled to the valve body 114. The condensate drain device 102 also has a static drive component 120, which is arranged outside the interior space 106 and is separated from the latter in a fluid-tight manner, in particular by a wall 122. The static driving part 120 is configured to drive the movable driving part 118 by a magnetic driving force.

[0057] In the present case, the drive device 116 is formed as an axial flux motor 126. The movable drive component 118 is formed as a rotor 128. The static drive component 120 is formed as a stator 130. The rotor 128 has three or more permanent magnets 132, in particular six permanent magnets 132, which are arranged equidistantly from the axis of rotation 134 of the rotor 128 and are uniformly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. The rotor 128 also has a sensor magnet 198.

[0058] The stator 130 has at least three coils 136, in particular six coils 136. The coils 136 are configured to generate a magnetic field that drives the rotor 128. The distance between the coils 136 and the rotation axis 134 of the rotor 128 is the same as that of the magnets 132. The coils 136 also have a ferromagnetic core 138 for enhancing the magnetic field. The rotor 128 is accommodated on the inner side of the housing wall 140 (also called magnetic window 186) of the interior space 106. The stator 130 is arranged on the outer side of the housing wall 140 or the magnetic window 186 accordingly. The rotor 128 is connected to the main shaft 142 in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the main shaft 142 is mounted on the housing 104 in a rotationally movable manner.

[0059] The valve body 114 is formed as a disk 144 having a hole slot 146, which can be rotated about a rotation axis. By rotating the disk 144 to the release position F, the hole slot 146 can overlap with the flow channel 148 (which is formed as the outlet hole 196), so that the fluid-conducting connection with the outlet 110 is released, and the disk 144 blocks the fluid-conducting connection with the outlet by rotating to the closing position S.

[0060] The spindle 142 has a spindle slide 150, which is coupled to the disc 144 via an actuating portion 156, so that the axial movement of the spindle slide 150 along the spindle 142 causes the disc 144 to rotate to the release position F and the closed position S. The actuating portion 156 is pivotally mounted on the end remote from the spindle slide 150. The disc 144 has a cam 154, which is movably guided on a groove 157 of the actuating portion 156, so that the pivoting movement of the actuating portion 156 causes the disc 144 to rotate.

[0061] In the present case, the disk 144 is an upper disk 144, wherein a lower disk 158 is arranged below the upper disk 144, the lower disk 158 serving as a rotating bearing for the upper disk 144, wherein in particular the upper disk 144 is pushed against the lower disk 158 via a spring element 160. The disks 144, 158 are made of a ceramic material.

[0062] The condensate drain device 102 also has a sensor device 170. The condensate drain device 102 also has a control device 172 configured to control the drive device 116. The sensor device 170 has a liquid level electrode 174 formed on the housing 104. The liquid level electrode 174 is configured to sense the fluid level in the housing 104. The sensor device 170 also has a Hall sensor 176. The Hall sensor 176 is configured to sense the position of the rotor 128 and determine the valve position according to the position of the rotor 128. The sensor device 170 also has a pressure sensor 178 and / or a temperature sensor 180 accommodated in the housing 104.

[0063] The control device 172 is connected to the sensors 174, 176, 178, 180 in a wired or wireless manner to transmit signals. The control device 172 is configured to control the drive device 116 so that the drive device 116 moves the valve body 114 to the closed position S or the release position F according to the measurement value of at least one of the sensors 174, 176, 178, 180. The Peltier element 182 is also arranged on the housing 104. The Peltier element 182 is configured to generate electric energy from the temperature difference between the housing temperature of the housing 104 and the ambient temperature. Alternatively or additionally, the condensate discharge device 102 has an external energy supply (not shown). The Peltier element 182 is connected to the drive device 116 and the control device 172, wherein the electric energy generated by the Peltier element 182 is used to operate the drive device 116 and the control device 172.

[0064] The magnetic window 186 is screwed to the housing 104 via a housing threaded connection 188. Furthermore, the spindle 142 is mounted on the housing 104 via bearings 190a, 190b. The actuating portion 156 is mounted via bearing blocks 192a, 192b, wherein the bearing block 192b is formed as a pivot bearing 152.

[0065] Fig.10a The rotor 128 is shown. The rotor 128 has a permanent magnet 132 that interacts with a coil 138 (not shown) of the stator 130. The coil 138 has a ferromagnetic core 138. A sensor magnet 198 is also arranged on the rotor 128, as shown in FIG. Fig.10b The Hall sensor 176 provides position monitoring for the rotor 128 .

[0066] Reference numerals list

[0067] 2 Condensate drain

[0068] 4 Housing

[0069] 6. Internal Space

[0070] 8 Entrance

[0071] 10 Exit

[0072] 12 valves

[0073] 14 Valve body

[0074] 16 Driving device (electromagnetic drive)

[0075] 18 Movable drive unit

[0076] 20 Static drive components

[0077] 22 Wall

[0078] 24 Compensation gap

[0079] 26 Linear Motor

[0080] 28 Slide

[0081] 30 Stator

[0082] 32 Pipe fittings

[0083] 33 Inside of pipe

[0084] 34 Permanent magnet (ring magnet or disc magnet)

[0085] 35 Outside of pipe

[0086] 36 Spacers

[0087] 38 Coil

[0088] 40 Rolling

[0089] 41 Valve seat

[0090] 42 Roller Lever

[0091] 43 Long hole

[0092] 44 Spring element

[0093] 45 Depression

[0094] 46 Drive rod

[0095] 47 Support

[0096] 50 Pins

[0097] 52 Sliding sleeve

[0098] 54 Position indicator

[0099] 58 Valve pin

[0100] 60 Valve sleeve

[0101] 61 outlet groove

[0102] 62 Leverage

[0103] 63 hole opening

[0104] 70 Sensor devices

[0105] 72 Control Equipment

[0106] 76 Hall sensor

[0107] 78 Pressure Sensor

[0108] 80 Temperature Sensor

[0109] 82 Peltier element

[0110] 84 Data interface

[0111] 86 End piece slide

[0112] 88 Spring support

[0113] 90 Housing threaded connection

[0114] 92 drive housing

[0115] 94 Sensor magnet

[0116] 102 Condensate drain

[0117] 104 Housing

[0118] 106 Interior Space

[0119] 108 Entrance

[0120] 110 Exit

[0121] 112 Valve

[0122] 114 Valve body

[0123] 116 Driving equipment (electromagnetic drive)

[0124] 118 movable drive parts

[0125] 120 Static drive components

[0126] 122 Wall

[0127] 126 Axial Flux Motor

[0128] 128 rotor (drive disc)

[0129] 130 Stator

[0130] 132 permanent magnet

[0131] 134 Rotor axis of rotation

[0132] 136 Coil

[0133] 138 ferromagnetic core

[0134] 140 Shell wall

[0135] 142 Spindle

[0136] 144 Rotatable disc

[0137] 146 Hole slot

[0138] 148 Flow Channel

[0139] 150 Spindle slide

[0140] 152 pivot support

[0141] 154 Disc Cam

[0142] 156 Actuator

[0143] 157 groove of the actuator

[0144] 158 Lower disc

[0145] 160 Spring element

[0146] 170 Sensor devices

[0147] 172 Control Equipment

[0148] 174 Liquid level electrode

[0149] 176 Hall sensor

[0150] 178 Pressure Sensor

[0151] 180 Temperature Sensor

[0152] 182 Peltier element

[0153] 184 Data Interface

[0154] 186 Magnetic Window

[0155] 188 Shell thread connection

[0156] 190a Support for spindle

[0157] 190b Support for spindle

[0158] 192a Support block

[0159] 192b Support block

[0160] 196 Drive housing

[0161] 196 Exit hole

[0162] 198 Sensor magnet

[0163] F Release position

[0164] S Closed position

[0165] Z middle position

Claims

1. A condensate discharge device (2, 102) for discharging condensate, comprising: - a housing (4, 104), - an internal space (6, 106) formed in the housing (4, 104) for containing a fluid, - an inlet (8, 108) formed in the housing (4, 104) for introducing the fluid into the inner space (6, 106) of the housing (4, 104). - an outlet (10, 110) formed in the housing (4, 104) for discharging the fluid out of the inner space (6, 106) of the housing (4, 104). a valve (12, 112) arranged in the housing (4, 104), the valve (12, 112) having a valve body (14, 114), the valve body (14, 114) being configured to move to a release position (F) and a closing position (S), wherein the valve body (14, 114) releases the fluid flow between the inner space (6, 106) and the outlet (10) when in the release position (F), and blocks the fluid flow between the inner space (6, 106) and the outlet (10, 110) when in the closing position (S), - a drive device (16, 116) for moving the valve body (14, 114), the drive device (16, 116) being configured to move the valve body (14, 114) to the release position (F) and / or the closed position (S), It is characterized in that The drive device (16, 116) is designed as an electromagnetic or magnetically acting drive (16, 116) or has an electromagnetic drive (16, 116).

2. The condensate drain device (2, 102) according to claim 1, wherein the drive device (16, 116) has a movable drive component (18, 118), the movable drive component (18, 118) being arranged in the inner space (6, 106) of the housing (4, 104) and being coupled to the valve body (14, 114), and a static drive component (20, 120) which is arranged outside the inner space (6, 106) and is separated from the latter in a fluid-tight manner, in particular by a wall portion (22, 122), wherein the static drive component (20, 120) is configured to drive the movable drive component (18, 118) by means of a magnetic drive force.

3. The condensate drain device (2) according to claim 2, wherein the drive device (16) is formed as a linear motor (26), and wherein the movable drive component (18) is formed as a slide (28), and wherein the static drive component (20) is formed as a stator (30).

4. The condensate drain device (2) according to claim 3, The drive device (16) comprises a pipe (32) which is connected to the housing (4, 104) on the inside in a fluid-conducting manner, the slide (28) being accommodated in the interior (33) of the pipe (32) and the outside (35) of the pipe (32) being sealed relative to the housing (4, 104), wherein the stator (30) is arranged or formed on the outside (35) of the pipe (32).

5. The condensate drain device (2) according to claim 3 or 4, The slide (28) has at least two permanent magnets (34), which are in particular formed as ring magnets or disk magnets.

6. The condensate drain device (2) according to claim 5, The permanent magnets (34) are separated from each other by spacers (36).

7. The condensate drain device (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, The stator (30) has at least two coils (38), and the coils (38) are configured to generate a magnetic field for driving the sliding element (28).

8. The condensate drain device (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, The linear motor (26) is designed to capacitively determine the position of the slide (28).

9. Condensate drain device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, The valve body (14) is formed as a rolling ball (40), and the rolling ball (40) is configured to release a valve seat (41) of the valve (12) when in the release position (F) and to close the valve seat (41) when in the blocking position (S).

10. Condensate drain device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, The valve body (14) is configured to release the valve seat (41) in sections when in at least one intermediate position (Z), wherein the intermediate position (Z) is located between the release position (F) and the blocking position (S).

11. Condensate drain device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, The roller ball (40) is arranged on a roller ball lever (42), and the roller ball lever (42) is connected to the slide (28) so that the translation movement of the slide (28) causes the roller ball (40) to move from the release position (F) to the blocking position (S) or vice versa.

12. Condensate drain device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the condensate drain device (2) is oriented substantially horizontally in the operating position, and wherein the slide (28) of the linear motor (26) is driven in a substantially horizontal direction.

13. Condensate drain device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the condensate drain device (2) flows substantially vertically in the operating position, and wherein the slide (28) of the linear motor (26) is driven in a substantially vertical direction.

14. The condensate drain device (2) according to claim 11, The ball lever (42) is supported on the housing (4) via a spring element (44), so that the movement of the ball lever (42) to the release position (F) is supported by the spring force of the spring element (44), and the movement of the ball lever (42) to the closed position (S) tensions the spring element (44).

15. The condensate drain device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drive device (116) is formed as an axial flux motor (126), and wherein the movable drive component (118) is formed as a rotor (128), and wherein the static drive component (120) is formed as a stator (130).

16. The condensate drain device (102) according to claim 15, The rotor (128) has three or more permanent magnets (132), in particular six permanent magnets (132), which are in particular equidistant from a rotation axis (134) of the rotor (128) and uniformly spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction.

17. The condensate drain device (102) according to claim 15 or 16, The stator (130) comprises three or more coils (136), in particular six coils (136), which are configured to generate a magnetic field for driving the rotor (128), wherein the coils (136) are in particular at the same distance from the rotation axis (134) of the rotor (128) as the magnets (132), In particular, at least one coil (136), in particular all coils (136), have a ferromagnetic core (138) for increasing the magnetic field.

18. The condensate drain device (102) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, The rotor (128) is accommodated on the inner side of a housing wall (140) of the interior space (106), and the stator (130) is arranged on the outer side of the housing wall (140).

19. The condensate drain device (102) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, The rotor (128) is connected to a main shaft (142) in a rotationally fixed manner, and the main shaft (142) is mounted on the housing (104) in a rotationally movable manner.

20. The condensate drain device (102) according to any one of claims 15 to 19, The valve body (114) is formed as a disk (144) having a hole slot (146), and the disk (144) is rotatable around a rotation axis, wherein by rotating the disk (144) to the release position (F), the hole slot (146) overlaps with the flow channel (148), thereby releasing the fluid-conducting connection with the outlet (110), and the disk (144) blocks the fluid-conducting connection with the outlet (110) by rotating to the closing position (S).

21. The condensate drain device (102) according to claim 19 or 20, The spindle (142) has a spindle slide (150) which is coupled to the disc (144) via an actuating portion (156) so that axial movement of the spindle slide (150) along the spindle (142) causes the disc (144) to rotate to the release position (F) and the closed position (S).

22. The condensate drain device (102) according to claim 21, The actuating portion (156) is pivotally mounted at one end remote from the spindle slide (150), and the disc (144) has a cam (154) which is movably guided in a groove (157) of the actuating portion (156) so that pivotal movement of the actuating portion (156) causes rotation of the disc (144).

23. The condensate drain device (102) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, The disc (144) is an upper disc (144), and a lower disc (158) is arranged below the upper disc (144), the lower disc (158) serving as a rotating bearing for the upper disc (144), wherein in particular the upper disc (144) is pushed against the lower disc (158) via a spring element (160).

24. The condensate drain device (102) according to claim 23, At least one of the disks (144, 158), in particular both disks (144, 158), is made of a ceramic material.

25. Condensate drain device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, The valve body (14) is formed as a valve pin (58) which is rotatably received in a valve sleeve (60), and the valve pin (58) has an outlet groove (61) which, in the release position (F), is in fluid-conducting connection with a bore opening (63) formed in the valve sleeve (60) and releases a fluid flow through the valve (12), and in the closed position (S), blocks a fluid flow through the valve (12), wherein the valve body (14) can in particular additionally be brought into an intermediate position (Z) in which the outlet groove (61) is at least partially in fluid-conducting connection with the bore opening (63).

26. The condensate drain device (2) according to claim 25, The valve pin (58) is connected to a lever (62), and the lever (62) is connected to the slider (28) so that translational movement of the slider (28) rotationally moves the valve pin (58) from the release position (F) to the blocking position (S) or vice versa.

27. Provided is a condensate drain device (2, 102) according to any one of the preceding claims, At least one sensor device (70, 170) is used to detect at least one operating state of the fluid and / or the condensate drain device (2, 102) and to provide at least one signal representative of the at least one operating state.

28. The condensate drain device (2, 102) according to claim 27, The control device (72, 172) is formed to receive the at least one signal and output a control signal to the drive device (16, 116) for moving the valve body (14, 114) and / or to a higher-level controller.

29. The condensate drain device (2, 102) according to any one of the preceding claims, The sensor device (70, 170) has a liquid level electrode (74, 174) formed on the housing (4, 104) for detecting the liquid level of the fluid, wherein the liquid level electrode preferably extends substantially vertically when in an operating position and is configured to sense the fluid level in the housing (4, 104).

30. Condensate drain device (2, 102) according to any one of the preceding claims, The sensor device (70, 170) has one or more Hall sensors (76, 176), which are configured to sense the position of the slider (28) and / or the rotor (128) and in particular determine the valve position based on the position of the slider (28) and / or the rotor (128).

31. Condensate drain device (2, 102) according to any one of the preceding claims, The sensor device (70, 170) has a pressure sensor (78, 178) and / or a temperature sensor (80, 180) accommodated in the housing (4, 104).

32. The condensate drain device (2, 102) according to any one of claims 28 to 31, The control device (72, 172) is connected to the sensors (74, 76, 78, 80, 174, 176, 178, 180) in a wired or wireless manner to transmit signals, wherein the control device (72, 172) is configured to control the drive device (16, 116) so that the drive device (16, 116) moves the valve body (14, 114) to the closing position (S) or the releasing position (F) according to the measurement value of at least one of the sensors (74, 76, 78, 80, 174, 176, 178, 180).

33. Condensate drain device (2, 102) according to any one of the preceding claims, The Peltier element (82, 182) is arranged on the housing (4, 104), in particular on the drive device (16, 116), the Peltier element being configured to generate electrical energy from a temperature difference between a housing temperature of the housing (4, 104) and an ambient temperature, and / or the condensate drain device (2, 102) has an external energy supply.

34. The condensate drain device (4, 104) according to claim 33, The Peltier element (82, 182) is connected to the drive device (16, 116) and / or the control device (72, 172), and the electric energy generated by the Peltier element (82, 182) is used to operate the drive device (16, 116) and / or the control device (72, 172).

35. Condensate drain device (4, 104) according to at least one of claims 28 to 34, The control device (72, 172) has a data interface, which is configured to receive data from a wired or wireless network and / or send data to a wired or wireless network, wherein the data has at least one of the following: - a measurement value of at least one of the sensors (74, 76, 78, 80, 174, 176, 178, 180), - the position of the slide (28) or the rotor (128) as an indication of the valve position, - control data for controlling the drive device (16, 116).

36. A method for draining condensate, in particular by using a condensate drain device (2, 102) according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - sensing a measured value indicative of a fluid level within an interior space (6, 106) of a housing of the condensate drain device (2, 102); - controlling a drive device (16, 116) so that the drive device (16, 116) moves the valve body (14, 114) of the condensate drain device (2, 102) to the closing position (S) or the release position (F) according to the measured value.

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