Unit for transferring fluids and electrical signals by means of thermal decoupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a combined rotary feed-through device having fixed and rotary contact elements for transmitting fluids, data and electrical energy, comprising a housing having a fluid unit as a rotary feed-through device for fluid connection in a connection-side region of the housing, the housing has a fluid unit having at least one supply port, at least one discharge port and a rotational axis, and also has at least one communication unit as a rotary feedthrough for transmitting electrical signals in the operating-side region of the housing, the communication unit having at least one electrical connection point. The combined rotary feed-through device further comprises at least one power supply unit as a rotary feed-through device located on the end face of the operating side region of the housing for transmitting electrical energy, the power supply unit having at least one electrical connection point. In the housing, at least one intermediate element is formed between the fluid unit and the communication unit, and at least one transition piece is formed between the operating-side region of the housing and the power supply unit on the end face on the outside of the housing.

Description

[0001] A fluid rotary feedthrough device, often also referred to as a classical rotary feedthrough device, serves as a rotary interface for fluid pipelines between stationary and rotating equipment. The fluid to be transmitted can be a liquid or a gas with positive or negative pressure.

[0002] A technical drawback of fluid rotary feedthrough devices is that a large amount of waste heat is generated during operation, which is thermal energy generated, for example, by friction between stationary and rotating components. This thermal energy is transferred to the fluid to be transmitted as well as to the structure itself. In addition, fluid rotary feedthrough devices leak during operation and must be discharged accordingly. Moreover, the fluid also heats up when the machine equipped with the rotary feedthrough device is in use.

[0003] Another known rotary feedthrough device is an electric rotary transmitter, also called a slip ring transmitter, which serves as a rotary interface between stationary and rotating equipment to enable the transmission of electrical power and / or data streams.

[0004] If an electric rotary transmitter is mainly used for transmitting and processing data streams, the availability of its internal electronic components is limited in terms of temperature (especially at high temperatures), and the electromagnetic compatibility of these electric rotary transmitters also affects normal operation. In addition, it is crucial to keep sensitive electronic components in a dry environment. In particular, leakage (liquids accidentally escaping from adjacent components) should be prevented from entering the electric rotary transmitter as much as possible. The enclosed housing of the electric rotary transmitter causes the internal temperature to rise and has a negative impact on the electronic components, which is a problem. In addition, the temperature of this electric rotary transmitter exceeds the ambient temperature, so the operating temperature of the electric rotary transmitter continues to rise.

[0005] Another electric rotary transmitter can be mainly designed for transmitting electrical power flows and thus for "power supply". In this case, wear of the slip ring contacts is usually common, so the wear degree of such slip ring transmitters is high and the service life is short. This results in the need to use a new electric rotary transmitter to replace the worn slip ring transmitter during operation.

[0006] These different rotary feedthrough devices and rotary transmitters can be configured with each other to form a combined system. Thus, such a combined system, for example, can consist of a fluid rotary feedthrough device, an electric rotary transmitter for transmitting data streams, and an electric rotary transmitter for "power supply". Such a combined system is known in the prior art but is bulky and heavy.

[0007] Producing a combined system with a compact design where the individual components do not interfere with each other is a major technical challenge. Most importantly, a major technical challenge for a combined system consisting of a fluid rotary feedthrough, an electric rotary transmitter for data streams, and a rotary transmitter dedicated to power supply is that all the disadvantages of the above-mentioned individual rotary feedthroughs and rotary transmitters are combined in one system. In particular, if two separate electric rotary transmitters are sold as a unit and the entire unit has to be replaced due to wear instead of just replacing a rotary transmitter for "power supply", the cost will be unnecessarily increased.

[0008] The fluid rotary feedthrough helps the electric rotary transmitter to heat up in order to transmit the data stream. During operation, the electronic components of the rotary transmitter and the surrounding warm ambient temperature will continuously increase, which may reach or even exceed the permitted maximum operating temperature. This will cause the rotary transmitter to malfunction, and in turn lead to the overall failure of the combined system. Since the combined system is usually used in safety-critical applications such as wind power plants, it is particularly important to control the operating temperature of the electric rotary transmitter for transmitting the data stream. Another challenge is to prevent the leakage of the fluid rotary feedthrough from entering the electric rotary transmitter. In addition, due to the very low electromagnetic compatibility of the electric rotary transmitter, it is very sensitive to the electrical interference emitted by the electric rotary transmitter for "power supply". In addition, the electric rotary transmitter must also be protected from the wear of the sliding contacts of the electric rotary transmitter for "power supply".

[0009] A person skilled in the art will use two electric rotary transmitters as a unit because they are only available in this form on the market. The disadvantage is that the electric rotary transmitter for "power supply" wears out faster than the electric rotary transmitter for "data transmission". However, since a person skilled in the art usually only uses these two rotary transmitters as a unit and does not intend to replace them separately, they must be replaced as a complete unit. This makes such a unit costly. This means that according to this prior art, an economically efficient use of this combined system cannot be achieved.

[0010] Especially in wind power plants, it is particularly important to minimize the size of the combined system of the rotary feedthrough and the rotary transmitter as much as possible, combine low-wear components together, and make it formed independently of high-wear components so that the relevant components can be easily and economically replaced.

[0011] Based on the known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a combined rotary feedthrough having fixed and rotary system components for transmitting fluid, data, and electric energy, which at least partially overcomes the disadvantages existing in the prior art.

[0012] Specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a combined rotary feedthrough device with a compact design, which can reduce the waste heat transfer between individual rotary feedthrough devices and rotary transmitters and improve electromagnetic sensitivity. In addition, the combined rotary feedthrough device of the present invention allows the electrical rotary feedthrough device for "power supply" to be designed as a disposable slip ring, which can be replaced independently of other parts of the system when worn. This makes the combined rotary feedthrough device system easier to maintain, more durable and more cost-effective than the known rotary feedthrough devices in the prior art.

[0013] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims and hereinafter.

[0014] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a combined rotary feedthrough device having the features of claim 1 of the patent. The combined rotary feedthrough device according to the present invention can be designed to have fixed and rotary system components for transmitting fluids, data and electrical energy. In addition, the combined rotary feedthrough device according to the present invention can be designed to have a housing containing a fluid unit and at least one communication unit. The combined rotary feedthrough device may also have at least one power supply unit.

[0015] The advantage of this arrangement is that the fluid unit, at least one communication unit and at least one power supply unit can be formed in a compact design in the form of the combined rotary feedthrough device according to the present invention. Advantageously, the housing can be integrally formed, but the housing can also have a multi-component structure, especially a two-component structure.

[0016] Advantageously, the housing can protect at least one communication unit formed within the housing from electromagnetic interference caused by at least one power supply unit.

[0017] The fluid unit can be designed as a rotary feedthrough device for fluid connection in the port side area of the housing, having at least one supply port and at least one discharge port of the rotary shaft in each case. Thus, the fluid unit is a fluid rotary feedthrough device.

[0018] Advantageously, the supply port and the discharge port can be radially connected to the housing, and / or can also be coaxially connected with respect to the rotary shaft of the fluid unit. Coaxial alignment of the ports can be provided on the end face of the port side area of the fluid unit and on the cylindrical surface of the housing. In addition, it is advantageous if the supply port and the discharge port are also designed as ports for supplying and discharging the fluid required by the fluid unit.

[0019] At least one communication unit can be designed as a rotary feedthrough device for transmitting electrical signals in the operating side area of the housing having at least one electrical port.

[0020] This has the advantage that the modular combined rotary feedthrough device according to the invention is particularly easy to maintain. At least one electrical port can be a port for transmitting electrical signals (such as data). The first electrical port can be used to connect an Ethernet cable. The advantage is that high transmission rates can be achieved.

[0021] For the transmission of electrical energy, at least one power supply unit can be designed as a rotary feedthrough device located on the end face of the operating side region of the housing having at least one electrical port.

[0022] The advantage of this electrical port is that it can be used to transmit current and voltage, thereby supplying current and voltage to the communication unit, the fluid unit, and the fixed and rotating system components.

[0023] The combined rotary feedthrough device according to the invention is characterized in that at least one intermediate element can be formed between the fluid unit and the communication unit in the housing of the rotary feedthrough device according to the invention.

[0024] The arrangement of the intermediate element advantageously prevents the leakage or waste heat of the fluid unit from reaching the communication unit, thereby thermally decoupling the communication unit from the fluid unit, so that the operating temperature does not increase significantly, and the electronic components in the communication unit are not in contact with the leakage of the fluid unit.

[0025] Furthermore, at least one transition piece can be formed between the operating side region of the housing and the power supply unit arranged on the outer end face of the housing.

[0026] This transition piece can advantageously protect at least one communication unit in the housing from the electromagnetic load from at least one power supply unit.

[0027] Furthermore, by arranging the power supply unit outside the housing, the inventors have found in an advantageous way that when wear occurs, the power supply unit can be replaced independently of the fluid unit and the communication unit installed in the housing. This enables durable and relatively expensive components (such as the fluid unit and the communication unit) to be retained in the combined rotary feedthrough device according to the invention, while only replacing the relatively inexpensive and vulnerable component "power supply unit". This makes the combined rotary feedthrough device according to the invention both cost-effective and has a long service life.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the communication unit can be mounted in a bearing manner on the shaft of the fluid unit located in the operating side region of the housing. The shaft can also be a split shaft, and thus, the communication unit is mounted in a bearing manner on the split shaft.

[0029] The advantage of this is that a particularly compact design can be achieved, in which the communication unit can be connected to the fluid unit on the housing side by a threaded connection, and / or the threaded connection can be connected to the communication unit on the shaft side. This ensures the reliability of the communication unit. In the corresponding embodiment, the problem of static overdetermination is avoided by a fixing element (preferably a pin). In the corresponding embodiment, the problem of static overdetermination is avoided by a fixing element (preferably a pin).

[0030] In another embodiment, the housing can consist of at least two parts in the region of the communication unit.

[0031] The inventors found in tests that a two-part housing in the form of a compactly designed unit can not only effectively prevent the leakage of the fluid unit from affecting the communication unit, but also isolate it from the waste heat of the fluid unit. In addition, this design can also minimize the influence of electromagnetic interference generated by the slip ring.

[0032] In another embodiment, the housing can have at least one plug-in element. The plug-in element can be connected to the contacts of the shaft by at least one cable. In addition, the plug-in element can be electrically connected to the contacts of the communication unit by at least one cable. Advantageously, the at least one plug-in element can be formed on the housing respectively, preferably on the end faces of the port side region and the operation side region of the housing. The plug-in element can be installed on the end face of the operation side region of the housing at a position flush with the power supply unit. The advantage is that the power supply unit can be connected to the communication unit immediately without the need to connect a separate cable specifically.

[0033] The advantage of this arrangement is that at least one power supply unit can be attached to the housing accommodating the fluid unit and the communication unit very easily. Therefore, since the easily worn power supply unit can be replaced with a simple "plug and play" handle, an easily maintainable combined rotary feedthrough device can be achieved. In this case, the power supply unit is also provided with a plug-in element at the corresponding position on its opposite end face, and this plug-in element forms a mating structure with another plug-in element. This enables the power supply unit to be replaced quickly and simply in case of wear, thus maintaining the entire combined rotary feedthrough device.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, at least one sealing element can be provided in the region between the intermediate element and the communication unit to prevent the fluid unit from leaking into the communication unit.

[0035] The inventors have advantageously found in the test that, thanks to the design of compactly integrating the fluid unit and the communication unit into the same housing, the sealing element can effectively prevent the leakage of the fluid unit from migrating or penetrating into the communication unit, and even if penetration occurs, it is limited to a very small amount. This design not only protects the communication unit, but also significantly prolongs its service life, so that the combined rotary feed-in device of the present invention can operate stably for a long time without failure. In addition, at least a portion of at least one sealing element is made of an elastomeric material.

[0036] In another embodiment, the intermediate element may provide partial thermal decoupling at least in a certain area.

[0037] This has the advantage that the waste heat of the fluid unit is not transferred to the communication unit, so that the communication unit can be operated at an optimal lower operating temperature. This ensures the service life of the communication unit, especially the internal electronic components. Therefore, the fluid unit and the communication unit can be combined in the housing, and only the power supply unit remains as a wear part of the combined rotary feed-through device according to the invention, but it can be replaced at any time without a large technical investment and most importantly economically and efficiently.

[0038] In another embodiment, the intermediate element may use a passive element to discharge heat energy. The passive element may be a ventilation element that passes through the intermediate element. One end of at least one passive element may be fixed to the shaft. The passive element may present a helical line or a spiral curve in cross section, which extends around the shaft and gradually moves away from the shaft in the radial direction of the housing with the shaft as the center. The advantage of this design is that even when the shaft is running at a low speed, a large amount of air or waste heat can still be conducted from the intermediate element.

[0039] A passive element in the form of a spoon blade can also provide equally high flow rates.In addition, two or more passive elements in the form of spoon blades, in particular two overlapping spoon blades (similar to a Savonius rotor), can be mounted on the shaft.

[0040] This has the advantage that the intermediate element can thermally decouple the fluid unit from the communication unit. The inventors have advantageously found in tests that thermal energy, in particular waste heat of the fluid unit, can be particularly effectively conducted away from the housing and away from the communication unit by means of passive elements. Thus, a combined rotary feedthrough according to the invention with different components, such as a fluid unit and a communication unit, can achieve a compact design.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, an intermediate element in the housing can form a spatial separation and a sealed transition between the fluid unit and the communication unit.

[0042] This spatial isolation advantageously ensures thermal decoupling between the fluid unit and the communication unit. The inventors have advantageously found in tests that the communication unit can be particularly effectively insulated from thermal energy (especially the waste heat of the fluid unit) by means of spatial isolation. In addition, the sealed transition also prevents leakage from the fluid unit from invading the communication unit, which is also an advantage of this design.

[0043] Another advantage is that passive components can be mounted within the spatially isolated intermediate element by means of appropriately optimized rotor blades, so that waste heat can be more effectively discharged from the housing and away from the communication unit. Therefore, due to the thermal decoupling that can be ensured, a combined rotary feedthrough device according to the invention enables a compact design of different components within the housing (such as a fluid unit and a communication unit).

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate element can form an air gap between the fluid unit and the communication unit within the housing.

[0045] The inventors have advantageously found in tests that thermal decoupling between the fluid unit and the communication unit is achieved by means of the air gap, wherein the air gap can particularly effectively insulate the communication unit from thermal energy (especially the waste heat of the fluid unit).

[0046] Another advantage is that passive components such as ventilation elements (e.g., rotor blades) are additionally mounted within the air gap, so that the waste heat of the fluid unit can be more effectively discharged from the housing and away from the communication unit. Therefore, a combined rotary feedthrough device according to the invention having different components (such as a fluid unit and a communication unit) contained within the housing enables a compact design.

[0047] Alternatively, the intermediate element can be filled with an insulating material from the housing to the passive components.

[0048] In another embodiment, the intermediate element can discharge leakage from the fluid unit to the outside through at least one opening formed radially in the housing.

[0049] The advantage of this arrangement is that, although the combined rotary feedthrough device according to the invention has a compact design and accommodates the fluid unit and the communication unit in the same housing, substances leaking from the fluid unit can still be prevented from entering the communication unit, because the leakage will be guided out of the housing through the intermediate element. This can extend the service life of the communication unit and ultimately the service life of the combined rotary feedthrough device, because the leakage can be prevented from damaging the communication unit. Advantageously, at least one opening can be formed in the housing part covering the intermediate element. This has the advantage that the leakage can be discharged outwards through the intermediate element, so that the leakage can be prevented from flowing towards the communication unit or penetrating into the interior of the communication unit. This effectively protects the communication unit from the leakage of the fluid unit and extends the service life of the communication unit. The opening can be a valve and / or a diaphragm to allow the leakage and warm air to flow from the housing to the outside.

[0050] In another embodiment, a ventilation system can be provided in the area of the intermediate element. For example, the ventilation system can be a cooling device, in which case ports for the customer to configure the cooling device can be provided on the housing. The ventilation system can also be an electric fan impeller, which is preferably formed in the intermediate element.

[0051] The advantage of this is that the ventilation system thermally decouples the fluid unit and the communication unit, thus enabling a compact design, because the waste heat of the fluid unit is compensated by the ventilation system. The inventors have advantageously found in tests that thermal energy, especially the waste heat of the fluid unit, can be discharged from the housing particularly effectively by the ventilation system and away from the communication unit. Therefore, a combined rotary feedthrough device with different components (such as a fluid unit and a communication unit) according to the invention can achieve a compact design.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the power supply unit can continuously transmit electrical signals.

[0053] The advantage of this is that a particularly compact rotary feedthrough device can be formed, because the electrical signals can reach the fluid unit and the communication unit through the power supply unit and can also flow back through the power supply unit at the same time, and be evaluated / processed and monitored there, for example, by an evaluation unit (such as a computer) connected to the combined rotary feedthrough device.

[0054] In another embodiment, the power supply unit can continuously transmit electrical signals optically.

[0055] The advantage of this is that a particularly compact combined rotary feedthrough device can be formed, because the electrical signals can reach the fluid unit and the communication unit through the power supply unit and can also flow back through the power supply unit at the same time, and be evaluated / processed and monitored there, for example, by an evaluation unit (such as a computer) connected to the combined rotary feedthrough device.

[0056] In another embodiment, the housing may be made of metal.

[0057] The inventors have advantageously found that a metal housing contributes to the formation of a Faraday cage. Thus, despite the compact design, low interference sensitivity of the communication unit can be achieved, especially for electrical interference from the power supply unit. This enables the combined rotary feedthrough device to operate without faults.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid unit and at least one communication unit may be arranged side by side on the axis of the shaft within the housing of the rotary feedthrough device. In this case, the shaft may form an internal shaft for the through-cable, extending from the end face of the operating side region to the end face of the port side region, similar to a hollow spindle.

[0059] This arrangement advantageously makes the overall design of the combined rotary feedthrough device compact and easy to maintain, where the low-wear fluid unit and communication unit are located within the same housing, and the wearing element (i.e., the power supply unit) can be accessed separately through the operating side region for replacement.

[0060] The advantage of this is that even if the fluid unit and the separation unit are arranged within the same housing, particularly effective thermal decoupling between them can be achieved, since for example waste heat can be discharged from the housing.

[0061] In another embodiment, a cooling device may be provided in the region of the intermediate element for cooling at least one communication unit.

[0062] The inventors have found that in order to enhance the thermal decoupling effect between the fluid unit and the separation unit, it is also advantageous to additionally cool the communication unit. In particular, the communication unit is maintained at the optimum expected operating temperature, thereby extending the service life of the communication unit. This enables the fluid unit and the communication unit to be arranged within the housing without the need to worry about having to replace both units due to the shorter service life of one unit. Advantageously, the cooling device in the intermediate element may be a hole arranged parallel to the wall of the intermediate element, extending from an opening in the housing to directly in front of the shaft 8, thereby guiding cold ambient air into the intermediate element, where the cold ambient air mixes with the waste heat and then is discharged from the housing again through the intermediate element. Thus, the cooling device helps the intermediate element to ensure a high degree of thermal decoupling between the fluid unit and the communication unit. Alternatively, the hole with an opening in the housing may extend parallel to the wall of the intermediate element, but the cooling device does not extend inside the intermediate element but inside the communication unit. This also reduces the internal temperature of the communication unit. In addition to the hole, an annular channel equivalent to a hole in the sense of a pipe is also sufficient if it is parallel to the wall of the intermediate element. In this case, the wall of the intermediate element would be the second wall.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the communication unit may transmit electrical signals as data.

[0064] This is particularly advantageous because of the lack of space in the compact design of the combined rotary feedthrough, which ensures that the operating method of the combined rotary feedthrough remains unchanged in order to enable precise control (e.g., of the actuating elements of a wind power plant).

[0065] In another embodiment, the communication unit is capable of transmitting electrical signals in a non-contact manner.

[0066] The inventors have advantageously found in tests that non-contact data transmission in the compact design of the combined rotary feedthrough can effectively prevent wear of the contact transmission surfaces in the communication unit. Therefore, a particularly long service life of the communication unit can be achieved, and the fluid unit and the communication unit can be integrated into one unit.

[0067] In another embodiment, the communication unit is capable of transmitting electrical signals capacitively.

[0068] The advantage of capacitive transmission of electrical signals is that in the compact design of the combined rotary feedthrough, the communication unit does not form any easily worn contact surfaces. Therefore, a particularly long service life of the communication unit can be achieved, and the fluid unit and the communication unit can be integrated into one unit.

[0069] In another embodiment, the electrical signal transmission of the first communication unit can be capacitive, while the electrical signal transmission of the second communication unit can be optical.

[0070] The advantage of this arrangement is that two communication units are formed in the combined rotary feedthrough according to the invention, thereby enabling an increase in redundancy and thus enhancing the fail-safety of the combined rotary feedthrough. This makes the overall design more compact, with the communication unit and the fluid unit sharing the same housing.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid unit is capable of forming at least one channel through which fluid flows between the rotating body and the stationary body.

[0072] The advantage of this arrangement is that the fluid can reach the system and can be used in the system for regulating and controlling actuating elements or actuators.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, means for generating and providing an internal positive pressure within the housing can be provided.

[0074] The inventors have found that it would be very advantageous if it could be ensured in a compact design that the communication unit is not affected by leaks from the fluid unit. Providing internal pressure advantageously enables the case where leakage substances are discharged from the housing, thereby protecting the communication unit. This ensures a compact design and accommodates the fluid unit and the communication unit within the housing.

[0075] In another aspect of the present invention, the modular rotary feedthrough device can be used in control and regulation systems, in particular seismic measurement systems, wind turbines, centrifuges, filling systems, rotary indexing tables, rotary clamping systems, and robots.

[0076] This has the advantage that due to its compact design, long service life, or easy maintenance, the modular rotary feedthrough device of the present invention can be used in a variety of different applications.

[0077] The fluid in the sense of the present invention refers to a liquid medium, such as oil, water, fat, and emulsion. However, in this example, the fluid in the sense of the present invention should also be understood to include compressed air and gases.

[0078] Leakage means the accidental leakage of fluid from the fluid unit towards the communication unit.

[0079] According to the present invention, the port side region of the housing is the region close to the system component, where the end face of the housing can be in contact with the system in the port side region and can be connected to the system by a flange.

[0080] According to the present invention, the operating side region of the housing is the region downstream of the port side region and close to the operator when viewed from the perspective of the system. Therefore, the operating side is the shaft side of the modular rotary feedthrough device.

[0081] A rotary feedthrough device for transmitting electrical signals, or for transmitting signals (e.g., for transmitting sensor signals) to capture and measure any state variables of a rotating mechanical component, and / or can consist of control signals for controlling an electric operating unit on a stationary and / or rotating mechanical component, or they can be used as power supply lines to provide electrical energy for operating an electrical unit, etc. Electrical energy refers to current and voltage. Depending on the application, different ranges of electrical energy can be transmitted; the known voltage ranges are: three-phase alternating voltage (commonly known as three-phase current or power current) between -400V and 400V, preferably between -230V and 230V, more preferably between -24V and 24V, especially between -12V and 12V.

[0082] Sensor signals and control signals can also be transmitted as data, and their voltage range is usually between -6V and 6V. Various known industrial communication protocols can be used to transmit data. For example, the RS-485 standard for duplex communication is mentioned here.

[0083] Within the scope of the present invention, the term "electrical signal" is intended to cover all these types of current or voltage.

[0084] Within the meaning of the present invention, passive elements for releasing thermal energy are, for example, elements such as rotor blades that are fixed to a rotating component, such as the shaft of a rotating feed channel. Thus, they contribute to discharging thermal energy (especially the waste heat of a fluid unit) from the housing. The passive elements in the form of rotor blades can have any shape, preferably curved and matching the intermediate element. In contrast, the ventilation system in the area of the intermediate element can be referred to as an active element. The ventilation system can be, for example, a cooling device, in which case a port for the cooling device is provided on the housing to which the customer can connect a cooling unit, or the ventilation system can be an electric fan impeller, which is preferably formed in the intermediate element.

[0085] The above configurations and improvements can be combined arbitrarily as applicable. Other possible configurations, improvements, and embodiments of the present invention also include combinations not explicitly mentioned of the features of the present invention described above or below in connection with the exemplary embodiments. In particular, those skilled in the art can also add various aspects as improvements or supplements to the corresponding basic forms of the present invention.

[0086] The present invention will be described in more detail below in connection with exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic diagrams in the accompanying drawings, where:

[0087] Figure 1 A combined rotary feedthrough device according to the present invention is shown.

[0088] Figure 2 Another combined rotary feedthrough device according to the present invention is schematically shown.

[0089] Figure 3 Another combined rotary feedthrough device according to the present invention is schematically shown.

[0090] Figure 4 Another combined rotary feedthrough device according to the present invention is schematically shown.

[0091] Figure 5 Another combined rotary feedthrough device according to the present invention is schematically shown.

[0092] The accompanying drawings are intended to assist in further understanding the embodiments of the present invention. These drawings show the embodiments and are used in conjunction with the specific description to explain the principles and concepts of the present invention. Other embodiments as well as many of the above advantages are presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0093] In the drawings, unless otherwise specified, elements, features, and components that are the same, have the same function, and perform the same action have the same reference numerals. In particular, Figures 1 to 5They are interrelated. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, elements, features, and components with the same function are not all labeled with reference numerals in the drawings for clarity. However, those skilled in the art can recognize that they are elements, features, and components with the same function and can add the corresponding reference numerals in the previous figures.

[0094] Finally, it should be noted that the description and exemplary embodiments of the present invention should not be understood as a limitation to the specific physical implementation of the present invention in principle. All features explained and shown in combination with the various embodiments of the present invention can be provided in different combinations in the subject matter of the present invention to achieve its advantageous effects simultaneously.

[0095] The protection scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description and / or shown in the drawings.

[0096] Figure 1 The combined rotary feedthrough device 1 of the present invention is exemplarily shown. The combined rotary feedthrough device includes a housing 2 with a fluid unit 3, a communication unit 9, and an intermediate element 15 which is arranged between the fluid unit 3 and the communication unit 9 for heat insulation. Figure 1 The intermediate element 15 in it is accommodated in the housing 2 and forms a thin insulating material layer, which is preferably a heat-resistant plastic or an elastomer with a low thermal conductivity. The communication unit 9 is a rotary feedthrough device for transmitting electrical signals, and the power supply unit 12 is a rotary feedthrough device for transmitting electrical energy.

[0097] In the housing 2, the fluid unit 3 (which is a rotary feedthrough device for fluid) is located in the port side region 4, while the communication unit 9 is located in the operation side region 10. The communication unit 9 in the operation side region 10 is connected to the end face of the fluid rotary feedthrough device 3 via a fastening device 1011 (preferably a screw 101) through the intermediate element 15. The communication unit 9 and the fluid unit 3 are arranged to be mounted around the shaft 8 of the Figure 1 fluid unit 3 in it by bearing elements 102, 103 and bearing elements 202, 203.

[0098] The communication unit 9 and the housing part 211 of the housing 2 and related components are mounted on the shaft 220 by bearing elements 102, 103. The shaft 220 is supported on the shaft 8 by a fixing element 230 (preferably a pin).

[0099] Figure 1 An alternative embodiment not shown in it is to connect the shaft 220 and the shaft 8 to each other. For this purpose, for example, the shaft 220 is connected to the shaft 8 using a fastening device 101 (preferably a screw), rather than as Figure 1Connect the housing 2 as shown. In this alternative, the housing part 211 of the communication unit 9 is supported on the housing part 210 of the fluid unit 3 by at least one connecting element 260, so that static overdetermination does not occur. The connecting element 260 can be formed as a pin in the housing or can be connected to the outside of the housing 2, and starting from the housing part 210 of the fluid unit 3, it can bridge the intermediate element 15 and engage in the housing part 211 of the communication unit 9, preferably in the form of a fixing clip.

[0100] Figure 1 The fluid units 3 in [description] respectively have a fluid port P for supplying fluid and a fluid port T for return flow. These two ports can be formed coaxially with respect to the axis 8 in the direction of the mechanical component or radially with respect to the housing part 210 of the fluid unit 3. Figure 1 Shows the channels 24, 241 formed between the coaxial fluid ports 7, 71 and the radial fluid ports 5, 6 in the fluid unit 3. In addition, at least one circumferential sealing element 22 of the fluid unit 3 is also shown in the figure to minimize the leakage of fluid in the direction of the intermediate element 15 and the communication unit 9.

[0101] The fluid passes through Figure 1 The transmission of the channels 24, 241 or holes shown only in [description] and the details of the bearing and sealing of the shaft 8 in the fluid unit 3 are known in the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0102] Figure 1 The combined rotary feedthrough device of the present invention shown in [description] also shows that the fluid unit 3 in the housing part 210 of the housing 2, the communication unit 9 in the housing part 211 of the housing 211, and the intermediate element 15 are all contained in the housing 2, thus forming a unit. Separated from this, but as part of the combined rotary feedthrough device 1 of the present invention, is the power supply unit 12 attached to the side of the housing 2. Since the wear resistance of the power supply unit 12 is not related to the wear resistance of the fluid unit 12 (especially the communication unit 9). Therefore, the power supply unit 12 can be replaced quickly and economically independently of the rest of the combined rotary feedthrough device 1.

[0103] Figure 2 The combined rotary feedthrough device of the present invention is shown by way of example, and its structure is similar to that in Figure 1 but different in that the intermediate element 15 is wider. Optionally, the intermediate element 15 is filled with an insulating material, such as Figure 1 shown. The wider design enhances the heat insulation effect between the fluid unit 3 and the communication unit 9. In addition to filling the above insulating material in the intermediate element 15, air can also be used as an insulating material. In this case, the intermediate element 15 contains an air gap.

[0104] The fluid unit 3, the communication unit 9, and the intermediate element 15 are still arranged in the housing 2. The intermediate element 15 forms a space isolation and a sealed transition between the fluid unit 3 and the communication unit 9. Figure 2 Also shown is a circumferential sealing element 21 located at the right edge of the intermediate element 15 on the shaft 8. This reduces and / or minimizes the amount of leakage that may enter the communication unit 9 from the fluid unit 3 via the isolation element 15.

[0105] If air is used as the insulating material in the intermediate element 15, at least one opening is required, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 the openings 27, 271 in. These are not shown in Figure 2 but must also be formed radially in the housing within the area of the intermediate element 15. Through the intermediate element 15 and at least one opening (corresponding to the openings 27, 271), the possible heat leakage and waste heat (hot air) in the fluid unit 3 will escape from the housing 2 to the outside.

[0106] Figure 2 Also shown is an assembly formed separately therefrom, namely Figure 1 the power supply unit 12 in. The power supply unit 12 transmits electrical energy (such as currents and voltages of different magnitudes and voltage levels) from the operating side region 10 to system components in the port side region 4 to which the combined rotary feedthrough device of the present invention is connected. In this case, the current / voltage is provided via the electrical port 14 through the electric slip ring type transmitter located in the power supply unit 12 and another port (which is preferably formed as a plug connection element 17 between the communication unit 9 and the power supply unit 12). Figure 2 The shown cable 25 is electrically connected to the plug connection 17 and transmits the required current and voltage to the system components in the port side region 4 through the shaft 8.

[0107] Figure 2 Also shown is how the power supply unit 12 supplies current and voltage to the communication unit through the electrical port 14, the plug connection 17, and at least one cable 19. In particular, the cable 19 electrically connects the second side 282 of the transmission unit 28 to the plug connection 17. Also shown in the figure is the electrical port 11 located on the housing 2. In Figure 2In [the figure], an electrical port 11 is formed in the operating side region 10, on the end face 13 of the communication unit 9, and is preferably designed as an Ethernet port with a transmission rate of at least 5 gigabits per second. A cable 72 (preferably an Ethernet cable) extends from the port side region within the shaft 8 to the communication unit 9 and contacts the first side 281 of the transmission unit 28. The transmission unit 28 transmits electrical signals and / or data from the first side 281 to the second side 282 in a capacitive or optical manner. An intermediate cable 92 electrically connects the second side 283 to the electrical port 11. In this way, electrical signals are transmitted from the system components to an evaluation and calculation unit (such as a computer) in the operating side region 10 ( Figure 2 not shown in the figure). In addition, a cable 25 also passes through the internal hollow shaft 8.

[0108] In another embodiment of the present invention ( Figure 2 not shown in the figure), the cable 25 can extend in a separate channel formed in the fluid unit 3 instead of inside the shaft 8. Also in Figure 2 not shown in the figure, the first and second communication units can be formed in the housing 2 in sequence. In this case, the two communication units and their corresponding transmission units transmit electrical signals in a capacitive or optical manner accordingly. This creates redundancy and makes the combined rotary feedthrough device more durable and fail-safe.

[0109] Figure 3 and Figure 4 are based on Figure 2 and show more examples of the combined rotary feedthrough device of the present invention. In this example, a passive element 23 is formed in the intermediate element 15. The isolation element can include an air gap. Alternatively, the intermediate element 15 can be made of a known solid insulating material, as Figure 2 shown. In this case, in order to achieve free air circulation, corresponding grooves and connection holes for connecting the passive element 23 to the opening 27 are designed on the material of the intermediate element 15 for the passive element 23. The passive element 23 is fastened to the shaft 8 and extends radially. The passive element 23 rotates with the shaft 8. Figure 3 and Figure 4 schematically show the passive element 23, and at least schematically show the rotor blades or ventilation elements. The specific shape and length vary according to the application scenario; due to the low rotational speed of the shaft, a passive element that can use the surface area of the passive element to convey as much air as possible is preferably used.

[0110] In Figure 3In [description], the cooling device 48 disposed parallel to the wall of the intermediate element 15 in the intermediate element 15 is a pipe, which is formed by the hole 38 and extends from the opening 29 in the housing 2 to directly in front of the shaft 8, so as to conduct cold ambient air into the intermediate element 15, and the rotating passive element in this intermediate element sucks in the air. By rotating in the intermediate element 15, the passive element 23 discharges the air out of the housing 2 again through the opening 29 on the housing 2. As an example, Figure 3 Only one opening 29 is shown, but a plurality of openings 29 can be formed circumferentially on the side surface of the housing 2. Sucking in cold air and discharging it out of the housing 2 again generates a thermal cycle, thereby cooling the intermediate element and enhancing the thermal decoupling between the communication unit 9 and the fluid unit 3. Therefore, the cooling device 48 and the rotating passive element 23 contribute to the intermediate element 15 to ensure sufficient thermal decoupling between the fluid unit 3 and the communication unit 9.

[0111] Alternatively, in Figure 4 In [description], the hole 38 with the opening 29 on the housing 2 can extend parallel to the wall of the intermediate element 15, but the cooling device 48 does not extend inside the intermediate element 15, but extends inside the communication unit 9. This can also reduce the internal temperature of the communication unit 9 and prevent exceeding the maximum allowable operating temperature. As Figure 4 shown, in this case, a lateral through-hole 381 from the communication unit to the intermediate element 15 is required. Therefore, the circumferential sealing element 21 is arranged with an offset to leave the necessary space for the through-hole 381.

[0112] Instead of Figure 3 and Figure 4 The hole 38 used as the cooling device 48 in [description], a ring-shaped channel equivalent to the hole 38 can also be provided by a wall parallel to the isolation element 15. In this case, the wall of the isolation element 15 will be the second wall.

[0113] Figure 5 Based on Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 Constructed, another example of the combined rotary feedthrough device of the present invention is shown. In this case, on the housing 2, a port 26 is also shown in the area of the communication unit 9. Figure 5 In [description], many elements, features and components in Figures 1 to 4 are omitted, but these elements, features and components can be easily combined with the port 26 to reduce the operating temperature of the communication unit 9 as much as possible. For the sake of clarity, Figure 5 The passive element 23 (such as a rotor) is not shown in [description]. The port 26 is used to generate a cold air flow and positive pressure inside the communication unit 9 by using the air outside the housing 2. This will reduce the temperature inside the communication unit 9. The port 26 for generating positive pressure can be used in combination with all examples of the combined rotary feedthrough device.

[0114] Finally, it should be noted that the description and exemplary embodiments of the present invention should not be understood as a limitation to a specific physical implementation of the present invention in principle. All features explained and shown in combination with the various embodiments of the present invention can be provided in different combinations in the subject matter of the present invention to achieve its advantageous effects simultaneously.

[0115] The protection scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description and / or shown in the drawings.

[0116] List of reference numerals

[0117] 1 Combined rotary feedthrough device

[0118] 2 Housing

[0119] 3 Fluid unit

[0120] 4 Port side area

[0121] 5, 7 Supply ports

[0122] 6, 71 Discharge ports

[0123] 8 Rotation shaft

[0124] 9 Communication unit

[0125] 10 Operating side area

[0126] 11 Electrical port of communication unit 9

[0127] 12 Power supply unit

[0128] 13 End face of the operating side area 10 of the housing 2

[0129] 14 Electrical port of power supply unit 12

[0130] 15 Intermediate element

[0131] 16 Transition piece

[0132] 17 Plug-in element

[0133] 19 At least one cable

[0134] 21 Circumferential sealing element on the communication unit

[0135] 22 Circumferential sealing element in the fluid unit

[0136] 24, 241 At least one channel

[0137] 25 At least one cable

[0138] 23 At least one passive element

[0139] 27 Opening

[0140] 28 Transmission unit

[0141] 281 First side of the transmission unit

[0142] 282 Second side of the transmission unit

[0143] 48 Cooling device

[0144] 72 Cable

[0145] 92 Intermediate cable

[0146] 101 Fastening device, screw

[0147] 102, 103 Bearings of the communication unit

[0148] 202, 203 Bearings of the fluid unit

[0149] 210 Housing part of the communication unit

[0150] 211 Housing part of the fluid unit

[0151] 220 Shaft of the communication unit

[0152] 230 Fixing element, pin

[0153] 260 Connecting element

[0154] 381 Through hole

Claims

1. A combined rotary feedthrough device (1) having stationary and rotating system components for the transmission of fluids, data, and electrical energy, the combined rotary feedthrough device (1) having: - A housing (2), the housing comprising: - A fluid unit (3), which is a rotary feedthrough device for fluid connection in the port-side region (4) of the housing (2), and in each case has at least one supply port and at least one discharge port (5, 7; 6, 71) and a rotary shaft (8); - At least one communication unit (9), which is a rotary feedthrough device for transmitting electrical signals in the operating-side region (10) of the housing (2), and has at least one electrical port (11); and - At least one power supply unit (12), which is a rotary feedthrough device for transmitting electrical energy on the end face (13) of the operating-side region (10) of the housing (2), and has at least one electrical port (14), characterized in that: In the housing (2), at least one intermediate element (15) is formed between the fluid unit (3) and the communication unit (9), and at least one transition piece (16) is formed between the operating-side region (10) of the housing (2) and the power supply unit (12) arranged on the end face (13) outside the housing (2).

2. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The communication unit (9) is arranged in a bearing manner on the shaft (8) of the fluid unit (3) in the operating-side region (10) of the housing (2).

3. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing (2) is composed of at least two parts in the region of the communication unit (9).

4. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing (2) has at least one plug-in element (17), which is electrically connected to the contact of the shaft (8) through at least one cable (25) and is electrically connected to the contact of the communication unit (9) through at least one cable (19).

5. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one sealing element (21, 22) is arranged in the region between the intermediate element (15) and the communication unit (9) to prevent leakage from entering the communication unit.

6. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The intermediate element (15) at least partially provides thermal decoupling.

7. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The intermediate element (15) uses at least one passive element (23), especially of at least one rotor, to release heat energy.

8. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The intermediate element (15) inside the housing (2) forms a space isolation and a sealed transition between the fluid unit (3) and the communication unit (9).

9. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The intermediate element (15) forms an air gap between the fluid unit (3) and the communication unit (9) inside the housing (2).

10. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The intermediate element (15) discharges the leakage from the fluid unit (3) to the outside through at least one opening (27) formed radially on the housing (2).

11. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A ventilation system is provided in the region of the intermediate element (15).

12. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The power supply unit (12) continuously transmits electrical signals.

13. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The power supply unit (12) continuously transmits electrical signals optically.

14. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing (2) is made of metal.

15. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fluid unit (3) and the at least one communication unit (9) are arranged side by side on the axis of the shaft (8) inside the housing of the rotary feedthrough device (1).

16. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a cooling device (48) located within the region of the intermediate element (15) for cooling the at least one communication unit (9).

17. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The communication unit (9) transmits electrical signals as data.

18. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The communication unit (9) transmits the electrical signal in a non-contact manner.

19. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The communication unit (9) transmits the electrical signal in a capacitive manner.

20. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The electrical signal transmission from the first communication unit is capacitive, and the electrical signal transmission from the second communication unit is optical.

21. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fluid unit (3) forms at least one channel (24), in which fluid flows between at least one radial (5, 6) fluid port and at least one axial (7, 71) fluid port (P, T).

22. The combined rotary feedthrough device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for generating and providing an internal positive pressure within the housing (2).

23. Use of the combined rotary feedthrough device (1), for controlling and regulating systems, in particular seismic measurement systems, wind turbines, centrifuges, filling systems, rotary indexing tables, rotary clamping systems and robots.

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