Pump device

Abstract

The invention relates to a pump device (1), in particular a magnetically coupled pump device, comprising: an interior space (11) formed by a pump housing (2) of the pump device (1); a spacer sleeve (10) which tightly seals the chamber (12) surrounded by the spacer sleeve from the inner space (11) formed by the pump housing (2); a connecting flange (27) formed on the spacer sleeve (10) for fastening to the pump housing (2) or a component associated with the pump housing (2), in particular a housing cover (4); the impeller shaft (13) can be driven to rotate around the rotating shaft (A); an impeller (16) arranged on one end of the impeller shaft (13); an inner rotor (17) arranged on the other end of the impeller shaft (13); and an outer rotor (24) interacting with the inner rotor (17). The connecting flange (27) has a contact protection device (35). Disclosed together with Figure 1.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a pump device, in particular a magnetically coupled pump device, having an interior space formed by a pump housing of the pump device, a spacer sleeve which hermetically seals a chamber enclosed thereby with respect to the interior space formed by the pump housing, a connecting flange configured on the spacer sleeve for fastening to the pump housing or a component belonging to the pump housing, in particular a housing cover, an impeller shaft which can be driven in rotation about an axis of rotation, an impeller arranged on one end of the impeller shaft, an inner rotor arranged on the other end of the impeller shaft and an outer rotor which interacts with the inner rotor. BACKGROUND

[0002] A magnetically coupled pump, also known as a magnetic drive pump or a magnetically coupled pump, is a centrifugal pump in which the required drive power is transmitted by magnetic force. In contrast to conventional pumps, in which a direct mechanical connection exists between the motor and the pump, a magnetically coupled pump uses a magnetic coupling device to transmit the movement from the motor to the pump.

[0003] The magnetic coupling device consists of two magnetic rotor assemblies which are separated from one another by a housing. One rotor assembly is connected to the motor and the other rotor assembly is connected to the pump. Both rotor assemblies are equipped with magnets which attract one another, thereby transmitting the rotational movement. By means of the magnetic field, the two rotor assemblies can be rotated together without a mechanical connection having to exist.

[0004] The advantage of a magnetically coupled pump is that it has a completely static seal with respect to the medium to be conveyed. Since there is no direct mechanical connection between the pump shaft and the motor shaft, liquid or gas cannot enter the environment through potential leaks at dynamic sealing points. This makes a magnetically coupled pump very suitable for use in applications in which high reliability and chemical stability are required.

[0005] Such a pump device is known from DE 10 2004 003 400 A1, which, in order to expand the range of applications, has a drive rotor which is configured as a universal component for an external drive element. However, this can only expand the range of applications to a certain extent. Beyond a certain construction size, an adjustment of the rotor size will be unavoidable.

[0006] A modular kit for manufacturing a pump is known from EP 0814268 A1, which is intended to provide the possibility of flexibly producing a pump with a small number of components depending on the application requirements. However, the proposed solution only allows for the exchange of components belonging to a single construction size.

[0007] DE 10 2014 214 929 A1 describes a magnetic coupling pump which employs two static sliding ring sealing devices. Since the static spring elements do not generate vibrations, the service life and the sealing effect of the sliding ring sealing devices are improved.

[0008] DE 10 2013 208 460 A1 exhibits a positioning of an axial bearing device in a magnetic coupling pump, wherein the lubrication of the bearing device is improved and the acting radial bearing forces are reduced.

[0009] In DE 10 2013 007 849 A1 an auxiliary impeller is disclosed which is arranged on the inner rotor of a magnetic coupling pump. The auxiliary impeller generates a forced circulation of lubricant flow when in operation, in particular for lubricating the bearing device, and in addition conducts heat generated by eddy current losses away from the barrier sleeve region. A damage of the rolling bearing on the outer rotor of the magnetic coupling device can lead to a breakthrough of the barrier sleeve, which can cause significant damage to the pump device.

[0010] In the solutions for limiting damage so far, additional adapters are sometimes used as contact protection devices (Anlaufschutz) or the contact protection devices are attached to the housing parts. This involves considerable assembly effort and leads to additional sealing points which can themselves become weak points. SUMMARY

[0011] It is the task of the present invention to provide a pump device, in particular a magnetic coupling pump device, which has a contact protection device which can be realized without additional assembly effort and without additional sealing points. The contact protection device should effectively prevent a breakthrough or wear-through of the barrier sleeve in the event of a damage of the rolling bearing. In addition, the contact protection device should have the feature of a compact and integrated design. The contact protection device should be simple and inexpensive to realize.

[0012] This task is solved according to the invention by a pump device, in particular a magnetic coupling pump device, according to the features of claim 1. Preferred variants can be gathered from the parallel independent claims, the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0013] According to the invention, the connecting flange of the barrier sleeve has a contact protection device.

[0014] Here, the contact protection device is preferably an integral and compact component of the connecting flange.

[0015] Ideally, the barrier sleeve is configured as an integral structure together with the connecting flange and the contact protection device. By the integral structure a single component is realized, which significantly reduces the assembly effort and at the same time avoids additional sealing points.

[0016] Advantageously, the contact protection device, connecting flange, and isolation sleeve are manufactured together using additive manufacturing, and then constructed together in an interconnected manner through additive manufacturing processes. This eliminates the need for separate welding and / or adhesive bonding, which is typically required. In this case, the contact protection device, connecting flange, and isolation sleeve are designed and manufactured as a single unit from the outset. This means that the contact protection device, connecting flange, and isolation sleeve are already interconnected in their final form and position.

[0017] In additive manufacturing processes (such as selective laser melting), the isolation sleeve, connecting flange, and contact guard are built layer by layer. In this case, the contact guard, connecting flange, and isolation sleeve are printed into a single structure. Therefore, the contact guard, connecting flange, and isolation sleeve are already interconnected and form a single structure during the "printing process".

[0018] Compared to methods such as welding, bonding, or other joining techniques, implementing a monolithic structure means that the contact protection device, connecting flange, and isolation sleeve are designed and manufactured from the outset as interconnected components and as a single unit. In a monolithic structure, the isolation sleeve, connecting flange, and contact protection device are not separate or individual parts, but rather constitute a continuous and indivisible structure.

[0019] For example, the isolation sleeve, connecting flange, and contact protection device form an integral structure. The term "integral" means that the contact protection device, connecting flange, and isolation sleeve are composed of a single component, without having to be joined together as separate parts. The term "integral" emphasizes the unity and integrity of the monolithic structure, which is designed and manufactured as a continuous unit.

[0020] For example, the contact protection device is constructed as a substantially cylindrical structure. This cylindrical structure can extend into the gap of the outer rotor without contact and support the outer rotor in the event of damage, so that the isolation sleeve is not mechanically damaged in the coupling area.

[0021] A cylindrical structure is a geometric shape possessing the characteristics of a cylinder. A cylinder consists of two parallel circular surfaces connected by curved, straight, or slightly inclined lateral surfaces. The parallel circular surfaces are called the bases of the cylinder, while the curved lateral surfaces form its lateral surfaces. The bases of a cylinder are circles of equal radius, and the distance between the bases is called the height of the cylinder. The height of the cylinder is the vertical distance between the two bases.

[0022] In order to consume as little material as possible for the necessary support structure when manufacturing the isolation sleeve using additive manufacturing processes (especially selective laser melting), the connecting flange has a first notch.

[0023] For the same reason, the contact protection device preferably has a second notch in the form of a pointed arch.

[0024] A pointed arch is a specific type of arch. It is characterized by its gradually tapering shape, with a more pointed top than other arch shapes, such as round arches.

[0025] Pointed arches are commonly associated with Gothic architecture and are a prominent feature of many Gothic cathedrals and churches. The advantage of pointed arches lies in their ability to achieve greater spans at the same height, or greater load-bearing capacity at the same span. This ideal force conduction corresponds to ideal heat conduction, which is advantageous for the additive manufacturing of contact protection devices.

[0026] By employing contact protection devices with optimized geometry for temperature or load transfer (implemented as notches in the form of Gothic arches or pointed arches), ideal temperature conduction can be achieved, thereby reducing the amount of metal powder required in additive manufacturing, which in turn helps to reduce the overall manufacturing cost. Here, the ratio of the rib width, opening size, and opening height of the pointed arch can be adjusted according to the mass of the connecting flange.

[0027] Advantageously, the contact protection device additionally has a third notch in the form of a rhombus.

[0028] A rhombus is a geometric shape with specific characteristics. It is a quadrilateral with all sides of equal length, but no right angles. Therefore, the four sides of a rhombus are equal in length, opposite sides are parallel to each other, and opposite angles are equal, but they are not right angles.

[0029] The diamond-shaped notch further reduces the mass of the contact protection device.

[0030] Ideally, the contact guard itself serves as a support structure for the flange in the manufacturing process, and has the smallest possible annular support structure surface at its free end. The support structure is created during manufacturing and then removed, leaving only the support structure surface. This support structure surface is kept as small as possible to minimize the amount of support or auxiliary material required when using selective laser melting.

[0031] Here, the annular contact protection device may have at least one chamfer, which extends into the notch and / or groove of the outer rotor without contact, for example, in the absence of damage. The chamfer allows for particularly precise design of the engagement of the outer rotor and any possible supports. Furthermore, a corresponding chamfer may also be provided on the connecting flange.

[0032] In a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, the isolation sleeve has reinforcements that strengthen the isolation sleeve in the area of ​​contact protection.

[0033] Reinforcing elements, for example, are constructed as flat, plate-like components that are additively integrated along the structure of the connecting flange into the transition section to the contact guard to improve its rigidity, strength, and stability. The reinforcing elements can have different shapes and sizes depending on the load specifications of the pump unit, and can be, for example, rectangular, square, circular, or other geometric shapes.

[0034] For example, the reinforcement section also serves as a support structure in the manufacturing process and forms a transition section from the isolation sleeve through the contact protection device to the connecting flange.

[0035] According to the present invention, a pump device is manufactured using a method, particularly an integrated structure of an isolation sleeve, a connecting flange, and a contact protection device, wherein the isolation sleeve and the connecting flange are generated by selectively applying energy radiation to a layer of powder applied layer by layer.

[0036] Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing method used to create contact protection devices, connecting flanges, and isolation sleeves as integral structures from metal powders (especially casting material powders). It is a form of 3D printing in which powder is selectively melted using a high-power laser, and isolation sleeves, connecting flanges, and contact protection devices are built layer by layer.

[0037] The isolation sleeve, along with the connecting flange and contact protection device, is built layer by layer by applying thin layers of powder to a build platform. A laser beam is then aimed at a selected area, where the metal powder is melted and bonded into a solid layer. A new layer is then applied, and the process is repeated until the isolation sleeve, connecting flange, and contact protection device are complete.

[0038] High-power lasers, such as fiber lasers or CO2 lasers, are preferred. The laser beam is precisely controlled to melt and fuse the metal powder. Laser parameters (such as power, intensity, and velocity) are set according to process requirements and the selected metal material (which has properties comparable to conventional casting materials). For example, laser parameters can also be locally adjusted to achieve a defined and desired microstructure.

[0039] After laser melting, the contact protection device and the isolation sleeve, along with the connecting flange, can be post-processed to achieve, for example, the smooth surface of the support structure described above.

[0040] Ideally, the design of the second recess in the form of a pointed arch and the third recess in the form of a rhombus, combined with the reinforcement, ensures that there is sufficient metal mass for heat dissipation during selective laser melting, while the implementation of the recesses does not generate excessive metal mass (which would cause significant heat dissipation).

[0041] Here, the depth and width of the contact protection device are designed to provide sufficient stability to protect the isolation sleeve.

[0042] According to the present invention, a pump device with a contact protection device is used as a protective measure to prevent the isolation sleeve from being damaged, thereby causing the medium to leak into the environment. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Other features and advantages of the invention can be derived from the description of embodiments based on the accompanying drawings and the drawings themselves.

[0044] in: Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the magnetically coupled pump assembly is shown. Figure 2 A perspective view of the isolation sleeve, connecting flange, and contact protection device implemented integrally according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3 A detailed view of the pointed arch-shaped notch of the contact protection device is shown. Figure 4 The schematic diagram illustrates the arrangement of the outer rotor, the isolation sleeve base, and a portion of the contact protection device. Figure 5 A perspective view of an isolation sleeve with a connecting flange and contact protection device of the present invention, in an embodiment for use in a small isolation sleeve, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 An exemplary pump assembly 1 in the form of a magnetically coupled pump is shown, as is known in the prior art. The pump assembly 1 has a multi-piece pump housing 2 of a centrifugal pump, which includes a hydraulic housing 3 configured as a volute, a housing cover 4, a bearing seat lantern body 5, a bearing seat 6, and a bearing cover 7.

[0046] The hydraulic housing 3 has an inlet 8 for drawing in the conveyed medium and an outlet 9 for discharging the conveyed medium. A housing cover 4 is disposed on the side of the hydraulic housing 3 opposite to the inlet 8. A bearing housing lantern body 5 is fixed to the side of the housing cover 4 facing away from the hydraulic housing 3. A bearing housing 6 is mounted on the side of the bearing housing lantern body 5 facing away from the housing cover 4. A bearing cover 7 is also fixed to the side of the bearing housing 6 facing away from the bearing housing lantern body 5.

[0047] The isolation sleeve 10 is fixed to the side of the housing cover 4 facing away from the hydraulic housing 3 and extends at least partially through the internal space 11 defined by the pump housing 2 (particularly the housing cover 4), the bearing seat lantern body 5, and the bearing seat 6. The isolation sleeve 10 tightly seals the chamber 12 it surrounds relative to the internal space 11.

[0048] An impeller shaft 13, which can rotate about shaft A, extends from a flow chamber 14 defined by hydraulic housing 3 and housing cover 4 through an opening 15 provided in housing cover 4 into chamber 12.

[0049] An impeller 16 is fixed on the shaft end of the impeller shaft 13 located within the flow chamber 14, and an inner rotor 17 located within the chamber 12 is arranged on the opposite shaft end. The inner rotor 17 is equipped with a plurality of magnets 18, which are arranged on the side of the inner rotor 17 facing the isolation sleeve 10.

[0050] A bearing assembly 19 is arranged between the impeller 16 and the inner rotor 17, which is operatively connected to the impeller shaft 13 that can be driven to rotate around the shaft A.

[0051] A drive motor (preferably an electric motor), not shown, drives a drive shaft 20. The drive shaft 20, which can be driven to rotate about axis A, is substantially coaxial with the impeller shaft 13. The drive shaft 20 extends through the bearing cover 7 and the bearing housing 6, and is supported in two ball bearings 21, 22 housed in the bearing housing 6. An outer rotor 24 carrying a plurality of magnets 23 is arranged on the free end of the drive shaft 20. The magnets 23 are arranged on the side of the outer rotor 24 facing the isolation sleeve 10. The outer rotor 24 extends at least partially to cover the isolation sleeve 10 and interacts with the inner rotor 17, such that the rotating outer rotor 24, by means of magnetic force, also causes the inner rotor 17, and consequently the impeller shaft 13 and the impeller 16, to rotate.

[0052] Figure 2 The isolation sleeve 10, as shown in the mid-perspective, is configured for installation into various magnetic coupling pump devices, as exemplarily. Figure 1 In the pump assembly 1 shown, the isolation sleeve 10 has a substantially cylindrical base 25, which has a substantially similar shape to that of the pump assembly 1 shown. Figure 1 The central longitudinal axis B is coaxially arranged with the pivot A. The base 25 is open on one side and closed on the opposite side by means of a generally arched bottom 26. An annular connecting flange 27 is arranged on the open side, which is integrally formed with the base 25.

[0053] The connecting flange 27 has multiple mounting openings 28 extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis B.

[0054] The bottom 26 is formed by a dome region 29 that is basically spherical and a flange region 30 located on the outside that forms the transition region between the base 25 and the dome region 29.

[0055] The substrate 25 has an outer surface 31 with multiple protrusions 32. The outer surface 31 is generally wavy, with multiple crests and troughs. The protrusions 32 are configured in a thread-like or spindle-like shape. Cavities (not shown) are provided in the protrusions 32. These cavities can be used by means of sensor monitoring devices and control modules to detect damage to the isolation sleeve 10 before rupture occurs during pump operation and switch the pump unit 1 to a safe state.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting flange 27 has twelve cylindrical sleeves 33 that define the mounting opening 28. Figure 1 The screw 34 shown for securing the isolation sleeve 10 to the housing cover 4 extends through the sleeve 33 or the mounting opening 28.

[0057] The contact protection device 35 is configured as a sleeve-shaped or hollow cylindrical structure to prevent the outer rotor 24 from scratching the outer surface 31 or the raised portion 32 of the base 25. It extends from the connecting flange 27, coaxial with the central longitudinal axis B of the isolation sleeve 10, that is, in the axial direction, at least partially covering the base 25 at a defined radial spacing. The bottom 26, the base 25 with the raised portion 32, the connecting flange 27, and the contact protection device 35 together form an integral structure. This integral structure is produced by additive manufacturing.

[0058] The stability and bending stiffness of the connecting flange 27 and the contact protection device 35 are achieved through the first reinforcing part 36 combined with the annular flange 37. A first notch 38 is arranged between them. The cylindrical sleeve 33 is fixed by the annular flange 37. This improves stiffness and reduces the surface area required for the necessary support structure when manufacturing the isolation sleeve 10.

[0059] The contact protection device 35 includes an anlaufring 40 on its free end 39 facing away from the connecting flange 27, the anlaufring having a contact surface 41 facing the base 25. The anlaufring 40 is connected to the area of ​​the connecting flange 27 via a sleeve-shaped connecting element 42. The contact protection device 35 (particularly in the area of ​​the connecting element 42) has a notch in the form of a pointed arch (referred to as the second notch 43 in the following description of the figures) and a notch in the form of a rhombus (referred to as the third notch 44 in the following description of the figures).

[0060] The second and third recesses 43 and 44 are designed in combination with the reinforcing part 36 to ensure that there is sufficient metal mass for heat dissipation during selective laser melting, so as to achieve a self-supporting structure, while ensuring that the arrangement structure has sufficient rigidity.

[0061] Figure 3 A detailed view of the isolation sleeve 10, and in particular the contact protection device 35, is shown, in which a second notch 43 in the form of a pointed arch and a third notch 44 in the form of a rhombus are shown.

[0062] Starting from the reinforcing portion 36 forming the transition from the connecting flange 27 to the contact protection device 35 (particularly to the connecting element 42), towards the free end 39, the second notch 43 is defined by a contact ring 40 on its side opposite the pointed arch. Between each pointed arch of the second notch 43, a diamond-shaped third notch 44 is provided to reduce material usage. An angle α of approximately 60° is formed from the starting point of the pointed arch to the midpoint of the side of the notch 43. This advantageous force transmission structure is also highly advantageous for heat conduction, which is of particular importance in the selective laser melting manufacturing process.

[0063] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates how the outer rotor 24, the isolation sleeve 10 with a base 25, and the contact ring 40 are arranged relative to each other. During operation, the free end of the outer rotor 24 rotates between the contact ring 40 and the base 25. The outer rotor 24 has a region 44 with a reduced outer diameter in the area of ​​the contact ring 40. The outer diameter of the region 45 that axially engages with it substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the contact ring 40. This forms a radially retracted portion 46 into which the contact ring 40 extends.

[0064] The annular contact ring 40 has a chamfer 47 at its free end, which allows for a particularly fine fit and saves material on the support structure when manufactured using selective laser melting. In the event of a breakage of the rolling bearings 20, 22, the outer rotor 24 can be supported by the contact protection device 40, thereby preventing the isolation sleeve 10 from breaking due to the outer rotor 24 losing its guidance.

[0065] Figure 5 The image shows a perspective view of the integrated structure of the isolation sleeve 10, contact protection device 35, and connecting flange 27 in an embodiment for a small isolation sleeve 10. Figure 2 Compared to the illustration, the contact protection device 35 is significantly thinner and has an additional, rib-like second reinforcing part 48. To reduce material usage, the reinforcing part 48 has additional perforations called fourth notches 49, which are diamond-shaped. In addition to the second notch 43, this variant also includes a fifth notch 50, which is constructed as a double-pointed arch. However, the diamond-shaped notches 49 can also have any other shape, such as circular or rectangular.

[0066] like Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the free end 39 of the contact protection device 35 has a support structure surface 51, which has an annular surface for the support structure required during manufacturing using an additive manufacturing method. The support structure is created during the manufacturing process and then removed, leaving only the support structure surface 51. This surface is as small as possible to keep the amount of support or auxiliary material required low when using selective laser melting. Another support structure surface 52 is also provided on the flange 37.

Claims

1. A pump device (1), particularly a magnetically coupled pump device, comprising: -The internal space (11) formed by the pump housing (2) of the pump device (1). - Isolation sleeve (10), which tightly seals the chamber (12) it surrounds relative to the internal space (11) formed by the pump housing (2), - A connecting flange (27) is constructed on the isolation sleeve (10) for fixing to the pump housing (2) or components belonging to the pump housing (2), particularly the housing cover (4). - An impeller shaft (13) that can be driven to rotate around a rotating shaft (A). - An impeller (16) is arranged on one end of the impeller shaft (13). -The inner rotor (17) arranged on the other end of the impeller shaft (13), and - The outer rotor (24) interacts with the inner rotor (17). Its features are, The connecting flange (27) has a contact protection device (35).

2. The pump device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting flange (27) has a first notch (38).

3. The pump device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The contact protection device (35) is constructed in a substantially cylindrical shape.

4. The pump device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The contact protection device (35) has a second notch (43) in the form of a pointed arch.

5. The pump device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The contact protection device (35) has a third notch (44) in the form of a rhombus.

6. The pump device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The contact protection device (35) has at least one annular support structure surface (51, 52).

7. The pump device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The at least one annular contact protection device (51) has a chamfer (47).

8. The pump device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The contact protection device (35) has reinforcements (36, 48).

9. The pump device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The isolation sleeve (10), the connecting flange (27), and the contact protection device (35) are constructed as an integral structure.

10. The pump device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The contact protection device (35) is made of metal.

11. A method for manufacturing a pump assembly (1), characterized in that, The integrated structure of the isolation sleeve (10), the connecting flange (27) and the contact protection device (35) is generated by selectively applying energy radiation to the powder layer applied layer by layer.

12. Use of a pump assembly (1) having a contact protection device (35) as a protective measure to prevent damage to the isolation sleeve (10) and to prevent media leakage into the environment.

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