Compressor device for air treatment device of motor vehicle, in particular commercial vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a compressor device (100) for connection to an air treatment device of a motor vehicle and / or a rail vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising at least one housing (102), the housing (102) comprising:-at least one suction channel (104) for sucking in a fluid to be compressed, in particular air; -at least one housing interior space (106) for accommodating the compressed fluid; -at least one housing partition wall (136), by means of which the suction channel (104) is separated from the housing interior (106); wherein at least one switching valve (108) is arranged on and / or in the housing partition wall (136), or the housing partition wall (136) is connected to at least one switching valve (108), by means of which switching valve the suction channel (104) can be separated from or connected to the housing interior (106).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a compressor device for connection to an air handling unit of a motor vehicle and / or rail vehicle, especially a commercial vehicle.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a commercial vehicle having at least one air handling unit, wherein the air handling unit includes at least one compressor unit as described above, or is connected to or capable of being connected to a compressor unit as described above. Background Technology

[0003] Compressor units for motor vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, are known from existing technologies.

[0004] Therefore, DE 10 2016 011 431 A1 shows a screw compressor for commercial vehicles, the screw compressor having at least one female screw, at least one male screw and at least one screw compressor driver, the male screw engaging with the female screw, wherein the screw compressor driver drives the female screw.

[0005] The main problem with existing compressor units is that they must be depressurized or vented after shutdown. Venting is necessary because residual fluid pressure remaining in the compressor unit flows into the suction passage and is drawn into the compressor unit upon restart. Drawing in this pre-compressed air or fluid from the suction passage can cause serious damage to the compressor unit. For this reason, the compressor unit must be vented at the start of its shutdown phase to depressurize the internal space of the housing, and especially the suction passage.

[0006] However, due to system inertia and hysteresis in the exhaust system, the exhaust in the housing's internal space is not at atmospheric pressure. This allows oil located in the housing's internal space for lubrication to enter the suction passage, where a lower pressure exists than in the housing's internal space. Furthermore, the prior art presents the challenge that, due to the aforementioned pressure difference, oil located in the suction passage can flow out into the compressor unit's environment, which is critical for environmental protection and should be avoided. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to extend the compressor device of the type mentioned at the beginning in an advantageous manner, in particular to improve the operational safety of the compressor device and, in particular, to reduce or avoid oil discharge from the compressor device.

[0008] According to the invention, this task is solved by a compressor device having the features of claim 1. Accordingly, a compressor device is provided for connection to an air handling unit of a motor vehicle and / or rail vehicle, particularly a commercial vehicle, the compressor device comprising at least one housing, wherein the housing comprises: - At least one intake channel for drawing in a fluid to be compressed, particularly air; - At least one internal space within the housing for containing compressed fluid; - At least one housing partition wall, by means of which the suction passage is separated from the internal space of the housing; wherein... At least one switching valve is arranged on and / or in the housing partition wall, or the housing partition wall is connected to at least one switching valve, by means of which the suction passage can be separated from or connected to the housing interior space, in particular enabling the provision of fluid connection from the suction passage to the housing interior space via the switching valve.

[0009] The present invention is based on the following basic concept: oil discharge from the compressor unit can be avoided as much as possible or, ideally, completely prevented.

[0010] As described above, during compressor shutdown, after venting (i.e., depressurizing) the internal space of the housing, a certain residual pressure remains. Due to the system inertia, spring prestress, and hysteresis of the corresponding venting device in the housing, this residual pressure cannot be completely reduced to atmospheric pressure. However, since near-atmospheric pressure dominates in the suction passage of the housing after depressurization, a pressure difference exists between the internal space of the housing and the suction passage during venting and when the compressor is shut down. Since an oil reservoir for lubricating the compressor is additionally housed in the internal space of the housing, this lubricating oil is also loaded by the residual pressure of the fluid and may therefore enter the suction passage and be introduced into the environment in a harmful manner. To address this problem, at least one switching valve is arranged in and / or on the housing partition wall, or alternatively, at least one switching valve is connected to the housing partition wall, by means of which the suction passage can be separated or connected to the internal space of the housing. The function of the switching valve is particularly to balance the residual pressure difference between the internal space of the housing and the suction passage. On the other hand, this allows the oil located in the suction passage to be resupplyed to the internal space of the housing via the switching valve, and thus to the oil reservoir. Therefore, by means of the switching valve, the effect of oil flowing out of the suction passage into the environment is avoided or reduced. The fluid to be compressed, or the compressed fluid, can in particular be air.

[0011] The internal space of the housing can have two alternative functions. The first function of the internal space is that it functions as the actual compressor chamber of the compressor unit, housing the compressor elements that generate fluid pressure. Alternatively, the internal space can be understood as an internal volume containing a complete and separate compressor unit, with at least one compressor fluid outlet of the compressor unit flowing into and supplying fluid to this internal volume.

[0012] Preferably, the fluid connection from the suction channel to / from the housing interior space extends only along the switching valve in the flow direction used to bridge the housing partition wall, without including other fluid circuit elements or components for controlling and / or regulating the fluid connection. In this sense, the switching valve in the context of this invention can also be understood as an on-demand short-circuit element, wherein the suction channel and the housing interior space can be separated or interconnected by means of the switching valve.

[0013] The connectability or separability of the suction passage and the internal space of the housing depends particularly on the switching state of the switching valve. In the open state, the suction passage and the internal space of the housing are connected. Correspondingly, in the closed state of the switching valve, the suction passage and the internal space of the housing are separated. This connection can be understood in particular as a flow connection, allowing oil located in the suction passage to flow back into the internal space of the housing, and allowing pressure equalization between the suction passage and the internal space of the housing.

[0014] Furthermore, the switching valve may include at least one fluid pressure balancing valve for balancing the fluid pressure between the suction passage and the internal space of the housing, particularly during the inactive operation of the compressor unit. The fluid pressure balancing valve reduces the pressure difference between the internal space of the housing and the suction passage, at least when the switching valve is partially or fully open. Additionally, in the open state of the switching valve, the flow path in the housing partition wall serves as an overflow for oil located in the suction passage. In other words, oil in the suction passage can only rise until its level reaches the flow path of the switching valve, and thus can flow back into the internal space of the housing through the switching valve.

[0015] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the housing structure is a main housing; wherein the compressor unit includes at least one compressor unit having at least one compressor housing fastened to and / or housed in, and particularly within, the main housing, and particularly within the housing's internal space; wherein the compressor housing has at least one compressor fluid inlet and at least one compressor fluid outlet; wherein a suction passage merges into the compressor fluid inlet; and wherein the compressor fluid outlet merges into the housing's internal space. As described above in conjunction with the basic concept of the invention according to an alternative, the housing's internal space now functions to house the compressor unit. In other words, the housing's internal space is therefore a housing internal volume that is defined by the main housing and further surrounds the compressor housing of the individual compressor unit within the main housing. It should be emphasized that the compressor fluid inlet and compressor fluid outlet relate to the active operating state of the compressor unit for compressing fluids. Therefore, this association is invalid during compressor unit shutdown. Because during shutdown, as described above, oil can flow from the compressor fluid inlet of the compressor housing into the suction passage of the main housing, making it impossible for the compressor fluid inlet to be defined as such. Furthermore, the compressor unit includes a compressor chamber surrounded by a compressor housing. Here, a compressor fluid inlet and a compressor fluid outlet converge into the compressor chamber. Additionally, compressor elements are housed in the compressor chamber in a movable manner, particularly in a rotational manner. The compressor elements are specifically used to compress fluid within the compressor chamber, which is drawn in from the compressor fluid inlet, discharged in a compressed state from the compressor fluid outlet, and subsequently enters the internal space of the housing downstream. The compressor unit can particularly be constructed as a vane-type compressor unit. Other construction types of rotary displacement compressors can also be considered. A related example could be a screw compressor.

[0016] Alternatively, the switching valve can be configured as a check valve. This check valve can be particularly configured as a springless check valve. With a springless configuration, the check valve can be constructed with exceptional simplicity and / or smooth operation relative to pressure differentials. Furthermore, the reduced number of components in the check valve has an additional positive impact, specifically on the operational safety of the check valve and generally on the operational safety of the compressor unit.

[0017] Alternatively, the switching valve can be configured to have at least one valve body, particularly a ball, housed within a valve body chamber; wherein the valve body chamber is connectable to or connected to a suction channel via a control channel on the suction side; and wherein the valve body chamber is connectable to or connected to an internal space of the housing via a control channel on the internal space side. In other words, the valve body within the valve body chamber is operated solely by the corresponding existing fluid pressure, particularly the fluid differential pressure, via the control channels on the suction side and the internal space side. This allows for purely differential pressure-based operation of the switching valve, a very simple possibility under current operating conditions. In particular, springs and other reset or control elements can be omitted, which further simplifies the structure of the switching valve and further reduces sources of failure.

[0018] In addition, it is possible to consider a valve body chamber having a cross-section in the transverse direction relative to the central axis of the switching valve, which is larger than the valve body cross-section. In this regard, it is possible for the chamber cross-section to be 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% larger than the valve body cross-section. It is also possible to consider a chamber cross-section even larger than the valve body cross-section. Due to the aforementioned dimensional ratio between the chamber cross-section and the valve body cross-section, the valve body can move within the valve body chamber both transversely and axially relative to the central axis. These additional degrees of freedom ensure that the switching valve can be opened or closed particularly easily even with small or minimal differential pressure, which is especially advantageous in the case of springless check valves.

[0019] Alternatively, the switching valve may have at least one valve seat surface against which the valve body can be pressed to close the control channel on the suction side and / or the control channel on the housing interior side; wherein the valve body is pressed against the valve seat surface by, especially only by, the fluid pressure in the control channel on the housing interior side, which is greater than the fluid pressure in the control channel on the suction side, so that the valve body is in its closed position. In other words, the switching valve can be constructed such that the central control chamber can be loaded with fluid pressure by two control channels, and the switching valve is either in its open or closed position only according to the ratio of the fluid pressures on these control channels. Therefore, the switching valve can be implemented with very simple structure.

[0020] Furthermore, it is conceivable that when the threshold fluid pressure in the control channel on the housing interior side is greater than the fluid pressure in the control channel on the suction side, the valve body can disengage from its state of being pressed against the valve seat surface, allowing the valve body to change from its closed position to its open position, thereby establishing a connection between the control channel on the housing interior side and the control channel on the suction side. Therefore, the switching valve can be configured to open even though the pressure (residual fluid pressure) in the control channel on the housing interior side is greater than the fluid pressure in the control channel on the suction side. This results in a pressure balance between the suction channel and the housing interior. Therefore, it can be ensured that the oil located in the suction channel can flow back into the housing interior from the suction channel via the control channel on the suction side, the valve body chamber, and the control channel on the housing interior side. In other words, the control channel on the suction side, the valve body chamber, and the control channel on the housing interior side, or more generally, the switching valve, additionally serve as an overflow for oil accumulated in the suction channel. This overflow can be arranged axially in a partition wall between the compressor housing and the outer wall of the main housing in the main extension direction of the suction channel. The threshold fluid pressure in the control channel on the housing's internal space side can be defined as a limit to which the fluid pressure is no longer sufficient to generate enough pressure to act on the valve body so that the valve body remains pressed against the valve seat. In other words, below this threshold fluid pressure, the valve body moves away from the valve seat and transitions from its closed position to its open position. Above this threshold fluid pressure, the pressure is sufficient to press the valve body against the valve seat, particularly in a sealing manner, thus separating the control channel on the housing's internal space side from the control channel on the suction side, and therefore preventing a flow connection between the two control channels.

[0021] Alternatively, the valve body can be considered to transition from its closed to its open position via gravity. This reset mechanism from the closed to the open position implies the simplest possible control method for the switching valve. Therefore, the switching valve can be constructed as simply as possible and manufactured cost-effectively. Furthermore, the functional safety of the switching valve can be further improved by omitting reset elements, such as springs or additional fluid control inputs.

[0022] Furthermore, it is conceivable that when the fluid pressure in the control channel on the housing's internal space side is the same as the fluid pressure in the control channel on the suction side, or when the fluid pressure in the control channel on the housing's internal space side is less than the fluid pressure in the control channel on the suction side, the valve body is in its open position, and a connection is established between the control channel on the housing's internal space side and the control channel on the suction side. This configuration of the switching valve ensures a flow connection between the suction channel and the internal space under all circumstances, when the fluid pressure in the suction channel is greater than or equal to the fluid pressure in the housing's internal space; this also applies to the corresponding control channel. Especially when the fluid pressure inside the suction channel is high, it can be guaranteed that the switching valve, acting as an overflow section, can reliably drain the oil located in the suction channel back into the housing's internal space, further reducing the probability of oil flowing into the environment via the suction channel.

[0023] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the switching valve is constructed, at least partially, by means of a housing partition wall, wherein the housing partition wall has at least one, particularly a first, wall opening, and the valve seat surface is constructed in the opening base of this wall opening. This configuration of the switching valve enables a very simple construction because the structural area of ​​the partition wall, which is already provided, can be utilized, and therefore no additional valve components are required. In particular, the valve seat surface, as a component that should be machined with considerable precision and expense, can therefore be simply and directly introduced into the housing partition wall, and thus no additional valve seat surface components are required for the switching valve. Furthermore, by utilizing the area of ​​the partition wall, the number of components in the switching valve can be further reduced, resulting in a more cost-effective switching valve. In addition, the pre-assembly and main assembly of the switching valve are simplified because, due to the simplified structure, additional assembly or pre-assembly time can be saved.

[0024] Furthermore, it is possible to consider a switching valve including at least one valve body region comprising at least one screw-in sleeve, which, in the assembled state, is screwed into a second wall opening of a partition wall. By configuring the valve body region with a screw-in sleeve, a particularly simple, precise, and reliable assembly can be achieved through a screw-in process into the housing partition wall. Furthermore, the housing partition wall can have a dual function via the first and second wall openings: on the one hand, the valve seat surface is constructed in the first wall opening; on the other hand, the second wall opening has internal threads into which the screw-in sleeve is screwed with its corresponding external threads. This dual function of the housing partition wall allows for the construction of a very simple and efficient screw-in check valve. The first and second wall openings can, in particular, be coaxially oriented with each other. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange the first wall opening into the opening base of the second wall opening.

[0025] Furthermore, in the assembled state, the valve body chamber is constructed with at least one valve body opening screwed into the sleeve and a first wall opening. In addition to the aforementioned dual function of the wall opening, an additional sub-function is now added, allowing for a further increase in the functional density of the housing partition walls. Therefore, the housing of the switching valve can be configured more simply, which further enhances the reliability of the switching valve structure. Thus, with as few components as possible, not only can the operational safety of the switching valve be further improved specifically, but the operational safety of the compressor unit can also be further improved generally, thereby further reducing the overall probability of compressor unit failure. Moreover, a more reliable switching valve helps to ensure that the additional function of the switching valve as an outlet for oil accumulated in the suction passage allows for reliable transfer from the suction passage back into the housing space with a higher probability or improved operational safety.

[0026] In particular, it can be further configured such that the control channel on the internal space side of the housing extends within the screw-in sleeve; and wherein the control channel on the suction side extends within the housing partition wall. As described above, in addition to the two functions further elaborated above and the sub-functions also further elaborated above, the housing partition wall can now assume a fourth function, which further improves the reliability and simplicity of the switching valve. Thus, the entire switching valve can be constructed with a minimum number of two components (besides the housing partition wall), namely, the screw-in sleeve (together with the first wall opening) serving as the valve housing area or sub-valve housing, and the valve body housed within the valve body chamber. Thus, a very simple construction or structure of the switching valve is achieved. In other words, the switching valve has the maximum functional density with a minimum number of components because, additionally, the control channel on the internal space side of the housing extends within the screw-in sleeve, and therefore additional control channels or other control boreholes or control openings in the screw-in sleeve can be omitted, which additionally makes its construction cost more favorable and simplifies its structure. In the current configuration, the switching valve can be constructed such that the second wall opening for accommodating the screw-in sleeve is introduced into the housing partition wall on the internal space side of the housing. Alternatively, it is also possible to consider introducing the second wall opening into the housing partition wall on the suction channel side. In other words, in this alternative configuration, the switching valve is constructed as a mirror image of the above-described structure.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a commercial vehicle having at least one air handling unit, wherein the air handling unit is connected to or can be connected to a compressor unit as described above. All structural and functional features associated with the compressor unit according to the invention described above and its possible embodiments can also be provided, individually or in combination, in the commercial vehicle according to the invention, and related advantages can be realized. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The attached diagram shows: Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a compressor device according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 A schematic detailed cross-sectional view of the switching valve of the compressor unit according to the invention in the closed position; and Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 2 A schematic detailed cross-sectional view of the switching valve in the open position. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a compressor unit 100 for an air treatment device for a motor vehicle according to the present invention is shown.

[0031] The vehicle in question is specifically configured as a commercial vehicle.

[0032] The compressor unit 100 includes a housing 102.

[0033] The shell 102 includes a shell structure that is substantially cuboid or hollow cuboid.

[0034] according to Figure 1 The shell 102 surrounds the internal space 106 of the shell.

[0035] The internal space 106 of the shell is configured as a cavity within the shell 102, or is surrounded by the shell 102.

[0036] The internal space 106 of the housing has an oil reservoir 192 or oil tank in the area on its bottom side.

[0037] In addition, the housing 102 includes a suction channel 104 for drawing in the fluid to be compressed.

[0038] according to Figure 1 The fluid can be air, in particular.

[0039] The suction channel extends from the suction attachment end 150, which is in the form of a suction tube, within the housing 102 to the height of the housing interior space 106.

[0040] The suction attachment end 150 is constructed as a flange-shaped member, and according to Figure 1 Screw it onto housing 102.

[0041] An intake valve 148 is arranged in the intake passage 104 between the intake attachment end 150 and the internal space 106 of the housing.

[0042] Preferably, the suction valve 148 has a suction valve disc 152, a plug-shaped suction valve guide 156, and a suction valve spring 154.

[0043] Alternatively, other structural forms or embodiments of the suction valve in the sense of the present invention can be envisioned. In particular, the suction valve 148 can be configured as a suction check valve or a suction control valve.

[0044] In addition, the housing 102 has a partition wall or housing partition wall 136.

[0045] The housing partition wall 136 surrounds the axial section of the intake passage 104 in the region of the housing interior space 106.

[0046] The suction channel 104 is separated from the internal space 106 of the housing by means of the housing partition wall 136.

[0047] A switching valve 108 is arranged in the housing partition wall 136 for separating or connecting the suction channel 104 with the housing interior space 106.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the switching valve may also be arranged on the housing partition wall 136.

[0049] Alternatively, the switching valve 108 may also be arranged separately from and connected to the housing partition wall 136.

[0050] The switching valve 108 includes a fluid pressure balancing valve for balancing fluid pressure between the suction passage 104 and the housing interior space 106.

[0051] Fluid pressure balancing can be performed, especially during the inactive operation of the compressor unit.

[0052] according to Figure 1 Furthermore, it can be seen that the shell 102 is constructed as the main shell 110.

[0053] The main housing 110 can be understood as the compressor unit 100 further including a compressor unit 112 having a compressor housing 114.

[0054] The compressor housing 114 is fastened in the main housing 110.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, the compressor housing 114 may also be fastened to the main housing 110.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, in the assembled state, the compressor housing 114 is housed in the internal space 106 of the main housing 110.

[0057] The compressor housing 114 can be configured to be substantially annular.

[0058] Furthermore, other configurations of the compressor housing 114 can be conceived. Thus, for example, in the case of an embodiment of a screw compressor, the compressor housing 114 may have an eyeglass-shaped cross-section.

[0059] The compressor housing 114 has a compressor fluid inlet 116 and a compressor fluid outlet 118.

[0060] In addition, the compressor housing 114 has a compressor chamber 120.

[0061] Additionally, the compressor housing 114 has a compressor element 122, which is rotatably housed in the compressor chamber 120.

[0062] Alternatively, the compressor housing 114 may also have multiple, particularly two, compressor elements 122, or may be configured to accommodate multiple compressor elements 122, for example, in the case of a screw compressor.

[0063] The compressor chamber 120 is basically sickle-shaped.

[0064] The compressor fluid inlet 116 is introduced into the compressor housing 114 as a housing passage and extends between the suction passage 104 and the compressor chamber 120.

[0065] In other words, the suction passage 104 flows into the compressor fluid inlet 116.

[0066] Similarly, the compressor fluid outlet 118 is introduced into the compressor housing 114 as a housing passage and extends from the housing interior space 106 to the compressor chamber 120.

[0067] Therefore, the internal space 106 of the housing is configured to contain either compressed fluid or compressed air.

[0068] Therefore, the compressor fluid outlet 118 flows into the internal space 106 of the housing.

[0069] according to Figure 1 The compressor element 122 is configured as a hollow column or a segmented hollow column.

[0070] The compressor element 122 has a plurality of rotary slide valves 124 (also referred to as blades) that extend radially from the center point of the compressor element 122.

[0071] The rotary slide valve 124 is guided in a spring-loaded manner in a corresponding rotary slide valve slot, and thus can be adapted to the inner contour of the compressor chamber 120 in the radial direction during the rotation of the compressor element 122.

[0072] Thus, rotating the slide valve 124 generates multiple separated sub-compressor chambers.

[0073] In other words, the compressor unit 112 is configured as a vane unit compressor unit or a rotary slide valve compressor unit.

[0074] The compressed fluid contained in the internal space 106 of the shell and the oil reservoir 192 together form a phase interface, through which the oil reservoir 192 can be loaded with the operating pressure of the fluid in the internal space 106 of the shell.

[0075] according to Figure 1 The switching valve 108 is also configured as a check valve.

[0076] This check valve can be constructed in particular as a springless check valve.

[0077] In addition, the switching valve 108 has a valve body 126 and a valve body chamber 128, in which the valve body 126 is housed in the valve body chamber when the switching valve 108 is assembled.

[0078] A more detailed schematic diagram of the switching valve 108 is available in [link / reference]. Figure 2 As shown in the image.

[0079] In addition, according to Figure 1 It can be seen that the first rising line 212 and the second rising line 214 converge into the compressor housing 114 radially.

[0080] The first ascending line 212 is connected to the oil temperature regulating valve 194.

[0081] The second rising line 214 is connected to or submerged in the oil storage tank 192.

[0082] The second rising line 214 is connected to the oil passage in the compressor housing 114 and is used to supply oil to the bearings of the rotating compressor element 122.

[0083] The first ascending line 212 converges into the inner surface of the compressor chamber 120 to lubricate and seal the rotating slide valve 124.

[0084] The oil temperature regulating valve 194, which is connected to the first rising line 212, has an oil suction line 196, which is also submerged in the oil storage tank 192.

[0085] In addition, the oil temperature regulating valve 194 has a regulating valve housing in which the regulating valve body 198 is guided in an axially movable manner.

[0086] In addition, the oil temperature regulating valve 194 has an oil outlet line that connects the oil outlet 200 of the oil temperature regulating valve 194 to the oil inlet 202 of the oil cooler 218.

[0087] Accordingly, the oil temperature regulating valve has an oil inlet line that connects the oil inlet 210 of the oil temperature regulating valve 194 to the oil outlet 208 of the oil cooler 218.

[0088] In addition, in order to cool the oil from the oil temperature regulating valve 194, the oil cooler 218 has an inlet 206 for cooling medium and a corresponding outlet 204 for cooling medium.

[0089] according to Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows that the oil temperature regulating valve 194 can be configured as a submersible oil temperature regulating valve.

[0090] Alternatively, the oil temperature regulating valve 194 may be configured to be positioned at least substantially above the oil level, particularly above the oil level that is routinely or commonly positioned in suitable operation.

[0091] In other words, the oil temperature regulating valve is at least partially or completely submerged in the oil reservoir 192.

[0092] according to Figure 1 The oil cooler 218 is located outside the housing 102.

[0093] Alternatively or additionally, the oil cooler 218 may be connected to the housing 102 by means of a corresponding screw connection, such as a screw or flange.

[0094] In the assembly state and according to Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows the oil cooler 218 above the direction of gravity, with the oil removal element 160 flanged to the housing 102.

[0095] Alternatively, the oil removal element 160 may be arranged at a similar height in the direction of gravity or below the oil cooler 218.

[0096] Alternatively, the degreasing element may be constructed integrally with the housing 102, at least partially or in sections.

[0097] The degreasing element 160 has a base 162, which is connected to the internal space 106 of the housing via a connection line 158.

[0098] In addition, the degreasing element 160 has an oil filter element 164.

[0099] The oil filter element 164 can be screwed onto the base 162.

[0100] Within the oil filter element 164, a downcomer 166 extends from the base 162 into the oil filter element 164 in an axial direction about the central axis of the deoiling element 160.

[0101] The fluid flowing into the base 162 then passes through the oil filter element 164 in the radially outer region, and then flows radially inward through the downcomer 166.

[0102] Downcomer 166 merges into the valve chamber of minimum pressure valve 190. According to... Figure 1 The minimum pressure valve 190 can be configured as a minimum pressure angle valve.

[0103] Alternatively, other structural forms of the minimum pressure valve 190 can be provided.

[0104] A check valve 168 is arranged downstream of the minimum pressure valve 190, which is located in the fluid outlet passage, wherein the fluid outlet passage merges into the housing outlet attachment 170.

[0105] Starting from the housing attachment end 170, fluid or air under operating pressure can be supplied to other devices, such as air handling units for commercial vehicles.

[0106] In addition, in the bottom region of the base 162, an annular channel is arranged between the inner wall of the base and the downcomer 166 for containing oil filtered from the fluid.

[0107] The channel contains an oil storage tank 220 for the oil removal element.

[0108] In order to guide the oil accumulated in the oil storage tank 220 of the oil removal element back, an oil return line 188 is extended between the oil storage tank 220 of the oil removal element and the compressor chamber 120.

[0109] Preferably, the oil removal element 160 can be arranged above the compressor chamber 120 in a manner that is at least partially raised relative to the compressor chamber 120 in the direction of gravity, in particular to ensure oil return via the oil return line 188.

[0110] Such an external Figure 1 As can be seen, the exhaust passage 172 merges into the valve chamber of the minimum pressure valve 190, which extends from the valve chamber of the minimum pressure valve 190 to the exhaust valve 174.

[0111] The exhaust valve 174 is configured as a check valve and has a ball 176 as the valve body and a spring 178 as a reset element.

[0112] In addition, the intake passage 104 is connected to the exhaust valve 174 via the exhaust line 180, which extends from the valve chamber of the exhaust valve 174 to the intake passage 104 in the region between the intake valve 148 and the intake attachment end 150.

[0113] The control channel 184 merges into the section of the suction channel 104 between the suction valve 148 and the compressor fluid inlet 116.

[0114] The control channel 184 extends from the intake channel 104 to the control valve 182, which is used to control the exhaust valve 174 by means of the control piston 186.

[0115] Preferably and according to Figure 1 A switching valve 108 may be provided along the section of the suction passage 104 between the suction valve 148 and the compressor fluid inlet 116, so as to separate or connect the suction passage 104 to the housing interior space 106, especially to provide fluid connection from the suction passage 104 to the housing interior space 106 as needed.

[0116] As needed or temporarily, fluid can flow from the suction passage 104, particularly from the area of ​​the suction passage 104 between the suction valve 148 and the compressor fluid inlet 116, via the switching valve 108 into the housing interior space 106, preferably according to the pressure ratio in the suction passage 104 and the housing interior space 106.

[0117] In order to detect the oil level in the oil reservoir 192, the housing 102 also has an oil level sensor 216 in its bottom region, which is screwed into the housing 102 and extends into the oil reservoir 192 by means of a measuring tube.

[0118] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a commercial vehicle equipped with an air handling unit (not in...) Figure 1 (as shown in the corresponding diagram), wherein the air handling unit may be connected to or be able to be connected to the compressor unit 100 as described above.

[0119] Alternatively, the air handling unit may be connected to or be able to be connected to the compressor unit as described above.

[0120] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 A schematic and detailed cross-sectional view of the switching valve 108.

[0121] If already combined Figure 1 As described, the switching valve 108 has a ball-shaped valve body 126 and a valve body chamber 128, in which the valve body 126 is housed.

[0122] The valve body chamber 128 is constructed as a cylindrical valve body chamber.

[0123] The valve body chamber has a chamber cross-section in the transverse direction relative to the central axis M of the switching valve 108, which is larger than the valve body cross-section of the valve body 126.

[0124] The switching valve 108 is constructed at least partially by means of the housing partition wall 136.

[0125] In addition, the housing partition wall 136 has a first wall opening 138, and the valve seat surface 134 is formed in the opening base 140 of the first wall opening.

[0126] The valve seat surface 134, as a conical valve seat surface in the open base 140, is introduced into the housing partition wall 136.

[0127] Therefore, the switching valve 108 has a valve seat surface 134, and the valve body 126 can be pressed against the valve seat surface to close or open the switching valve 108.

[0128] In addition, according to Figure 2 It can be seen that the valve body chamber 128 can be connected to the suction channel 104 via the control channel 130 on the suction side.

[0129] Connectability depends in particular on the switching position (open or closed) of the valve body 126 with respect to the valve seat surface 134.

[0130] In addition, the valve body chamber 128 is connected to the housing interior space 106 via the control channel 132 on the housing interior space side.

[0131] As described above, the valve body 126 or the ball can be pressed against the valve seat surface 134 to close the control channel 130 on the suction side.

[0132] In addition, the switching valve 108 has a valve housing region 142 configured as a screw-in sleeve 144.

[0133] In the assembled state, the sleeve 144 is screwed into the second wall opening 146 of the housing partition wall 136.

[0134] like Figure 2 As shown, in the assembled state, the valve body chamber 128 is partially or partially constructed by the valve body opening screwed into the sleeve 144 and the first wall opening 138.

[0135] according to Figure 2 The control channel 132 on the internal space side of the housing extends within the screw-in sleeve 144.

[0136] Accordingly, the control channel 130 on the suction side extends from the suction channel 104 into the housing partition wall 136 and into the valve body chamber 128.

[0137] according to Figure 2 The switching valve 108 is constructed such that the screw-in sleeve 144 is screwed into the second wall opening 146, wherein the second wall opening 146 opens toward the internal space 106 of the housing.

[0138] Alternatively, it is equally feasible to introduce the second wall opening 146 into the housing partition wall 136 such that the wall opening 146 opens toward the suction channel 104.

[0139] In other words, the switching valve 108 can also be used in relation to Figure 2 The mirror-image arrangement is in the shell partition wall 136.

[0140] exist Figure 2 In the middle, valve body 126 is in its closed position.

[0141] In other words, the valve body is pressed against the valve seat surface 134 by the fluid pressure in the control channel 132 on the internal space side of the housing, and this fluid pressure is greater than the fluid pressure in the control channel 130 on the suction side.

[0142] The switching valve 108 according to the present invention Figure 3 The embodiment shown has a connection with the switching valve 108. Figure 2 The embodiments shown herein have substantially the same structural and functional features, and the differences in structural features and / or functional features should be specified only as follows: exist Figure 3 In the middle, the valve body 126 is in its open position, so that the valve body is not pressed against the valve seat surface 134.

[0143] Therefore, a flow connection or fluid connection is established between the suction channel 104 and the housing interior space 106 via the control channel 130 on the suction side, the valve body chamber 128, and the control channel 132 on the housing interior space side.

[0144] Reference to the compressor device 100 according to the present invention Figures 1 to 3 The functionality can now be described as follows: Especially when the compressor unit 100 is off or inactive, the switching valve 108 functions or then comes into play.

[0145] If compressor component 122 (see) Figure 1 If the machine stops, it will be unable to provide additional compressed fluid in the form of air to the internal space 106 of the housing.

[0146] When compressor unit 112 is shut down, there is a pressure difference between compressor fluid outlet 118 (where there is an operating pressure of about 8 to about 15 bar) and compressor fluid inlet 116 (where there is essentially atmospheric pressure).

[0147] Now, due to this pressure difference, fluid or air at the operating pressure flows into the compressor fluid outlet 118.

[0148] The fluid flows from there into the compressor chamber 120, and from there it further flows into the compressor fluid inlet 116, causing operating pressure to gradually appear in the compressor fluid inlet 116 and thus also in the suction passage 104.

[0149] Now, if the compressor unit 112 is restarted under these conditions, the compressor unit will draw in pre-compressed fluid or air, which will result in an increase in the load on the compressor components 122, and especially the rotary slide valve 124.

[0150] For this reason, the compressor fluid inlet 116 and suction passage 104 must be depressurized or vented.

[0151] The pressure relief is achieved by the following method: air at the operating pressure flows into the control channel 184, and there the operating piston 186 is manipulated toward the ball 176 of the exhaust valve 174.

[0152] Due to this manipulation, the ball 176 of the exhaust valve 174 moves from its closed position to its open position, so that the exhaust passage 172 is connected to the intake attachment 150 via the exhaust line 180, in other words, to the atmosphere.

[0153] Now, the internal space 106 of the housing, which is still under operating pressure, can be vented via the following flow path through the suction attachment 150: connection line 158, base 162, oil removal element 160, downcomer 166, valve chamber of minimum pressure valve 190, exhaust passage 172 flowing into the valve chamber, exhaust valve 174 and exhaust line 180.

[0154] Due to the hysteresis in the control valve 182 and the exhaust valve 174, and due to the spring preload of the spring 178, the pressure inside the housing space 106 cannot be completely depressurized to approximately 1 bar of atmospheric pressure, resulting in a certain residual pressure remaining in the housing space 106, which is greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0155] The remaining pressure is sufficient to squeeze the oil from the oil reservoir 192 into the compressor chamber 120 via the first riser line 212 and the second riser line 214.

[0156] Oil under residual pressure can flow out of the compressor chamber 120 through the compressor fluid inlet 116 and finally through the suction passage 104 from the suction attachment 150 into the environment, which is undesirable for environmental protection reasons.

[0157] Although the valve body 126 of the switching valve 108 is pressed against the valve seat 134 only by the fluid pressure in the control channel 132 on the housing internal space side, this fluid pressure is greater than the fluid pressure in the control channel 130 on the suction side, causing the valve body 126 to be in its closed position (see according to Figure 2 In the closed state.

[0158] However, when the threshold fluid pressure in the control channel 132 on the housing interior space side (which corresponds to the residual pressure in the housing interior space 106 described above) is greater than the fluid pressure in the control channel 130 on the suction side, the valve body 126 is already able to change from its closed position to its open position.

[0159] The transformation of the valve body 126 from its closed position to its open position is achieved primarily by gravity.

[0160] In other words, even under a certain threshold fluid pressure, the valve body 126 is able to change from its closed state to its open state.

[0161] Therefore, under this residual pressure, a connection can be established between the control channel 132 on the internal space side of the housing and the control channel 130 on the suction side.

[0162] This results in the oil now located in the suction channel 104 flowing into the control channel 130 on the suction side (see...). Figure 2 From there, it passes through the valve body chamber 128 and then downstream through the control channel 132 on the housing interior space side in the direction of oil flow, and can thus be guided back to the housing interior space 106.

[0163] Therefore, the control channel 130 on the suction side is used as an oil overflow section for oil flowing into the suction channel 104.

[0164] Therefore, oil can no longer flow out from the suction attachment 150.

[0165] In addition to functioning as an oil overflow outlet, the switching valve 108 additionally serves as a pressure balancing valve between the suction passage 104 and the housing interior space, especially during the shutdown or inactive state of the compressor unit 100 in the presence of residual pressure in the housing interior space 106 as described above.

[0166] Therefore, when the fluid pressure in the control channel 132 on the housing interior side and the control channel 130 on the suction side are the same, or when the fluid pressure in the control channel 132 on the housing interior side is less than the fluid pressure in the control channel 130 on the suction side, the valve body 126 is in its open position.

[0167] Therefore, under these fluid pressure conditions, a flow connection is always established between the control channel 132 on the internal space side of the housing and the control channel 130 on the suction side.

[0168] Therefore, in the inactive state, the oil in the suction passage 104 can be returned to the housing interior space 106 via the switching valve 108.

[0169] In the activated operating state of compressor unit 100 or compressor unit 112, there is a substantially operating pressure of approximately 8 bar to approximately 15 bar in the control channel 132 on the housing interior space side, while in the control channel 130 on the suction side (see...) Figure 2 Atmospheric pressure is basically present.

[0170] Therefore, a pressure difference of at least 7 to 14 bar is established between the control channel 132 on the internal space side of the housing and the control channel 130 on the suction side.

[0171] This ensures that during the normal operation of the compressor unit 100, according to Figure 2 The valve body is pressed against the valve seat surface 134 due to the significantly higher fluid pressure in the control channel 132 on the internal space side of the housing, so that the switching valve 108 is in its closed position.

[0172] List of reference numerals 100 Compressor Unit 102 Casing 104 Inhalation Channel 106 Internal space of the shell 108 Switching Valve 110 Main housing 112 Compressor Unit 114 Compressor housing 116 Compressor fluid inlet 118 Compressor fluid outlet 120 Compressor Chamber 122 Compressor Components 124 Rotate the slide valve or vane 126 Valve body 128 Valve body chamber 130 Control channel on the inhalation side 132 Control channel on the internal space side of the casing 134 Valve seat face 136 Shell partition wall 138 First wall opening 140 Opening base 142 Valve housing area 144 Screw in the sleeve 146 Second wall opening 148 Suction valve 150 Inhalation attachment, inhalation tube 152 Suction Valve Disc 154 Suction Valve Spring 156 Suction valve guide 158 Fluid Connection Line 160 Oil removal element 162 base 164 Oil filter element 166 downcomer 168 Minimum Pressure Valve 170 Housing outlet attachment end 172 Exhaust passage 174 Exhaust valve 176 balls 178 Spring 180 Exhaust Line 182 Control Valve 184 Control Channels 186. Manipulating the piston 188 oil return line 190 Safety Valve 192 Oil storage tank or oil reservoir 194 Oil temperature regulating valve 196 Oil suction line 198 Control valve body 200 oil exports 202 Oil Inlet 204 Outlet for cooling medium 206 Inlet for cooling medium 208 Oil Exports 210 Oil Inlet 212 First Ascending Line 214 Second Ascending Line 216 Oil level sensor 218 Oil Cooler 220 Oil removal element oil storage tank M is the central axis.

Claims

1. A compressor unit (100) for connection to an air handling unit of a motor vehicle and / or rail vehicle, particularly a commercial vehicle, said compressor unit comprising at least one housing (102), wherein, The housing (102) includes: - At least one intake passage (104) for intake of a fluid to be compressed, particularly air; - At least one internal space (106) for containing compressed fluid; - At least one housing partition wall (136), by means of which the suction passage (104) is separated from the internal space (106) of the housing; wherein, At least one switching valve (108) is arranged on and / or in the housing partition wall (136), or the housing partition wall (136) is connected to at least one switching valve (108), by means of which the suction passage (104) can be separated or connected to the housing interior space (106), in particular enabling a fluid connection from the suction passage (104) to the housing interior space (106) via the switching valve (108).

2. The compressor device (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, The switching valve (108) includes at least one fluid pressure balancing valve for balancing fluid pressure between the suction passage (104) and the housing interior space (106), particularly during the inactive operating state of the compressor unit (100).

3. The compressor device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The shell (102) is configured as the main shell (110); wherein, The compressor unit (100) includes at least one compressor unit (112) having at least one compressor housing (114) fastened to and / or in the main housing (110) and particularly housed in the internal space (106) of the housing; in, The compressor housing (114) has at least one compressor fluid inlet (116) and at least one compressor fluid outlet (118); wherein, The suction passage (104) flows into the compressor fluid inlet (116); and the compressor fluid outlet (118) flows into the housing interior space (106).

4. The compressor device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The switching valve (108) is configured as a check valve, especially a springless check valve.

5. The compressor device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The switching valve (108) has at least one valve body (126), particularly a ball, and at least one valve body chamber (128) in which the valve body (126) is housed; wherein, The valve body chamber (128) can be connected to or to the suction channel (104) via the control channel (130) on the suction side; and wherein, The valve body chamber (128) can be connected to or to the internal space of the housing (106) via a control channel (132) on the internal space side of the housing.

6. The compressor device (100) according to claim 5. Its features are, The valve body chamber (128) has a chamber cross-section in the transverse direction relative to the central axis (M) of the switching valve (108), and the chamber cross-section is larger than the valve body cross-section of the valve body (126).

7. The compressor device (100) according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that, The switching valve (108) has at least one valve seat surface (134), and the valve body (126) is pressable against the valve seat surface to close the control channel (130) on the suction side and / or the control channel (132) on the housing interior space side; wherein the valve body (126) is pressed against the valve seat surface (134) by, in particular only by, the fluid pressure in the control channel (132) on the housing interior space side, which is greater than the fluid pressure in the control channel (130) on the suction side, so that the valve body (126) is in its closed position.

8. The compressor device (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, When the threshold fluid pressure in the control channel (132) on the housing interior space side is greater than the fluid pressure in the control channel (130) on the suction side, the valve body (126) can disengage from its state of being pressed against the valve seat surface (134), so that the valve body (126) can change from its closed state to its open state, and thereby establish a connection between the control channel (132) on the housing interior space side and the control channel (130) on the suction side.

9. The compressor device (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The valve body (126) transitions from its closed state to its open state by gravity.

10. The compressor device (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that, When the fluid pressure in the control channel (132) on the internal space side of the housing is the same as the fluid pressure in the control channel (130) on the suction side, or When the fluid pressure in the control channel (132) on the internal space side of the housing is less than the fluid pressure in the control channel (130) on the suction side, The valve body (126) is in its open position and a connection is established between the control channel (132) on the internal space side of the housing and the control channel (130) on the suction side.

11. The compressor device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The switching valve (108) is constructed at least partially by means of the housing partition wall (136), wherein the housing partition wall (136) has at least one, in particular a first wall opening (138), and the valve seat surface (134) is constructed in the opening base (140) of the wall opening.

12. The compressor device (100) according to claim 11. Its features are, The switching valve (108) includes at least one valve housing region (142), which includes at least one screw-in sleeve (144) that, in the assembled state, is screwed into the second wall opening (146) of the partition wall (136).

13. The compressor device (100) according to claim 12. Its features are, In the assembled state, the valve body chamber (128) is constructed by at least one valve body opening of the screw-in sleeve (144) and the first wall opening (138).

14. The compressor device (100) according to claim 12 or claim 13. Its features are, The control channel (132) on the internal space side of the housing extends within the screw-in sleeve (144); and wherein, The control channel (130) on the inhalation side extends in the housing partition wall (136).

15. A commercial vehicle having at least one air handling unit, wherein, The air handling unit can be connected to or to the compressor unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images