Side channel compressor for conveying and / or compressing gaseous media for a fuel cell system, fuel cell system

Abstract

The invention relates to a side channel compressor (1) for compressing gaseous media for a fuel cell system (2), having a housing with a first housing part (3) and a second housing part (4). According to the invention, the compressor wheel arrangement (10) and / or the corresponding bearing (19, 20) has a cover-shaped sealing element (13) on its end side facing the second housing part (4), in particular on a first end face (30), which covers the bearing (19, 20) and / or the bearing device (9) at least almost completely in a manner perpendicular to the rotational axis (R), wherein the cover-shaped sealing element (13) is connected at least indirectly to a wheel hub (16) such that a fluidic encapsulation of an inner space (27) of the wheel hub (16) relative to an environment (29) of the compressor wheel arrangement (10) is possible. Furthermore, the invention relates to a fuel cell system (2) having a side channel compressor (1) according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a side-channel compressor for a fuel cell system for conveying and / or compressing a gaseous medium, particularly hydrogen, especially configured for use in a vehicle with a fuel cell drive. Furthermore, this invention relates to a fuel cell system having a side-channel compressor according to the invention. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive field, gaseous fuels will play an increasingly important role in the future, in addition to liquid fuels. This is especially true in vehicles with fuel cell drives, where hydrogen gas flow needs to be controlled. Here, the gas flow is no longer discontinuously controlled as in liquid fuel injection; instead, the gaseous medium is drawn from at least one high-pressure tank and guided to the injector unit via an inlet line of a medium-pressure pipeline system. The injector unit then guides the gaseous medium to the fuel cell via a connecting line of a low-pressure pipeline system. After flowing through the fuel cell, the gaseous medium is guided back to the injector unit via a return line. A side-channel compressor can be connected in between, assisting with gas recirculation in terms of flow and efficiency technologies. Furthermore, the side-channel compressor assists in flow construction within the fuel cell drive, particularly during (cold) starts of the vehicle after a certain period of inactivity. This side-channel compressor is typically driven by an electric motor, which is powered by the vehicle battery when the vehicle is in operation.

[0003] A side-channel compressor for a fuel cell system is known from DE 10 2022 203 058 A1. The fuel cell system, for conveying and / or compressing a gaseous medium, particularly hydrogen, has a housing and a driver. The housing has an upper housing component and a lower housing component. The fuel cell system has a compressor chamber extending within the housing about a rotational axis, the compressor chamber having at least one surrounding side channel. Additionally, the side-channel compressor has a compressor wheel located within the housing, arranged rotatably about the rotational axis and driven by the driver. The compressor wheel has blades arranged in a region of the compressor chamber on its periphery and has a gas inlet and a gas outlet respectively constructed on the housing, the gas inlet and gas outlet being fluidly interconnected via the compressor chamber, particularly at least one side channel. Here, the side-channel compressor has at least one bearing. According to the invention, at least one bearing has at least one sealing disc, the sealing disc having a plurality of flow wedges on its end side, particularly on the end side away from the bearing's internal space, the flow wedges extending at least approximately orthogonal to the axis of rotation, wherein a flow opening is formed between each two flow wedges, the flow openings extending at least approximately orthogonal to the axis of rotation.

[0004] Side-channel compressors known from DE 10 2022 203 058 A1 may have certain disadvantages. Side-channel compressors known from DE 102022 203 058 A1 have a sealing disc located between the inner and outer rings of a bearing to enclose the internal space of the bearing. Here, the sealing disc may, for example, have an elastomeric sealing lip facing the inner or outer ring of the bearing, which achieves at least partial enclosure of the internal space of the bearing by means of sliding contact. This exemplary embodiment of the side-channel compressor shown in the prior art has the following disadvantages: due to frictional contact, elevated temperatures develop in the area of ​​sliding contact, thereby damaging at least one bearing and / or other components of the side-channel compressor. Furthermore, especially at high speeds of the side-channel compressor, grease may escape from the ball bearings and / or contaminants may infiltrate the bearings, reducing the service life of the ball bearings.

[0005] Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment of the side-channel compressor shown in DE 10 2022 203 058 A1 has the following disadvantages: the sealing effect weakens during the service life of the side-channel compressor due to material wear, and therefore the bearing internal space is no longer sealed relative to the environment. Here, on the one hand, leakage of bearing grease may occur, thereby increasing the wear of the corresponding bearing and thus increasing the probability of failure. Furthermore, when the sealing of the bearing internal space by the sealing disc fails, water can enter the corresponding bearing from the compressor chamber and / or from the elastomer sealing lip of the fuel cell's combustion gas guiding component and damage the metal components. In addition, in the case of water intrusion, the bearing grease located in the bearing internal space may mix with water, thereby reducing lubrication performance, and due to increased (frictional) wear, the probability of failure of the corresponding bearing and the entire side-channel compressor increases. Furthermore, the probability of failure of the corresponding bearing and the side-channel compressor increases, and the service life of the corresponding bearing and the side-channel compressor decreases. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention relates to a side-channel compressor for compressing fluids for a fuel cell system having the features of independent claim 1, and a fuel cell system having a side-channel compressor having the features of parallel claim 11. Further features and details of the invention are derived from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Here, the features and details described in the context of the side-channel compressor according to the invention are of course also applicable in the context of the fuel cell system according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosures of various aspects of the invention are always mutually referenced or may be mutually referenced.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a side-channel compressor for compressing a gaseous medium for a fuel cell system is provided. The side-channel compressor has a housing having a first housing component and a second housing component, wherein the first housing component has a bearing journal extending along a rotation axis R, the bearing journal having a journal root section and a journal main section. A bearing inner ring of a bearing device is arranged on the journal main section. Here, the bearing device has a first bearing and a second bearing, wherein each bearing has two sealing discs that fluidly enclose the bearing's internal space, wherein a compressor wheel assembly with a compressor wheel is arranged within the housing on the bearing outer ring of the bearing device in a manner rotatable about the rotation axis R, wherein the first housing component is tensioned to the bearing device at least indirectly via fastening screws. Additionally, a spring element is arranged at least indirectly between the bearing device and the first housing component in the region of the journal root section in the direction of the rotation axis R.

[0008] The housing is formed by a first housing component and a second housing component. According to the invention, it may be provided, but is not necessarily required, that the first housing component and / or the second housing component have additional housing components, which may in particular be constructed as a housing cover, housing wall, or the like. Preferably, the first housing component defines a pre-assembleable structural assembly of the side-channel compressor, which includes bearing devices and a compressor wheel structure assembly. This housing, preferably through the mutual cooperation of the first and second housing components, forms a working chamber for the compressor wheel structure assembly.

[0009] Preferably, the chamber is fluid-tightly constructed, except for the chamber inlet and chamber outlet. Within the framework of this invention, fluid tightness is also understood as maintaining a seal under operating pressures higher than ambient pressure at the side-channel compressor. To ensure a seal, a sealing device, such as a sealing ring, is preferably provided between the first and second housing components, particularly using an elastomer made of EPDM and FKM, or the like. Preferably, the first housing component is substantially or primarily made of aluminum. Preferably, the second housing component is substantially or primarily made of aluminum.

[0010] The bearing journal is constructed as a sub-region of the first housing component and extends away from the inner wall of the first housing component. According to the invention, the bearing journal is integrally constructed with the first housing component. Alternatively, the bearing journal may also be material-locked (e.g., by welding) or force-locked (e.g., by tightening or pressing) onto the first housing component. The bearing journal extends from the inner wall of the first housing component from the journal root section through the journal main section to the journal end section. The journal end section has a journal tensioning section. Preferably, the journal end section is constructed as a journal tensioning section.

[0011] The bearing assembly has an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring. Preferably, a plurality of rolling elements, such as balls, rollers, barrels or the like, are arranged between the inner and outer bearing rings to support the outer bearing ring on the inner bearing ring with as little clearance as possible and to ensure relative rotation between the inner and outer bearing rings.

[0012] The bearing inner ring of the bearing assembly is arranged, preferably in an im Lossitz configuration, on the main section of the journal. Multiple bearing inner rings may also be arranged, preferably individually in im Lossitz configuration, on the main section of the journal. The im Lossitz configuration is preferably configured to ensure, for example, easy movement of the bearing assembly on the bearing journal when tension is released, and to prevent misalignment of the bearing inner ring on the bearing journal.

[0013] The compressor wheel assembly is arranged, preferably press-fitted, on the outer ring of the bearing assembly. Preferably, the press-fit is configured to forcefully lock the compressor wheel assembly onto the bearing assembly. Alternatively, the compressor wheel assembly may be loosely fitted onto the outer ring of the bearing and may be secured by retaining devices to prevent axial slippage from the bearing assembly.

[0014] Referring to claim 1, the side-channel compression mechanism results in the compressor wheel assembly and / or the corresponding bearing having a cap-shaped sealing element on its end face facing the second housing component, particularly on the first end face. This cap-shaped sealing element at least almost completely covers the bearing and / or bearing assembly in a manner orthogonal to the axis of rotation R. Here, the cap-shaped sealing element is at least indirectly connected to the hub, enabling fluid encapsulation of the hub's internal space relative to the environment of the compressor wheel assembly.

[0015] This approach offers the following advantages: Firstly, even if the corresponding seal disc of the bearing fails during its service life due to frictional wear, particularly due to frictional wear of the sealing lip and / or sealing edges, and thus can no longer efficiently enclose the bearing's internal space relative to the environment using the corresponding seal disc, the corresponding bearing, along with its internal space, is additionally enclosed relative to the environment from the compressor wheel assembly by a cap-shaped sealing element. Due to the cap-shaped sealing element, an additional encapsulation barrier exists, thereby preventing water from entering the corresponding inner diameter area of ​​the hub and thus intruding into the bearing's internal space and potentially damaging the bearing. This type of damage, for example, causes the bearing grease located within the bearing's internal space to mix with the intruding water, thereby reducing lubrication performance and increasing the probability of failure of the corresponding bearing and the entire side-channel compressor due to increased (frictional) wear. Furthermore, the increased probability of failure of the corresponding bearing and the side-channel compressor reduces the service life of both. Therefore, the configuration of the side-channel compressor according to claim 1, based on the present invention, can prevent bearing failure, thereby increasing the service life of the entire side-channel compressor.

[0016] An advantageous extension of the side-channel compressor described in claim 1 can be achieved through the measures enumerated in the dependent claims. The dependent claims relate to preferred extensions of the invention.

[0017] According to an advantageous configuration of the side-channel compressor, the second diameter, particularly on the side facing the first housing component, has a cover plate receiving area, in which the first cover plate is arranged. This cover plate enables fluid encapsulation of the internal space of the hub and / or the corresponding bearing internal space relative to the environment of the compressor wheel assembly. This provides the advantage of encapsulation, particularly in terms of water and / or contaminant particles, of the corresponding bearing internal space and / or the internal regions of the hub and / or the corresponding bearing internal space, which intrude from the side facing the first housing component into the region of the hub internal space. Therefore, it prevents water and / or other particles or substances from intruding into the bearing internal space via an intrusion path on the side opposite the drive, and on the one hand, prevents, for example, the mixing of bearing grease in the bearing internal space with, for example, the intruding water, thereby reducing lubrication performance and increasing the probability of failure of the corresponding bearing and the entire side-channel compressor due to increased (frictional) wear. Therefore, by means of the side-channel compressor according to the invention, especially by means of the first cover plate arranged in the cover plate receiving area, the probability of bearing failure can be prevented, thereby increasing the service life of the entire side-channel compressor.

[0018] According to an advantageous extension of the side-channel compressor, the hub has a radial shaft seal ring receiving area in a region of a first diameter along the direction of the rotation axis R, wherein the radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) is arranged in the radial shaft seal ring receiving area. Here, the radial shaft seal ring enables fluid encapsulation of the internal space of the hub and / or the internal space of the corresponding bearing relative to the environment of the compressor wheel assembly. This achieves the advantage that at least one sealing disc of the corresponding bearing, such as a second bearing, is no longer needed on the side of the compressor wheel assembly away from the drive, because the encapsulation by the radial shaft seal ring RDWR is sufficient. Therefore, the assembly cost and product cost can be reduced by the configuration of the side-channel compressor according to the invention. Furthermore, a compact construction of the compressor wheel assembly and the side-channel compressor can be achieved.

[0019] According to a particularly advantageous configuration of a side-channel compressor, a radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) is force-locked and / or form-locked connected to a first extension of the outer ring of the bearing on its outer diameter opposite to the axis of rotation R. Here, the RDWR on its inner diameter facing the axis of rotation R is at least indirectly abutted, particularly in frictional and / or sliding contact, with the first extension of the inner ring of the bearing extending in the direction of the axis of rotation R. This arrangement offers the advantage of improved and efficient encapsulation of the bearing's internal space and the internal areas in the hub, as the RDWR integrated into the second bearing also better encapsulates these areas relative to the intrusion path of water on the drive-facing side of the compressor wheel assembly. Furthermore, this arrangement simplifies and accelerates the assembly of the compressor wheel assembly components, as the RDWR is integrated into the second bearing and can be assembled with the second bearing in a single process step. This reduces assembly costs. Additionally, it reduces the probability of failure of both the second bearing and the RDWR. Furthermore, the side-channel compressor, according to the invention, achieves a compact construction of the compressor wheel assembly. Moreover, the spring element can act directly on the inner ring of the second bearing, particularly in the direction of the rotation axis R, without a separate first cover disc located between the spring element and the inner ring. Therefore, the probability of failure of the compressor wheel assembly and / or the bearing can be reduced because a constant preload can be achieved on the bearing using the spring element.

[0020] In a particularly preferred configuration of the side-channel compressor of the present invention, the radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) is force-locked and / or form-locked connected to the first inner diameter of the hub on its outer diameter opposite to the axis of rotation R. The RDWR, on its inner diameter facing the axis of rotation R, at least indirectly abuts, particularly in frictional and / or sliding contact, with the second extension of the bearing inner ring extending in the direction of the axis of rotation R, especially its outer diameter. This arrangement provides the advantage of improved and efficient encapsulation of the bearing interior space and the internal regions in the hub, as these regions are also better encapsulated relative to the intrusion path of water on the drive-facing side of the compressor wheel assembly. Here, the RDWR prevents water from intruding toward the bearing and / or the bearing interior space by achieving improved encapsulation. Furthermore, the spring element can act directly on the bearing inner ring of the second bearing, particularly in the direction of the axis of rotation R, without a separate first cover disc between the spring element and the bearing inner ring. Therefore, the failure probability of the compressor wheel assembly and / or bearings can be reduced because a constant preload can be applied to the bearings using spring elements.

[0021] According to a particularly advantageous extension of the side-channel compressor, the radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) is force-locked and / or form-locked to the first inner diameter of the hub on its outer diameter facing away from the rotation axis R. The RDWR, on its inner diameter facing the rotation axis R, is at least indirectly abutted, particularly in frictional and / or sliding contact, with the outer diameter of an additional ring extending circumferentially around the rotation axis R. Here, the additional ring can be supported, particularly "floating," on the bearing journal and can be loaded by means of the bearing preload of a spring element. This allows for the advantage that the corresponding bearing, particularly the second bearing, can be implemented as a standard bearing, identical to the first bearing. Therefore, the special manufacture of the second bearing, which in particular requires a first and / or second extension of the corresponding inner or outer bearing ring, is unnecessary, and two identical bearings can be used for the compressor wheel assembly. Thus, due to the positive number of parts effect, the cost of the compressor wheel assembly and the entire side-channel compressor can be reduced. Furthermore, due to the simple geometry of the additional ring, a standard component and / or at least one component that can be cost-effectively manufactured can be used.

[0022] According to an advantageous configuration of a side-channel compressor, at least one sealing element is arranged orthogonally to the axis of rotation R between the bearing journal and at least one bearing inner ring, wherein the sealing element is arranged in a groove-shaped recess on the outer diameter of the bearing journal. This sealing element can, in particular, be an O-ring. This arrangement achieves the advantage of creating an encapsulation barrier between the corresponding bearing inner ring and the bearing journal, preventing water intrusion between the bearing journal and the corresponding bearing inner ring by means of the at least one sealing element. This arrangement reduces the probability of failure of the corresponding bearing and / or compressor wheel assembly and / or the side-channel compressor.

[0023] According to an advantageous extension of the side-channel compressor, the RDWR has a sealing lip and / or a dust lip on its inner diameter, on which the RDWR at least indirectly abuts the outer diameter of the second extension of the bearing inner ring or the outer diameter of the additional ring. Here, the RDWR, with its inner diameter, establishes sliding contact with the outer diameter of the additional ring or the outer diameter of the second extension via the sealing lip and / or dust lip. Here, the sealing element is located between the bearing journal and the additional ring. This has the advantage that reliable encapsulation of the internal space of the hub and / or the corresponding bearing can be achieved by simple means and in a cost-effective manner. Furthermore, with the aid of the additional ring, the preload can be applied at least indirectly to the bearing inner ring of the second bearing, especially in the direction of the rotation axis R, without any other elements being engaged and / or abutting. Therefore, the probability of failure of the compressor wheel assembly and / or bearings can be reduced because a constant preload acting on the bearing can be achieved by means of a spring element.

[0024] According to a particularly advantageous extension of the side-channel compressor, the hub has a cover-receiving area in the region of the first diameter along the direction of the rotation axis R, particularly on the side facing the second housing component. A cover-shaped sealing element and a second cover disc are arranged in the cover-receiving area, thereby achieving fluid-related encapsulation of the internal space of the hub. This approach offers the following advantages: simplified assembly of the cover-shaped sealing element in the hub, thus reducing assembly costs. Furthermore, the cover-shaped sealing element can be arranged in and / or on the hub in a space-saving manner, resulting in a compact structure of the compressor wheel assembly, thereby reducing the overall structural size of the side-channel compressor. This further reduces the installation space required for the side-channel compressor in the entire vehicle. Additionally, efficient encapsulation of the bearing internal space and the internal regions in the hub is achieved, as these regions can also be encapsulated relative to the intrusion path of water on the drive-facing side of the compressor wheel assembly. Therefore, this approach reduces the probability of damage to the cover-shaped sealing element during assembly, thereby reducing the overall failure probability of the side-channel compressor.

[0025] According to a particularly advantageous configuration of the side-channel compressor, the cap-shaped sealing element is constructed from a metal sheet encapsulated by an elastomer, such as FKM injection molding. This approach offers the following advantages: faster and more cost-effective assembly of the cap-shaped sealing element is possible because, due to the at least partially elastic deformability of the sealing element, it can be pressed and / or compressed before assembly, enabling simple movement of the sealing element in the direction of the rotation axis R towards the hub, particularly within the first inner diameter. In the final assembled position, the sealing element elastically returns to its previous shape, thus achieving efficient encapsulation of the bearing's internal space and the internal region within the hub. This is because the sealing element, due to its elasticity, abuts against the hub with a contact force, thereby achieving improved sealing and / or encapsulation. Furthermore, this elasticity creates an increased contact surface between the sealing element and the hub, further enhancing the encapsulation. Therefore, damage to the bearing due to water intrusion into the bearing's internal space can be prevented, thereby reducing the probability of bearing failure and thus increasing the overall service life of the side-channel compressor.

[0026] In the fuel cell system according to the invention, all the advantages described with respect to the side-channel compressor according to the first aspect of the invention are achieved. Therefore, compared to conventional fuel cell systems, the fuel cell system according to the invention has the advantage of ensuring an improved arrangement of the bearing assembly on the bearing journal of the side-channel compressor by means of simple methods and at a cost-effective manner. Thus, the load on the bearing assembly can be reduced, and the service life of the bearing assembly can be significantly extended in this way compared to conventional side-channel compressors. Furthermore, the fuel cell system according to the invention has the particularly simple assemblability and disassembly of a side-channel compressor, and is therefore cost-effectively assembled and very maintenance-friendly.

[0027] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, various modifications that are within the scope of the claims and are of skill to those skilled in the art are possible. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The attached diagram shows: Figure 1 The cross-sectional view shows a side-channel compressor according to the prior art. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shows a side-channel compressor according to the prior art. Figure 1 The segment marked II in the middle indicates that the side-channel compressor has a compressor wheel structure assembly. Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shows the side-channel compressor according to the invention based on the first embodiment. Figure 1 The segment marked II in the middle indicates that the side-channel compressor has a compressor wheel structure assembly. Figure 4 The cross-sectional view shows the side-channel compressor according to the invention in accordance with the second embodiment. Figure 1 The segment marked II in the middle indicates that the side-channel compressor has a compressor wheel structure assembly. Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shows the side-channel compressor according to the invention in accordance with the third embodiment. Figure 1 The segment marked II in the middle indicates that the side-channel compressor has a compressor wheel structure assembly. Figure 6 The cross-sectional view shows the side-channel compressor according to the invention in accordance with the fourth embodiment. Figure 1 The segment marked II in the middle indicates that the side channel compressor has a compressor wheel structure assembly.

[0030] Components with the same function and mode of operation Figures 1 to 6 The same reference numerals are used for each of the attached figures. Detailed Implementation

[0031] exist Figure 1 A side-channel compressor 1 according to the prior art is schematically shown in cross-sectional view. The side-channel compressor 1 has a housing having a first housing component 3 and a second housing component 4. The first housing component 3 has a bearing journal 5 and a bearing device 9 extending in the direction of the second housing component 4. The bearing device is arranged on the bearing journal 5 and has two rolling bearings 19, 20. Here, the first bearing 19 and the second bearing 20 of the bearing device 9 are arranged side-by-side in the direction of the rotation axis R. Furthermore, a spacer 15 is located between the rolling bearings 20a, b, wherein, in particular, the corresponding outer bearing rings 11a, b are axially abutting the spacer 15 relative to the rotation axis R. An inner bearing ring 8 of the bearing device 9 is arranged on the bearing journal 5. A hub 16 having a compressor wheel 34 is arranged on the outer bearing rings 11a, b of the bearing device 9. Furthermore, the side-channel compressor 1 has a compressor chamber 36 extending around the rotation axis R, the compressor chamber having at least one surrounding side channel 35.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, the bearing journal 5 has a recess with internal threads, in which the fastening screw 28 is disposed. Bearings 19 and 20 are tensioned at least indirectly to the first housing component 3 via the fastening screw 28 and the spring element 18, wherein the first housing component 3 is tensioned at least indirectly to the bearing assembly 9 via the fastening screw 28. Here, the stop plate 19 may be arranged in the direction of the rotation axis R between the fastening screw 28, particularly the enlarged screw head, and the bearing journal 5 and / or the corresponding bearing inner ring 8.

[0033] In addition, Figure 1 As shown, by screwing in the fastening screw 28, a preload force 39 acting parallel to the rotation axis R is applied to the bearing device 9. It is also shown that, in the direction of the rotation axis R, four axial clearances 33a, b, c, and d are located in the region between the compressor wheel structure assembly 10 and the corresponding housing components 3 and 4, wherein the axial clearances 33a, b, c, and d enclose the compressor chamber 30. Here, compressed gaseous medium can be delivered from the compressor chamber 30 of the side-channel compressor 1 to the fuel cell 26 of the fuel cell system 2. The drive 37 is configured as an axial field electric motor 37, which has a stator 37, wherein a magnetic field is constructed by energizing the stator 37, and this magnetic field acts on the segmented magnet 44 of the compressor wheel structure assembly 10 (in... Figure 2 (As shown in the figure) so that the compressor wheel structure assembly 10 is placed in rotational motion.

[0034] Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shows the side-channel compressor 1 according to the prior art. Figure 1 The segment indicated by II in the diagram shows a side-channel compressor having at least one bearing 19, 20 and a spring element 18. The first bearing 19 is shown to have an outer bearing ring 11a and an inner bearing ring 8a, while the second bearing 20 has an outer bearing ring 11b and an inner bearing ring 8b. At least one corresponding sealing disc 21 is located between the corresponding inner bearing rings 8a, b and the corresponding outer bearing rings 11a, b to enclose the bearing internal space 27, particularly preventing the escape of lubricating material from the bearing internal space 27, but also preventing contamination of the bearing internal space 27 by particles from outside the corresponding bearings 19, 20. The inner bearing ring 8b is at least indirectly abutted against the spring element 18 in the direction of the rotation axis R. The spring element 18 is at least indirectly supported on one side of the inner bearing ring 8b and on the other side of the inner wall 17 of the first housing component 3. Here, in the region of the contact point between the spring element 18 and the contact surface and / or the inner wall 17, the spring element 18 acts at least indirectly with a spring force that acts at least almost in the direction of the axis of rotation R.

[0035] In addition, Figure 2As shown, the hub 16 has at least one segmented magnet 44 and at least one magnetic yoke ring 46 in the region of a recess extending around the rotation axis R. Furthermore, the compressor wheel 34 is screwed and secured to the hub 16, for example by means of a screw connection. Here, the bearing device 9 is screwed to the first housing component 3 by means of a fastening screw 28, which is screwed into the journal 5. In addition, the abutment disc 12 can be positioned in the direction of the rotation axis R between the fastening screw 28, especially the enlarged screw head, and the bearing journal 5 and / or the corresponding bearing inner ring 8. Furthermore, the abutment disc 12 abuts against the plane of the bearing journal 5 in the direction of the rotation axis R, at least indirectly, via the spacing sleeve 14. Now, by machining the spacing sleeve 14 before assembly, bearing preload of the corresponding bearings 19 and 20 can be achieved, especially by means of the bearing preload force 39.

[0036] exist Figure 2 As further illustrated, in one exemplary embodiment, the first bearing 19 and the second bearing 20 each have two sealing discs 21 that enclose the respective bearings 19, 20 together with their internal bearing spaces 27 relative to the environment 29 and / or compressor chamber 36 from the side-channel compressor 1. However, the respective sealing discs 21 of the respective bearings 19, 20 may fail during their service life due to frictional wear, particularly due to frictional wear of the sealing lips and / or sealing edges, and the internal bearing spaces 27 will therefore no longer be efficiently enclosed relative to the environment 29 and / or compressor chamber 30, allowing water to enter the respective bearings 19, 20 via intrusion path 43 and potentially damage them.

[0037] Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shows the side-channel compressor 1 according to the invention in accordance with the first embodiment. Figure 1The segment indicated by II shows a side-channel compressor with a compressor wheel assembly 10. Here, the compressor wheel assembly 10 has a bearing device 9 arranged in a hub 16. The bearing device 9 has at least a first bearing 19, a second bearing 20, and a spacer 15, wherein the spacer 15 is arranged in the direction of the rotation axis R between and / or abutting against the outer bearing rings 11a and b. The hub 16 has a region with a first inner diameter 31 and a region with a second inner diameter 38, wherein the second inner diameter 38 is located in the region of a shoulder of the hub 16, which serves as a stop, particularly a mounting stop, for the corresponding outer bearing rings 11a and b. Additionally, a cap-shaped sealing element 13 extends at least almost rotationally symmetrically around the rotation axis R and surrounds the head of the fastening screw 28 with a can-shaped recess. The cap-shaped sealing element 13 abuts against the hub 16 with its annular end facing away from the rotation axis R and surrounding the rotation axis R. Additionally, the hub 16 has at least one bearing device region 22 and a cover receiving region 24 in the region of the first inner diameter 31, the bearing device region and the cover receiving region extending at least almost in the direction of the rotation axis R, wherein the cover receiving region 24 extends on the side of the hub 16 facing the second housing component 4 in the region of the first inner diameter 31 of the hub 16. Here, a cover-shaped sealing element 13 is arranged in the cover receiving region 24 of the hub 16.

[0038] In addition, Figure 3 As shown, the cap-shaped sealing element 13 abuts against the compressor wheel assembly 10 and / or the first bearing 19 on the end side of the compressor wheel assembly / the first bearing facing the second housing component 4, particularly on the first end face, in the direction of the rotation axis R. Furthermore, the cap-shaped sealing element 13 at least almost completely covers the bearings 19, 20 and / or the bearing assembly 9 in a manner orthogonal to the rotation axis R, such that the cap-shaped sealing element 13 is at least indirectly connected to the hub 16, enabling fluid encapsulation of the internal spaces 27 of the bearings 19, 20 and / or the hub 16 relative to the environment 29 of the compressor wheel assembly 10.

[0039] In addition, Figure 3The diagram shows that the hub 16 of the side-channel compressor 1 according to the invention has a cover plate receiving area 25 in the region of the second inner diameter 38 in the direction of the rotation axis R, particularly on the side facing the first housing component 3, wherein a first cover plate 23 is arranged in the cover plate receiving area 25. Here, the first cover plate 23 is used to achieve fluid encapsulation of the internal space 27 of the hub 16 and / or the corresponding bearings 19, 20 relative to the environment 29 of the compressor wheel structure assembly 10. Furthermore, at least one sealing element 42 is arranged orthogonally to the rotation axis R between the bearing journal 5 and at least one bearing inner ring 8a, 8b, wherein the sealing element 42 is arranged in a groove-shaped recess 7 on the outer diameter 47 of the bearing journal 5. This sealing element 42 may in particular be an O-ring 42. Additionally, the hub 16 has a cover receiving area 24 in the region of the first inner diameter 31 in the direction of the rotation axis R, particularly on the side facing the second housing component 4, wherein a cover-shaped sealing element 13 and a second cover plate 41 are arranged in the cover receiving area 24. Here, the internal space 27 of the hub 16 is encapsulated in terms of fluid flow by means of a cap-shaped sealing element 13 and / or a second cover plate 41.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment of the side-channel compressor 1, Figure 3 The cap-shaped sealing element 13 shown can be made of a metal sheet encapsulated with an elastomer, such as FKM injection molding. Therefore, the sealing element 13 has a certain degree of elasticity, which leads to simplified assembly and improved encapsulation characteristics. Thus, the failure probability of the corresponding bearings 19, 20 can be reduced, especially the failure probability due to water intrusion from the environment 29 into the bearing internal space 27. To further improve the encapsulation of the corresponding bearing internal space 27, a first cover plate 23 extends circumferentially around the rotation axis R, wherein the first cover plate 23 axially abuts against the end face of the bearing inner ring 8 relative to the rotation axis R on the one hand, and on the other hand, abuts against and / or is arranged between the bearing inner ring 8 and the spring element 18 with its own abutment surface 40. Here, the spring element 18 can be implemented as a wave spring 18. Additionally, Figure 3 As shown, in one exemplary embodiment, the side-channel compressor 1 has two rolling bearings 19, 20 with its bearing device 9, which are arranged side by side along the axis of rotation R, wherein a spacer 15 is located between the rolling bearings 19, 20, wherein, in particular, the outer rings 11a, b of the bearings are axially abutting the spacer 15 with respect to the axis of rotation R.

[0041] Figure 4 The cross-sectional view shows the side-channel compressor 1 according to the invention in accordance with the second embodiment. Figure 1The segment indicated by II in the diagram shows a side-channel compressor having a compressor wheel assembly 10. Here, the hub 16 has a radial shaft seal ring receiving region 32 in a region of a first diameter 31 in the direction of the rotation axis R, wherein a radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) 45 is arranged in the radial shaft seal ring receiving region 32. Here, the radial shaft seal ring 45 enables fluid encapsulation of the internal space 27 of the hub 16 and / or the corresponding bearings 19, 20 relative to the environment 29 of the compressor wheel assembly 10. According to the configuration of the side-channel compressor 1 and / or the compressor wheel assembly 10 according to the invention, the radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) 45 is force-locked and / or form-locked connected to the first extension 51 of the bearing outer ring 11b in the direction of the rotation axis R on an outer diameter 49 opposite to the rotation axis R. Here, the force-locked and / or form-locked connection is constructed by means of the inner diameter 55 of the first extension 51. Here, the radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) 45 is at least indirectly abutting, especially in frictional contact and / or sliding contact, with the second extension 52, especially the outer diameter 53, of the bearing inner ring 8b extending in the direction of the rotation axis R on its inner diameter 50 facing the rotation axis R.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the second bearing 20 has a sealing disc 21 on its side facing the second housing component 4 in the direction of the rotation axis R. Due to the use of the RDWR, the sealing disc 21 can be omitted on the side of the second bearing facing away from the second housing component 4. Furthermore, two sealing elements 42, particularly O-rings 42, are located orthogonally to the rotation axis R between the bearing journal 5 and the inner ring 8b of the second bearing 20, particularly in the grooved openings 7 on the outer diameter 47 of the bearing journal 5. In this side-channel compressor 1 according to the second embodiment and the invention, having a compressor wheel structure assembly 10, the two sealing discs 21 of the first bearing 19 can be omitted, especially due to the use of the RDWR 45, the second sealing disc 41, and the cap-shaped sealing element 13, just as the sealing element 42 between the inner ring 8a of the first bearing 19 and the bearing journal 5 can be omitted. Here, the inner ring 8b of the second bearing 20 is loaded with a preload force 39 acting at least almost in the direction of the rotation axis R on its contact surface 40.

[0043] Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shows the side-channel compressor 1 according to the invention in accordance with the third embodiment. Figure 1The segment indicated by II in the text describes a side-channel compressor having a compressor wheel assembly 10. A radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) 45 is force-locked and / or form-locked connected to the first inner diameter 31 of the hub 16 on its outer diameter 49 facing away from the rotation axis R. Here, the radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) 45 is at least indirectly abutted, particularly in frictional contact and / or sliding contact, with the second extension 52, especially the outer diameter 53, of the bearing inner ring 8b extending in the direction of the rotation axis R on its inner diameter 50 facing the rotation axis R. The RDWR 45 also abuts against the shoulder of the second inner diameter 38 of the hub 16 in the direction of the rotation axis R. In this side-channel compressor 1 according to the third embodiment and the invention, having a compressor wheel assembly 10, the two sealing elements 42 between the bearing inner ring 8a and the bearing journal 5 of the first bearing 19 can be omitted, particularly due to the use of the RDWR 45, the second sealing disc 41, and the cap-shaped sealing element 13. Here, the inner ring 8b of the second bearing 20 is loaded with a preload 39 on its contact surface 40, which acts at least almost in the direction of the rotation axis R.

[0044] Figure 6 The cross-sectional view shows the side-channel compressor 1 according to the invention in accordance with the fourth embodiment. Figure 1 The segment indicated by II in the text describes a side-channel compressor with a compressor wheel assembly 10. Here, a radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) 45 is force-locked and / or form-locked connected to the first inner diameter 31 of the hub 16 on its outer diameter 49 facing away from the rotation axis R. Here, the radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) 45 is at least indirectly abutted, particularly in frictional and / or sliding contact, with the outer diameter 48 of an additional ring 30 extending circumferentially around the rotation axis R on its inner diameter 50 facing the rotation axis R. Here, the additional ring 30 can be arranged, particularly "floating," on the outer diameter 47 of the bearing journal 5, and in particular, the additional ring 30 is capable of relative movement on the bearing journal in the direction of the rotation axis R. Here, the RDWR 45 is at least indirectly abutted with the outer diameter 48 of the additional ring 30 on its inner diameter 50, such that the RDWR and the additional ring 30 constitute sliding and / or frictional contact. Here, the RDWR 45 has a sealing lip and / or a dust lip in the region facing the additional ring 30. Furthermore, it is shown that the sealing element 42, especially the O-ring 42, is located between the outer diameter 47 of the bearing journal 5 and the inner diameter of the ring bearing 30 in a manner orthogonal to the axis of rotation R, particularly in the groove-shaped recess 7 on the outer diameter 47 of the bearing journal 5.

Claims

1. A side-channel compressor (1) for compressing a gaseous medium in a fuel cell system (2), the side-channel compressor having a housing having a first housing component (3) and a second housing component (4), wherein, The first housing component (3) has a bearing journal (5) extending along the axis of rotation (R), wherein an inner bearing ring (8) of a bearing device (9) is arranged on the bearing journal (5), wherein the bearing device (9) has a first bearing (19) and a second bearing (20), wherein each bearing (19, 20) has two sealing discs (21) encapsulating the bearing's internal space (27), wherein a compressor wheel structure assembly (10) with a compressor wheel (34) is arranged within the housing on the outer bearing ring (11) of the bearing device (9) in a manner rotatable about the axis of rotation (R) and is drivable via a driver (37), wherein the first housing component (3) is at least indirectly tensioned to the bearing device (9) via fastening screws (28), wherein at the root of the journal In section (6), a spring element (18) is arranged at least indirectly between the bearing assembly (9) and the first housing component (3) in the direction of the rotation axis (R), characterized in that the compressor wheel structure assembly (10) and / or the corresponding bearings (19, 20) have a cap-shaped sealing element (13) on their end side facing the second housing component (4), especially on the first end face (30), the cap-shaped sealing element at least almost completely covering the bearings (19, 20) and / or the bearing assembly (9) in a manner orthogonal to the rotation axis (R), wherein the cap-shaped sealing element (13) is at least indirectly connected to the hub (16), such that the internal space (27) of the hub (16) can be fluidly encapsulated relative to the environment (29) of the compressor wheel structure assembly (10).

2. The side-channel compressor (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hub (16) has a cover plate receiving area (25) in the region of the second inner diameter (38) in the direction of the rotation axis (R), particularly on the side facing the first housing component (3), wherein a first cover plate (23) is arranged in the cover plate receiving area (25), wherein the first cover plate (23) enables fluid encapsulation of the internal space of the hub (16) and / or the internal space (27) of the corresponding bearings (19, 20) relative to the environment (29) of the compressor wheel structure assembly (10).

3. The side-channel compressor (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hub (16) has a radial shaft seal ring receiving area (32) in the region of the first inner diameter (31) in the direction of the rotation axis (R), wherein a radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) (45) is arranged in the radial shaft seal ring receiving area (32), wherein the radial shaft seal ring (45) enables fluid encapsulation of the internal space of the hub (16) and / or the internal space (27) of the corresponding bearings (19, 20) relative to the environment (29) of the compressor wheel structure assembly (10).

4. The side-channel compressor (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) (45) is connected to the first extension (51) of the bearing outer ring (11b) on its outer diameter (49) facing away from the axis of rotation (R) in a force-locking and / or form-locking connection, wherein the radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) (45) is at least indirectly abutting, especially in frictional contact and / or sliding contact, with the second extension (52), particularly the outer diameter (53), of the bearing inner ring (8b) extending in the direction of the axis of rotation R on its inner diameter (50) facing the axis of rotation R.

5. The side-channel compressor (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) (45) is connected to the first inner diameter (31) of the hub (16) on its outer diameter (49) facing away from the axis of rotation (R) in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner, wherein the radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) (45) is at least indirectly abutting, especially in frictional contact and / or sliding contact, with the second extension (52), particularly the outer diameter (53), of the bearing inner ring (8b) extending in the direction of the axis of rotation R on its inner diameter (50) facing the axis of rotation R.

6. The side-channel compressor (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) (45) is configured with a force-locking and / or form-locking connection with the first inner diameter (31) of the hub (16) on its outer diameter (49) facing away from the axis of rotation (R), wherein the radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) (45) is at least indirectly abutting, especially in frictional contact and / or sliding contact, with the outer diameter (48) of an additional ring (30) extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation R on its inner diameter (50) facing the axis of rotation R.

7. The side-channel compressor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one sealing element (42) is arranged orthogonally to the axis of rotation (R) between the bearing journal (5) and at least one bearing inner ring (8a, 8b), wherein the sealing element (42) is arranged in a groove-shaped recess (7) on the outer diameter (47) of the bearing journal (5).

8. The side-channel compressor (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The radial shaft seal ring (RDWR) (45) has a sealing lip and / or a dust lip on its inner diameter (50), on which the radial shaft seal ring is at least indirectly abutting the outer diameter (53) of the second extension (52) of the bearing inner ring (8b) or the outer diameter (48) of the additional ring (30), and the radial shaft seal ring is in sliding contact with the corresponding diameters (48, 53) by means of the sealing lip and / or dust lip construction, wherein the sealing element (42) is located between the bearing journal (5) and the additional ring (30).

9. The side-channel compressor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The hub (16) has a cover receiving area (24) in the region of the first inner diameter (31) in the direction of the rotation axis (R), particularly on the side facing the second housing component (4), wherein the cover-shaped sealing element (13) and the second cover plate (41) are arranged in the cover receiving area (24), wherein the internal space (27) of the hub (16) is encapsulated in a fluid manner by means of the cover-shaped sealing element (13) and the second cover plate (41).

10. The side-channel compressor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cap-shaped sealing element (13) is made of a metal sheet encapsulated with an elastomer, such as FKM injection molding.

11. A fuel cell system (2) comprising a side-channel compressor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The side-channel compressor (1) is arranged in the anode circuit of the fuel cell system (2).

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