Cable bushing, method for producing a cable bushing, and compressor having the same

The feedthrough device with a reinforced sheathed cable and fluid-tight assembly method addresses the sealing and damage issues in high-pressure environments, providing reliable and reusable sealing for electrical cables.

DE102023005371A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-07-03GEA REFRIGERATION GERMANY GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102023005371
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-12-31
Publication Date
2025-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing feedthrough devices for electrical cables in high-pressure environments, such as compressors, fail to provide reliable sealing and are prone to damage due to high pressure differences, especially in applications like heat pumps that require higher pressure levels.

Method used

A feedthrough device with a sheathed cable reinforced by a reinforcement sleeve, attached to an adapter with a fastening device, ensuring a fluid-tight passage through a separating or limiting device, and a method for producing this device that allows assembly from the inside out, using welding or soldering for a resilient connection.

Benefits of technology

Ensures reliable sealing and protection of electrical conductors against damage, allowing repeated use and maintenance without notches, suitable for high-pressure and corrosive environments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A feedthrough device (46) for passing one or more electrical lines (30, 32) through a separating device or limiting device, in particular a housing (18), comprising: an adapter (48) designed for a fluid-tight arrangement in the separating device or limiting device, wherein the adapter (48) has a recess, in particular a bore (50), for passing the one or more electrical lines (30, 32) through the adapter (48); the one or more electrical lines (30, 32), wherein the one or more electrical lines (30, 32) are arranged in a common line sheath (36) at least over a section thereof, and wherein the one or more electrical lines (30, 32) together with the line sheath (36) form a sheathed line (42);a reinforcement device, in particular a reinforcement sleeve (52), which is arranged around a section of the sheathed cable (42) and is fluid-tightly connected, in particular welded, to the sheathed cable (42); and a fastening device for fluid-tightly fastening the reinforcement sleeve to the adapter (48), as well as compressors comprising the same and methods for producing a feedthrough of one or more electrical lines (30, 32) through a separating device or limiting device, in particular a housing (18).
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a feedthrough device for passing one or more electrical lines through a separating device or limiting device according to claim 1, a compressor comprising the same according to claim 8, and a method for producing a feedthrough of one or more electrical lines through a separating device or limiting device according to claim 13.

[0002] In many areas of today's widespread technologies, components that are electrically operated and / or electrically controlled or controlled by electrical signals are used.

[0003] In devices that are separated from their surroundings by a separating or limiting device, the problem often arises of routing electrical cables through the separating or limiting device. Feedthrough devices of various designs are known for this purpose. For example, there are devices that can be installed in or attached to the separating device and which have plug contacts or connectors facing both the inside and outside of the separating device and accessible from the respective side. These plug contacts or connectors are intended for attaching electrical cables on both sides using suitable plugs or plug contacts.

[0004] Many branches of industry have specific requirements for feedthrough devices. For example, they must be suitable for use in damp areas, and they must be explosion-proof for use in certain atmospheres.

[0005] In the field of refrigeration and air conditioning technology, for example, compressors are typically used to generate cooling and heating. These compressors compress a refrigerant to a desired pressure and then deliver this compressed, i.e., pressurized refrigerant to a dedicated air conditioning circuit. The compressors are usually equipped with a housing within which, at least in part, a final compression pressure, i.e., a high pressure, prevails.

[0006] If an electrical cable is to be routed from inside the housing to outside the housing in areas where high pressure prevails, the feedthrough device for the cable(s) is subject to high stresses due to the pressure difference that occurs between the compressor interior (high pressure) and the compressor exterior (usually ambient pressure).

[0007] A feedthrough device for routing electrical cables through a housing of a screw compressor is known, for example, from US Pat. No. 9,115,714 B2. This device shows a feedthrough device used in a housing of a screw compressor. The feedthrough device has a compression fitting through which a sheathed cable is guided from the compressor exterior, i.e., the space outside the compressor, into the compressor interior. It is then sealed in position by the clamping mechanism of the fitting.

[0008] However, the increasing use of heat pumps, for example, is placing even greater demands on feedthrough devices. Since many heat pumps require increasingly higher pressure levels than before, the compressors used in them must also be able to deliver higher pressure levels without excessively prone to failure. This also includes the ability to reliably route electrical cables or conductors from the compressor interior through a separating or limiting device that separates the compressor interior from the environment—in other words, through a compressor housing—even under the increased loads now imposed by the higher pressure levels required.

[0009] In the heat pump applications described above, for example, the bushing device known from US Pat. No. 9,115,714 B2 reaches its limits because the prevailing pressures no longer allow the bushing to be sealed satisfactorily. In particular, forceful closing of the compression fitting can damage the sheathed pipe. The clamping mechanism eliminates the possibility of disassembly. The clamping ring is pressed onto the sheathed pipe and can no longer be removed.

[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a feedthrough device for passing one or more electrical lines through a separating device or limiting device, which can ensure a reliable sealing function even in the case of high pressure differences that exist between an outer side of a separating device or limiting device and an inner side of the separating device or limiting device. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a compressor that ensures a reliably sealed feedthrough of electrical lines even in the case of high pressure differences that exist between an outer side of a separating device or limiting device, in particular the housing, and an inner side of the separating device or limiting device, in particular the housing.Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding method for producing a feedthrough of one or more electrical lines through a separating device or limiting device, as well as to provide a corresponding method for producing a compressor.

[0011] The device-specific aspect of the problem, which is directed to a feedthrough device, is solved by a feedthrough device for passing one or more electrical (electrical) lines through a separating device or limiting device having the features of patent claim 1.

[0012] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is achieved by a feedthrough device for passing one or more electrical (electrical) lines through a separating device or limiting device, in particular a housing, which has the following: - the one or more electrical lines, wherein the one or more electrical lines are arranged in a common cable sheath over at least a portion thereof, and wherein the one or more electrical lines together with the cable sheath form a sheathed cable, - an adapter which is designed for a fluid-tight arrangement in the separating device or limiting device, wherein the adapter has a recess, in particular a bore, for the passage of the sheathed cable through the adapter; - a reinforcing device, in particular a reinforcing sleeve, which is arranged around a section of the sheathed line and is connected, in particular welded, to the sheathed line in a fluid-tight manner; and - a fastening device for a fluid-tight attachment of the reinforcement sleeve to the adapter.

[0013] The reinforcement sleeve ensures a sealed passage of the sheathed cable, which contains the electrical conductors, through the isolating device or limiting device. The sheathed cable is additionally protected from damage.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, the fastening device for a fluid-tight attachment of the reinforcement sleeve to the adapter comprises a clamping ring device or cutting ring device arranged in the adapter or at least partially formed by the adapter. This also achieves a good sealing effect, particularly at high pressure differences. The described embodiment is also simple in design and thus cost-effective to manufacture.

[0015] In a further possible embodiment, the fastening device for a fluid-tight fastening of the reinforcing sleeve to the adapter has a reinforcing sleeve extension, as well as a sealing device, in particular a sealing ring, which is arranged between the adapter and the reinforcing sleeve extension, as well as a fastening device, in particular a clamping device, which serves for fastening, in particular for clamping the reinforcing sleeve to the adapter.

[0016] Because the reinforcement sleeve is attached to the adapter by a fastening device, in particular by clamping it, the reinforcement sleeve is not subject to damage, for example in the form of pressure marks, and can therefore be reused a considerable number of times. The fastening can be made, for example, by means of a thread arranged or attached to the reinforcement sleeve extension. While compression fittings or cutting ring devices, which, as mentioned above, can be manufactured very cost-effectively, create notches or pressure marks on the reinforcement sleeve at the point where it comes into contact with the compression fitting or cutting ring device, the reinforcement sleeve remains without a notch or pressure mark in the design with the reinforcement sleeve extension.After opening the feedthrough, in a design with a compression fitting or cutting ring device, the position of the reinforcement sleeve relative to the adapter must be adjusted before closing the feedthrough again. This is not necessary for designs with a reinforcement sleeve extension.

[0017] Optionally, the reinforcement sleeve extension is formed in one piece or integrally with the reinforcement sleeve and / or is made of the same material as the reinforcement sleeve. The sheathed cable can be a mineral-insulated sheathed cable. The sheathed cable, in particular the cable sheath, can further comprise an outer sheath and an insulator arranged within the outer sheath for insulating the one or more electrical lines from the outer sheath. The outer sheath can comprise Inconel or be formed from Inconel. The insulator can comprise a ceramic material, in particular magnesium oxide and / or aluminum oxide, or can be formed from magnesium oxide and / or aluminum oxide. Furthermore, the reinforcement sleeve can comprise Inconel or be formed from Inconel.

[0018] All of the above-mentioned design measures ensure reliable passage of electrical conductors or electrical lines through a separating device or limiting device.

[0019] In possible embodiments, the feedthrough device comprises two electrical leads made of different materials, which are particularly suitable for forming a thermocouple. In alternative embodiments, the device comprises three or four electrical leads, which are particularly suitable for forming a resistance thermometer in a three- or four-wire circuit. This allows, for example, temperatures to be reliably determined.

[0020] The aspect of the problem concerning a compressor is solved by a compressor according to claim 8, i.e. by a compressor, in particular a screw compressor, which has the following: - a separating or limiting device, in particular a housing, and - a feedthrough device according to the above description

[0021] Optionally, the compressor is a screw compressor and also has the following: - at least one screw rotor (hereinafter also referred to as rotor) - at least one bearing for supporting the at least one screw rotor, - a temperature measuring device, in particular a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the bearing, which has the electrical line(s) or the sheathed cable or is designed to be connected to the electrical line(s).

[0022] This provides a compressor that can be used economically for heat pump applications, among others.

[0023] The at least one bearing is optionally a tilting pad bearing which has a bearing cassette and tilting pads arranged therein, wherein at least one tilting pad has a bore for receiving at least part of the temperature measuring device and wherein the bearing cassette has recesses or milled out portions, in particular grooves for laying the electrical line(s) or the sheathed line of the temperature measuring device.

[0024] This enables effective and efficient temperature monitoring of the bearing, thus providing a precise diagnosis of incipient bearing damage, which is indicated by an increase in temperature. A timely bearing replacement can be initiated before consequential damage occurs.

[0025] At least one tilting segment, in particular the tilting segment or segments having the bore for receiving at least part of the temperature measuring device, can have an anti-rotation device, in particular a threaded pin or grub screw or worm screw engaging in the respective tilting segment, which prevents rotation of the tilting segment in the bearing cassette. This prevents shearing of the sheathed cable arranged in the bearing cassette and the tilting segment.

[0026] The at least one rotor may have a rotational axis extending in an axial direction, and the compressor may further comprise a second bearing, in particular a plain bearing, wherein the tilting pad bearing is provided or configured as an axial bearing for absorbing axial forces, and the plain bearing is provided or configured as a radial bearing for absorbing radial forces. This enables, for example, secure mounting of the at least one rotor even at high pressures and thus even under high loads.

[0027] The aspect of the object of the present invention relating to a method for producing a feedthrough of one or more electrical lines through a separating device or limiting device is achieved by a method according to claim 13.

[0028] Accordingly, the aspect of the problem relating to the method is solved by a method for producing a leadthrough of one or more electrical lines through a separating device or limiting device, in particular a housing, wherein the one or more electrical lines are arranged in a common cable sheath and wherein the one or more electrical lines together with the cable sheath form a sheathed cable, comprising the steps: - Fluid-tight attachment of an adapter to or in the separating device, wherein the adapter has a recess, in particular a bore, for passing the sheathed cable through the adapter; - arranging a reinforcing device, in particular a reinforcing sleeve, around a section of the sheathed cable; - Fluid-tight connection, in particular welding of the reinforcement device to the sheathed cable; and - Fluid-tight fastening of the reinforcement device to the adapter.

[0029] The advantages are analogous to those explained in the discussion of the feedthrough device. Furthermore, it should be noted that the method according to the invention enables the feedthrough device to be manufactured from the inside out. The method known from the prior art (US Pat. No. 9,115,714 B2) describes the manufacture of a feedthrough in which the assembly or arrangement of the corresponding components takes place from the outside.

[0030] Preferably, the fluid-tight connection of the reinforcement device to the sheathed pipe is achieved using a welding or soldering process. This ensures a good, resilient connection that reliably seals even under high pressure differences.

[0031] The idea of the invention includes the use of the method described above for producing a leadthrough of one or more electrical lines through a housing of a compressor, in particular a screw compressor.

[0032] The respective described features can be implemented individually or in any combination. The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings using exemplary embodiments. Further optional features of the invention are also specified in the following description of the figures.

[0033] The drawings show: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a screw compressor according to the invention, which has a first embodiment of a feedthrough device according to the invention; Fig. 2 ; an enlargement of a section of Fig. 1 in sectional view; Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a screw compressor according to the invention, which has a second embodiment of a feedthrough device according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a view of a jacketed line that can be guided through the housing of the screw compressor in both the first and the second embodiment of a feedthrough device according to the invention; and Fig. 5 a detailed view showing an anti-twist device of a tilting segment of a tilting bearing of the compressor according to the first and second embodiments of a compressor according to the invention.

[0034] As already mentioned above, inter alia in the discussion of the object of the present invention, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide not only a feedthrough device but also a compressor with the same.

[0035] A first embodiment of a compressor according to the invention, which in the present embodiment is designed as a screw compressor 10, is shown in Fig. 1. A second embodiment of a screw compressor 10 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 3. The common features of the two embodiments are described below.

[0036] In the screw compressor 10, gas is sucked in from a suction gas inlet (suction port, suction-side gas inlet) and transported by a screw rotor toward a discharge gas outlet (discharge-side gas outlet), whereby the gas is compressed to a higher pressure. The screw rotor, which has an axis of rotation extending in an axial direction, is rotationally driven by a drive device, for example a motor, in particular an electric motor, via a shaft to which it is non-positively connected.

[0037] The screw compressor 10 of the Fig. 1 and the one who Fig. 3 further comprise a separating device or limiting device for separating or limiting a compressor interior 14 from the surroundings of the compressor or a compressor exterior 16. The separating device or limiting device is designed in the form of a housing 18.

[0038] The screw compressor 10 has a first bearing for supporting the screw rotor in the compressor interior 14. The first bearing is designed as a tilting pad bearing 20, which has a bearing cassette 22 and tilting pads 24 arranged therein. The tilting pad bearing 20 is arranged as an axial bearing for absorbing axial forces.

[0039] Furthermore, the screw compressor 10 also has a second bearing in the compressor interior 14, which in the described embodiments is designed as a plain bearing. The plain bearing is designed as a radial bearing and is intended to absorb radial forces. In other words, the screw rotor is mounted in the tilting pad bearing 20 and the plain bearing, with the tilting pad bearing 20 forming the axial bearing and the plain bearing forming the radial bearing.

[0040] A tilting pad 24 of the tilting pad bearing 20 has a recess in the form of a bore 26 for receiving a temperature measuring device, or more precisely, a part of the temperature measuring device, which is provided for measuring the temperature of the tilting pad bearing 20 (i.e., the axial bearing). This allows wear of the tilting pad bearing 20 and impending defects to be reliably detected, which can prevent consequential damage to the screw compressor 10 caused by a bearing defect.

[0041] The temperature measuring device is in the described embodiments as a thermocouple 28 (cf. in particular Fig. 4). The thermocouple 28 has a first electrical line in the form of a first electrical conductor 30 and a second electrical line in the form of a second electrical conductor 32, which form a measuring point 34 for measuring a temperature at a contact point of the first electrical conductor 30 and the second electrical conductor 32 in a known manner. The two electrical conductors 30, 32 are made of different materials; the material is selected in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art. A measuring point section of the temperature measuring device, i.e. the thermocouple 28, is received in the bore 26. The measuring point section is a section of the thermocouple 28 which has the measuring point 34.

[0042] The two electrical conductors 30, 32, which, as already indicated above, simultaneously form the electrical lines, i.e., the supply and discharge lines of the thermocouple 28, are arranged in a cable sheath 36, which has an outer sheath 38 and an electrical insulator 40 arranged within the outer sheath 38. The outer sheath 38 is made of a metallic material, Inconel in the described embodiments. Alternatively, brass, steel, or a steel alloy could be used.

[0043] The electrical lines, i.e. the two electrical conductors 30, 32, are insulated from each other (with the exception of the measuring point 34, where the electrical conductors 30, 32 are in contact with each other) and from the outer sheath 38 by means of the electrical insulator 40, which is arranged in a space between the two conductors 30, 32 and in a space between the respective conductor 30, 32 and the outer sheath 38. The insulator 40 comprises a ceramic material, in particular magnesium oxide and / or aluminum oxide, or is formed from magnesium oxide and / or aluminum oxide. In the described embodiments, the insulator 40 consists of magnesium oxide.

[0044] The two electrical conductors 30, 32, the insulator 40, and the outer sheath 38 form a mineral-insulated sheathed cable 42. Materials with good thermal conductivity are advantageous for the outer sheath 38 and the electrical insulator 40 in order to couple the measuring point 34 as quickly as possible to temperature changes in the tilting pad 24, in which the bore 26 is arranged, and thus also as quickly as possible to temperature changes in the tilting pad bearing 20. However, it must be ensured that the insulator 40 has sufficiently good electrical insulating properties. Furthermore, a small diameter of the sheathed cable 42 also supports a delay-free response. The arrangement in or integration into the tilting pad 24 takes place in a position close to a sliding zone of the tilting pad 24, which has a white metal layer (sliding zone).This constructive measure also serves to keep the reaction time as delay-free as possible.

[0045] In order to transmit the temperature signals or electrical signals that the temperature measuring device outputs and requires from the compressor interior 14 to the compressor exterior 16 and vice versa, the electrical conductors 30, 32 must be routed from the compressor interior 14 to the compressor exterior 16. For this purpose, recesses or milled out portions are formed in the bearing cassette 22 in the compressor interior 14, in the described embodiment in the form of grooves 44 for laying or receiving the electrical line(s) / electrical conductors 30, 32 or the sheathed cable 42 of the temperature measuring device in the form of the thermocouple 28. A feedthrough device 46 is provided in the housing 18 of the screw compressor 10, which differs in the screw compressor 10 of the first embodiment from that of the screw compressor 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0046] It should be emphasized at this point that the feedthrough devices 46 of the compressor of the first embodiment and the compressor of the second embodiment are described only by way of example as a component of the screw compressor 10. The basic idea of the invention also encompasses the feedthrough device 46 separate from a compressor, in particular screw compressor 10, which also reflects the structure of the appended claims. The feedthrough devices 46 are therefore also and in particular to be viewed as an independent component to which one aspect of the present invention relates.

[0047] In the following, the feedthrough device 46 of the screw compressor 10 according to the first embodiment ( Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) and the feedthrough device 46 of the screw compressor 10 according to the second embodiment ( Fig. 3). The feedthrough device 46 of the screw compressor 10 according to the first embodiment represents a first embodiment of a feedthrough device 46 according to the invention; the feedthrough device 46 of the screw compressor 10 according to the second embodiment represents a second embodiment of a feedthrough device 46 according to the invention.

[0048] The second embodiment of the feedthrough device 46 has an adapter 48, which is arranged for a fluid-tight arrangement in the limiting or isolating device, more precisely, is fastened to the housing 18 in a fluid-tight manner. The adapter 48 has a recess in the form of a bore 50 formed in the direction of its longitudinal extension for the passage of the sheathed cable 42, containing the electrical line(s) in the form of the electrical conductors 30, 32, through the adapter 48. The adapter 48 is designed to be screwed into the limiting or isolating device in a fluid-tight manner, or alternatively, to be pressed in a fluid-tight manner. In particular for adapters 48 that are intended for a screw connection to the limiting or isolating device, a sealing device in the form of a first sealing ring 49 is provided for arrangement between the adapter 48 and the limiting or isolating device. Other fluid-tight connection methods are also conceivable as alternatives.In the two embodiments of the screw compressor 10 according to the invention, the adapter 48 is screwed into the housing 18 (first embodiment) or pressed into it (second embodiment). As already explained above, the electrical conductors 30, 32 are arranged in a common cable sheath 36 and, together with the cable sheath 36, form the sheathed cable 42.

[0049] A reinforcement device in the form of a reinforcement sleeve 52 is arranged around a section 42a of the sheathed line 42, which is to be passed through the housing 18 from the compressor interior 14 into the compressor exterior 16. The reinforcement sleeve 52 is connected to the sheathed line 42 in a fluid-tight manner, more precisely, it is welded in a fluid-tight manner. In the embodiment described here, the fluid-tight connection is therefore established by means of a welding process; alternatively, the use of a soldering process is also conceivable, for example.

[0050] Due to the design according to the invention, in which the sheathed line 42 is reinforced with the reinforcing sleeve 52 in the region in which the passage from the compressor interior 14 into the compressor exterior 16 takes place, the sheathed line 42 can be designed with a small diameter in order to be as flexible or bendable as possible, in order to enable it to be laid even while forming radii. In the region in which the sheathed line 42 is passed through the housing, i.e. in the region of section 42a of the sheathed line 42, as mentioned above, the reinforcing sleeve 52 is arranged, which enlarges the outer diameter of the arrangement comprising sheathed line 42 and reinforcing sleeve 52, so that this arrangement comprising sheathed line 42 and reinforcing sleeve 52 can be led from the compressor interior 14 into the compressor exterior 16.With the reinforcement sleeve 52, the small-diameter sheathed line 42 can be guided intact through the bore 50, whereby a gap caused by the diameter difference between the sheathed line 42 and the bore 50 can be reliably sealed in a fluid-tight manner. The sheathed line 42 can be guided from the compressor interior 14 into the compressor exterior 16 without damage.

[0051] To ensure a fluid-tight passage through the housing 18, the feedthrough device 46 has a fastening device for a fluid-tight fastening of the reinforcement sleeve 52 to the adapter 48. In the presently described second embodiment of the feedthrough device 46 according to the invention, the fastening device is a clamping ring device 54. In alternative embodiments, the fastening device can also be designed, for example, as a cutting ring device.

[0052] The clamping ring device 54 or, alternatively, a cutting ring device creates a reliable and, in particular, fluid-tight connection between the reinforcement sleeve 52, which in turn is reliably welded to the sheathed line 42 in a fluid-tight manner. The clamping ring device 54 or, alternatively, the cutting ring device is structurally simple and thus inexpensive to manufacture. It is also detachable, for example to enable replacement of the bearings, in particular the tilting pad bearing 20. When the reinforcement sleeve 52 is refastened in the clamping ring device 54, the position of the reinforcement sleeve 52 relative to the clamping ring device 54 is slightly varied to prevent the reinforcement sleeve 52 from coming into contact with the clamping ring device 54 in areas that were already notched by the clamping ring device 54 during previous fastening processes.

[0053] Particularly in applications where the fastening device must be frequently released or separated from the reinforcement sleeve 52, for example in order to carry out maintenance operations or repairs, the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows the first embodiment of a feedthrough device 46 according to the invention.

[0054] The first embodiment of a feedthrough device 46 according to the invention, like the second embodiment 46 described above, has the adapter 48 with the bore 50, which is arranged for a fluid-tight arrangement in the limiting or separating device and, for example, in the first embodiment of a screw compressor according to the invention, is fastened to the housing 18 in a fluid-tight manner, and the reinforcing sleeve 52, which is connected to the jacket line 42 in a fluid-tight manner, here welded (alternatively soldered or glued).

[0055] In addition, the first embodiment of a feedthrough device 46 according to the invention has a reinforcement sleeve extension 56, which forms an extension of the reinforcement sleeve 52 in a direction of its longitudinal extent at a first end 58 of the reinforcement sleeve 52. In a radial direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the reinforcement sleeve), the reinforcement sleeve extension 56 has the same diameter as the reinforcement sleeve 52. The reinforcement sleeve extension 56 has an external thread 60, onto which a component provided with a corresponding internal thread can be screwed. In the described embodiment, this is a hexagonal screw nut 62, but wing nuts or other components, preferably screwable with a tool with a leverage effect (such as a wrench), are also conceivable.

[0056] Furthermore, the first embodiment of a feedthrough device 46 according to the invention has a reinforcing sleeve base 64, which forms an extension of the reinforcing sleeve 52 in a direction of its longitudinal extent at a second end 66 of the reinforcing sleeve 52. In the radial direction, the reinforcing sleeve base 64 has a larger diameter than the reinforcing sleeve 52. The reinforcing sleeve base 64 has an annular recess 68 in which a sealing device in the form of a second sealing ring 70 is arranged for sealing the reinforcing sleeve base 64 and thus also the reinforcing sleeve 52 against the limiting or separating device.

[0057] The reinforcement sleeve extension 56 and the reinforcement sleeve base 64 are formed integrally with the reinforcement sleeve 52 and are made of the same material as the reinforcement sleeve. In the presently described embodiment, the reinforcement sleeve extension 56, the reinforcement sleeve base 64, and the reinforcement sleeve 52 are made of Inconel. Alternatively, other materials are conceivable, in particular metallic materials, for example, brass or steels or steel alloys.

[0058] In the second embodiment of a feedthrough device 46, the fastening thereof to the limiting or separating device is carried out by bracing or fastening by exerting a force in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the reinforcing sleeve 52 by means of the screw nut 62, which is moved or screwed in the direction of the reinforcing sleeve foot 64.

[0059] In order to prevent rotation of the tilting segments 24 in the bearing cassette 22, the tilting segments 22 have an anti-rotation device in the form of a threaded pin 72 (often also referred to as a grub screw or worm screw) engaging in the respective tilting segment 24, which prevents rotation of the respective tilting segment 24 in the bearing cassette (cf. Fig. 5). In alternative embodiments, only the tilting segment 24 or only the tilting segments 24 have an anti-rotation device (threaded pin 72), which has / have the bore(s) for receiving at least part of the temperature measuring device(s).

[0060] It should be noted that the feedthrough devices 46 according to the invention can also be used in a variety of ways outside the field of air conditioning technology. Their arrangement in a screw compressor 10 is a preferred application, not an exclusive one. Other possible applications include, above all, axial bearings, particularly tilting-pad bearings, i.e., applications where routing the sheathed line around bends or curves is necessary. In other words, the design according to the invention is particularly advantageous in applications in which the sheathed line is laid to form one or more radii.

[0061] The cables to be fed through from a measuring tip, which is accommodated in the bore 50, to the connection to a transmitter, which in the described embodiment is arranged in the compressor outer space 16, i.e. outside the housing 18 or on its outer side, are designed in such a way that a feedthrough from the inside to the outside is possible. More precisely, the parts of the electrical conductors 30, 32 or the sheathed cable 42 to be fed through, which are arranged on a side of the reinforcing sleeve associated with the compressor outer space 16, have an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the bore 50 in the reinforcing sleeve 52. This enables the firm fixation of the measuring tip of the thermocouple 28 in the bearing cassette 22, since the other end, which is not permanently installed, can now be fed through from the inside to the outside.

[0062] In addition to providing reliable sealing for applications in which a high pressure difference prevails temporarily or permanently, the feedthrough device 46 can also be used for applications in which aggressive or corrosive atmospheres prevail on at least one side of the limiting device. In particular, refrigerant compatibility or resistance to refrigerants is advantageous and also necessary, for example in the area of application in compressors, which is ensured, among other things, by the use of the sheathed line 42. The materials used also ensure such refrigerant compatibility. In the described embodiments, no plug connections are arranged within the compressor, which promotes trouble-free operation. The increasing use of ammonia as a sustainable refrigerant is also being taken into account, among other things.by the sheathed cable, since no conductor material is exposed to the refrigerant atmosphere prevailing in the compressor chamber 14. By using the thermocouple as described above, there is no material change within the cable between the measuring point and the evaluation electronics.

[0063] The concept of the present invention further includes a method for producing a leadthrough of one or more electrical lines through the separating device or limiting device, in particular housing 18, wherein the one or more electrical lines are arranged in the common cable sheath 36 and wherein the one or more electrical lines together with the cable sheath 36 form a sheathed cable 42, comprising the steps: - Fluid-tight attachment of the adapter 48 to or in the separating device or limiting device, wherein the adapter 48 has a recess, in particular bore 50, for passing the sheathed cable 42 through the adapter 48; - Arranging the reinforcement device, in particular reinforcement sleeve 52, around a section of the sheathed cable 42 - Fluid-tight connection, in particular welding of the reinforcement device to the sheathed line 42; and - Fluid-tight fastening of the reinforcement sleeve 52 to the adapter 48.

[0064] The fluid-tight connection of the reinforcement device to the sheathed line 42 is carried out in the described embodiments by means of a welding process or a soldering process, whereby joining processes can also be used in alternative embodiments (for example, general metallic joining processes).

[0065] The idea of the invention further includes using the method described above to produce a leadthrough of one or more electrical lines through a housing 18 of a compressor, in particular the screw compressor 10.

[0066] Finally, it should be noted that the concept of the invention also includes producing a feedthrough device by means of assembly from the inside to the outside, in particular, in the case of a screw compressor 10, producing a feedthrough device by means of assembly from the compressor interior to the compressor exterior. This concept is independent of the respective specific assembly steps, but is particularly applicable to the method explained above.

[0067] Although the invention is described using embodiments with fixed combinations of features, it also encompasses other conceivable advantageous combinations, as specifically, but not exhaustively, specified by the subclaims. All features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as essential to the invention, insofar as they are novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art. List of reference symbols: 10 screw compressors 14 Compressor interior 16 Compressor exterior 18 housings 20 tilting pad bearings 22 storage cassette 24 tilting segment 26 Hole 28 thermocouple 30 first electrical conductor 32 second electrical conductor 34 measuring point 36 cable sheath 38 outer shell 40 electrical insulator 42 mineral-insulated sheathed cable 42a Section of the sheathed cable 42 44 groove 46 Feedthrough device 48 adapters 49 first sealing ring 50 holes 52 Reinforcement sleeve 54 Clamping ring device 56 Reinforcing sleeve extension 58 first end of the reinforcement sleeve 52 60 external thread 62 screw nut 64 Reinforcement sleeve foot 66 second end of the reinforcement sleeve 52 68 annular recess 70 second sealing ring 72 threaded pin QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 9 115 714 B2 [0007, 0009, 0029]

Claims

[1] Feedthrough device (46) for passing one or more electrical (electrical) lines (30, 32) through a separating device or limiting device, in particular a housing (18), comprising: - an adapter (48) which is designed for a fluid-tight arrangement in the separating device or limiting device, wherein the adapter (48) has a recess, in particular a bore (50), for passing the one or more electrical lines (30, 32) through the adapter (48); - the one or more electrical lines (30, 32), wherein the one or more electrical lines (30, 32) are arranged at least over a section thereof in a common cable sheath (36), and wherein the one or more electrical lines (30, 32) together with the cable sheath (36) form a sheathed cable (42), - a reinforcement device, in particular a reinforcement sleeve (52), which is arranged around a section of the sheathed line (42) and is connected, in particular welded, to the sheathed line (42) in a fluid-tight manner; and a fastening device for a fluid-tight fastening of the reinforcement sleeve to the adapter (48). [2] Device (46) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening device for a fluid-tight fastening of the reinforcing sleeve (52) to the adapter (48) is a clamping ring device (54) or cutting ring device arranged in the adapter (48) or at least partially formed by the adapter (48). [3] Device (46) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening device for a fluid-tight fastening of the reinforcing sleeve (52) to the adapter (48) has a reinforcing sleeve extension (56), a sealing device, in particular a sealing ring (70), which is arranged between the adapter (48) and the reinforcing sleeve extension, and a fastening device, in particular a clamping device for fastening, which serves in particular to clamp the reinforcing sleeve (52) to the adapter (48). [4] Device (46) according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcement sleeve extension (56) is formed in one piece or integrally with the reinforcement sleeve (52) and / or is formed from the same material as the reinforcement sleeve (52). [5] Device (46) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheathed cable (42) is a mineral-insulated sheathed cable. [6] Device (46) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheathed cable (42), in particular the cable sheath (36), has an outer sheath (38) and an insulator (40) arranged within the outer sheath (38) for insulating the one or more electrical lines (30, 32) from the outer sheath (38), wherein the outer sheath (38) comprises Inconel or is formed from Inconel, and wherein the insulator (40) comprises a ceramic material, in particular magnesium oxide and / or aluminum oxide or is formed from magnesium oxide and / or aluminum oxide and / or the reinforcing sleeve (52) comprises Inconel or is formed from Inconel. [7] Device (46) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (46) has two electrical lines (30, 32) which consist of different materials, which are in particular suitable for forming a thermocouple (28) or the device has three or four electrical lines, which are in particular suitable for forming a resistance thermometer in a three- or four-wire circuit. [8] Compressors, in particular screw compressors, comprising: - a separating device or limiting device, in particular a housing (18), - a feedthrough device (46) according to one of the preceding claims [9] Compressor according to claim 8, wherein the compressor is a screw compressor (10) and further comprises: - at least one screw rotor - at least one bearing for supporting the at least one screw rotor, - a temperature measuring device, in particular a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the bearing, which has the electrical line(s) or the sheathed cable or is designed to be connected to the electrical line(s). [10] Compressor according to claim 9, wherein the at least one bearing is a tilting pad bearing (20) which has a bearing cassette (22) and tilting pads (24) arranged therein, wherein at least one tilting pad (24) has a bore (26) for receiving at least part of the temperature measuring device and wherein the bearing cassette (22) has recesses, in particular grooves (44) for laying the electrical line(s) (30, 32) or the sheathed line (42) of the temperature measuring device. [11] Compressor according to claim 10, wherein at least one tilting segment (24), in particular the tilting segment (24) or the tilting segments (24) which has / have the bore (26) for receiving at least part of the temperature measuring device, has an anti-twist device, in particular a threaded pin (72) engaging in the respective tilting segment (24), which prevents rotation of the tilting segment (24) in the bearing cassette (22). [12] Compressor according to claim 11, wherein the at least one rotor has an axis of rotation extending in an axial direction and the compressor has a second bearing, in particular a plain bearing, wherein the tilting pad bearing (20) is provided or designed as an axial bearing for absorbing axial forces and the plain bearing is provided or designed as a radial bearing for absorbing radial forces. [13] Method for producing a leadthrough of one or more electrical lines (30, 32) through a separating device or limiting device, in particular a housing (18), wherein the one or more electrical lines (30, 32) are arranged in a common cable sheath (36) and wherein the one or more electrical lines (30, 32) together with the cable sheath (36) form a sheathed cable (42), comprising the steps: - Fluid-tight attachment of an adapter (48) on or in the separating device, wherein the adapter (48) has a recess, in particular a bore (50), for passing the sheathed cable (42) through the adapter (48); - Arranging a reinforcement device, in particular a reinforcement sleeve (52) around a section (42a) of the sheathed cable (42) - Fluid-tight connection, in particular welding, of the reinforcement device to the sheathed line (42); and - Fluid-tight fastening of the reinforcement device to the adapter (48), [14] Method according to claim 13, wherein the fluid-tight connection of the reinforcement device to the sheathed line (42) is carried out by means of a welding process or a soldering process. [15] Use of a method according to one of claims 13 or 14 for producing a leadthrough of one or more electrical lines (30, 32) through a housing (18) of a compressor, in particular a screw compressor (10).

Citation Information

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