Device for the automatic removal of water from a compressed air system

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the automatic drainage of water from a compressed air system, comprising at least one compressed air-operated pressure line and at least one drainage element (1) which is in fluid communication with the compressed air line, wherein the drainage element (1) has a housing (2) which forms a working chamber, wherein the working chamber has a first opening (6) through which the working chamber is in fluid communication with the pressure line, and wherein the working chamber has a second opening (7) through which the working chamber is in fluid communication with the environment of the compressed air system, wherein the second opening (7) can be closed by a flap element (4). The invention also relates to a method.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for the automatic drainage of water from a compressed air system, comprising at least one compressed air-operated pressure line and at least one drainage element which is in fluid communication with the compressed air line, wherein the drainage element has a housing which forms a working chamber, wherein the working chamber has a first opening through which the working chamber is in fluid communication with the pressure line, and wherein the working chamber has a second opening through which the working chamber is in fluid communication with the environment of the compressed air system. The invention further relates to a method for using the device. State of the art

[0002] Compressed air systems are indispensable in modern motor vehicles and serve various purposes, from brake boosting to suspension. A central element of these systems are compressed air reservoirs, also known as pressure accumulators, which provide the necessary compressed air. These pressure accumulators are connected to the respective components to be actuated via suitable compressed air lines.

[0003] Condensation inevitably forms in compressed air systems due to the physical properties of air and the temperature changes that occur during operation. This is partly because air almost always contains a certain amount of moisture, even when it appears dry. When the air is compressed (as in compressed air systems), the pressure increases, and the relative humidity rises. This causes some of the moisture to condense.

[0004] Furthermore, condensation forms when compressed air cools down, which can happen, for example, when it flows through pipelines or enters a compressed air tank. The water contained in the compressed air condenses in this process.

[0005] Furthermore, compressed air systems often use cooling systems to dissipate the heat generated during operation. This cools the compressed air, and condensation forms. This can lead to problems such as corrosion and impaired system performance.

[0006] To minimize the negative effects of condensation, special drainage systems are used, which involve a considerable increase in design complexity and also represent an additional source of errors. These systems include, for example, active air dryers, mechanical, manually operated drains, or electrically operated drains that utilize a solenoid valve.

[0007] German patent application DE 11 2011 105 229 B4 discloses a fluid pressure unit comprising a filter, a regulator, and a lubrication device. The filter and the lubrication device each have a body with connection openings through which the pressure medium is supplied and discharged. The filter and the lubrication device each have a housing into the interior of which a pressure fluid is introduced. The housing is designed as a cylinder with a base, which is connected to an installation opening in the body. The interior of the housing communicates with the connection openings, and the housing is translucent to allow visibility of its interior. The housing comprises a first housing section and a second housing section, each made of a translucent material, with the second housing section being arranged inside the first housing section.

[0008] German patent application DE 20 2004 005 983 U1 discloses a condensate filter. The filter is intended particularly for air handling units and comprises a condensate container with a filter assembly, a swirl device at the upper air inlet that sets the incoming air into rotation, and a separating plate that divides the interior of the container into an upper filter chamber containing the filter assembly and a lower condensate collection chamber. The condensate collection chamber at the lower end is provided with a condensate outlet, wherein a circumferential wall region of the pot-shaped separating plate increases in diameter conically downwards until it abuts the inner circumference of the condensate container and has several condensate passage openings extending to the edge of this abutment.

[0009] A particular disadvantage of the devices in the prior art is that either the additional design effort is considerable, the system's susceptibility to errors causes additional problems, or manual intervention by the user is necessary. Description of the invention, problem, solution, advantages

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a device for the automatic drainage of a compressed air system, which enables drainage of the system without any additional external action. Furthermore, it is an object to provide a method by which the device can be used.

[0011] The problem with regard to the device is solved by a device having the features of claim 1.

[0012] One embodiment of the invention relates to a device for the automatic drainage of water from a compressed air system, comprising at least one pressure line supplied with compressed air and at least one drainage element which is in fluid communication with the compressed air line, wherein the drainage element has a housing which forms a working chamber, wherein the working chamber has a first opening through which the working chamber is in fluid communication with the pressure line, and wherein the working chamber has a second opening through which the working chamber is in fluid communication with the environment of the compressed air system, wherein the second opening can be closed by a flap element.

[0013] Condensation inevitably forms in compressed air systems during operation, which can negatively affect the system's functionality and therefore must be drained. The invention provides a drainage element for this purpose, which can be arranged in or on one of the compressed air lines. Depending on the size of the compressed air system, several drainage elements may be provided.

[0014] The drainage element must be connected to the interior of the compressed air system in such a way that fluid communication is enabled and thus the condensate generated in the compressed air system can flow into the drainage element.

[0015] The drainage element is preferably formed by a housing into which condensate can flow through a first opening. Likewise, the working chamber formed within the housing is pressurized by compressed air from the compressed air system, so that the working chamber has essentially the same pressure level as the rest of the compressed air system.

[0016] The workspace has a second opening that communicates with the surrounding fluid. However, to ensure the compressed air system is pressure-tight, this second opening must be sealable, which is achieved via the flap element.

[0017] The drainage element's operating principle is based on condensate from the compressed air system flowing into the working chamber and collecting there. The flap element rests on the second opening and prevents compressed air and condensate from escaping through it. Condensate can drain away by opening the second opening. For this to occur, the flap element must be moved.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the flap element is rotatably mounted on the wall of the workspace that has the second opening. Advantageously, the flap element is disc-shaped and mounted to rotate around an axis of rotation. By rotating the flap element around its axis, it can be moved into different positions.

[0019] It is advantageous if the second opening is released by the flap element when open, and closed when closed. In its initial state, the flap element is closed and held in the closed position by the air pressure in the compressed air system. When the flap element is rotated, the second opening is released.

[0020] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that a sealing element is arranged between the flap element and the wall containing the second opening. To achieve a better seal of the second opening, a sealing element is arranged between the flap element and the wall containing the second opening. The sealing element can be a suitable O-ring or, for example, another type of molded seal.

[0021] It is also preferable if the flap element is made of a material with a lower specific density than water. If the flap element is made of a material with a lower density than water, it is ensured that the flap element can float on water, or at least that covering the flap element with water generates a buoyant force which, if necessary, moves the flap element.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a couple of forces acts on the flap element in the drainage element, wherein the forces act essentially on the top and bottom of the flap element, with a first force being formed by the pressure acting on the flap element as a result of the compressed air, and a second force being formed by the buoyancy force of the flap element as a result of the water.

[0023] Provided the force generated by the compressed air is greater than or equal to the buoyant force generated by the water, the flap element remains pressed against the second opening, thus closing the second opening. The condensation is collected in the working chamber.

[0024] As the water level rises, the buoyant force eventually increases until it exceeds the force generated by the compressed air. The flap element can then float in the condensate, thus opening the second opening and allowing the condensate to drain away. As the condensate drains, the buoyant force eventually decreases again until the flap element closes the second opening once more.

[0025] The deflation process can be actively supported by reducing the pressure level to lessen the closing force acting on the flap element. This can be achieved by partially reducing the system pressure in the air pressure system or bringing it completely to ambient level, thereby allowing the buoyant force to prevail and lifting the flap element.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, suitable sensors can be provided which monitor the fill level of the working space and start a drainage process when a certain fill level is reached.

[0027] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the flap element has a buoyancy-enhancing element arranged on the surface of the flap element facing the working space. This is beneficial for increasing the buoyancy force acting on the flap element and thus facilitating the opening of the second opening. This could, for example, be an air-filled element, such as a bladder.

[0028] It is also advantageous if the drainage element is positioned relative to the pressure line in such a way that the condensate generated in the compressed air system flows into the working chamber of the drainage element under the influence of gravity. This is particularly beneficial for directing the condensate to the drainage element even without active conveyance, for example, by a pump. Advantageously, the drainage element can be positioned at a particularly low point, allowing the condensate to flow automatically through the compressed air lines to the drainage element.

[0029] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second opening in the housing is positioned below the first opening with respect to the Earth's gravitational field. This ensures that the water flowing from the pressure line into the working chamber flows towards the second opening and not back into the compressed air system.

[0030] The problem with regard to the method is solved by a method having the features of claim 9.

[0031] One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for draining a compressed air pressure line by means of a device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the following steps are carried out: a. Closing of the second opening by the force of gravity acting on the flap element and / or the pressure force resulting from the compressed air in the pressure line, b. Formation of condensation and collection of the condensation in the working space of the drainage element, c. Building up a force acting on the flap element as a result of the condensation, which opposes the force of gravity and / or the pressure force due to the compressed air, d. Floating of the flap element on the condensation water and consequently releasing the second opening, e. Drainage of the condensate and consequently reduction of the force acting on the flap element due to the condensate, f. Lowering of the flap element and finally closing of the second opening.

[0032] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims and in the following description of the figures. Brief description of the drawings

[0033] The invention will now be explained in detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 an external view of the drainage element, which is connected to an adapter on one of the pressure lines, Fig. 2 a top view of the flap element which is arranged in the housing, Fig. 3 a sectional view through the housing, with the second opening exposed by the raised flap element, and Fig. 4 an exploded view of the housing with the sealing element and the flap element. Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0034] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an external view of the drainage element 1. The drainage element 1 is formed by a housing 2, which forms a working chamber inside. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. The housing 2 is connected to a branch of an adapter 3. For this purpose, the housing 2 can be screwed or clipped onto the adapter 3. Pressure lines of compressed air systems typically have standardized connectors and adapters, so the housing 2 can also have a corresponding receptacle for connection to such a standardized adapter. Alternatively, the drainage element 1 can also be located in the lower area, preferably at the bottom, of a pressure vessel. Preferably, the drainage element 1 is positioned such that the condensate generated in the system flows towards the drainage element 1 by gravity.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows a top view of the housing 2 through the upper first opening 6. The flap element 4 and, below it, the sealing element 5 are arranged on the lower bottom. The flap element 4 covers the second opening (not shown) and closes off the working space formed in the housing 2 at the bottom.

[0036] The flap element 4 is fixed relative to the housing 2 by means of a pivot joint 8 and can be rotated about the axis of rotation of the pivot joint 8, thereby opening or closing the second opening. The flap element 4 has in the Fig. 2 has a circular cross-section which follows the shape of the inner contour of the housing. In alternative designs, the flap element 4 can also have a different shape.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective sectional view through the housing 2, where the flap element 4 is rotated about the axis of rotation of the pivot joint 8, thus exposing the second opening 7. The first opening 6 serves for fluid communication with the pressure line or the compressed air reservoir. The sealing element 5 is annular and ensures an airtight seal between the flap element 4 and the housing 2.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the housing 2 with the sealing element 5, which has a cutout in the area of ​​the pivot joint 8, and the flap element itself.

[0039] The examples of implementation of Fig. Paragraphs 1 to 4, in particular, do not have a limiting character and serve to clarify the inventive idea.

Claims

[1] Device for the automatic drainage of water from a compressed air system, comprising at least one pressure line supplied with compressed air and at least one drainage element (1) which is in fluid communication with the compressed air line, wherein the drainage element (1) has a housing (2) which forms a working chamber, wherein the working chamber has a first opening (6) through which the working chamber is in fluid communication with the pressure line, and wherein the working chamber has a second opening (7) through which the working chamber is in fluid communication with the surroundings of the compressed air system, characterized by , that the second opening (7) can be closed by a flap element (4). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the flap element (4) is rotatably arranged on the wall of the work space which has the second opening (7). [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by, that the second opening (7) is released by the flap element (4) in the open state, and the second opening (7) is closed by the flap element (4) in the closed state. [4] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a sealing element (5) is arranged between the flap element (4) and the wall having the second opening (7). [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the flap element (4) is made of a material with a lower specific density than water. [6] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a couple of forces acts on the flap element (4) in the drainage element (1), wherein the forces act essentially on the top and bottom of the flap element (4), wherein a first force is formed by the pressure acting on the flap element (4) as a result of the compressed air, and a second force is formed by the buoyancy force of the flap element (4) as a result of the water. [7] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the flap element (4) has a buoyancy-promoting element which is arranged on the surface of the flap element (4) facing the working space. [8] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second opening (7) in the housing (2) is arranged below the first opening (6) with respect to the Earth's gravitational field. [9] Method for draining a compressed air pressure line using a device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the following steps are completed: a. Closing of the second opening (7) by the force of gravity acting on the flap element (4) and / or the pressure force due to the compressed air in the pressure line, b. Formation of condensation and collection of the condensation in the working space of the drainage element (1), c. Building up a force acting on the flap element (4) as a result of the condensation, which acts against the force of gravity and / or the pressure force due to the compressed air, d. Floating of the flap element (4) on the condensate and consequently releasing the second opening (7), e. Drainage of the condensate and consequently reduction of the force acting on the flap element (4) by the condensate, f. Lowering of the flap element (4) and finally closing of the second opening (7).

Images