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 a float (4) is arranged in the drainage element (1) by which the second opening (7) can be opened and closed. 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. 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. A float is arranged in the drainage element by which the second opening can be opened and closed. The invention further relates to a method for operating 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 considerable additional design effort and also represent an additional potential source of error. These systems include, for example, active air dryers, mechanical, manually operated drainage systems, or electrically operated drainage systems that utilize, for example, a solenoid valve.

[0007] Document DD 49 738 A1 discloses a self-operating water drain valve, in particular for compressed air systems, wherein a float ball with a seal is arranged over a drain opening in a water separator.

[0008] German patent application DE 10 2019 130 798 A1 discloses a float valve, in particular for draining condensate in a medical compressed air system, comprising a float, a valve seat defining a valve opening with a valve opening cross-sectional area, and a closing element for opening and closing the valve opening cross-sectional area, wherein the closing element is controllable by means of the float between a fully open position X and a fully closed position Y. The closing element is elastic and is part of a partial opening mechanism designed to successively open the valve opening cross-sectional area between the fully closed position Y and the fully open position X due to the elasticity of the closing element.

[0009] German patent application DE 35 34 932 A1 discloses a condensate separator for compressed air systems. A sealing element is arranged in a separator housing. The sealing element also functions as a float, which moves up and down with the condensate level collected in the housing. In its lowered position, the sealing element closes a lateral outlet opening, and in its raised position, it uncovers it. Cam surfaces are provided to guide the sealing element and the float, centering them on the opening.

[0010] 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

[0011] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to create a device for the automatic drainage of a compressed air system, which enables drainage of the system without any additional external action.

[0012] The problem with regard to the device is solved by a device having the features of claim 1.

[0013] One embodiment of 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 surroundings of the compressed air system, wherein a float is arranged in the drainage element through which the second opening can be opened and closed, wherein the float is designed as a cylindrical body, and the working chamber is designed as a cylindrical body.wherein the float rests fully or partially against the inner walls of the working space, wherein the float has indentations extending from its first end face to its second end face on its outer circumference.

[0014] Condensation inevitably forms in compressed air systems during operation, which can negatively affect the system's functionality and must therefore 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The workspace has a second opening which is in fluid communication with the surroundings.

[0018] The float is a body with a lower specific density than water, enabling it to float. When the float is surrounded by water, a buoyant force is generated, lifting the float from its base position. Preferably, the float closes the second opening in its base position and then opens it by floating on the collected condensation. This opening allows the condensation to flow out of the working chamber, causing the float to sink again and ultimately close the second opening.

[0019] The two end faces are preferably the upper surface facing the first opening and the lower surface facing the second opening. Recesses on the outer circumference can be formed by grooves that run straight or curved, or by other profiles. The recesses are essentially advantageous because they allow water to flow past the float from above. Depending on the size of the gap between the float and the inner wall of the working chamber, the water can flow past the float more or less unimpeded and ultimately lift it.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if the second opening extends through a first wall of the housing forming the working chamber, with the float resting against this first wall when the drainage element is closed. The float thus closes the second opening, preventing compressed air from escaping through it. The float is pressed against the second opening by the pressure, which is higher than the ambient pressure, thereby sealing it.

[0021] It is also advantageous to have a sealing element positioned between the float and the first wall. A sealing element is beneficial to ensure a pressure-tight closure of the second opening and to improve the float's contact with the inner wall of the working chamber.

[0022] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the second opening in the housing is arranged 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.

[0023] It is also preferable if the float has a lower specific density than water. If the float is made of a material with a lower density than water, it is ensured that the float will float on the water, as a buoyant force is generated that lifts the float.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a couple of forces acts on the float in the drainage element, wherein the forces act essentially on opposite sides of the float, with a first force being formed by the pressure acting on the float as a result of the compressed air, and a second force being formed by the buoyant force of the float on the water.

[0025] Provided the force generated by the compressed air is greater than or equal to the buoyant force generated by the water, the float remains pressed against the second opening, thus closing the second opening. The condensation is collected in the working chamber.

[0026] As the water level rises, the buoyant force eventually increases until it exceeds the force generated by the compressed air. The float can then rise 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 float closes the second opening once more.

[0027] The emptying process can be actively supported by reducing the pressure level to lessen the closing force acting on the float. This can be achieved by partially reducing the system pressure in the air pressure system or bringing it completely to ambient level, allowing the buoyant force to prevail and lifting the float.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the drainage element is arranged relative to the pressure line in such a way that the condensate generated in the compressed air system flows into the working space of the drainage element under the influence of gravity.

[0030] This is particularly advantageous for directing the condensate to the drainage element even without active conveyance, such as by a pump. The drainage element can be advantageously positioned at a particularly low point, allowing the resulting condensate to flow automatically to the drainage element via the compressed air lines.

[0031] The problem with regard to the method is solved by a method having the features of claim 8.

[0032] 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 float 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 drainage element, c. Building up a force acting on the float 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 float on the condensation water and consequently releasing the second opening, e. Drainage of the condensation and consequently reduction of the force acting on the float due to the condensation, f. Sinking of the float and finally closing of the second opening.

[0033] Furthermore, it is advantageous if opening the second opening allows the condensate to drain away, thereby reducing the force supporting the float. This causes the float to sink, and the second opening is then closed again. Drainage can thus occur practically automatically without any external intervention. When the water level in the working chamber is suitable, the float rises, allowing the condensate to flow out, and the float then lowers again. This process then repeats itself. This prevents the condensate from accumulating permanently.

[0034] 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

[0035] 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 an exploded view of the housing, the seal and the float, Fig. 3 a sectional view through the housing of the working chamber, with the float resting on the seal and closing the second opening in the bottom of the housing, and Fig. 4 a sectional view through the housing of the work space, with the float floating on condensation (not shown) and exposing the second opening in the bottom of the housing. Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0036] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an external view of the drainage element 1. The drainage element 1 is formed by a housing 2, which has 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.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the elements arranged inside the housing 2. These include the float 4 and the seal 5. Not shown in Fig. 2 is a second opening at the lower end of the housing 2, through which the condensate collected in the housing 2 during operation can drain away.

[0038] The seal 5 is inserted into the housing 2 and secured in place, and then the float 4 is inserted. The filled housing is then attached to a pressure vessel or pressure line, allowing compressed air to enter the working chamber through the first opening 6, and also allowing condensate formed in the compressed air system to flow into the working chamber.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 2 shows that the float is a cylindrical body with several grooves 8 on one circumferential surface, forming depressions that extend from the upper end face to the lower end face of the float 4. These grooves 8 can serve as fluid channels through which the condensate can flow downwards past the float 4.

[0040] In addition to the straight grooves 8, curved groove profiles could also be provided, for example.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 shows a section through the housing 2. It illustrates how the float 4 rests on the sealing element 5 in the working chamber and closes the lower second opening 7. The working chamber communicates with the compressed air system via the upper first opening 6. A gap 9 is formed between the float 4 and the inner wall of the housing 2, through which condensate can flow downwards past the float 4. The grooves 8, only hinted at in the section, further increase the surface area through which the condensate can flow. Fig. Figure 3 shows the closed state of the drainage element.

[0042] Fig. 4 shows the cutaway view from Fig. 3, which is why identical reference symbols are used. In Fig. Figure 4 shows the state in which the float 4 has floated up and released the second opening 7.

[0043] The examples of implementation of Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. In particular, paragraph 4 does not have a restrictive character and serves to clarify the inventive idea. Reference symbol list 1 Drainage device 2 cases 3 adapters 4 swimmers 5 Sealing element 6 first opening 7 second opening 8 depressions 9 columns

Claims

[1] 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 surroundings of the compressed air system, wherein a float (4) is arranged in the drainage element (1) through which the second opening (7) can be opened and closed, characterized by, that the float (4) is designed as a cylindrical body, and the working space is designed as a cylindrical body, wherein the float (4) rests fully or partially against the inner walls of the working space, wherein the float (4) has recesses (8) extending from its first end face to its second end face on its outer circumference. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the second opening (7) is formed through a first wall of the housing (2) forming the working space, wherein the float (4) rests against this first wall when the drainage element (1) is closed. [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by , that a sealing element (5) is arranged between the float (4) and the first wall. [4] 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. [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the float (4) has 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 float (4) in the drainage element (1), wherein the forces act on the float (4) essentially on opposite sides, wherein a first force is formed by the pressure acting on the float (4) as a result of the compressed air, and a second force is formed by the buoyancy force of the float (4) on the water. [7] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the drainage element (1) is arranged relative to the pressure line in such a way that the condensate formed in the compressed air system flows into the working space of the drainage element (1) under the influence of gravity. [8] 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 float (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 drainage element (1), c. Building up a force acting on the float (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 float (4) on the condensation water and consequently releasing the second opening (7), e. Drainage of the condensate and consequently reduction of the force acting on the float (4) by the condensate, f. Sinking of the float (4) and finally closing of the second opening (7). [9] Method for draining a compressed air pressure line according to claim 8, characterized by , that by releasing the second opening (7) the condensation flows through it, thereby reducing the force component buoyant the float (4) and the float (4) sinks and finally the second opening (7) is closed again.

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