SEPARATOR WITH REMOVABLE CENTRIFUGE CONTAINER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a separator for separating solids from a wastewater mixture, in particular a dental separator for separating solids from a dental wastewater mixture, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such separators are used, for example, in the dental field and are used to separate the liquid-solid mixture originating from a dental suction device or a cuspidor. The latter can contain, in particular, amalgam particles, which could have a toxic effect in the environment due to the mercury they contain. Therefore, they must be separated from the wastewater mixture and disposed of in a special manner. For example, a separator with its associated suction unit can be assigned to several dentist chairs (e.g., five dentist chairs).

[0003] Such a dental separator is known, for example, from WO 92 / 18062. Here, the solid particles are separated from the liquid using a solid-bowl centrifuge, while the liquid overflowing from the centrifuge flows through a liquid outlet. After each centrifugation phase, the solid particles, along with a residual liquid portion, flow through a solids outlet into a removable sedimentation container located below the centrifuge. The sedimentation container is removed when a certain fill level is reached, typically tightly sealed, and shipped for disposal or recycling.

[0004] A separator of this type is disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,753,253 B2, wherein the air outlet is arranged above an impeller that distributes the wastewater mixture. EP 0 290 745 B1 also discloses a separator of this type.

[0005] EP 0 224 232 B1 and DE 41 02 695 A1 each describe a separator with a sedimentation container and a centrifuge drum, which has several pump vanes on the top side of an upper blocking flange, which press the separated liquid into an outlet nozzle.

[0006] From DE 94 22 058 U1 a separator with a centrifuge drum is known, which comprises a valve arrangement for separating air and liquid.

[0007] EP 0 642 771 A2 discloses a separator with a deflector arranged in a centrifuge drum, through which the introduced wastewater mixture is distributed within the centrifuge drum. Above the deflector is an air discharge pipe through which air is extracted from the centrifuge drum. The solids separated from the wastewater mixture are collected in a separate sedimentation tank.

[0008] Another separator with an impeller arranged in a centrifuge drum and a discharge part arranged above it for sucking off air is known from US 5 693 221 A.

[0009] The present invention now aims to give such a separator a more compact design and to reduce the number of components that come into contact with potentially toxic substances.

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description.

[0011] Accordingly, a separator for separating solids from a mixture of wastewater, in particular dental wastewater, is proposed, i.e., in particular, a dental separator. The separator comprises a housing with a lid and a centrifuge drum rotatably mounted and driven in a centrifuge chamber of the housing. The housing has a mixture inlet for the wastewater mixture to be separated, opening into the centrifuge chamber, and a liquid outlet for liquid separated from the wastewater mixture. A transfer opening is formed between the top of the centrifuge drum and the housing such that, during the centrifugation process, liquid can flow from the centrifuge drum into an outlet chamber connected to the liquid outlet.

[0012] According to the invention, the centrifuge drum is designed such that, after a centrifugation process, solids that sink or separate under the influence of gravity remain in the centrifuge drum. The centrifuge drum can be exposed by opening the housing cover, and the centrifuge drum can be removed from the housing while retaining the solids collected therein.

[0013] The inventive idea is therefore to collect the separated solid particles directly in the centrifuge drum, rather than in a separate container. The separator according to the invention is designed so that the full centrifuge drum can be removed from the housing. This minimizes the number of parts that come into contact with the wastewater mixture or its components. The removed centrifuge drum can then be directly sent for further processing or disposal, for example, by sealing the drum with a lid and shipping it.

[0014] The centrifuge drum is preferably a centrifuge container designed as a solid-bowl centrifuge, which is rotated, in particular, by a motor unit. The centrifuge drum is designed to press the solids contained in the wastewater mixture, such as amalgam particles, against the inner wall due to centrifugal force, while the liquid can flow into the outlet chamber via the transfer opening. This achieves solid-liquid separation. The centrifuge chamber is, in particular, a hollow space formed within the (closed) housing in which the centrifuge drum is rotatably mounted.

[0015] The transfer opening formed above the centrifuge drum can be considered part of the centrifuge chamber, but extends radially outward beyond the preferably substantially cylindrical centrifuge chamber and forms a connection with the outlet chamber. The outlet chamber can be a substantially annular or circumferential chamber from which a connection for the liquid outlet branches off. The outlet chamber can have an inclined or beveled bottom so that the liquid collecting therein flows independently into the liquid outlet. The latter can branch off tangentially from the outlet chamber. The outlet chamber is, in particular, rotationally rigid, as are the centrifuge chamber and the transfer opening.

[0016] The centrifuge drum can be conical, i.e., widens upwards toward the transfer opening to facilitate liquid discharge. Alternatively or additionally, the centrifuge drum can have a retaining device or liquid trap, particularly located in the upper region of the centrifuge drum, which can be designed, for example, as a circumferential, downward-facing web. This prevents solids from escaping from the top of the centrifuge drum during rotation. Only when the liquid layer forming on the inner wall of the centrifuge drum reaches a certain thickness does liquid flow through the liquid trap into the transfer opening, while the solids remain in the centrifuge drum.

[0017] In one embodiment, a plurality (i.e. at least two) of separating blades or separating wings are arranged on the centrifuge drum in the region of the transfer opening, which separating blades are preferably distributed around the circumference and are designed to spin the liquid emerging from the top of the centrifuge drum during the centrifugation process outwards towards the outlet chamber. The separating blades therefore rotate with the centrifuge drum and act as a type of pump that spins the separated liquid, which flows through between the separating blades, outwards. In particular when a negative pressure is used in the centrifuge drum to extract air, the separating blades serve to overcome this negative pressure so that the liquid can reach the outlet chamber. The separating blades are in particular evenly distributed around the circumference.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the separating blades are formed on or attached to a flange which is fixedly or detachably connected to an upper edge of the centrifuge drum and preferably has a curved shape. The flange preferably projects radially outwards at the upper end of the centrifuge drum and is in particular arranged at least partially in a gap formed between the outlet chamber and the centrifuge chamber, which gap forms part of the transfer opening. If the flange is detachably connected to the centrifuge drum, it can be removed, in particular when removing the filled centrifuge drum, and attached to the newly installed centrifuge drum. Alternatively, the flange can also be fixedly connected to the centrifuge drum and removed / shipped together with it.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the flange has a web running in the circumferential direction, which runs in a groove formed between the outlet chamber and the centrifuge chamber, wherein the web and the groove preferably form a labyrinth seal or are part of such a labyrinth seal. The web and the groove are circular, in particular when viewed from above, and run around the centrifuge chamber, which is preferably also circular in plan view. The web rotates with the centrifuge drum and slides in the groove. Part of the outer wall of the centrifuge drum can also be part of the labyrinth seal, as can optionally other sealing elements or webs / grooves. The labyrinth seal achieves optimal sealing at the edge of the, in particular, tangential liquid outflow or liquid outlet on the centrifuge drum.

[0020] In a further embodiment, a sealing element, particularly a circumferential or ring- or band-shaped one, is provided, which hermetically separates the outlet chamber from the mixture inlet and has at least one valve element for liquid-air separation. The at least one valve element is preferably designed to allow the passage of liquid and to prevent or block the passage of air, particularly in combination with a negative pressure prevailing in an interior area or volume sealed by the sealing element. The sealing element enables effective liquid-air separation.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the sealing element is arranged in the region of the transfer opening and hermetically separates the outlet chamber from the centrifuge chamber, wherein the valve element is preferably designed to allow the passage of liquid emerging from the centrifuge drum during the centrifugation process into the outlet chamber. The liquid is thereby thrown against the sealing element, in particular by means of the aforementioned separating blades that rotate with the centrifuge drum. In particular, the valve element prevents the passage of air in combination with a negative pressure prevailing in the centrifuge drum. The sealing element extends, in particular, in a ring shape around the centrifuge chamber or drum.

[0022] In the internal volume sealed by the sealing element, which here includes the interior of the centrifuge drum and preferably at least part of the transfer opening, a negative pressure can be generated via an air intake device, which can be connected to the centrifuge chamber via an air outlet. The sealing element is designed so that no air can penetrate from the outside. The separation of solids takes place within the volume in which the negative pressure prevails.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the sealing element is arranged in the region of a mixture distributor that is rotatably mounted within the centrifuge drum and, in particular, can be driven in rotation, and that airtightly separates the outlet chamber from the mixture distributor. Preferably, the valve element is designed to allow the passage of liquid emerging from the mixture distributor during the centrifugation process. The mixture distributor can be designed as an impeller with a plurality of separating blades that propel the wastewater mixture entering the housing from the mixture inlet outwards and against the sealing element. In this case, the sealing element is arranged within the centrifuge drum and, in particular, extends in a ring shape around the mixture distributor.

[0024] In the internal volume sealed by the sealing element, which in this alternative case includes the mouth area of ​​the mixture inlet and the mixture distributor, a negative pressure can be generated via an air intake device, which can be connected to the centrifuge chamber via an air outlet. The sealing element is designed to prevent air from entering from the outside. The separation of solids takes place outside the volume where the negative pressure prevails.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the sealing element is made, at least in sections, of an elastic material, in particular rubber, wherein the valve units are formed by valve flaps or valve-flap-like openings that can be reversibly deflected outward by the passing liquid and are preferably formed integrally in the elastic material. In the simplest case, the valve flaps are formed by incisions in the elastic material. They are bent outward by the liquid propelled against the sealing element (either by the separating blades at the upper edge of the centrifuge drum or by the mixture distributor), allowing liquid to pass through.Due to the restoring force of the elastic material, the valve flaps automatically close and seal without the internal pressure of the fluid, especially against any negative pressure prevailing inside, thus creating an airtight seal. The entire sealing element can be made of the elastic material, for example, in the form of a rubber ring, or only individual areas, such as the valve flaps, can be made of the elastic material.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the sealing element rests against a separating web arranged in the region of the transfer opening, which is arranged between the sealing element and the centrifuge chamber and in which passage openings assigned to a valve flap are formed. The separating web therefore also has a plurality (i.e. at least two) openings or windows. The separating web can be formed integrally with the housing, in particular the housing cover, or can represent a separate component which is mounted or mounted in / on the housing. The separating web can simultaneously serve to fix the sealing element, for example by being arranged on the housing cover and clamping part of the sealing element, for example a circumferential fastening lip, when the cover is closed.Preferably, the openings are smaller than the valve flaps so that the latter do not open inward and thus allow air to flow in from outside. Thus, when there is a negative pressure inside and no liquid pushing outward, the valve flaps are pressed against the separating web from the outside, creating an airtight seal between the interior and the outlet chamber.

[0027] Alternatively, it can be provided that the sealing element rests on the outside of a distributor housing enclosing the mixture distributor, which, as described above, has corresponding through-openings.

[0028] According to the invention, the housing has an air outlet opening into the centrifuge chamber, through which air can be extracted from the centrifuge drum and / or the transfer opening, for example by means of an air intake device connected to the air outlet, and which is preferably arranged centrally above the centrifuge drum and / or in the region of the mixture inlet. This enables the separation of solids, liquid, and air in a three-phase wastewater mixture.

[0029] According to the invention, a mixture distributor is rotatably mounted and rotationally driven within the centrifuge drum. The mixture distributor is designed to distribute the wastewater mixture emerging from the mixture inlet within the centrifuge drum and / or to spin it against its inner wall. The mixture distributor is preferably rotationally driven together with the centrifuge drum. The mixture distributor can also be removed for removal of the centrifuge drum. The mixture distributor can be made of a plastic.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the mixture distributor is designed as an impeller with a plurality of, in particular, curved separating blades or vanes, which preferably has a conical shape when viewed from the side, which widens particularly downwards towards the bottom of the centrifuge drum. In plan view, the impeller preferably has a round shape.

[0031] According to the invention, the mixture distributor comprises at least one continuous air duct and is arranged in the region of the opening of the air outlet such that the air sucked in from the centrifuge drum flows through the at least one air duct into the air outlet, wherein the at least one air duct preferably runs essentially parallel to the axis of rotation of the mixture distributor. A plurality of air ducts can be provided, which, for example, run at least partially between a plurality of separating blades. The separating blades can therefore serve, on the one hand, to distribute the wastewater mixture and, on the other hand, to suck in air. Alternatively or additionally, air ducts specifically provided for air extraction can be formed. The mixture distributor can be arranged directly on / in the air outlet.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the mixture distributor is at least partially surrounded by a distributor housing which is rotationally rigidly connected to the housing and is connected to the air outlet and / or the mixture inlet. The distributor housing is preferably directly adjacent to the air outlet and / or the mixture inlet and preferably has a conical shape which in particular follows the outer contour of the mixture distributor. The air outlet can be arranged centrally and the mixture inlet around the air outlet. As a result, the wastewater mixture is guided to the outer region of the mixture distributor, on which several separating blades are located, while the air from the interior of the centrifuge drum is sucked in via the inner / central region of the mixture distributor. The distributor housing is preferably open towards the bottom of the centrifuge drum, but can also be designed differently and, for example, have lateral openings.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the centrifuge drum and the mixture distributor are rotatably driven via a common shaft mounted rotatably in the housing, which shaft preferably extends through a recess formed in the base of the centrifuge drum. The shaft is preferably driven by a motor. Furthermore, the shaft is preferably guided through a recess in the housing and, in particular, is sealed against it. The mixture distributor can be connected to the shaft by a detachable connection, for example, via at least one screw, and can be separated or removed from the shaft for disassembly of the centrifuge drum.

[0034] In a further embodiment, a drum lid is provided, by means of which the centrifuge drum, once removed from the housing, can be closed, in particular sealed gas- and / or liquid-tight. After the centrifuge drum filled with separated solids has been removed from the housing, the drum lid provided is placed on the centrifuge drum and, for example, screwed tight (other fastening methods are of course also conceivable), so that the solids are safely stored in the centrifuge drum and the closed and sealed centrifuge drum can be shipped or transported for disposal.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the mixture inlet, the outlet chamber, the centrifuge chamber, the centrifuge drum, the housing cover, and / or the mixture distributor are arranged coaxially with one another. For the outlet chamber, this means, for example, that it can encircle the centrifuge chamber in a ring shape, with the geometric center of the circular chamber lying on the rotational axis of the centrifuge drum. This results in a compact design of the separator according to the invention.

[0036] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiment explained below with reference to the figures. They show: Figure 1: a side sectional view of the separator according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment; Figure 2: the separator according to Figure 1 in a perspective view; Figure 3: Upper and lower part of the separator according to Figure 2in a perspective view; Figure 4: a side sectional view of the lower part; Figure 5: a perspective exploded view of the lower part; and Figure 6: a perspective exploded view of the upper part.

[0037] The Figure 1 shows a central section through an embodiment of the separator 10 according to the invention in a side view. A perspective view of the entire separator 10 from the outside is shown in the Figure 2 As in the Figure 3 As shown, the separator 10 is divisible into two assemblies: a lower part 101 and an upper part 102. The Figures 4 and 5 show a side sectional view and an exploded view through the lower part 101, while an exploded view of the upper part 102 in the Figure 6 is shown.

[0038] The terms "top" and "bottom" used herein refer to the case where the separator 10 is placed on a flat surface or is in a flat installation position and is therefore oriented as shown in the Figure 1 is shown.

[0039] The separator 10 according to the invention has a housing 12 within which a substantially cylindrical centrifuge chamber 16 is formed. Located in the centrifuge chamber 16 is a centrifuge drum 18 (also referred to as a centrifuge container) designed as an upwardly open solid-bowl centrifuge. The centrifuge drum 18 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a shaft 42 that is rotatably mounted in the housing 12 and can be driven in rotation by a motor unit (not shown in detail here), wherein the shaft 42 is guided through the housing 12 from below. The upper part of the housing 12 forms a cover 14 that is connected to a lower housing part via several screws and is thus removable. The sealing between the lower housing part and the cover 14 is achieved by a sealing element 56 designed as an O-ring (see Figures 1 and 6 ).

[0040] Within the centrifuge drum 18 is a mixture distributor 36, which consists of an impeller with a plurality of curved separating blades 37 and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft 42. Thus, the centrifuge drum 18 and the impeller 36 rotate together with the shaft 42. Above the impeller 36 is a mixture inlet 20, through which the wastewater mixture to be separated, which is in particular a dental wastewater mixture, is introduced centrally from above into the centrifuge drum 18. The mixture inlet 20 opens into a distributor housing 40, which is rotationally fixedly attached to the cover 14, is open towards the bottom of the centrifuge drum 18 and surrounds the rotatable impeller 36. Both the impeller 36 and the distributor housing 40 have a downwardly widening and essentially conical shape when viewed from the side, wherein the inner contour of the distributor housing 40 follows the outer contour of the impeller 36.

[0041] As shown in the exploded view of the Figure 5As can be clearly seen, the impeller has a plurality of separating blades or wings 37 that are evenly distributed around the circumference, extend radially from the axis of rotation and are laterally curved. Above the separating blades 37 there is a conical area 39 that runs within a correspondingly shaped inner wall 41 of the distributor housing 40. The inner wall 41 does not extend to the lower end of the distributor housing 40 and forms a circumferential gap with the outer wall of the distributor housing 40, which gap is connected to the mixture inlet 20. During the centrifugation process (i.e. when the impeller 36 and the centrifuge drum 18 are rotating), the incoming wastewater mixture flows from above out of the mixture inlet 20 into the gap between the inner wall 41 and the outer wall of the distributor housing 40 and then through the spaces formed between the separating blades 37 (cf. the dashed arrow A in the Figure 1). Since the impeller 36 rotates rapidly, the wastewater mixture is distributed and thrown downwards / outwards against the inner wall of the centrifuge drum 18.

[0042] Above the impeller 36 there is also an air outlet 21, which is surrounded by the mixture inlet 20 and also opens into the distributor housing 40. By means of an air intake device (not shown here), air can be sucked out of the interior of the housing 12, i.e., from the centrifuge chamber 16 or the interior of the centrifuge drum 18, via the air outlet 21 and thus separated from the wastewater mixture. The air outlet 21 is connected to the inner wall 41, so that the air is sucked out via air ducts 38 running within the inner wall 41 (see the dashed arrow L in the Figure 1). These air channels 38 are formed by spaces between separating vanes 37, which extend from the inside to the outside below the conical area 39. The rotation of the impeller 36 and the separation of the area of ​​the inner air discharge L from the area of ​​the outer wastewater mixture flow A by means of the inner wall 41 of the distributor housing 40 prevent liquid from being sucked into the air outlet 21. As shown in the Figure 2 As can be seen, the mixture inlet 20 and the air outlet 21 have side connections to which hoses, for example, can be connected.

[0043] During the centrifugation process, the wastewater mixture distributed in the centrifuge drum 18 by the impeller 36 is pressed against the inner wall of the centrifuge drum 18 due to centrifugal force. The solid components or solid particles of the wastewater mixture remain on the inner wall, while the liquid exits the top of the centrifuge drum 18 and flows through a transfer opening 24 into an outlet chamber 26 surrounding the centrifuge chamber 16. The outlet chamber 26 is connected to a tangential liquid outlet 22 (see FIG. Figure 2), whereby the liquid collecting in the outlet chamber 26 flows into the liquid outlet 22 due to a sloped bottom. A suitable hose can be connected to this outlet. After each centrifugation process, the solid particles fall downward due to gravity (and the centrifugal force no longer acting) and collect at the bottom of the centrifuge drum 18. Overall, a three-phase separation of the wastewater mixture flowing in centrally from above takes place by means of the centrifuge.

[0044] As particularly in the Figures 4 and 5As can be clearly seen, there is a flange 28 on the top side of the centrifuge drum 18, which has a plurality of separating blades or vanes 29 that are evenly distributed around the circumference and are curved or bent to the side. The flange 28 projects radially inward and ends with a downward-facing, circumferential web that forms a liquid trap 31. The liquid trap 31 ensures that the solid particles pressed against the inner wall of the centrifuge drum 18 do not escape from the top of the centrifuge drum 18 (with a small amount of liquid). Only when a sufficiently thick liquid film has formed on the inner wall of the centrifuge drum 18, which extends beyond the width of the liquid trap 31, does liquid escape from the top of the centrifuge drum 18. The solid particles located at the very outside therefore always remain in the centrifuge drum 18.

[0045] The flange 28 also projects radially outwards from the top side of the centrifuge drum 18 and has there a downwardly pointing, circumferential web 30 which runs within an upwardly open, likewise circumferential groove 32 of the housing 12 (cf. Figure 4 The wall of the centrifuge drum 18, the web 30, and the groove 32 form a labyrinth seal that seals the centrifuge drum 18 against the housing 12 or the outlet chamber 26. Additional sealing elements can be provided here to further enhance the sealing effect.

[0046] A small gap remains between the top of the flange 28 and the housing cover 14, which is part of a transfer opening 24 that continues as a gap surrounding the centrifuge chamber to the outlet chamber 26. The separating blades 29 of the flange 28 move within this gap 24. Due to the rotation of the flange 28 together with the centrifuge drum 18, the liquid emerging from the top of the centrifuge drum 18 is forced between the separating blades 29 and propelled outwardly by them toward the outlet chamber 26.

[0047] Between the centrifuge chamber 16 and the outlet chamber 26 there is a band-shaped or ring-shaped sealing element 50, which is arranged at the outlet chamber-side end of the transfer opening 24. The sealing element 50, which is in the Figure 6As can be clearly seen, in this embodiment it is made of rubber and has a plurality of rectangular valve flaps 52 evenly distributed around the circumference, which are formed by (square) U-shaped cuts in the rubber. The upper edge of the sealing element 50 sits in a downwardly open, circumferential groove 54 in the housing cover 14, while the lower edge has a hook-shaped fastening lip bent toward the centrifuge drum 18.

[0048] A circumferential separating web 34 connected to the housing cover 14 is arranged between the sealing element 50 and the flange 28 and rests against the inside of the sealing element 50. The separating web 34 engages in the fastening lip of the sealing element 50 and clamps it in the housing 12. The sealing element 50 is thus fixed in the housing 12 via the separating web 34. Furthermore, the separating web 34 has a plurality of openings or windows evenly distributed around the circumference, each window being assigned to a valve flap 52. The windows are in particular rectangular and smaller than the valve flap-like openings or valve flaps 52 and are formed in sections in the Figure 6 to recognize.

[0049] Because the air is sucked out of the interior of the housing 12 via the air outlet 21, a negative pressure exists in the internal volume located within the sealing element 50. This negative pressure presses the valve flaps 52 from the outside against the separating web 34, so that the passage openings or windows formed therein are hermetically sealed. During the centrifugation process, the liquid separated from the wastewater mixture is propelled from the inside against the valve flaps 52 by the separating blades 29 of the flange 28. The separating blades 29 thus function as a type of auxiliary pump, allowing the separated liquid to overcome the negative pressure and reach the outlet chamber 26.

[0050] Due to their elasticity, the pressure of the fluid causes the valve flaps 52 to bend outward toward the outlet chamber 26, allowing the fluid to pass from the transfer opening 24 into the outlet chamber 26. However, no air can escape to the outside or enter from the outside, because the restoring force of the rubber causes the valve flaps 52 to immediately close again against the negative pressure as soon as the fluid no longer presses against them from the inside. As the fluid passes through, it seals even the open valve flaps 52 airtight. The sealing element 50 thus enables simple, effective, and cost-effective fluid-air separation.

[0051] The housing cover 14 can be removed from the lower part of the housing 12, thereby exposing the centrifuge drum 18 and the impeller 36 mounted therein. As shown in the Figure 3As can be seen, the separating web 34, the sealing element 50 and the valve housing 40 are attached to the cover 14. Before the centrifuge drum 18 can be removed, the impeller 36, which is attached to the shaft 42 by means of a screw 44 (see Figures 3 and 4). The screw 44 is covered by a cover cap 46 and enables simple and quick removal of the impeller 36 from the centrifuge drum 18. The centrifuge drum 18 can then be removed from the housing 12 and closed by means of a drum cover (not shown here). Furthermore, the flange 28 is removed from the centrifuge drum 18 and can, for example, be placed on a newly inserted centrifuge drum 18. However, an embodiment is also conceivable in which the flange 28 is firmly connected to the centrifuge drum 18 and is shipped together with it. In order to be able to place the removed centrifuge drum 18 on a stable base, it has a support foot 19 on the underside in the form of a circumferential web.

[0052] In the separator 10 according to the invention, the solids separated from the wastewater mixture are therefore not collected in a separate collection or sedimentation tank, but rather collect within the centrifuge drum 18 after separation. When a certain fill level is reached (which can be determined, for example, by means of a sensor device), the centrifuge drum 18 is removed from the housing 12 and closed as described above, so that it can be sent for further processing or disposal. In contrast to conventional systems, in the separator 10 according to the invention, the body of the separation device itself serves to collect and dispose of the separated solid particles. With the three-phase separation system shown here, high volume flows can also be processed, for example, volume flows of up to 20 l / min. By dimensioning the device accordingly, high degrees of separation can be achieved.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the sealing element 50 is not arranged between the outlet chamber 26 and the centrifuge drum 18 as described above, but is located on the outside of the distributor housing 40 (or on a component connected to the distributor housing 40). In this case, the negative pressure generated by the air extraction device exists only within the distributor housing 40, which, in contrast to the previously described embodiment, is closed at the bottom. The separation of the solid components of the wastewater mixture from the liquid phase takes place outside the volume hermetically sealed by the sealing element 50, i.e., outside the area of ​​the negative pressure.In this embodiment, the deflection of the valve flaps 52, which allow the wastewater mixture (i.e., the liquid-solid phase) to pass through, is achieved by the impeller 36 rotating within the sealing element 50, which propels the wastewater mixture against the valve flaps 52. As described above, the restoring force of the valve flaps 52 prevents air from outside the sealing element 50 from entering the interior of the distributor housing 40 or the air outlet 21.

[0054] In this alternative embodiment, separating blades 29 rotating with the centrifuge drum 18, which spin the liquid toward the outlet chamber 26, are not necessarily required. Thus, the liquid separated from the solid particles can exit directly from the top of the centrifuge drum 18 and enter the outlet chamber 26 via the transfer opening 24. List of reference symbols:

[0055] 10Separator 12Housing 14Cover 16Centrifuge chamber 18Centrifuge drum 19Support foot 20Mixture inlet 21Air outlet 22Liquid outlet 24Transfer opening 26Outlet chamber 28Flange 29Separation vane 30Bridge 31Liquid trap 32Groove 34Separation vane 36Mixture distributor (impeller) 37Separation vane 38Air duct 39Conical area 40Distributor housing 41Inner wall 42Shaft 44Screw 46Cover cap 50Sealing element 52Valve unit (valve flap) 54Groove 56Sealing element 101Lower part 102Upper part AWastewater mixture flow direction FAir flow direction

Claims

1. Separator (10) for separating solids from a wastewater mixture, in particular a dental wastewater mixture, comprising a housing (12) having a cover (14) and a centrifuge drum (18) rotatably mounted in a centrifuge chamber (16) of the housing (12) and rotationally drivable, wherein: - the housing (12) has a mixture inlet (20) opening into the centrifuge chamber (16) for the wastewater mixture to be separated and a liquid outlet (22) for liquid separated from the wastewater mixture, - an overflow opening (24) is formed between the upper side of the centrifuge drum (18) and the housing (12) such that liquid from the centrifuge drum (18) can move from the centrifuge drum (18) into an outlet chamber (26) connected to the liquid outlet (22) during the centrifuging process, - the housing (12) has an air outlet (21) that opens into the centrifuge chamber (16), through which air can be sucked from the region of the mixture inlet (20), the centrifuge drum (18), and / or the overflow opening (24), - a mixture distributor (36) is rotatably supported within the centrifuge drum (18) and is rotationally drivable, and - the mixture distributor (36) is configured to distribute the wastewater mixture exiting the mixture inlet (20) in the centrifuge drum (18) and / or to hurl it toward its inner wall, characterized in that - the mixture distributor (36) comprises at least one continuous air channel (38) and is arranged in the region of the opening of the air outlet (21) such that the air sucked in from the centrifuge drum (18) flows through the at least one air channel (38) into the air outlet (21), and - the centrifuge drum (18) is configured such that after a centrifuging process, solids sinking under the effect of gravity remain in the centrifuge drum (18), with the centrifuge drum (18) being able to be exposed by opening the cover (14) and being removable from the housing (12) with the collected solids remaining therein.

2. Separator (10) in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of separating blades (29) are arranged in the region of the overflow opening (24), preferably distributed over the periphery at the centrifuge drum (18), which are configured to hurl the liquid exiting the centrifuge drum (18) at the top during the centrifuging process outwardly in the direction of the outlet chamber (26).

3. Separator (10) in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the separating blades (29) are formed or attached at a flange (28) fixedly or releasably connected to an upper margin of the centrifuge drum (18) and that preferably have a swept form.

4. Separator (10) in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the flange (28) has a web (30) that runs around in the peripheral direction and that runs in a groove (32) formed between the outlet chamber (26) and the centrifuge chamber (16), with the web (30) and the groove (32) preferably forming a labyrinth seal or being a part of such.

5. Separator (10) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sealing element, in particular a peripheral sealing element (50), is provided that separates the outlet chamber (26) from the mixture inlet (20) in an airtight manner and has at least one valve element (52) for the liquid / air separation, with the valve element (52) preferably being configured to permit a passage of liquid and to prevent a passage of air, in particular in combination with a vacuum present in an inner region sealed by the sealing element (50).

6. Separator (10) in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that the sealing element (50) is arranged in the region of the overflow opening (24) and separates the outlet chamber (26) from the centrifuge chamber (16) in an airtight manner; or in that the sealing element (50) is arranged in the region of a mixture distributor (36) rotatably mounted within the centrifuge drum (18) and separates the outlet chamber (26) from the mixture distributor (36) in an airtight manner, with the valve element (52) preferably being configured to permit a passage of liquid exiting the centrifuge drum (18) or the mixture distributor (36) during the centrifuging process.

7. Separator (10) in accordance with claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the sealing element (50) is produced at least sectionally from an elastic material, in particular rubber, with the valve units (52) being formed by valve flaps that can be reversibly outwardly deflected by the liquid passing through and that are preferably formed in one piece in the elastic material.

8. Separator (10) in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that the sealing element contacts a separating web (34) arranged in the region of the overflow opening (24) between the sealing element (50) and the centrifuge chamber (16) or a distributor housing (40) that surrounds the mixture distributor (36) and in which passage openings associated with a respective valve flap (52) are formed, with the passage openings preferably being smaller than the valve flaps (52).

9. Separator (10) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air outlet (21) is arranged centrally above the centrifuge drum (18) and / or in the region of the mixture inlet (20).

10. Separator (10) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixture distributor (36) is rotationally drivable together with the centrifuge drum (18).

11. Separator (10) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixture distributor (36) is configured as an impeller having a plurality of separating blades, in particular swept separating blades (37), said impeller preferably having a conical form viewed from the side.

12. Separator (10) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one air channel (38) preferably extends in parallel with the axis of rotation of the mixture distributor (36).

13. Separator (10) in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that the mixture distributor (36) is at least partially surrounded by a distributor housing (40) that is rotationally rigidly connected to the housing (12) and that is connected to the air outlet (21) and / or the mixture inlet (20) and is preferably open toward the base of the centrifuge drum (18).

14. Separator (10) in accordance with one of the claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the centrifuge drum (18) and the mixture distributor (36) are rotationally drivable via a common shaft (42) rotatably mounted in the housing (12) preferably led through a cutout formed in the base of the centrifuge drum (18).

15. Separator (10) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drum cover is provided by means of which the centrifuge drum (18) removed from the housing (12) can be closed, in particular closed in a gastight and / or liquid tight manner.