Rotary vane assembly and method for monitoring the wear of a vane in such an assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotary slide assembly and to a method for monitoring the wear of one or more slides (7) in a rotary slide assembly (1), comprising a rotary slide rotor (5) and one or more slide receiving areas (6) for the slide(s) (7) in the rotary slide rotor (5). The wear state of the one or more slides (7) is detected during the operation or during a standstill of the rotary slide assembly (1). For this purpose, the slide(s) (7) or one or more corresponding slide receiving areas (6) in interaction with the one or more slides (7) are used to generate or request an electric or electronic signal.

Description

field of technology

[0001] The invention relates to a method for monitoring the wear of one or more slides in a rotary valve unit according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a rotary valve unit according to the features of the preamble of claim 6. State of the art

[0003] A rotary vane unit is known, for example, from DE 103 30 541 A1. This typically involves a rotary vane vacuum pump or a rotary vane compressor with a housing forming a rotary vane chamber. The rotary vane chamber is preferably designed in the form of a cylindrical bore. The rotary vane rotor is typically cylindrical, with vanes that are slidably arranged in slots in the rotor as vane receptacles. The slots in the rotor can be aligned strictly radially with respect to a cross-section transverse to the rotor's rotational axis, or they can run at an acute angle to a radial.

[0004] During operation, the rotary vane rotor rotates radially offset from a central axis of the rotary vane chamber. This creates closed chambers separated by the essentially radially movable vanes, whose size changes during one revolution of the rotor. This change in size results in pressure differences between the individual chambers and thus between the inlet and outlet sides of the pump.

[0005] As the rotor rotates, the vanes slide along the wall with their free edge areas facing the vane chamber wall. This results in wear on the vanes to a known extent. Exceeding the vane wear limit can lead to a loss of pumping performance.

[0006] In this context, methods are known to monitor the slides with regard to reaching a wear limit.

[0007] According to US 6 565 337 B2, a viewing window can be provided through which a slider in the slider holder can be optically detected.

[0008] According to FR 2 985 553 A1, it is also possible to check the valve length in the direction of displacement using a measuring rod. Such a measurement is only possible when the rotary valve unit is at a standstill.

[0009] According to US Pat. No. 6,877,966 B2, for example, the slide valve can have a stop so that, in the event of wear, the slide valve no longer fully contacts the wall over the entire circumference of the slide chamber wall. The resulting loss of negative or positive pressure, and possibly also of power, is used as a measure of wear.

[0010] In addition, a wear detection system is known from US 3 301 194, in which protruding areas, for example pins, are formed on the slides, which come to a stop in the event of corresponding wear and cause a significant noise.

[0011] Furthermore, it is known from US 2004 / 0 136 852 A1 that in a rotary valve unit, a slide, with the aid of a projection formed on the slide, actuates a switch arranged in the slide receptacle when a certain wear condition is reached.

[0012] DE 40 35 463 A1 provides a sensor for a rotary valve unit which detects any jamming of a valve in a valve seat.

[0013] RU 2 371 585 C2 discloses a rotary valve assembly in which a metal pin is arranged in the valve and a position sensor is provided in the housing. When the metal pin is aligned with the position sensor due to increasing wear, a light signal can be generated.

[0014] From US 2002 / 0 098 099 A1 a rotary slide valve unit is known in which, after removing a cover, visual access to a measuring opening is provided and by visual inspection it can be determined whether an edge of the slide is visible in the measuring opening, and if so at which end of the measuring opening, in order to determine wear. Summary of the invention

[0015] Based on the prior art described above, the invention addresses the problem of providing a method for monitoring the wear of one or more valves in a rotary valve assembly that allows for advantageous monitoring. Furthermore, the problem is also solved by providing an advantageous rotary valve assembly with regard to wear monitoring.

[0016] This object is achieved with regard to the method in the subject matter of claim 1, wherein a signal is continuously generated by means of a light barrier, which signal indicates a wear condition of the slider(s).

[0017] With such a design, the wear status can be recorded and, if necessary, queried even during operation of the rotary valve unit. Furthermore, it is also possible to use such a procedure to generate or query an electrical or electronic signal even or only when such a rotary valve unit is at a standstill.

[0018] With regard to the rotary slide valve unit, the object is initially achieved in the subject matter of claim 6. This is based on the fact that the slides are accommodated in slot-shaped slide receptacles which extend over an entire axial length of the rotor and that a light barrier with a light transmitter and a light receiver is provided, wherein the light barrier is arranged in such a way that before a wear limit is reached, this is interrupted by the slide located in the receptacle and when the wear limit is reached, the emitted light beam can reach the light receiver through the resulting free space in the slide receptacle.

[0019] One or more slides themselves or one or more slide receptacles can be used in their interaction with the one or more slides to generate a queryable electrical or electronic signal for detecting a wear condition of the slide(s).

[0020] It is particularly preferred that the wear condition of the valve(s) be detected during operation of the rotary valve assembly. Furthermore, a design for detecting the wear condition of the valve(s) only or also during a standstill of the rotary valve assembly is also possible. In the latter case, however, this is particularly advantageous in that no disassembly of the rotary valve assembly is required, but rather the wear condition can be detected, if possible, without mechanical intervention in the rotary valve assembly.

[0021] Advantageously, a signal indicating the wear status of the valve(s) can be generated, if necessary continuously and preferably during operation of the rotary valve unit, but also when the rotary valve unit is at a standstill. The signal can initially be stored and thus made available for querying at a later time if necessary. However, the signal can also be continuously recorded and evaluated by an evaluation unit. The valve(s) can be monitored so that the reaching of a wear limit, at which point the valve should preferably be replaced, can be detected and determined early or immediately. The signal can be generated electrically or electronically.

[0022] The signal generation and also signal query can be carried out without further mechanical intervention, in particular without dismantling the rotary valve unit.

[0023] The aforementioned configurations may initially apply to only one valve of a rotary valve assembly. However, they may also apply to multiple valves of a rotary valve assembly, or even to all valves of a rotary valve assembly.

[0024] For example, the detection of a relative position of the slide in the slide mount can, as further preferred, be carried out, particularly during ongoing operation of the pump, in a predetermined rotational angle position of the rotor. According to one possible embodiment, in this rotational angle position, one, several, or each slide of the rotor can be detected by sensors, and the generated value can be evaluated. Furthermore, such detection can also be carried out independently of the rotational angle position and / or the displacement position of the slide relative to the slide mount.

[0025] In one possible embodiment, the slide can be monitored directly and independently, for example, by immediately detecting when a slide wear limit is reached. Alternatively, or in combination with this, the slide mount can also be monitored to determine the position, particularly the maximum extended position, the slide is or can be in relative to the slide mount.

[0026] Depending on whether the slide wear limit has been reached or not, and possibly also on repeated measurements at each intermediate value, a signal can be generated immediately, which can also trigger an action. In a further embodiment, such a signal can also be generated only upon a corresponding query regarding the slide wear status.

[0027] It is preferable that the unit does not need to be taken out of operation to check for slide wear.

[0028] According to a further development, the recorded value can be compared with a target value, whereby a signal is triggered if the target value is undershot or exceeded. The value recorded by the sensor can be evaluated directly in the rotary valve unit. Alternatively, the recorded value can also be transmitted to an evaluation or comparison unit outside the rotary valve unit, for example via transmission or, for example, via radio. The evaluation and comparison unit can be part of a computer system, possibly one external to the unit. Alternatively, such an evaluation and comparison unit can also be directly part of the unit. The value can also be recorded and subsequently evaluated via such a remote query.

[0029] The comparison of the recorded value with a specified target value, preferably carried out immediately in time, can trigger a signal, which can then trigger an action. For example, depending on the sensor's detection method, if the target value is exceeded or undershot, a visual indicator can be triggered directly on or near the rotary valve unit. Such a visual indicator can, in its simplest form, be a light indicator, such as a red warning light. Such a visual indicator can also change, for example, in terms of light intensity and / or color, when the target value is exceeded or undershot, for example from green to red.

[0030] Furthermore, such an optical display can be displayed alternatively or in combination with the above-described in an area remote from the unit, and also as an optical display on a screen, if necessary of the system carrying out the evaluation and / or comparison.

[0031] The signal can also be used alternatively or in combination with an optical display to generate a warning tone and / or to switch off the rotary valve unit and / or to send a message, for example a text or voice message.

[0032] The value detected by the sensor can be a continuous measurement of the valve's distance, i.e., recorded at every revolution or every xth revolution of the rotary vane rotor. Such a measurement can occur, for example, at every second or every third revolution, up to every fifth or tenth revolution of the rotary vane rotor in a specific angular position.

[0033] The measured value is a continuously recorded state of at least two states. This allows a continuous comparison to be made as to whether the setpoint has been reached or not. If the setpoint is reached, a predetermined action can be taken or a signal generated.

[0034] A sensor can be provided that detects the position of the slide in the slide mount at a specific angular position of the rotary vane rotor. This sensor can be an electronic or electrical sensor, as is preferred.

[0035] With increasing wear, the rotor-side end of the slide gradually migrates outwards, especially radially outwards.

[0036] The movement of the slide relative to the rotary valve chamber wall and / or relative to the rotary valve receptacle can be used to generate electrical energy. A coil can also be provided in the slide, which can generate an induced voltage and a current flow through the rotary and / or linear movement of the slide with magnets fixed to the housing, for example, arranged in the rotary valve chamber wall and / or in the receptacle.

[0037] The slot-shaped slide receptacles preferably extend over the entire axial length of the rotor. This configuration can be used in a further embodiment to provide a light barrier with a light transmitter and a light receiver. The light barrier can be arranged such that, before a wear limit is reached, it is interrupted by the slide located in the receptacle. Upon reaching the wear limit, the emitted light beam can reach the light receiver through the resulting free space in the slide receptacle. Short description of the drawings

[0038] The invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which, however, only represent exemplary embodiments. A part that is explained only with reference to one of the exemplary embodiments and is not replaced by another part in another embodiment due to the special feature highlighted therein is thus also described for this further embodiment as a possible part present at any rate. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a rotary valve unit; Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a rotary valve chamber of the rotary valve unit, with a rotary valve rotor and slides accommodated in slide receptacles, as well as a sensor for detecting the slide position; Fig. 3 shows the schematic front view of Figure 2 ; Fig. 4 the enlargement of area IV in Figure 3 ; Fig. 5one of the Figure 4corresponding representation, but relating to a sensor-detected slide wear position; Fig. 6 a schematic cross-sectional representation through the rotary valve chamber with rotary valve rotor and slides, relating to a second embodiment with regard to the arrangement and design of the sensors, not an embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 7 the enlargement of area VII in Figure 6 ; Fig. 8one of the Figure 7 corresponding illustration, however, relating to a sensor-detected slide wear position, not an embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 9 a diagram illustrating the detected sensor values in comparison to a target value; Fig. 10 an enlarged detailed sectional view according to Figure 7 , but concerning a third embodiment, not an embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 11 one of the Figure 10corresponding illustration, but concerning a slide wear position, no embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 12 a diagram according to Figure 9 , concerning the embodiment according to the Figures 10 and 11 , no embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 13 one of the Figures 10 substantially corresponding representation, relating to a further embodiment, not an embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 14 in a further embodiment, a representation according to Figure 10, not an embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 15 a further Figure 10 corresponding representation, concerning an alternative embodiment, not an embodiment according to the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0039] Shown and described is, firstly, with reference to Figure 1, a rotary valve unit 1 with a rotary valve device 2, essentially comprising a housing 3 and a rotary valve chamber 4, in which a rotary valve rotor 5 is arranged to be rotatable about a geometric rotor axis x.

[0040] The rotary vane rotor 5 has vane receptacles 6 which are aligned radially or secant-like with respect to the rotor axis x and are evenly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction of the rotary vane rotor 5, in which vanes 7 are arranged so as to be movable in the radial or secant direction.

[0041] Furthermore, a sensor S is provided for detecting the slide position in the slide holder 6 in a specific rotational angle position of the rotary slide rotor 5.

[0042] The cylindrical rotary vane rotor 5 is arranged eccentrically relative to the rotary vane chamber 4. Accordingly, the rotor axis x runs parallel but offset from the central axis of the rotary vane chamber 4.

[0043] According to the illustrated embodiments, the rotary vane rotor 5 can have several, here for example three, vanes 7 with a corresponding number of vane receptacles 6. The vane receptacles 6 are open at the edge to the circumferential surface of the rotary vane rotor 5, so that the vanes 7 can protrude substantially radially outward over the circumferential surface 8 of the rotary vane rotor 5.

[0044] The slides 7 can be pressed against the rotary valve chamber wall 9 delimiting the rotary valve chamber 4 during operation of the rotary valve unit 1 solely by the rotation of the rotary valve rotor 5 due to centrifugal force.

[0045] During operation of the rotary vane unit 1, the rotary vane rotor 5 rotates radially offset from the center axis of the rotary vane chamber 4. Therefore, it is preferably driven by a motor, particularly an electric motor, that rotates on the rotor shaft. This creates closed chambers 10 separated by the radially displaceable vanes 7, whose size changes during one rotation of the rotary vane rotor 5.

[0046] The rotary valve chamber 4 is preferably closed at each end with respect to its longitudinal axis, for example by a rotary valve side cover 11 (see, for example, schematic representation in Figure 2 ).

[0047] The change in size of the chambers 10 during operation of the rotary vane unit 1 results in pressure differences between the individual chambers 10 and thus between the inlet side 12 and the outlet side 13 of the blower thus formed.

[0048] During operation of the rotary valve unit 1, the slides 7, with their slide end 14 facing away from the rotary valve rotor 5, rub against the rotary valve chamber wall 9, which leads to gradual wear of the slides 7 during operation. Accordingly, such wear may result in a reduction in the length a of the slides 7, viewed in the displacement direction r of the slides 7.

[0049] When a predetermined wear limit is reached, it is preferable to replace the affected slide 7 or all slides 7 of the rotary vane rotor 5. Continued use of the slides 7 beyond the wear limit can lead to pressure losses and, possibly, damage to the rotary vane device 2.

[0050] According to the invention, the wear condition of the slide 7 is detected during operation of the rotary slide unit 1, for which purpose the slide 7 itself or the slide receptacle 6 in its interaction with the slide 7 is used to generate or query an electrical or electronic signal.

[0051] A signal indicating the wear level can be generated continuously, if necessary, and in any case during operation of the rotary valve unit 1. The signal can be stored initially and retrieved later if necessary. Continuous recording and evaluation of the signal is also possible.

[0052] Depending on whether the slide wear limit has been reached or not, and possibly also during a repeated measurement at each intermediate value, a signal can be generated immediately. This signal can also trigger an action, such as the generation of an acoustic or visual warning. Such an action can also be the deactivation of the rotary valve unit 1. Such a signal can also be generated only upon a corresponding query of the slide wear status.

[0053] The means for recording and / or querying or evaluating can be arranged directly in or on the rotary valve unit 1. This is particularly suitable for continuous monitoring of the wear limit. Alternatively, or in combination with this, a separate means for recording and / or querying or evaluating can be provided for the rotary valve unit 1, for example in the form of a portable instrument, which is brought to the rotary valve unit 1 as needed or at predetermined intervals for recording and / or querying the signals and for evaluation.

[0054] To generate such a signal, a sensor S may be provided, as preferred. This may be an electronic or electrical sensor S.

[0055] The attached drawings show different embodiments and arrangements of such a sensor S. According to the illustrations in the Figures 1 to 5First, a sensor S in the form of a proximity sensor 15 is provided. This can be, for example, a capacitive distance sensor.

[0056] Such a proximity sensor 15 can be arranged, for example, in a rotary valve side cover 11 (compare, for example, Figure 2 ). The arrangement of the proximity sensor 15 can, as is also preferred, be selected so that, in the case of slides 7 which have not reached their wear limit, it can be positioned in a predetermined rotational angle position (compare, for example, Figure 3 ) detects the slide 7 extending close to the sensor in this rotation angle position (compare Figure 4 ). Accordingly, in this rotational angle position, a signal is generated by the slide 7 detected by the proximity sensor 15, which can be recorded or evaluated as a value.

[0057] With increasing wear of the slide 7, the end 16 of the slide 7 facing away from the rotary valve chamber wall 9 and extending within the slide receptacle 6 moves increasingly radially outwards and finally leaves the area detected by the proximity sensor 15 as shown in Figure 5 . In the relevant rotational angle position of the rotary valve rotor 5, the proximity sensor 15 then does not detect the slide 7, but rather the slide receptacle 6 exposed behind the slide end 16.

[0058] The signal generated in this way or the signal not generated in this way can be recorded and evaluated as a value which allows conclusions to be drawn as to whether the wear limit of the slide 7 has been reached.

[0059] The value detection via the proximity sensor 15 can be carried out in a clocked manner, for example according to the illustrated embodiment in a complete rotation of the rotary valve rotor 5 three times at equal distances from one another, so that all slides 7 (in an arrangement of three slides 7 according to the embodiment) can be detected by the sensor system.

[0060] Sensor detection can also only occur at every x-th revolution of the rotary vane rotor 5, for example at every second, third, fifth or even tenth revolution.

[0061] Due to the arrangement of the sensor S, continuous monitoring of the slide states is possible.

[0062] In an arrangement of such a proximity sensor 15, the detected value can be a detected state of two states: slider detected - slider not detected.

[0063] In an evaluation unit, the detected value can be compared with a target value. The target value for a sensor system using, for example, such a proximity sensor 15 can be "slide detected," so that if the determined value is "slide detected," no further action or measure is triggered. If there is no deviation from the target value, appropriate information can also be provided in the form of a light indicator and / or a graphic display, indicating the proper condition of the slider 7(s) with regard to wear.

[0064] If there is a deviation from the setpoint, for example the value "slide not detected", a further action can be triggered, for example in the form of a light indicator, for example the lighting up of a red warning lamp, generation of a text message on a screen and / or emission of a warning tone and / or further, for example, switching off the rotary valve unit 1.

[0065] As an alternative to a proximity sensor 15, a light barrier, for example, can also be used. Such a sensor S would also be mounted fixed to the housing, for example, with a light transmitter in the area of one rotary valve side cover 11 and a light receiver in the area of the opposite side cover 11. The light beam must be aligned so that, in a valve position corresponding to the position at which the wear limit is reached, it can be freely directed through the valve receptacle 6 and received by the opposite receiver. A "light received" value recorded in this case can then be interpreted as the valve reaching the wear position. Before reaching the wear position, the emitted light beam does not reach the receiver due to the valve 7 moving into the light path.

[0066] Also, according to the further descriptions in the Figures 6 to 8the sensor S essentially consists of a voltage source 17 and a conductor 18.

[0067] The electrically conductive conductor 18, for example in the form of a copper insert, can, as is also preferred, be arranged in the slide 7, if necessary completely embedded therein.

[0068] The conductor 18 is further preferably initially spaced from the free slide end 14 in the displacement direction r.

[0069] Furthermore, the slider 7 as such can be made of a non-electrically conductive material.

[0070] The voltage source 17 can be provided in the rotary valve unit 1 or associated therewith. The lines 19 and 20 are routed from the voltage source 17 to the rotary valve chamber wall 9, where they can be further electrically insulated in the wall 9 such that they are exposed to the rotary valve chamber 4 in a sliding contact manner, spaced apart from each other (see also Figure 7 ).

[0071] With increasing wear of the slide 7, the distance b between the electrically conductive conductor 18 of the slide 7 and the rotary valve chamber wall 9 decreases. The conductor 18 preferably marks the wear limit of the slide 7.

[0072] Starting from the slide end 14, the distance b decreases with increasing wear and abrasion of the slide 7 up to a position according to Figure 8 in which the conductor 18 is exposed due to abrasion and removal and accordingly connects the lines 19 and 20 in a rotational angle position in the sense of a short circuit during the rotor rotation.

[0073] A signal generated in this way can be interpreted as indicating that the wear limit has been reached, which can trigger a corresponding action as described above. The diagram schematically shows a lamp 21, which, in the short-circuit position shown in Figure 8, illuminates upon closing the circuit.

[0074] The above-described embodiments preferably detect a sudden change in the states. This is shown schematically in the diagram according to Figure 9 in which the time t is plotted on the abscissa and the height of the value W on the ordinate.

[0075] It can be seen that when the wear limit is reached at time t', the detected value W ACTUAL increases abruptly and reaches or exceeds the specified target value W TARGET. This generates a signal at time t', which preferably triggers an action.

[0076] The ends of the lines 19 and 20, which open freely to the rotary valve chamber 4 in the rotary valve chamber wall 9, as well as the conductor 18 provided in the slide 7, act like a switch when the slide wear limit is reached.

[0077] Viewed in the circumferential direction, but possibly also in the axial extension direction, several sensors S designed in this way can be provided in the rotary valve chamber wall 9.

[0078] This can also be the case with the further Figures 10 and 11 schematically illustrated embodiment, in which a distance dimension c is continuously monitored to monitor the slide wear limit.

[0079] Such a sensor S can consist of a coil 22 fixed to the housing and a magnet 23, in particular a permanent magnet, formed on or in the slide 7.

[0080] The magnet 23 can, like the previously described electrically conductive conductor 18, be integrated into the slide 7 or accommodated therein, preferably with a distance c to the slide end 14 interacting with the rotary slide chamber wall 9.

[0081] The coil 22 is assigned in the housing 3 to the rotary valve chamber wall 9 in such a way that in a certain rotational angle position of the rotary valve rotor 5, the magnet 23 can reach an inductive assignment position to the coil 22.

[0082] Through the interaction of magnet 23 and coil 22, a current is induced in the coil 22 and an electrical voltage is generated each time the slider 7 passes it. With increasing wear of the slider 7 and the associated reduction in the distance c between the magnet 23 and the coil 22, the value of the induced electrical current and / or voltage increases.

[0083] The current and / or voltage values can be continuously measured and recorded if necessary. This allows the increasing wear of the slide 7 to be logged. This enables predictive wear detection.

[0084] In Figure 12 is a diagram corresponding to the diagram in Figure 9 shown. In this embodiment, the continuously determined value W IST preferably increases continuously, possibly linearly, and reaches the setpoint W SOLL at time t'. Such detection can also be used for early warning, so that, for example, at time t", i.e., before the wear limit of the slide 7 is reached, a pre-signal can be generated.

[0085] The representations in the Figures 13 to 15show the arrangement of a sensor S in the slider 7 in the form of a transponder, more particularly in the form of an RFID tag 24. The RFID tag 24 is conventionally provided with an antenna 25 to enable data in the RFID tag 24 to be read via a reading unit 26. This reading unit 26 also has an antenna 27.

[0086] According to the schematic representation in Figure 13 the reading unit 26 can be arranged in the housing 3 of the rotary valve device 2, more particularly close to the rotary valve chamber wall 9. Accordingly, with each passage of the slide 7 past the reading unit 26, the RFID tag 24 can be read or the shortest distance to the RFID tag 24 can be determined.

[0087] This can be a passive RFID tag 24, as shown in the example in Figure 15 shown, or an active RFID tag 24 (see Figures 13 and 14 ).

[0088] An inductive power supply can be provided to power an active RFID tag 24. For example, a coil 28 can also be provided in the slide 7, which interacts with magnets 29 fixed relative to the slide 7 to generate an induced voltage. These magnets 29 can also be provided, for example, in the slide receptacle 6, with the coil 28 preferably being positioned in the region of the receptacle-side end of the slide 7. Due to the oscillating linear movement of the slide 7 relative to the slide receptacle 6 during operation of the rotary slide unit 1, a voltage for supplying the slide-side RFID tag 24 can be induced by the coil / magnet arrangement.

[0089] Accordingly, according to this embodiment, the RFID tag 24 is only supplied with energy during operation of the rotary valve device 2. To enable reading of the RFID tag 24 even when the device is at a standstill, an energy storage device 30 can be provided in the valve 7.

[0090] Particularly with an active RFID tag 24, the reading unit 26 can also be designed as a separate device from the rotary valve unit 1, which can be brought closer to the rotary valve unit 1 for the purpose of querying the sensor data. Due to the relatively high range of active RFID tags 24, remote monitoring of valve wear can also be achieved.

[0091] In addition, as in Figure 15As shown schematically, the mere presence of such an RFID tag 24 can be used to detect the wear limit. As long as a corresponding query via the reading unit 26 is essentially answered by the RFID tag 24, the wear limit has not been reached. Upon reaching the wear limit, the RFID tag 24 is destroyed by abrasion. A query via the reading unit 26 then remains essentially unanswered, which indicates that the wear limit has been reached.

[0092] The above statements serve to explain the inventions covered by the application as a whole, which each independently develop the state of the art by at least the following combinations of features, whereby two, several or all of these combinations of features can also be combined, namely:

[0093] A method which is characterized in that the wear state of the one or more slides 7 is detected during the operation of the rotary slide unit 1, for which purpose the slide(s) 7 themselves or one or more associated slide receptacles 6 in their interaction with the slide(s) 7 are used to generate the query of an electrical or electronic signal.

[0094] A method which is characterized in that a value W IST for a relative position of a slide 7 in the slide receptacle 6 is detected and evaluated by a sensor S continuously during the operation of the rotary slide unit 1, when the rotary slide unit 1 is at a standstill or continuously during the operation of the rotary slide unit 1.

[0095] A method which is characterized in that the recorded value W IST is compared with a target value W SOLL and an action is triggered if the target value W SOLL is undershot or exceeded.

[0096] A method characterized in that the action is the generation of a warning tone and / or the switching off of the rotary valve unit 1 and / or the sending of a message.

[0097] A method which is characterized in that the detected value is a distance measure c detected continuously, that is to say at each revolution or at each x-th revolution of the rotary vane rotor 5.

[0098] A method characterized in that the detected value W IST is one of two states detected continuously, that is to say at each revolution or at every x-th revolution of the rotary vane rotor 5.

[0099] A rotary valve unit, which is characterized in that one or more slides 7 themselves or one or more slide receptacles 6 in their interaction with the slide(s) 7 can be used to generate a queryable electrical or electronic signal for detecting a wear condition of the slide(s) 7 during operation of the rotary valve unit 1.

[0100] A rotary valve unit, which is characterized in that the detection of the wear state can be carried out when the rotary valve unit 1 is at a standstill and / or during operation of the rotary valve unit 1.

[0101] A rotary valve unit, which is characterized in that a sensor S is provided which detects the position of a slide 7 in the slide receptacle 6 in a specific rotational angle position of the rotary valve rotor 5.

[0102] A rotary valve unit, which is characterized in that the sensor S is a proximity sensor 15 which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the housing 3 of the rotary valve unit 1 and can detect the position of a slide 7.

[0103] A rotary valve unit, characterized in that the sensor has a transponder, in particular based on RFID. List of reference symbols

[0104] 1 Rotary valve unit 25 antenna 2 Rotary valve device 26 Reading unit 3 Housing 27 antenna 4 Rotary valve room 28 Sink 5 rotary vane rotor 29 magnet 6 Slider holder 30 Energy storage 7 slider 8 circumferential area 9 Rotary valve chamber wall S sensor 10 chamber W Value 11 Rotary valve side cover W IS determined value 12 Inlet side W Target Setpoint 13 Exhaust side 14 Slide end 15 Proximity sensor a length 16 Slide end b Distance 17 Voltage source c Distance measure 18 Director r Displacement direction 19 Line t Time 20 Line t' time 21 light t" time 22 Sink x Rotor axis 23 magnet 24 RFID tag

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the wear of one or more slides (7) in a rotary slide assembly (1), having a rotary slide rotor (5) and one or more slide receiving areas (6) for the slide or slides (7) in the rotary slide rotor (5), the state of wear of the one or more slides (7) being detected during operation of the rotary slide assembly (1), for which purpose the slide or slides (7) themselves or one or more associated slide receiving areas (6) are used in their interaction with the slide or slides (7) to generate or interrogate an electric or electronic signal, characterized in that the electric or electronic signal, which reflects a state of wear of the slide or slides (7), is continuously generated by means of a light barrier with a light transmitter and a light receiver; wherein the light barrier is arranged in such a way that before a wear limit is reached, this is interrupted by the slide (7) located in the receptacle and when the wear limit is reached, the emitted light beam can reach the light receiver through the resulting free space in the slide receiving area (6).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a value (WACTUAL) for a relative position of a slide (7) in the slide receiving area (6) is detected and evaluated at a standstill of the rotary slide assembly or continuously during operation of the rotary slide assembly (1).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the detected value (WACTUAL) is compared with a set value (WSETPOINT) and an action is triggered upon falling below or exceeding the set value (WSETPOINT).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the action is generating a warning tone and / or switching off of the rotary slide assembly (1) and / or sending a message.

5. The method according to one of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the detected value (WACTUAL) is a state of two states that is detected at each revolution or at each xth revolution of the rotary slide rotor (5).

6. A rotary slide assembly (1) with a rotary slide device (2), comprising a housing (3), a rotary slide chamber (4) and a rotary slide rotor (5), wherein slides (7) are arranged radially movably in slide receiving areas (6) in the rotary slide rotor (5), wherein one or more slide receiving areas (6) in their interaction with the slide or slides (7) can be used to generate a requestable electric or electronic signal for detecting a wear state of the slide or slides (7), wherein, further, the detection of the wear state can be performed when the rotary slide assembly (1) is at a standstill and / or during operation of the rotary slide assembly (1), the slides (7) being accommodated in slot-shaped slide receiving areas (6) which extend over an entire axial length of the rotor, characterized in that a light barrier with a light transmitter and a light receiver is provided, the light barrier being arranged in such a way that before a wear limit is reached, this is interrupted by the slide (7) located in the receptacle and, when the wear limit is reached, the emitted light beam can reach the light receiver through the resulting free space in the slide receiving area (6).

7. The rotary slide assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the value detected via the sensor is a continuously detected measure of a distance of the slide (7), that is, detected at each revolution or at each xth revolution of the rotary slide rotor (5).

8. The rotary slide assembly according to one of the claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the light barrier is arranged fixed to the housing.

9. The rotary slide assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the light transmitter is arranged in the region of a first rotary slide cover (11) and the light receiver is arranged in the region of an opposite second rotary slide side cover (11).

10. The rotary slide assembly according to one of the claims 6 to 9, characterized in that a detected value "light received" can be evaluated as reaching the slide wear position.

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