Unit for transmitting fluids and electrical signals with thermal decoupling

Abstract

The present invention relates to a combined rotary feed-through having stationary and rotating contact parts for transferring fluids, data and electrical energy, comprising a housing, which has a fluid unit as a rotary feed-through for fluid connection in the connection-side region of the housing, said fluid unit having at least one feed port and at least one discharge port and a rotatable shaft, and the housing also having at least one communication unit as a rotary feed-through for transmitting electrical signals in an operation-side region of the housing, said communication unit having at least one electronic connection point. The combined rotary feed-through also comprises at least one supply unit for transmitting electrical energy as a rotary feed-through on the end face of the operation-side region of the housing, said supply unit having at least one electrical connection point. In the housing, at least one intermediate element is formed between the fluid unit and the communication unit, and at least one transition is formed between the operation-side region of the housing and the supply unit located outside the housing on the end face.

Description

[0001] Unit for the transmission of fluids and electrical signals with thermal decoupling

[0002] A fluid rotary union, often referred to as a conventional rotary union, acts as a rotating interface for a fluid line between stationary and rotating equipment. The fluid being transferred can be a liquid or a gas at either positive or negative pressure.

[0003] Fluid rotary unions have the technical disadvantage that significant waste heat is generated during operation. Waste heat is thermal energy generated, for example, by friction between the stationary and rotating components. This thermal energy is transferred to the fluid being transferred and also to the structure itself. Furthermore, during operation, fluid rotary unions leak, which must be dissipated accordingly. Furthermore, the fluid heats up further when used in the machine connected to the rotary union.

[0004] Another common type of rotary union is an electrical rotary joint, also known as a slip ring joint, which acts as a rotating interface between stationary and rotating equipment to enable the transmission of power and / or data streams.

[0005] When it comes to an electrical rotary joint that primarily transmits and processes data streams, the internal electronics have operational limits with regard to temperature, especially elevated temperatures, and the electromagnetic compatibility of this electrical rotary joint also influences trouble-free operation. Furthermore, it is important that the sensitive electronics are kept in a dry environment. In particular, leaks (unintentionally escaping fluids from neighboring components) should not be able to enter the electrical rotary joint if possible. The problem here is that a sealed housing of the electrical rotary joint leads to an increase in temperature inside, which has a negative impact on the electronics. In addition, this electrical rotary joint heats up above the ambient temperature, causing the operating temperature of the rotary joint to rise further.

[0006] Another electrical rotary joint may be designed primarily for the transmission of power currents and thus for "power supply." In this case, wear is usually to be expected due to the abrasion of the slip ring contacts, so this type of slip ring joint is subject to high wear and does not last long. This leads to the worn slip ring joints having to be replaced during operation by using a new electrical rotary joint.

[0007] These different rotary unions and rotary transformers can be configured together to form a combined system. Accordingly, such a combined system can consist, for example, of a fluid rotary union, an electrical rotary transformer for transmitting data streams, and an electrical rotary transformer for "power supply." Such combined systems are known in the art but are large and cumbersome.

[0008] Producing combined systems in a compact design without the various components negatively affecting each other is a major technical challenge. A combined system, in particular, consisting of a fluid rotary union, an electrical rotary joint for data streams, and a rotary joint intended solely for power supply, presents the significant technical challenge of combining all of the aforementioned disadvantages of the individual rotary unions and rotary joints into one system. In particular, selling the two individual electrical rotary joints as a single unit unnecessarily increases costs if, due to wear, the entire unit must be replaced instead of just replacing the one rotary joint for the "power supply."

[0009] The fluid rotary union contributes to the heating of the electrical rotary joint used to transmit data streams. During operation, the electronics of this rotary joint heat up further along with a warm ambient temperature, so that the maximum permissible operating temperature can be reached and even exceeded. This leads to a failure of the rotary joint and thus to the overall failure of the combined system. Since combined systems are often used in safety-critical applications such as wind turbines, controlling the operating temperature of the electrical rotary joint used to transmit data streams is particularly important. Another challenge is preventing leakage from the fluid rotary union from penetrating the electrical rotary joint.In addition, due to the very low electromagnetic compatibility of the electrical rotary joint, it is very sensitive to the electrosmog emitted by the electrical rotary joint for the "power supply." Furthermore, the electrical rotary joint must also be protected from abrasion of the sliding contacts of the electrical rotary joint for the "power supply."

[0010] The expert uses the two electrical rotary joints as a single unit, as this is the only way they are available on the market. The disadvantage is that the electrical rotary joint for "power supply" wears out faster than the electrical rotary joint for "data transmission." However, since the expert usually uses these two rotary joints as a single unit, it is not intended to replace them separately; they must therefore be replaced as a single unit. This makes such a unit expensive. Thus, a cost-effective use of the combined system is not possible according to this state of the art.

[0011] Particularly in wind turbines, it is of particular importance to enable the smallest possible design dimensions of a combined system of rotary unions with rotary transmitters, to group low-wear components and to design them independently of the components with high wear in order to enable simple and cost-effective replacement of the relevant components.

[0012] Based on the known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a combined rotary feedthrough with stationary and rotating system components for the transmission of fluids, data and electrical energy, which at least partially overcomes the disadvantages present in the prior art.

[0013] In particular, it is an object to provide a combined rotary union with a compact design that enables the transfer of waste heat between the individual rotary unions and rotary transformers to be reduced and the electromagnetic sensitivity to be improved. Furthermore, the combined rotary union of the present invention enables the electrical rotary union for the "power supply" to be designed as a type of disposable slip ring that can be replaced independently of the rest of the system when it wears out. This makes the combined rotary union system easier to maintain, more durable, and also more cost-effective than the known rotary unions from the prior art.

[0014] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent patent claims and the following description. According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a combined rotary union having the features of patent claim 1. The combined rotary union according to the invention can be designed with stationary and rotating system components for conveying fluids, data, and electrical energy. Furthermore, the combined rotary union according to the invention can be designed with a housing that comprises a fluid unit and at least one communication unit. The combined rotary union can also have at least one supply unit.

[0015] This arrangement has the advantage that the fluid unit and the at least one communication unit, together with the at least one supply unit, can be formed in a compact design in the form of the combined rotary feedthrough according to the invention. Advantageously, the housing can be formed in one piece, although a multi-part, in particular two-part, design of the housing is also possible.

[0016] The housing can advantageously protect the at least one communication unit formed in the housing from electrical and magnetic interference caused by the at least one supply unit.

[0017] The fluid unit can be designed as a rotary union for the fluid connection in a connection-side region of the housing, each with at least one supply and discharge connection of a rotatable shaft. Thus, the fluid unit is a fluid rotary union.

[0018] Advantageously, the supply and discharge connections can be mounted radially on the housing and / or coaxially to the rotational axis of the fluid unit. A coaxial alignment of the connections can be provided both on the front side in the connection-side area of ​​the fluid unit and on the cylindrical surface of the housing. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the supply and discharge connections are also designed as connections for supplying and discharging fluid required for the fluid unit.

[0019] The at least one communication unit can be designed as a rotary union for transmitting electrical signals in an operator-side area of ​​the housing with at least one electronic connection. This has the advantage that the combined rotary union according to the invention has a modular design and is particularly easy to maintain. The at least one electronic connection can be a connection for transmitting electronic signals such as data. The first electronic connection can be used to connect an Ethernet cable. This has the advantage that high transmission rates are possible.

[0020] The at least one supply unit can be designed as a rotary feedthrough on the front side of the operator-side area of ​​the housing with at least one electrical connection for transmitting electrical energy.

[0021] The electrical connection has the advantage that it can transmit currents and voltages and thus supply the communication unit, the fluid unit and also the stationary and rotating system components with current and voltage.

[0022] The combined rotary feedthrough according to the invention can be characterized in that at least one intermediate element can be formed between the fluid unit and the communication unit in the housing of the rotary feedthrough according to the invention.

[0023] The arrangement of the intermediate element advantageously prevents leakage or waste heat from the fluid unit from reaching the communication unit, so that the communication unit is thermally decoupled from the fluid unit and thus the operating temperature does not increase significantly and the electronic components within the communication unit do not come into contact with the leakage of the fluid unit.

[0024] In addition, at least one transition can be formed between the operating-side area of ​​the housing and the supply unit arranged on the front side, outside the housing.

[0025] Advantageously, the transition can protect the at least one communication unit in the housing from electromagnetic stresses from the at least one supply unit.

[0026] Furthermore, by arranging the supply unit outside the housing, the inventors have advantageously discovered that the supply unit can be replaced when it becomes worn, independently of the fluid and communication unit mounted in the housing. This means that the durable and comparatively expensive components, such as the fluid and communication unit, are retained in the combined rotary union according to the invention, while only the comparatively inexpensive wear component, the supply unit, needs to be replaced. This enables a cost-effective combined rotary union according to the invention that also has a long service life.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the communication unit can be arranged in a bearing on the shaft of the fluid unit in the operating-side area of ​​the housing. The shaft can also be a split shaft, so that the communication unit is arranged in a bearing on the split shaft.

[0028] This has the advantage of enabling a particularly compact design, as the communication unit can be connected to the fluid unit on the housing side via a screw connection and / or the communication unit can be connected to the shaft side via the screw connection. This ensures a reliable communication unit. Static overdetermination is avoided in the respective embodiment by a retaining element, advantageously a pin. Static overdetermination is avoided in the respective embodiment by a retaining element, advantageously a pin.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the housing can be formed in at least two parts in the area of ​​the communication unit.

[0030] The inventors have advantageously determined in experiments that a two-part housing in the form of a compact unit protects the communication unit from leakage from the fluid unit and also decouples it from the fluid unit's waste heat. Furthermore, the influence of electrical and magnetic interference from the slip ring can be kept to a minimum.

[0031] In another embodiment, the housing can have at least one plug-in connection element. This plug-in connection element can be connected to the contacts of the shaft via at least one cable. Furthermore, the plug-in connection element can be electrically connected to the contacts of the communication unit via at least one cable. Advantageously, the at least one plug-in connection element can be formed on the housing, preferably on the front side of the connection-side and operator-side areas of the housing. The plug-in connection element can be attached to the front side in the operator-side area of ​​the housing at the level of the supply unit. This has the advantage that a supply unit can be connected immediately to the communication unit without having to connect individual cables.

[0032] This arrangement has the advantage that the at least one supply unit can be particularly easily attached to the housing in which the fluid and communication units are housed. This enables a very maintenance-friendly combined rotary union, since the wear-prone supply unit can be replaced with a simple "plug and play" action. In this case, the supply unit also has a plug-in connection element at the corresponding location on its opposite end face, which serves as the counterpart to the other plug-in connection element. This allows for quick, uncomplicated replacement of the supply unit in the event of wear and thus maintenance of the entire combined rotary union.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, at least one sealing element can be arranged in a region between the intermediate element and the communication unit in order to prevent leakage from the fluid unit into the communication unit.

[0034] The inventors have advantageously recognized in experiments that, due to the compact design and the combination of the fluid and communication unit in a housing, a sealing element can help prevent leakage from the fluid unit from reaching and / or penetrating the communication unit, or at least only in very small quantities. Thus, the communication unit is protected, and a long service life of the communication unit can be achieved. This means that the combined rotary union according to the invention can operate uninterrupted for a long time. Furthermore, the at least one sealing element is formed at least partially from an elastomer material.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the intermediate element can at least partially provide thermal decoupling in one region.

[0036] This has the advantage that the waste heat from the fluid unit is not transferred to the communication unit, allowing the communication unit to operate at an optimal, lower operating temperature. This ensures the longevity of the communication unit, especially the internal electronic components. Thus, the fluid and communication unit can be combined in one housing, leaving only the supply unit as a wear part of the combined rotary union according to the invention. This can, however, be replaced at any time without significant technical effort and, above all, cost-effectively.

[0037] In another embodiment, the intermediate element can dissipate thermal energy using a passive element. The passive element can be a ventilation element for airflow through the intermediate element. One end of the at least one passive element can be attached to the shaft. The passive element can, in cross-section, represent a spiral or helical curve that runs around the shaft and extends away from the shaft as the center in the radial direction of the housing, away from that of the shaft. This has the advantage that, at low shaft speeds, a large amount of air or waste heat can still be transported out of the intermediate element. A passive element in the form of a blade-shaped vane can also achieve a high conveying capacity. Furthermore, two or more passive elements in blade-shaped vanes can be attached to the shaft, especially two blade-shaped, overlapping vanes like a Savonius rotor.

[0038] This has the advantage that the intermediate element thermally decouples the fluid and communication units. The inventors have advantageously determined in experiments that a passive element allows the thermal energy, in particular the waste heat of the fluid unit, to be particularly effectively diverted from the housing and away from the communication unit. This enables a compact design of the combined rotary union according to the invention with different assemblies, such as the fluid and communication unit.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate element within the housing can form a spatial separation and a sealed transition between the fluid unit and the communication unit.

[0040] The spatial separation advantageously ensures that the fluid and communication units are thermally decoupled. The inventors have advantageously determined in tests that such spatial separation allows the communication unit to be particularly effectively insulated from thermal energy, in particular the waste heat of the fluid unit. Furthermore, it is also advantageous that leakage from the fluid unit cannot penetrate into the communication unit due to the sealed transition. A further advantage is that passive elements, through which advantageous rotor blades can be mounted within the spatial separation of the intermediate element, can be mounted even more effectively, thus transporting the waste heat away from the housing of the communication unit.Thus, a compact design of the combined rotary union according to the invention with different assemblies within one housing, such as the fluid and communication unit, is possible because thermal decoupling can be ensured.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate element can be formed with an air gap in the housing between the fluid unit and the communication unit.

[0042] Through the air gap, the inventors have advantageously determined in experiments a thermal decoupling of the fluid and communication unit, whereby the air gap can be used to particularly efficiently insulate the communication unit from the thermal energy, in particular the waste heat of the fluid unit.

[0043] A further advantage is that if additional passive elements, such as ventilation elements or rotor blades, are installed within the air gap, the waste heat from the fluid unit can be transported even more effectively out of the housing of the communication unit. This allows for a compact design of the combined rotary union according to the invention with different components within one housing, such as the fluid and communication unit.

[0044] Alternatively, the intermediate element can be filled with an insulating material from the housing until it reaches the passive element.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the intermediate element can discharge a leakage from the fluid unit to the outside via at least one opening formed radially in the housing.

[0046] This arrangement has the advantage that, despite the compact design of the combined rotary feedthrough according to the invention and the accommodation of the fluid and communication unit in a housing, it is possible to prevent leakage escaping from the fluid unit and penetrating the communication unit because the leakage is guided out of the housing via the intermediate element. This increases the service life of the communication unit and ultimately of the combined rotary feedthrough as a whole, since damage to the communication unit caused by the leakage can be prevented. Advantageously, the at least one opening can be formed in the housing part that covers the intermediate element. This has the advantage that leakage can escape to the outside via the intermediate element and thus a flow towards the communication unit or even penetration of the leakage into the communication unit can be prevented.This effectively protects the communication unit from leaks from the fluid unit, thereby increasing its service life. The opening can be a valve and / or membrane to allow leaks and warm air to escape from the housing.

[0047] In another embodiment, a ventilation system can be provided in the region of the intermediate element. The ventilation system can, for example, be a cooling system, in which case connections for cooling the customer can be provided on the housing. The ventilation system can also be an electrically driven fan wheel, which can advantageously be formed in the intermediate element.

[0048] This has the advantage that the ventilation system thermally decouples the fluid and communication units, thus enabling a compact design, since the waste heat from the fluid unit is compensated for by the ventilation system. The inventors have advantageously determined in experiments that a ventilation system can transport thermal energy, in particular the waste heat from the fluid unit, particularly effectively out of the housing and away from the communication unit. This enables a compact design of the combined rotary union according to the invention with different assemblies, such as the fluid and communication unit.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the supply unit can further transmit electrical signals.

[0050] This has the advantage that a particularly compact rotary union can be designed, since the electrical signals can reach the fluid and communication unit via the supply unit and can also flow back via the supply unit at the same time and can be evaluated / processed and controlled there, for example by means of an evaluation unit, such as a computer connected to the combined rotary union.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the supply unit can also transmit electrical signals optically. This has the advantage of allowing the design of a particularly compact combined rotary union, since the electrical signals can reach the fluid and communication unit via the supply unit and simultaneously flow back via the supply unit, where they can be evaluated / processed and controlled, for example, by means of an evaluation unit, such as a computer connected to the combined rotary union.

[0052] In another embodiment, the housing may be made of metal.

[0053] The inventors have advantageously discovered that a metal housing contributes to the formation of a Faraday cage. Thus, despite its compact design, the communication unit can be low insensitivity to interference, particularly to electrosmog from the supply unit. This leads to flawless operation of the combined rotary feedthrough.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid unit and the at least one communication unit can be arranged next to one another in the housing of the rotary union on a shaft axis. The shaft can form an inner shaft through which the cables pass from the front end in the service-side area to the front end in the connection-side area, similar to a hollow shaft.

[0055] This arrangement advantageously leads overall to a compact and maintenance-friendly design of the combined rotary union with the low-wear fluid and communication unit within a housing and the wearing element, the supply unit, separated from it via the operator-side area and easily accessible for replacement.

[0056] This has the advantage that a particularly effective thermal separation can be achieved between the fluid and separation units, even though they are arranged within the same housing, since, for example, the waste heat can be led out of the housing.

[0057] In another embodiment, a cooling device may be provided in the region of the intermediate element for cooling the at least one communication unit.

[0058] The inventors have found that it is further advantageous to additionally cool the communication unit in order to enhance the effect of the thermal separation of the fluid and separation unit. In particular, the communication unit is kept at an optimal intended operating temperature, which extends the service life of the communication unit. This means that the fluid unit and communication unit can be arranged in one housing without the risk of having to replace both due to the short service life of one unit. Advantageously, the cooling device in the intermediate element can be a bore formed parallel to the wall of the intermediate element, which runs from an opening in the housing to just in front of the shaft 8 and thus conducts cool ambient air into the intermediate element, which mixes with the waste heat and is then transported out of the intermediate element and out of the housing again.The cooling device thus contributes to the intermediate element ensuring high thermal decoupling between the fluid unit and the communication unit. Alternatively, the bore with the opening in the housing can run parallel to the wall of the intermediate element, but instead of inside the intermediate element, the cooling device can be located inside the communication unit. This also lowers the interior temperature of the communication unit. Instead of a bore, a wall parallel to the intermediate element is sufficient to form an annular channel equivalent to a bore in the form of a tube. In this case, the wall of the intermediate element would be the second wall.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the communication unit can transmit the electrical signals as data.

[0060] This is particularly advantageous because, due to the lack of space in a compact design of the combined rotary union, it can be ensured that the functionality of the combined rotary union is maintained in order to enable precise control, e.g. of an actuator of a wind turbine.

[0061] In a further embodiment, the communication unit can transmit the electrical signals contactlessly.

[0062] The inventors have advantageously discovered in experiments that contactless data transmission in a compact design of the combined rotary union prevents wear on the contact transmission surfaces in the communication unit. This allows a particularly long service life of the communication unit to be achieved and makes it possible to combine the fluid and communication units in a single unit. In another embodiment, the communication unit can transmit the electrical signals capacitively.

[0063] One advantage of capacitive transmission of electrical signals is that, thanks to the compact design of the combined rotary union, the communication unit does not form any wear-prone contact surfaces. This allows for a particularly long service life of the communication unit and makes it possible to integrate the fluid and communication units into a single unit.

[0064] In another embodiment, a transmission of electrical signals of a first communication unit may be capacitive and a transmission of electrical signals of a second communication unit may be optical.

[0065] This arrangement has the advantage that two communication units are formed in a combined rotary union according to the invention, thus increasing the redundancy and thus the reliability of the combined rotary union. This enables a compact design with the communication unit within a housing with the fluid unit.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid unit may form at least one channel in which the fluid flows between the rotating and stationary body.

[0067] This arrangement has the advantage that the fluid can reach the system and be used there to regulate and control actuators.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, a device for generating and providing an internal overpressure can be provided in the housing.

[0069] The inventors have discovered that it is advantageous to ensure, in a compact design, that the communication unit is not affected by leakage from the fluid unit. By providing internal pressure, it is advantageously achieved that leakage can be directed out of the housing, thus protecting the communication unit. This ensures the compact design and accommodation of the fluid and communication unit within a housing.

[0070] In a further aspect of the invention, the combined rotary union can be used to control and regulate systems, in particular seismic measuring systems, wind turbines, centrifuges, filling systems, rotary indexing tables and rotating clamping systems, as well as robots.

[0071] This has the advantage that, due to its compact design, long service life and very easy maintenance, the combined rotary union according to the invention can be used for many different applications.

[0072] Fluids within the meaning of the invention are liquid media such as oil, water, grease and emulsion, whereby in the present case compressed air and gases are also to be understood as fluids within the meaning of the invention.

[0073] Leakage is the unwanted escape of fluid from the fluid unit towards the communication unit.

[0074] According to the present invention, the connection-side region of the housing is the region that is closer to the system parts, wherein the end face of the housing in the connection-side region can be in contact with the system and can be connected to it via a flange.

[0075] According to the present invention, the operator-side area of ​​the housing is the area that, as seen from the system, is after the connection-side area and is closer to the operator. Thus, the operator side is the shaft side of the combined rotary union.

[0076] Rotary unions for the transmission of electrical signals are used either to transmit signals, i.e. for example for the transmission of sensor signals in order to record and measure any state variables of a rotating machine part, and / or they consist of control signals with which electrically operated units on the stationary and / or rotating machine part are activated, or they are power lines that supply electrical energy with which electrical units and the like are operated. Electrical energy is electrical current and voltage. Depending on the application, different voltage ranges can be transmitted as electrical energy. Known voltage ranges are in the range -400V to 400V for three-phase alternating current (colloquially known as three-phase or power current), preferably in the range -230V to 230V, more preferably in the range -24V to 24V and in particular in the range -12V to 12V.Sensor signals and control signals can also be transmitted as data and typically have a voltage range between -6V and 6V. Various well-known industrial communication protocols can be used to transmit the data. One example is the RS-485 standard for duplex communication.

[0077] In the context of the present invention, the term "electrical signals" is intended to encompass all these types of electrical currents or voltages.

[0078] Passive elements for dissipating thermal energy within the meaning of the invention are, for example, elements such as rotor blades that are attached to already rotating components, such as the shaft of a rotary union. In this way, they help to transport the thermal energy, especially the waste heat of the fluid unit, out of the housing. The passive elements in the form of rotor blades can take on any shape, preferably curved and matched to the intermediate element. In contrast, a ventilation system in the region of the intermediate element can be referred to as an active element. The ventilation system can, for example, be a cooling system, in which case connections for the cooling are provided on the housing, to which customers can connect cooling units, or it can be an electrically driven ventilation wheel, which can preferably be formed in the intermediate element.

[0079] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or described below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

[0080] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. In the drawings:

[0081] Figure 1 shows a combined rotary union according to the invention

[0082] Figure 2 shows schematically a further combined rotary union according to the invention Figure 3 shows schematically an alternative combined rotary union according to the invention

[0083] Figure 4 shows schematically another combined rotary union according to the invention

[0084] Figure 5 shows schematically an alternative combined rotary union according to the invention

[0085] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will be apparent upon review of the drawings. Elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale relative to one another.

[0086] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical, and acting elements, features, and components are provided with the same reference symbols unless otherwise stated. In particular, Figures 1 to 5 build on one another, which is why identically acting elements, features, and components are not provided with reference symbols for clarity unless otherwise stated. However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that these are identically acting elements, features, and components and can add the corresponding reference symbols from the previous figure.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that the description of the invention and the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be restrictive with regard to a specific physical implementation of the invention. All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in various combinations in the subject matter of the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

[0088] The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description and / or shown in the figures.

[0089] Figure 1 shows an example of a combined rotary union 1 of the invention. This combined rotary union consists of a housing 2 with a fluid unit 3, a communication unit 9, and an intermediate element 15 arranged for thermal insulation between the fluid unit 3 and the communication unit 9. The intermediate element 15 in Figure 1 is housed in the housing 2 and forms a narrow layer of insulating material, preferably heat-resistant plastic or elastomer with low thermal conductivity. The communication unit 9 is a rotary union for transmitting electrical signals, and the supply unit 12 is a rotary union for transmitting electrical energy.

[0090] The fluid unit 3, which is a rotary feedthrough for fluids, is located in the housing 2 in a connection-side area 4, and the communication unit 9 is located in the operator-side area 10. The communication unit 9 is connected in the operator-side area 10 by means of a fastening means 1011, preferably the screw 101, via the intermediate element 15 to an end face of the fluid rotary feedthrough 3. The communication unit 9 and the fluid unit 3 are arranged in Figure 1 by means of bearing elements 102, 103 and bearing elements 202, 203, mounted around the shaft 8 of the fluid unit 3.

[0091] The communication unit 9 and the housing 2 with the housing part 211 and the parts connected thereto are mounted on the shaft 220 via the bearing elements 102, 103. The shaft 220 is supported on the shaft 8 via a holding element 230, preferably a pin.

[0092] An alternative embodiment, not shown in Figure 1, is to connect the shaft 220 to the shaft 8. For this purpose, for example, the fastening means 101, preferably the screw, is used to connect the shaft 220 to the shaft 8 instead of connecting the housing 2 as shown in Figure 1. In this alternative, the housing part 211 of the communication unit 9 is supported by at least one connecting element 260 on the housing part 210 of the fluid unit 3 in such a way that no static overdetermination occurs. The connecting element 260 can be designed as a pin inside the housing or attached to the outside of the housing 2 and bridge the intermediate element 15 from the housing part 210 of the fluid unit 3 and engage in the housing part 211 of the communication unit 9, preferably in the form of a retaining clip.

[0093] The fluid unit 3 in Figure 1 has a fluid connection P for supplying the fluid and a fluid connection T for returning the fluid, which can be formed either coaxially to the shaft 8 in the direction of the machine part or radially on the housing part 210 of the fluid unit 3. Indicated in Figure 1 are the channels 24, 241 formed in the fluid unit 3 between the coaxial fluid connections 7, 71 and the radial fluid connections 5, 6. Furthermore, at least one circumferential sealing element 22 of the fluid unit 3 is shown in order to minimize fluid leakage in the direction of the intermediate element 15 and the communication unit 9.

[0094] Details of the transfer of fluid via the channels 24, 241 or bores only indicated in Figure 1 as well as the bearing and sealing of the shaft 8 in the fluid unit 3 are known from the prior art and are therefore not explained further here.

[0095] The combined rotary union according to the invention in Figure 1 also shows that the fluid unit 3 is contained in the housing part 210 of the housing 2, the communication unit 9 is contained in the housing part 211 of the housing 211, and the intermediate element 15 is contained in the housing 2, thus forming a single unit. Separate from this, but still part of the combined rotary union 1 according to the invention, is the supply unit 12, which is attached to the side of the housing 2. Since the supply unit 12 is designed to withstand high wear and tear independently of the resilient fluid unit 12 and, above all, the communication unit 9, the supply unit 12 can be replaced quickly and cost-effectively, independently of the rest of the combined rotary union 1.

[0096] Figure 2 shows an example of a combined rotary union of the invention, which is similar to the structure in Figure 1, but with the difference that the intermediate element 15 is wider. The intermediate element 15 is optionally filled with an insulating material as in Figure 1. The wider design increases the thermal insulation effect between the fluid unit 3 and the communication unit 9. Instead of the aforementioned insulating material in the intermediate element 15, air can also be used as the insulating material. In this case, the intermediate element 15 contains an air gap.

[0097] The fluid unit 3, the communication unit 9 and the intermediate element 15 are further arranged in a housing 2. The intermediate element 15 forms a spatial separation and a sealed transition between the fluid unit 3 and the communication unit 9. In Figure 2, a circumferential sealing element 21 is also shown on the right edge of the intermediate element 15 on the shaft 8. This reduces and / or minimizes the amount of leakage that could possibly penetrate from the fluid unit 3 via the separating element 15 into the communication unit 9. If air is used as the insulating material in the intermediate element 15, at least one opening such as the openings 1, 271 from Figures 3 and 4 is necessary. These are not shown in Figure 2, but must also be formed radially in the housing in the region of the intermediate element 15.Via the intermediate element 15 and the at least one opening, corresponding to the opening TI, 271, any heated leakage that may occur from the fluid unit 3 escapes together with the waste heat (hot air) to the outside of the housing 2.

[0098] Figure 2 further shows a separate, separately formed component, which is the supply unit 12 from Figure 1. The supply unit 12 transmits electrical energy, such as current and voltage of different magnitudes and voltage levels, from the operator-side area 10 to system components in the connection-side area 4, to which the combined rotary feedthrough of the invention is connected. The current / voltage supply is effected via the electrical connection 14 by means of an electrical slip-ring transformer located in the supply unit 12 and a further connection, which is advantageously designed as a plug-in connection element 17 between the communication unit 9 and the supply unit 12. The cables 25 shown in Figure 2 are electrically connected to the plug-in connection 17 and transmit the required current and voltage through the shaft 8 to the system components in the connection-side area 4.

[0099] Figure 2 also shows how the supply unit 12 supplies the communication unit with current and voltage via the electrical connection 14, the plug connection 17, and at least one cable 19. In particular, the cable 19 electrically connects a second side 282 of the transmission unit 28 to the plug connection 17. Furthermore, an electronic connection 11 is shown, which is located on the housing 2. In Figure 2, the electronic connection 11 is formed in the operator-side area 10 on the front side 13 of the communication unit 9 and is preferably designed as an Ethernet connection suitable for transmitting at least 5 gigabits per second. A cable 72, preferably an Ethernet cable, runs inside the shaft 8 from the connection-side area to the communication unit 9, where it contacts a first side 281 of a transmission unit 28.The transmission unit 28 transmits the electrical signals and / or data from the first side 281 to the second side 282 capacitively or optically. An intermediate cable 92 electrically connects the second side 283 to the electronic connection 11. In this way, electrical signals are transmitted from system components to evaluation units, such as computers, in the operator-side area 10 (not shown in Figure 2). Additionally, the cables 25 also run inside the hollow shaft 8.

[0100] Not shown in Figure 2, in another example of the invention, the cables 25 can run in a separate channel formed in the fluid unit 3, but not inside the shaft 8. Also not shown in Figure 2, a first and a second communication unit can be formed one behind the other in the housing 2. In this case, both communication units and their corresponding transmission units transmit an electrical signal capacitively or optically, respectively. This creates redundancy, making the combined rotary union even more durable and fail-safe.

[0101] Figures 3 and 4 build on Figure 2 and show further examples of the combined rotary feedthrough of the invention. Here, a passive element 23 is formed in the intermediate element 15. The separating element can contain an air gap. Alternatively, the intermediate element 15 can consist of the known solid insulating materials as in Figure 2. In this case, a corresponding recess for the passive element 23 as well as connecting holes from the passive element 23 to the opening 27 would be provided in the material of the intermediate element 15 in order to allow free air circulation. The passive element 23 is fastened to the shaft 8 and extends radially. The passive element 23 rotates with the shaft 8. In Figures 3 and 4, the passive element 23 is shown schematically and is at least schematically a rotor blade or a ventilation element.The exact shape and length vary depending on the application. Due to the low speed of the shaft, a passive element is preferred, which can transport the largest possible amount of air due to the surface area used by the passive element.

[0102] In Figure 3, a cooling device 48 in the intermediate element 15 is a tube formed by a bore 38 parallel to the wall of the intermediate element 15, which runs from an opening 29 in the housing 2 to just in front of the shaft 8 and thus guides cool ambient air into the intermediate element 15, where the rotating passive element sucks in the air. The passive element 23, by rotating in the intermediate element 15, conveys the air back out of the housing 2 via the opening 29 in the housing 2. In Figure 3, only one opening 29 is shown as an example, but several openings 29 can be formed circumferentially on the outer surface of the housing 2. By sucking in cool air and conveying it out again from the housing 2, thermal circulation is created, which cools the intermediate element and thus increases the thermal decoupling of the communication unit 9 from the fluid unit 3.Thus, the cooling device 48 and the rotating passive element 23 contribute to the intermediate element 15 being able to ensure adequate thermal decoupling between the fluid unit 3 and the communication unit 9.

[0103] In Figure 4, the bore 38 can alternatively run parallel to the wall of the intermediate element 15 with the opening 29 in the housing 2, but instead of inside the intermediate element 15, the cooling device 48 can run inside the communication unit 9. This also lowers the interior temperature of the communication unit 9 and prevents the maximum permissible operating temperature from being exceeded. As Figure 4 shows, in this case, a lateral through-bore 381 from the communication unit to the intermediate element 15 is necessary. The circumferential sealing element 21 is arranged offset accordingly to provide the necessary space for the through-bore 381.

[0104] Instead of a bore 38 as the cooling device 48 in Figures 3 and 4, a wall parallel to the separating element 15 is also sufficient to create an annular channel equivalent to the bore 38. In this case, the wall of the separating element 15 would be the second wall.

[0105] Figure 5 builds on Figures 2, 3 and 4 and shows a further example of the combined rotary feedthrough of the invention. Here, a further connection 26 is shown on the housing 2 in the area of ​​the communication unit 9. In Figure 5, many elements, features and components from Figures 1 to 4 have been omitted; however, these can easily be combined with the connection 26 in order to keep the operating temperature of the communication unit 9 as low as possible. For example, in Figure 5, the passive element 23 such as the rotor has been omitted for the sake of clarity. The connection 26 serves to generate a cool air flow and overpressure inside the communication unit 9 using air from outside the housing 2. In this way, the temperature in the communication unit (9) is lowered. The connection 26 for generating overpressure can be combined with all examples of the combined rotary feedthrough.

[0106] Finally, it should be noted that the description of the invention and the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be restrictive with regard to a specific physical implementation of the invention. All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in various combinations in the subject matter of the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

[0107] The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description and / or shown in the figures.

[0108] List of reference symbols

[0109] 1 combined rotary union

[0110] 2 a housing

[0111] 3 a fluid unit

[0112] 4 connection-side area

[0113] 5, 7 feed connection

[0114] 6, 71 discharge connection

[0115] 8 rotating shaft

[0116] 9 Communication unit

[0117] 10 operator-side area

[0118] 11 electronic connection of the communication unit 9

[0119] 12 a supply unit

[0120] 13 Front side of the operator-side area 10 of the housing 2

[0121] 14 electrical connection of the supply unit 12

[0122] 15 Intermediate element

[0123] 16 a transition

[0124] 17 Plug-in connection element

[0125] 19 at least one cable

[0126] 21 circumferential sealing element on the communication unit

[0127] 22 circumferential sealing element in the fluid unit

[0128] 24, 241 at least one channel

[0129] 25 at least one cable

[0130] 23 at least one passive element

[0131] 27 Opening

[0132] 28 transmission unit

[0133] 281 first page of the transmission unit

[0134] 282 second side of the transmission unit

[0135] 48 Cooling device

[0136] 72 cables

[0137] 92 Intermediate cable 101 Fastener, screw

[0138] 102, 103 Communication unit bearing

[0139] 202, 203 Fluid unit bearings

[0140] 210 Housing part of the communication unit 211 Housing part of the fluid unit

[0141] 220 Wave of the communication unit

[0142] 230 retaining element, pin

[0143] 260 connecting element

[0144] 381 through hole

Claims

Patent claims 1. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) with stationary and rotating system parts for the passage of fluids, data and electrical energy, comprising: a housing (2) comprising: o a fluid unit (3) as a rotary feedthrough for the fluid connection in the connection-side region (4) of the housing (2), each with at least one supply and discharge connection (5, 7; 6, 71) and a rotatable shaft (8); o at least one communication unit (9) as a rotary feedthrough for transmitting electrical signals in an operator-side region (10) of the housing (2) with at least one electronic connection (11);and at least one supply unit (12) for transmitting electrical energy as a rotary feedthrough on the front side (13) of the operator-side region (10) of the housing (2) with at least one electrical connection (14), characterized in that at least one intermediate element (15) is formed in the housing (2) between the fluid unit (3) and the communication unit (9) and at least one transition (16) is formed between the operator-side region (10) of the housing (2) and the supply unit (12) arranged on the front side (13) outside the housing (2).

2. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit (9) is arranged in a bearing manner on the shaft (8) of the fluid unit (3) in the operator-side region (10) of the housing (2).

3. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) is formed in at least two parts in the region of the communication unit (9).

4. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) has at least one plug connection element (17) which is electrically connected via at least one cable (25) to contacts of the shaft (8) and via at least one cable (19) to contacts of the communication unit (9).

5. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in a region between the intermediate element (15) and the Communication unit (9) at least one sealing element (21, 22) is arranged to prevent leakage into the communication unit.

6. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate element (15) at least partially has a thermal provides decoupling.

7. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to claim 6, wherein the intermediate element (15) dissipates thermal energy with at least one passive element (23), in particular at least one rotor.

8. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate element (15) within the housing (2) has a spatial Separation and a sealed transition between the fluid unit (3) and the communication unit (9).

9. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate element (15) is formed with an air gap in the housing (2) between the fluid unit (3) and the communication unit (9).

10. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate element (15) discharges a leakage from the fluid unit (3) to the outside via at least one opening (27) formed radially in the housing (2).

11. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a ventilation system is provided in the region of the intermediate element (15).

12. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply unit (12) further transmits electrical signals.

13. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply unit (12) further transmits electrical signals optically.

14. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) is made of metal.

15. Combined rotary union (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid unit (3) and the at least one communication unit (9) are arranged next to one another in the housing of the rotary feedthrough (1) on an axis of the shaft (8).

16. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a cooling device (48) in the region of the intermediate element (15) for Cooling the at least one communication unit (9).

17. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit (9) transmits the electrical signals as data.

18. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit (9) transmits the electrical signals contactlessly.

19. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit (9) transmits the electrical signals capacitively.

20. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a transmission of electrical signals of a first communication unit is capacitive and a transmission of electrical signals of a second communication unit is optical.

21. Combined rotary feedthrough (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid unit (3) forms at least one channel (24) in which the fluid flows between the at least one radial (5, 6) and at least one axial (7, 71) fluid connection (P, T).

22. Combined rotary union (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a device for generating and providing a Internal overpressure in the housing (2).

23. Use of the combined rotary union (1) for controlling and regulating systems, in particular seismic measuring systems, wind turbines, centrifuges, filling systems, rotary indexing tables and rotating clamping systems, as well as robots.

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