Lubricating system for a centrifuge drive

US7588526B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Westfalia Separator GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Thomas Kleimann · Oelde, DE
• Daniel Senger · Ennigerloh, DE
• Thomas Kottenstedte · Oelde, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 3, 2007
• Grant date: Sep 15, 2009
• Expiry date: Mar 25, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16C2320/42
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A centrifuge, in particular a separator, having a rotating, vertically oriented drive spindle, which is supported on a machine frame by a bearing device, which exhibits at least one step bearing or lower thrust bearing and preferably one upper collar bearing, which are arranged in a common frame and lubrication space, which in its lower region is fashioned as an oil pan, the step bearing being enclosed by a cup element having a cylindrical outer shell and one open axial end and one closed axial end, through which cup element the drive spindle passes in centric fashion, the drive spindle and the cup element being connected to each other so as to be rotationally fixed relative to each other, a fin, which rotates along with the drive spindle, serving to generate a flow of air. Here the at least one fin is arranged directly on the drive spindle or on an element rotating with the drive spindle inside the cup element below the step bearing, and the cup element is provided with one or a plurality of penetrations or holes, so that an underpressure or partial vacuum can be generated when the centrifuge is in operation, which underpressure draws the swirled-up oil mist of air and oil through…