VACUUM PUMP, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A VACUUM PUMP

摘要

A vacuum pump, in particular a Roots vacuum pump, has a pump chamber (12) which is formed by a pump housing (10). Pump elements (14) which are driven by a drive motor are arranged in the pump chamber (12). A medium is pumped by the pump elements from the pump inlet (18) through the pump chamber (12) and from the latter through the pump outlet (20). In order to avoid overheating, a flow channel (24) is provided, through which at least if required medium can be returned from the pump outlet (20) to the pump inlet (18). A valve device (30) is provided in the flow channel. According to the invention, the valve device (30) can be regulated and, to this end, is connected to a regulating device (52). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating the vacuum pump.