Mounting device with power engineering or building maintenance modules and method for removing modules from a mounting device of this type

Abstract

An installation device with power engineering or building maintenance modules (16) and a method for the installation device are described. The installation device (10) comprises at least two side walls (12) around a plurality of stackable modules (16) and a removable front cover (14). The side walls (12) have a frame (26), two longitudinal rails (36) and a transverse rail (44) arranged in the frame. For maintenance of a module (16'), the longitudinal rails (36) are arranged along the corners of the modules (16) remaining in the device in order to secure one or more modules (16) positioned above the module (16') to be maintained. Two frames (26) are arranged along the two longitudinal rails (36) on the front side and can be connected to the transverse rail (44) by means of a pulley (42) mounted on an upper frame segment (30), on which the transverse rail rests, so that after the securing of the one or more modules (16) positioned above the module (16') to be maintained on the longitudinal rails (36), the module (16') to be maintained can be removed from the installation device (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an installation apparatus having electrical engineering or building maintenance engineering modules, and a method for removing modules from this type of installation apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The use of fossil fuels is becoming increasingly uneconomical and challenging due to their associated negative climate impacts. In addition to increasing the use of renewable energy, there is a growing need for efficient energy storage systems that can ensure reduced energy consumption when combined with smart controls, such as during building heating or factory cooling. These measures offer significant energy-saving potential regardless of the energy carrier used, which also reduces associated installation costs.

[0003] An example of a high-efficiency energy storage system is described in DE 10 2019 118 223, a previously unpublished patent application by the same applicant. It describes an apparatus for energy transfer and storage in a reservoir, comprising a hydrothermal exchanger arranged on a base and an air heat exchanger arranged above the hydrothermal exchanger. The hydrothermal exchanger is disposed within a reservoir surrounded by an inner shell that defines the apparatus relative to an outer shell covering the inner shell from the base. The outer shell is at least partially introduced into the ground layer, and the apparatus is closed upwards by a cover, enabling the generation of an airflow from an air inlet to an air outlet through the air heat exchanger.

[0004] Typically, the operating areas of the water heat exchanger and the air heat exchanger are connected to a heat pump via a hydraulic unit, which is installed, for example, inside a building. Alternatively, such a device can be attached to the roof of a building.

[0005] It is known in general existing technologies to arrange electrical engineering or building maintenance modules in mounting cabinets, for example, in 19-inch format or as separate building blocks. However, such installations are either very complex or very difficult to understand, and provide little protection against environmental impact. Because such modules (such as the heat pump mentioned above) are typically very heavy, installers have to use significantly more force to maintain or replace them. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on existing technology, the inventors have now taken it upon themselves to solve the problem of providing an installation device and method, through which the installation and maintenance of modules are particularly easy.

[0007] This problem is solved by the following features. These features can be combined with each other in a technically meaningful way. The invention is further characterized and described in detail in the specification (especially in conjunction with the accompanying drawings).

[0008] According to the present invention, an installation device comprising electrical engineering or building maintenance engineering modules is created. The installation device includes two side walls enclosing a plurality of stackable modules and a removable front cover. The side walls have frames, two longitudinal rails and a transverse rail arranged in the frames. The longitudinal rails are arranged along the corners of the modules retained in the device for maintenance or removal of the modules to secure one or more modules arranged above the module to be maintained. The two frames are arranged along the two longitudinal rails on the front side and are connectable to the transverse rails by pulleys attached to the upper frame section. The module to be removed rests on the transverse rails such that once the one or more modules arranged above the module to be maintained are secured to the longitudinal rails, the modules can be removed from the installation device.

[0009] Therefore, in the mounting device according to the invention, the module is arranged behind two side walls and a removable front cover, thus protecting the module from environmental influences at least from these sides. Since the modules are stacked one on top of the other, there is no need for complex holding devices to manage the installation of the modules (e.g., as in a mounting cabinet). However, during module maintenance or replacement, the two side walls take on an additional function. After the front cover is removed, the side walls can be disassembled, each side wall having a frame, two longitudinal rails and a transverse rail arranged within the frame. The longitudinal rails are now attached to the corner areas of the module, so that they can at least secure the module arranged above the module to be replaced or maintained. Thus, the longitudinal rails now function as holding devices against which the frame can be positioned at the front of the frame, and have sockets on the upper frame section for pulleys that can be connected to the transverse members also to be removed from the side walls, creating a type of pulley system that can lift the module to be replaced. In this way, module replacement or maintenance can be easily performed even under difficult conditions (e.g., on the roof of a building). The installer does not need to carry any additional installation aids, as all other aids, except for the two pulleys, are already present at the installation site, and the installer can easily bring the pulleys there. Therefore, in any case, the installer can ensure that all necessary installation aids are available on-site. In this way, the installation unit can be operated in a cost-effective manner, resulting in the same initial state independent of the installation site. It should be mentioned that, in addition to installation on the roof of a building, it can also be installed in, for example, the basement of a building, where the installation unit can therefore be expanded depending on the application. Thus, in the first case, a rear wall or top cover would also be possible, while in the second case, side walls or front covers can be designed aesthetically, as is often required in private homes. After the work to be performed has been completed, the replaced or maintained modules are reinserted in reverse order, with the longitudinal members subsequently removed again and inserted into the frame along with the transverse members, and the frame then again forms the side walls of the installation unit.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper frame section may be provided with holes, and pulleys may be hooked into the holes.

[0011] Therefore, the frame can be attached to the pulley in a simple way. In this case, for example, the pulley can be hooked by a hook and loop, even without tools.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal and transverse tracks of the frame substantially correspond to the external dimensions of the frame.

[0013] Therefore, in a typical rectangular embodiment of the sidewalls, the longitudinal rails are designed so that they can be mounted in the frame along the long side. The transverse members can be laterally fixed to the frame along the short side of the sidewalls, with both the longitudinal and transverse members essentially completely or almost completely spanning the sidewalls. This provides great flexibility, as the longitudinal rails can be connected to the module at any desired location.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, multiple modules stacked on top of each other are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0015] In this way, multiple module stacks are now formed, arranged side by side, which can substantially completely fill the interior of the mounting device. For this purpose, the mounting device can, for example, have different widths and different heights, thus accommodating different numbers of modules depending on the application. Therefore, the concept of the invention can be readily transferred to various applications with different numbers of modules.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal track is connected to the module retained in the mounting device by a retaining device.

[0017] To connect the longitudinal rail to the module retained in the mounting device, a retaining device, such as a retaining plate or retaining angle, can be provided, which can be connected to both the longitudinal member and the module via connecting holes or connecting slots by screws. However, it is also conceivable to provide a corresponding profile that can engage with corresponding openings in both the retaining rail and the module without tools.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the frame also includes removable sidewall panels.

[0019] In this way, the sidewalls are protected from environmental influences, but the installation work does not require the sidewall panels, so the sidewall panels can be removed.

[0020] The frame, longitudinal rails, and transverse rails can be made into metal profiles.

[0021] The modules can perform entirely different tasks, including, in addition to the aforementioned heat pump function, other tasks related to electrical engineering or building maintenance. Therefore, these modules can be configured as hydraulic modules, heat pump modules, hot water modules, ventilation modules, battery modules, inverter modules, charging modules, emergency power or building energy management modules, and building automation modules, for example. Typically, the modules have the same footprint, allowing for standardized procedures.

[0022] The above-mentioned problem can also be solved by a method for removing the module from the above-mentioned installation device. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The following description provides a more detailed account of some exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 The installation apparatus according to the invention is shown in its assembled state before the installation work begins. Figure 2 An installation device according to the invention is shown, wherein the front cover is removed. Figure 3 The mounting device with the sidewall panels removed is shown. Figure 4 This shows a module stacked on top of another after the frame was removed. Figure 5 The module arrangement with marked modules is shown. Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the module arrangement after attaching longitudinal members, frames, transverse members, and pulleys during module removal, and... Figure 7 The diagram shows the module arrangement after the module to be maintained has been placed.

[0024] In the figure, the same or similar functional components have the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the mounting device 10 according to the present invention is shown in a perspective side view. The mounting device 10 includes two side walls 12 and a removable front cover 14. Furthermore, the mounting device 10 may also be provided with a top cover, which may be located above a module 16 disposed inside the mounting device 10. A rear wall may also be connected to the module 16.

[0026] When the front cover 14 is removed, the interior of the mounting device 10 is... Figure 2 As shown in the figure, in this example, a total of five modules 16, with some different sizes, are arranged inside the mounting device 10. Modules 16 can take over different tasks in the fields of electrical engineering or building maintenance engineering. Typically, the area of ​​module 16 located in the direction of the removable front cover 14 is designed to have electronic open-loop or closed-loop control tasks, while fluid inlets or outlets can be located on the opposite side. Modules 16 all have the same footprint, allowing modules 16 to be stacked one on top of another, and have uniform edges produced at the corners of the modules.

[0027] Furthermore, the modules are designed in the direction of the front cover 14 such that a vertical gap 18 can be formed between adjacent modules. Additionally, a horizontal gap 20 can be seen between modules one on top of another; this gap is created, for example, because the modules are equipped with protrusions or webs on their upper or lower sides, which reduce the footprint of module 16 compared to its external dimensions. Besides the vertical gap 18 and the horizontal gap 20, a lateral gap 22 with the sidewall 12 can also be seen. The sidewall 12 also has a removable sidewall panel 24.

[0028] refer to Figure 3 The module arrangement with sidewall panel 24 removed is now shown. It can be seen that the sidewall 12 is formed by a frame 26, which includes a lower frame section 28, an upper frame section 30, a rear frame section 32, and a front frame section 34. Furthermore, a longitudinal track 36 is attached to the rear frame section 32 and is connected, for example, to a vertically arranged perforated track 38 at the rear corner of the module 16 by a retaining device in the form of a strip or plate. Another longitudinal track is arranged in the region of the front frame section 34, and... Figure 3 Also indicated by reference numeral 36 in the accompanying drawings. Frame 26 can now be separated from module 16, allowing modules 16 to be stacked individually on top of each other and remain adjacent to one another.

[0029] This state is Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the rear perforated track 38 on module 16 and the horizontal and vertical gaps between adjacent modules mentioned above can be seen.

[0030] Figure 5 It was shown again Figure 4 The module arrangement in the diagram, where module 16' is now represented as the module to be removed.

[0031] The following will refer to Figure 6 The removal of the module is described. It can be seen that four longitudinal members 36 are now arranged at the corner of the stack of modules 16, including the module 16' to be removed, where the vertical gap 18 and the lateral gap 22 are selected in their dimensions to allow the longitudinal members 36 to be inserted. Frame 26 is attached to the front longitudinal member 36 via a rear frame segment 32, such that the two frames 26 are oriented parallel to each other and perpendicular to the front orientation of the module stack formed by modules 16 and 16'. In the region of the upper frame segment 30, there is a socket 40 in which a pulley 42 hooks. The socket 40 may be formed as an eyelet or the like; the connection to the pulley may be achieved via a hook and loop.

[0032] Pulley 42 is connected to transverse member 44, which is originally part of sidewall 12. Transverse members 44 are configured here to guide below the module 16' to the corner region located between horizontal gap 20 and vertical gap 18, allowing the module 16' to be removed by actuating pulley 42. For this purpose, the module 16' above the module 16' must be connected to longitudinal member 36 at perforated track 38, so that the area of ​​the module 16' to be replaced remains free. After the module 16' is pulled horizontally on transverse member 44 and, appropriately, ropes are removed, the module 16' is then free and, as... Figure 7 As shown, it can be lowered onto the floor via actuation pulley 42 and can be maintained, replaced, or further work performed, for example. Depending on the weight of the module above, it may be necessary to slightly lift the module above via pulley 42 before removing the module 16' to be replaced, and then secure it to the longitudinal member 36 so that the module 16' to be replaced can be removed more easily.

[0033] Once module 16' is ready for reuse, the steps are performed in reverse order, such that after the module is placed on the floor in front of the mounting stack, it is lifted again by pulley 42 and can then be horizontally inserted into its position in the module stack. Frame 26 and longitudinal member 36 are then removed again along with transverse member 44, and after the removable sidewall panel 24 is inserted along with the removable front cover 14, the sidewalls are attached to their original positions, thus allowing for the re-creation of the module according to its original position. Figure 1 The state.

[0034] In this way, electrical engineering or building maintenance modules can be removed from the module stack, where assemblers only need to carry pulley 42 in addition to their personal tools, since all remaining installation aids are already part of the sidewall 12. This represents a significant simplification in the maintenance or repair of the installation device 10.

[0035] The features described above and those shown in the claims, as well as those deduced from the drawings, can be advantageously implemented individually or in various combinations. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described, but can be modified in many ways within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

[0036] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: Installation device 10 Side wall 12 Front cover 14 Module 16 Module 16' to be replaced Vertical gap 18 Horizontal gap 20 Lateral clearance 22 Side wall panel 24 Frame 26 Lower frame segment 28 Upper frame segment 30 Rear frame segment 32 Front frame segment 34 Longitudinal track 36 Perforated track 38 Socket 40 Pulley 42 Horizontal track 44.

Claims

1. An installation device comprising electrical engineering or building maintenance engineering modules, said installation device including at least two sidewalls (12) enclosing a plurality of stackable modules and a removable front cover (14), wherein, The sidewall (12) has a frame (26), two longitudinal rails (36) arranged in the frame, and a transverse rail (44), wherein the longitudinal rails (36) are arranged along the corners of the modules retained in the mounting device for maintenance of the modules, so as to secure one or more modules arranged above the module to be maintained, wherein the two frames (26) are arranged along the two longitudinal rails (36) on the front side of the mounting device (10) and can be connected to the transverse rails (44) by pulleys (42) attached to the upper frame section (30), the module to be maintained resting on the transverse rails (44) such that once the one or more modules arranged above the module to be maintained are secured to the longitudinal rails (36), the module to be maintained can be removed from the mounting device (10).

2. The installation device according to claim 1, wherein, The upper frame section (30) is provided with a socket (40), and the pulley (42) can be hooked into the socket (40).

3. The mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The longitudinal track (36) and the transverse track (44) of the frame (26) substantially correspond to the external dimensions of the frame (26).

4. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, Multiple modules, stacked on top of each other, are arranged adjacent to each other.

5. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The longitudinal track (36) is connected to the module retained in the mounting device (10) via a retaining device.

6. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The frame (26) also includes removable sidewall panels (24).

7. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The frame (26), the longitudinal track (36), and the transverse track (44) are manufactured as metal profiles.

8. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The module is configured as a hydraulic module, heat pump module, hot water module, ventilation module, battery module, inverter module, charging module, emergency power supply or building energy management module, and building automation module.

9. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The modules have the same floor space.

10. A method for removing a module from an installation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, Perform the following steps: - Remove the sidewall (12) and the front cover (14). Remove the frame (26), the longitudinal track (36), and the transverse track (44) from the side wall (12). - Attach the longitudinal track (36) to the corner of the module retained in the mounting device (10), - Connect one or more modules retained in the mounting device (10) to the longitudinal track (36). - The frame (26) is arranged parallel to the longitudinal track (36) on the front side of the mounting device (10). - Hook the pulley (42) onto the upper frame section (30), - Connect the pulley (42) to each transverse rail (44). - Attach the transverse track (44) to the underside of the module to be replaced. - While actuating the pulley (42), the module to be removed is removed horizontally, wherein the module to be removed rests on the transverse track (44), and - By actuating the pulley (42) again, the module to be removed is lowered in the vertical direction.

Images