Octopus type presetting device with full shut-off

Abstract

A manifold (1) for a heating / cooling system is described, which manifold (1) comprises a sleeve (2) having two openings (3, 4) in a wall and a fixture (5) having connection geometry (6, 29, 30). The installation of a manifold for a heating / cooling system should be facilitated. To this end, a presetting device (116) of the system is mounted to the sleeve (2) by means of the fixture (5), which fixture comprises at least two parts (7, 8) which are connected, wherein a functional part (17) of the presetting device (116) is mounted in a movable manner to the fixture (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a manifold for a heating / cooling system, the manifold comprising a sleeve and a fixing device, the sleeve having two openings in its wall and the fixing device having a connection geometry. Background Technology

[0002] Such manifolds are known, for example, from EP 1 426 695 A1. In this reference, the fixing device comprises two parts in the form of tubular metal elements, which are inserted into opposing openings in a sleeve and connected to each other by means of a threaded connection, one tubular element having a male thread and the other having a female thread. When connecting the parts of this fixing device, they must rotate relative to each other, which can be detrimental to the O-rings used to form a seal between the parts of the fixing device and the sleeve. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to facilitate the installation of manifolds used in heating / cooling systems.

[0004] This objective is achieved by a manifold of a heating / cooling system as described at the beginning, wherein a preset device of the system is mounted to the sleeve by means of a fixing device comprising at least two connected components, wherein the functional components of the preset device are mounted to the fixing device in a movable manner.

[0005] The functional component is a part of the preset device and is used to control the fluid flow from the bushing to the heating or cooling circuit connected to the bushing, or from the heating or cooling system to the bushing. This is particularly useful when the manifold is used in a floor heating system, especially as a forward manifold or return manifold.

[0006] In embodiments of the invention, the functional component is movable transversely to the longitudinal extension of the sleeve. The functional component can be positioned at different locations along the diameter of the sleeve to adjust certain characteristics of the flow through the manifold, or to adjust certain characteristics of the flow from the manifold to other components of the cooling or heating system, particularly the maximum flow through the preset device.

[0007] In an embodiment of the invention, the functional component is a first functional component and interacts with a control opening in a second functional component. The control opening allows fluid to enter from the sleeve into the channel formed by the two components of the fixed device. When the first functional component is movable, it can more or less open or close the control opening to control the fluid flow through the opening. Thus, the first functional component, cooperating with the second functional component, forms a preset device.

[0008] In an embodiment of the invention, the first functional component is held in the fixing device in a non-rotatable manner, and the second functional component is mounted to the fixing device in a rotatable manner, wherein the first and second functional components are connected by a threaded connection. This threaded connection is only a connection between the functional components, not a connection between the fixing devices. When the second functional component rotates, this rotational motion is converted into a translational motion of the first component. The first component can then be displaced over the opening to change the flow resistance through the opening.

[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, the second functional component includes a tubular section extending through the first functional component. Therefore, the first functional component is guided a considerable length outside the second functional component. Furthermore, the first functional component can be surrounded by a protrusion of a component of the fixing device, allowing it to be guided within the gap between the two components. This provides considerable stability, enabling precise adjustment of the position of the first functional component relative to the second functional component.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the fixing device includes at least one rib or groove parallel to the direction of movement of the first functional component, the rib or groove engaging with a corresponding groove or rib of the first functional component. The engagement between the rib and the groove is a simple way to allow translational movement of the first functional component while simultaneously preventing rotational movement of the first functional component.

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the fixing device includes a sealing ring, and the first functional component has a first end position and a second end position. The first end position contacts the sealing ring and closes the control opening, while in the second end position, the control opening is fully open. When the first functional component contacts the sealing ring, no fluid flows from the sleeve through the fixing device. Therefore, the preset device is closed at this position of the first functional component. When the first functional component is in the second end position, there is essentially no additional throttling caused by the control opening.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the threaded connection has a pitch that translates a rotation of less than 360 degrees of the second functional component into a stroke between two end positions. Therefore, an adjustment knob can be used that rotates back and forth between a single stop that limits the adjustment knob's rotation in both directions.

[0013] In embodiments of the invention, the threaded connection is a high-pitch thread. A high-pitch thread can be a multi-turn thread, or a thread with a pitch capable of providing, for example, 6 mm of travel per 360 degrees. A multi-turn thread comprises multiple interlocking threads, thereby allowing for a considerable travel per revolution.

[0014] In embodiments of the invention, the high-pitch thread comprises at least two intertwined threads, preferably four or six intertwined threads. The greater the number of intertwined threads, the greater the stroke per revolution.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the manifold is a forward manifold. In floor heating systems, valves for controlling the flow of heat transfer fluid are typically installed in the return manifold. When the preset device is arranged in the forward manifold, the valve can remain unchanged in the return manifold.

[0016] In embodiments of the invention, the two components of the fixing device are connected by means of screws on the outside of the sleeve or by weld seams on the outside of the sleeve. In this way, only one component of the fixing device can be inserted into the opening in the sleeve, i.e., that component of the fixing device is installed on one side of the sleeve. The other component of the fixing device can then be installed from the other side of the sleeve, such that the sleeve is ultimately held or even clamped between the components of the fixing device. The connection between the components of the fixing device is achieved by means of screws or by weld seams, the screws being, for example, parallel to the circumferential tangent of the sleeve. Screws are easy to insert, thus simplifying installation. The sleeve can be made of metal, and the fixing device can be made of plastic.

[0017] In embodiments of the invention, the at least two components form a closed assembly around the sleeve. In other words, the fixing device forms a closed loop around the sleeve, which provides high stability for the fixing device and its connection to the sleeve.

[0018] In embodiments of the invention, the two components of the fixing device are mounted on opposite sides of the sleeve in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the sleeve can be loaded in one direction, preferably in the direction along which the central axis of the opening is oriented. Thus, sufficient force can be used to press the components of the fixing device against the sleeve to ensure adequate tightness. However, in most cases, a sealing device will also be provided.

[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, each of the two components of the fixing device includes a protrusion extending into the sleeve. This protrusion can then accommodate at least one functional component of the pre-set device, guiding the functional component within a certain movement area of ​​the sleeve.

[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, the sleeve includes a circumferential wall having two openings opposite each other, wherein the protrusion is a first protrusion of a first component of the fixing device, and a second component of the fixing device includes a second protrusion extending into the interior of the sleeve. Because the openings in the sleeve are arranged opposite each other, the protrusions are oriented toward each other and form a tubular section that receives a channel or portion of a channel, such that the functional component or multiple functional components can be accommodated within the channel. Fluid can be guided out of the sleeve in a controlled manner using this channel.

[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, the first protrusion contacts the second protrusion. In other words, the channel is provided with a through wall, wherein the wall may have an opening that allows fluid to enter the channel in a controlled manner from the inside of the sleeve.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, the fixing device is provided with a connector. This connector allows connection between the manifold and the forward or return line of a heating or cooling system. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 A portion of the manifold of the heating / cooling system is shown;

[0025] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view is shown of the passage through the manifold and the fixture installed to the manifold;

[0026] Figure 3 An exploded view showing the components with different functions. Figure 1 manifold;

[0027] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the pre-set device is shown;

[0028] Figure 5 The preset device is shown in a cross-sectional perspective view;

[0029] Figure 6 A portion of the fixing device is shown;

[0030] Figure 7 The manifold with preset devices is shown from the outside;

[0031] Figures 8 to 10 Preset devices in different preset positions are shown;

[0032] Figure 11 The functional components are shown; and

[0033] Figure 12 An opening in a functional component is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 A portion of a heating / cooling system manifold 1 is shown, the manifold including a sleeve 2 having openings 3 and 4 on opposite sides of its circumferential wall. A mounting device 5 is attached to the sleeve 2. The mounting device 5 includes a connection geometry 6 for mounting at least one functional component of the system to the sleeve 2. The mounting device 5 is arranged around the openings 3 and 4.

[0035] In this example, the fixing device 5 is formed by two parts 7 and 8, which are installed onto the sleeve 2 from opposite directions (i.e., substantially along the diameter of the sleeve 2). The two parts 7 and 8 form a closed assembly around the sleeve 2, that is, in the areas of the openings 3 and 4, the sleeve 2 is completely enclosed by the fixing device 5.

[0036] The two components 7 and 8 of the fixing device 5 are connected by screws 9 and 10, which are arranged on the outside of the sleeve and oriented substantially parallel to the tangent of the sleeve 2. Alternatively, the two components 7 and 8 of the fixing device 5 can be connected by a weld (not shown) on the outside of the sleeve 2.

[0037] The sleeve 2 can be made of metal, while the two parts 7 and 8 of the fixing device 5 can be made of, for example, plastic.

[0038] The first component 7 includes a first protrusion 11 that inserts into the opening 3 of the sleeve 2. The second component 8 includes a second protrusion 12 that passes through the second opening 4 and inserts into the interior of the sleeve 2. The two protrusions 11 and 12 overlap each other to form a channel 13 (or tube), which is closed except for the opening 14, which is only located at the opening 3. Figures 4 to 6 and Figures 8 to 10 As shown in the diagram. The opening 14 is in Figure 2 It is not visible in the sectional view.

[0039] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates that multiple different functional components can be mounted onto the mounting device 5. These functional components can be a plug 114, a simple preset device 115, a more advanced preset device 116, or a preset device 117 with a flow meter 118. Additionally, a functional component can be a venting connection 119. All functional components can be connected to the sleeve 2 via the same mounting device 5.

[0040] Figures 4 to 10 The manifold 1 connected to the preset device 116 is shown. For use with... Figures 1 to 3 The same reference numerals in the figures indicate the same elements.

[0041] Figure 6 A portion of the fixing device is shown, particularly a first protrusion 11 and a second protrusion 12 having an opening 14. It can be seen that the second protrusion 12 includes a plurality of ribs 15, 16 extending parallel to its longitudinal extension, and the function of these ribs 15, 16 will be explained in conjunction with some of the other accompanying drawings.

[0042] The first functional component 17 is arranged in the fixing device 5, particularly in the second component 8 of the fixing device, and specifically within the second protrusion 12. The first functional component 17 has a shape on its outer side that corresponds to... Figure 6 The grooves corresponding to ribs 15 and 16 shown (in) Figure 4 (Not visible in the middle). The fit between the groove and the ribs 15 and 16 results in the first functional component 17 being able to move translationally within the second protrusion 12, while preventing rotational movement of the first functional component 17. An O-ring 18 is arranged between the first functional component 17 and the second protrusion 12 to prevent any leakage between the first functional component 17 and the second protrusion 12.

[0043] The second functional component 19 is rotatably mounted to the first component 7 of the fixing device 5. The second functional component 19 includes a control opening 20. Furthermore, the second functional component 19 includes a protruding thread 21 that engages with the concave thread 22 of the first functional component 17. A channel is provided inside the tubular section 24 of the second functional component.

[0044] When the second functional component 19 rotates and the first functional component 17 is held in the second component 8 of the fixing device 5 in a non-rotatable manner, the rotational motion of the second functional component 19 is converted into the translational motion of the first functional component 17. In other words, the first functional component 17 moves with the second functional component 19, so that the first functional component 17 can more or less close or open the control opening 20.

[0045] Furthermore, the second functional component 19 includes a sealing ring 23, and the first functional component 17 has a first end position that contacts the sealing ring 23. This position is... Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, the contact between the first functional component 17 and the sealing ring 23 forms a fluid-tight seal, preventing fluid from the inside of the sleeve 2 from propagating into the channel 24 formed inside the second functional component 19. In this position of the first functional component 17, the preset device 116 is completely closed.

[0046] Figure 8 The position of the first functional component 17 is shown, in which the control opening 20 is opened to its maximum. This position is the second end position. Figure 9The first functional component 17 is shown in an intermediate position, in which the control opening 20 is partially open, allowing a reduced flow of fluid to flow from the inside of the sleeve 2 through the channel 24 inside the second functional component 19.

[0047] As can be seen, especially Figure 4 As can be seen, the first functional component 17 is held between the second protrusion 12 and the second functional component 19, so that the position of the first functional component 17 can be adjusted with high precision.

[0048] The preset device 116 includes an adjustment knob 25 connected to the second functional component 19 and capable of rotation of slightly less than 360 degrees. For this purpose, the first component 7 of the fixing device 5 includes a stop 26, and the adjustment knob 25 includes another stop 27. The stop 26 of the fixing device 5 is rotatable between two end positions defined by the two end positions of the stop 27. When the adjustment knob 25 rotates between these two end positions, the first functional component 17 is threadedly connected to the two end positions (…). Figure 8 and Figure 10 The ability to translate between these parameters makes the preset settings for the heating / cooling system very simple.

[0049] The mounting device 5 may be equipped with a connector 28, which simplifies the connection to the forward or return pipeline of the heating / cooling system.

[0050] All functional components 114-119 and connectors can be held in the fixing device 5 by means of snap rings 29, 30 or other similar spring elements.

[0051] Only Figure 4 As shown, component 7 of the fixing device 5 is provided with an O-ring 31 surrounding one opening in the manifold 2, and component 8 of the fixing device 5 is provided with an O-ring 32 surrounding the opposite opening in the manifold 2. The O-rings 31 and 32 have two functions: the O-rings 31 and 32 produce a tight seal, and when the two components 7 and 8 of the fixing device 5 are installed in the manifold 2, the O-rings 31 and 32 can balance or compensate for small tolerances.

[0052] The threaded connection is a so-called multi-turn thread, where the convex thread 21 and the concave thread 22 each have two or more interlocking threads extending parallel to each other. Interlocking the threads allows for an increase in the thread lead distance. A two-turn thread will have twice the lead of a single-turn thread of the same pitch, a three-turn thread will have three times the lead of a single-turn thread of the same pitch, and so on. In this manifold, the multi-turn thread includes six turns, which is particularly advantageous in connections to the preset device 116.

[0053] For example, a 360-degree rotation of the adjustment knob 25 can have a travel of approximately 1 cm for the first functional component 17. Therefore, a scale can be provided on the adjustment knob 25 or the housing to indicate the degree of activation of the preset device, making it easier to adjust the preset to the correct value.

[0054] Furthermore, a portion of the rotation of the adjusting knob 25 can be used for coarse adjustment, and another portion of the rotation can be used for fine adjustment. For this purpose, the opening 20 has a width in the circumferential direction, which varies with the travel of the first functional component 17. Figure 11 and Figure 12 An example of the shape of opening 20 is shown in the figure.

[0055] Figure 11 A second functional component 19 with an opening 20 is shown. Figure 12 The opening 20 is shown in a larger proportion in the middle.

[0056] The opening 20 includes a coarse adjustment section 33, a transition section 34, and a fine adjustment section 35. The coarse adjustment section 33 has a large width in the circumferential direction, the transition section 34 has a decreasing width in the circumferential direction, and the fine adjustment section 35 has a minimum width in the circumferential direction. This means that for the same differential stroke of the first functional component 17 relative to the second functional component 19, the size of the opening 20 varies depending on the position of the first functional component 17 relative to the second functional component 19. When the upper end of the first functional component 17 (and...) Figures 8 to 11 (As shown in the view related) When the first functional component 17 moves in the coarse adjustment section 33, the change in the size of the opening 20 per millimeter of travel is much greater than when the upper end of the first functional component 17 moves in the fine adjustment section 35. Because the correlation between the rotation of the adjustment knob 25 and the translational movement of the first functional component 17 is linear, very fine adjustments can be made for small flow volumes.

[0057] Figure 11 Also shown is a convex thread 21 having the aforementioned six intertwined threads 36.

Claims

1. A manifold (1) of a heating / cooling system, which manifold comprises a sleeve (2) having two openings (3, 4) in a wall and a fixing device (5) having connection geometry (6, 29, 30), characterised in that, The preset device (116) of the system is mounted to the sleeve (2) by means of the fixture (5) comprising at least two parts (7, 8) connected, wherein a functional part (17) of the preset device (116) is movably mounted to the fixture (5); wherein the functional part is a first functional part (17) and interacts with a control opening (20) in a second functional part (19), and wherein the first functional part (17) is held in the fixture (5) in a rotationally fixed manner and the second functional part (19) is mounted to the fixture (5) in a rotationally movable manner, wherein the first functional part (17) and the second functional part (19) are connected by means of a threaded connection (21, 22).

2. The manifold of claim 1, wherein, The functional part (17) is movable transversely to the longitudinal extension of the sleeve (2).

3. The manifold of claim 1, wherein, The second functional part (19) comprises a tubular section (24) extending through the first functional part (17).

4. The manifold of claim 1, wherein, The fixture (5) comprises at least one rib (15, 16) or groove parallel to the movement direction of the first functional part (17), which rib or groove cooperates with a corresponding groove or rib of the first functional part (17).

5. The manifold of claim 1, wherein, The fixture (5) comprises a sealing ring (23) and the first functional part (17) has a first end position in which it is in contact with the sealing ring (23) and closes the control opening (20) and a second end position in which the control opening (20) is open to a maximum.

6. The manifold of claim 5, wherein, The threaded connection (21, 22) has a pitch which translates a rotation of the second functional part (19) of less than 360 degrees into a stroke of the first functional part (17) between two end positions.

7. The manifold of claim 6, wherein, The threaded connection (21, 22) is a high-pitch thread.

8. The manifold of claim 7, wherein, The high-pitch thread comprises at least two interwound threads.

9. The manifold of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The manifold (1) is a forward manifold.

10. The manifold of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The at least two parts (7, 8) form a closed assembly around the sleeve (2).

11. The manifold of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The at least two parts (7, 8) of the fixture (5) are mounted on opposite sides of the circumference of the sleeve (2).

12. The manifold of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The at least two parts (7, 8) of the fixture (5) each comprise a protrusion (11, 12) extending into the interior of the sleeve (2).

13. The manifold of claim 12, wherein, The at least two parts (7, 8) comprise a first part (7) and a second part (8), the protrusion (11) of the first part (7) contacting the protrusion (12) of the second part (8).

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