Connection system for temperature-regulating components of building

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection system (2) for components (34) for the temperature control of buildings, in particular for the heating, cooling or air-conditioning of interior spaces, having a base plate (36) provided with a plurality of openings (40) which are designed such that they can receive coupling elements (4) which are designed as elongated hollow bodies along a longitudinal axis (6), the longitudinal axis (6) of the coupling element (4) is arranged perpendicularly to the main surface of the base plate (36) on a first side (42) of the base plate (36), and each coupling element (4) has a closable coupling channel (8) directed transversely to the longitudinal axis (6), at least one coupling element (4) being provided for each component (34), the component (34) is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the unclosed coupling channel (8) of the coupling element (4) thereof, and wherein a fluid connection or an inlet or an outlet to the further component (34) is formed by the further unclosed coupling channel (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection system for components for temperature regulation in buildings, in particular for heating, cooling or air conditioning of interior spaces. Background Art

[0002] It is known from the general prior art that corresponding preventive measures are taken during the change of seasons in order to keep the temperature in the interior space within a temperature range that is comfortable for the user. Here, heaters of different embodiments are used to increase the temperature, while the temperature is usually reduced by an air conditioner, which guides the outside air cooled accordingly via a cooling compressor into the interior space.

[0003] Here, modern systems are used as so-called indoor air technology devices, in which the outside air can be guided as supply air into the interior space of the building via a heat exchanger by means of a radial flow fan. The exhaust gas is usually conveyed to the heat exchanger via an evaporative cooler, where the air inhaled by another radial flow fan leaves the building as exhaust air. In addition to various filters for cleaning the air, auxiliary heaters can also be used, so that ventilation of the interior space can be achieved.

[0004] The above-mentioned systems usually cooperate with a heat pump installed in the building. The heat pump can be supplied with electrical energy, for example, via the power grid or its own accumulator.

[0005] Another application example is the device described in DE 10 2019 118 223 A1 for energy transfer and energy storage in a liquid reservoir, which has a hydrothermal exchanger arranged on the bottom, wherein the hydrothermal exchanger is arranged in the liquid reservoir, the liquid reservoir is surrounded by an inner shell, the inner shell separates the device from an outer shell that covers the inner shell from the bottom, wherein the outer shell can be at least partially introduced into the soil layer, wherein the device has an air heat exchanger arranged above the hydrothermal exchanger, and the device is closed upwards by a lid, so that an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet can be generated by the air heat exchanger.

[0006] When installing such an air conditioning system, different hydraulic components are required, such as pumps, valves, temperature or pressure sensors, which are flowed through by a fluid and must be connected to each other in different ways. For this purpose, it is known to form releasable pipe connectors in the form of screw or flange connectors, pipe connectors in the form of press fittings or rigid pipe connectors by soldering or welding. The hydraulic components are usually arranged on the wall surface and are respectively connected by appropriate pipe connectors. Due to the respectively different component joints, the number of required connections and the different sizes of the components, the installation carried out in a conventional manner is often not intuitive or requires a very large installation area.

[0007] CN 111 457 448 B describes a distribution pipe installed between a first lateral connection part and a second lateral connection part for water supply, wherein the first lateral connection part and the second lateral connection part are arranged on a wall surface or a bottom surface, and includes a central pipe having a water delivery sleeve constructed at one end (wherein the other end is closed), and a plurality of distribution sleeves arranged in a plurality of through holes, and the through holes are constructed in a side section of the central pipe so as to be connected to a plurality of branch pipes.

[0008] DE 196 37 575 B4 describes a distribution station for a heating system, in particular for distributing hot water to operate a hot water heating system. The distribution station has a first branch, which is constructed by a plurality of uniform pipe elements screwed to each other respectively and arranged in a jet pump. Each pipe element is provided with an internal thread at one end and an external thread matching the internal thread at the opposite end and has a lateral sleeve, and the central axes of these sleeves are arranged equidistantly from each other. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In this context, the task now is to provide a connection system for the air-conditioning components of a building, which can be implemented more compactly and has lower installation costs compared to the hitherto existing systems.

[0010] This task is solved by the features of claim 1. Further advantageous design solutions of the present invention are respectively the subject matter of the dependent claims. They can be combined with each other in a technically reasonable manner. In particular, the present invention is additionally characterized and explained in conjunction with the description of the drawings.

[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided a connection system for components for temperature regulation of a building, in particular for heating, cooling or air-conditioning of an interior space. The connection system has a base plate provided with a plurality of openings, which are constructed such that they can accommodate coupling elements that are constructed as elongated hollow bodies along a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the coupling element is arranged on a first side of the base plate perpendicular to the main surface of the base plate, and each coupling element has a plurality of coupling channels that point transversely to the longitudinal axis and can be closed. At least one coupling element is provided for each component, and the component is fluidly connected to the unclosed coupling channels of its coupling element so as to form a fluid connection to another component or form an inlet or outlet of the fluid through the other unclosed coupling channels.

[0012] Thus, in the connection system according to the present invention, first, a substrate covers the area set for installation. The substrate can be arranged on the frame of the air-conditioning device similar to a side wall, such that the substrate acts like the junction between the air-conditioning device and the outside. Each structural element is connected to the substrate through one or more coupling elements. In addition to this holding function, the coupling elements also fulfill additional functions in such a way that a fluid connection to another component is formed or an inlet or outlet for the fluid is formed. In the hydraulic structural elements in air-conditioning technology, the fluid is usually a working medium, such as air, water, or a mixture composed of different liquids, which is required for the operation of, for example, a heat pump. By the dual function of the coupling elements as holding and fluid connection, an intuitive, compact, and moreover easy-to-maintain structure is provided. The connection system according to the present invention can also be changed in a simple way, for example, when the performance requirements for the air-conditioning system change, so that existing installations can be expanded or supplemented. The openings in the substrate for accommodating the coupling elements can be arranged in a regular grid, where, next to the positions actually occupied by the coupling elements, additional openings for subsequent expansion can already be selectively provided. Alternatively, for example, a perforated plate can also be used, which is preferably provided with openings arranged in a grid.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling channel of the coupling element is configured as an internal thread connection in the side wall of the coupling element.

[0014] In this way, it is possible to directly guide the component to be coupled or the inlet or outlet into the side wall of the coupling element through a corresponding external thread for forming a threaded connection, which can also be provided with a seal.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the coupling element is configured as a hollow cylinder, which is provided with a flat surface at the internal thread connection.

[0016] The design with a flat surface enables various shaped external thread connections to be introduced into the internal thread of the coupling element for fastening components, and an additional seal is provided, for example, in the area of the flat surface. The fluid can reach the coupling channel through the hollow cylinder.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the coupling channels of the coupling elements are arranged in multiple planes along the longitudinal axis, and these planes each have a coupling element rotated by 90º, which are oriented in alignment with each other.

[0018] In this way, a regular structure of the coupling elements can be achieved, where the coupling channels furthermore point in a determined direction.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is also provided a further shortened coupling element which has a spacer in the region of the plane of the coupling element facing the substrate.

[0020] Thus, the shortened coupling element is designed such that a fluid connection can be passed through in the region of the spacer below them. The remaining design of the shortened coupling element is the same as that of the coupling element already described above. Thus, it is possible that the coupling element and the shortened coupling element are arranged on the substrate, where the shortened coupling element can, for example, be arranged above an already provided fluid connection between the coupling elements or can be provided for space saving. For example, the spacer can be implemented as a C-shaped profile, where the side facing the shortened coupling element also ensures sealing with respect to the hollow cylindrical structure of the shortened coupling element.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the connection channel is provided with a pipe connection part (preferably in the form of a press fit or a flange connection), through which a pipe connection to a component or other coupling element is formed.

[0022] So far, the connection between the hydraulic component and the coupling element and between the coupling elements has only been generally described as a fluid connection. Since hydraulic structural elements are usually provided by a plurality of different manufacturers, there is no standardized connection part on the structural elements that can be integrated into the connection system according to the invention. Therefore, it is provided that the connection channel is provided with a pipe connection part, through which a connection to a component or other coupling element is formed. For example, the pipe connection part can be designed in the form of a press fit or a flange connection, where other connection types are not excluded. Thus, in order to connect a component to a coupling element, a press fit is, for example, screwed into the connection channel of the coupling element. Then, a plastic pipe with a matching length is pressed with the press fit. The other end of the plastic pipe is connected to the component, where again different connection techniques can be used, which follow the design of the component connection part. If the component has a second component connection part or another component connection part, then it is also connected to the coupling element accordingly. In this way, it is also possible to provide an inlet or an outlet of the fluid line.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the orientation of the pipe connection to other coupling elements is selected in the form of non-crossing pipe routing for each plane.

[0024] This enables the connection between different coupling elements to be provided according to the fluid flow plan. Here, this can be carried out similarly, for example, in the disassembly of a circuit board, in such a way that for each plane only the orientation of the pipe connection is preferably selected.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the invention, unwanted connection channels of the connection element are closed by a screwing-on closure sleeve.

[0026] By means of the closure sleeve it is possible, for additional applications, to open, for example, hitherto unwanted connection channels after initial installation in order to provide a connection for a further component via the pipe connection. Thus, it is possible to react flexibly to changing requirements. Furthermore, it is possible to close the hollow-cylindrical interior space of the connection element by means of a locking nut arranged on the second side of the base plate, the locking nut simultaneously ensuring stable fastening of the connection element on the base plate.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the connection element is made of plastic.

[0028] This enables inexpensive production of the connection elements, which can be pre-produced in large numbers in different sizes as modules without having to provide individually manufactured parts during installation.

[0029] Furthermore, the use of a connection system as described above in a device for air conditioning a building is described. Description of the Drawings

[0030] Subsequently, some embodiments are explained in detail with the aid of the drawings. Among them:

[0031] Figure 1A Details of a connection system according to the invention are shown in a schematic perspective side view,

[0032] Figure 1B showing Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of

[0033] Figure 1C Further details of a connection system according to the invention are shown in a schematic perspective side view,

[0034] Figure 2A Further details of a connection system according to the invention are shown in a schematic side view,

[0035] Figure 2B Further details of a connection system according to the invention are shown in a schematic side view,

[0036] Figure 3 A perspective side view of a connection system according to the invention is shown,

[0037] Figure 4A A schematic view of a part of a connection system according to the invention is shown in a top view,

[0038] Figure 4B A schematic view of a part of a connection system according to the invention is shown in a top view,

[0039] Figure 4C A schematic view showing a part of the connection system according to the present invention is shown in a top view, and

[0040] Figure 4D A schematic view showing a part of the connection system according to the present invention is shown in a top view.

[0041] In the drawings, components that are the same or have the same functional effect are provided with the same reference numerals. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0042] In Figure 1A , a part of the connection system 2 according to the present invention is shown in a perspective side view in a first embodiment. This part is a coupling element 4, which is configured as an elongated hollow body formed along a longitudinal axis 6. Transverse to the longitudinal axis 6, the coupling element 4 has a plurality of coupling channels 8.

[0043] A cylindrical projection 10 is located at the end side of the coupling element 4, and the projection has a smaller diameter than the hollow cylindrical coupling element 4. A support surface 12 present in the transition region is used for fastening the coupling element 4 to the substrate. For this purpose, an external thread (not shown in Figure 1A ) can be arranged along the outer periphery of the projection 10, so that fastening to the substrate via the support surface 12 of the coupling element 4 can be achieved using a nut or the like.

[0044] The individual coupling channels 8 are arranged in a plurality of parallel planes relative to the support surface 12, and these planes are denoted in Figure 1A by the reference numerals 14, 14' and 14''. The planar coupling channels 8 are rotated 90° relative to each other, wherein the coupling channels 8 of each plane 14, 14' and 14'' are oriented in alignment with each other such that all the central points of the coupling channels are arranged along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis 6.

[0045] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of the coupling element 4. In order to close the hollow cylindrical coupling element 4, a plurality of threaded connections can be formed. Therefore, an internal thread 16 is provided in the region of the end facing away from the projection 10, through which a closing screw can be guided into the coupling element 4 in order to close the coupling element at this location.

[0046] A lock nut can be used in the region of the projection 10, which is fastened to the external thread 18 and holds the coupling element 4 together with the support surface 12 on the substrate. Alternatively, an internal thread relative to the external thread 18 can also be used, into which the closing screw can be inserted. Then, fastening of the coupling element 4 is achieved using a nut on the external thread 18.

[0047] Furthermore, the connecting channels 8 are each provided with an internal thread connecting portion 20. As will be further described below, the pipe connecting portion can be introduced into the internal thread connecting portion 20. For this purpose, on the outer side of the connecting element 4, eight flat surfaces 22 are provided for each connecting channel, which can be considered as abutment surfaces for the pipe connecting portion.

[0048] Another embodiment is referenced Figure 1C shown. Figure 1C A shortened connecting element 24 is shown in a perspective side view. Instead of the connecting channels 8 in the region of the protrusions 10 and the first plane 14, the shortened connecting element 24 has a spacing retainer 26 at this location, which bridges the region between the shortened connecting elements 24. In this way, it is possible to place additional connecting elements 4 (which are interconnected via pipe connectors through the connecting channels 8 in the first plane 14) such that the shortened connecting elements 24 bridge the region of the pipe connectors via the spacing retainer 26.

[0049] Figure 2A The use of the connecting element 4 is shown by way of example. For fastening the pipe connectors, a plurality of pipe connecting portions are provided, wherein the pipe connecting portions are implemented as press-fit parts 28 and the pipe connecting portions are implemented as flange connectors 30. The press-fit parts 28 and the flange connectors 30 can be connected to other connecting elements 4 or components. The unwanted connecting channels 8 are closed by a closing sleeve 32, which is configured here in the form of a screw.

[0050] The connection of the component 34 is referenced Figure 2B shown. Here, the connecting element 4 is mounted on the substrate 36. The flange connectors 30 in the connecting channels of the connecting element 4 on the second plane 14'' are connected to corresponding flange connectors 38 and pipe connectors such that the component 34 is connected to the two connecting elements 4 in a fluid-guiding manner through these pipe connectors.

[0051] The protrusions 10 of the connecting element 4 are introduced into the openings 40 of the substrate 36 from the first side 42 and are used for retention in the substrate 36. The connecting element 4 can be fixed from the second side 44 by means of a locking nut (not shown).

[0052] The openings 40 in the substrate 36 for receiving the connecting element 4 can be arranged here in a regular grid, wherein additional openings 40 for subsequent expansion can already be selectively provided next to the positions actually occupied by the connecting element 4. Alternatively, for example, a perforated plate can also be used, which is provided with openings 40 preferably arranged in a grid. Referenced Figure 3An embodiment of the present invention is shown, by means of which a more complex system is constructed. Now, a plurality of coupling elements 4 or shortened coupling elements 24 are provided on a substrate 36, and they are introduced into the openings of the substrate 36 through their respective protrusions. Now, as described above, an inlet or outlet of a pipeline and a structural element can be assigned to each coupling element 4 or each shortened coupling element 24 in such a way that the corresponding openings of the coupling channels are provided with pipe connectors.

[0053] Subsequently, a hose line formed by extrusion or screwing is placed in different planes of the coupling elements 4 or 24 in order to achieve the desired function. The pipeline is preferably laid in such a way that each pipeline extends in a plane without crossing other pipelines. In this way, it is not necessary to provide a U-shaped detour for the pipeline.

[0054] Exemplarily, according to Figures 4A to 4D The structure of the complex system is described again. Figure 4A This is a top view corresponding to a substrate 36 having a plurality of components 34 and coupling elements 4 or 24.

[0055] Figure 4B and Figure 4C respectively show a pipe connector 50 in one plane and another pipe connector 52 in the plane below. According to Figure 4C The function of the shortened coupling element 24 can also be seen. Here, the pipe connector 52 can pass through the coupling element 24 in the region of the spacer 26.

[0056] Therefore, a complex arrangement of the hydraulic component 34 and its pipe connectors 50 and 52 is obtained, as shown by the superposition in Figure 4D as Figures 4A to 4C shown. When planning such an arrangement, it can be carried out similar to the circuit diagram of a circuit board, in which the pipe connectors 50 and 52 are selected in terms of their orientation such that for each plane, preferably the same orientation of the pipe connectors 50 and 52 is selected. The component 34 can be different hydraulic components here, such as pumps, sensors or valves.

[0057] The features described above and those stated in the claims and obtainable from the drawings can be advantageously implemented individually and in different combinations. The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of professional techniques.

[0058] List of reference numerals

[0059] 2 Connection system

[0060] 4 Coupling element

[0061] 6 Longitudinal axis

[0062] 8 Coupling channel

[0063] 10 protrusions

[0064] 12 supporting surfaces

[0065] 14 planes

[0066] 14' planes

[0067] 14'' planes

[0068] 16 internal threads

[0069] 18 external threads

[0070] 20 internal thread connection parts

[0071] 22 flat surfaces

[0072] 24 shortened connection elements

[0073] 26 spacer holders

[0074] 28 press fit parts

[0075] 30 flange connection parts

[0076] 32 closed sleeves

[0077] 34 components

[0078] 36 flange connection parts

[0079] 36 base plates

[0080] 38 flange connection parts

[0081] 40 openings

[0082] 42 first side

[0083] 44 second side

[0084] 50 pipe connectors

[0085] 52 pipe connectors

Claims

1. A connection system for components (34) for temperature regulation in a building, in particular for heating, cooling or air-conditioning of interior spaces, the connection system having a base plate (36) provided with a plurality of openings (40) configured to receive coupling elements (4) constructed as elongate hollow bodies along a longitudinal axis (6), wherein, The longitudinal axis (6) of the connecting element (4) is arranged on a first side (42) of the substrate (36) perpendicular to the main surface of the substrate (36), and each connecting element (4) has a closable connecting channel (8) directed transversely to the longitudinal axis (6), wherein at least one connecting element (4) is provided for each component (34), and the component (34) is fluidly connected to the open connecting channel (8) of its connecting element (4), and a fluid connection to another component (34) or a fluid connection as an inlet or outlet is formed by an additional open connecting channel (8).

2. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting channel (8) of the connecting element (4) is configured as an internal thread connection (20) in the side wall of the connecting element (4).

3. The connection system according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting element (4) is configured as a hollow cylinder, and the hollow cylinder is provided with a flat surface (22) at the internal thread connection (20).

4. The connection system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The connecting channels (8) of the connecting element (4) are arranged in a plurality of planes (14, 14', 14'') along the longitudinal axis (6), and the connecting channels in the plurality of planes each have a connecting channel (8) rotated by 90°, and the connecting channels are oriented in alignment with each other.

5. The connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Additional shortened connecting elements (24) are provided, and the additional shortened connecting elements have a spacer ( ) in the region of the plane (14) of the connecting element (4) facing the substrate (36).

6. The connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The connecting channel (8) is provided with a pipe connection, preferably in the form of a press fit (28) or a flange connection (30), and a pipe connection (38) to the component (34) or another connecting element (4) is formed through the pipe connection.

7. The connection system according to any one of claim 6, wherein, The orientation of the pipe connection to other connecting elements (4) is selected in a form of non-crossing pipe routing for each plane (14, 14', 14'').

8. The connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The unwanted connecting channels (8) of the connecting element (4) are closed by a screwable closing sleeve (32).

9. The connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The connecting element (4) is made of plastic.

10. Use of the connection system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in a device for air-conditioning a building.

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