Sensor device, venting device and method for operating such a device

Abstract

Sensor device (9) for a venting unit (2) for automatically venting a liquid circuit, comprising: - at least one gas guide unit (10) connectable to or connected with the venting unit (2), which has at least one vent channel (11) through which a vent valve (3) of the venting unit (2) is communicatively connected to the environment of the venting unit (2) when the gas guide unit (10) is connected to the venting unit (2); - at least one electrical flow sensor (14) arranged at least partially in the vent channel (11), which is configured to detect a gas flow from the environment of the venting unit (2) through the vent channel (11) to the vent valve (3); and - at least one evaluation electronics unit (15) electrically connected to the flow sensor (14), which is configured to evaluate sensor signals from the flow sensor (14) and then,If the evaluation of the sensor signals indicates that a gas flow is present through the vent channel (11) to the vent valve (3), a maintenance signal is to be generated and output, wherein the evaluation electronics (15) are configured to determine from the sensor signals a quantity of gas flowing through the vent channel (11) into the vent unit (2) and a flow velocity of the gas flow.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor device for a venting unit for the automatic venting of a liquid circuit. The invention further relates to a venting device for the automatic venting of a liquid circuit, comprising at least one venting unit with at least one venting valve. The invention also relates to a method for operating a liquid circuit equipped with an automatic venting device. State of the art

[0002] A venting device for automatically venting a closed liquid circuit is known, for example, from DE 60 2004 004 603 T2. In conventional venting devices used in liquid circuits, for example in heating systems, solar thermal systems, and the like, an automatic venting unit not only removes air from the liquid circuit but also, due to negative pressure situations occurring within the liquid circuit, introduces air into the liquid circuit in an uncontrolled manner. This uncontrolled introduction of air has a detrimental effect on the operating condition and thus on the efficiency and service life of the entire system.

[0003] Automatic air vents, also known as quick-release air vents, are typically installed at the highest geodetic point in a fluid circuit, such as a pipe or radiator. However, the use of conventional air vents does not reliably prevent air from re-entering a closed fluid circuit. In fact, it is known that a conventional air vent represents a weak point for such repeated air ingress.

[0004] A standard venting device is not equipped with an air inlet barrier on the vent valve. An automatic venting device, however, may have an additional air inlet barrier. Due to a negative pressure situation in a fluid circuit, air can still enter the circuit despite the air inlet barrier. The presence of an air inlet barrier merely shifts the location of the air entry into the fluid circuit. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] One object of the invention is to enable early detection of an operational malfunction in a liquid circuit equipped with an automatic venting device.

[0006] This problem is solved by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the following description, and the figure, whereby these embodiments, either individually or in combination with at least two of them, can represent an advantageous and / or further developing aspect of the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the sensor device can correspond to advantageous embodiments of the method, and vice versa, even if this is not explicitly stated below.

[0007] A sensor device according to the invention for a venting unit for the automatic venting of a liquid circuit comprises at least one gas guide unit connectable to or connected with the venting unit, which has at least one vent channel through which a vent valve of the venting unit is communicatively connected to the environment of the venting unit, at least one electrical flow sensor arranged at least partially in the vent channel, which is configured to detect a gas flow from the environment of the venting unit through the vent channel to the vent valve, and at least one evaluation electronics electrically connected to the flow sensor, which is configured to evaluate sensor signals of the flow sensor and then, if the evaluation of the sensor signals results in,that a gas flow is present through the vent channel to the vent valve, to generate and output a maintenance signal.

[0008] The sensor device according to the invention can detect a gas ingress, for example, air ingress, into the automatic venting unit. If such a gas ingress is detected by the sensor device, it outputs a maintenance signal indicating faulty pressure maintenance and thus the need for maintenance of a liquid circuit equipped with the venting unit. A gas flow through the vent channel of the sensor device to the vent valve serves as an indicator of gas ingress into the venting unit or into a liquid circuit equipped with it that is experiencing faulty pressure maintenance, i.e., an operational malfunction.Consequently, a malfunction of the liquid circuit equipped with the venting unit, caused by gas entering the venting unit, can be detected early, allowing for early maintenance of the liquid circuit, which improves the efficiency and durability of the liquid circuit.

[0009] The present invention eliminates the need for a conventional air inlet barrier, i.e., a measure against the unwanted entry of air, for the vent valve. By omitting the conventional air inlet barrier, a weak point is deliberately created in a suitably equipped liquid circuit, i.e., a point where a gas can enter the liquid circuit with minimal resistance. When using a conventional air inlet barrier, the weak point of the liquid circuit is located at some unknown point within the circuit.

[0010] The gas guide unit of the sensor device according to the invention can be a separate component that can be connected to the venting unit via a connection, preferably a standardized one, such as a screw connection, plug connection, or bayonet connection. This allows the sensor device to be retrofitted to an existing venting unit. Alternatively, the gas guide unit can be an integral part of the venting unit. The gas guide unit is designed and connected to the venting unit in such a way that, when the gas guide unit is connected to the venting unit as intended, the vent valve of the venting unit communicates with the environment of the venting unit exclusively via the vent channel of the gas guide unit.This ensures that gas flowing into the vent valve must inevitably pass through the vent channel and thus the flow sensor, and can therefore be detected.

[0011] The flow sensor of the sensor device according to the invention can have at least one movable actuating element, for example a wind turbine or the like, which can be driven by a gas flowing through the vent channel of the gas guide unit. Furthermore, the flow sensor can have at least one scanning unit for detecting the position and / or changes in position of the actuating element. Preferably, the flow sensor is designed such that its sensor signals contain information about the flow direction of a gas currently flowing in the vent channel in order to detect whether the gas is flowing to the vent valve or not. Preferably, the flow sensor is arranged partially or completely and thus protected within the gas guide unit.

[0012] The evaluation electronics of the sensor device according to the invention can comprise at least one microprocessor on which an evaluation algorithm is executed to evaluate the sensor signals of the flow sensor and, optionally, to generate and output a maintenance signal. Preferably, the evaluation electronics are arranged partially or completely and thus protected within the gas flow unit.

[0013] The sensor device according to the invention can also include at least one, possibly replaceable, power supply unit, for example a secondary battery, and / or at least one connection for an external power supply to provide the evaluation electronics with electrical energy. To reduce electrical energy consumption, the evaluation electronics can be configured to enter a standby mode without the presence of relevant sensor signals, i.e., without a gas flow through the vent channel towards the vent valve, and only be activated when the next relevant sensor signal is received. The power supply unit can include at least one solar cell and / or at least one energy harvesting unit, with which electrical energy can be generated, for example, from the heat of a radiator or a liquid circuit line.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the evaluation electronics are configured to determine the quantity of gas flowing into the venting unit through the venting channel from the sensor signals. The determined gas quantity allows conclusions to be drawn about the extent of any operational malfunction in a suitably equipped liquid circuit. Information indicating the determined gas quantity can be generated and output by the evaluation electronics separately from, or together with, the maintenance signal.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the evaluation electronics are configured to determine the flow velocity of the gas flow from the sensor signals. The flow velocity also allows conclusions to be drawn about the extent of the given operational disturbance in a correspondingly equipped liquid circuit.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the flow sensor is configured to detect a gas flow from the vent valve through the vent channel into the vicinity of the venting unit, wherein the evaluation electronics are configured to determine the quantity of gas flowing out of the venting unit through the vent channel from the sensor signals. This allows the sensor device to be used additionally for monitoring a venting process.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the sensor device has at least one plug-in connector or at least one screw-in connector via which the sensor device can be connected to the venting unit. This makes it possible to easily retrofit an existing venting unit with the sensor device.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the flow sensor and the evaluation electronics are arranged on a common circuit board. This results in a space-saving design of the sensor electronics.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the sensor device has at least one data interface electrically connected to the evaluation electronics for transmitting the maintenance signal. The data interface can, for example, be a communication module of the sensor device, which can also be arranged on the common circuit board. Information can be sent via the data interface or the communication module to at least one other component of a system comprising the liquid circuit, for example, a heat generator, and / or to an operator of such a system and / or to a service and maintenance company. Communication can take place, for example, via Bluetooth, WLAN, or a locally available bus system.The communication module can be set up to communicate via the internet with a specially developed app to enable a service and maintenance company to perform remote condition monitoring of systems, such as heating systems, solar thermal systems or the like, that have been installed by the service and maintenance company.

[0020] A venting device according to the invention for automatically venting a liquid circuit comprises at least one venting unit with at least one venting valve and at least one sensor device connectable to or connected with the venting unit according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments or a combination of at least two of these embodiments.

[0021] The advantages mentioned above regarding the sensor device are correspondingly linked to the venting device. The venting unit can also include a gas separator and an internal float for automatically actuating the vent valve.

[0022] According to a method according to the invention for operating a liquid circuit equipped with an automatic venting device, it is detected whether gas from an environment of the venting device flows into the venting device, and then, if gas from the environment of the venting device flows into the venting device, a maintenance signal is generated and output.

[0023] The advantages mentioned above with regard to the sensor device are correspondingly associated with the method. In particular, the sensor device can be used to carry out the method according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments or a combination of at least two of these embodiments.

[0024] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figure and a preferred embodiment, wherein the features explained below can represent an advantageous and / or further developing aspect of the invention, both individually and in different combinations. List of characters Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a venting device according to the invention. Detailed description of the character

[0025] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent components are marked with the same reference symbols. Repeated descriptions of such components may be omitted.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a venting device according to the invention. 1 for the automatic venting of a liquid circuit not shown.

[0027] The venting device 1 features a ventilation unit 2 with a vent valve 3 open. The ventilation unit 2 It also has a connection 4 Collector chamber connected to the liquid circuit 5 on, in which a liquid 6 of the fluid circuit, on which a float 7 swims, which has an actuation mechanism 8 with the vent valve 3is connected in order to be able to activate it automatically.

[0028] Furthermore, the venting device 1 one with the ventilation unit 2 connected sensor device 9 on, which are structurally integrated into the ventilation device 1 is integrated.

[0029] The sensor device 9 has one with the ventilation unit 2 connected gas flow unit 10 on, which has a ventilation duct 11 features, via which the vent valve 3 the ventilation unit 2 communicating with the environment of the ventilation unit 2 is connected when the gas flow unit 10 , as in Fig. 1 shown, with the venting unit 2 is connected.

[0030] If there is too high a negative pressure in the liquid circuit, the liquid level decreases. 6 in the collectors' chamber5 , which caused the swimmer 7 is lowered. This activates the float. 7 about the actuation mechanism 8 the vent valve 3 , so that the vent valve 3 is opened. This creates a connection between the liquid circuit and the environment, so that the prevailing pressure difference between ambient pressure and pressure within the liquid circuit causes a gas to be drawn in according to the arrow. 12 uncontrolled via the vent valve 3 into the ventilation unit 2 and according to the arrow 13 which can enter the fluid circuit uncontrollably, and this must be prevented.

[0031] The sensor device indicates this. 9 at least partially in the ventilation duct 11 arranged, electrical flow sensor 14 on, which is set up to be separated from the surroundings of the ventilation unit 2through the vent duct 11 to the vent valve 3 to detect flowing gas flow.

[0032] Furthermore, the sensor device 9 an electrically connected flow sensor 14 connected evaluation electronics 15 on, which is set up, sensor signals from the flow sensor 14 to evaluate and then, if the evaluation of the sensor signals shows that a leak has occurred through the ventilation duct 11 to the vent valve 3 When a flowing gas stream is detected, a maintenance signal is generated and output. The flow sensor 14 and the evaluation electronics 15 are on a common circuit board 16 arranged.

[0033] The evaluation electronics 15 It can be set up to extract a quantity of data from the sensor signals via the vent channel. 11 into the ventilation unit 2to determine the amount of gas that has flowed in. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation electronics can 15 It should be set up to determine the flow velocity of the gas flow from the sensor signals.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the flow sensor can 14 be set up, one of the vent valves 3 through the vent duct 11 into the vicinity of the ventilation unit 2 to detect flowing gas flow, whereby the evaluation electronics 15 It can be set up to derive a quantity of information from the sensor signals via the vent channel. 11 from the ventilation unit 2 to determine the amount of gas that escaped.

[0035] The sensor device 9 It also features an electrical connection to the evaluation electronics. 15A connected data interface (not shown) for sending the maintenance signal is required. This data interface could be, for example, a socket, a USB socket, an Ethernet socket, a radio unit, or the like.

[0036] The sensor device 9 features a cylindrical housing 17 up, on whose ground 18 a threaded hole 19 is formed into which a threaded stub 20 the ventilation unit 2 is screwed in. The housing 17 is on one of the ventilation units 2 opposite end with a lid 21 closed, with the lid between 21 and the case 17 a seal 22 is arranged. On an inside 23 of the lid 21 is a bracket 24 arranged on which the circuit board 16 is fixed. On the circuit board 16 is a bracket25 arranged where the flow sensor 14 is fixed. The vent duct 11 is in the area of ​​the flow sensor 14 radially expanded. On the circuit board 16 It is also an electrical power supply unit 26 arranged, with which at least the flow sensor 14 and the evaluation electronics 15 are capable of being supplied with electrical energy. Reference symbol list 1 venting device 2 ventilation units 3 Vent valve 4 connection 5 Collector's Chamber 6 Liquid 7 swimmers 8 Actuating mechanism 9 Sensor setup 10 Gas supply unit 11. Ventilation duct 12 Arrow (gas flow) 13 Arrow (gas flow) 14 Flow sensor 15 Evaluation electronics 16 circuit board 17 cases out of 9 18 floor of 17 19 Threaded hole at 18 20 threaded fittings on 2 21 lids out of 9 22 seals out of 9 23 Inside of 21 24 bracket on 21 25 bracket on 16 26 Energy supply unit QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 602004004603 T2

[0002]

Claims

[1] Sensor device (9) for a venting unit (2) for automatic venting of a liquid circuit, characterized by - at least one gas guidance unit (10) connectable to or connected with the venting unit (2), which has at least one vent channel (11) through which a vent valve (3) of the venting unit (2) is communicatively connected to the environment of the venting unit (2) when the gas guidance unit (10) is connected to the venting unit (2), - at least one electrical flow sensor (14) arranged at least partially in the vent channel (11), which is configured to detect a gas flow flowing from the environment of the venting unit (2) through the vent channel (11) to the vent valve (3), and - at least one evaluation electronics unit (15) electrically connected to the flow sensor (14), which is configured to evaluate sensor signals from the flow sensor (14) and then, if the evaluation of the sensor signals shows that there is a gas flow through the vent channel (11) to the vent valve (3), to generate and output a maintenance signal. [2] Sensor device (9) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the evaluation electronics (15) is set up to determine from the sensor signals a quantity of gas flowing into the venting unit (2) through the venting channel (11). [3] Sensor device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the evaluation electronics (15) are set up to determine a flow velocity of the gas flow from the sensor signals. [4] Sensor device (9) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the flow sensor (14) is configured to detect a gas flow flowing from the vent valve (3) through the vent channel (11) into the environment of the vent unit (2), wherein the evaluation electronics (15) is configured to determine from the sensor signals a quantity of gas flowing out of the vent unit (2) through the vent channel (11). [5] Sensor device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by at least one plug connection part or at least one screw connection part via which the sensor device (9) can be connected to the venting unit (2). [6] Sensor device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the flow sensor (14) and the evaluation electronics (15) are arranged on a common circuit board (16). [7] Sensor device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized byat least one data interface electrically connected to the evaluation electronics (15) for sending the maintenance signal. [8] Venting device (1) for automatically venting a liquid circuit, comprising at least one venting unit (2) with at least one venting valve (3), characterized by at least one sensor device (9) that can be connected to or is connected to the venting unit (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Method for operating a liquid circuit equipped with an automatic venting device (1), characterized by , that it is detected whether gas from an environment of the venting device (1) flows into the venting device (1), and then, if gas from the environment of the venting device (1) flows into the venting device (1), a maintenance signal is generated and output.

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