Fluid storage and methods for manufacturing a fluid storage device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid storage device (100) for storing a fluid (1) with a storage container (102), wherein the storage container (102) has at least one outwardly projecting connecting pipe nozzle (104); a storage jacket (106) encompassing the storage container (102), wherein the storage jacket (106) has at least one passage opening (112) for the at least one connecting pipe nozzle (104), wherein a sealing gap (114) is formed between the connecting pipe nozzle (104) and an edge of the passage opening (112); and a thermal insulation (110) arranged in an intermediate space (108) between the storage container (102) and the storage jacket (106).A sealing element (200) is proposed which seals the sealing gap (114) against the thermal insulation (110), being essentially ring-shaped and / or flange-shaped, wherein the sealing element (200) is fitted as the only sealing element (200) from the outside onto the connecting pipe stub (104) and rests on an outer surface (116) of the storage jacket (106) in a sealing manner.

Description

State of the art

[0001] Fluid storage devices for storing a fluid are known from the prior art, comprising a storage container, a storage shell surrounding the storage container, and thermal insulation arranged in a space between the storage container and the storage shell. To prevent the thermal insulation from leaking through sealing gaps in the storage shell, the sealing gaps are sealed with seals arranged on at least one inner surface of the storage shell.

[0002] The object of the invention is to provide an improved fluid reservoir. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The invention is based on a fluid storage device for storing a fluid, comprising a storage container, wherein the storage container has at least one outwardly projecting connecting pipe socket; a storage casing enclosing the storage container, wherein the storage casing has at least one passage opening for the at least one connecting pipe socket, wherein a sealing gap is formed between the connecting pipe socket and an edge of the passage opening; and thermal insulation arranged in an intermediate space between the storage container and the storage casing.

[0004] A substantially annular and / or flange-shaped sealing element is proposed which seals the sealing gap against the thermal insulation, wherein the sealing element is placed as a single sealing element from the outside onto the connecting pipe socket and rests in a flat, sealing manner on an outer surface of the storage tank shell.

[0005] The inventive design allows the fluid reservoir to be manufactured with less effort and at a lower cost. Leakage of thermal insulation through the sealing gap is effectively prevented.

[0006] In this context, a fluid reservoir is understood to mean, in particular, a liquid reservoir. A fluid is understood to mean, in particular, drinking water or a temperature-control fluid such as heating water or cooling water. A storage tank is understood to mean, in particular, a cylindrical tank with curved or flat tank bottoms. Alternatively, a storage tank can also be understood to mean a spherical tank. The storage tank can be designed as a pressure tank and / or made of a metallic material, in particular steel. The storage tank has a tank wall and an interior space in which the fluid is stored. A heat exchanger for heating or cooling the fluid can also be arranged in the storage tank.A connecting pipe socket is understood, in particular, to be a pipe section for fluidly connecting the storage tank to pipes or hose lines for supplying and / or discharging the fluid and / or another fluid medium, which is fluidly connected to the interior of the storage tank. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting pipe socket can be fluidly connected to a heat exchanger arranged in the interior of the storage tank, with another fluid medium flowing through the heat exchanger.

[0007] A storage shell is to be understood in particular as a thin-walled functional and / or design element that surrounds the storage container in a defined manner. The storage shell can in particular comprise a sheet metal section or a flexible, flat, thin plastic section. The storage shell can comprise one storage shell section or several storage shell sections. The storage shell envelops the storage container at least in sections and / or surrounds the storage container at least on its sides (right, left, front, rear or circumferentially). A cylindrical section of the storage container can be surrounded by a cylindrical storage shell section. A curved or flat section of the storage container (for example a container base) can be surrounded by a curved or flat storage shell section. A spherical section of the storage container can be surrounded by a spherical storage shell section.Particularly for design or stability reasons, a storage shell section may also have a geometry that differs from the aforementioned examples. The storage shell has an inner surface facing the storage container and an outer surface facing away from the storage container and toward an installation environment of the fluid storage device. The storage shell may be curved, for example, according to its cylindrical or spherical shape; in particular, the outer surface of the storage shell may have a curved surface.

[0008] The storage shell is arranged at a distance from the storage container, in particular radially outward. This distance, which in particular measures a few centimeters, creates a gap between the storage container and the storage shell. In a cylindrical storage container, the gap between the storage container and the storage shell can be hollow-cylindrical, at least in sections. The storage container and the fluid in the storage container are insulated against thermal losses by means of thermal insulation arranged in the gap. The thermal insulation can, in particular, be pressurized.

[0009] A passage opening in the storage tank shell is to be understood in particular as an opening, for example a substantially circular opening, in the storage tank shell through which the connecting pipe socket coming from the storage container projects outwards into the installation environment of the fluid storage tank and is accessible for the installation of connecting pipes or hoses. The passage opening is delimited by an edge, in particular a substantially circular edge, relative to the storage tank shell. Between the connecting pipe socket and the edge of the passage opening, in particular for manufacturing reasons, a sealing gap, usually a few millimetres to centimetres wide, is formed, which is sealed to prevent the thermal insulation from escaping from the intermediate space. The sealing gap forms in particular between an outer shell surface of the connecting pipe socket and the edge of the passage opening.The sealing gap is, in particular, essentially circular. The term "essentially circular" should be understood to mean that the circular shape of the sealing gap can be curved. The curvature of the sealing gap results from the curvature of the storage shell, for example, corresponding to its cylindrical or spherical shape.

[0010] A sealing element is to be understood in particular as an element that bridges the, in particular essentially annular, sealing gap between the connecting pipe socket and the edge of the passage opening in the storage tank shell, seals the sealing gap, and blocks the thermal insulation from escaping from the intermediate space. The sealing element is in particular designed to be elastic. An annular or flange-shaped sealing element is to be understood in particular as a rotation-shaped sealing element with a further, central passage opening in the sealing element for the connecting pipe socket to pass through. A fluid storage tank with multiple connecting pipe sockets has multiple sealing gaps, namely one sealing gap between each connecting pipe socket and the edge of the associated passage opening in the storage tank shell.A single sealing element should be understood to mean that each sealing gap has only a single sealing element and is sealed by means of this single sealing element only. The single sealing element for each sealing gap is placed tightly onto the connecting pipe socket from the outside and is guided over the connecting pipe socket to the outer surface of the storage tank shell. The sealing element lies flat on a section of the outer surface of the storage tank shell around the opening in the storage tank shell and thus seals the sealing gap. The sealing gap is only sealed from the outside by the single sealing element. The fact that the sealing element lies flat on the outer surface of the storage tank shell and seals it should be understood in particular that the sealing element is sealingly connected to the outer surface of the storage tank shell.

[0011] The sealing element is designed so that the selected sealing element material is flexible enough to fit tightly and extensively against the contours of the outer surface of the storage tank shell, especially the curved ones. At the same time, the sealing element is still rigid enough to absorb the pressure (for example, approximately 1 bar) from the thermal insulation without bulging or cracking. Furthermore, the sealing element resting on the section of the outer surface of the storage tank shell around the opening reinforces the storage tank shell, which has been weakened by the introduction of the opening, thus locally stabilizing it and maintaining its geometric shape.

[0012] The term “substantially” is to be understood as meaning in particular a maximum deviation of 25 percent, preferably a maximum deviation of 5 to 10 percent, particularly preferably a deviation based on manufacturing tolerances from the ideal state (for example from the ideal shape).

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing element comprises an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element consists of an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0014] For example, the sealing element comprises polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane or rubber, or it is made of polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane or rubber.

[0015] This design has the advantage that the selected sealing element material is flexible enough to fit tightly and extensively against the contour of the outer surface of the storage jacket, in particular the curved one.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing element comprises a material with a Shore hardness in the range of 90 to 98, preferably in the range of 93 to 95, particularly preferably 94. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element consists of a material with a Shore hardness in the range of 90 to 98, preferably in the range of 93 to 95, particularly preferably 94.

[0017] This design has the advantage that the selected sealing element material is stiff enough to absorb the pressure from the thermal insulation without bulging or cracking.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing element comprises a first, substantially plate-shaped or plate-shaped sealing element section and a second, substantially tubular sealing element section, wherein the second sealing element section is arranged perpendicular to the center point of the first sealing element section.

[0019] The fact that the second sealing element section is arranged perpendicular to the center point of the first sealing element section is to be understood in particular to mean that a longitudinal axis of the second sealing element section runs substantially congruent with a perpendicular bisector of the first sealing element section.

[0020] This design results in an annular or flange-shaped sealing element. The through-opening in the second tubular sealing element section also penetrates the first sealing element section. The sealing element can be placed onto a connecting pipe socket and pushed over the connecting pipe socket via the through-opening. This design has the particular advantage that the selected sealing element can be placed flatly on the outer surface of the storage casing using the first sealing element section and can be arranged tightly around the connecting pipe socket using the second sealing element section.

[0021] The connecting pipe socket and / or the through-opening in the second sealing element section are advantageously cylindrical or circular-cylindrical.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing element, with the first sealing element section, rests in a flat, sealing manner on the outer surface of the storage casing and is integrally bonded to the outer surface of the storage casing. In particular, the sealing element is glued to the outer surface of the storage casing, preferably using a double-sided adhesive film.

[0023] The material-to-material connection can, in particular, be an adhesive connection between the storage casing and the sealing element. The material-to-material connection is sealed against any possible leakage of the thermal insulation. The adhesive, in particular the adhesive film, is selected to be permanently temperature-resistant at least up to a maximum expected operating temperature of the fluid storage tank and / or the process temperature that arises during curing of the thermal insulation. Preferably, the adhesive, in particular the adhesive film, is selected to be permanently temperature-resistant at least up to a maximum expected operating temperature of the fluid storage tank and / or the process temperature that arises during curing of the thermal insulation, weighted with a safety factor. The safety factor can, for example, have a value of 1.2. This ensures that the adhesive does not come loose during operation and / or the foaming process.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing element with the second sealing element section is placed sealingly onto the connecting pipe socket from the outside and sealingly surrounds the connecting pipe socket and / or is non-positively connected to the connecting pipe socket.

[0025] The force-locking connection can, in particular, be a transition fit or a press fit between the connecting pipe socket and the sealing element. The force-locking connection seals against any possible leakage of the thermal insulation. The sealing element fits tightly, particularly under pressure, around the circumference of the connecting pipe socket, particularly against an outer surface of the connecting pipe socket.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing element has on an inner side of the second sealing element section, in particular on a lateral surface of the through-opening in the second sealing element section, at least one circumferential sealing bead for forming at least one sealing surface circumferentially around the connecting pipe socket.

[0027] The sealing bead is designed to be integral to the component and made of the same material as the sealing element. The sealing bead concentrates the force-locking connection between the sealing element and the connecting pipe socket on a narrow, circular, particularly effective sealing surface.

[0028] The invention further relates to a method for producing a fluid reservoir. The following method steps for producing the fluid reservoir as described above are proposed: • Providing a storage tank with at least one outwardly projecting connecting pipe socket; • Providing a storage casing with at least one passage opening in the storage casing for the at least one connecting pipe socket; • Alignment, in particular centering, of the storage jacket in relation to the storage tank and / or the connecting pipe socket; • Providing a sealing element, in particular as described above; • Providing the sealing element with an adhesive, in particular with a double-sided adhesive film; • Arranging the sealing element on the connecting pipe socket and on the outer surface of the storage tank shell, in particular placing the sealing element from the outside onto the connecting pipe socket and sliding the sealing element along the connecting pipe socket until it stops on the outer surface of the storage tank shell; • force-locking connection, in particular pressing or clamping, of the sealing element with the outer surface of the connecting pipe socket; • material connection, in particular gluing, of the sealing element to the outer surface of the storage casing; • Introducing a liquid mixture of expandable thermal insulation into the space between the storage tank and the storage jacket; • Expanding and hardening of the thermal insulation; • Optional removal of any excess expanded thermal insulation from the outside of the storage tank jacket.

[0029] The liquid mixture of an expandable thermal insulation can, in particular, be an isocyanate-polyol mixture. The liquid mixture is preferably introduced into the gap via at least one so-called PUR mixing head. The liquid mixture reacts chemically within a very short time to form a heat-insulating rigid foam, particularly polyurethane foam. The sealing element, which is attached to the connecting pipe socket and glued to the outer surface of the storage tank casing, effectively prevents the thermal insulation from escaping from the sealing gap. drawing

[0030] Further embodiments and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations. It shows: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a fluid reservoir, Fig. 2 a first sealing element in longitudinal section, Fig. 3 a second sealing element in perspective view, Fig. 4 a third sealing element in perspective view.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a fluid reservoir 100 for storing a fluid 1. The fluid reservoir 100 comprises a cylindrical storage container 102 with three outwardly projecting connecting pipe sockets 104. A storage casing 106 surrounds the storage container 102. Thermal insulation 110 is arranged in an intermediate space 108 between the storage container 102 and the storage casing 106. The storage casing 106 has three, for example circular, circumferentially edged through-openings 112 for the passage of a connecting pipe socket 104 each. A sealing gap 114 is formed between the connecting pipe socket 104 and the edge of the through-opening 112. In order to prevent thermal insulation 110 from escaping through the sealing gap 114, the sealing gap 114 is sealed by means of a substantially annular and / or flange-shaped sealing element 200.In this case, only a single sealing element 200 is placed sealingly from the outside onto the connecting pipe socket 104 for each sealing gap 114 and lies sealingly on an outer surface 116 of the storage jacket 106.

[0032] The sealing element 200, in particular a one-piece one, has a first, substantially plate-shaped sealing element section 202 and a second, substantially tubular sealing element section 204.

[0033] A through-opening 206 in the second tubular sealing element section 204 also penetrates the first sealing element section 202, so that the sealing element 200 can be pushed onto the connecting pipe socket 104 during its assembly and can be moved along the connecting pipe socket 104. The sealing element 200 is pushed onto the connecting pipe socket 104 from the outside with the second sealing element section 204, forming a seal. The sealing element 200 sealingly surrounds the connecting pipe socket 104 and / or is force-fitted to the connecting pipe socket 104.

[0034] The sealing element 200 rests with the first sealing element section 202 on the outer surface 116 of the storage casing 106 in a sealing manner and is integrally connected to the outer surface 116 of the storage casing 106. Preferably, the sealing element 200 is adhesively bonded to the outer surface 116 of the storage casing 106, for example, by means of a double-sided adhesive film 208.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a first sealing element 200 in longitudinal section. Fig. 2a shows the unassembled first sealing element 200. Fig. 2b shows detail II from Fig. 1, the first sealing element 200 mounted on the fluid reservoir 100. Fig. 3 shows a second sealing element 200 in perspective view. Fig. 4 shows a third sealing element 200 in perspective view.

[0036] The sealing element 200 is flange-shaped and comprises a first, substantially plate-shaped sealing element section 202 and a second, substantially tubular sealing element section 204, wherein the second sealing element section 204 is arranged perpendicular to the center point M of the first sealing element section 202.

[0037] In Fig.Figure 2b shows the storage casing 106 with a through-opening 112. The connecting pipe socket 104 extends through the through-opening 112. The sealing gap 114 is formed between the connecting pipe socket 104 and the through-opening 112. The sealing element 200 bridges the sealing gap 114 and seals the sealing gap 114.

[0038] Mounted on the fluid reservoir 100, the sealing element 200 rests with the first sealing element section 202 in a flat, sealing manner on the outer surface 116 of the reservoir casing 106 and is integrally connected to the outer surface 116 of the reservoir casing 106. The first plate-shaped sealing element section 202 has a front side 210 and a rear side 212. The front side 210 of the first sealing element section 202 faces an installation environment 2 of the fluid reservoir 100 and can be designed as a design element. The rear side 212 of the first sealing element section 202 faces the outer surface 116 of the reservoir casing 106 and has an adhesive, in particular a double-sided adhesive film 214, for integrally connecting it to the reservoir casing 106.

[0039] On an inner side 216 of the second sealing element section 204, the sealing element 200 has two circumferential sealing beads 218. These sealing beads 218, mounted under pressure on the connecting pipe socket 104, each form a circumferential sealing surface.

[0040] The sealing element 200 comprises an elastic material such as an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer, so that it is elastic enough to fit snugly and tightly even on a curved outer surface 116 of the storage casing 106. The sealing element 200 has, at least in sections, particularly in the first sealing element section 202, a Shore hardness in the range 90 to 98, preferably in the range 93 to 95, particularly preferably 94, and / or consists of a material with a Shore hardness in the range 90 to 98, preferably in the range 93 to 95, particularly preferably 94. The selected sealing element material is thus also stiff enough to absorb the pressure from the thermal insulation 110 without bulging or tearing.

Claims

[1] Fluid storage (100) for storing a fluid (1) with • a storage tank (102), wherein the storage tank (102) has at least one outwardly projecting connecting pipe socket (104), • a storage casing (106) encompassing the storage container (102), wherein the storage casing (106) has at least one passage opening (112) for the at least one connecting pipe socket (104), wherein a sealing gap (114) is formed between the connecting pipe socket (104) and an edge of the passage opening (112), and • a thermal insulation (110) arranged in a space (108) between the storage tank (102) and the storage jacket (106), characterized by • a substantially annular and / or flange-shaped sealing element (200) sealing the sealing gap (114) against the thermal insulation (110), • wherein the sealing element (200) is plugged onto the connecting pipe socket (104) as a single sealing element (200) from the outside and lies flatly and sealingly on an outer surface (116) of the storage casing (106). [2] Fluid reservoir (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element (200) comprises an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer and / or consists of an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer. [3] Fluid reservoir (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (200) comprises a material having a Shore hardness in the range 90 to 98, preferably in the range 93 to 95, particularly preferably 94, and / or consists of a material having a Shore hardness in the range 90 to 98, preferably in the range 93 to 95, particularly preferably 94. [4] Fluid reservoir (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (200) comprises a first, substantially plate-shaped sealing element section (202) and a second, substantially tubular sealing element section (204), wherein the second sealing element section (204) is arranged perpendicular to the center point (M) of the first sealing element section (202). [5] Fluid reservoir (100) according to claim 4, wherein the sealing element (200) with the first sealing element section (202) rests in a flat, sealing manner on the outer surface (116) of the reservoir casing (106) and is integrally connected to the outer surface (116) of the reservoir casing (106), in particular glued to the outer surface (116) of the reservoir casing (106), preferably glued by means of a double-sided adhesive film (208). [6] Fluid reservoir (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the sealing element (200) with the second sealing element section (204) is placed sealingly from the outside onto the connecting pipe socket (104) and sealingly surrounds the connecting pipe socket (104) and / or is connected to the connecting pipe socket (104) in a force-fitting manner. [7] Fluid reservoir (100) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the sealing element (200) has on an inner side (216) of the second sealing element section (204) at least one circumferential sealing bead (218) for forming at least one sealing surface circumferentially around the connecting pipe socket (104). [8] Method for producing a fluid reservoir (100), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following method steps: • Providing a storage tank (102) with at least one outwardly projecting connecting pipe socket (104), • Providing a storage casing (106) with at least one passage opening (112) in the storage casing (106) for the at least one connecting pipe socket (104), • Aligning the storage jacket (106) in relation to the storage container (102), • Providing a sealing element (200), • Providing the sealing element (200) with an adhesive, • Arranging the sealing element (200) on the connecting pipe socket (104) and on the outer surface (116) of the storage jacket (106), • force-locking connection of the sealing element (200) with the outer surface of the connecting pipe socket (104), • materially bonding the sealing element (200) to the outer surface (116) of the storage jacket (106), • Introducing a liquid mixture of an expandable thermal insulation (110) into the space (108) between the storage tank (102) and the storage jacket (106), • Expanding and hardening of the thermal insulation (110), • optional removal of any excess expanded thermal insulation (110) from the outside (116) of the storage tank jacket (106).

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