Protective tube and arrangement with a protective tube

Abstract

Protective pipe (1, 10), in particular for connection to a heat pump, comprising an outer pipe (2), at least one inner pipe (3) arranged in the outer pipe (2) and through which a liquid can flow, and insulation (6) filling a free space between the inner pipe (3) and the outer pipe (2), characterized in that at least one recess (7, 8) is formed between the insulation (6) and the outer pipe (2), in which recess an electrical installation pipe (9) can be arranged or is arranged.

Description

The invention relates to a protective tube, in particular for connection to a heat pump, comprising an outer tube, at least one inner tube which is arranged in the outer tube and through which a liquid can flow, and an insulation which fills a free space between the inner tube and the outer tube.Such protective tubes are suitable in particular for connection to heat pumps.Prior ArtWater heat pumps which are connected to the heating system of a building usually have a feed line and a return line through which a liquid such as water or a mixture of water and an antifreeze is pumped in a circuit. A building can be tempered, in particular heated, by means of the heat pump. In order to avoid unnecessary heat losses and to ensure efficient heat transfer and energy saving, the inner tube is accommodated in the outer tube in a thermally insulated manner. The outer tube also protects the inner tube from weathering influences, dirt and damage.It is common to surround water-conducting pipes and lines with insulation material after installation. For this purpose, for example, slotted tubes made of a foamed material can be used. However, the manual sheathing of individual tubes is complicated.When heat pumps are installed, electrical lines are additionally required, both for the provision of electrical power and for sensor or control lines. The separate and manual installation of electrical control and sensing lines is complex and time consuming.The object of the invention is therefore to specify a protective tube which is suitable in particular for connection to a heat pump, which tube makes possible a simplified and efficient installation.This object is achieved by a protective tube having the features of claim 1.In the protective tube according to the invention, at least one recess is formed between the insulation and the outer tube, in which recess an electrical installation tube can be arranged or is arranged.This recess easily creates a fastening or mounting possibility for attaching an electrical installation pipe to the protective pipe.The invention thus combines a protective tube with an electrical installation tube into which an electrical line can be drawn. Accordingly, separate mounting of the electrical line is dispensed with. Since the outer tube surrounds the electric installation tube, the electric line is protected from environmental influences by the electric installation tube.The outer tube of the protective tube is selected, taking into account its material selection and its design, such that it can meet the mechanical requirements and the environmental conditions, especially in the outer area. The inner tube is designed such that it enables the flow of liquid efficiently, while the insulation ensures that at most a low heat transfer takes place. The insulation can be designed differently, for example foamed plastics, glass fibre or other suitable insulating materials can be used.A recess is preferably circular or circular segment-shaped. In principle, of course, recesses of different shapes are also possible, for example rectangular or hexagonal recesses. In such a recess, an electrical installation pipe can be accommodated in particular. This eliminates the need for separate installation and fastening of electrical lines.The protective tube can comprise recesses which are formed in an undercut manner. This results in the advantage that an electrical installation pipe can be accommodated in the recess in a form-fitting manner. The electrical installation pipe is then held in the recess in a particularly secure manner. Subsequent attachment of an electrical installation pipe or replacement is also possible.Preferably, in the protective tube according to the invention, at least two recesses are present between the insulation and the outer tube, which recesses are arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction of the protective tube and thus opposite one another. This uniform arrangement is advantageous in terms of the strength and stability of the protective tube.The protective tube according to the invention can be designed such that the outer tube consists of a stainless material, for example of stainless steel. This choice of material is advantageous in terms of the longevity and durability of the protective tube, especially when used in a corrosive environment. Stainless steel is known for its high resistance to rust and corrosion, which contributes to a prolonged life of the pipe. It is therefore a convenient choice, both from a practical and design point of view, for the construction of protecting tubes compatible with heat pumps or similar systems.Optionally, the protective tube can comprise at least a first and a second inner tube inside the outer tube, wherein the first inner tube is designed as a feed line and the second inner tube is designed as a return line. This arrangement offers a solution that can be realized easily for implementing a circulation system for liquids that can be transported between a source, such as a heat pump, and a destination, such as a heating system. The first inner tube, which is designed as a feed line, serves to move the heated liquid from the source to the target efficiently and with low losses. Accordingly, the second inner tube, which is designed as a return line, serves to return the cooled liquid again in order to close the circuit and to heat the liquid again.This dual line arrangement within the protective tube not only brings about continuous and well-functioning heat transport, but also contributes to improving the heat efficiency in that losses can be reduced and a constant temperature level can be maintained. The space-saving construction within a protective tube moreover offers uncomplicated installation and a reduction in the risk of leaks by the use of more robust and uniform lines.The insulation present in the protective tube between the inner tube and the outer tube has the effect that the temperature of the transported liquid is kept substantially constant, which is particularly helpful in order to minimize energy losses.The protective tube is preferably designed such that the inner tube is designed as a high-temperature tube. This embodiment proves to be advantageous for applications which seek high thermal loads, as can occur, for example, in heat pumps or heating systems. A high temperature tube is designed to withstand higher operating temperatures of the liquids flowing through, for example 95° C., without its functionality being impaired.In addition, the invention relates to an arrangement which comprises a protective tube of the described type and at least one electrical installation tube which is arranged in the recess between the insulation and the outer tube. This combination provides a practical solution for integrating electrical leads with liquid-carrying leads, as used in heating and cooling installations.Preferably, the size and shape of the recess and the size and shape of the electric installation pipe can be selected such that the electric installation pipe is held in a clamping manner in the recess. Depending on the purpose of use, electric installation pipes of different sizes can be used. A separate installation or fastening of the electrical installation pipe can thus be dispensed with. After the protective tube has been assembled, an electrical line can be drawn into the electrical installation tube. The integration of an electrical installation pipe into the assembly reduces the complexity of the installation and provides a flexible and expandable solution.Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical installation pipe is a corrugated pipe or a rigid pipe.The corrugated structure of a corrugated tube enables simple bending and adaptation to tight or curved installation conditions. The corrugated tube is capable of compensating for movement or expansion clearances which are produced by thermal expansions or mechanical actions.A rigid tube, on the other hand, offers robustness and resistance to external influences. The rigid structure is ideal for applications where mechanical strength and durability are the primary consideration. The rigid tube can also provide better protection against physical damage or deformation and helps to guide the cables in a linear and clear manner.The invention is explained below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic representations and show: FIG. 1 shows a sectional side view of a protective tube according to the invention with an electrical installation tube according to a first exemplary embodiment; FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II--II of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows a sectional side view of a protective tube according to the invention with an electrical installation tube according to a second exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV--IV of FIG. 3.FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of a protective tube 1, and FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the protective tube 1 along the line II-II. The protective tube 1 comprises an outer tube 2, in which an inner tube 3 is arranged concentrically. In this exemplary embodiment, the inner tube 3 is a high-temperature tube (HT tube) which is suitable for hot liquids, in particular water. The outer tube 2 is made of stainless steel (stainless steel).The inner tube 3 has at one end a sleeve 4 with an enlarged diameter, into which a tube of the same design can be inserted with its free end 5 in order to connect the two tubes to one another in a liquid-tight manner.A free space between the outer tube 2 and the inner tube 3 is filled with an insulation 6. The insulation 6 can be foamed or extruded. The insulation prevents a heat exchange between the inner pipe 3 and its surroundings. A heated liquid can flow through the inner tube 3 without great heat losses.Two identical recesses 7, 8 are formed between the insulation 6 and the outer tube 2. It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the recesses 7, 8 are U-shaped in the sectioned view. A circular segment-shaped inner section is adjoined by two parallel walls pointing radially outwards. An electric installation pipe 9 is arranged in each recess 7, 8. The diameter of the electric installation pipe 9 is adapted to the size of the recesses 7, 8 such that the electric installation pipe 9 is inserted into the recess 7, 8 and held in a clamping manner. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the recess is undercut, as a result of which particularly good retention of the electrical installation pipe is ensured. On its outer side, the electric installation tube 9 is surrounded by the outer tube 2.In this exemplary embodiment, the two recesses 7, 8 are arranged opposite one another on opposite sides of the protective tube 1. Other embodiments of a protective tube are also conceivable in which three recesses are present, which can be arranged at identical distances along the circumference of the protective tube.The electric installation pipe 9 can be designed, for example, as a corrugated pipe or as a rigid pipe. A sensor line or a control line can be located in the electrical installation pipe 9. It is also possible to house lines for power supply in the electric installation pipe 9. A plurality of lines or a line with a plurality of wires can also be arranged in an electrical installation tube 9. The lines can be drawn into the electrical installation pipe 9 after the protective pipe has been assembled.FIGS. 3 and 4 show a second exemplary embodiment of a protective tube 10, wherein FIG. 3 shows a sectioned side view of the protective tube 10 and FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the protective tube 10 along the line IV-IV. For those components that are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used.The protective tube 10 comprises the outer tube 2 and two identical inner tubes 3 spaced apart from one another, which are surrounded by the insulation 6. In accordance with the first exemplary embodiment, the protective tube 10 comprises the two recesses 7, 8 between the insulation 6 and the outer tube 2.An imaginary connecting line between the two inner tubes 3 runs perpendicular to an imaginary connecting line between the recesses 7, 8. A first inner tube 3 is designed as a feed line and the other inner tube 3 is designed as a return line. The protective tube 10 is provided for connection to a heat pump. A heat transfer fluid, for example water, can circulate in the inner tubes 3. The protective tube 10 enables electrical lines to be easily installed in the electrical installation tube 9.List of reference characters1 Protective tube 2 Outer tube 3 Inner tube 4 Sleeve 5 Free end 6 Insulation 7 Recess 8 Recess 9 Electrical installation tube 10 Protective tube

Claims

Protective tube (1, 10), in particular for connection to a heat pump, comprising an outer tube (2), at least one inner tube (3) which is arranged in the outer tube (2) and through which a liquid can flow, and an insulation (6) which fills a free space between the inner tube (3) and the outer tube (2), characterized in that at least one recess (7, 8) is formed between the insulation (6) and the outer tube (2), in which recess an electrical installation tube (9) can be arranged or is arranged.Protective tube according to claim 1, wherein the recess (7, 8) is circular or circular segment-shaped.Protective tube according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recess (7, 8) is undercut.Protective tube according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two recesses (7, 8) on the outside are present, which are arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction of the outer tube (2).Protective tube according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer tube (2) consists of a stainless material, in particular of stainless steel.Protective tube according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first inner tube (3) is designed as a feed line and a second inner tube (3) is designed as a return line.Protective tube according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner tube (3) is a high-temperature tube (HT tube).Arrangement comprising a protective tube (1, 10) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and at least one electrical installation tube (9) which is arranged in the or an outer-side recess (7, 8).Arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the size and the shape of the outside recess (7, 8) and the size and the shape of the electric installation pipe (9) are selected such that the electric installation pipe (9) is held in a clamping manner in the outside recess (7, 8).Arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the electric installation pipe (9) is a corrugated pipe or a rigid pipe.

Images