HVAC actuation system and adapter for connecting a field device to a pipe fitting

Abstract

HVAC actuation system (1) comprising: at least one field device (2) and at least one intermediate piece (3), wherein the intermediate piece (3) is connected to the field device (2) by a first connection; wherein the intermediate piece (3) is designed to make a second connection with a pipe nozzle (40) of a fluid-conducting pipe (4); where the first bond forms a repeatedly soluble bond, while the second bond forms a one-time bond; and wherein the intermediate piece (3) is essentially made of thermally insulating material such that the intermediate piece (3) thermally insulates the pipe stub (40) from the field device (2).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to an HVAC actuation system comprising at least one field device and at least one intermediate piece, wherein the intermediate piece is connected to the field device by a first connection; and wherein the intermediate piece is configured to establish a second connection with a pipe fitting of a fluid-carrying pipe. The invention further relates to an intermediate piece for establishing a connection between a field device and a pipe fitting of a fluid line. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In the field of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings, particularly in residential, office, commercial, and industrial buildings, the automatic control of fluid flow is becoming increasingly important. For this purpose, a variety of sensors and actuators are used in HVAC fluid piping systems to regulate the flow, controlled by automatic control units, either centrally or decentrally located. Actuators, sensors such as pressure or temperature sensors, and controllers are often integrated into a single compact unit.

[0003] In HVAC systems, field devices typically need to be operationally coupled with fluid control components (such as valves, damper systems, etc.). Fluid control components often include a rotatable element, such as the control body of a control valve or a damper in a damper assembly, which must be controlled or moved by the field device, e.g., an actuator such as an electric servo drive.

[0004] When connecting field devices (e.g., actuators, controllers, sensors, or combinations thereof) to fluid control components (such as valves, air damper systems, etc.), an adapter is often required because there is no standardized, compatible connection between field devices and the fluid control components to be used. In the past, a variety of interfaces or connectors have been developed for different applications, with the valve / air damper system and the connector often being manufactured as a single metal assembly.

[0005] However, in these designs, especially under confined spatial conditions, unfavorable climatic conditions such as low temperatures of the pipe system, or when replacing a field device in an existing infrastructure, removing and connecting a field device to a fluid adjustment component was difficult or even impossible. TASK OF INVENTION

[0006] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide an HVAC actuation system and an intermediate piece between a field device and a flow control element that enables a safe and reliable connection between the field device and a pipe fitting, as well as reliable coupling and decoupling of the field device even under adverse conditions, while simultaneously reducing the complexity of the assembly process. TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0007] The problem is solved by an HVAC actuation system according to claim 1 and an intermediate piece between a field device and a flow control element according to claim 8. The features of the dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0008] An HVAC actuation system according to the invention comprises at least one field device and at least one intermediate piece, wherein the intermediate piece is connected to the field device by a first connection; and wherein the intermediate piece is configured to make a second connection with a pipe stub of a fluid-conducting pipe; wherein the first connection is a releasable connection, while the second connection is a single-use connection; and wherein the intermediate piece is made essentially of thermally insulating material such that the intermediate piece thermally insulates the pipe stub from the field device.

[0009] The HVAC actuation system is primarily designed for operating at least one flow control element (valve, vent flaps) to regulate the fluid flow through a fluid transport pipe. The HVAC actuation system includes an intermediate piece according to the invention, which can be easily mounted to both the valve and the field device / actuator, for example, by pushing it on, snapping it into place, or snapping it together. Furthermore, the intermediate piece insulates the field device from the heat and cold of the medium in the valve area. This prevents the connection between the intermediate piece and the field device from freezing; that is, thanks to the insulation, the snap-on connection to the actuator can be disconnected regardless of the temperature of the medium in the valve. This also reduces the thermal stress on the field device.

[0010] The first connection between the intermediate piece and the field device is preferably a multi-connection, meaning it can be repeatedly disconnected and reconnected without damage and without impairing functionality. While the second connection between the intermediate piece and the valve is intended to be a one-way connection according to the invention, meaning it is no longer intact after being removed, the intermediate piece should still be able to be detached from the pipe fitting / valve, ideally without additional tools.

[0011] Preferably, the thermally (and possibly also electrically) insulating material of at least the base body of the adapter or the adapter itself is a plastic material. Using plastic for the adapter reduces the overall cost of the HVAC system. Furthermore, the adapter provides thermal insulation between the metallic components, preventing the connection between the adapter and the field device from freezing, thus ensuring the actuator can always be removed, even at low fluid temperatures. The second connection, the (proximal) underside of the adapter, to the pipe fitting / valve is designed for single use, while the actuator can be removably attached to the (distal) top of the adapter via the first connection.

[0012] In particular, the second connection is a snap-fit ​​and / or latching connection and / or a positive-locking connection.

[0013] The intermediate piece may have an internal groove that interacts with a complementary connecting element of the pipe stub.

[0014] The intermediate piece can have a base body with a through opening and at least one flange extending radially outwards from the base body. In particular, several, e.g. four (4), flanges are provided. These can include openings for screws or similar fasteners for attaching the intermediate piece to the field device.

[0015] The first connection can be, in particular, a snap connection, a (form-locking) latch connection and / or a screw connection.

[0016] The expression that the intermediate piece is "essentially" made of thermally insulating material means that, for example, at least the base body, which establishes the stable connection between the pipe fitting and the field device and at least partially encloses the shaft / hollow shaft, consists of thermally insulating material, in particular plastic. Additional parts of the intermediate piece, if provided, which do not affect the thermal insulation, may be made of other materials.

[0017] The field device can have a connection section comprising a connecting body and a locking element movable relative to it, wherein the first connection can be released or locked by the relative movement of the locking element to the connecting body. For example, the connection can be released by pressing an actuating button connected to the locking element.

[0018] The problem is also solved by an intermediate piece for making a connection between a field device and a pipe fitting of a fluid line, wherein the connecting piece has a base body made of a thermally insulating material, and wherein the intermediate piece has a first connecting component for making a first detachable connection to a field device, and a second connecting component for making a second unique connection to a pipe fitting.

[0019] The first connection preferably has at least one flange extending radially from the base body. In particular, the flange extends radially outwards to form ear-like projections. Each flange may have a bore for inserting screws or other fastening pins.

[0020] The second connection preferably has a groove formed on an inner wall of the intermediate piece or the base body to form a snap-fit ​​connection and / or a locking connection and / or a positive-locking connection with a complementary locking component of the pipe fitting. The complementary locking component can, for example, be a snap ring arranged on the pipe fitting or an annular projection formed on the pipe fitting. It would also be possible to form a projection in the intermediate piece and a corresponding groove in the pipe fitting. The invention is intended to encompass any connection that is detachable (optionally without tools), but in that the intermediate piece cannot be reattached after disassembly. That is, the intermediate piece is designed for one-time assembly and disassembly on the pipe fitting.

[0021] The invention applies to both airflow applications (flaps) and valve applications. The applications include, for example, a tubular and cylindrical conduit with an interior space and a flow control element rotatably arranged therein. The flow control element is rotatable about an axis of rotation between a first end position and a second end position via a control shaft. The control shaft is rigidly connected to the flow control element and projects distally from a pipe stub.

[0022] The intermediate piece according to the invention is attached to the outside of the pipe stub. The orientation of the intermediate piece can be chosen arbitrarily.

[0023] To establish an operational connection between the shaft of the valve or air damper system and the field device, the shaft is coupled directly or indirectly (via an adapter) to a driven hollow shaft of the field device. The adapter creates a rigid and stable connection between the pipe fitting and a rigid component of the field device as described above.

[0024] In summary, an HVAC actuation system for operating a flow control element, such as a fan damper or valve closure, comprises a field device and an adapter that is attached to a spigot of a pipe section. The adapter provides a thermally insulated connection between the field device and the spigot of the pipe section. The connection between the adapter and the connecting section of the field device is a primary, releasable connection. The connection between the adapter and the spigot is a snap-fit ​​connection designed for single-use connection and release with a tool.

[0025] The invention relates to any combination of the features described in this application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an HVAC actuation system according to the invention in an assembled state; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the embodiment from Fig. 1 with a blocking element separate from the field device; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the embodiment. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with a blocking element built into the field device; Fig. 4 is the perspective exploded view from Fig. 2 from diagonally below; Fig. 5 is the perspective exploded view from Fig. 3 from diagonally below; Fig. Figure 6 is a sectional view of the embodiment of the HVAC actuation system according to the invention; Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an intermediate piece according to the invention; Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective sectional view of the intermediate piece made of Fig. 7; Fig. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a section of the HVAC actuation system according to the invention; Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective sectional view of the Fig. 9. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED FORM OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 shows an embodiment of an HVAC actuation system 1 according to the invention for operating a flow control element 5, e.g., a fan damper or a valve closure. The actuation system 1 comprises a field device 2 and an intermediate piece 3, which is attached to a nozzle 40 of a pipe section 4.

[0028] In this case, the field device 2 is an actuator with a stepper motor that can drive a shaft 50 of a valve 5, which is arranged inside the pipe section 4, in order to open or close a blocking element 51 of the valve 5 to a greater or lesser extent (see Fig. 6) The field device 2 has a housing section 2 and a connecting section 21. The actuator motor, which drives a hollow shaft 22 of the field device 2, is arranged in the housing section 20.

[0029] The intermediate piece 3 according to the invention establishes a thermally (and optionally electrically) insulating connection between the field device 2 and the pipe fitting 40 of the pipe section 4. For this purpose, the intermediate piece 3 is made of a thermally insulating material, such as plastic. The connection between the intermediate piece 3 and the connecting section 21 of the field device 2 is a first connection that can be repeatedly disconnected. This connection can be, for example, a screw connection, a snap connection, a positive-locking connection, or a (positive-locking) detent connection. The connection between the intermediate piece 3 and the pipe fitting 40 is a second snap or detent connection designed for a single connection and disconnection (with or preferably without a tool).

[0030] As can be seen particularly from the Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 4, the connecting section 21 has a connecting body 210 and a locking element 211 that is movable relative to the connecting body 210. In the Fig. 3 and Fig. In section 5, the locking element 211 is arranged within the connecting body 210. The connection to the intermediate piece 3 can be released by moving the locking element 211 relative to the connecting body 210. The locking element 211 has a cam-like contour that blocks the intermediate piece 3 in a first (horizontal) position and releases it in a second (horizontally offset) position. The locking element 211 can be guided and moved within the connecting body 210 in a drawer-like manner.

[0031] A snap ring 41 is arranged on the pipe stub 40. The second connection (snap connection) is created by a detent connection between an inner groove 303 of the intermediate piece 3 and the snap ring 41.

[0032] The Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view or sectional view of an intermediate piece 3 according to the invention. The intermediate piece 3 is made of a thermally insulating material such as plastic. It has a base body 30 and ear-like flanges (radial projections) 31, each with a screw hole 310. The base body 30 encloses a continuous, approximately cylindrical cavity 300. The inside of the base body 30 is profiled in sections. The first section 301, which adjoins the distal (upper) edge 3010, is cylindrical and designed to receive both the shaft 50 of the valve 5 and the hollow shaft 22 of the field device 2. A second section 302 adjoins the first section; this section is also essentially cylindrical but has a smaller diameter than the first section 301. The second section is designed to receive the end region of the pipe fitting 40.The second section 302 is followed by a third section 303, a groove designed to receive the snap ring 41. At its proximal (lower) end, the intermediate piece terminates with the lower edge 3030.

[0033] The Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective view or sectional view of a section of the HVAC actuation system 1 according to the invention, namely the intermediate piece 3 connected to the pipe stub 40 of the pipe 4. In particular, it is shown how the snap ring 41 engages in the groove 303 on the inside of the intermediate piece 3 and thus creates a simple, single-use snap / lock connection (second connection) between the intermediate piece 3 and the stub 40.

[0034] From the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig.Figure 6 illustrates how the first, repeatedly releasable connection between the intermediate piece 3 and the connecting section 210 is designed. The first connection can be made using screws (not shown) that are inserted into the screw holes 310 and 211, respectively. Alternatively, the first connection can be a snap-fit ​​or detent connection that can be released. The locking element 211 can be frame-like with an inner contour 2110, wherein the contour 2110 either releases the flanges 31 (so that the intermediate piece 3 can be removed) or locks them (so that the intermediate piece is firmly connected to the connecting section 210), depending on the relative position of the locking element 211 to the intermediate piece 3. The first connection is thus a repeatedly releasable and relockable connection. The connection can be, for example, a screw connection, a snap connection, or a (positive-locking) detent connection.

[0035] Due to the rotational symmetry of the intermediate piece 3, the field device 2 can be mounted in four (4) different orientations, each rotated by 90°, in the case of four (4) equidistantly mounted flanges 31. Of course, all other possible numbers and arrangements of the flanges 31 are possible, allowing for different angular settings. The mounting orientation of the intermediate piece 3 on the nozzle 40 is continuously variable.

Claims

[1] HVAC actuation system (1) comprising: at least one field device (2) and at least one intermediate piece (3), wherein the intermediate piece (3) is connected to the field device (2) by a first connection; wherein the intermediate piece (3) is designed to make a second connection with a pipe nozzle (40) of a fluid-conducting pipe (4); where the first bond forms a repeatedly soluble bond, while the second bond forms a one-time bond; and wherein the intermediate piece (3) is essentially made of thermally insulating material such that the intermediate piece (3) thermally insulates the pipe stub (40) from the field device (2). [2] HVAC actuation system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the thermally insulating material is a plastic material. [3] HVAC actuation system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second connection is a snap connection. [4] HVAC actuation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate piece (3) has an internal groove which interacts with a complementary connecting element of the pipe stub (40). [5] HVAC actuation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate piece (3) has a base body (3) with a through opening (300) and at least one flange (31) extending radially outwards from the base body. [6] HVAC actuation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection is a snap connection, a (positive locking) latch connection and / or a screw connection. [7] HVAC actuation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (2) has a connecting section (21) comprising a connecting body (210) and a locking element (211) movable relative thereto, wherein the first connection can be released or locked by the relative movement of the locking element (211) to the connecting body (210). [8] Intermediate piece (3) for making a connection between a field device (2) and a pipe fitting (40) of a fluid line (4), wherein the connecting piece has a base body (30) made of a thermally insulating material, and wherein the intermediate piece comprises a first connecting component (31, 310) for making a first detachable connection to a field device (2), and a second connecting component (303) for making a second unique connection to a pipe fitting (40). [9] Intermediate piece (3) according to claim 8, wherein the first connection has at least one flange (31) extending radially from the base body (30). [10] Intermediate piece (3) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second connection has a groove (303) formed on an inner wall of the base body (30) to form a snap connection and / or a latch connection and / or a positive locking connection with a complementary locking component (41) of the pipe stub (40).

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