Condensate discharge device and it's use

Abstract

Condensate drainage device (1), comprising at least a condensate channel jacket (2) with an internal channel (3), a support (4) that can be inserted into the channel (3), at least one electric heating element (5) that can be fixed to the support (4), and a connection element (6) for fixing the condensate channel jacket (2) to a condensate collection tray (7). Such a condensate drainage device (1) can be used, in particular, for the safe discharge of condensate from a ventilation system, air conditioning system, and / or heat pump into a floor.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to condensate removal devices, in particular for ventilation systems, air conditioning systems or, most preferably, for heat pumps.

[0002] In the units mentioned here—namely, ventilation systems, air conditioning systems, and heat pumps—condensate forms whenever air with a sufficient moisture content cools against them. This condensate must be drained away. This phenomenon occurs particularly in outdoor ventilation systems, air conditioning systems, and heat pumps. Condensation also forms on the outside of air conditioning, heat pump, and ventilation ducts. This behavior is particularly noticeable when warm air touches the cool duct surfaces. The largest quantities of condensate are formed during the defrosting process of the units, which causes a surge. This poses a particular risk of freezing and / or blockage of the condensate duct.

[0003] The resulting liquid can be disposed of via a so-called condensate drain. For this purpose, a hose with an internal heating cable is commonly used, which can be used to drain the condensate into the ground. The heating cable keeps the drain hose frost-free, thus preventing the condensate from freezing, and also directs the condensate into a frost-free area of the ground.

[0004] From various applications, it has been recognized that such a drain hose can occasionally become clogged due to leaves, animals, and / or incorrect installation in the ground. Furthermore, it should be noted that the proposed drain hoses and heating cables are generally not UV-resistant and / or resistant to rodents, etc. Furthermore, the arrangement of the internal heating cable is sometimes problematic, so electrical safety is not always guaranteed. One such solution is presented, for example, in DE 10 2007 046 009 A1.

[0005] The proposed concepts are often very complex to install. There's a high risk of errors, especially incorrect installation. Furthermore, drain hoses with internal heating cables are offered in only a limited range of lengths and heating options. Furthermore, they often lack a drainage function, which can sometimes be provided by external measures. However, this can lead to backflow in the drain hose, which may even cause damage to the device due to icing.

[0006] EP 2 354 694 A2 describes a condensate drain from a boiler or air conditioning system located in a building to the outside environment of the building, in which a heating element is incorporated into a double-walled drain pipe. This solution cannot contribute to solving the problems mentioned above.

[0007] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, it is intended to provide a condensate drainage device that is simple and reliable and particularly easy to adapt to the respective structural conditions.

[0008] These objects are achieved with a condensate discharge device according to the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent patent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically expedient manner. The description, particularly in conjunction with the figures, explains the invention and provides additional exemplary embodiments.

[0009] A condensate drainage device contributes to this, which comprises at least the following: a condensate duct jacket with an internal duct, a holder which can be inserted into the duct, at least one electrical heating element which can be fixed to the holder, and a connecting element for fixing the condensate duct jacket to a condensate collecting tray.

[0010] The condensate drainage device is available in particular in the form of a kit and is particularly designed to be connected, if necessary, to different design variants or units from the group of ventilation systems, air conditioning systems and, in particular, heat pumps using a standardised connection element.

[0011] It is preferred that the condensate drainage device has a single condensate duct casing. The condensate duct casing can in particular be designed to be rigid or dimensionally stable. It is very particularly preferably formed from a UV-resistant material. Furthermore, it is preferred that the condensate duct casing comprises a structure and / or a material that largely protects it against damage by rodents. For this purpose, it can be helpful for the condensate duct casing to be provided with a protective layer, a protective grille or the like. It is also possible for the condensate duct casing to have a casing thickness sufficient to prevent rodents from reaching the internal duct. The internal duct serves in particular to conduct condensate, to at least partially accommodate the holder and / or the electrical heating element and / or other components of the condensate drainage device.

[0012] The bracket is preferably designed as a single piece. It is possible for it to be made of a different material than the condensate duct casing. Preferably, the bracket is made of metal. The bracket is dimensioned such that it can be inserted into the duct of the condensate duct casing. In particular, it is designed such that it can be completely accommodated in the duct. Most preferably, the bracket extends diagonally almost or completely across the duct diameter.

[0013] In addition, the holder is designed such that at least one electrical heating element can be fixed thereto. It is preferred that a single electrical heating element is provided in the form of a heating cable. The elongated heating cable or the at least one electrical heating element can be fixed precisely and / or permanently at various mounting points on the holder and / or in the channel of the condensate channel casing. For example, it is possible for the holder to be provided with corresponding receptacles or recesses into which the at least one electrical heating element can be inserted in a form-fitting and, if necessary, force-fitting manner, thus securing it in position.

[0014] The connecting element for securing the condensate duct casing to a condensate collecting tray is preferably arranged or arranged near one end of the condensate duct casing. It is possible for the connecting element to at least partially surround the condensate duct casing. It is possible for the connecting element to be designed such that the at least one electrical heating element and / or its electrical supply line extends therethrough.

[0015] The condensate duct casing can be designed as a tube. The tube, in particular, has a substantially circular cross-section. The tube can be designed with stiffening grooves and / or ribs. The tube can be made of metal or a durable plastic. The tube essentially has a single (straight) direction of extension and is not elastically deformable or can only be elastically deformed to a limited extent.

[0016] The holder can have an internal passage for condensate. Alternatively, it is also possible for the holder to form a lateral passage for condensate with the condensate channel casing. In the former case, the holder could be shaped such that it forms a passage delimited exclusively by the holder, which can extend over the entire extent of the holder. According to the further alternative, it can be provided that the holder is designed such that it forms a lateral passage for condensate, in particular with planar center surfaces on both sides, in each case together with the adjacent inner surface of the condensate channel casing.

[0017] The bracket can be formed from a single sheet metal part. It is possible for the bracket to be formed from only a single sheet metal part. It is possible for the sheet metal part to be a formed stamped sheet metal. It is possible for the bracket to be rod-shaped.

[0018] The at least one electrical heating element can be aligned with the condensate duct casing by means of the holder. This means, in particular, that the holder or the placement of the at least one electrical heating element on the holder enables aligned positioning of the heating element in a predetermined area of the condensate duct casing. For this purpose, it is possible for the holder to be aligned with the condensate duct casing, the connection element, and / or the condensate collecting tray, whereby the at least one electrical heating element is simultaneously positioned precisely relative to the condensate duct casing.

[0019] The arrangement of the at least one electrical heating element can be provided such that it can emit a different heating output across its extension section in the condensate duct casing. The arrangement of the at least one electrical heating element is particularly crucial for the heating output, which can be differently adjusted or set in the different zones if necessary. This means in particular that the at least one electrical heating element usually emits a surface-specific, identical heating output across its outer surface, but the different heating output is set based on a concentrated or more distant arrangement of sub-regions and / or a number of the at least one electrical heating elements. For example, it is possible for the electrical heating element to be wound around the holder like a heating cable, with the density or angle of inclination of the winding being varied.If several electrical heating elements are provided, they can be positioned with a smaller and / or a larger distance from each other in order to set different heating outputs in the extension section.

[0020] The connecting element can comprise a detachable clamp closure. The connecting element can thus be attached to the condensate duct casing and / or the condensate collection tray. The detachable clamp closure can be designed such that two parts are provided that are movable relative to one another and can be clamped together such that the connecting element is fixed to the condensate duct casing and / or the condensate collection tray.

[0021] The connecting element can include a seal that connects to the condensate collection tray. For this purpose, the seal can be provided on the connecting element in such a way that it rests against the condensate collection tray, possibly at the front, thus fulfilling a sealing function.

[0022] A drainage cover can be fixed opposite the connection element and on and / or in the condensate duct casing, forming a closure for the internal duct. The drainage cover can be designed as a separate component, which can be arranged, if necessary detachably, at the opposite end of the condensate duct casing. The drainage cover spans the internal duct, forming a closure. The drainage cover can be designed like a pot. The drainage cover can have a plurality of pores through which condensate can escape.

[0023] It is possible for an extension section of the at least one electrical heating element in the condensate duct casing to be at least 20% smaller than a length of the condensate duct casing. This means in particular that the at least one electrical heating element does not extend over the entire length of the condensate duct casing, starting from the connection element. In particular, the fixation to the holder is provided in such a way that the at least one electrical heating element can only reach or heat a partial area of the length of the condensate duct casing. It is possible that, in the event that the condensate drainage device is placed in the floor, the excess length of the condensate duct casing is shortened, so that in the available set variant, the excess length of the condensate duct casing can also be more than 20%, in particular, for example, at least 30% or even 40%.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention, a condensate discharge device of the type described here is proposed for the safe introduction of condensate from a ventilation system, air conditioning system and / or heat pump into the ground.

[0025] The condensate drainage device proposed here provides a prefabricated system which, on the one hand, enables tolerance compensation and, on the other hand, variable heating zone design.

[0026] The condensate duct casing can be designed like a drainage pipe, with internal pipe heating (at least one electric heating element). The heating output can be adjusted outside the condensate duct casing, while within the condensate duct casing, a customized coil allows for focused heating at the desired locations.

[0027] The connection element can be used as a type of universal connection to a base plate of an aggregate described here.

[0028] This system can therefore be individually adjusted or shortened to a specified or desired length. Furthermore, it is specifically designed for vertical condensate drainage (which is the standard installation). Furthermore, the condensate duct casing is UV-resistant, features rodent protection, and is electrically safe thanks to the contactless, internal installation of the heating elements.

[0029] A method for assembling a condensate drain device of the type described here to a unit is also explained here. This assembly method may, for example, include the following steps: a) First, the prefabricated condensate duct casing is shortened to the desired length according to the specific conditions. b) The bracket can also be shortened to a specified length according to the on-site conditions. c) Furthermore, it is now possible to position or wrap the at least one electrical heating element, preferably a heating cable, on or around the bracket in such a way that particularly "cold zones" (e.g., directly below the unit in the ambient air and / or in the upper area of the floor) have a larger number or greater number of windings than in other areas. d) The bracket can be inserted into the condensate duct casing with the at least one electrical heating element attached to it or the heating cable wound there. The bracket is designed in particular so that it can perform a guided translational movement within the duct. The drainage cover can also be attached.e) The condensate drainage device, or if it has been prepared, can now be inserted into a provided septic tank and secured from below to the unit or the unit's condensate collection tray. f) The electrical power supply to the at least one electrical heating element can be routed within the unit and connected there, for example, to a power source or circuit board. g) The connection element can now be plugged in or secured.

[0030] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the components shown in the figures are exemplary embodiments to which the invention is not limited. In particular, the figures are schematic in nature and cannot be used for precise dimensioning.

[0031] Fig. 1shows a condensate drainage device 1 in the assembled state beneath a unit 14. Visible below is the floor 15, in which a drainage pit is incorporated, in which the condensate duct casing 2 is positioned. The condensate duct casing 2 has an internal channel 3 in which a helical electrical heating element 5 is provided. This electrical heating element 5 is correctly positioned on an indicated holder 4. The condensate duct casing 2 is fixed to a condensate collecting tray 7 of the unit 14 by means of a connecting element 6. It is also indicated that the power supply of the electrical heating element 5 extends into the unit, namely to a power connection 16 inside the housing 17 of the unit 14.

[0032] Fig. 2shows a set for providing a condensate drainage device 1 proposed here. This comprises a condensate duct casing 2 with an internal channel 3, which has two opposite ends, wherein at one end a connecting element 6 is provided for fixing the condensate duct casing 2 to a condensate collecting tray 7 and on the other side a drainage cover 11 can be fixed. To the right of this, the holder 4 is shown in the manner of a sheet metal component, which has recesses radially opposite the bends and a central flat surface. The central flat surface can be used to delimit two lateral passages. Further to the right, a cable-shaped electrical heating element 5 is provided, which can be wound up without the holder 4 according to the pitch of the recesses in the sheet metal part. In addition, a connecting element is indicated, which here comprises a seal 10.

[0033] Fig. 3shows another embodiment, wherein the condensate duct casing 2 is fixed to the condensate collecting tray 7 by means of the connecting element 6, which in this case is designed in the manner of a releasable clamp closure 9. It can also be seen that an extension section 12 of the at least one electrical heating element 5 in the condensate duct casing 2 is at least 20% smaller than the length 13 of the condensate duct casing 2.

[0034] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a drainage cover 11, which is designed for fixing to the condensate channel casing 2 with a matching collar 19, and which furthermore has a plurality of pores 18.

[0035] Finally, a detail of a holder with a cable-like heating element, which is connected to the Figures 5 and 6 is illustrated. In Figure 5It can be seen first of all that a sheet metal or plastic part is used to provide a different intensity of winding or density of the electric heating element in certain zones. In the upper area of the holder 4, tight connections of the heating element 3 can be seen, while below it it is only laid approximately parallel to the direction of extension of the holder. The outer bends of the holder 4 are such that the windings of the heating element 5, for example, lie on the inside of the channel 3 of the condensate channel casing 2, and lateral passages 8 for the condensate are provided between the condensate channel casing 2 and the holder 4. This is shown in Figure 6 illustrated. List of reference symbols

[0036] 1 Condensate drainage device 2 Condensate duct casing 3 Duct 4 Bracket 5 Electric heating element 6 Connection element 7 Condensate collecting tray 8 Passage 9 Clamp closure 10 Seal 11 Drain cover 12 Extension section 13 Length 14 Unit 15 Base 16 Power connection 17 Housing 18 Pore 19 Collar

Claims

1. Condensate discharge device (1), at least comprising a condensate duct casing (2) with an internal duct (3), a holder (4) which can be inserted into the duct (3), at least one electrical heating element (5) which can be fixed to the holder (4) and a connecting element (6) for fixing the condensate duct casing (2) to a condensate collecting tray (7).

2. Condensate discharge device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the condensate duct casing (2) is a tube.

3. Condensate discharge device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the holder (4) has an internal passage (8) for condensate or can form a lateral passage (8) for condensate with the condensate duct casing (2).

4. Condensate discharge device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the holder (4) is formed with a sheet metal part.

5. Condensate discharge device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one electrical heating element (5) can be aligned towards the condensate duct casing (2) by means of the holder (4).

6. Condensate discharge device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an arrangement of the at least one electrical heating element (5) is provided so that this can emit a different heating power over its extension section (12) in the condensate duct casing (2).

7. Condensate discharge device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (6) comprises a releasable clamp closure (9).

8. Condensate discharge device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (6) comprises a seal (10) towards the condensate collecting tray (7).

9. Condensate discharge device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a drainage cover (11) can be fixed opposite the connection element (6) and on / in the condensate duct casing (2), which forms a closure of the internal duct (3).

10. Condensate discharge device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an extension section (12) of the at least one electrical heating element (5) in the condensate duct jacket (2) is at least 20% smaller than a length (13) of the condensate duct jacket (2).

11. Use of a condensate discharge device (1) according to one of the preceding claims for the safe discharge of condensate from a ventilation system, air conditioning system and / or heat pump into a floor.

Images