Thermal device

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal device comprising a housing (1), an insulating body (2) arranged in the housing (1), a receiving area (2.1) formed on the insulating body (2), and a functional component (3) of the thermal device arranged in the receiving area (2.1) and having a longitudinal axis (3.1). According to the invention, a first positive locking element (2.1.1) is provided on the receiving area (2.1), and a second positive locking element (3.2) is provided on the functional component (3) for fixing it in the direction of its longitudinal axis (3.1) and for aligning it with the first positive locking element (2.1.1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a thermal device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] A thermal device of the type mentioned above is known from patent document DE 10 2018 132 504 A1. This device consists of a housing, an insulating body arranged in the housing, a receiving area formed on the insulating body, and a functional component of the thermal device arranged in the receiving area and having a longitudinal axis. Looking more closely, this device is a hot water tank with an insulating body made of particle foam (in particular EPP), to which, for example, a pipe is fixed as a functional component, in particular by clipping.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of improving a thermal device of the type mentioned above. In particular, the positioning of the functional component during assembly is to be facilitated and the position or orientation of the functional component is to be secured over the long term during operation of the device.

[0004] This object is achieved with a thermal device of the type mentioned at the outset by the features listed in the characterising part of patent claim 1.

[0005] According to the invention, it is therefore provided that, on the one hand, a first form-locking element is provided on the receiving area and, on the other hand, a second form-locking element is provided on the functional component, which fits together with the first form-locking element in order to fix it in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

[0006] In other words, the solution according to the invention is characterized by the fact that, in addition to the already known radial fixation, an axial fixation of the functional component to the insulating body is now also provided in the receiving area. This facilitates installation and also ensures, in the long term, that the functional component does not slip during operation of the thermal device. Furthermore, no additional fixation elements are necessary because these are incorporated into the insulating body.

[0007] Other advantageous developments of the thermal device according to the invention emerge from the dependent patent claims.

[0008] The thermal device according to the invention, including its advantageous developments according to the dependent patent claims, is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings of two exemplary embodiments.

[0009] It shows perspective Figure 1 shows the thermal device according to the invention (partially) with the counter-insulating body not yet mounted; Figure 2 shows the insulating body according to Figure 1 as a single part; Figure 3 the counter insulation body according to Figure 1 as an individual part; Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the thermal device according to the invention (partially) with a total of three plugs, one of which serves only for sealing and the other two are provided with a through-opening for a cable; Figure 5 shows a wall fastening device for the housing with four wall anchors; Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the wall anchor; and Figure 7 shows two floor supports arranged below the wall fastening device for the housing positioned in a corner of the building.

[0010] The thermal device, in particular a heater, shown in the figures consists of a housing 1, an insulating body 2 arranged in the housing 1, a receiving area 2.1 formed on the insulating body 2 and a functional component 3 of the thermal device arranged in the receiving area 2.1 and having a longitudinal axis 3.1. Figure 1 and 4In each case, the rear of a new VITOCAL device from the applicant can be seen, more precisely, the rear of an indoor unit of a heat pump, with which the device faces a wall in the room where it is installed. A hot water cylinder is preferably arranged in the preferably cuboid-shaped housing 1 (but not separately shown), among other things. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the insulating body 2 is positively connected to the housing 1, preferably clipped onto the housing 1. Looking at it in a little more detail, it is preferably provided that the insulating body 2 is plugged on and then clamped by a rear wall. This enables tool-free installation of the insulating body 2.

[0011] In particular, in the event that the thermal device is not to be mounted on a solid stone or concrete wall, but, for example, on a less stable plasterboard wall, reference is made to Figure 7 It is particularly preferred that at least one preferably telescopic or displaceable floor support 6 is assigned to the housing 1. It is further preferred that the floor support 6 is configured to extend between the housing 1 and a building floor. As shown, it is most preferred that two strut-like floor supports 6 be arranged beneath the housing 1.

[0012] Furthermore, preference is given to (see Figure 1 ) that the housing 1 has a support frame 1.2. It is further preferably provided that the support frame 1.2 of the housing 1 - preferably with the wall fastening device 5 - is mounted on the at least one floor support 6.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the base support 6 is designed as a component that can be separated from the housing 1 without destruction.

[0014] What is essential for the solution according to the invention is that, on the one hand, a first form-locking element 2.1.1 is provided on the receiving area 2.1 and, on the other hand, a second form-locking element 3.2 is provided on the functional component 3 for fixing it in the direction of its longitudinal axis 3.1, which matches the first form-locking element 2.1.1. As already explained at the beginning, this simplifies the assembly of the functional component on the one hand (otherwise typically required pipe clips can be omitted), and on the other hand, its position within the housing 1 is guaranteed in the long term. As shown, it is particularly preferably provided that the longitudinal axis 3.1 of the functional component 3 is arranged or designed to run vertically in the receiving area 2.1.

[0015] Looking at all of this in more detail, it is particularly preferred that the functional component 3 is at least partially arranged between the said insulating body 2 and a counter-insulating body 4. This counter-insulating body 4, together with the insulating body 2, serves to create a liquid-tight closure for the piping and, if applicable, the cabling (see also further below) within the housing 1, which closure prevents the flow of moist air. This closure is particularly advantageous for significantly reducing the amount of condensate that accumulates within the housing, particularly during cooling. Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the insulating body 2 and / or the counter-insulating body 4 are / is formed from a foam material, preferably from a particle foam, particularly preferably from expanded polypropylene (EPP) or expanded polystyrene (EPS).The density of the foam material is preferably between 30 and 90 grams per liter, particularly preferably 60 grams per liter.

[0016] As can be seen in particular from the Figures 2 and 3 As can be seen, it is further preferably provided that at least three, preferably at least five, particularly preferably at least seven, receiving areas 2.1 for a plurality of functional components 3 are arranged, preferably in a horizontally extending row, optionally on the insulating body 2 and / or on the counter-insulating body 4. Furthermore, it is also preferably provided that the counter-insulating body 4 (with corresponding lateral overlapping areas) is designed to at least partially enclose the insulating body 2.

[0017] Looking at it in more detail, it is preferably provided that, on the one hand, a third form-locking element 4.3 is provided on the counter-insulating body 4, and, on the other hand, a fourth form-locking element 3.4, which matches the third form-locking element 4.3, is provided on the functional component 3. In this way, the functional component 3 is completely fixed between the insulating body 2 and the counter-insulating body 4.

[0018] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a fixing section at least partially enclosing the functional component 3 forms the second and fourth form-locking elements 3.2, 3.4. The aforementioned axial fixation is thus realized or ensured not only between the functional component 3 and the insulating body 2, but also between the functional component 3 and the counter-insulating body 4.

[0019] Looking at all this in more detail, it is preferably provided that the functional component 3 is designed either as a tube or as a plug.

[0020] As from Figure 1 As can be seen, it is particularly preferred that the second form-locking element 3.2 and / or the fourth form-locking element 3.4 are optionally designed as a compression portion of the pipe, which could also be called a flanging. This compression portion then preferably forms the aforementioned fixing section, which ensures the axial fixation of the functional component 3.

[0021] The above-mentioned plug is in Figure 4shown. It serves either to completely seal the receiving area 2.1 in a liquid-tight manner or to create a likewise liquid-tight passage for a cable or a line of the thermal device (liquid-tight also includes avoiding or preventing the passage of moist air). For the latter option, it is preferably provided that the plug is provided with a passage opening 3.3 for an additional functional component 3.5, in particular the said cable. The passage opening 3.3 can preferably and optionally lie so tightly against the cable that the latter cannot slip axially, or the plug is directly connected to the cable in a material-to-material bond, i.e. the passage opening is created by separating the cable and plug. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the second form-fitting element 3 facing the insulating body 22 and / or the fourth form-locking element 3.4 facing the counter-insulating body 4 is formed by an edge of the plug. Furthermore, the plug can preferably be formed as shown in . Figure 4 shown, have at least two form-locking elements 3.2 of different diameters in order to be able to be positioned in receiving areas 2.1 of different diameters (for thicker and thinner pipes).

[0022] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a contact area 3.6 shaped like a half inner cylinder is provided for the functional component 3 on the insulating body 2 and / or on the counter-insulating body 4, optionally above and / or below optionally the first and / or third form-locking element 2.1.1, 4.3. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that optionally the first form-locking element 2.1.1 and / or the third form-locking element 4.3 is formed as a preferably semi-annular groove on the insulating body 2 or on the counter-insulating body 4.

[0023] Expressed again in other words, for the aforementioned condensate reduction, it is particularly preferred that the insulating body 2 and the counter-insulating body 4 are designed to accommodate the functional component 3 and / or the additional functional component 3.5 (i.e., for example, a cable with a plug-like injection molding) between them in a liquid-tight manner.

[0024] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that connecting elements 2.2, 4.2 which fit together and are designed for preferably horizontal mutual attachment to one another are provided on the insulating body 2 and the counter-insulating body 4.

[0025] For particularly good handling and in particular to reduce the risk of injury when assembling the thermal device according to the invention, reference is made to Figure 1Furthermore, at least one grip element 4.1, preferably formed from its own material, is provided on the counter-insulating body 4. The grip element 4.1 is particularly preferably designed as a projection arranged in a recess on the counter-insulating body 4.

[0026] In addition, a cable bushing 1.1, preferably made of a rubber-elastic material, in particular ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), is also preferably provided on the housing 1.

[0027] The thermal device according to the invention is assembled as follows: First, the insulating body 2 is secured to the housing 1 by snapping it into place. The pipes are then guided through the receiving areas 2.1 and axially secured there, preferably and optionally with compressions (or preferably flanges). The lines or cables are secured in a similar manner with plugs. Unused receiving areas 2.1 can also be closed with a plug. Finally, the counter-insulating body 4 is pressed onto the insulating body 2 using the grip element 4.1, of which two are preferably provided, so that the connecting elements 2.2 and 4.2 form a positive connection, thus ensuring a liquid-tight seal. This allows the entire system to be assembled without tools. No screw connections or similar are necessary; fastening is achieved exclusively through positive geometries.

[0028] In order to be able to attach the thermal device to uneven walls in the simplest possible way, it is also necessary to refer to the Figures 5 and 6 preferably on the housing 1 (here - because it is easily conceivable - not shown separately) a preferably arranged on a support frame 1.2 of the housing 1 (see Figure 1 ) and preferably at least one, preferably (as shown here) at least four wall anchors 5.1 having wall fastening device 5 are provided.

[0029] It is furthermore important to consider in more detail (see Figure 6) It is preferably provided that the wall anchor 5.1 has a first fastening section 5.1.1 for fastening to the housing 1 and a second fastening section 5.1.2 for fastening to a building wall. In even more detail, the wall anchor 5.1 is preferably designed as an angled sheet metal, wherein the first fastening section 5.1.1 preferably forms a first sheet metal section and the second fastening section 5.1.2 preferably forms a second sheet metal section angled to the first sheet metal section.

[0030] To effectively compensate for possible wall unevenness mentioned above, it is further preferred that the wall anchor 5.1 has a tolerance compensation device 5.1.3. Specifically, it is particularly preferred that the tolerance compensation device 5.1.3 be designed as an adjustable and fixable elongated hole screw connection, preferably provided on the first fastening section 5.1.1. List of reference symbols

[0031] 1 Housing 1.1 Cable entry 1.2 Supporting frame 2 Insulating body 2.1 Supporting area 2.1.1 First form-locking element 2.2 Connecting element 3 Functional component 3.1 Longitudinal axis 3.2 Second form-locking element 3.3 Through opening 3.4 Fourth form-locking element 3.5 Additional functional component 3.6 Contact area 4 Counter-insulating body 4.1 Grip element 4.2 Connecting element 4.3 Third form-locking element 5 Wall fastening device 5.1 Wall anchor 5.1.1 First fastening section 5.1.2 Second fastening section 5.1.3 Tolerance compensation device 6 Floor support

Claims

1. A thermal device comprising a housing (1), an insulating body (2) arranged in the housing (1), a receiving area (2.1) formed on the insulating body (2) and a functional component (3) of the thermal device arranged in the receiving area (2.1) and having a longitudinal axis (3.1), characterized by that on the one hand, a first form-locking element (2.1.1) is provided on the receiving area (2.1) and, on the other hand, a second form-locking element (3.2) is provided on the functional component (3) for fixing it in the direction of its longitudinal axis (3.1) and which matches the first form-locking element (2.1.1).

2. Thermal device according to claim 1, characterized by that the functional component (3) is designed either as a tube or as a plug.

3. Thermal device according to claim 2, characterized by that the second form-locking element (3.2) is designed as a compression of the pipe provided on the pipe.

4. Thermal device according to claim 2, characterized by that the second form-locking element (3.2) is formed by an edge of the plug.

5. Thermal device according to claim 2 or 4, characterized by that the plug is provided with a through opening (3.3) for an additional functional component (3.5).

6. Thermal device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the longitudinal axis (3.1) of the functional component (3) is designed to run vertically in the receiving area (2.1).

7. Thermal device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that on the insulating body (2) optionally above and / or below the first form-fitting element (2.1.1) a contact area (3.6) shaped like half an inner cylinder is provided for the functional component (3).

8. Thermal device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by thatthe insulating body (2) is positively connected to the housing (1).

9. Thermal device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that at least one preferably telescopic or displaceable floor support (6) is assigned to the housing (1).

10. Thermal device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the functional component (3) is at least partially arranged between the insulating body (2) and a counter-insulating body (4).

11. Thermal device according to claim 10, characterized by that on the one hand, a third form-locking element (4.3) is provided on the counter-insulating body (4) and, on the other hand, a fourth form-locking element (3.4) matching the third form-locking element (4.3) is provided on the functional component (3).

12. Thermal device according to claim 11, characterized by thata fixing section at least partially enclosing the functional component (3) forms the second and fourth form-locking elements (3.2, 3.4).

13. Thermal device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by that on the insulation body (2) and on the counter-insulation body (4) matching connecting elements (2.2, 4.2) are provided, which are designed for mutually attaching one to the other, preferably horizontally.

14. Thermal device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized by that the insulating body (2) and the counter-insulating body (4) are designed to accommodate the functional component (3) between them in a liquid-tight manner.

15. Thermal device according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized by that at least one handle element (4.1) is provided on the counter-insulating body (4).

16. Thermal device according to claim 15, characterized by thatthe handle element (4.1) is designed as a projection arranged in a recess on the counter-insulating body (4).

17. Thermal device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by that a wall fastening device (5) is provided on the housing (1), preferably arranged on a supporting frame (1.2) of the housing (1) and preferably having at least one, preferably at least four wall anchors (5.1).

18. Thermal device according to claim 17, characterized by that the wall anchor (5.1) has a first fastening section (5.1.1) for fastening to the housing (1) and a second fastening section (5.1.2) for fastening to a building wall.

19. Thermal device according to claim 18, characterized by thatthe wall anchor (5.1) is designed as an angled sheet metal, wherein preferably the first fastening section (5.1.1) forms a first sheet metal section and the second fastening section (5.1.2) forms a second sheet metal section angled to the first sheet metal section.

20. Thermal device according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized by that the wall anchor (5.1) has a tolerance compensation device (5.1.3).

21. Thermal device according to claim 20, characterized by that the tolerance compensation device (5.1.3) is designed as an adjustable and fixable elongated hole screw connection, preferably provided on the first fastening section (5.1.1).

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