Device for volume change compensation of fluids

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for volume change compensation of fluids, in particular liquids, comprising a container with a bottom, an inlet and an outlet and at least one expansion element which is arranged in the container and is fluidically connected to the inlet and outlet, wherein at least one elastic element is arranged which is connected on the one hand to the bottom and on the other hand to the expansion element in a manner which cooperates, such that a compressive or tensile force can be provided on the expansion element by means of the elastic element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for volume change compensation of fluids, in particular liquids, comprising a container with a bottom, an inlet and an outlet and at least one expansion element which is arranged in the container and is fluidically connected to the inlet and outlet.

[0002] The invention further relates to a fluid supply system comprising at least one device for compensating volume changes of fluids, in particular liquids, and a processing device which is fluidically connected to the device for compensating volume changes of fluids, in particular liquids.

[0003] The invention further relates to a sanitary fitting system comprising a sanitary fitting which is fluidly connected to at least one fluid supply system, in particular a hot water supply system.

[0004] Although the invention is generally applicable to any fluid, the present invention will be explained with reference to hot water.

[0005] When heating water to provide hot water, the water expands, for example in a boiler, and may lead to excessively high pressures in the boiler. Safety valves have been developed to solve this problem. These valves release the corresponding amount of water when pressure increases, keeping the pressure in the boiler below a specified limit.

[0006] One disadvantage is the complicated drainage process. In the case of hot water in sanitary areas, the safety valve must be connected to a drain to remove the water escaping from the safety valve. Another disadvantage is the water loss. Since the water continuously escapes through the safety valve during heating, a high energy consumption is required to generate hot water in the boiler.

[0007] To solve this problem, WO 2009 / 151321 A2 discloses a water heater consisting of a hot water tank, a supply line for connection to the public water network, and a drain line connected to a faucet. The hot water tank has a peripheral wall enclosing the interior of the tank and is equipped with a heating element. The peripheral wall of the tank includes a bellows-shaped part that is deformable under pressure, allowing it to expand and contract. The bellows-shaped part of the tank wall is surrounded by a gas chamber containing a pressurized gas capable of compensating for the expansion of the tank.

[0008] The disadvantage here is the complex and complicated structure due to the hermetically enclosed gas volume and the necessary circumferential groove in the container wall as a stop for the movement of the bellows-shaped part.

[0009] Further devices are known from DE 92 01 768 U1 and DE 196 49 637 A1.

[0010] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device for volume change compensation of fluids, in particular liquids, a fluid supply system and a sanitary fitting system which have a simpler and more cost-effective construction and also provide reliable volume change compensation of fluids.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide an alternative device for volume change compensation of fluids, in particular liquids, an alternative fluid supply system and an alternative sanitary fitting system.

[0012] In one embodiment, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned objects in a device for volume change compensation of fluids, in particular liquids, comprising a container with a base, an inlet and an outlet and at least one expansion element which is arranged in the container and is fluidically connected to the inlet and outlet, in that at least one elastic element is arranged which is connected on the one hand to the base and on the other hand to the expansion element in a manner which cooperates, such that a compressive or tensile force, in particular directly, can be provided to the expansion element by means of the elastic element.

[0013] In one embodiment, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned objects with a fluid supply system comprising at least one device according to one of claims 1-9 and a processing device which is fluidically connected to the device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned objects with a sanitary fitting system comprising a sanitary fitting which is fluidly connected to at least one fluid supply system, in particular a hot water supply system, according to one of claims 10-14.

[0015] One of the advantages achieved is a simple and cost-effective design, which reduces manufacturing costs. Another advantage is reliable and, if necessary, adjustable volume change compensation of fluids.

[0016] Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or will become apparent thereby.

[0017] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the at least one elastic element is designed in the form of a spring element, in particular a helical spring. This enables the provision of a cost-effective, elastic element.

[0018] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a single elastic element is arranged, in particular centrally in the container. The advantage of this is a sufficient and particularly reliable provision of a tensile or compressive force by a single elastic element, which simplifies the overall design.

[0019] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the base and / or the expansion element has a centering element for centering the at least one elastic element on the base and / or the expansion element. One of the advantages achieved is a reliable arrangement of the elastic element and thus more reliable operation of the device.

[0020] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one elastic element is arranged in the container in a replaceable manner. The advantage of this is easy maintenance of the device.

[0021] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the base has an opening that can be closed by a lid, in particular wherein the lid has at least one opening. The lid itself does not have to completely close the opening; rather, the lid itself can have openings or passages. Overall, this enables particularly easy maintenance of the device.

[0022] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the centering element of the base is arranged on the lid, in particular, it is connected to it in one piece. One of the advantages achieved is that easy accessibility to the elastic element and simple manufacture of the lid and centering element are provided.

[0023] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one expansion element is arranged in the container below a non-expandable region of the container or an inner container arranged within the container. The advantage of this is a cost-effective construction, since the entire area of ​​the container does not need to be exposed to the expansion element.

[0024] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one expansion element is arranged above an inner container. The advantage of this is a cost-effective yet robust design.

[0025] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the expansion element is designed in the form of a corrugated pipe. One of the advantages achieved thereby is the cost-effective provision of the expansion element.

[0026] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one treatment device is arranged downstream of the device. This enables more reliable volume change compensation upstream of a water dispensing point, such as a sanitary fitting.

[0027] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a fluid path downstream of the device is designed without a backflow preventer. This enables reliable compensation for volume changes.

[0028] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, at least two devices are arranged, in particular wherein the at least two devices are arranged fluidically one behind the other. This allows for a smaller installation space for the individual devices while maintaining the same overall volume change compensation.

[0029] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the inlet and outlet of the device are connected to an outlet and an inlet for the treatment device. This increases the flexibility of the device, as the device can be connected to a corresponding fluid inlet or outlet of a treatment device. If, for example, a boiler is retrofitted, the option of volume change compensation can also be easily retrofitted.

[0030] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one device and the processing device are arranged in a common housing. This allows for an integrated and space-saving arrangement of the device and processing device.

[0031] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the housing comprises an insulating material, in particular expandable polypropylene. One of the advantages achieved is thermal and / or acoustic insulation, which reduces energy consumption and increases user satisfaction.

[0032] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings.

[0033] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] Preferred embodiments and embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components or elements.

[0035] It shows in schematic form Fig. 1 shows a device for compensating volume changes in fluids according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a device for compensating volume changes in fluids according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows a sanitary fitting system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 shows a sanitary fitting system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 5 shows a sanitary fitting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In Figure 1 a device for volume change compensation 1 of water is shown.

[0037] The device 1 comprises a container 2 having an inlet 1a and an outlet 1b. The two inlets 1a, 1b are located in the upper region 2' of the container 2. This area 2' does not have an expansion element, whereas in the area below area 2' - area 2" - a corrugated pipe or bellows 3 is arranged as an expansion element. The bellows 3 is fluidically connected in its upper area to the upper area 2' of the container 2 and is fixed thereto; in the lower area of ​​the bellows 3, the latter is fluidically closed by a base 3a. On the underside of the base 3a, a projection, a suspension eye 6a or the like is arranged, against which a helical spring 4 is supported. The helical spring 4 is supported on the side opposite the bellows 3 on a base 2a of the container 2. The base 2a of the container 2 has an opening (not shown) that can be closed with a screw insert 5.The screw insert 5 also has a suspension eyelet 6b, a projection, or the like, against which the coil spring 4 rests. The coil spring 4 thus enables the bellows 3 to be subjected to a compressive or tensile force, depending on its expansion.

[0038] In Figure 2 a device for volume change compensation 1 of water is shown.

[0039] The device 1 comprises a container 2 having an inlet 1a and an outlet 1b. The two inlets 1a, 1b are arranged in the upper region 2' of the container 2. This region 2' has an expansion element in the form of a bellows 3, which is connected to the container 2 in its upper region 3'. In the upper region 3', the bellows 3 has a molded flange 22 for this purpose, which is connected to a lid 2b of the container 2 by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection, for example a screw or rivet connection, and / or a material connection, for example a welded connection. In the region below the region 2' - region 2" - a container 8, in particular a deep-drawn container, is arranged. This non-expandable container 8 is fluidically connected at its opening 9 to the lower region 3" of the open bellows 3 by means of weld seams 7 and is secured thereto. The container 8 has a bottom 8a.On the underside of the base 8a, analogous to the embodiment of the . Figure 1 a projection, a suspension eyelet or the like may be arranged on which a coil spring 4 can be supported. The coil spring 4 is supported on the side opposite the container bottom 8a on a bottom 2a of the container 2. The bottom 2a of the container 2 can be analogous to the embodiment of the Figure 1 have an opening (not shown) that can be closed with a screw insert. The screw insert can be used in a similar way to the design of the Figure 1 A suspension eyelet, a projection, or the like, on which the helical spring 4 is supported, may also be formed. The helical spring 4 thus enables—depending on the expansion of the bellows 3—the application of a compressive or tensile force to the bellows indirectly via the container 8.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a sanitary fitting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] In Figure 3A sanitary fitting system 200 is shown, which has a sanitary fitting 15 connected to a hot water system 100 for its output. The hot water system 100 is constructed as follows. Starting from a water supply connection 20, for example a domestic water connection, water flows downstream via a backflow preventer 21 via the inlet 1a into a device 1 for volume change compensation and via its outlet 1b into an inlet 10b of a hot water supply device 10, which has a boiler 11. An inlet 11a of the boiler 11 is fluidly connected to the outlet 11b. No backflow preventer is arranged between the device 1 and the hot water supply device 10. The boiler 11 is surrounded by insulating material 10a for thermal insulation in the hot water supply device 10.The boiler 11 further comprises a heating device (not shown) for providing hot water at a temperature above 90 degrees Celsius, in particular more than 95 degrees Celsius, to the sanitary fitting 15. If the water in the boiler 11 is heated, its expansion forces water from the boiler 11 into the device 1, and the bellows 3 increases its volume. If the water in the boiler 11 cools, the spring force of the spring 4 in the device 1 forces the water back into the boiler 11.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a sanitary fitting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] In Figure 4 is essentially a sanitary fitting system 200 according to Figure 2 In contrast to the sanitary fitting system 200 according to Figure 3 The sanitary fitting system 200 is in accordance with Figure 4Now, instead of a direct connection of the device 1 to the water supply connection 20, it is first connected to the inlet 10b of the hot water supply device 10 via a backflow preventer 21. Furthermore, the hot water supply device 10 now has a bypass that directs the water provided at the inlet 10b back outside through a connection 10c. The device 1 is fluidically connected to its inlet 1a via this connection 10c. The outlet 1b of the device 1 is then further connected to an inlet 10d of the hot water supply device 10, which is fluidically connected to the inlet 11a of the boiler 11. In this way, a device 1 can be directly connected to the hot water supply device 10, while simultaneously connecting the hot water supply device 10 directly to the water supply connection 20.

[0044] Figure 5shows a sanitary fitting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] In Figure 5 is essentially a sanitary fitting system 200 according to Figure 3 In contrast to the sanitary fitting system 200 of the Figure 3 Four fluidically sequentially arranged devices 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4 and a boiler 11 are shown, which are arranged in a common rectangular housing of the hot water supply device 10. The devices 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, which are round in cross-section, are arranged in the corners of the housing.

[0046] Insulating material 10a for thermal insulation is arranged in the housing. The first device 1-1 is fluidically connected to the inlet 10b, which is connected downstream to the water supply connection 20 via a backflow preventer 21. The outlet of the device 1-4 is fluidically connected to the inlet (not shown) of the boiler 11, and the outlet (not shown) of the boiler 11 is fluidically connected to the sanitary fitting 15. As the water in the boiler 11 heats up, it is sequentially forced first into the device 1-4 and then, if necessary, further into the devices 1-3, 1-2, and 1-1. As the water in the boiler 11 cools, the excess water is forced back into the boiler 11 by the pressure force on the respective corrugated pipe or bellows 3 in the devices 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4.

[0047] In summary, at least one embodiment of the present invention may have at least one of the following features and / or provide at least one of the following advantages: Reliable, automatic volume compensation. Simple design and reduced complexity. Scalable with regard to the potential volume to be compensated.

[0048] Although the present invention has been described using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways. List of reference symbols

[0049] 1, 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4Device 1aInlet 1bOutlet 2Vessel 2'Upper section of vessel 2"Lower section of vessel 2aBottom 2bCover 3Corrugated pipe / bellows 3'Upper section 3"Lower section 3aBottom 4Coil spring 5Screw insert 6a, 6bHanging eye 7Weld seam 8Deep-drawn vessel 8aBottom 9Opening 10Hot water supply device 10aInsulating material 10bInlet 10cOutlet 10dInlet 11Boiler 11aInlet 11bOutlet 15Sanitary fitting 20Water supply connection 21Backflow preventer 22Flange Bellows 100Hot water system 200Sanitary fitting system

Claims

1. Device (1) for volume change compensation of fluids, in particular liquids, comprising a container (2) with a bottom (2a), an inlet (1a) and an outlet (1b) and at least one expansion element (3) which is arranged in the container (2) and is fluidically connected to the inlet (1a) and outlet (1b), characterized in that at least one elastic element (4) is arranged, which is connected on the one hand to the base (2a) and on the other hand to the expansion element (3) in a cooperating manner, such that a compressive or tensile force, in particular directly, can be provided to the expansion element (3) by means of the elastic element (4).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one elastic element (4) is designed in the form of a spring element, in particular a helical spring.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thata single elastic element (4) is arranged, in particular centrally in the container (2).

4. Device (1) according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the base (2a) and / or the expansion element (3) has a centering element (6a, 6b) for centering the at least one elastic element (4) on the base (2a) and / or the expansion element (3).

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the at least one elastic element (4) is arranged replaceably in the container (2), in particular wherein the base (2a) has an opening that can be closed by means of a lid (5), in particular wherein the lid (5) has at least one opening.

6. Device (1) according to claim 4 and 5, characterized in that the centering element (6b) of the base (2a) is arranged on the cover (5), in particular is integrally connected thereto.

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1-6, characterized in thatin the container (2) the at least one expansion element (3) is arranged below a non-expandable region (2') of the container (2) or of an inner container (8) arranged in the container (2).

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that in the container (2) the at least one expansion element (3) is arranged above an inner container (8).

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the expansion element (3) is designed in the form of a corrugated pipe.

10. Fluid supply system (100), comprising at least one device (1) according to one of claims 1-9 and a processing device (11) which is fluidly connected to the device (1), in particular wherein the at least one processing device (11) is arranged downstream of the device (1).

11. Fluid supply system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in thata fluid path downstream of the device (1) is designed without a backflow preventer.

12. Fluid supply system (100) according to one of claims 10-11, characterized in that at least two devices (1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4) are arranged, in particular wherein the at least two devices (1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4) are arranged fluidically one behind the other.

13. Fluid supply system (100) according to one of claims 10-12, characterized in that Inlet (1a) and outlet (1b) of the device (1) are connected to an outlet (10b) and an inlet (10c) for the processing device (11).

14. Fluid supply system (100) according to one of claims 10-13, characterized in that the at least one device (1) and the processing device (11) are arranged in a common housing (10), in particular wherein the housing (10) has an insulating material (10a), in particular expandable polypropylene.

15. Sanitary fitting system (200), comprising a sanitary fitting (15) which is fluidly connected to at least one fluid supply system (100), in particular a hot water supply system, according to one of claims 10-14.

Images