Connecting system for components for the temperature conditioning of a building

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting system (2) for components (34) for the temperature conditioning of a building, in particular for heating, cooling or air-conditioning of an interior, which comprises a base plate (36) which is provided with a plurality of openings (40) which are formed in such a way that they can receive a connection element (4) which is formed as an elongate hollow body along a longitudinal axis (6), wherein the longitudinal axis (6) of the connection element (4) is arranged perpendicular to the main surface of the base plate (36) on a first side (42) of the base plate (36), and each connection element (4) has closable connection channels (8) directed transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis (6), wherein at least one connection element (4) is provided for each component (34), and the component (34) is fluidically connected to a non-closed connection channel (8) of its connection element (4), wherein a fluid connection to further components (34) or as inlets or outlets is formed via a further non-closed connection channel (8).

Description

[0001] Connection system for building components for temperature conditioning of a building

[0002] The invention relates to a connection system for components for temperature conditioning of a building, in particular for heating, cooling or air conditioning an interior space.

[0003] It is generally known from the state of the art to take appropriate precautions as the seasons change to maintain indoor temperatures within a comfortable range for occupants. Various types of heaters are used to increase the temperature, while lowering the temperature is often achieved by air conditioning units that cool outside air into the interior via a cooling compressor.

[0004] Modern systems are used as so-called air-conditioning systems, in which outside air is drawn into the building's interior as supply air via a heat exchanger using a radial fan. Exhaust air is often fed to the heat exchanger via an evaporative cooler, while the air drawn in by another radial fan leaves the building as exhaust air. In addition to various filters for cleaning the air, additional heaters can also be used to enable interior ventilation.

[0005] The systems described above typically work in conjunction with a heat pump installed in a building. This can be supplied with electrical energy, for example, via the power grid or its own power storage unit.A further application example is the device for energy transmission and energy storage in a liquid reservoir described in DE 10 2019 118 223 A1, which has a water heat exchanger arranged on a floor, wherein the water heat exchanger is arranged in a liquid reservoir which is surrounded by an inner shell which delimits the device from an outer shell covering the inner shell from the floor, wherein the outer shell can be at least partially introduced into a layer of earth, wherein the device has an air heat exchanger arranged above the water heat exchanger, and that the device is closed off at the top by a cover such that an air flow from an air inlet to an air outlet can be generated through the air heat exchanger.

[0006] When installing such air conditioning systems, various hydraulic components are required, such as pumps, valves, temperature or pressure sensors, through which a fluid flows and which must be connected to one another in different ways. For this purpose, detachable pipe connections in the form of screw or flange connections, pipe connections in the form of press fittings, or rigid pipe connections through soldering or welding are known. The hydraulic components are usually attached to a wall surface and connected using a suitable pipe connection. Due to the different component connections, the number of required connections, and the different sizes of the components, a conventional installation is often confusing or requires a lot of installation space.

[0007] CN 111 457 448 B describes a distribution pipe for water supply installed between a first lateral connecting part and a second lateral connecting part, the first lateral connecting part and the second lateral connecting part being provided on a wall surface or a floor surface, comprising a central pipe having a water supply nozzle formed at one end, the other end being closed, a plurality of distribution sockets provided in a plurality of through holes formed in a side portion of the central pipe to be connected to the plurality of branch pipes.

[0008] DE 196 37 575 B4 describes a distribution station for a heating system, in particular for distributing hot water for operating a hot water heating system, comprising a first branch which is constructed from a plurality of uniform pipe elements which are each screwed together and in which a jet pump is arranged, wherein each pipe element is provided at one end with an internal thread and at the opposite end with an external thread which matches the internal thread, and has lateral nozzles whose central axes are arranged at equal distances from one another.

[0009] Against this background, the task now arises of creating a connection system for components for air conditioning a building, which can be more compact and has lower installation costs than previous systems.

[0010] This object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. These can be combined with one another in a technologically expedient manner. The description, particularly in conjunction with the drawings, further characterizes and specifies the invention.

[0011] According to the invention, a connection system for components for temperature conditioning a building, in particular for heating, cooling or air-conditioning an interior space, is created, wherein the connection system has a base plate provided with a plurality of openings which are designed such that they can receive a connection element designed as an elongated hollow body along a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axis of the connection element is arranged on a first side of the base plate perpendicular to the main surface of the base plate and each connection element has a plurality of closable connection channels pointing transversely to the longitudinal axis, wherein at least one connection element is provided for each component and the component is fluidically connected to an unsealed connection channel of its connection element in order to form a fluid connection to further components or an inlet or outlet of fluid via a further unsealed connection channel.

[0012] Accordingly, in the connection system according to the invention, the area intended for installation is first covered with the base plate. The base plate can be arranged similarly to a side wall on a frame of an air conditioning device, so that the base plate acts as an interface between the air conditioning device and the outside world. The individual components are connected to the base plate via one or more connecting elements. In addition to this holding function, the connecting elements also fulfil a further function by forming a fluid connection to other components or an access or outlet for the fluid. In hydraulic components in air conditioning technology, the fluid is typically a working medium such as air, water or mixtures of different liquids, which are required to operate a heat pump, for example.The dual function of the connection elements as holders and fluid connections creates a clear, compact, and maintenance-friendly structure. Furthermore, the connection system according to the invention can be easily modified in the event of changes, for example, changes in the performance requirements of an air conditioning system, so that an existing installation can be expanded or supplemented. The openings in the base plate for accommodating the connection elements can be arranged in a regular grid, whereby, in addition to the positions actually occupied by connection elements, additional openings can also be provided for later expansions. Alternatively, a perforated plate, for example, can be used, which is provided with openings preferably arranged in a grid.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connection channels of the connection element are designed as internal thread connections in side walls of the connection element.

[0014] In this way, it is possible to lead the components to be connected or the inlets and outlets directly into the side walls of the connecting element via a corresponding external thread to form a threaded connection, which can also be provided with seals.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is designed as a hollow cylinder which is provided with flat surfaces on the internal thread connections.

[0016] The flat-face design allows for a wide variety of external threaded connections to be incorporated into the internal thread of the connecting element for fastening components, and for example, to provide an additional seal in the area of ​​the flat surfaces. The fluid can then flow through the hollow cylinder to the connection channels.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the invention, connection channels of the connection element are arranged in several planes along the longitudinal axis, each of which has connection elements rotated by 90° and aligned with each other. In this way, a regular structure of the connection elements can be achieved, in which the connection channels also point in defined directions.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, further, shortened connecting elements are provided which have a spacer in the region of the plane of the connecting elements facing the base plate.

[0019] The shortened connecting elements are therefore designed so that fluid connections can be routed beneath them in the area of ​​the spacer. The remaining design of the shortened connecting elements is identical to the connecting elements already described above. This makes it possible to arrange connecting elements and shortened connecting elements on the base plate, whereby the shortened connecting elements can, for example, be attached via already installed fluid connections between connecting elements or can be provided to save space. The spacer can, for example, be designed as a C-profile, whereby the side facing the shortened connecting element also ensures a seal with respect to the hollow cylindrical structure of the shortened connecting element.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting channels are provided with a pipe connection, preferably in the form of a press fitting or a flange connection, via which a pipe connection to the component or to another connecting element is formed.

[0021] Until now, the connection between hydraulic components and a connecting element as well as between connecting elements has only been described in general terms as a fluid connection. Since hydraulic components are typically supplied by a large number of different manufacturers, there is no standardized connection on the components that could be integrated into the connection system according to the invention. It is therefore intended to provide the connecting channels with a pipe connection via which the connection to the component or to other connecting elements is formed. A pipe connection can, for example, be designed in the form of a press fitting or a flange connection, although other types of connection should not be excluded. In order to connect a component to a connecting element, a press fitting, for example, is screwed into the connecting channel of the connecting element.A plastic pipe of the appropriate length is then pressed into the press fitting. The other end of the plastic pipe is connected to the component. Different connection techniques can be used here, depending on the design of the component connection. If the component has a second or additional component connection, these are also connected with a connecting element. This also makes it possible to create inlets and outlets for fluid lines.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the orientations of the pipe connections to other connecting elements for the individual levels are selected in the form of a cross-free pipe guide.

[0023] This makes it possible to create connections between different connection elements based on a fluid flow plan. This can be done in a similar way to, for example, the routing of printed circuit boards, by preferably selecting only one orientation of pipe connections for each level. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the unused connection channels of the connection elements are closed by means of screwable closure pieces.

[0024] The closure nozzles make it possible, for example, to open previously unused connection channels for additional applications after the initial installation, allowing for connections to additional components via pipe connections. This allows for flexible response to change requests. Furthermore, it is possible to close the hollow cylindrical interior of the connection elements using union nuts located on the second side of the base plate, which simultaneously ensure stable attachment of the connection elements to the base plate.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements are made of plastic.

[0026] This enables cost-effective production of the connecting elements, which can be pre-produced in large quantities in different sizes as a modular system, without having to provide individually manufactured parts for installation.

[0027] Furthermore, the use of a connection system as specified above in a device for air conditioning a building is described.

[0028] Below, some examples are explained in more detail using the drawings. They show:

[0029] Figure 1A shows a perspective side view of a detail of a connection system according to the invention in a schematic representation, Figure 1B shows a sectional view through Figure 1A,

[0030] Figure 1 C shows a perspective side view of a further detail of a connection system according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0031] Figure 2A shows a side view of a further detail of a connection system according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0032] Figure 2B shows a side view of a further detail of a connection system according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0033] Figure 3 is a perspective side view of a connection system according to the invention,

[0034] Figure 4A is a schematic representation of part of a connection system according to the invention in a plan view,

[0035] Figure 4B is a schematic representation of part of a connection system according to the invention in a plan view,

[0036] Figure 4C is a schematic representation of part of a connection system according to the invention in a plan view, and

[0037] Figure 4D is a schematic representation of part of a connection system according to the invention in a plan view.

[0038] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent components are provided with the same reference numerals. Figure 1A shows a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a component of a connection system 2 according to the invention. This component is a connecting element 4, which is designed as an elongated hollow body extending along a longitudinal axis 6. Transverse to the longitudinal axis 6, the connecting element 4 has a plurality of connecting channels 8.

[0039] On one end face of the connecting element 4 is a cylindrical extension 10, which has a smaller diameter than the hollow cylindrical connecting element 4. The support surface 12 created in the transition region is used to fasten the connecting element 4 to a base plate. For this purpose, an external thread (not shown in Figure 1A) can be provided along the outer circumference of the extension 10, so that a nut or the like can be used to secure the connecting element 4 to the base plate via the support surface 12.

[0040] The individual connection channels 8 are arranged relative to the support surface 12 in several parallel planes, which are designated in Figure 1A by the reference numerals 14, 14' and 14". The connection channels 8 of one plane are rotated by 90° relative to one another, wherein the connection channels 8 of each plane 14, 14' and 14" are aligned with one another, so that all centers of the connection channels are arranged along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis 6.

[0041] Figure 1B shows a sectional view of the connecting element 4 from Figure 1A. Multiple threaded connections can be formed to close the hollow cylindrical connecting element 4. For example, an internal thread 16 is provided in the area opposite the extension 10, through which a locking screw can be inserted into the connecting element 4 to close it at this point.

[0042] In the area of ​​the extension 10, a union nut could be used, which is attached to the external thread 18 and holds the connecting element 4 together with the support surface 12 to a base plate. Alternatively, an internal thread opposite the external thread 18 could be used, into which a locking screw can be inserted. The connecting element 4 would then be attached to the external thread 18 with a nut.

[0043] Furthermore, the connection channels 8 are each provided with an internal thread connection 20. Pipe connections can be inserted into the internal thread connection 20, as explained further below. For this purpose, flat surfaces 22 are provided on the outside of the connection element 4 for each connection channel 8, which can be used as contact surfaces for the pipe connection.

[0044] A further embodiment is shown with reference to Figure 1C.

[0045] Figure 1C shows a perspective side view of shortened connecting elements 24. Instead of the extension 10 and the connecting channels 8 in the area of ​​the first level 14, the shortened connecting element 24 has a spacer 26 at this point, which bridges the area between the shortened connecting elements 24. In this way, it is possible to place additional connecting elements 4, which are connected to one another via connecting channels 8 in the first level 14 via a pipe connection, so that the shortened end element 24 bridges the area of ​​the pipe connections via the spacer 26.

[0046] Figure 2A shows an example of the use of the connecting elements 4. Several pipe connections are provided for fastening a pipe connection, with one pipe connection being designed as a press fitting 28 and one pipe connection as a flange connection 30. Both the press fitting 28 and the flange connection 30 can be connected either to further connecting elements 4 or to a component. Unused connection channels 8 are closed with a closure piece 32, which here is designed in the form of a screw.

[0047] The connection of a component 34 is shown with reference to Figure 2B. Here, the connecting elements 4 are mounted on a base plate 36. The flange connection 30 in the connection channel of the connecting element 4 on the second level 14" is connected to corresponding flange connections 38 and a pipe connection, so that the component 34 is fluidly connected to the two connecting elements 4 via these pipe connections.

[0048] The extensions 10 of the connecting elements 4 are inserted into the openings 40 of the base plate 36 from the first side 42 and serve to hold them in the base plate 36. From the second side 44, the connecting elements 4 can be secured by means of a union nut (not shown).

[0049] The openings 40 in the base plate 36 for receiving the connection elements 4 can be arranged in a regular grid, wherein, in addition to the positions actually occupied by connection elements 4, additional openings 40 can also be provided for later extensions. Alternatively, for example, a perforated plate can be used which is provided with openings 40 preferably arranged in a grid. With reference to Figure 3, an embodiment of the invention is shown by means of which a more complex system is constructed. A plurality of connection elements 4 or shortened connection elements 24 are provided on the base plate 36, which are inserted into openings in the base plate 36 via their respective extensions. Each connection element 4 orEach shortened connection element 24 can now be assigned an inlet or an outlet of a pipeline as well as a component by providing the corresponding opening of the connection channel with a pipe connection, as described above.

[0050] The hose lines formed by pressing or screwing are then placed at the different levels of the connecting elements 4 and 24, respectively, to achieve the desired functionality. The pipes are preferably laid so that each pipe runs in the same plane without crossing other pipes. This eliminates the need to provide U-shaped bypasses for a pipe.

[0051] The structure of a complex system is explained again using Figures 4A to 4D as an example. Figure 4A corresponds to a top view of the base plate 36 with a multitude of components 34 and connecting elements 4 and 24, respectively.

[0052] Figures 4B and 4C each show pipe connections 50 in one plane and additional pipe connections 52 in a plane below. Figure 4C also illustrates the function of the shortened connecting elements 24. The pipe connections 52 can pass through the connecting elements 24 in the area of ​​the spacer 26.

[0053] The result is a complex arrangement of hydraulic components 34 with their pipe connections 50 and 52, as shown in Figure 4D as an overlay of Figures 4A to 4C. When planning such an arrangement, one can proceed similarly to a circuit diagram of a printed circuit board, in which the pipe connections 50 and 52 are selected with regard to their orientation such that an identical orientation of the pipe connections 50 and 52 is preferably selected for each level. The components 34 can be different hydraulic components, such as pumps, sensors or valves. The features stated above and in the claims, as well as those evident from the figures, can be advantageously implemented both individually and in various combinations. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be modified in many ways within the scope of expert knowledge.

[0054] List of reference symbols:

[0055] 2 connection system

[0056] 4 connecting element

[0057] 6 Longitudinal axis

[0058] 8 connection channels

[0059] 10 extension

[0060] 12 Support surface

[0061] 14 Level

[0062] 14' level

[0063] 14" level

[0064] 16 internal threads

[0065] 18 external threads

[0066] 20 internal thread connection

[0067] 22 plan surfaces

[0068] 24 shortened end element

[0069] 26 spacers

[0070] 28 press fittings

[0071] 30 flange connection

[0072] 32 closure nozzles

[0073] 34 component

[0074] 36 flange connection

[0075] 36 Base plate

[0076] 38 flange connection

[0077] 40 Opening

[0078] 42 first page

[0079] 44 second page

[0080] 50 pipe connection

[0081] 52 Pipe connection

Claims

Claims:

1. A connection system for components (34) for temperature conditioning a building, in particular for heating, cooling, or air-conditioning an interior, comprising a base plate (36) provided with a plurality of openings (40) designed to receive a connecting element (4) formed as an elongated hollow body along a longitudinal axis (6), wherein the longitudinal axis (6) of the connecting element (4) is arranged on a first side (42) of the base plate (36) perpendicular to the main surface of the base plate (36), and each connecting element (4) has closable connecting channels (8) pointing transversely to the longitudinal axis (6), wherein at least one connecting element (4) is provided for each component (34), and the component (34) is fluidically connected to an unsealed connecting channel (8) of its connecting element (4),wherein a fluid connection to further components (34) or as inlets or outlets is formed via a further unsealed connection channel (8).

2. Connection system according to claim 1, wherein the connection channels (8) of the connection element (4) are designed as an internal thread connection (20) in side walls of the connection element (4).

3. Connection system according to claim 2, wherein the connecting element (4) is designed as a hollow cylinder which is provided with flat surfaces (22) on the internal thread connections (20).

4. Connection system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the connection channels (8) of the connection element (4) are arranged in several planes (14, 14', 14") along the longitudinal axis (6), each having connection channels (8) rotated by 90° and aligned with one another.

5. Connection system according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which further, shortened connecting elements (24) are provided, which have a spacer () in the region of the plane (14) of the connecting elements (4) facing the base plate (36).

6. Connection system according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the connection channels (8) are provided with a pipe connection, preferably in the form of a press fitting (28) or a flange connection (30), via which a pipe connection (38) to the component (34) or to another connection element (4) is formed.

7. Connection system according to one of claims 6, in which the orientations of the pipe connections to other connecting elements (4) for the individual levels (14, 14', 14") are selected in the form of a cross-free pipe guide.

8. Connection system according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the unused connection channels (8) of the connection elements (4) are closed by means of screwable closure pieces (32).

9. Connection system according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connecting elements (4) are made of plastic.

10. Use of a connection system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9 in a device for air conditioning a building.

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