Hose holding structure and heat exchanger module

Abstract

A hose support structure (2) for a heat exchanger module (1) is proposed, comprising a support frame with a plurality of support posts (3), each of which includes at least one profile element (4) and at least one retaining strip (5), wherein the retaining strip (5) is attached to the profile element (4) to form at least a part of the respective support post (3) and the retaining strip has several recesses (8) for receiving at least one flexible hose (9), which are open, in particular, on a side facing away from the profile element (4). It is essential that a separating element (10) is adjustably arranged on at least one of the retaining strips (5) to divide at least one of the recesses (8) into two areas (18, 19) which serve to receive different hose sections of the at least one hose (9).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hose holding structure for a heat exchanger module and a heat exchanger module.

[0002] A hose holding structure of the type mentioned above is generally known and typically serves to accommodate and hold a flexible hose with a desired shape. When used in a heat exchanger module, it is possible to guide a temperature-controlled medium through the hose, thereby transferring heat to the surrounding environment.

[0003] Such a hose support structure is known, for example, from DE 10 2015 100 227 A1 and comprises a support frame with a plurality of support posts, each of which includes a profile element and at least one retaining strip. One or more such retaining strips are attached to each of the profile elements to at least partially form the respective support post. The retaining strip has one or more recesses on a side facing away from the profile element, which serve to receive the flexible hose. By arranging the support posts in close proximity to each other, the hose can be guided through several such recesses, thereby enabling, for example, a spiral path for the hose.

[0004] When using the known hose support structure in a heat exchanger module, the amount of heat that can be transferred depends on the total surface area of ​​the hose held by the support structure. This directly affects the required height of the known hose support structure, because the total surface area of ​​the hose it holds increases with the height of the support structure. However, if the height of the support structure is limited by local conditions, the temperature of the medium conveyed in the hose or the flow rate must be adjusted to enable the desired heat transfer. This negatively impacts the required power output of the equipment used.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to propose a hose holding structure which makes it possible to accommodate a flexible hose in a space-saving manner and, in particular when used in a heat exchanger module, to enable efficient heat transfer to the hose environment.

[0006] The present problem is solved by a hose holding structure according to claim 1 and a heat exchanger module according to claim 11. Advantageous further developments are the subject of dependent subclaims.

[0007] The hose support structure according to the invention is suitable for use in a heat exchanger module and comprises, in a manner known per se, a support frame with a plurality of support posts, each of which includes at least one profile element and at least one retaining strip. The retaining strip is attached to the profile element to form at least a part of the respective support post. The retaining strip has several recesses, which are open, in particular, on a side facing away from the profile element. The recesses serve to receive at least one flexible hose.

[0008] It is essential for the hose holding structure according to the invention that a separating element is adjustably arranged on at least one of the holding strips in order to divide at least one of the recesses into two areas in order to accommodate different hose sections of the at least one hose.

[0009] The hose holding structure described above is based on the understanding that a divisible design of the recesses by means of the separating element makes it possible to accommodate different hose sections. Thus, a single recess is particularly suitable for accommodating different coils of a hose, which may contain a temperature-controlled medium. This makes it possible to increase the surface area of ​​the hose being held in a space-saving manner without affecting the required height of the hose holding structure. It is also within the scope of the invention that the hose holding structure can hold not just one hose, but several hoses, which can be accommodated by the hose holding structure, particularly in parallel or counter-rotating spiral configurations.This results in a wide variety of possible arrangements and routings of one or more hoses, which can be realized with one and the same hose holding structure.

[0010] The invention is not limited to the arrangement of the support posts required to form the support structure. However, it is advantageous for the support posts to be arranged in a plan view of the hose holder structure such that they define the vertices of a polygonal contour. Preferably, the recesses of the support posts face away from a geometric center point of this polygonal contour, so that the at least one hose can be wound around a vertical axis of the hose holder structure on the outside. It is also not necessary for the support posts to be connected to one another and, in particular, to be designed to be freestanding by means of a stabilizing element, for example, a base. In particular, a hose held in place can define a connection between at least two support posts, which has a stabilizing effect on the hose holder structure.

[0011] The invention is not limited to the arrangement or dimensions of the at least one recess provided for receiving the different hose sections. It is merely relevant that the recesses are suitable for receiving a flexible hose section by section and that the aforementioned separating element is provided to divide each recess into two areas. The division of such a recess into two areas serves to create geometrically defined sections, each suitable for receiving a hose section and thereby, in particular, holding it in a defined relative position to another hose section. The two divisible areas and the hose sections they can receive can be arranged radially adjacent to each other with respect to a winding axis of the hose holding structure and separated by the separating element.

[0012] The separating element can be considered any component or assembly suitable for spatially subdividing a recess, particularly transversely to a principal direction of extension of the recess in question. It is not necessary for the areas to be completely separated from one another by means of the separating element. Rather, it may be sufficient for the separating element to project into the recess in at least one position, and in particular for a spatial subdivision of the recess in question along an axis of extension of the separating element to be possible. It is within the scope of the invention that one of the recesses can be subdivided into several areas not only by a single separating element, but by a plurality of separating elements.

[0013] It is irrelevant to the invention what type of hose is held by the hose holding structure and what temperature control medium may be conveyed through the hose. Advantageously, the hose holding structure is designed to accommodate a heat exchanger metal hose, which serves to convey a liquid medium.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the recesses is laterally bounded by at least one web, in particular by two webs. The separating element is adjustably mounted on the web between at least two positions.

[0015] According to the further development described above, the recess can, for example, have a U-shaped contour and be laterally bounded by two webs, one of which also borders an adjacent recess. It is conceivable that the separating element is rotatably or slidably mounted on one of the two webs to allow it to be adjusted between two positions. This makes it structurally simple to divide the recess bounded by the web into two areas.

[0016] In an advantageous further development, the separating element is designed as a hinge with at least one actuating section and one holding section, which are oriented at an angle to each other, and wherein the separating element is rotatably mounted on the web.

[0017] According to the further development described above, the separating element can be essentially L-shaped and have two interconnected sections, each defining the actuating section and the holding section, respectively. In a first, open position of the separating element, the actuating section preferably projects at least partially into the recess. If a first hose section is guided into the recess essentially along the main axis of extension of the recess, it comes into direct or indirect contact with the actuating section, allowing the separating element to be rotated into a second, closed position. By such a rotation of the separating element from the first to the second position, the actuating section can be pivoted out of the recess and the holding section can be pivoted into the recess.In the second position, the retaining section divides the recess into the two areas mentioned above, whereby the first inserted hose section can be fixed in the first area of ​​the recess by the retaining section. In the second position of the separating element, the second area of ​​the recess is located on the side of the separating element facing away from the first area, so that a second hose section can be inserted into the second area of ​​the recess. Preferably, the hinge is rotated between the first, open position and the second, closed position by an angle between 45° and 90°.

[0018] Preferably, the separating element has a bearing axis which is arranged in a connection area between the actuating section and the holding section and is arranged substantially centrally on the web with respect to a recess depth of the recess.

[0019] According to the further development described above, the bearing axis of the separating element preferably designates a rotation axis about which the separating element can be rotated on the profile element. In an exemplary embodiment where the separating element is essentially L-shaped, the bearing axis can be arranged in the region of the intersection of the main extension axes of the actuating section and the holding section. Due to the central arrangement of the rotation axis described above, from which the holding section in particular can extend in a straight line, it is structurally simple to form the recess into two areas with essentially the same dimensions.

[0020] Preferably, the retaining strip has a plurality of adjacent recesses, each of which can be divided into two sections by means of a rotatably mounted separating element. The separating elements are adjustable between an open and a closed position. At least in the closed position, one of the separating elements is in contact with an adjacent separating element.

[0021] The aforementioned improvement is based on the understanding that multiple adjacent recesses are typically provided to hold one or more hoses using the hose retaining structure. At the same time, it is undesirable for the separating element to exert high contact forces on a held hose section when in a closed position. By selecting the lengths of the separating elements, particularly the retaining sections, such that they completely bridge a recess, an adjacent separating element can advantageously serve as a mechanical stop against which the other separating element can rest when closed. This allows the rotational range of a rotatably mounted separating element to be mechanically limited by the adjacent separating element, thus preventing damage to the hose.

[0022] A further advantage is that the separating element, which is in contact with another separating element at least in a closed position, exhibits good mechanical strength. This is because any forces acting on the separating element in question can be supported both by the bearing, particularly in the area of ​​its axis of rotation, and by the bearing of the adjacent separating element with which it is in contact.

[0023] In an advantageous further development, the recess has a receiving opening for the hose sections. The retaining strip can be detachably connected to a closing strip in the area of ​​the receiving opening in order to close the receiving opening.

[0024] By arranging a finishing strip, it is possible to close a recess as needed and thereby fix the inserted hose sections so that they cannot unintentionally come out of the recess.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, the profile element is a longitudinally open profile rail in which the retaining strip is arranged. An advantage of this is that such profile rails are easy and inexpensive to manufacture and a detachable connection to the retaining strip can be created. In particular, it is possible to insert multiple retaining strips into a single profile element, thereby allowing for flexible adjustment of the arrangement and number of recesses. This is achieved, in particular, by dividing the retaining strips into segments, especially by structurally separating them from one another.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the support posts are connected to each other in pairs. Preferably, the hose support structure can have a total of three support posts, arranged in plan view at the vertices of a triangle. Two adjacent support posts can be connected via a connecting plate. In particular, it is conceivable that the connecting plate is closed all around, with three support posts being connected to each other via a common connecting element in the form of the closed connecting plate.

[0027] As explained above, the object of the invention is also achieved by a heat exchanger module comprising a hose retaining structure according to the invention or one of the described advantageous embodiments thereof, and at least one hose which is received in the recesses of the hose retaining structure. With regard to the possible advantageous embodiments of such a heat exchanger module and the advantages achievable thereby, the descriptions of the hose retaining structure according to the invention or its advantageous embodiments apply accordingly.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one hose is wound around a main extension axis of the hose holder structure, wherein two directly connected turns of the hose are arranged in two different areas of a common recess.

[0029] According to the further development described above, the term coil refers to a continuous section of the hose which extends circumferentially around the main axis of extension of the hose holder structure over an arc section of 360°.

[0030] Two directly connected coils can preferably extend parallel to each other and, in particular, in a common plane in which the recess holding both coils is located. In other words, a first coil of the hose can be arranged in a first section, while a second coil of the hose, directly connected to the first coil, can be arranged in a second section, with the first and second coils being separated from each other by the separating element.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, the hose is wound along the main extension axis of the hose holder structure along a main winding direction, wherein two end connections of the hose are arranged in two different connection areas of the heat exchanger module, which are spaced apart from each other along the main extension axis of the hose holder structure.

[0032] Using the aforementioned refinement, it is possible to arrange the hose within the hose holder structure such that a first connection of the hose is located in a lower region of the hose holder structure, and another end of the hose is located in an upper region of the hose holder structure. In particular, this makes it possible to increase, and especially double, the number of turns compared to a simply wound hose, with the connection positions for peripheral components and connections being arranged as in a heat exchanger module with a previously known hose holder structure. Specifically, the inlet and outlet connections of a hose can be spatially separated from one another, allowing for a pronounced temperature gradient of the temperature control medium along the vertical axis of the heat exchanger module.

[0033] The term "main winding direction" can refer to the direction along the main axis of extension of the hose holding structure along which a hose held by the hose holding structure is wound. In other words, starting from an end connection, the hose can be wound from a lower region to an upper region on the hose holding structure without the direction of the hose's pitch differing with respect to the main axis of extension of the hose holding structure.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the hose is wound around a main extension axis of the hose holder structure, wherein two indirectly interconnected turns of the hose are arranged in two subdivided areas of a common recess.

[0035] The aforementioned improvement is based on the understanding that it is not strictly necessary to arrange two directly connected coils of a heat exchanger metal hose within a recess of the hose holder structure. Instead, it is possible to utilize the hose's flexibility and wind it not only in one main direction, but in two opposing directions. This allows two hose end connections to be located in a common connection area, enabling peripheral components and connections to be grouped together. This offers particular advantages for a space-saving arrangement of the heat exchanger module and ensures a uniform temperature distribution of the temperature control medium along the vertical axis of the heat exchanger module.

[0036] Different winding directions, analogous to the explanations regarding the main winding direction, can be defined as opposite directions along the main axis of extension of the hose holding structure, along which a hose held by the hose holding structure can extend, whereby, in particular, different directions of inclination of the hose with respect to the main axis of extension of the hose holding structure can exist. In other words, a first section of the hose can be wound from a lower region towards an upper region on the hose holding structure, starting from an end connection, and a second section can be wound from the upper region towards the lower region, with two such indirectly connected turns arranged in a common recess.

[0037] Advantages and possible embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. These show Figure 1 shows a heat exchanger module with a hose support structure and a flexible metal hose; Figure 2 shows two detailed views (a) and (b) of a support strip for a hose support structure with a separating element.

[0038] Heat exchanger modules are fundamentally designed to facilitate heat transfer between a temperature control medium and its environment, particularly another medium. Flexible metal hoses, often made of stainless steel or another corrosion-resistant metal, are frequently used for this heat transfer. The flexibility of such a hose allows for customizable routing, which can be especially useful in confined spaces. The temperature control medium within the metal hose can be a liquid or a gas, introduced through an inlet port and discharged through an outlet port. Heat transfer to the other medium occurs directly or indirectly via the surface of the metal hose in the section between its inlet and outlet ports.

[0039] To arrange such a metal hose in the desired manner, hose support structures are often used, in which the hose can be held in a spiral shape. However, a disadvantage is that the required height of such a hose support structure is directly dependent on the total surface area of ​​the hose and thus also on its total length, which is necessary to transfer a desired amount of heat between the temperature control medium and its surroundings.

[0040] The following describes a heat exchanger module that offers advantages in terms of the amount of heat that can be transferred relative to the required installation height and enables overall good heat transfer.

[0041] The in Figure 1The heat exchanger module 1 shown comprises a hose support structure 2, which has several support posts 3. Each support post 3 has a profile element 4 and a retaining strip 5. The support posts 3 are arranged around a main axis 6 of the hose support structure 2 and form the vertices of a triangle in plan view. The support posts 3 are connected by means of a fully enclosed connecting plate 7, which allows the hose support structure 2 to be freestanding as shown.

[0042] As demonstrated by Figure 2 As will be explained in more detail later, the retaining strips 5 of the support posts 3 each have a plurality of recesses 8. These are essentially U-shaped and serve to accommodate a metal hose 9. As can be seen from Figure 2As will also be explained in detail, five separating elements 10 are arranged on the retaining strips. These elements are adjustable in such a way as to subdivide each of the recesses 8 into sections. This makes it possible to accommodate at least two different sections of a metal hose 9 within a single recess 8. This significantly increases the total number of coils of such a hose 9 that can be accommodated compared to a conventional hose retaining structure, resulting in a larger total surface area for heat transfer at the same overall height.

[0043] As in Figure 1As shown, it is possible, for example, to arrange an end connection 11 of the metal hose 9 in a lower region of the hose holder structure 2 and to guide the metal hose 9 along the main extension axis 6 in a single main winding direction to an upper region of the hose holder structure 2, where another end connection 12 is arranged. Here, two directly connected turns of the hose can be arranged in two different regions of one and the same recess 8.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment not shown here, it would also be conceivable to arrange an end connection 11 of the metal hose 9 in a lower region of the hose holder structure 2 and to wind the metal hose 9 along the main extension axis 6 first in a first winding direction to an upper region and from this upper region again in the opposite direction, i.e., in a second winding direction, along the main extension axis back to the lower region, so that the second end connection 11 is also arranged in the lower region of the hose holder structure 2. Thus, two regions (18, 19; see Figure 2 ) one and the same recess 8 serve to accommodate two windings of the hose 9 that are only indirectly connected to each other.

[0045] In order to fix the coils of the hose 9 within the recesses 8, a finishing strip 13 can be connected to a retaining strip 5 in such a way that the recesses 8 are closed on a side facing away from the profile part 4.

[0046] Figure 2 Figure a) and b) show a retaining strip 5 forming a plurality of adjacent recesses 8. As mentioned above, the recesses 8 each have a substantially U-shaped profile and a recess depth 14 along their respective main axes of extension. For clarity, the retaining strip 5 is shown in Figures a) and b). Figure 2 Each is marked with a reference mark at only one of the recesses 8.

[0047] The recesses 8 are each laterally bounded by webs 15, which extend substantially parallel to the main axis of extension of the respective recess 8. A separating element 10, which is essentially designed as an L-shaped hinge, is rotatably mounted on each of the webs 15 shown here. The separating elements 10 have an actuating section 16 and a retaining section 17, which are arranged at an angle to each other.

[0048] The separating elements 10 are each adjustable between an open position and a closed position. View a) of the Figure 2 The separating elements 10 are shown in an open position. View b) of the Figure 2 The figure shows the separating elements 10 each in a closed position.

[0049] According to view a) of the Figure 2The actuating section 16 of one of the separating elements 10 projects into the recess 8. If a first section of a metal hose 9 is now placed into the recess 8, this first section of the metal hose 9 comes into contact with the actuating section 13, which rotates the separating element 10. This pivots the retaining section 16 out of the recess 8 and the retaining section 17 into the recess 8. The recess 8 is thus divided by the retaining section 17 into a first area 18 and a second area 19, as shown in view b) of the Figure 2The first inserted section of the metal hose 9 is arranged in the first area 18 in a manner not shown here and fixed by the retaining section 17 of the separating element 10. In this position of the separating element 10, it is possible to insert a second section of the hose 9 into the second area 19 of the recess 8. Thus, two different hose sections of at least one metal hose can be accommodated within a recess 8.

[0050] By arranging the end strip 12 in the area of ​​the receiving opening of the recesses 15, the second area 19 can be closed, so that the second inserted hose section can also be fixed.

[0051] As shown in view b) of the Figure 2As can be seen, the dimensions of the retaining sections 17 of the separating elements 10 are selected such that the recesses 8 can be completely bridged, so that the respective separating element 10 comes into contact with an adjacent separating element 10 in a closed position. This makes it possible to limit the rotation range of a separating element 10 by the adjacent separating element 10, resulting in advantages with regard to the load-bearing capacity of the separating elements 10 and protection of the metal hose 9.

Claims

1. Hose support structure (2) for a heat exchanger module (1), comprising a support frame with a plurality of support posts (3), each comprising at least one profile element (4) and at least one retaining strip (5), wherein the retaining strip (5) is arranged on the profile element (4) to form at least a part of the respective support post (3) and wherein the at least one retaining strip (5) has several recesses (8) for receiving at least one flexible hose (9), characterized by the fact that a separating element (10) is adjustably arranged on at least one of the retaining strips (5) in order to divide at least one of the recesses (8) into two areas (18, 19) which serve to accommodate different hose sections of the at least one hose (9).

2. Hose holding structure (2) according to claim 1, in which at least one of the recesses (8) is laterally limited by at least one web (15) and the separating element (10) is adjustably mounted on the web (15) between at least two positions.

3. Hose holding structure (2) according to claim 2, wherein the separating element (8) is designed as a hinge with at least one actuating section (16) and one holding section (17), wherein the actuating section (16) and the holding section (17) are oriented at an angle to each other and the separating element is rotatably mounted on the web (15).

4. Hose structure (2) according to claim 3, wherein the actuating section (16) in an open position of the separating element (10) projects at least partially into the recess (8) such that the separating element (10) can be rotatably moved into a closed position when receiving a first hose section, in which the retaining section (17) projects into the recess (8) and thereby divides the recess (8) into the two areas (18, 19).

5. Hose holding structure (2) according to claim 4, wherein the separating element (10) is rotated between the open position and the closed position by an angle between 45° and 90°.

6. Hose holding structure (2) at least according to claim 4, wherein the separating element (4) is in contact with an adjacent separating element (4) at least in the closed position.

7. Hose holding structure (2) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the separating element (10) has a bearing axis which is arranged in a connection area between the actuating section (16) and the holding section (18) and is arranged substantially centrally with respect to a recess depth (14) of the recess (8).

8. Hose retaining structure (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (8) has a receiving opening on a side facing away from the profile part (4) and the retaining strip (5) can be detachably connected to a closing strip (13) in the area of ​​the receiving opening in order to close the receiving opening.

9. Hose holding structure (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile element (4) is a longitudinally open profile rail in which the retaining strip (5) is detachably arranged.

10. Hose holding structure (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the support posts (3) are connected to each other at least in pairs by means of a connecting element (7), in particular by means of a connecting plate.

11. Heat exchanger module (1) for hot water storage tanks with a hose holding structure (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and with at least one flexible hose (9), in particular a metal hose, which is received in the recesses (8) of the hose holding structure (2).

12. Heat exchanger module (1) according to claim 11, wherein the at least one hose (9) is wound around a principal extension axis (6) of the hose holding structure (2), wherein two immediately connected turns of the hose (9) are arranged in two subdivided areas (18, 19) of a common recess (8).

13. Heat exchanger module (1) according to claim 12, wherein the hose (9) is wound along the main extension axis (6) of the hose holding structure (2) in a main winding direction, such that two end connections (11, 12) of the hose (2) are arranged in two different connection areas of the heat exchanger module (1), which are spaced apart from each other along the main extension axis (6) of the hose holding structure (2).

14. Heat exchanger module (1) according to claims 11 to 12, wherein the hose (9) is wound around a principal extension axis (6) of the hose holding structure (2), wherein two indirectly connected turns of the hose (9), which are in particular separated from each other by at least one further turn, are arranged in two subdivided areas (18, 19) of a common recess (8).

15. Heat exchanger module (1) according to claim 14, wherein the hose (9) is wound along the main extension axis (6) of the hose holding structure (2) in two winding directions, in particular such that two end connections (11, 12) of the hose (9) are arranged along the main extension axis (6) of the hose holding structure (2) in a common connection area of ​​the heat exchanger module (1).

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