Heat exchanger unit and channel body

Abstract

A heat exchanger unit (10) is used to heat fresh water by means of the waste water of a shower. Herein, waste water flows through a channel body (1), said waste water flowing over a heat exchanger (2). A distribution element (3) forms an outer wall of a siphon and distributes the waste water over the heat exchanger (2). The channel body (1) has an elongate form. At least the channel body (1) and / or the distribution element (3) consists of plastic.

Description

[0001] HEAT EXCHANGER UNIT AND GUTTER BODY

[0002] The invention relates to the field of heat exchangers for heating fresh water using heat from waste water, in particular in a shower or bathtub, as well as a channel body for accommodating an elongated heat exchanger.

[0003] WO 2015 / 106362 A1, also published as US 10,072,897 B1, shows a heat exchanger unit for installation in a wastewater channel, for example, in a shower tray. It features an elongated heat exchanger over which wastewater flows along its length. This also necessitates an elongated design of the entire heat exchanger unit. This, in turn, places special demands on the sealing of the heat exchanger unit with adjacent elements of the shower tray, compared to conventional round drains or drain connections. KR 20210020288 A describes a heat recovery system. Wastewater is fed to a tube heat exchanger via a funnel-shaped container made of plastic or synthetic resin located above it.

[0004] EP 2273223 A1 describes a heat recovery system based on a plate heat exchanger. Warm wastewater is fed to the heat exchanger via a distribution element, which heats fresh water.

[0005] FR 2 986 020 A1 shows a heat recovery system based on a tubular heat exchanger. Warm wastewater flows over horizontal elements of the heat exchanger and transfers the heat to fresh water.

[0006] NL 1 032 458 CI describes a shower tray with heat recovery, where fresh water is passed through a metal pipe through a wash water drain tray and is heated in the process.

[0007] A possible object of the invention according to a first aspect is to provide a heat exchanger unit that offers alternatives to conventional solutions, in particular one that is more cost-effective and / or has better efficiency and / or is easier to clean. At least one of these objects is achieved by a heat exchanger unit according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0008] A possible object of the invention according to a second aspect is to create a gutter body that improves the connection to adjacent elements and / or enables new possibilities when installing a heat exchanger unit in a building. At least one of these objects is achieved by a gutter body according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0009] The inventions according to the first and second aspects can be implemented independently of one another or in combination with one another. According to the first aspect, a heat exchanger unit is provided with the following properties:

[0010] The heat exchanger unit is used to heat fresh water using heat from wastewater, particularly in a shower or bathtub. It comprises a channel body through which wastewater flows, at least one heat exchanger arranged in the channel body and intended for connection to a fresh water supply, and a distribution element arranged to distribute draining wastewater via the at least one heat exchanger. The channel body has an elongated shape. In this case, the channel body is made of plastic and / or the distribution element is made of plastic.

[0011] The distribution element can form an outer wall of a siphon.

[0012] In embodiments, the distribution element is at least three times longer than wide, in particular at least five times, in particular at least seven times.

[0013] An "elongated shape" refers to a shape of the heat exchanger unit whose extension, in particular of the cover frame, when projected onto a horizontal plane in a first direction, also called the longitudinal direction, has a maximum extension that is at least twice as large as the extension in a direction normal to the longitudinal direction, also called the transverse direction. The extension in the longitudinal direction is called the length, and the extension in the transverse direction is called the width.

[0014] The terms "horizontal" and "vertical" here, as elsewhere in the text, refer to the operating state and installed state of the heat exchanger unit, respectively. In some embodiments, the length of the channel body is between 30 and 90 centimeters and the width between 5 and 15 centimeters.

[0015] The fact that the distribution element is made of plastic allows for cost-effective production. Further advantages include corrosion resistance and lower environmental impact during production compared to metal parts.

[0016] Because the distribution element is made of plastic, its geometry can be easily designed to achieve a space-saving overall construction, compared to sheet metal parts.

[0017] In embodiments, the distribution element has an overflow for distributing draining waste water over the at least one heat exchanger, wherein the overflow extends in the longitudinal direction of the distribution element and has alternating grooves and elevations located between the grooves along this longitudinal direction, and in particular at least one of:

[0018] • a distance between the centers of the gutters is between one and three cm;

[0019] • at least ten of the channels are arranged at equal distances from each other without interruption along the overflow;

[0020] This makes it possible to achieve a flow that is evenly distributed along the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger.

[0021] In embodiments wherein, during operation of the heat exchanger unit, the channels are flowed through by wastewater in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, hereinafter referred to as the flow direction, the channels have a rounded cross-section when viewed in the flow direction, and in particular at least one of:

[0022] • the grooves have a depth of one and a half mm to five mm in terms of elevations;

[0023] • each of the channels has a bottom which, at the deepest point of the channel, runs in a straight line along the direction of flow, in particular along a distance of between one mm and twelve mm, in particular between two mm and eight mm, in particular between two mm and five mm;

[0024] • in particular where the bottom is inclined in the direction of flow;

[0025] • in particular with an angle of inclination relative to the horizontal of between ten and thirty degrees, in particular between fifteen and twenty-five degrees, and in particular at least approximately twenty degrees.

[0026] This makes it possible to achieve a uniform flow across both sides of the heat exchanger at both low and high flow rates. For example, the two sides of the heat exchanger each correspond to two sides of stacked, longitudinally arranged heat exchanger tubes.

[0027] Because the distribution element is made of plastic, the shape of the channels can be designed essentially as desired and optimized for the wastewater's flow properties. The wastewater flows downwards in the channel base in the direction of flow.

[0028] In embodiments, a wall section adjoining the overflow, over which wastewater flows from the gutters to the heat exchanger during operation, runs vertically when the heat exchanger unit is in operation.

[0029] After flowing over this wall section, the wastewater flows over a set of heat exchanger tubes running horizontally and parallel to the overflow and the longitudinal direction. This further contributes to the distribution of the flow to both sides of the heat exchanger. A lower edge of the wall section, where the wastewater separates from the wall section, may be jagged.

[0030] In embodiments, the distribution element has support elements distributed along the longitudinal direction, with which the distribution element is supported or suspended on the heat exchanger, in particular by the support element being supported or suspended on an uppermost tube of the heat exchanger in the region of the overflow.

[0031] The position of the overflow relative to the heat exchanger is thus defined by the support elements. The support elements counteract any deformation of the distribution element due to water pressure in the distribution element or any displacement of the heat exchanger. Such deformation or displacement would impair the position of the overflow above the heat exchanger, at least in the horizontal direction, and lead to a one-sided flow over the heat exchanger.

[0032] In embodiments, the heat exchanger unit comprises: stiffening elements, in particular stiffening profiles, in particular stiffening angles, which are connected to the gutter body in order to stiffen the gutter body, wherein in particular the stiffening elements are made of metal.

[0033] This makes it possible to manufacture the gutter body from plastic while still achieving the dimensional accuracy required by relevant standards under mechanical and thermal stress. This particularly applies to loads caused by vertical forces acting on the gutter cover, which lead to horizontal forces that would expand the gutter body and compromise the seals. The stiffening angles hold the gutter body against such horizontal expansion. This makes it possible to replace conventional heat exchanger units that were previously made of sheet metal, as this was the only way to achieve the mechanical stability required for sealing between the various elements in the elongated structure.

[0034] In embodiments, the stiffening elements are shaped as profile elements, for example with a tubular profile, L-profile, H-profile or T-profile, in particular with a profile with vertically extending sections, for absorbing vertical forces.

[0035] In some embodiments, additional reinforcement elements are provided, in particular reinforcement plates or reinforcement angles with vertically extending legs running along one or both long sides of the channel body. This makes it possible to achieve high bending stiffness with respect to moments around a horizontal axis in the transverse direction of the channel body. Such moments can occur in the center of the channel body under vertical loading.

[0036] In embodiments, the additional reinforcing elements are guided under the gutter body, for example by reinforcing plates or reinforcing angles being bent at a lower end and guided under the gutter body.

[0037] In embodiments, the stiffening angles are positively connected to the channel body and allow mutual displacement between the stiffening angles and the channel body in the longitudinal direction of the channel body, in particular wherein the stiffening angles are connected to the channel body with a snap connection. This makes it possible to insert the stiffening angles during injection molding of the channel body or immediately afterwards. The stiffening angles support the shape retention of the channel body during cooling. The mutual displacement allows the channel body to shrink during cooling without stress building up between the channel body and the stiffening angle. Furthermore, the displaceability allows for different expansions due to temperature fluctuations during operation of the heat exchanger unit to be compensated.

[0038] In embodiments, the stiffening angles have, at least in sections, the shape of an L-profile, in particular with a horizontal leg extending in the longitudinal direction of the channel body, and in particular with one or more vertical legs which are inserted into corresponding recesses in the channel body.

[0039] This makes it possible to divert vertical forces acting on the gutter cover or a cover frame through the gutter body to the horizontal legs, which provide stiffening against any evasive movement in the horizontal direction. The vertical legs ensure that the forces are transferred from the edge of the gutter body to the stiffening brackets.

[0040] In embodiments, the heat exchanger unit has at least one support element which is arranged in the region of a connection piece of the heat exchanger outside the channel body and forms a support surface for absorbing vertically downward forces, in particular wherein the at least one support element is formed as part of a stiffening angle.

[0041] The at least one support element is thus formed integrally with the stiffening bracket. The support element can have force-dissipation sections extending vertically downward from the support surface. In particular, these sections are formed integrally with the support surface.

[0042] In embodiments, the heat exchanger unit has a funnel in the form of an elongated shaft projecting into the distribution element from above, which forms a siphon with the distribution element, in particular wherein the funnel is made of plastic, and in particular wherein at least one side wall of the funnel has ribs or is corrugated.

[0043] This makes it possible, on the one hand, to stiffen this side wall. This, in turn, can prevent the wastewater flow from sucking the side wall against the distribution element. On the other hand, if the side wall faces the overflow, the corrugated shape, both in the funnel itself and in the section between the funnel and the overflow, ensures that a ball of a given diameter can pass through the siphon, as required by certain standards, while still requiring minimal transverse space for the entire structure.

[0044] In embodiments, a retaining element for retaining impurities is arranged in an inlet region of the funnel, wherein the retaining element forms a stiffening of the funnel against forces acting from the outside in a horizontal direction against the funnel, in particular wherein the retaining element is a perforated metal sheet or perforated sheet, in particular wherein the funnel has protruding latching elements on its inside for latching the retaining element to the funnel.

[0045] This makes it possible to stabilize the shape of the funnel. This, in turn, allows pressure to be maintained on the seal. Furthermore, it is possible to retain contaminants, especially hair. This, in turn, prevents the contaminants from accumulating at the overflow or on the heat exchanger and disrupting the even flow through the heat exchanger.

[0046] In embodiments, the retaining element has on its upper side higher perforated areas with through-holes for the passage of draining water and retention of residues and has at least one lower collection area for collecting retained residues, wherein in particular the at least one collection area is substantially not perforated, optionally with the exception of a small drainage hole.

[0047] This makes it possible to retain contaminants and collect them in the collection area without clogging the drainage holes. The drainage hole does not contribute to the overall flow of wastewater, but rather serves to dry out the collection area. It has a diameter of, for example, two to five millimeters.

[0048] In some embodiments, the retaining element is inserted into grooves or ridges that run longitudinally along the inside of the funnel. This allows the position of the retaining element to be stabilized within the funnel and / or can support the funnel against expansion due to water pressure within the funnel.

[0049] In embodiments, the heat exchanger unit has a circumferential funnel seal arranged between the funnel and the channel body for sealing against a drainage area of ​​the heat exchanger unit, wherein the funnel seal is compressed in the horizontal direction, wherein in particular at least one of

[0050] • the funnel is inserted into the gutter body by means of a snap connection, whereby the funnel seal forms part of the snap connection by being deformed during insertion and snapping into recesses on the gutter body,

[0051] • the funnel is inserted into the gutter body 1 by means of a snap connection, wherein the funnel 4 forms part of the snap connection by being deformed during insertion and snapping into recesses on the gutter body 1.

[0052] The funnel seal is typically located in an upper area of ​​the funnel.

[0053] This makes it possible to realize a narrow design for the heat exchanger unit: the horizontal compression of the funnel seal means that it is positioned between essentially vertical sections of the inner surface of the channel body 1 and the outer periphery of the funnel. Thus, no horizontal sections are required between these two elements, which would result in increased space requirements in the horizontal direction.

[0054] In embodiments, the heat exchanger unit has a cover frame placed on top, with vertical frame walls running in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger unit, wherein snap connections for holding the cover frame on the gutter body are formed between inner sides of the frame walls and an outer side of the gutter body, in particular wherein a circumferential frame seal is arranged between the cover frame and the gutter body.

[0055] This makes it possible to realize a space-saving design of the heat exchanger unit, particularly in the transverse direction. The frame seal can prevent wastewater from flowing out of the heat exchanger unit into an adjacent building structure. In embodiments, the heat exchanger unit has pipe connections for connecting fresh water pipes to the heat exchanger, with connecting pieces, in particular made of metal, wherein in each case a connecting piece is connected to the gutter body with a positive toothing, wherein the toothing prevents rotation of the connecting piece relative to the gutter body, in particular wherein the connecting piece and the gutter body are each shaped such that installation of the connecting piece in only one rotational position relative to the gutter body is possible, in particular due to an asymmetrical shape of the toothing.

[0056] This makes it possible to transfer forces that occur when screwing pipes into the connectors into the gutter body. The restriction to a single rotation position guarantees correct installation of the connectors in the gutter body. Correct orientation is necessary to ensure that the asymmetrical connection elements of the heat exchanger are aligned with the connectors when inserting the heat exchanger into the gutter body.

[0057] The toothing can be formed by an inner polygon on the gutter body and a correspondingly shaped outer polygon on the connecting piece.

[0058] According to the second aspect, a gutter body has the following properties:

[0059] The channel body is intended, in particular, for a heat exchanger unit as described above. The channel body is designed to be traversed by wastewater and to accommodate an elongated heat exchanger intended for connection to a fresh water supply. The channel body has an elongated shape. The channel body is designed for watertight connection to a floor slab. For this purpose, the channel body has a connecting frame which, when the channel body is in operation, is held against the channel body by at least one clamping device, thereby compressing an outer seal that creates a seal between the channel body and its surroundings.

[0060] This makes it possible to reliably seal the channel body from its surroundings when installed, even though the channel body has an elongated shape. The outer seal seals the channel body from the surroundings, regardless of the exact shape of the base plate. The combination of the connecting frame and outer seal can compensate for irregularities in the shape of the base plate or changes in the shape of the base plate during operation, ensuring that they do not impair the seal.

[0061] Because the gutter body has an elongated opening, an elongated heat exchanger can be inserted only after the gutter body has been installed and can be dismantled later for inspection or replacement.

[0062] This makes it possible to implement a method for assembling a heat exchanger unit which comprises the following steps in this order: first, position the gutter body with the heat exchanger, then mount the fresh water pipes and the waste water pipe on the gutter body and, if necessary, check for leaks, then complete installation of the gutter body, for example, by walling it in, then position the base plate and create the seal relative to the gutter body.

[0063] In embodiments, in the operating state, the outer seal creates a seal between the channel body and the base plate.

[0064] This allows the clamping device to pull the base plate against the outer seal, thus ensuring a tight seal. In some embodiments, the outer seal creates a seal between the channel body and the connecting frame during operation, creating a watertight connection between the connecting frame and the base plate.

[0065] In some embodiments, the connecting frame is firmly connected to the base plate, particularly by adhesive bonding. The connecting frame can stabilize the shape of the base plate.

[0066] In embodiments, the at least one clamping device pulls the connecting frame against the gutter body, in particular against a gutter body flange surrounding the gutter body and in particular in the direction of a stiffening angle of the gutter body.

[0067] In some embodiments, this is done with a screw that runs through the connecting frame and is screwed to a sleeve, which in turn is attached to the stiffening angle.

[0068] In embodiments, one, two or more clamping devices are arranged along each longitudinal side of the gutter body.

[0069] In embodiments, clamping devices are arranged only on the end faces of the gutter body and not on the long sides of the gutter body.

[0070] This allows for a slim design of the channel body. The rigidity of both the channel body and the connecting frame is sufficiently high to ensure a seal between the two.

[0071] In embodiments, the gutter body has stiffening elements, in particular stiffening profiles, in particular stiffening angles, which are connected to the gutter body to stiffen the gutter body, wherein in particular the stiffening elements are made of metal.

[0072] The stiffening elements can be designed as in a heat exchanger unit according to the first aspect. In addition, the reinforcing elements described therein, in particular reinforcement angles, can also be present.

[0073] In embodiments, the connecting frame has stiffening elements or stiffening sections for stiffening in the vertical direction.

[0074] Vertical stiffening refers to torsional stiffness with respect to rotations around a horizontal transverse axis of the channel body. The transverse axis runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0075] For example, the connecting frame can consist of profile elements with vertical sections for stiffening. The profile elements can be manufactured by forming a sheet metal part or by extruding the profile shape.

[0076] In some versions the connecting frame is made of stainless steel.

[0077] In embodiments, the gutter body has connecting pieces for connecting fresh water pipes and for passing fresh water through side walls of the gutter body to and from a heat exchanger arranged in the gutter body.

[0078] As a manifestation of the second aspect, a connecting frame with the following properties can be present: Connecting frame, in particular for a channel body as described above,

[0079] • comprising a profile which runs along the circumference of an elongated rectangle, • wherein the profile has a groove on an upper side for receiving an edge of a base plate and a sealing compound for sealing the base plate with respect to the connecting frame,

[0080] • wherein the profile has stiffening elements or stiffening sections running along the longitudinal sides of the connecting frame for stiffening in the vertical direction.

[0081] Further preferred embodiments emerge from the dependent patent claims.

[0082] The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. They show schematically:

[0083] Figure 1 - 2 a heat exchanger unit in an exploded view and a cross section;

[0084] Figure 3 - 4 Variants of the sealing between the gutter body and a funnel;

[0085] Figures 5, 6a-b show a distribution element and details of embodiments of an overflow;

[0086] Figure 7 shows a cross-section through the gutter body in the area of ​​a connecting piece;

[0087] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a connector;

[0088] Figure 9 shows a variant of a stiffening angle;

[0089] Figures 10 - 11 show various embodiments of support elements;

[0090] Figure 12a-b a connection between cover frame and gutter body;

[0091] Figure 13a-c Details of a perforated plate and its connection to the funnel;

[0092] Figure 14 shows a connection of a channel body to a thick base plate of a shower tray; Figure 15 shows a connection of a channel body to a thin base plate of a shower tray;

[0093] Figure 16 shows a longitudinal section through an end region of the construction

[0094] Figure 15; and

[0095] Figure 17 is an exploded view with individual elements from Figure 16,

[0096] The reference symbols used in the drawings and their meanings are summarized in the list of reference symbols. In general, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols in the figures.

[0097] Figures 1-2 show a heat exchanger unit 10 in an exploded view and a cross-section. The heat exchanger unit 10 comprises the following elements:

[0098] • A channel body 1 carries wastewater from an inlet area 11 through the heat exchanger unit 10 to a discharge area 12 and into a discharge nozzle 13 in a sewer pipe (not shown). The channel body 1 accommodates or supports the other elements and positions them relative to each other. The positioning must remain stable despite alternating mechanical and thermal loads, particularly to ensure tightness against wastewater and sewer gases.

[0099] • During operation of the heat exchanger unit 10, cold fresh water flows through a heat exchanger 2 and warm waste water flows over it.

[0100] • A distribution element 3 forms, on the one hand, an outer wall of a siphon and, on the other hand, distributes the wastewater evenly along the heat exchanger 2. The wastewater flows via an overflow 31 onto an uppermost pipe and then through further pipes of the heat exchanger 2. In embodiments not shown, the distribution element 3 serves only to distribute the wastewater and does not form an outer wall of a siphon. In such embodiments, the funnel 4 described below can also be omitted.

[0101] • A funnel 4 forms an inner part of the siphon and guides the wastewater from the inlet area 11 into the distribution element 3. The funnel 4 is sealed against an inner wall of the channel body 1 by means of a funnel seal 45, thus preventing sewer gases from escaping from the outlet area 12 into the inlet area 11 and thus into the environment. The funnel 4 has a circumferential collar 43, in the area of ​​whose collar edge 44 the funnel seal 45 is arranged.

[0102] • A perforated plate 5 forms, on the one hand, a mechanical stiffening of the funnel 4, in particular so that a contact pressure can be built up on the funnel seal 45 between the funnel 4 and the channel body 1, in particular in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, the perforated plate 5 acts as a filter to retain impurities in the wastewater, in particular hair.

[0103] • A cover frame 6 and a gutter cover 7 form a visible part of the heat exchanger unit 10. They are made, for example, of stainless steel. The cover frame 6 is sealed with a frame seal 65 relative to an upper gutter body edge 14. The gutter cover 7 has through-holes through which wastewater can flow into the inlet area 11, while retaining contaminants. For example, the gutter cover 7 can be designed as a flat plate with round holes or slots.

[0104] • Reinforcing angles 8 made of metal, in particular steel. They stiffen the gutter body 1 along its longitudinal direction with respect to vertical and / or horizontal forces. This stabilizes, in particular, the shape of an upper gutter body edge 14 with respect to mechanical and thermal loads. This, in turn, ensures the sealing function of the funnel seal 45 and / or the frame seal 65. The reinforcing angles 8 can be pushed into the gutter body 1 from below and snapped into place. During insertion, a vertically extending stiffening section 82 of the stiffening angle 8 is inserted into a corresponding, downwardly open slot in the gutter body edge 14.A horizontally running longitudinal section 81 of the stiffening angle 8 extends along the length of the gutter body 1. The longitudinal section 81 absorbs forces acting vertically downwards on the gutter body edge 14, which are at least partially diverted in the horizontal direction, via a gutter body flange 15 which rests on the longitudinal section 81, and thus supports the entire gutter body 1. The stiffening angles 8 have fastening slots 83 which snap onto snap connectors 18 of the gutter body flange 15, but allow mutual displacement in the longitudinal direction.

[0105] • Connecting pieces 9, for example made of a Cu-Zn alloy, form a passage for fresh water to and from the heat exchanger 2, and corresponding connections for pipes on the outside of the gutter body 1 and for the heat exchanger 2 on the inside.

[0106] In summary, the function of the described elements is essentially such that an inlet area 11, a siphon and an outlet area 12 are arranged in the channel body, through which wastewater flows one after the other and in this order when the heat exchanger 2 is in operation. The inlet area 11 is in air exchange with the environment above the heat exchanger unit 10 and the outlet area 12 is in air exchange with the outlet nozzle 13, which is intended for connection to a sewer system. The siphon area prevents air exchange between the inlet area and the outlet area and allows the flow of liquid from the inlet area to the outlet area. The siphon area is limited at the bottom by the distribution element 3, which forms an overflow 31, where draining wastewater is retained and distributed via at least one heat exchanger 2.

[0107] Figures 3 - 4 show variants of the seal between the channel body and a funnel. In both cases, a funnel seal 45 is arranged between the channel body 1 and the funnel 4, and is typically compressed horizontally. The funnel seal 45 can extend completely around the funnel 4 or the inside of the channel body edge 14. This enables a space-saving design with respect to the width of the heat exchanger unit 10. According to Figure 3, the funnel seal 45 is contoured and forms a snap connection with the channel body edge 14, with the designed outer shape of the funnel seal 45 snapping into a recess on the inside of the channel body edge 14. According to Figure 4, a collar edge 44 on a circumferential collar 43 of the funnel is shaped - at least in certain places - in such a way that it forms snap elements 46 which snap onto correspondingly shaped elements on the inside of the channel body edge 14.For example, the snap elements 46 are indentations on the funnel, and the elements on the gutter body edge 14 are corresponding protrusions, or vice versa. This design provides a clear signal to the user that the funnel 4 is snapped onto the gutter body 1 by the funnel snap elements 46 snapping into place.

[0108] Figures 5, 6a, and 6b show a distribution element 3 with the overflow 31 and a detail of the overflow 31. The distribution element 3 can be formed from metal or plastic. If plastic is selected, the shape of the overflow 31 can be freely designed. This allows it to be optimized for good distribution of the wastewater across the heat exchanger 2 at different flow velocities. In embodiments, the overflow 31 has a series of grooves 32 with intermediate elevations. Because the grooves 32 have a rounded cross-section (in a projection parallel to the flow direction of the wastewater across the overflow 31) and a specific length d along the flow direction, a uniform distribution of the wastewater across the heat exchanger 2 is achieved both when the heat exchanger 2 starts up, at low flow rates, and at high flow rates.Preferably, the length d is between 1 mm and 12 mm, in particular between 2 mm and 8 mm, in particular between 2 mm and 5 mm.

[0109] In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6a, the channels 32, viewed in the direction of flow, extend only in the area of ​​the overflow 31. In the embodiment of Figure 6b, the channels extend adjacent to the area of ​​the overflow 31 further along a - in the operating state of the distribution element - preferably in the

[0110] Essentially vertically downwards running section of the distribution element 3.

[0111] In embodiments, the distribution element 3 is made of sheet metal. The overflow 31 may have incisions distributed along the longitudinal direction of the overflow 31. Alternatively, the overflow 31 may have a horizontal section on which the wastewater is retained and which has a series of holes arranged longitudinally above the heat exchanger 2.

[0112] In embodiments, the distribution element 3 is injection-molded from plastic, for example, polypropylene. In embodiments, between thirty and fifty, in particular thirty-five to forty-five, in particular at least approximately forty, grooves 32 are provided along a length of fifty to seventy centimeters. A minimum spacing between grooves 32 is, in particular, ten or fifteen millimeters. These distribute a corresponding number of small water streams over the uppermost tube of the heat exchanger 2, thus reliably achieving good starting behavior and high efficiency.

[0113] The distribution element 3 has support elements 33, which are distributed at a distance of between ten and twenty centimeters along the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger 2. They support the overflow 31 on the heat exchanger 2 and thus define the position of the overflow 31 relative to the uppermost tube of the heat exchanger 2. One or more of the support elements 33 can form a suspension of the distribution element 3 on the heat exchanger 2, in particular on the uppermost tube of the heat exchanger 2. If the heat exchanger 2 moves, for example due to thermal expansion, the position of the overflow 31 relative to the heat exchanger 2 remains unchanged. When the distribution element 3 is full, the support elements 33 can prevent deformation of the overflow 31, in particular when the distribution element 3 is made of plastic. Figure 7 shows a cross-section through the channel body in the area of ​​a connecting piece, and Figure 8 shows an exploded view in the area of ​​a connecting piece.The connecting pieces 9 carry cold fresh water through the gutter body 1 to the heat exchanger 2 and away from it again. The connecting pieces 9 are pushed from the inside through a hole in the gutter body 1 and tightened with a nut and a lock washer 93. An O-ring 91 seals between the heat exchanger 2 and the connecting piece 9. A connecting piece 9 can only be mounted in one position at a time, since the connection of the heat exchanger 2 is not rotationally symmetrical, for example if it has an opening to accommodate a holding element which leads through the connection of the heat exchanger and the connecting piece 9. The twist-proof installation of the connecting piece 9 is achieved with an irregular external polygon between the connecting piece 9 and the gutter body 1, here also called toothing 92. The connecting piece 9 can therefore only be mounted in one position with regard to rotation about its longitudinal axis. Another function of this external polygon orThe toothing 92 is designed to transmit a high torque when the strong installer tightens a thread between the pipe and the connector 9 when connecting the cold water pipes. The locking washer 93 can have tabs 94 that are bent upwards after the nut 95 is tightened and form an anti-twist device on the external hexagon of the nut 95.

[0114] Figure 9 shows a view of the heat exchanger unit 10 from below, with a variant of the stiffening angles 8. Only their longitudinal section 81 is visible. This stiffens the heat exchanger unit 10 in the horizontal plane. In addition to the elements described so far, a sealing fleece 89 is shown, which forms a watertight transition to the surrounding masonry or floor covering / subfloor during installation of the heat exchanger unit 10.

[0115] Figures 10 - 11 show various embodiments of support elements 85. If the mortar cover over the cold water pipes at the connecting pieces 9 or even at the waste water pipe at the channel body edge 14 is too small, there is a risk that the mortar will crack and thus that a sealing fleece 89 lying on the mortar layer could tear.As countermeasures, support elements 85 can be present, as separate parts or as one-piece molded elements on one or both of the stiffening angles 8. In the embodiment of Figure 10, the support elements 85 project far beyond the connecting pieces 9 and can thus be supported on the mortar (not shown, below the sealing fleece 89) and thus keep loads and / or movements that could tear the sealing fleece 89 away from the sealing fleece 89. In the embodiment of Figure 11, the molding of a support element 85 on the longitudinal section 81 of the stiffening angle 8 is made visible, and also optional molded support feet for support on a building part.

[0116] Figures 12a and 12b show a connection between cover frame 6 and gutter body 1. The gutter body edge 14 has snap elements that form snap connections with corresponding frame snap elements 66 of the cover frame 6, which are distributed along the circumference of the gutter body edge 14. For example, there is a snap connection on average every eight to thirty centimeters along the circumference. For example, there are four to ten such snap connections along the entire circumference. Optionally, frame guide elements 67 are provided, which are arranged between the snap connections along the circumference. The frame guide elements 67 center the cover frame 6 when it is placed and snapped onto the gutter body 1. They then reinforce the mutual fixation of the gutter body edge 14 and the cover frame 6 in the horizontal direction.By positioning the frame guide elements 67 between the snap connections with the frame snap elements 66, they allow a certain amount of deflection between the snap elements of the channel body edge 14 and the cover frame 6. Figures 13a to 13c show details of a perforated plate 5 and its connection to the funnel 4 in various embodiments. The perforated plate 5 stiffens the funnel 4 with respect to compression in the transverse direction, particularly when the funnel 4 is made of plastic. This allows pressure to be built up horizontally on the funnel seal 45. The perforated plate 5 has through-holes 52 through which the wastewater can flow, retaining contaminants. In at least one lower-lying collection area 53, there is no through-hole.

[0117] 52, the contaminants can collect without clogging the through-holes 52 (Fig. 13a). A collection area 53 may have a drain hole 54 that does not contribute significantly to the flow of wastewater, but the collection area

[0118] 53 drained when there is no wastewater flow.

[0119] Typical diameters for the through holes 52 are, for example, three to fifteen millimeters, in particular five to ten millimeters. Typical diameters for the drain hole 54 are, for example, two to five millimeters.

[0120] The perforated plate 5 and the funnel 4 can have corresponding elements that form a snap connection. In particular, the funnel 4 can have molded-in grooves or slots in the longitudinal direction, into which an edge of the perforated plate 5 is inserted. For example, the funnel 4 has a longitudinally extending horizontal retaining groove 48, and a horizontally extending leg of the perforated plate 5 is inserted into this horizontal retaining groove, with an opposite, vertically extending leg of the perforated plate 5 being pressed against an opposite inner wall of the funnel 4 (Fig. 13b). The approximately horizontal, slightly inclined leg rests on a similarly inclined section of the funnel 4 that leads into the funnel 4, and the vertically extending leg has a certain minimum length, which prevents the perforated plate 5 from twisting off and slipping into the funnel 4.Or, vertical retaining grooves 49 extending longitudinally are provided on opposite inner sides of the funnel 4, with downward-facing vertical legs of the perforated plate 5 being inserted into these vertical retaining grooves 49 (Fig. 13c). The perforated plate 5 thus holds the side walls of the funnel 4 together and prevents expansion. The horizontal or vertical grooves can be formed on the funnel 4. The various variants of retaining grooves according to Fig. 13b and Fig. 13c can be combined with the different shapes of perforated plates 5 according to Fig. 13a, 13b, or 13c.

[0121] Figures 14 to 16 show various embodiments of connections of a channel body 1 to a base plate 100. This can be a base plate 100 of a shower tray, a shower base, a shower room, or another surface to be drained. Depending on the type and thickness of the base plate 100, different advantageous designs result. What these have in common is that, despite the elongated shape of the heat exchanger unit 10, a reliable seal is achieved between the channel body 1 and the base plate 100. Optionally, the shape of the base plate 100 is stabilized by the heat exchanger unit 10. The heat exchanger unit 10 thus has a supporting effect on the base plate 100. The base plate 100 can be tensioned against the heat exchanger unit 10. The connection between the heat exchanger unit 10 and the base plate 100 can be reversible.

[0122] Figure 14 shows a connection of a channel body 1 to a relatively thick base plate 100. For example, the base plate 100 is made of a mineral material. The connection is made by means of a connecting frame 101.

[0123] After installation on the channel body 1, the connecting frame 101 arranged above the channel body flange 15 is clamped against the channel body 1 and in particular against the stiffening angle 8 by a clamping device 103. This is done, for example, with a screw 1032 that passes through the connecting frame 101 and is screwed to a sleeve 1031, which in turn is fastened to the stiffening angle 8. The clamping device 103 clamps the base plate 100 against an outer seal 102, which forms a seal between the base plate 100 and the channel body 1, in particular the channel body edge 14 and / or the channel body flange 15. The outer seal 102 prevents wastewater from entering the structure below the base plate 100. The connecting frame 101 can be pressed against a circumferential frame seal 65 on the upper side of the channel body edge 14 in order to prevent wastewater from flowing out between these elements.

[0124] Sealing rings 1033 are inserted around the sleeves 1031 between the channel body flange 15 and the longitudinal section 81. They prevent the passage of wastewater between the channel body flange 15 and the longitudinal section 81 along the sleeves 1031. A channel cover 7 covers the connecting frame 101 and the screws 1032.

[0125] The clamping devices 103 can be arranged at regular intervals along both long sides of the heat exchanger unit 10. For example, a clamping device 103 can be present every five to thirty centimeters.

[0126] This clamping along the long sides reliably presses the base plate 100 against the stiffening angles 8 and seals it along the long sides. Sealing the short side is not critical due to its short length.

[0127] Figure 15 shows a connection of a channel body to a relatively thin base plate of a shower tray. For example, the base plate 100 is made of steel enamel or a composite material, such as a combination of plastic and / or a mineral material and / or glass fibers. The plastic can be, for example, acrylic or a thermoplastic.

[0128] A stiffened connecting frame 101 runs along the circumference of the heat exchanger unit 10 on its upper side and establishes a connection to the base plate 100. The base plate 100 is sealed with sealing compound 1034 with respect to the connecting frame 101 along an inner edge facing the heat exchanger unit 10. In particular, the sealing compound 1034 also acts as an adhesive. The edge can be inserted into a circumferential groove of the connecting frame 101. To stiffen the connecting frame 101 in the vertical direction, if it is made of a formed sheet metal, it can also have one or more vertically running sections. The connecting frame 101 can be connected or glued to the base plate 100 in the factory after the base plate has been manufactured. The connecting frame 101 then contributes to the stiffening of the base plate 100. The stiffening angles 8 can rest on the building structure, for example a board or beam.

[0129] After assembly on the gutter body 1, the connecting frame 101 arranged above the gutter body flange 15 is clamped against the gutter body 1 and in particular against the stiffening angles 8 by a clamping device 103. This is done, for example, with a screw 1032 that passes through the connecting frame 101 and is screwed to a sleeve 1031, which in turn is fastened to the stiffening angle 8. The clamping device 103 clamps the connecting frame 101 against the gutter body 1, in particular the gutter body edge 14 and / or the gutter body flange 15. An outer seal 102 forms a seal between the connecting frame 101 and the gutter body 1, in particular the gutter body edge 14 and / or the gutter body flange 15. This creates a watertight connection between the connecting frame 101 and the base plate 100. The outer seal 102 prevents wastewater from entering the structure below the base plate 100.The connecting frame 101 can be pressed against a circumferential frame seal 65 on the upper side of the channel body edge 14 in order to prevent wastewater from flowing out between these elements.

[0130] A channel cover 7 covers the connection frame 101 and the screws 1032.

[0131] It can have stiffening ribs and / or rest laterally in places. By reinforcing the stiffening angles 8 with additional reinforcing angles 86, in particular with vertically extending legs, they achieve high flexural rigidity with respect to vertical forces. The reinforcing angles 86 have a horizontal leg, on which the horizontal leg of a corresponding stiffening angle 8 rests, and a vertical leg that extends downwards along the side wall of the channel body 1. In one or both of the reinforcing angles 86, the vertical leg can optionally be bent at a lower end and guided horizontally beneath the channel body 1. In this way, a force required for sealing can be applied between the connecting frame 101 and the channel body 1, in particular the channel body flange 15, over the entire length of the heat exchanger unit 10.Therefore, the clamping devices 103 can be arranged exclusively on the transverse sides of the heat exchanger unit 10, while still ensuring that the outer seal 102 is reliably clamped between the connecting frame 101 and the channel body 1 or the channel body flange 15 along the entire length of the heat exchanger unit 10. This enables a particularly slim design of the heat exchanger unit 10.

[0132] Figure 16 shows a longitudinal section through an end region of the construction from Figure 15, and Figure 17 shows an exploded view with individual elements thereof. Only at each end of the heat exchanger unit 10 is there a clamping device 103, which pulls the connecting frame 101 against the gutter body 1 or the gutter body flange 15, thereby compressing the outer seal 102 along the entire length of the heat exchanger unit 10. Only in the end region does the clamping device 103 protrude below the connecting frame 101 and the base plate 100. For example, the clamping device 103 is a screw connection of the connecting frame 101 by means of a screw 1032 to a sleeve 1031 fastened to the longitudinal section 81. The gutter cover 7 can be placed on the screws of the clamping device 103.The embodiments described so far have in common that the channel body 1 can be installed in the building, the fresh water pipes can be connected, and a leak test can be carried out with the heat exchanger 2 inserted before the shower surface is installed, for example, with the base plate 100. Later, during operation of the heat exchanger unit 10, the heat exchanger 2 can be removed from the heat exchanger unit 10, serviced, or replaced. For this purpose, the channel body 1 can be opened and closed reversibly or non-destructively.

[0133] The embodiments described so far show heat exchanger units, each with a heat exchanger with a row of stacked heat exchanger tubes. The invention can also be implemented in principle with other heat exchangers, e.g., those with two or more rows of stacked heat exchanger tubes, or with offset heat exchanger tubes. In particular, heat exchangers as described in the aforementioned WO 2015 / 106362 A1 and US 10,072,897 B1 can also be used. Multiple heat exchangers can also be arranged one after the other in the transverse and / or longitudinal directions in the same channel body.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Heat exchanger unit (10) for heating fresh water by means of heat from waste water, in particular in a shower or bathtub, comprising a channel body (1) through which waste water flows, at least one heat exchanger (2) arranged in the channel body (1) and provided for connection to a fresh water supply, a distribution element (3) arranged for distributing draining waste water via the at least one heat exchanger (2), wherein the channel body (1) has an elongated shape, in particular wherein the distribution element (3) forms an outer wall of a siphon, characterized in that the channel body (1) is made of plastic, and / or the distribution element (3) is made of plastic, 2. Heat exchanger unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the distribution element (3) is at least three times longer than wide, in particular at least five times, in particular at least seven times, 3. Heat exchanger unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution element (3) has an overflow (31) for distributing draining waste water over the at least one heat exchanger (2), wherein the overflow (31) extends in the longitudinal direction of the distribution element (3) and along this longitudinal direction has alternating grooves (32) and elevations located between the grooves (32), and in particular at least one of: • a distance between the centers of the grooves (32) is between one and three cm; • at least ten of the channels (32) are arranged at the same distance from one another without interruption along the overflow (31); 4. Heat exchanger unit (10) according to claim 3, wherein during operation of the heat exchanger unit (10) the channels (32) are flowed through by waste water in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, hereinafter referred to as the flow direction, and the channels (32) viewed in the flow direction have a rounded cross-section, and in particular at least one of: • the grooves (32) have a depth of one and a half mm to five mm with respect to the elevations; • each of the channels (32) has a bottom which, at the deepest point of the channel, runs in a straight line along the flow direction, in particular along a distance of between one mm and twelve mm, in particular between two mm and eight mm, in particular between two mm and five mm; • in particular where the bottom is inclined in the direction of flow; • in particular with an angle of inclination relative to the horizontal of between ten and thirty degrees, in particular between fifteen and twenty-five degrees, and in particular at least approximately twenty degrees.

5. Heat exchanger unit (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a wall section adjoining the overflow (31), over which waste water flows from the channels (32) to the heat exchanger (2) during operation, runs vertically in the operating state of the heat exchanger unit (10).

6. Heat exchanger unit (10) according to claim 3 or 4 or 5, wherein the distribution element (3) distributed along the longitudinal direction has support elements (33) with which the distribution element (3) is supported or suspended on the heat exchanger (2), in particular in that the support element (33) is supported or suspended on an uppermost tube of the heat exchanger (2) in the region of the overflow (31). 7, Heat exchanger unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising stiffening elements, in particular stiffening profiles, in particular stiffening angles (8), which are connected to the gutter body (1) for stiffening the gutter body (1), wherein in particular the stiffening elements consist of metal, 8, Heat exchanger unit (10) according to claim 7, wherein the stiffening angles (8) are positively connected to the channel body (1) and thereby allow a mutual displacement between the stiffening angles (8) and the channel body (1) in the longitudinal direction of the channel body (1), in particular wherein the stiffening angles (8) are connected to the channel body (1) with a snap connection, 9, Heat exchanger unit (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the stiffening angles (8) have at least in sections the shape of an L-profile, in particular with a horizontal leg extending in the longitudinal direction of the channel body (1), and in particular with one or more vertical legs which are inserted into corresponding recesses of the channel body (1), 10, Heat exchanger unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one support element (85) which is arranged in the region of a connecting piece (9) of the heat exchanger (2) outside the channel body (1) and forms a support surface for absorbing vertically downward-acting forces, in particular wherein the at least one support element (85) is formed as part of a stiffening angle s (8).

11. Heat exchanger unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a funnel (4) projecting from above into the distribution element (3) in the form of an elongated shaft, which forms a siphon with the distribution element (3), in particular wherein the funnel (4) is made of plastic, and in particular wherein at least one side wall of the funnel has ribs (42) or is corrugated.

12. Heat exchanger unit (10) according to claim 11, wherein a retaining element (5) for retaining impurities is arranged in an inlet region of the funnel (4), wherein the retaining element (5) forms a stiffening of the funnel (4) against forces acting from the outside in a horizontal direction against the funnel (4), in particular wherein the retaining element (5) is a perforated metal sheet or perforated sheet (5), in particular wherein the funnel (4) has protruding latching elements on its inside for latching the retaining element (5) onto the funnel.

13. Heat exchanger unit (10) according to claim 12, wherein the retaining element (5) has on its upper side higher perforated areas with through-holes (52) for the passage of draining water and retention of residues and has at least one lower-lying collection area (53) for collecting retained residues, wherein in particular the at least one collection area (53) is substantially not perforated, optionally with the exception of a small drainage hole (54), 14. Heat exchanger unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a circumferential funnel seal (45) arranged between the funnel (4) and the channel body (1) for sealing against a drainage area (12) of the heat exchanger unit (10), wherein the funnel seal (45) is compressed in the horizontal direction, wherein in particular at least one of • the funnel (4) is inserted into the gutter body (1) by means of a snap connection, whereby the funnel seal (45) forms part of the snap connection by being deformed during insertion and snapping into recesses on the gutter body (1), • the funnel (4) is inserted into the gutter body 1 by means of a snap connection, whereby the funnel 4 forms part of the snap connection by being deformed during insertion and snapping into recesses on the gutter body 1, 15. Heat exchanger unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a cover frame (6) placed on top, with vertical frame walls (61) running in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger unit (10), wherein snap connections for holding the cover frame (6) on the channel body (1) are formed between inner sides of the frame walls (61) and an outer side of the channel body (1), in particular wherein a circumferential frame seal (65) is arranged between the cover frame (6) and the channel body (1), 16. Heat exchanger unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising pipe connections for connecting fresh water pipes to the heat exchanger (2), with connecting pieces (9), in particular made of metal, wherein in each case a connecting piece (9) is connected to the gutter body (1) by means of a positive toothing, wherein the toothing prevents rotation of the connecting piece (9) with respect to the gutter body (1), in particular wherein in each case the connecting piece (9) and the gutter body (1) are shaped such that assembly of the connecting piece (9) in only one rotational position with respect to the gutter body (1) is possible, in particular by means of an asymmetrical shape of the toothing.

17. Channel body (1), in particular for a heat exchanger unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel body (1) is provided to be flowed through by waste water, and the channel body (1) is provided to receive an elongated heat exchanger (2) provided for connection to a fresh water supply, wherein the channel body (1) has an elongated shape, wherein the channel body (1) is designed for watertight connection to a floor slab (100) is provided, and for this purpose the channel body (1) has a connecting frame (101) which, in the operating state of the gutter body (1), is held against the gutter body (1) by at least one clamping device (103) and thereby compresses an outer seal (102) which creates a seal between the gutter body (1) and its surroundings.

18. Gutter body (1) according to claim 17, wherein in the operating state the outer seal (102) creates a seal between the gutter body (1) and the base plate (100).

19. Gutter body (1) according to claim 17, wherein in the operating state the outer seal (102) creates a seal between the gutter body (1) and the connecting frame (101), and wherein a watertight connection is present between the connecting frame (101) and the base plate (100).

20. Gutter body (1) according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the at least one clamping device (103) pulls the connecting frame (101) against the gutter body (1), in particular against a gutter body flange (15) surrounding the gutter body (1) and in particular in the direction of a stiffening angle (8) of the gutter body (1).

21. Gutter body (1) according to one of claims 17 to 20, wherein one, two or more clamping devices (103) are arranged along each longitudinal side of the gutter body (1).

22. Gutter body (1) according to one of claims 17 to 20, wherein clamping devices (103) are arranged only on end faces of the gutter body (1) and not on longitudinal sides of the gutter body (1).

23. Gutter body (1) according to one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the gutter body (1) has stiffening elements, in particular stiffening profiles, in particular stiffening angles (8), which are connected to the gutter body (1) for stiffening the gutter body (1), wherein in particular the stiffening elements are made of metal.

24. Channel body (1) according to one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the connecting frame (101) has stiffening elements or stiffening sections for stiffening in the vertical direction.

25. Gutter body (1) according to one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the connecting frame (101) is made of stainless steel.

26. Gutter body (1) according to one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the gutter body (1) has connecting pieces (9) for connecting fresh water pipes and for passing fresh water through side walls of the gutter body (1) to and from a heat exchanger (2) arranged in the gutter body (1).

27. Connection frame (101), in particular for a gutter body (1) according to one of claims 17 to 26, • having a profile that runs along the circumference of an elongated rectangle, • wherein the profile has on an upper side a groove for receiving an edge of a base plate (100) and a sealing compound for sealing the base plate (100) with respect to the connecting frame (101), • wherein the profile has stiffening elements or stiffening sections running along the longitudinal sides of the connecting frame (101) for stiffening in the vertical direction.

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