The present invention relates to an installation unit in an energy distribution system—for a heating or cooling system—a number of functions or products having been integrated into an installation and service unit, which allows completely new conditions for the installation work as well as for the maintenance jobs in the system.
In the installations, which exist today, for a heating or cooling system, a number of components or functions are integrated, which jointly provide a system for distributing the energy distribution out to the various apparatuses or premises, which exist in the particular case.
In these systems there is e.g. an integration of components for controlling the temperature regulating valves and/or thermostat valves—often provided with some type of adjustment devices—as well as a number of additional functions, e.g. connection points for filling or discharge of the system, for flushing, for dirt collection, for a deaeration device, for flow regulation, for various types of reading of e.g. volume flow or energy as well as various types of supervision. These various functions and components respectively often are mounted adjacent or directly connected to the heating or cooling assemblies; i.e. valves etc. are often mounted directly connected to a radiator or a cooling battery, a connector, namely out in the various rooms/premises.
In modern systems some of the above-mentioned functions are used, but the installation engineering or rather the systems available for the construction of the complete distribution system has a few drawbacks, which the present invention seeks to eliminate.
The worst drawback of the modern systems is the fact, that they have been developed from simple systems, in which a smaller number of components or functions were jointly integrated.
However, in modern complicated systems, not only regarding the energy components but regarding the entire construction process, there has been a continued modifications of the systems already constructed, an optimization of the costs for the various integrated components often being done, without considering the entirety of the whole system, the entirety today being influenced by many different jointly responsible participants.
With regard to the modern systems, there is often a conflict between various participants in connection with the construction process. The various working moments will, using the modern systems, be completely dependent on each other. Also, in other phases of the installation process often different interests collide.
As an example it can be stated, that adjustment of an energy distribution system often is done, when the already are being used and when the particular premises are not available in the same way as in an earlier phase of the construction process. Also, in other situations considerable problems regarding the accessibility arise, when a construction must be adjusted or some components must be exchanged or the like.
The energy distribution systems have so far been constructed with a suboptimization as an initial position. This suboptimization means, that the systems will comprise a number of components, which per se, considered separately, are cost efficient, but that the total cost of the system “in situ” or for its maintenance has not been considered thoroughly, when the constructions have been developed.
Not only the cost of the installation but much more the cost and the functionality during the technical life of the system consequently is the basic theory behind the present invention. Thanks to the present invention entirely new conditions have been obtained for the manufacture, the installation and the maintenance of an energy distribution system, which conditions allow completely new possibilities during the various phases of the construction and the useful life of a building.
These thoughts and this object are realized according to the present invention by carrying out the construction according to what has been stated in the introduction. Additional characterizing features of and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following description, reference being made to the enclosed drawings, which show a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention. In detail, in diametrical, partially schematic sections or in perspective views:
These figures show a design, which only is one example of how integrated component parts are assembled. Thus, within the scope of the inventive idea, a complete installation unit 1 may be provided with additional components, which may be directly or indirectly mounted on distributors 3 or alternatively constitute e.g. complementary parts to the functional component. Functional component 5 may e.g. represent electrical adjustment means, instead of the manual ones, shown in the figures, as well as mounted transmitters for remote reading and remote control respectively of the mounted valves: Also, as examples pressure and temperature transmitters may be mounted in the various measuring nipples 12, 13, 17 and 67, which consequently allow a direct or indirect reading.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the various components are mounted in a cabinet to obtain a complete installation unit 1, which results in, that the installation—the installation work as well as the component placements—will be completely changed compared to the installation principles used today, resulting in the advantages, which the present invention allows.
The primary piping system is connected to the unit—intake 8 and return 9 respectively—connection tubes at 8 and 9 respectively comprising connection ends 10, which optionally are threaded, provided with flanges or are flat, as is shown in
At connection 8—on the intake side of the unit—a balancing valve 11, with its measuring nipples 12 and 13 respectively, is mounted as a first component.
Balancing valve 11 advantageously has an internal thread at its two ends. The balancing valve 11 is connected to a distributor 3 by means of a connection piece 14.
The connection piece has an external thread, directed towards balancing valve 11, and a bayonet connection at the end, which is connected to distributor 3.
The construction of the bayonet connection is shown in
At connection 9—on the return side of complete installation unit 1—a differential pressure valve 16 with its measuring nipple 17 is mounted as the last component.
Differential pressure valve 16 preferably is threaded in its interior at its two ends and is connected to distributor 3 by means of a connection piece 14 in the same way as balancing valve 11. As the last component on return side 9 there is a connection piece 15, which advantageously may be similar to the one, which is mounted on the intake side. As an alternative to plug 18 this connection piece may be provided with a coupling 19, in which in a particular case e.g. a discharge or a deaeration function is mounted.
Distributors 3 and connection pieces 14, 15 are mounted in a profile 4, which is described in more detail below.
In order to be able to always carry out a simple installation or service of the complete system complete installation unit 1 is constructed in such a way, that complete cabinet 7 comprises a number of sides/parts, which, when assembled, constitute the complete cabinet. The complete cabinet preferably is made of a sheet metal material or alternatively a suitable plastic material.
In order to carry out the installation work in a simple fashion and with a satisfactory accessibility to all the components cabinet 7 will comprise a back plate 20 and a bottom plate 21, which advantageously are bent in one piece. On this work piece—20/21—profile 4 is fastened by means of screws or the like. Subsequently the valves, distributors, functional components and connection pieces, which will be used in the particular construction, will be mounted.
When the pipe work/installation has been completed, lateral pieces 22 and 23 and lid 24 respectively will be mounted. Lateral piece 23 preferably is slit, allowing it to be pushed inwards above connections 8 and 9, whereas lid 24 preferably consists of two portions in order to also allow a dismounting, after the connection of tubes 25 to the interacting tubes from e.g. radiators or convectors, which complete installation unit 1 interacts with. As the last step lid 24 is screwed or in another way fastened to sides 22 and 23 and the sides of bottom plate 21 respectively.
The distribution of the total flow outwards to the various consumption units, e.g. convectors, is done via stop valves 29, mounted in cut-offs 30 on distributors 3. Stop valve 29 has a pipe coupling 31, to which a tubular loop 32 is connected and the return from this tubular loop 33 is connected to return connection 34 by means of its pipe coupling 35 to functional component 5.
The entire installation unit 1 is mounted and function tested, e.g. tested regarding pressure, in a factory, which allows a high degree of functional reliability.
A possible leakage in installation unit 1 can be easily indicated, since the unit is mounted in a cabinet 11, and this means, that the risk of water damage to the building is minimized.
The integration of several functions in an installation unit 1 according to the present invention results in several advantages.
Thus, several functions have been assembled in just one place and consequently been removed from earlier locations, in which they have been scattered and e.g. mounted in various places and often connected to other components in the system. Thanks to the present invention a heating and cooling plant can be constructed in such a way, that the installation contractor mounts e.g. radiators in the building at one moment and in a later stage interconnects the same to obtain installation unit 1. Also, the contractor can make his tubing from the heating or cooling assemblies up to the installation unit 1 at the same occasion and at a later occasion make the final interconnections of the various heating and cooling assemblies to the primary energy source or to tubing system originating from the same. It is also possible to connect e.g. one portion of the building to the complete heating or cooling system without the need at this time to connect all other portions of the building. This means, that installation unit 1 in a first phase comprises several distributors 3, one or several of them being provided with plugs in connections 30. In a second installation step additional functional components 5 can be interconnected, if they are required. Even if from a structural engineering point of view it would not be advantageous to mount the installation unit in a cabinet 7, this design is nevertheless an embodiment of how the present invention can be used—see
The installation unit replaces the demand for externally, e.g. in each premise, mounted valves, designed to control the flow and then also the room temperature. By using functional components 5 and stop valves 29 and additional components, e.g. filters and stop valves, which may be specific for the installation, has in this way all the installation and preliminary adjustment work regarding the components, which normally constitute parts of normal cooling and heating installations, i.e. primarily flow regulating valves, stop valves, discharge valves and filters, been removed from the various premises, and instead been united in just one place, the installation unit.
The installation unit can be mounted in an optional place, e.g. in a passage or in an appliance room. The separate locations, with their convectors or heating elements, which are connected to the unit, consequently will be freed from all kinds of installation work, as soon as the intake and return ducts have been mounted between the devices and the installation unit. The interconnection of the ducts with the installation unit can be done in a later phase. This means, that the various premises do not have to be accessible in a later phase, when e.g. the final adjustment work will be done or a change will take place regarding the choice of components or the service of the components. This is a great advantage in comparison with the presently used systems, in which this accessibility always is a requirement.
By using installation unit 1 according to the present invention a concentrated localization of the functional components can be attained and then also a number of advantages, as follows:
The various portions of installation unit 1 are described in detail in the following figures.
Normally the distributors are made with 2 pieces of cut-offs 30, but the number of the cut-offs varies preferably between 1 and 4 pieces. In these cut-offs functional components 5 are mounted, which may have a number of different functions or combinations of functions. In the description—see
These figures shows, that the distributor has a female part 36 and a male part 37. These two parts are joined and then O-ring 38 in the female part will glide upwards on cylindrical part 39 of the male part. The female part has an inner diameter 41 with an O-ring groove 40 and a short cylindrical part 42 outside the O-ring groove, with the same diameter as 41. The female part is terminated with two shoulders 44, positioned in a diametrical direction in relation to each other and which each extend preferably somewhat less than 90° around the periphery of the female part. The shoulders have an inner diameter, which is somewhat larger—preferably 1-4 mm—than inner diameter 41 of the female part and an axial extension, which preferably is 2-4 mm.
Male part 37 is designed in such a way, that outer diameter 39 with its front oblique surface 45 cooperates with inner diameter 41 of the female part and with O-ring 38 and at the same time as male part 37 has two cylindrical portions 46, which after the interconnection of the distributors engage groove 43 of the female part and consequently lock the distributors in an axial direction. Cylindrical portions 46 are located at the same distance from flange 47 of the distributor, which constitutes the end of the male part inwards towards the distributor, like the thickness of shoulders 44, and has a thickness, which is adjusted to and which cooperates with groove 43 and its width. In a radial direction the length of cylindrical portions 46 are coordinated to enable them to be inserted between the two shoulders 44 of female part 36 and the distance, which exists between these shoulders.
In order to be able to fix functional component 5 to distributor 3 connection end 55 is provided with a resilient, open/slit locking ring 48, mounted in a groove 56, which is located on cylindrical part 57, which has a diameter, which is a few additional mm longer than the adjacent cylindrical surface 52. Cylindrical part 57 locks the position of locking ring 48 in an axial direction and this locked position is also secured by flange part 58, which constitutes the transition from connection end 55 of the functional component to that part, which contains the functional part itself.
On cut-off 30 of the distributor there is a cylindrical interior surface 59, immediately outside surface 51, with a turned groove 60, which has a width and a depth, which are chosen in order to be able to cooperate with locking ring 48 and cylindrical part 57 of connection end 55.
When connection end 55 is pushed into cut-off 30, the two open end portions 61 of locking ring 48 are pressed together and are not released, until the connection end has entered into its final position. Then the legs of the locking ring spring outwards and into groove 60 and locks the connection in an axial direction.
The functional component can always be dismounted, since it is then only necessary to press the two end portions together or the legs on locking ring 48 and subsequently it is easy to draw out connection 55 from cut-off 30.
In order to control the functional component—prevent it from rotating—cut-off 30 is provided with two diametrically opposed projecting portions 62. These portions 62 have an inner diameter, which is somewhat larger than the outer diameter of the cooperating recess 63 in connection end 55. When functional component 5 is pushed into the distributor, projecting portions 62 climb on or pass surface 63 on connection end 55. The periphery and the projecting length of portions 62 is coordinated with corresponding recess 63 in flange portion 58 of connection end 55.
Profile 4 preferably is an extruded Al-profile and its main task it to rotationally fix the distributor. According to the present invention the profile is designed to be able to fix two rows of distributors, which means, that one row with e.g. three integrated distributors are placed in one row, whereas the corresponding three distributors are mounted in a second row.
The distributors are fixed in a rotational direction, since profile 4 is provided with circular segments 73 and 74 respectively with three and two respective grooves 64, which have a width and a depth, which are coordinated with the thickness and the radial extension of springs 65 on distributors 3. Distributors 4 preferably have springs, one spring passing through the center of cut-off 30. These springs may within the scope of the present invention have various lengths and shapes, but the function to control the position of the distributors in relation to profile 4 as well as to obtain an improved symmetry regarding the manufacture/casting of the distributors is the main function.
The distance between the two distributor rows in profile 4, from the center of the distributors, is to be chosen in such a way, that it will be easy to obtain a simple joining of the various components, which will be mounted in a certain installation situation. Thus, a distance is chosen in a height direction as well as in another direction, which means, that components can be mounted and service be carried out and at a minimal cost. One example of a distance between the two rows is, that “a=80 mm” and “b=40 mm”. The “a-distance” is a measure, which indicates the lateral displacement between the centers of the two distributor rows, whereas the “b-distance” indicates the height difference between the centers of the distributor rows.
Profile 4 essentially is an L-profile, which also has been developed to comprise two circular portions and which in a cross-section is designed in such a way, that these circular segments constitute portions, which touch the two legs of the L-profile. The L-profile has a bottom surface 70 and an angular surface 71, which in its upper part has a reinforcement 72, which constitutes an extension of surface 71 and preferably has an angle of 90°.
Reinforcement 72 extends at right angles from angular surface 71 and is also then bent again downwards towards bottom surface 70. Reinforcement 72 is finally transformed into a first concave circular segment 73 with a circumference of altogether 180°, which in its rear part, after 90° reaches angular surface 71, where the angular surface constituting the bottom of one of the three grooves 64, which have been formed on circular segment 73. In the lower edge of circular segment 73 the profile extends an additional distance, a surface 75, away from angular surface 71 and in parallel with bottom surface 70. Depending on the diameter of distributor 3, which preferably is smaller, than what is true for measurement “b” for the profile, the profile comprises also an oblique plane 76, which connects surface 75 with a second cylindrical, concave circular segment 74, which at its lower part is terminated with a groove 64, the bottom part of which constitutes a part of the total bottom surface 70. Circular segment 73 is provided with three grooves 64 with a 90° division, the center groove extending at right angles outwards from angular surface 71.
Second circular segment 74 comprises only two grooves 64, one of them extending at right angles outwards from bottom surface 70 and the second groove being displaced 90° and towards angular surface 71. The radius of the two circular segments 73 and 74 is chosen in such a way, that it will interact with the outer diameter of distributors 3.
Profile 4 may of course be designed in a somewhat different way within the scope of the invention. Its main function is to fix distributors 3 in suitable positions and also indirectly in relation to cabinet 7, since the profile preferably will be fastened to cabinet 7 with screws in a suitable way.
The profile also provides a high degree of motion regarding the mounting of the distributors and then also other components. Since the profile is completely open in its end portions, it is easy to replace the distributors, because they do not have to be screwed or in other ways be locked in an axial direction.
This component may e.g. be a stop valve, a deaeration valve or a control valve.
From installation unit 1 a number of loops or tubes 32, connected in parallel, extend outwards to radiators or convectors or similar energy devices and the return from these loops 33 is connected to return connection 34 of functional component 5 by means of e.g. a pipe coupling 35. According to
The described design of the functional component must only be regarded as one example of the construction of the complete installation unit 1.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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0602072-1 | Oct 2006 | SE | national |
This application is a National Stage completion of PCT/SE2007/000550 filed Jun. 8, 2007, which claims priority from Swedish patent application serial no. 0602072-1 filed Oct. 4, 2006.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/SE2007/000550 | 6/8/2007 | WO | 00 | 4/3/2009 |