DE29824322U1 - Feed-through device - Google Patents

Description

HlEBSCH P NN

PATENT ATTORNEYS
EUROPEAN PATENT AND TRADEMARK ATTORNEYS

Application for registration of a utility model Our reference: D192DE7

Branch from patent application

198 47 174.2 V. 14.10.1998

(31) Priority Number I Priority Application Number:

(32) Priority Date:

(33) Priority Country I Priority Country:

(54) Title:

Feedthrough device

(71) Applicant:

Depla B.V.

1e Industrial Way NL-3411 MGOpik Netherlands

Filoform B.V.

Extended Hoogravenseweg 69c NL-3525 BH Utrecht Netherlands

(74) Representative / Agent:

Dipf.-Ing. Gerhard F. H'iebsch Dipl.-Ing. Dr. oec. Niels Behrmann M.B.A. (NY) Heinrich-Weber-Platz

78224 Singen

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Title: Feedthrough device

The invention relates to a feedthrough device which has at least two tubular elements separated from one another in a gas- and liquid-tight manner. Such a device is known from practice and is supplied, for example, by the company Wavin, Netherlands.

The known lead-through device comprises a plate part with a number of tubular elements extending parallel to one another through the plate part, the longitudinal axes of which extend approximately at right angles to the plane of the plate part. Each tubular element extends over a relatively short length relative to its cross-section on both sides of the plate part. In use, a lead-through tube is inserted through the tubular element in question in such a way that its free longitudinal edge extends over the longitudinal edge of one of the ends of the tubular element in question, whereupon a loose attachment ring is glued onto the tube and the tubular element in question in such a way that the tube is thereby connected to the lead-through device, with gas- and liquid-tight sealing of the space between the tube and the lead-through device.

This known device has the disadvantage that in order to couple a lead-through pipe to a tubular element, a separate additional part is required to form the lead-through device, which additionally has to be glued to the tubular element. Such a device is relatively expensive to manufacture and use, while there is also a relatively high risk of errors occurring during assembly, as a result of which, for example, an incorrect connection is obtained or the or each connection in question is not completely gas- and liquid-tight.

The present invention fulfils the task of providing a feedthrough device of the type described above.

· ♦

which avoids the disadvantages mentioned above while retaining their advantages.

The teaching of the independent patent claims leads to the solution of this problem; the subclaims indicate advantageous further developments. In addition, all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawing and/or the claims fall within the scope of the invention.

For this purpose, a feedthrough device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.

By providing sealing means near at least one of the open ends of the tubular elements in a feedthrough device according to the present invention, a coupling can, if necessary, be obtained directly between a feedthrough device according to the present invention and another feedthrough device or a suitable, preferably standard, tubular element, such as a plastic pipe. In principle, a firm connection can be obtained by using gluing or welding, but it is preferable that the sealing means in question are designed as an at least partially force- or form-fitting coupling means, e.g. a slip-on or clamping sleeve. In this case, for example, a plastic or rubber ring can be provided to form a gas- and liquid-tight connection. When using a feedthrough device according to the present invention, the advantage is achieved that no additional parts are required to obtain a suitable connection, while a series of tubular elements are obtained which are connected to one another and which can be arranged at once, e.g. in a floor and/or a wall, which tubular elements are connected to one another in a gas- and liquid-tight manner, while coupling to further feedthrough devices and/or tubular elements and the like is particularly simple and unambiguous.

In a preferred embodiment, a device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 3.

A feedthrough device in this embodiment has the advantage that it can be used to obtain feedthrough channels between:«z..£·.· e j.'nAm\Yert.ical"Unä. sfinerti horizontal component, such as the WicndiHder ^j.ii*:FuTSt3oaerfJ. woteei««die

Feedthrough device has a relatively small installation volume, while the tubular elements will have a relatively low feedthrough resistance. Furthermore, such an embodiment has the advantage that it has a relatively small installation thickness and can be easily positioned, for example, between a subfloor and a deck floor or in a floor or wall without causing much loss of space. In such an application, a feedthrough device according to the present invention is also particularly suitable for use in forming curved and meandering liquid channels, such as channels for floor or wall heating.

In further elaboration, a

Feedthrough device according to the present invention characterized by the features of claim 5.

The first plate part, which is firmly connected to the tubular elements and preferably extends approximately at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the tubular elements in question close to the first plate part in question, offers the advantage that the lead-through device can be easily fixed in or on a structural element, such as a floor or a wall, thereby achieving a clear and fixed positioning of the tubular elements. With the aid of the at least one second plate part, the lead-through device can be fixed in or against another structural element close to the opposite ends of the tubular elements, the fastening means offering the possibility of adjusting the distance and/or position of the first plate part relative to the at least one second plate part as required. This provides a relatively simple method of fastening the lead-through device, which also allows a great deal of installation freedom.

In a first preferred embodiment, a feedthrough device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 6.

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In such an embodiment, a feedthrough device is particularly suitable for leading various public connections and the like through an apartment, such as gas and water pipes, electricity, radio and television lines and the like. Such a feedthrough device can be arranged, for example, during the construction of an apartment or afterwards between the floor of a meter cabinet or the like and the facade of the apartment in question, whereby connections can be provided particularly easily.

In a second preferred embodiment, a feedthrough device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 7.

In such an embodiment, a feed-through device according to the invention is particularly suitable for forming curved, possibly meander-shaped water channels for e.g. floor or wall heating and the like.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a feedthrough device according to the present invention is characterized by the features of claim 8.

The use of a multi-layer vacuum forming technique to form a feedthrough device according to the present invention offers the advantage that such a feedthrough device can be manufactured particularly reliably and relatively simply, at relatively low cost, which device can be used in a particularly economical manner.

continue page 6

Further details of a feedthrough device

according to the present invention are given in the subclaims.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred embodiments of a feedthrough device

and the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1 in side view a feedthrough device

after the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a feedthrough device according to Fig. 1 in side view;

Fig. 3 shows a side sectional view of a connection and sealing means of a feedthrough device according to Fig. 1 and 2, across the line III-III in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 shows a first alternative embodiment of a feedthrough device according to the invention,

Fig. 5 shows a second alternative embodiment of a feedthrough device according to the invention; and

Fig. 6 shows schematically a device for producing a feedthrough device according to the invention.

In the drawing, corresponding parts have corresponding reference numbers.

A feedthrough device 1 according to Figures 1-3 comprises a body 2 with five tubular elements 3A-3E.

Each tubular element 3 has a discharge opening 7A-E at a first end 4 and an insertion opening 5A-E at the opposite second end 6. Incidentally, any desired number of tubular elements 3 can of course be provided. Between each discharge opening 7 and insertion opening 5, the respective feed-through element is essentially circular segment-shaped with relatively short straight ends 8, 9, with a curve 10 with an angle of 90° and a large bending radius relative to the cross-section of the tubular elements being enclosed between the straight ends 8, 9. In the embodiment shown, the tubular elements each have a circular cross-section. The tubular elements 3A-E lie next to one another in a plane, with the curves 10 positioned concentrically. Separating edges 11 are accommodated between the tubular elements 3A-E. End edges 12 are arranged along the inner curve of the innermost tubular element 3A and along the outer curve of the outermost tubular element 3E. The tubular elements 3A-E are separated from one another in a gas- and liquid-tight manner by the separating edges 11 and end edges 12, while each tubular element 3 is fixed in position within the feedthrough device 1.

Near each outlet opening 7 and inlet opening 5 there is arranged a sealing means 13, which is shown in more detail in Figure 3.

Each sealing means 13 comprises a chamber 14 with a circular inner cross-section which is slightly larger than the inner cross-section of the tubular element 3 adjoining it, which chamber 14 adjoins, on the side facing away from the tubular element 3 in question, a circumferential groove 15 with a likewise circular cross-section, with a diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of the chamber 14. Between the groove 15 and the adjacent discharge opening 7 or insertion opening 5, a second chamber 16 with a circular cross-section which is slightly smaller than the cross-section of the groove is arranged.

15, but larger than the cross-section of the chamber 14. The chambers 14 and 16 and the groove 15 have a common longitudinal axis. A sealing ring 17 is arranged in the groove 15, the inside of which is approximately level with the wall of the chamber 14. A standard pipe 18, shown in broken lines in Figure 3, can be pushed with a free end into the chamber 14 via the outlet opening 7 or inlet opening 5 through the chamber and the sealing ring 17 and fixed therein if necessary, e.g. by gluing, a screw connection, press fit or the like. The sealing ring 17 connects to the outside of the pipe 18 in a gas- and liquid-tight manner. However, it is also possible for the pipe 18 to be held in a gas- and liquid-tight manner by being clamped by the sealing ring 17 in the end 4 or 6. The dimensions of the respective connecting means 13 of the tubular elements 3A-E are preferably selected such that pipes with standard commercial dimensions can be suitably accommodated therein.

At the outlet openings 7A-E a first

A plate part 19 is formed which extends parallel to the plane defined by the outlet openings 7, such that the longitudinal axes of the straight ends 9 of the tubular elements 3 extend approximately at right angles to the first plate part 19. This first plate part 19 is suitable, for example, for being fastened in or against a facade, wall or similar component in order to achieve a fixed positioning of the outlet openings 7. In addition, further plate parts 2OA, 2OB can be provided on the outer edges of the body 2, also suitable for positioning the feed-through device 1 on or in a component. Openings 21 for securing the feed-through device 1 can be arranged in the longitudinal edges 12.

Near the insertion openings 5, rows of opposite recesses 22 are provided in the end edges, in which second plate parts 23 are fixed

can, as shown in Figure 2. By suitable selection of a recess 22 for fastening a second plate part 23, the second plate parts 23 can be arranged in such a way that they can, for example, connect to a floor or be accommodated in a formwork for fixing and positioning the insertion openings 5A-E.

The embodiment of a feedthrough device according to the invention shown in Figures 1-3 is, for example, particularly suitable for feeding through all kinds of connecting cables, such as for gas, water, electricity, telephone and community antenna. A feedthrough device according to the invention can be arranged during or after the construction of an apartment between a facade and the floor of, for example, a meter cabinet, in such a way that the said cables can be led from the outside of the apartment into the meter cabinet. Due to the standard sealing means 13 and connection openings 5, 7, simple, generally available pipes can be inserted into the feedthrough device to extend it, e.g. into an excavation pit, over a floor or to another floor. In addition, various feedthrough couplings can be connected to one another in this way, e.g. to form meandering or otherwise curved feedthrough channels. Due to the relatively large bending radii, the advantage is achieved that the cables can be easily inserted through the tubular elements, which simplifies use. In this application, it is preferable to create a seal around the pipes passing through the tubular elements, for example by means of two or more foam components, such that each of the tubular elements is sealed.

On the outside of the feedthrough device, at some distance below the first plate part 19, around the body 2 and over the tubular elements 3, a foam block 24 is arranged, the purpose of which is to be at least partially received in or to rest against such a component

on or in such a component, as insulation and sealing. In addition, damage to the device 1 can be prevented.

Since the tubular elements- 3 all in one plane

, a device 1 according to the invention has a relatively small installation width in relation to the height and depth. A feed-through device according to the invention can, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, have the following dimensions, for example, which dimensions are by no means to be understood as limiting. A device according to the figure has, for example, a height H and a depth D of approximately 1250 mm and a width B of 80 mm, wherein the first plate part 19 and the foam block 24 can have a width B ¹ of approximately 150 mm. As a result, a feed-through device 1 according to the invention takes up relatively little space, while all desired cables can still be easily led into the apartment. For use in, for example, a heating system, the external dimensions can be, for example, 250 x 250 x 15 mm.

A feedthrough device according to Figures 1-3 can be formed from two essentially plate-shaped halves 25A, 25B which are mirror-symmetrical to the plane V in Figure 2. The two halves 25A, 25B can be produced by vacuum forming, whereupon the plate-shaped parts are glued to one another or connected in another way such that at least the end edges 12 and the separating edges 11 of the two plate parts 25A, 25B are connected to one another in such a way that a gas- and liquid-tight separation is achieved between the tubular elements 3 and all tubular elements, apart from the discharge opening 7 or the insertion opening 5, are gas- and liquid-tight against the environment.

In a preferred embodiment, a

Feedthrough device 1 according to Figures 1-3, however, manufactured using a multi-layer vacuum forming technique, usually as two- or multi-layer vacuum forming

A suitable device for this purpose is shown schematically in Figure 6.

The device 30 shown in Figure 6 comprises a first die half 31 and a second die half 32, each provided with a series of die cavities 32A-E and 33A-E respectively. In the embodiment shown, the device 30 is shown for forming five straight channels with a circular cross-section, the cross-section of which is determined by the cooperating die cavities 32A-33A to 32E-33E. Each die cavity 32A-32E and 33A-33E is connected to a number of vacuum lines 34 and 35, respectively, which are connected to vacuum means 36 and 37, respectively, shown as pumping means.

In Figure 6, two plate parts 25A, 25B are accommodated between the die halves 31, 32, which plates 25A, 25B are made of thermally deformable plastic. Between the plate parts 25A, 25B, at the level of two opposing die cavities 32, 33, an air inlet line 40 can be arranged, which is connected to pumping means 41. In use, air can be brought between the plate parts 25A, 25B via the air inlet lines 40, for reasons to be explained in more detail below.

By the way, if the vacuum pressure is high enough, air in guide means that are, for example, in open connection with the environment is sufficient.

A device 30 according to Figure 6 can be used as follows.

The die halves 31, 32 are moved in the closed state by means of the plates 25A, 25B and, if necessary, the air inlet lines 40, in such a way that the plates 25 are clamped between the die halves 31, 32, whereby the plates 25A, 25B are heated by means of suitable heating means in such a way that they can be deformed. Then, with the help of the vacuum means 36 and 37, a

Negative pressure is generated, while if necessary, an overpressure is generated between the plate parts 25 at the level of the die cavities 32, 33 via the air inlet lines 40 and the pumping means 41. As a result, the plate parts 25A, 25B are moved in a suitable manner against the walls of the respective die cavities 32A-E, 33A-E, such that tubular elements are obtained in which the air inlet lines 40 are exposed. At the same time, the die halves 31, 32 are moved towards one another under pressure, such that the heated plate parts 25A, 25B are pressed firmly together, whereby a solid connection is achieved between the plate parts 25A, 25B as a result of the melting together, forming gas- and liquid-tight separating edges 11 and end edges 12.

By using this two-layer vacuum forming technique, the advantage is achieved that a feedthrough device 1 according to the invention is obtained in a particularly simple, relatively inexpensive manner, while also ensuring that a gas- and liquid-tight separation is obtained between the tubular elements 3. After cooling, the feedthrough device 1 is ready almost immediately. In addition, such a method has the advantage that the sealing means 13, at least the chambers 14, 16 and the groove 15, can be formed directly at the same time, as can the first and further plate parts if necessary.

In Fig. 4 an alternative embodiment of a feedthrough device 101 according to the invention is shown, wherein four tubular elements 103 are provided. In this embodiment three tubular elements 103A-C have a curved shape, the fourth tubular element 103D has a straight shape. This achieves the advantage that feedthrough channels for e.g. lines, liquids or gases are obtained in different directions. It will also be immediately clear that a feedthrough device according to the invention can be provided with any desired number of tubular elements.

which can also have any desired direction and can be straight or in a desired curved or other shape. The tubular elements can have a circular cross-section or a different shape, whereby the cross-section can also vary within each tubular element in terms of diameter and/or shape.

In Fig. 5, a second alternative embodiment of a feedthrough device 201 according to the invention is shown in perspective view. In this embodiment, the feedthrough device is provided with three tubular elements 203A-C, each with a curved shape, which tubular elements are formed from curved pipes, e.g. standard commercially available plastic pipes, or are composed of such pipes and coupling pieces, such as slip-on sleeves 213, which are joined together by gluing or welding. The tubular elements 203 are each gas- and liquid-tight and foamed into a block 124 in such a way that the mutual position of the tubular elements is fixed. In the embodiment shown, the tubular elements 203 are positioned next to one another, i.e. that the curves 210 lie in parallel planes. However, it is also possible to have a number of the planes in which the tubular elements 203A-C essentially lie form an angle with one another, thereby obtaining through-channels in different directions. In addition, the bending radii of the various curves 210 can be selected such that the tubular elements 203A-C can lie one above the other, essentially in one plane. This again results in a relatively compact device 201.

A feed-through device 1, 101, 201 according to the invention can be used for passing through connecting lines, e.g. from main lines into an apartment, between apartments or within an apartment, but it is also particularly suitable for use in e.g.

liquid-conducting systems such as floor or wall heating. In particular, the relatively small installation volume, the positional stability of the tubular elements 3, 103, 203, the relatively simple manufacturing technology and use and the relatively low cost price make such a device more suitable than any other for such use. A device according to the invention can also be used suitably in air duct systems.

The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments shown in the drawing and the description of the figures. Many modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

This allows several layers of plastic sheets

be used, whereby between every two adjacent plates one or more tubular elements can be formed by means of at least one air supply pipe in the matrix, between the plates in question. Furthermore, other connection and sealing means can be used, e.g. screw or bayonet connections, glue connections and the like, while furthermore the sealing means can be omitted at at least one end of a number of tubular elements. In use, unused channels can be temporarily or permanently sealed, e.g. by foaming or with a plug or the like.

These and many similar modifications are considered not to exceed the scope of the invention.

Claims (8)

1. Feedthrough device comprising at least two tubular elements separated from one another in a gas- and liquid-tight manner, which tubular elements are provided with an inlet opening or outlet opening at two opposite ends, are connected to one another and are separated from one another in a gas- and liquid-tight manner, wherein sealing means are arranged near at least each inlet opening or outlet opening, preferably each inlet opening and each outlet opening, for gas- and liquid-tight cooperation with a tubular element or another feedthrough device. 2. Feedthrough device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the tubular elements and preferably all tubular elements include at least one curve between the insertion opening and the discharge opening. 3. Feedthrough device according to claim 2, wherein at least one and preferably all tubular elements enclose a curve of approximately 90° and lie in approximately one plane parallel to one another. 4. Feed-through device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the insertion openings or the discharge openings are located approximately next to one another, wherein a plate part extends around the respective openings, which plate part is adapted for fastening in or against a wall or floor part or the like. 5. Feedthrough device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion openings or the discharge openings lie at least partially in approximately one plane, wherein a first plate part extends around the discharge openings, which plate part is designed for fastening in or against a wall or floor part or the like, wherein fastening means are arranged near the insertion openings for fastening in or against e.g. a floor, a facade, an excavation pit or the like. 6. Feedthrough device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a number of the pipe elements are arranged for passing through cables, pipes and the like. 7. Feedthrough device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a number of the tube elements are arranged for passing through a fluid, in particular a liquid. 8. Feedthrough device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is manufactured essentially by multi-sheet vacuum forming or a similar technique, in particular twin-sheet vacuum forming.