EP4249824A1 - Kappenelement mit zentriermechanismus - Google Patents

Kappenelement mit zentriermechanismus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4249824A1
EP4249824A1 EP22163164.1A EP22163164A EP4249824A1 EP 4249824 A1 EP4249824 A1 EP 4249824A1 EP 22163164 A EP22163164 A EP 22163164A EP 4249824 A1 EP4249824 A1 EP 4249824A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cap element
casing
deformable structure
water tank
heating device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP22163164.1A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Damien Kieffer
Benjamin Chassagnard
Florian ANTOINE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BDR Thermea Group BV
Original Assignee
BDR Thermea Group BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BDR Thermea Group BV filed Critical BDR Thermea Group BV
Priority to EP22163164.1A priority Critical patent/EP4249824A1/de
Priority to PCT/EP2023/055641 priority patent/WO2023174740A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2023/055639 priority patent/WO2023174738A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2023/055642 priority patent/WO2023174741A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2023/055637 priority patent/WO2023174736A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2023/055643 priority patent/WO2023174742A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2023/055640 priority patent/WO2023174739A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2023/055638 priority patent/WO2023174737A1/en
Publication of EP4249824A1 publication Critical patent/EP4249824A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/18—Water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/181—Construction of the tank
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/18—Water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/181—Construction of the tank
    • F24H1/182—Insulation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H4/00—Fluid heaters characterised by the use of heat pumps
    • F24H4/02—Water heaters
    • F24H4/04—Storage heaters

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a cap element for a heating device and to a heating device system comprising said cap element. Also, the invention relates to a use of said cap element with a heating device, in particular a heat pump water heater. Additionally, the invention relates to a heating device system.
  • a heating device like a heat pump is a device able to warm a closed space of a building or to warm domestic hot water by transferring thermal energy from a source to another.
  • An air-source heat pump water heater is a device using the heat pump technology to use energy from air to heat the domestic water contained in a tank.
  • a hot water tank for the production of hot water for heating or domestic hot water is composed of two main elements: a tank and a thermal insulation.
  • the thermal insulation is usually achieved by one of two means: the installation of parts around the tank (adhesive foam parts, adhesive insulation etc.) or the injection of insulating foam into an outer casing.
  • Insulating foam injection is achieved by injecting chemical components that react together via a chemical reaction. This chemical reaction causes the solid produced to expand to such an extent that the volume of foam obtained is much greater than the volume of the components injected separately.
  • the injection process is a complex one and many factors create variability in the volume required and the volume injected, i.e., tank geometry tolerance, casing geometry tolerance, ambient air temperature, temperature of the chemical components of the insulation, concentration of the components, nature of the components, precision of the injection machine, temperature of the tank, surface condition of the tubes, etc.
  • tank height and casing height are major elements. Indeed, a difference of a few millimeters on one of these heights can lead to a lack of insulation, leaks in the insulation, lifting of the tank or aesthetic defects. Also, it is noted that during the foaming process, the pressure is not exerted evenly all around the tank. This requires to center it on its external circumference in order to maintain the verticality.
  • a cap element for a heating device including a water tank located in a casing, wherein the cap element is placeable on or in the casing for closing said casing, the cap element comprising: a centering mechanism integrated in, or removable from, the cap element, the centering mechanism having a deformable structure for causing the cap element to be centered relative to the water tank upon exerting a mechanical pressure on said deformable structure.
  • the cap element can be a top element of the casing or can be any other closing element located for example at the base or at the side of the casing.
  • the cap element can be the aesthetic top cap of a product or the base of other components, in particular the base of an heat pump in the case of a heat pump water heater.
  • the mechanical pressure can be exerted on the cap element in response to the generation of an insulating material produced in a space between the water tank and the casing.
  • the generation of insulating material inside the space can cause a mechanical stress acting on the cap element, and in particular on the centering mechanism, from below.
  • the insulating material expands during the injection process and generates a mechanical stress in all directions, including towards the vertical, from the bottom to the top.
  • a mechanical pressure can be applied to the upper surface of the cap element at the beginning of the injection process. This mechanical pressure is greater than the mechanical stress exerted by the insulating material during its chemical reaction and will be in the opposite direction.
  • the pressure exerted on the deformable structure can be considered as the resultant force between the mechanical pressure exerted on the cap elment and the mechanical stress generated by the insulating material.
  • the centering mechanism in the cap element makes it possible to at least partially compensate for height differences in the tank or casing and thus reduce the associated defects.
  • the presence of the centering mechanism guarantees the correct centering of the tank on the upper part and avoids any misalignment phenomena during the injection process. Furthermore, it makes the assembly of the product functional and compatible with different tank and casing heights.
  • the compatible tolerance range depends on the geometry of the deformable surfaces and the ability of the material to deform without breaking.
  • the centering mechanism can be advantageously integrated into molded parts, particularly for injected or expanded parts of the cap element.
  • the dimensions are compatible with the injection molding tools.
  • the deformable structure can be arranged in a cavity of the cap element.
  • the deformable structure can be attachable to the cap element.
  • the deformable structure can be directly or indirectly attached to a portion of the cap element. The possibility of attaching to, and therefore detaching from, the cap element leads to the possible advantage of applying the deformable structure (and also the centering mechanism) on a standard cap element for a heating device.
  • the deformable structure comprises a plurality of protruding portions moving away from each other when subjected to the mechanical pressure.
  • these portions move away when stressed so that the cap element can penetrate further into the casing and thus regain its nominal position, independent of the tank and casing tolerances.
  • the protruding portions are arranged equidistant from each other.
  • the protruding portions can have each an external surface and tapered internal edge surfaces.
  • the external surface can be flat, curve, polygonal, or having any suitable configuration. This particular configuration facilitates the moving away of the protruding portions from each other when a pressure is present.
  • the tapered internal edge surfaces can facilitate and guide the contact with the upper portion of the water tank.
  • the tapered internal edge can be conical, partly conical or have a chamfer.
  • the deformable structure is located at a central portion of the cap element.
  • the location at the central part of the cap element facilitates the centering of the cap element relative to the water tank and the casing.
  • the deformable structure is not located at a central part of the cap element.
  • the deformable structure can be made of several, in particular three or more, deformable parts which are close from the near the periphery of the casing.
  • the deformable structure is made of expanded plastic, in particular expanded polystyrene or expanded polypropylene. It is clear that any deformable material suitable for the purpose of the present invention can be used.
  • the deformable structure is configured to be in contact with an upper portion of the water tank. This guarantees a correct alignment of the cap element relative to the water tank and the casing.
  • the deformable structure can be configured to surround a protruding element of the water tank, in particular a tube or a pin. In this way, a more stable contact between the cap element and the water tank can be obtained.
  • the deformable structure is radially deformable in response to the mechanical pressure. This is the case when the deformable structure has a geometry of revolution (i.e. cylindrical).
  • the deformable structure is laterally deformable in response to the mechanical pressure. This is the case when the deformable structure does not have a geometry of revolution.
  • the deformable structure is deformable in compression in response to the mechanical pressure. This provide additional flexibility to the deformable structure in order to better compensate the misalignment phenomena during the injection process.
  • the deformable structure can be deformable on the water tank's side or is deformable on a side different to the water tank's side.
  • the centering mechanism can be applied on the cap element on a surface different from the surface facing the water tank provided that the deformable structure causes a realignment of the water tank during the injection process, for example based on an indirect mechanical pressure exerted on it.
  • the deformable structure comprises at least a recess.
  • the recess can be used to receive a protruding element of the water tank, in particular a tube or a pin.
  • the recess is formed by the protruding portions suitably arranged along a closed outline.
  • the outline can be circular or polygonal.
  • between two consecutive protruding portions there is a space in order to allow the free deformation of each protruding portion independently from the deformation of a neighboring protruding portion.
  • the insulating material can reach also the recess in order to have insulation foam everywhere (this is extremely important because it's the top of the tank, where the water is the hotter).
  • the recess can be filed with the insulating material. This limits the heat dissipation due to the protruding portion and improves the thermal performance of the tank.
  • the deformable structure can have a circular cross-section or, alternatively, can have a polygonal cross-section.
  • the deformable structure can have a cylindrical structure or a cube-shaped structure.
  • a heating device system comprising:
  • the heating device further comprises an insulating material arranged in a space between the water tank and the casing, the insulating material causing a direct or indirect mechanical stress on the deformable structure.
  • the mechanical pressure can be exerted on the cap element in response to the generation of an insulating material produced in a space between the water tank and the casing.
  • the mechanical pressure can exerted on the cap element on the opposite direction to a mechanical stress exerted on the cap element by the insulating material.
  • the mechanical pressure exerted on the cap element is greater than a mechanical stress exerted on the cap element by the insulating material. This prevents the cap element from escaping due to the mechanical stress generated by the insulating material inside the casing.
  • inventive cap element is provided.
  • the inventive cap element is used with a heating device, in particular a heat pump water heater.
  • a heating system wherein the heating system comprises:
  • the water tank can comprise a centering part.
  • the centering part can be a tube that is fixedly connected to a water tank wall.
  • the centering part can be welded to the water tank well.
  • the centering mechanism can be mounted on the centering part. In particular, it can be mounted such that the centering mechanism is releasable connected to the centering part.
  • the centering mechanism can comprise several protruding portions.
  • the protruding portions can be in contact with a water tank wall.
  • the cap element can comprise a recess for receiving the centering mechanism.
  • the centering mechanism enters the recess when a force is exerted to the cap element.
  • the force exerted on the cap element is greater than the force resulting by the insulating material during its chemical reaction.
  • the insulated heat pump water heater 2 has a water tank 3 located in the casing assembly 4 and an insulating material 14 injected in the space 7 between the tank 3 and the casing 4.
  • the casing assembly 4 consists of at least a top, a bottom and a periphery, the positions being at the time of the injection station of an insulating material (e.g. foam) 14.
  • the upper part of the casing 4 is provided with a cap element 5 with a centering mechanism 1 (not shown in the figure).
  • the cap element 5 (and the centering mechanism 1) is made of a flexible material, preferably an expanded plastic, preferably expanded polystyrene or expanded polypropylene.
  • the insulating material (foam) is a thermal insulator, preferably polyurethane.
  • the tank 3 can have a tube or pin or any other element on its upper portion 12 that is suitable to be coupled with the cap element 5, in particular with the centering mechanism 1. This is better clarified in figure 2 .
  • Figure 2 illustrates a detail of figure 1B .
  • figure 2 shows the upper region of the casing 4, where the cap element 5 is coupled to the upper portion 12 of the water tank 3 through the centering mechanism 1.
  • the centering mechanism 1 comprises a deformable structure 6 made of a plurality of protruding portions 8.
  • the deformable structure 6 is configured to surround and is housed around a tube 15 of the upper portion 12 of the tank 3.
  • the deformable structure 6, and in particular each protruding portion 8 is capable of radial deformation when a mechanical pressure is exerted from top to bottom on this element, directly or indirectly.
  • the mechanical pressure originates from the generation of the insulating material 14 in the space 7 between the tank 3 and the casing 4.
  • the centering mechanism can be integrated into an existing seat, such as a seat of the cap element 5, or it can be in a separate and dedicated seat.
  • the cap element 5 is provided with a centering mechanism 1 on the surface facing the water tank 3, i.e., in the internal surface of the cap element 5.
  • the centering mechanism 1 comprises a deformable structure 6 having a plurality of protruding portions 8, each having an external surface 9 and tapered internal edge surfaces 10.
  • the cap element 5 is inserted in the casing 4 to close the casing from the top.
  • the cap element 5 can advantageously be the support surface for one or more electromechanical devices, for example the components of a heat pump.
  • FIGS 3A-3C illustrate an exemplification of what concretely could happen during an injection process, these figures only showing a rotation of the cap element 5 and an upwards shift of the tank 3.
  • the water tank 3 can be subjected to other movements.
  • the tank 3 can be laterally shifted and can also rotate relative to the cap element 5 and the casing 4.
  • the present centering mechanism 1 is configured to cope with all these issues.
  • the cap element 5 is originally not aligned with the casing 4 and water tank 3. As mentioned above, this can be due to a different height between casing 4 and water tank 3 and to a not optimal pressure distribution exerted by the insulating material 14 on the tank 3, the casing 4 and the cap element 5.
  • the water tank 3 can be pushed upwards towards the cap element 5.
  • the insulating material 14 exerts a mechanical stress in all directions inside the casing 4 and in particular upward. In response to this mechanical stress, a mechanical pressure can be exerted on the cap element 5 downward.
  • the deformable protruding portions 8 touch the protruding element 15 of the water tank 3.
  • the cap element 5 starts to shift and/or rotate. Since the centering mechanism 1 is located in the center portion 11 of the cap element and the protruding element 15 of the water tank 3 is located on a center region of the upper portion 12 of the tank 3 as well, the cap element 5 starts to align relative to the water tank 3 and the casing 4. By completely filling the space 7 with the insulating material 14 ( figure 3C ), the water tank 3 is further pushed upwards.
  • the deformable protruding portions 8 of the centering mechanism 1 are further deformed radially and the water tank 3 is completely aligned relative to the cap element 5 (and the casing 4).
  • the water tank 3 is located inside the casing in the correct position relative to the casing 4 and relative to the cap element 5 after the foam injection process despite possible fluctuations in tank and casing height.
  • the mechanical pressure on the top of the cap element 5 is exerted until the optimal height of the product is reached, i.e. between bottom of the device 2 and the top of the cap element 5.
  • the product is at the optimal height and the customer is sure that it will fit into his installation.
  • Figure 4 illustrates in detail the deformation of the centering mechanism 1 based on the height fluctuations of the water tank 3 and/or the casing 4.
  • figure 4 compares two situations where the top of the cap element 5 is always at the same level.
  • the water tank 3 is smaller than nominal and/or the casing 4 is larger than nominal. In this case, there is a low deformation of the centering mechanism 1, and in particular of the protruding portions 8 of the deformable structure 6.
  • the water tank 3 is higher than nominal and/or the casing 4 is smaller than nominal. In this case, there is a high deformation of the centering mechanism 1, and in particular of the protruding portions 8 of the deformable structure 6.
  • FIGS 5A and 5B illustrate a perspective view of the cap element 5.
  • the centering mechanism 1 is provided on the central portion 11 of the cap 5 and in particular on a side of the cap element 5 facing the water tank 3 when inserted in the casing 4.
  • the centering mechanism 1 has a circular shape formed by a plurality of protruding portions 8 arranged along a circular outline to create a central recess 13. Between a protruding portion 8 and the neighboring surface 8, there is a space to allow an independent movement of each single protruding portion 8.
  • Each protruding portion 8 has an external surface 9 and tapered internal edge surfaces 10.
  • the deformable structure 6 allows the centering mechanism 1 to surround a tube or pin 15 of the water tank 3 and determining the centering of the cap element 5 relative to the tank 3 through the deformation action of the protruding portions 8 as described above.
  • the deformable structure 6 has a cylindrical cross-section suitable for receiving a cylindrical protruding element 15 of the water tank, such as a tube or a pin.
  • the cross sectional area of the deformable structure 6 needs to be almost equal to (or at least not extremely larger than) the dimensions of the protruding element 15 of the water tank 3 that is received in the recess 13.
  • Figure 6 shows a detail of heating device 2 and cap element 1 according to another example.
  • the embodiment differs from the embodiments discussed above in that the water tank 3 comprises the centering mechanism 1.
  • a centering part 16 extends from the water tank 3 along a length direction of the water tank 3.
  • the centering part 16 is welded to a water tank wall.
  • the centering mechanism 1 is mounted on the centering part 16.
  • the centering mechanism 1 comprises a deformable structure 6. Additionally, the centering mechanism 1 comprises protruding portions 8 that are arranged distant to each other along a circumference direction of the centering mechanism 1. The protruding portions 8 are at one end in contact with the water tank wall.
  • the cap element 5 comprises a recess 17.
  • the cap element 5 is arranged such, in particular the recess 17 is arranged such at the cap element 5, that the centering mechanism 1 enters into the recess 17 during the manufacturing process.
  • the technical function of the protruding portions 8 is the same as for the embodiment discussed above so that it is referred to said explanations.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)
EP22163164.1A 2022-03-14 2022-03-21 Kappenelement mit zentriermechanismus Withdrawn EP4249824A1 (de)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22163164.1A EP4249824A1 (de) 2022-03-21 2022-03-21 Kappenelement mit zentriermechanismus
PCT/EP2023/055641 WO2023174740A1 (en) 2022-03-14 2023-03-07 Flow guiding apparatus
PCT/EP2023/055639 WO2023174738A1 (en) 2022-03-14 2023-03-07 Flow guiding apparatus
PCT/EP2023/055642 WO2023174741A1 (en) 2022-03-14 2023-03-07 Fixing assembly
PCT/EP2023/055637 WO2023174736A1 (en) 2022-03-14 2023-03-07 Cap element with anti-deformation wall structures
PCT/EP2023/055643 WO2023174742A1 (en) 2022-03-14 2023-03-07 Method for monitoring frost in a heat pump system
PCT/EP2023/055640 WO2023174739A1 (en) 2022-03-14 2023-03-07 Cap element with centering mechanism
PCT/EP2023/055638 WO2023174737A1 (en) 2022-03-14 2023-03-07 Cap element with buffer channels

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22163164.1A EP4249824A1 (de) 2022-03-21 2022-03-21 Kappenelement mit zentriermechanismus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4249824A1 true EP4249824A1 (de) 2023-09-27

Family

ID=80928593

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22163164.1A Withdrawn EP4249824A1 (de) 2022-03-14 2022-03-21 Kappenelement mit zentriermechanismus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4249824A1 (de)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1934770U (de) * 1966-01-11 1966-03-17 Stiebel Werke G M B H & Co Dr Waermeisolierkoerper fuer haushalt-heisswasserspeicher.
DE1299832B (de) * 1965-05-03 1969-07-24 Siemens Elektrogeraete Gmbh Heisswassergeraet, insbesondere Kochendwassergeraet
DE9419611U1 (de) * 1994-12-07 1995-01-26 Viessmann Werke Gmbh & Co, 35108 Allendorf Wärmetechnisches Gerät
EP2110619A2 (de) * 2008-04-18 2009-10-21 CHOI, Sang, Pil Trennbarer Heißwasser-Behälter
EP3462103A1 (de) * 2017-09-28 2019-04-03 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Heisswasserversorgungseinheit und verfahren zur herstellung dergleichen

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1299832B (de) * 1965-05-03 1969-07-24 Siemens Elektrogeraete Gmbh Heisswassergeraet, insbesondere Kochendwassergeraet
DE1934770U (de) * 1966-01-11 1966-03-17 Stiebel Werke G M B H & Co Dr Waermeisolierkoerper fuer haushalt-heisswasserspeicher.
DE9419611U1 (de) * 1994-12-07 1995-01-26 Viessmann Werke Gmbh & Co, 35108 Allendorf Wärmetechnisches Gerät
EP2110619A2 (de) * 2008-04-18 2009-10-21 CHOI, Sang, Pil Trennbarer Heißwasser-Behälter
EP3462103A1 (de) * 2017-09-28 2019-04-03 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Heisswasserversorgungseinheit und verfahren zur herstellung dergleichen

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