Hydraulic manifold for a hydraulic heating and/or cooling system

Abstract

A hydraulic manifold for a hydraulic heating and/or cooling system includes a feed conduit (212) and a return conduit (216). The feed conduit (212) includes at least one feed connection (258), and the return conduit (216) includes at least one return connection (260), for the connection of a load circuit (228). A load module (204), in which a section of the feed conduit (212) with the feed connection (258), and a section of the return conduit (216) with the return section (260) are formed, includes at least one mixing device with a pump (232) and with a regulating valve (230), to admix fluid from the return connection (260) to a fluid flow from the feed conduit (212) to the feed connection (258). The section of the feed conduit (212) and the return conduit (216) in each case include an additional contact for connection with a further load module.

Claims

1. A hydraulic manifold for a hydraulic heating and/or cooling system, the hydraulic manifold comprising: a feed conduit comprising at least one feed connection; a return conduit comprising at least one return connection, for the connection of a load circuit; a plurality of load modules wherein each load module serves for connection to the load circuit, in each of the plurality of load modules a section of the feed conduit with the feed connection is formed and a section of the return conduit with the return section are formed, each load module comprising at least one mixing device with a pump and with a regulating valve to admix fluid from the return connection to fluid flow from the feed conduit to the load circuit, the mixing device being configured to individually adapt a feed temperature for independent rooms thermally regulated by the independent load circuits, wherein the section of the feed conduit and the section of the return conduit each comprise an additional contact for connection with a further load module; a central manifold control device controlling at least one of the regulating valves and the pump of each of the plurality of load modules, to set a temperature and/or the flow of the fluid flow through the feed connection of each load module; at least one temperature sensor arranged in each of the plurality of load modules and signal-connected to the central manifold control device; a communication interface provided in each of the plurality of load modules and connected to the manifold control device; a main module comprising a hydraulic module portion and an electronics housing directly connected to the hydraulic module portion, the central manifold control device being arranged in the electronics housing and the hydraulic module portion comprising an entry for the feed conduit and an exit for the return conduit, wherein the main module comprises an energy supply for the pump and the regulating valve in one of the plurality of load modules.

2. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of load modules are releasably connected to one another with the sections of the feed conduit each connected to one another, and the sections of the return conduit each connected to one another.

3. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of load modules are connected releasably to the main module.

4. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 1, further comprising a data bus wherein the manifold control device is signal-connected to the load modules via the data bus.

5. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 1, further comprising a main module comprising at least one of an entry for the feed conduit and an exit for the return conduit, wherein the at least one load module is connected releasably to the main module, wherein the central manifold control device is arranged in the main module.

6. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one temperature sensor is signal-connected to the central manifold control device via a data bus.

7. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 6, wherein the temperature sensor in the one load module is arranged in a manner such that it detects the temperature of a fluid flowing through the feed connection.

8. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 1, wherein the central manifold control device sets a temperature of a fluid flow through the feed connection by way of activating the regulating valve in one of the plurality of load modules.

9. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 1, wherein the central manifold control device sets a fluid flow through the feed connection by way of activating the pump in one of the plurality of load modules.

10. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 1, wherein the central manifold control device comprises at least one communication interface for receiving signals from an external control element comprising a room thermostat.

11. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 1, wherein the pump in one of the plurality of load modules is arranged in a flow path between a mixing point, in which a flow path from the feed conduit and a flow path from the return connection meet, and the feed connection.

12. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 1, wherein the regulating valve is arranged in one of: a flow path from the return connection to a mixing point, in which a flow path from the feed conduit and the flow path from the return connection meet; and the flow path from the feed conduit to the mixing point.

13. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 1, wherein the regulating valve is a motor driven valve.

14. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 1, wherein the main module comprises an enclosed interior space, the central manifold control device being arranged in the enclosed interior space.

15. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 1, wherein the central manifold control device is surrounded by the main module.

16. A hydraulic manifold for a hydraulic heating and/or cooling system with a feed conduit and a return conduit, the hydraulic manifold comprising: a plurality of load modules, wherein each load module serves for connection to a load circuit and each load module comprises: a feed conduit section forming a portion of the feed conduit; a feed connection connected to the feed conduit section; a return conduit section forming a portion of the return conduit; a return connection connected to the return conduit; and each load module comprising: a mixing device comprising a pump and a regulating valve to admix fluid from the return connection to fluid flow from the feed conduit to the load circuit, the mixing device being configured to individually adapt a feed temperature for independent rooms thermally regulated by the load circuits, wherein the feed conduit section and the return conduit section of each comprise a connection interface for connection with a further load module; a temperature sensor; a central manifold control device controlling at least one of the regulating valves and the pump of each of the plurality of load modules, to set a temperature and/or the flow of the fluid flow through the feed connection of each load module; a data bus wherein the central manifold control device is signal-connected to the mixing devices and the temperature sensors of the load modules via the data bus, the data bus extends over all load modules and permits signals to be led further to other load modules and each load module comprises a communication interface connected to the central manifold control device; a main module comprising a hydraulic module portion and an electronics housing directly connected to the hydraulic module portion, the central manifold control device being arranged in the electronics housing and the hydraulic module portion comprising an entry for the feed conduit and an exit for the return conduit, wherein the main module comprises an energy supply for the pump and the regulating valve in one of the plurality of load modules.

17. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 16, wherein one of the plurality of load modules is connected releasably to the main module.

18. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 16, wherein the main module comprises an enclosed interior space, the central manifold control device being arranged in the enclosed interior space.

19. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 16, wherein the central manifold control device is surrounded by the main module.

20. A load module for a hydraulic manifold of a hydraulic system, the hydraulic system having a feed conduit, a return conduit, a manifold control device, a load circuit connected to each load module and a main module comprising an electronics housing with the manifold control device arranged therein and a hydraulic module portion comprising an entry for the feed conduit and an exit for the return conduit, the electronics housing being directly connected to the hydraulic module portion, wherein the main module comprises an energy supply for the pump and the regulating valve in one of the plurality of load modules, the load module comprising: a feed conduit section forming a portion of the feed conduit of the hydraulic system, said feed conduit section having first and second ends; a return conduit section forming a portion of the return conduit of the hydraulic system, said return conduit section having first and second ends; a module return line having one end connected to said return conduit section between said first and second ends of said return conduit section; a load return connection connected to another end of said module return line, said load return connection being adapted to connect to a return line of a load of the hydraulic system; a load feed connection adapted to connect to a feed line of the load of the hydraulic system; a mixing device comprising a pump and a regulating valve to admix fluid from said module return line with fluid from said feed conduit section taken between said first and second ends of said feed conduit section, and deliver said admix fluid to said load feed connection, the mixing device being configured to individually adapt a feed temperature for independent rooms thermally regulated by the load circuits; a first manifold interface connected to said first ends of said feed conduit section and connected to said return conduit section; a second manifold interface connected to said second ends of said feed conduit section and connected to said return conduit section, said second manifold interface being configured to connect with a first manifold interface of an adjacent load module; a temperature sensor configured to signal-connect to a manifold control device; a communication interface connected to the manifold control device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a hydraulic manifold according to the invention;

(2) FIG. 2 is a plan view of a hydraulic manifold according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hydraulic manifold according to the invention;

(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the main module of the manifold according to FIGS. 2 and 3;

(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the load module of the hydraulic manifold according to FIGS. 2 and 3;

(6) FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the modular construction of the hydraulic manifold according to FIGS. 2 and 3, in the non-assembled condition; and

(7) FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the construction of the hydraulic manifold according to FIG. 6, in the assembled condition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(8) Referring to the drawings, the shown hydraulic manifold, which is described by way of example, is constructed in a modular manner. The hydraulic manifold comprises a main module 202 as well as several load modules 204. The main module 202 serves for the hydraulic and electrical connection of the load modules 204 and comprises a control device 206 which serves as a manifold control device for the control of the several load modules 204. The main module 202 moreover comprises a feed connection 208 as well as a return connection 210. The main module 202 with the feed connection 208 and the return connection 210 is connected onto a heating or cooling installation. Thereby, thermally regulated fluid is fed through the feed connection 208 and after flowing through one or more load circuits the fluid flows through the return connection 210 back into the heating or cooling installation. In the main module 202, in each case a temperature sensor which detects the feed temperature and return temperature can be arranged on the section of the feed conduit 212 and/or on the section of the return conduit 216. These sensors can be signal-connected to the manifold control device 206. Thus, the manifold control device 206 can directly detect the temperatures in the main module.

(9) The hydraulic manifold is hereinafter described by way of the example of a heating installation. However, it is to be understood that the hydraulic manifold accordingly could also be applied in a cooling installation, or in a combined heating and cooling installation. In a heating installation, heated fluid, in particular heated water, for example from a boiler or a heat reservoir, is fed to the feed connection 208. The fluid, after flowing through the heat exchanger in the rooms or buildings to be heated, flows back through the return connection 210 to the boiler or heat reservoir.

(10) The feed connection 208 in the inside of the main module 202 is connected to an outlet 214 by way of a section of the feed conduit 212. Accordingly, the return connection 210 is connected via a section of a return conduit 216 in the inside of the main module 202 to an inlet 218. The outlet 214 and the inlet 218 are designed as hydraulic couplings on a side of the main module 202 which faces an adjacent load module 204. The load modules 204 in their inside likewise comprise a section of a feed conduit 212 and a section of a return conduit 216. The sections of the feed conduit 212 as well as of the return conduit 216 extend in the longitudinal direction through the load modules 204. At a first side, the sections of the feed conduit 212 and of the return conduit 216 are connected to first hydraulic couplings. Thereby, the section of the feed conduit 212 at the first end is connected to the first feed coupling 220, and the section of the return conduit 216 on the same side is connected to a first return coupling 222. The first feed coupling 220 is engaged with the outlet 214 of the main module 202, whereas the first return coupling 222 is in engagement with the inlet 218 of the main module 202, in order to create a fluid-leading connection.

(11) The load modules 204 at a longitudinal end which is opposite the first feed coupling and at the longitudinal end which is opposite the first return coupling 222 comprise a second feed coupling 224 as well as a second return coupling 226. The second feed coupling 224 forms the axial end of the section of the feed conduit 212 in the load module 204, said axial end being opposite to the first feed coupling 220, whereas the second return coupling 226 forms the axial end of the section of the return conduit 216 in the load module 204, said axial end being opposite to the first return coupling 222. The several load modules 204 are all designed the same. This means that the design and arrangement of the second feed coupling 224 as well as of the second return coupling 226 in its design corresponds to the arrangement of the outlet 214 as well as of the inlet 218, on the main module 202. Thus, it is possible to apply a load module 204 either onto the main module 202 or onto another load module. Thus, several load modules can be rowed onto one another in the longitudinal direction. An arrangement of two load modules 204 is shown in FIG. 1, wherein further load modules 204 are indicated schematically. Six load modules 204 are arranged on a main module 202 in the embodiment example according to FIGS. 2 and 3.

(12) The essential feature of the load modules 204 which are shown in the arrangements according to FIGS. 1 to 7 is moreover the fact that each load module 204 comprises an integrated mixing device for the temperature setting of the feed temperature for an associated load circuit 228. The mixing device, in a flow path from the feed conduit 212 to the entry/load feed connection 229 of the load circuit 228 comprises a regulating valve 230 and a circulation pump 232 downstream of this valve 230. The circulation pump 232 serves for delivering fluid from the feed conduit 212 through the load circuit 228 and via the return/module return line 234 back into the return conduit 216. The mixing device moreover comprises a connection from the return 234 to a mixing point 236, wherein the mixing point 236 is situated in the flow path between the regulating valve 230 and the circulation pump 232. A check valve 238 is situated in the connection 235 and has the effect that a flow through the connection 235 is possible only in the direction from the return 234 to the mixing point 236.

(13) The regulating valve 230 is signal-connected to the manifold control device 206 for its activation. I.e. the manifold control device 206 activates the regulating valve 230, in order to set a desired feed temperature at the entry 229 of the load circuit 228. This feed temperature at the entry 229 is detected by a temperature sensor 240. If the regulating valve 230 is completely closed, the circulation pump 232 delivers fluid exclusively via the connection 235 in the circuit through the load circuit 228. If the regulating valve 230 is opened, simultaneously a fluid flow is sucked out of the feed conduit 212, and a fluid flow is sucked out of the connection 235, by the circulation pump 232. Thereby, the fluid from the return 234 is thus admixed via the connection 235 to the fluid from the feed conduit 212, so that the feed temperature of the fluid from the feed conduit 212 is changed. In the case of a heating system, the feed temperature in the feed conduit 212 is usually greater than in the return 234, i.e. in this case colder fluid from the return 234 is admixed via the connection 235 to the flow from the feed conduit 212, so that the feed temperature is lowered. Vice versa, in a cooling system, the feed temperature of the fluid from the feed conduit 212 can be increased by way of admixing warmer fluid from the return 235. The share of fluid which is fed from the feed conduit 212 to the mixing point 236 can be varied by way of changing the opening degree of the regulating valve 230. Accordingly, a greater or smaller share of the delivery flow is sucked via the connection 235, given a constant delivery rate of the circulation pump 232, by which means the temperature of the fluid at the entry 229 of the load circuit 228 can be changed by way of changing the mixing ratio of the two flows at the mixing point 236. The actually set temperature thereby is detected by the temperature sensor 240. The detected temperature value is communicated to the manifold control device 206 for regulation, via a suitable signal connection. The manifold control device 206 in this manner regulates the individual load modules 204 in an independent manner, so that the feed temperature for the individual load circuits 228 can be individually regulated or set.

(14) Moreover, in this embodiment example, a second temperature sensor 242 is arranged at the exit of the load circuit 248. This too, is preferably signal-connected to the manifold control device 206 and detects the exit temperature out of the load circuit 288. It is possible to determine the temperature difference across the load circuit 228 and for example to regulate the volume flow delivered by the circulation pump 232 in a manner depending on this temperature difference, due to the fact that the entry temperature and the exit temperature of the load circuit 228 are detected. For this, preferably the circulation pump 232 is also activated by the control device 206 via a suitable signal-connection, in particular in order to set the speed of the circulation pump 232. The flow can be set individually for each load module by way of a speed change of the respective circulation pump 232.

(15) The design construction of the hydraulic manifold described by way of FIG. 1 is described in more detail by way of FIGS. 2 to 7. The main module 202 comprises a hydraulic section 250 as well as an electronics housing 252, in which the control device or manifold control device 206, and, as the case may be, further components for the energy supply, for example a mains part, are arranged. The hydraulic section 250 is preferably designed as a single-piece component of plastic and comprises the feed connection 208 as well as the return connection 210 on one side. The feed connection 208 and also the return connection 210 are designed as hydraulic couplings for the connection of supply conduits, which create the connection to a heating installation or cooling installation. The inlet 218 as well as the outlet 214 is arranged on a second side surface of the hydraulic section 250. The outlet 214 is connected to the feed connection 208 via a channel in the inside of the hydraulic section 250, whereas the inlet 218 is connected to the return connection 210 via a further channel in the inside of the hydraulic section 250. As is described above the outlet 214 and the inlet 218 are designed as hydraulic couplings for the pluggable connection of a load module 204. For this, the first feed coupling 220 of an adjacent load module 204 engages into the outlet 214, and a first return coupling 220 of an adjacent load module engages into the inlet 218. The outlet 214 and the inlet 218 in this example are in each case designed as a female part of a plug-in coupling. Accordingly, the first feed coupling 220 and the first return coupling 222 are in each case designed as male parts of a hydraulic plug-in coupling. A mechanical connection between the main module 202 and the load module 204 is created by way of sticking the couplings into one another. Seals, in particular O-rings which are not shown in more detail here, are arranged in the couplings.

(16) The load module 204 also comprises a housing part which is manufactured as one piece of plastic and which serves as a pump housing for the circulation pump 232 and in its inside comprises the necessary flow paths and in particular the sections of the feed conduit 212 as well as of the return conduit 216. The drive of the regulating valve 230 as well as the stator housing 256 of the circulation pump 232 projects out of the housing part 254. The housing part 254 on a longitudinal end comprises the first feed coupling 220 and the return coupling 222, and at an opposite longitudinal end the second feed coupling 224 as well as the second return coupling 226, wherein the second feed coupling 224 and the second return coupling 226 in a manner corresponding to the outlet 214 and the inlet 218 on the main module 202 are formed as female parts of a hydraulic plug-in coupling. It is possible to stick identically designed load modules 204 either directly onto the main module 202 or onto a further load module 204, since the second feed coupling 224 and the second return coupling 226 are shaped and arranged in a manner corresponding to the outlet 214 and the inlet 218, wherein then the first feed coupling 220 of a second load module engages into the second feed coupling 224 of a first load module, and the first return coupling 222 of a second load module engages into the second return coupling 226 of a first load module. Thus several load modules can be stuck onto one another, in order to form a hydraulic manifold with the desired number of connections for load circuits 228. The number of the load modules 204 is thereby essentially limited by the configuration of the control device 206. The housing part 254 of the load module 204 moreover comprises a load feed connection 258 and a load return connection 260. Accordingly, the entry 229 of a load circuit 228 is connected to the load feed connection 258, whereas an exit 231 of the load circuit 228 is connected to the load return connection 260.

(17) FIGS. 2 and 3 show the assembled arrangement of six load modules 204 on the main module 202 as are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. One can recognize that a hydraulic manifold is thus created, which comprises six feed connections 258 and six return connections 260 for six load circuits. All six load modules 204 are designed in an identical manner. The last load module 204, i.e. the one which is distant or away from the main module 202, is closed by an end piece 262 at its second feed coupling 224 and its second return coupling 226.

(18) The flow paths of the thus coupled hydraulic manifold are shown once again in more detail in FIG. 7. FIG. 6 shows the construction according to FIG. 7, in the non-assembled condition of the load modules 204. Only the arrangement of four load modules 204 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in a schematic manner,

(19) Apart from the described hydraulic connections and elements, the main module 202 as well as the load modules 204 comprises electrical or electronic components. As described, the load module comprises the electronic control device 206. This is connected in the main module 202 to an electrical connection plug 264. An electrical connection 266 is provided in each of the load modules 204 and at its first axial end ends in an electrical connection plug 268 and at its opposite axial end ends in an electrical connection plug 270. Thereby, the electrical connection plugs 268 and 270 are designed such that the electrical connection plug 268 can engage with the electrical connection plug 264 on the main module 202 or with an electrical connection plug 270 of an adjacent load module, in order to form an electric coupling and to create an electric connection between the load module 204 and an adjacent load module 204 or the main module 202. In the inside of the load module 204, in each case the drive of the regulating valve 230, the temperature sensor 240 as well as the circulation pump 232 are connected to the electrical connection 266 which is designed as a data bus. The electrical connection 266 thereby serves for the energy transmission to these components and furthermore for the signal transmission to these components or from these components to the manifold control device 206 in the main module 202.

(20) If a further load module 204 is stuck onto a load module 204, then an energy supply also to this subsequent load module 204 from the main module 202 is created by way of the electrical connection created via the connection plugs 268 and 270, as well as a data transmission from the main module 202 to this further load module 204 via the intermediately lying load module or load modules 204. The addressing of the individual load modules 204 can be effected via a model control device 272 in each module 204. The module control device 272 serves for the data communication with the central manifold device 206. For this, an address is allocated to each module control device 272, i.e. thus to each load module 204. This can be effected in an automatic manner by way of the manifold control device 206 on connecting the respective load module 204. Then the regulating valve 230 and the circulation pump 323 in each load module 204 can be individually activated via the address and the module control device 272, by the manifold control device 206, in order to effect a temperature regulation or volume flow regulation for the connected load circuit. The exit signal of the temperature sensor 240 and, as the case may be, of the temperature sensor 242 is fed back via the module control device 272 to the manifold control device 206 and from there can be incorporated into the regulation of the respective load module 204.

(21) Room thermostats 274 are provided in the rooms to be thermally regulated (see FIG. 1), in order to permit a regulation dependent on room temperature. The room thermostats 274 communicate with a communication interface 276 of the control device 206. A desired nominal temperature can be set at the room thermostats 274. The room thermostat 274 sends a corresponding signal to the communication interface 276 of the control device 206, given a deviation of the actual temperature from this desired temperature. This control device thereupon activates the load circuit 228 associated with the room by way of switching on the circulation pump 232 in the associated load module 204. The described temperature regulation or flow regulation for the associated load circuit 228 is subsequently effected. If the inputted desired temperature at the room thermostat 274 is reached, then the room thermostat 274 sends a corresponding signal to the communication interface 276 of the control device 206. This control device thereupon deactivates the associated load circuit 228, i.e. switches off the load circuit 228 situated in the respective room, by way of the circulation pump 232 in the associated load module 204 being switched off.

(22) While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.