Retaining body, heating device and method

Abstract

A retaining body for heating elements, in particular oval and round heating elements, having an outer part assembly and an inner part assembly which is arranged inside the outer part assembly and forms an elastic connection with the outer part assembly under mechanical tension, wherein the outer part assembly and/or the inner part assembly has/have a plurality of receptacles which are arranged distributed in the circumferential direction and in each of which a heating element is arranged, and the outer part assembly and the inner part assembly each comprise a polygon profile with polygon corners and polygon sides which connect the polygon corners. The invention is characterized in that the inner part assembly and the outer part assembly can be rotated relative to one another and are dimensioned in such a way that the polygon profiles are elastically deformed by a relative rotation between the inner part assembly and the outer part assembly in such a way that, in the mounted state, a press fit is formed in the region of the heating elements by the induced mechanical tension.

Claims

1. A retaining body for heating elements, in particular oval and round heating elements, having an outer part assembly and an inner part assembly which is arranged inside the outer part assembly and forms an elastic connection with the outer part assembly which is under mechanical tension, wherein the outer part assembly and/or the inner part assembly has/have a plurality of receptacles which are arranged distributed in the circumferential direction and in each of which a heating element is arranged, and the outer part assembly and the inner part assembly each comprise a polygon profile having polygon corners and polygon sides which connect the polygon corners, wherein the inner part assembly and the outer part assembly are rotatable relative to one another and dimensioned such that the polygon profiles are elastically deformed by a relative rotation between the inner part assembly and the outer part assembly such that, in the mounted state, a press fit is formed in the region of the heating elements by the induced mechanical tension.

2. The retaining body according to claim 1, wherein in the mounted state the heating elements are arranged between the polygon sides and/or the polygon corners.

3. The retaining body according to claim 1, wherein the receptacles each have wall sections which are adapted to the heating elements and enclose these at least partially in the circumferential direction of the heating elements.

4. The retaining body according to claim 3, wherein the wall sections of a receptacle are each partially formed by the outer part assembly and the inner part assembly, wherein a first wall section has a curvature angle of K≥180° and a second wall section is flat or has a curvature angle of K<180°.

5. The retaining body according to claim 1, wherein the outer part assembly forms the receptacles and the inner part assembly abutments for the heating elements or vice versa, wherein the heating elements are pressed against the abutments in the installed state.

6. The retaining body according to claim 5, wherein a respective contact surface for the heating elements is arranged in front of the abutments in the installation direction in order to position the heating elements in a suitable position for mounting.

7. The retaining body according to claim 6, wherein the contact surface is formed obliquely or concave.

8. The retaining body according to claim 1, wherein a core is concentrically arranged in the inner part assembly and connected to the inner part assembly by webs.

9. The retaining body according to claim 8, wherein the core forms an inner profile for accommodating a tool.

10. The retaining body according to claim 9, wherein the inner profile of the core for accommodating a tool is formed as an internal hexagon.

11. The retaining body according to claim 8, wherein a regulating unit is arranged on the core and comprises a temperature monitor or a temperature regulator and a temperature fuse which are electrically connected to the heating elements by a star circuit.

12. The retaining body according to claim 1, wherein the polygon profiles comprise at least three polygon corners and three polygon sides.

13. The retaining body according to claim 12, wherein the adjacent polygon corners of the polygon profiles each have the same distance angle.

14. The retaining body according to claim 12, wherein in the mounted state, the polygon corners of the polygon profiles are offset with respect to one another such that the polygon corners are aligned at least approximately centrally with respect to the oppositely arranged polygon sides.

15. The retaining body according to claim 12, wherein in the mounted state, the polygon corners of the polygon profiles are aligned approximately identically.

16. The retaining body according to claim 1, wherein the polygon profiles are designed in a sectionally concave, convex or straight manner.

17. The retaining body according to claim 1, wherein the polygon profiles have a ribbed structure or a lamellar structure.

18. The retaining body according to claim 1, wherein the inner part assembly and the outer part assembly are concentrically arranged.

19. The retaining body according to claim 1, wherein the heating elements are designed in a cylindrical or oval-cylindrical manner.

20. The retaining body according to claim 1, wherein the outer part assembly is joined from a plurality of parts and is closed with plates, in particular aluminum plates.

21. A heating device having a retaining body according to claim 1, wherein an axial end of the retaining body is connected to a fan in such a way that air can flow through the retaining body in the longitudinal direction.

22. A method for mounting a retaining body according to claim 1, in which the heating elements are arranged in the associated receptacles, the inner part assembly is then inserted into the outer part assembly and rotated with a tool which cooperates with the core until the heating elements are fixed between the inner part assembly and the outer part assembly by the mechanical tension induced by the elastic deformation of the polygon profiles.

Description

(1) The invention is explained in closer detail by means of several embodiment examples with reference to the attached schematic drawings, which show as follows.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment example of a retaining body according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a top view of the retaining body according to FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment example of a retaining body in accordance with the invention;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a top view of the retaining body according to FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment example of a retaining body in accordance with the invention;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a top view of the retaining body according to FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 7 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an embodiment example;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a section of an embodiment example of a heating device according to the invention.

(10) FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an embodiment example of a retaining body according to the invention. The retaining body comprises an outer part assembly 11 and an inner part assembly 12, which is arranged concentrically in the outer part assembly, and heating elements 10 arranged between the inner part assembly 12 and the outer part assembly 11. The retaining body is preferably made of aluminum and fulfils on the one hand a holding function and on the other hand a cooling function.

(11) The outer part assembly 11 comprises a first or an outer polygon profile 14. The inner part assembly 12 comprises a second or an inner polygon profile 14′. The first and second polygon profiles 14, 14′ each comprise three first and second polygon corners 14a, 14a′ and three first and second polygon sides 14b, 14b′. Variants and shapes with more than three first and second polygon corners 14a, 14a′ and polygon sides 14b, 14b′ are also conceivable. The number of first polygon corners corresponds to the number of second polygon corners 14a′. The first polygon corners 14a are flattened and show a concave curvature. The first and second polygon sides 14b, 14b′ show a convex curvature. The case that the first polygon corners 14a show a concave curvature and the first and second polygon sides 14b, 14b′ show a convex curvature is conceivable. The second polygon corners 14a′ are rounded. It is possible that the first and second polygon corners 14a, 14a′ and/or the first and second polygon sides 14b, 14b′ are designed in a straight manner.

(12) The outer part assembly 11 comprises a spacer frame 23 that encloses the first polygon profile 14. The spacer frame 23 is designed as a square. Alternatively, other shapes are possible (e.g. round). The spacer frame 23 can also be designed as a housing. The corners of the spacer frame 23 are rounded and each have a geometrically defined fixing point 24 on its inside. The fixing points 24 are designed as recesses over the entire axial length of the spacer frame 23. Other forms of fixing points 24, for example those which do not extend at all or only partially or in sections over the axial length of the spacer frame 23, are conceivable. The fixing points 24 can be used to fix the retaining body in a switch cabinet and/or to arrange a fan or a cover on the retaining body. It is conceivable to connect two or more retaining bodies with each other by means of the fixing points 24. A web 19 is formed in each case on each inner side of the spacer frame 23, connecting the spacer frame 23 with the first polygon profile 14. The spacer frame 23 can also be connected to the first polygon profile 14 in other ways. The spacer frame 23 and the first polygon profile 14 are preferably connected with webs 19 and designed as one component. The webs 19 are advantageously spaced as far as possible from the receptacles for the heating elements 10 in order to achieve a better spring effect and a preferably concentrated air flow in the area of the heating elements 10. Alternatively, the spacer frame 23 can be manufactured as a separate component.

(13) The first polygon profile 14 has a lamellar or ribbed structure on the outer and inner surfaces of the first polygon sides 14b and on the outer surfaces of the first polygon corners 14a. The ribbed structure increases the surface area of the first polygon profile 14 and enables more efficient heat exchange with the environment. Other structures that increase the surface area are also suitable. The inner surfaces of the first polygon corners 14a and the inner surfaces of the receptacles 13 have no ribbed structure. The inner surfaces of the first polygon corners 14a form abutments 16 and interact with the receptacles 13. For efficient heat transfer, the surfaces of the abutments 16 and the receptacles 13 are matched to the surfaces of the heating elements 10.

(14) The abutments 16 form part of a press fit and have a convexly shaped area in the middle, against which the heating elements 10 arranged on the inner part assembly 12 rest when assembled. The convex area reduces the gap between the heating elements 10 and the first polygon profile 14 and thus allows better heat transfer between the two assemblies. The abutments 16 can be shaped differently for better fixation. For example, the abutments 16 can be shaped so that they partially enclose the heating elements.

(15) The inner part assembly comprises the second polygon profile 14′, the heating elements 10 and a core 18. Receptacles 13 are formed centrally on the outer surfaces of the second polygon sides 14b′.

(16) The receptacles 13 are each made up of two radially outwardly directed wall sections 15. The inner surfaces of the receptacles 13 are adapted to the outer surfaces of the heating elements 10. The heating elements 10 are formed cylindrically and extend almost over the entire axial length of the retaining body. Other heating elements 10, in particular oval-cylindrical heating elements 10 and those with different length dimensions, are conceivable. The wall sections 15 do not completely enclose the heating elements 10, but in such a way that the heating elements 10 are fixed radially to the outside in a form-fit manner and can move in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the two wall sections 15 of the receptacles 13 together have a curvature angle of K>180°. In each case, a section of the outer surfaces of the heating elements 10, which is aligned to the inner surfaces of the first polygon profile 14, is not enclosed by the receptacles 13. When mounted, these sections interact with the abutments 16 and form the press fit between the inner part assembly 12 and the outer part assembly 11. In addition, the sections of the heating elements 10 not enclosed by the receptacles 13 have the function of transferring heat to the outer part assembly 11.

(17) Within the second polygon profile 14′ the core 18 is arranged concentrically. The core 18 is connected to the inner sides of the second polygon corners 14a′ by webs 19. This allows the second polygon sides 14b′ to build up a higher mechanical tension. The core 18 has an inner profile. The inner profile is designed as a hexagon. Alternatively, other geometries of the inner profile are conceivable. The inner profile of the core 18 works together during mounting with a tool, in particular a hexagon key. The type and size of the tool depends on the shape of the inner profile. An initiation of the relative movement is therefore conceivable with other tools or by hand. A fixing point 24 is arranged at each of two webs 19 of the core 18. The structural features of the fixing points 24 correspond to those of the spacer frame 23. The fixing points 24 can be arranged in other positions.

(18) A regulating unit 20 is arranged at the fixing points 24 by means of a screw connection. Other types of connections are possible for fixing, e.g. clamps or latching hooks. The regulating unit 20 comprises a temperature regulator or a temperature monitor 21 and a temperature fuse 22. It is conceivable that the regulating unit 20 comprises other or additional components. As shown schematically in FIG. 7, the components of regulating unit 20 are electrically connected to the heating elements 10 via a star connection. Alternatively, other circuit types are possible. The temperature regulator or temperature monitor 21 has the function of keeping the temperature approximately constant. The temperature can be measured or regulated by thermistors, thermocouples or temperature switches made of bimetal. The use of other methods is possible. In case of a defect or failure of the temperature regulator or the temperature monitor 21 and simultaneous occurrence of high temperatures, the temperature fuse 22 is triggered. Temperature fuse 22 comprises an electrical connection that melts at a certain limit temperature. If this temperature limit is exceeded, the temperature fuse 22 interrupts the electrical circuit and switches off the heating device to prevent damage. If the temperature fuse 22 has been triggered, the heating device is only ready for use again after a new temperature fuse 22 has been inserted.

(19) The second polygon profile 14′ has a ribbed or lamellar structure on the inner surfaces and on the outer surfaces of the second polygon corners 14a′ and polygon sides 14b′. The webs 19, which connect the polygon profile 14′ to the core 18, also have a ribbed structure. There is no ribbed structure on the inner surfaces of the receptacles 13, as the contact between the receptacles 13 and the heating elements must be as close and flat as possible to ensure good heat transfer. In general, all surfaces of the retaining body that are not in direct contact with the heating elements 10 can have a lamellar structure, a ribbed structure or alternatively another structure.

(20) The radial expansions of the outer diameter of the inner part assembly 12 and of the inner diameter of the outer part assembly 11 of the retaining body are dimensioned in such a way that they preferably overlap in the areas of the receptacles 13 for the heating elements 10, whereby an oversize is formed in the areas of the receptacles 13 in each case. The inner part assembly 12 is arranged before mounting in the outer part assembly 11 in such a way that the areas with oversize of the outer part assembly 11 and the inner part assembly 12 are offset from each other. A relative rotation is initiated by a tool, in particular a hexagon key, which interacts with the core 18. Other tools adapted to the core 18 are also conceivable for initiating relative rotation.

(21) By initiating the relative rotation, the areas of the inner part assembly 12 and the outer part assembly 11 overlap with oversize. This allows a press fit between the two assemblies, which fixes the inner part assembly 12 in the outer part assembly 11. Due to the relative rotation, a contact is first created between the two assemblies in the areas with interference. More precisely, the contact between the heating elements 10 and the outer part or inner part assembly 11, 12 is established. The inner part assembly 12 presses the outer part assembly 11, in particular the first polygon profile 14 of the outer part assembly 11, radially outwards in the area of the receptacles 13 for the heating elements 10, whereby the first and second polygon profiles 14, 14′ elastically deform. The relative rotation is continued until the heating elements 10 are arranged in the provided receptacles 13. The first and second polygon profiles 14, 14′ remain elastically deformed after the relative rotation.

(22) The mechanical tension or spring force induced by the elastic deformation in the first and second polygon profiles 14, 14′ applies a contact force to the heating elements 10. The convex shape of the first polygon corners 14a and the concave shape of the second polygon sides 14b′ support the opposite mechanical tensions in the first and second polygon profiles 14, 14′. The heating elements 10 are fixed in a positive and non-positive manner in the receptacles 13 in such a way that temperature changes have little influence on the contact force.

(23) FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show another embodiment example of a retaining body according to the invention.

(24) The spacer frame 23 is identical to the spacer frame 23 described in FIGS. 1 and 2.

(25) In this embodiment example, no surface of the retaining body has a ribbed or lamellar structure. In principle, however, all surfaces of the retaining body that are not in direct contact with the heating elements 10 are suitable to have a ribbed structure or another surface structure. It is therefore also conceivable that the spacer frame 23 has a ribbed or lamellar structure.

(26) The geometry of the first polygon profiles 14, 14′ essentially corresponds to that of the first and second polygon profiles 14, 14′ of the embodiment example according to FIGS. 1 and 2. The differences are described in more detail in the following explanations.

(27) Contrary to the embodiment example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the receptacles 13 of the retaining body shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are not formed on the inner part assembly 12, but on the outer part assembly 11. More precisely, the receptacles are disposed on the inner surface of the first polygon corners 14a of the first polygon profile 14.

(28) The wall sections 15 of the receptacles 13 extend radially inwards. The inner and outer surfaces of wall sections 15 are curved. The curvature angle of the wall sections 15 is K>180°. More than half of the circumference of the heating elements 10 is enclosed by the wall sections 15 of the receptacles 13. The curvature angle is selected in such a way that the heating element 10 arranged in the receptacle 13 can only move along the longitudinal axis of the retaining body. Differently shaped heating elements 10 and correspondingly differently shaped receptacles 13 are conceivable. The heating elements 10 are not completely enclosed by the wall sections 15 of the receptacles 13. The radially outermost section of the heating elements 10, starting from the center of the retaining body, remains free. The free section of the heating elements 10 interacts with abutments 16 and forms the press fit between the inner part assembly 12 and the outer part assembly 11.

(29) The abutments 16 are arranged on the inner part assembly 12. More precisely, the abutments 16 are formed on the outer surfaces of the second polygon sides 14b′ of the second polygon profile 14′. The abutments 16 are adapted to the heating elements 10 and partially enclose the heating elements 10. In addition, the abutments 16 have a curvature angle of K<180°. Preferably the sum total of the curvature angles of the wall sections 15 and the abutments 16 is approximately 360°. The heating elements 10 are thus almost completely enclosed by the receptacles 13 and the abutments 16 and show an almost optimal heat transfer from the heating elements 10 to the first and second polygon profiles 14, 14′.

(30) The relative rotation of the inner part assembly 12, in which the inner part assembly 12 and the outer part assembly 11 are positively and non-positively connected to each other, is carried out counterclockwise in the embodiment example according to FIGS. 3 and 4. A variant in which mounting is carried out by turning it clockwise is also conceivable.

(31) In the direction of the relative rotation, a contact surface 17 is positioned in front of the abutment 16. The contact surface 17 is designed as a concave curvature in the second polygon side 14b′ of the second polygon profile 14′. In principle, other shapes are also conceivable for the contact surfaces 17. The heating elements 10 are arranged on the contact surfaces 17 before the relative rotation when the inner part assembly 12 is inserted into the outer part assembly 11, in order to bring the two assemblies into a suitable position for the relative rotation. Since the contact surfaces 17 are arranged directly in front of the abutments 16, only a small rotary movement or a small angle of rotation is necessary to fix the heating elements 10. This prevents the heating elements 10 from rubbing via the second polygon profile 14′ and being damaged during the relative rotation.

(32) Core 18 essentially corresponds to core 18 of the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The differences are explained in more detail below.

(33) The core 18 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 does not include fixing points 24. The regulating unit 20 has a groove for a snap ring. The snap ring allows the regulating unit 20 to be placed in a bracket 25 and clamped together with the bracket 25 in the center of the inner profile of the core 18. For this purpose the bracket 25 has two laterally arranged clamping elements 26 which are aligned parallel to each other and, when installed, interact with two opposite inner sides of the inner profile of the core, in particular the hexagon socket.

(34) The clamping elements 26 extend axially against the installation direction and each form an angle of at least 90°. To achieve a higher clamping force, the clamping elements have 26 teeth which extend against the mounting direction and are angled outwards. At the free axial ends of the clamping elements 26 a stop is formed which limits the installation depth of the bracket 25.

(35) FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show another embodiment example of a retaining body according to the invention.

(36) The spacer frame 23 and the outer part assembly 11 are identical to the components from FIGS. 3 and 4.

(37) The inner part assembly 12 in this example is designed in such a way that the abutments 16 for the heating elements 10 are arranged at the second polygon corners 14a′. As a result, the second polygon profile is 14′ smaller than in the previous examples. The abutments 16 essentially correspond to the abutments 16 from FIGS. 3 and 4. In contrast, in the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, no contact surfaces 17 are formed, since the heating elements are only in contact with the second polygon side 14b′ for a short section during relative rotation anyway.

(38) The core 18 essentially corresponds to the core from FIGS. 1 to 4 with the difference that the webs 19 connect the core 18 to the inner surfaces of the second polygon sides 14b′ and not to the inner surfaces of the second polygon corners 14a′. This has the advantage that a greater elastic deformation of the first and second polygon corners 14a, 14a′ is possible.

(39) The regulating unit 20 is arranged inside the core 18 by a circular bracket 25. The bracket 25 has clamping elements 26. The clamping elements 26 each form an angle of 90° and extend axially in the installation direction. The free axial ends are inclined inwards to make it easier to insert the bracket 25 into the core 18. The clamping elements 26 each have teeth that essentially correspond to the teeth in FIGS. 3 and 4. Alternatively, other shapes or structures are conceivable which increase the clamping force.

(40) FIG. 7 shows an exemplary schematic diagram in which the heating elements 10 and the components of the regulating unit 20 are connected to each other via a star connection. The heating elements 10 are each connected to one phase of the voltage source. The temperature monitor 21 is arranged between the strings L1 and L3 and the heating elements 10. The temperature fuse 22 is arranged between the temperature monitor 21 and the heating elements 10 of the strings L1 and L3. A different arrangement of the components of the regulating unit 20 is conceivable. It is sufficient, in the event of an excessive temperature, to interrupt two strings in order to switch off the heating device.

(41) FIG. 8 shows an embodiment example of a heating device. The heating device comprises the retaining body with the spacer frame 23 and the first and second polygon profiles 14, 14′. The first and second polygon profiles 14, 14′ have ribs. In all other respects, the polygon profiles 14, 14′ essentially correspond to the polygon profiles 14, 14′ described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The heating elements 10 are arranged between the polygon profiles 14, 14′ analogous to FIGS. 1 and 2. A grid structure 30 is arranged at the axial end of the retaining body in the direction of the air flow. The grid structure 30 can be connected to the retaining body by means of the fixing points 24.

(42) An attachment 29 is arranged at the opposite axial end of the retaining body. The attachment 29 comprises a fan 28, a circular disk 27 with webs and a grid structure 30′. Attachment 29 can be connected to the retaining body, for example by plugging it on and/or using the fixing points 24 or latching elements. The fan 28 is arranged inside the attachment 29, concentric to the retaining body. A circular disk 27 is arranged on the discharge side of fan 28. The diameter of the circular disk 27 corresponds approximately to the diameter of the inner profile of the core 18. Other shapes are conceivable for the circular disk 27. The circular disk has webs which extend radially and can be connected to the fixing points 24. The circular disk 27 protects the fan 28 from heat radiation. In addition, the circular disk 27 directs the air flow into the edge areas of the retaining body. This means that the air flow does not flow through the inner profile of the core 18, but preferably only through the edge areas where the heating elements 10 are preferably located. The heating elements 10 are arranged in the area of the highest air flow. A temperature regulator 21 and a temperature fuse 22 are arranged in the core 18.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(43) 10 Heating elements

(44) 11 Outer part assembly

(45) 12 Inner part assembly

(46) 13 Receptacle

(47) 14 First polygon profile (outer part assembly)

(48) 14′ Second polygon profile (inner part assembly)

(49) 14a First polygon corner (outer part assembly)

(50) 14a′ Second polygon corner (inner part assembly)

(51) 14b First polygon side (outer part assembly)

(52) 14b′ Second polygon side (inner part assembly)

(53) 15 Wall section

(54) 16 Abutment

(55) 17 Contact surface

(56) 18 Core

(57) 19 Web

(58) 20 Regulating unit

(59) 21 Temperature monitor

(60) 22 Temperature fuse

(61) 23 Spacer frame

(62) 24 Fixing points

(63) 25 Bracket

(64) 26 Clamping elements

(65) 27 Circular disk

(66) 28 Fan

(67) 29 Spacer frame

(68) 30 Grid structure