Heating device having a holding apparatus to accommodate a control unit

A heating device having a holding apparatus to accommodate a control unit, the holding apparatus having a receiving part. It is proposed that a cover be fixed in place on the receiving part, which is provided to protect electrical connections or electrical components from a fluid, in particular spray water. A holding apparatus for a heating device is also described.

CROSS REFERENCE

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of German Patent Application No. DE 102017221520.8 filed on Nov. 30, 2017, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a heating device having a holding apparatus to accommodate a control unit, the holding apparatus including a receiving part. In addition, the present invention relates to a holding apparatus for a heating device including a receiving part.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

German Patent Application No. DE 10 2014 222 758 A1 describes a device for controlling and/or regulating a heating or household device in a heating or home installation, which has an operating device and a control panel; the heating or household device has a housing including a flap, the flap accommodating at least parts of a control for the heating or household device and making it accessible from the outside. The flap is meant to separate the operating device from the control panel.

SUMMARY

The present invention may have an advantage that a cover is provided on the receiving part, which is meant to protect electrical connections or electrical components from a fluid, especially spray water, so that electrical short-circuits, especially during an installation or a service operation, are able to be avoided.

The features described herein allow for advantageous further developments of the present invention. For example, the cover on the receiving part may be fixed in place in a region that is at a distance from a receptacle for the control unit, thereby allowing the cover to be developed as a flap which has an opening region in an area that is close to the receptacle for the control unit.

It is particularly advantageous, especially when the holding apparatus is flipped open, if the cover is mounted so that it is pivotable and preferably flippable, in the direction of the heating device, which increases the accessibility.

It is likewise advantageous if the receiving part and/or the cover has/have at least one duct and/or at least one opening for the discharge of water, which avoids water from permanently collecting in the holding apparatus.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the receiving part and/or the cover has/have at least one wall and/or at least one projection for a labyrinth-type seal, in particular with respect to the control unit; this allows for efficient sealing that also protects the electrical connections or electrical components from the fluid, in particular spray water.

It is also advantageous if the receiving part forms a cable duct together with the cover, in particular for an electrical wiring of the control unit with the heating device, which makes it possible to simplify the cable routing in the wiring of the control unit.

In addition, it is advantageous if the receiving part has at least one receptacle for cable bushings, especially sleeves and/or strain-relief mechanism, so that the cable routing is further stabilized.

It is also advantageous if the cover has a receptacle for a module for expanding the control unit, in particular an interface module, whereby the heating device is able to be expanded in a particularly uncomplicated manner.

In addition, the present invention relates to a holding apparatus for a heating device, in particular for a heating device according to the preceding description, which includes a receiving part. In contrast to the cited related art, the holding apparatus offers the advantage that a cover, which is meant to protect electrical connections or electrical components from a fluid, especially spray water, is mounted on the receiving part so that electrical short-circuits, especially during an installation or during servicing of a heating device, are able to be avoided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1depicts an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a part10of a heating device; in the illustrated case, this is a housing structure12of the heating device, including a holding apparatus14for the accommodation of a control unit22, or a housing17of a control unit22. Holding apparatus14accommodates control unit22or housing17of control unit22in the illustrated case, while control unit22, or housing17of control unit22, accommodates an operating unit23, which is able to be operated by a user. Housing structure12includes a wind box16and two structural elements18.

Holding apparatus14has a receiving part24. Control unit22, or housing17of control unit22, is introduced into receiving part24. In the illustrated case, receiving part24has two struts26, and a receptacle28for the control unit is developed between the at least two struts. Struts26allow for a particularly stable development of holding apparatus14and for its stable mounting on housing structure12.

Holding apparatus14for accommodating control unit22is fixed in place on the heating device or on housing structure12of the heating device in a pivotable or flippable manner. In the illustrated case, holding apparatus14is in a closed position.

It is fixed in place in a lower region19of structural elements18and in an upper region21of structural elements18.

Accordingly,FIG. 2shows an illustration of the exemplary embodiment fromFIG. 1with a holding apparatus14that is partially flipped open. Holding apparatus14is disposed so that it can be opened toward the front, or away from the heating device or housing structure12of the heating device.

It can also be seen that structural elements18are developed in the form of a C. The holding apparatus is mounted on structural elements18in a pivotable or flippable manner via an axial bearing20(see alsoFIG. 5) in lower region19of structural elements18.

Accordingly,FIG. 3shows an illustration of the exemplary embodiment from the previous figures with a completely flipped open holding apparatus14. Holding apparatus14is able to be flipped open up to the point where it is stopped by projections30on structural elements18or until struts26strike projections30and prevent a further opening.

If holding apparatus14is in a closed position, then this corresponds to an angle of 0°. If holding apparatus14is completely flipped open, this corresponds to an angle of 84° in the exemplary embodiment, starting from the closed position of holding apparatus14.

Moreover, it is shown inFIG. 3that a cover32is fixed in place on receiving part24. Cover32is provided in order to protect electrical connections or electrical components from a fluid, especially from spray water; in the illustrated case, these are electrical connections80or electrical components82of control unit22as they will be shown later inFIG. 10. This allows a technician to carry out service or repair work on the heating device, and contact between electrical connections80or electrical components82of control unit22and spray water, which may end up on holding apparatus14during an exchange of pipes in the heating device, for example, is able to be avoided.

Accordingly,FIG. 4shows an illustration of the exemplary embodiment from the preceding figures with a completely flipped open holding apparatus14and a flipped open cover32. Cover32is fixed in place on receiving part24in a region34that is at a distance from receptacle28for control unit22. This allows cover24to be pivoted in such a way that it is able to form an opening region in a region35that is close to receptacle28for control unit22, which is toward the front in the illustrated case. The cover is developed in the form of a flap36.

In the illustrated case, with holding apparatus14flipped open, cover32or flap36is mounted so that it can be pivoted or flipped in the direction of the heating device or housing structure12, which is able to improve the accessibility during installation or service work. When holding apparatus14and cover32are flipped open, as shown inFIG. 4, a technician has access to electrical connections of control unit22from the front and is able to carry out or inspect required wiring at that location.

Holding apparatus14is mounted on housing structure12so that it can be removed or also exchanged. Accordingly, an illustration of the exemplary embodiment from the previous figures is shown inFIG. 5where holding apparatus14removed.

Due to a clamping connection on the part of housing structure12with axial bearing20of holding apparatus14, holding apparatus14is able to be removed at all angles in the illustrated case. However, it would alternatively also be conceivable that holding apparatus14is removable at a certain angle such as 45°, e.g., with the aid of a form-fitting connection.

In addition, the holding apparatus has further projections37on the front side, which are provided to position a front cover of the heating device at least in its height. Thus, in a holding apparatus14that is mounted and closed, a front cover can be installed on the heating device from the front in an especially simple manner, and it is ensured that the front cover is positioned in such a way that operating unit23of the heating device, which is accommodated by the housing of control unit22, is accessible, for instance by way of a cutout in the front cover, so that the user is able to operate operating unit23.

FIG. 6shows an exploded view of a holding apparatus14according to the preceding figures with a control unit22. As already mentioned, holding apparatus14has a receiving part and receiving part24has two struts26including a receptacle28for control unit22that is developed between the two struts26.

It can also be seen inFIG. 6that receiving part24is developed in a U-shape, whereby the receiving and wiring of control unit22is able to be simplified since access to control unit22is possible both from the front side and the rear side of receiving part24. Because of the U-shaped development and the accessibility from the front and rear side of the receiving part, operating unit23may also be mounted directly on control unit22or the housing of control unit22. In this way control unit22is introduced into receiving part24together with operating unit23.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the two struts26have an axial bearing20in each case via which holding apparatus14or receiving part24is able to be fixed in place on the heating device or on housing structure12of the heating device. This allows for a pivotable, or in the illustrated case, a flippable, installation of the holding apparatus on the heating device or on housing structure12of the heating device.

In addition, in regions39that are at a distance from axial bearings20in the illustrated case, the two struts26have a construction38for the attachment of an individual detent element40in each case, whereby holding apparatus14is able to be easily closed by latching detent elements40, and be easily opened again by operating detent elements40. As can be gathered fromFIGS. 1 through 5, detent elements40latch into place in an upper region21of structured elements18. Accordingly, in a closed position, holding apparatus14is mounted via axial bearing20in lower region19of the structural elements and via detent elements40in upper region21of structural elements18.

The two struts26have, or form, a cable duct42in each case. Via cable ducts42, control unit22is also able to be wired in an upper region44, the wiring being able to be routed along cable ducts42of struts26.

In addition, receiving part24has receptacles46for cable bushings48, i.e., for sleeves50and strain-relief mechanisms52in the illustrated case, thereby making it possible to further stabilize and secure the wiring. Traction-relief mechanisms52, in particular, are able to withstand tractive forces of at least 100 N. Receptacles46for cable bushings48, or sleeves50and strain-relief mechanisms52, are developed adjacent to struts26, which makes it possible to laterally route the wiring to and from control unit22. In this way it can be avoided that the wiring runs in a disorganized fashion from holding apparatus14to the heating device or to housing structure12, or vice versa.

As already mentioned, a cover32is fixed in place on receiving part24, which is provided in order to protect electrical connections or electrical components from a fluid, especially from spray water. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, cover32is provided for the purpose of protecting a lower region45of control unit22from the fluid or spray water. In the illustrated case, service region70where a multitude of electrical connections80and electrical components82are disposed for the electrical connection of control unit22to the heating device, is mainly protected from spray water by cover32, in particular.

It can also be gathered fromFIG. 6that receiving part24has means54for fastening cover32or flap26. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, means54for fastening cover32are axles56. Axles56together with bushings58developed on cover32form joints60or hinges62by which receiving part24and cover32are connected to each other in a pivotable or flippable manner.

Moreover, receiving part24has a receptacle64for a switching unit66, which is a modular unit in the illustrated case and which is provided in order to switch the heating device on and/or off. This allows for a relatively easy mounting of the switching unit on the heating device.

However, it would alternatively also be possible that switching unit66is an actuator unit68, which is provided to initiate the activation and/or deactivation of the heating device. For example, it would also be possible to initiate the activation and/or deactivation of the heating device via a radio or Internet connection.

FIG. 7shows an illustration of a holding apparatus14according to the preceding figures with a control unit22. Cover32or flap36, detent elements40, cable bushings48or sleeves50, and strain-relief mechanisms52as well as switching unit66are fixed in place on receiving part24.

Control unit22is introduced into holding apparatus14or receiving part24by slipping or inserting it into receptacle28that is provided for this purpose. Accordingly,FIG. 8shows an illustration of a holding apparatus14according to the preceding figures with a mounted control unit22.

Control unit22is easier to fasten to a heating apparatus due to the use of holding apparatus14. In addition, control unit22is installed so that it is exchangeable on account of holding apparatus14.

FIG. 9shows an illustration of a holding apparatus14according to the preceding figures with cover32flipped closed. Using further detent elements72, cover32is fixed in place on the receiving part in the closed position. Cover32is able to be easily closed by further detent elements72snapping into place on the receiving part and can be easily opened again by operating further detent elements72.

In the illustrated case, holding apparatus14is shown in a closed position. If it then happens that a fluid such as spray water makes contact with holding apparatus14, this spray water is essentially able to drain from the outside along cover32in a downward direction.

FIG. 10shows a sectional view of a holding apparatus14along line X-X fromFIG. 9. Holding apparatus14is shown in an open position. As already explained, electrical connections or electrical components are protected from a fluid, especially spray water, by cover32or flap36. In the illustrated case, electrical connections80in service region70of control unit22, which may also be understood as electrical components82of control unit22, are protected from spray water by cover32.

In the illustrated case, cover32has a shape such that it forms a duct78with control unit22or housing17of control unit22, in which spray water is able to collect, e.g., during service or repair work. In addition, cover32has openings74through which spray water that has collected in duct78is able to drain. This avoids a permanent collection of spray water at the same location.

In the illustrated case, spray water that collects in duct78is discharged through openings74and routed into a cavity86between cover32and receiving part24. Since holding apparatus84can only be flipped open up to a maximum angle of 84°, the holding apparatus features a downward slope in the open position. The downward slope allows for rapid draining of the spray water, which is guided through openings74into cavity86along receiving part24. Receiving part24in turn has further openings88through which the spray water may finally flow from cavity86, and thus also from holding apparatus14. Due to the downward slope, the spray water is able to drain fairly rapidly from holding apparatus14without permanently remaining in cavity86.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, housing17of control unit22is developed in such a way that it forms a trough84in service region70where electrical connections80or electrical components82are located as well. This prevents contact between spray water located in cavity86and electrical connections80or electrical components82. Accordingly, the spray water in cavity86flows past electrical connections80or electrical components82.

In addition, the receiving part has a wall94for a labyrinth-type seal100, in the illustrated case, with control unit22or housing17of control unit22. Because of labyrinth-type seal100, service region70on the front side of holding apparatus14is able to be sealed for protection from a fluid, especially spray water.

Wall94itself has an insertion bevel96, which facilitates the insertion. Insertion bevel96can be seen more easily inFIGS. 6 and 7, which is why reference is made toFIGS. 6 and 7at this point. Wall94also at least partially forms receptacle28for control unit22or housing17of control unit22.

Moreover, in the illustrated case, the cover has a projection102for a further labyrinth-type seal104together with control unit22or housing17of control unit22. Because of further labyrinth-type seal104, service region70on the rear side of holding apparatus14is able to be sealed for the protection against a fluid, especially spray water.

Control unit22, or housing17of control unit22, in turn also includes a further groove106that corresponds to projection102and encloses projection102of cover32after the insertion of control unit22and the subsequent closing of cover32. Accordingly, this may also be understood as an introduction of projection102of cover32into corresponding further groove106of control unit22or housing17of control unit22, during the closing. Projection102and corresponding further groove106form labyrinth-type seal100in the process.

It is also possible here that projection102has a further insertion bevel that makes the insertion easier. By closing cover32, or by inserting projection106into corresponding further groove106of control unit22or housing17of control unit22, control unit22is fixed in place in its provided receptacle28and is no longer able to be removed from the receptacle. Only after cover32has been flipped open will said fixation be canceled so that control unit22is able to be taken out of its provided receptacle28again.

In addition, receiving part24together with cover32forms a cable duct92for an electrical wiring of control unit22with the heating device. In the illustrated case, receiving part24together with cover32forms cavity86, which functions as cable duct92for the electrical wiring of the control unit with the heating device. This allows for an organized wiring of the control unit with the heating device.

FIG. 11shows an enlarged view of a detail IX fromFIG. 6. Receiving part24is aligned according to a closed position of holding apparatus14. This forms a web90above further opening88in each case. Web90makes it possible to prevent dust from dropping from above into further openings88and clogging further opening88.

In addition, the cover has a receptacle118for a module120, which is an interface module122in the illustrated case, for the expansion of control unit22. This allows for a particularly uncomplicated expansion of the heating device. Accordingly,FIG. 12shows an illustration of holding apparatus14according to the preceding figures, which is provided with such a module120, or interface module122, for the expansion of the control unit. It is shown inFIG. 12that module120is inserted into provided receptacle120where it is then fixed in place in said receptacle118with the aid of a locking device124.

Accordingly,FIG. 13shows a further view of holding apparatus14according to the preceding figures, including a module120, or an interface module122, for an expansion of control unit22. In the illustrated case, module120is already mounted in provided receptacle118. A removal of module120is possible by operating locking device124, thereby making module120exchangeable. Depending on the type of module120, technically different expansions of the heating device are therefore possible.

FIG. 14shows an illustration of a receiving part24of a holding apparatus14according to the preceding figures. This is a plan view as it would be seen from the perspective of a technician when holding apparatus14is in the open position; however, only receiving part24with detent elements40is shown but no control unit22and no cover32.

Receiving part24has a storage tray108for tools and at least one receptacle110for tools; in the illustrated case, it has two receptacles for tools. This allows a technician to put down his tools, e.g., during service or repair work.

Storage tray108for tools, and the two receptacles110for tools are developed between the two struts26, which makes it possible to develop storage tray108for tools and the two receptacles110for tools in such a way that they provide a particularly stable support.

In the illustrated case, storage tray108for tools is developed between the two receptacles110for tools. In this way, storage tray108for tools is developed adjacent to the two receptacles110for tools, which allows a technician to store his tools in an orderly and uncluttered fashion.

Storage tray108for tools is developed as a cross member112having a storage area114, which makes it possible to provide a particularly large storage area114where a technician may place screws or the like, for example.

Storage tray108for tools or storage area114has a loading capacity of up to 5 kg and thus provides for a high load bearing capacity of storage tray108, which allows a technician to place a multitude of tools on storage tray108.

In addition, storage area108for tools at least partially forms receptacle28for control unit22, which additionally stabilizes control unit22in receptacle28. The insertion of control unit22is also made easier since storage area108may function as an insertion guide.

The two receptacles110for tools are developed as openings116, which are able to accommodate the tools, i.e., mainly screwdrivers in the illustrated case. For example, screwdrivers are able to be hooked into receptacles110for tools, or into openings116. In addition, receptacles110for tools, or openings116, may serve as openings for the drainage of water in the event that spray water collects around receptacles110, such as during service or repair work.