In particular, the present invention concerns a solution intended to simplify the installation of an air heating and/or conditioning device or element in environments like for example domestic but also industrial premises.

In greater detail, the present solution concerns a kit of components for the installation and maintenance of an air heating and/or conditioning device or component of the type mentioned above at low cost, in a limited time and by means of simple and facilitated operations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

In the art concerning heating systems it is known that the installation of heating devices like for example common radiators for domestic use poses several problems for both the actual hydraulic connection of the component to the pipes of a main system and the anchorage of the device to a solid structure, for example a wall. Said problems are partly due, for example, to the weight and overall dimensions of the radiators commonly used, which make the radiators themselves very difficult to handle. Anchoring systems known in the art comprise, for example, metal brackets rigidly anchored to walls and suited to support a radiator. Further problems, on the other hand, are due to the fact that the anchoring systems commonly used and known in the art do not allow the radiators to be disengaged unless they are previously disconnected from the main heating system. This problem, in turn, complicates the common everyday operations, like for example the cleaning of the radiators and also of the recesses or compartments (obtained in the walls) in which the radiators are generally housed. Further problems that have already been addressed in the past but have never been completely solved are those due to the aesthetic appearance of the known systems (usually not satisfactory or in any case not up to high aesthetic standards), as it is difficult to properly hide the hydraulic connections of the radiators.

Finally, a particularly felt problem concerns the fact that up to date the fixing means do not make it possible to facilitate the hydraulic connection operations.

SCOPE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks that are typical of the radiators or conditioners or convectors known in the state of the art. In particular, it is one object of the present invention to provide a solution that allows an air heating and/or conditioning device (for example a radiator or even a conditioner or a convector) to be anchored to a wall or a similar structure, in addition to allowing the hydraulic connection of the same to a main conditioning and/or heating system at low cost and by means of simple and immediate operations.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a solution for the anchorage and the hydraulic connection of a radiator or a similar element of the type just described above which allows the simplified re-positioning of the same with no need to hydraulically disconnect the element itself from the main system. Finally, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a solution for the anchorage and the hydraulic connection of an element of the type mentioned above which makes it possible to meet even high criteria and aesthetic standards.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is based on the general consideration that the objects set and summed up above can be achieved in a satisfactory manner by using, for the anchorage and the hydraulic connection of an air heating and/or conditioning device, a kit of components that makes it possible on the one hand to accommodate the pipe fittings and on the other hand to handle the element itself between a final position of use and an intermediate position in which access to the element itself or to parts of the same is facilitated. The present invention is based in particular on the further consideration that the set objects can be achieved by using a built-in box suited to house the hydraulic pipe fittings, to support the heating and/or conditioning element as well as to handle it during the installation and/or hydraulic connection step, or even successively if this becomes necessary.

Based on the preceding considerations, the subject of the present invention is thus a box for anchoring to a solid structure and hydraulically connecting at least one air heating and/or conditioning device of the domestic or industrial or a similar type according to claim 1, meaning a rigid box suited to be enclosed in a recess, for example provided in said solid structure, and to house the pipe fittings that provide connection between said at least one element and at least the main delivery pipe and the main return pipe of said main system, said box being suited to be used in combination with a suspension plate suited to be rigidly fixed to said at least one element in order to suspend in a movable manner said at least one element from said solid structure, said rigid box comprising supporting means that can be alternatively moved between a first supporting position, in which said at least one element is supported by (rests on) said supporting means, and a second rest position, in which said at least one element is suspended from said solid structure by means of said suspension plate.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, said supporting means comprise two arms arranged at a predefined distance from each other, each suited to be alternatively moved between said first supporting position and said second rest position.

Preferably, at least one of said two supporting arms can alternatively revolve between said first supporting position and said second rest position.

Preferably, said at least one supporting arm comprises at least one end portion that can alternatively be extended and retracted.

According to a further embodiment, the present invention comprises a kit for anchoring to a solid structure and hydraulically connecting a heating and/or conditioning element, said kit comprising a first rigid box suited to be enclosed in a recess, for example in a solid structure, and to accommodate a second rigid box and said at least one heating and/or conditioning element.

Further special or preferred embodiments of the present invention, as well as possible applications of the same, are defined in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages, objects and characteristics, as well as further embodiments of the present invention will be highlighted below through the following description of the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings, in which corresponding or equivalent characteristics or component parts are identified by the same reference numbers; in particular, in the figures:

- Figures la, lb and lc show perspective views of a built-in box according to respective embodiments of the present invention;

- Figures 2a and 2b show perspective views of a box according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 3a and 3b respectively show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a box according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a possible application of the present invention; - Figures 5a and 5b show side views of a box according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 6a and 6b show side views of a box according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 7a and 7b show side views of a box according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 8a and 8b respectively show a perspective view and side views of a further built-in box according to another embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 9 shows perspective views of the main components of the solution according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 10a, 10b and 10c respectively show a perspective view and a side view of a possible application of the present invention;

- Figures 11a and 1 lb respectively show a side view and a perspective view of a further component of the solution according to the present invention applied to a heating and/or conditioning element;

- Figures 12a and 12b respectively show a perspective view and a side view of a component of the solution according to the present invention;

- Figures 13a and 13b show perspective views of the box according to the present invention housing examples of pipe fittings for the hydraulic connection of a radiator or a convector to a main system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Even though the present invention is described below making reference to its embodiments shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below and illustrated in the drawings. On the contrary, the embodiments described below and represented in the drawings clarify some aspects of the present invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims.

The present invention can be especially but not exclusively applied for the anchorage and hydraulic connection of systems and solutions for heating and conditioning premises, like for example domestic but also industrial or similar premises. For this reason, the present invention is described below with particular reference to its applications concerning the hydraulic connection and the anchorage of heat exchanger elements, for example heating and conditioning elements (radiators, conditioners or similar elements).

In Figures la, lb and lc, the reference number 100 indicates a built-in box according to corresponding embodiments of the solution proposed by the present invention. The built-in box 100 is preferably made of a rigid material such as plastic, metal or similar materials (even wood) and is suited to be enclosed in a corresponding recess or compartment obtained in a solid structure, for example a wall. The box 100 is delimited, in particular, by perimeter walls and comprises a front wall (meaning a wall that is intended to be directed towards the outside of the solid structure during use) that in turn is provided with an opening 100a suited to ensure access to the inside of the box 100. The back wall of the box 100 opposite the front wall can alternatively be blind or in turn be provided with an opening, depending on the needs or circumstances. The box 100 comprises also a pair of openings 101, each suited to house the end of a corresponding pipe, for example a main delivery pipe and a main return pipe of a main heating system. One of the objects of the box 100 is thus to define a housing for said end portions of pipes as well as for the pipe fittings between them and a heating or conditioning element (for example, a radiator or a convector) that, as we will see, during use is arranged in a substantially frontal position with respect to the box 100. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures la and lc, the front wall comprises also an edge 105 that develops towards the outside in a perpendicular direction with respect to the perimeter walls and is suited to abut against the portion of the structure that is adjacent to the recess obtained in it. The edge 105 can also comprise a series of holes suitable for fixing the edge itself to the structure by means of screws, dowels or similar fixing means.

In the embodiment shown in Figure lb, the box 100 comprises openings 104 that are obtained by making C-shaped cuts or notches in the perimeter walls of the box 100 itself and by bending or folding towards the outside the tab obtained with said cuts. The tabs 103 can then be housed in suitable seats created in the structure and fixed thereto, for example by means of cement or similar materials; furthermore, the openings 104 can be used to allow the passage, for example, of electric wires, further pipes or similar elements. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure la, on the edge 105 and beside the main opening 101a, a further opening is obtained which comprises two adjacent portions communicating with each other, of which one is wider than the other. The opening 102 is suited to accommodate a rigid element in the shape of a pin 102a that develops from a radiator in such a way as to make it easier to anchor the radiator to the box 100 and thus to the solid structure. In particular, the anchorage will be obtained by introducing the pin through the wider portion and lowering it until it is housed in the narrower portion. Since the pin is provided with a head that cannot pass through the narrower portion, to remove the radiator it will therefore be necessary to lift the same in such a way as to move the pin back to the level of the wider portion of the opening 102.

According to the embodiments shown in Figures 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b, the built-in box according to the present invention comprises supporting means suited to support a heating or conditioning element, for example a radiator or a convector. While it is advisable to refer to the continuation of the present description for a more detailed explanation of the procedures for anchoring said element and thus for using the supporting means, at this point of the description it is possible to illustrate the characteristics of said supporting means in advance. For example, the supporting means shown in Figures 2a and 2b comprise two arms 107, each one of which is suited to be alternatively rotated around a substantially vertical rotation axis between a retracted position (Figure 2b) and an extended position (Figure 2a) in which the two arms 107 are extended towards the outside along a direction that is substantially parallel to the direction defined by the depth of the box 100. At this point it is therefore simple to appreciate how, with the arms 107 in the position shown in Figure 2a, it will be possible to rest a heating or conditioning element on them and, for example, to make the hydraulic connections (for example by means of flexible pipe fittings) between the element itself and the pipes of a main system that project from the openings 101. Once the hydraulic connection has been completed, the arms 107 can be folded back in the position shown in Figure 2b so that the heating or conditioning element can be positioned before the box 100, thus hiding (at least partially) the pipe fittings and any other element housed inside the box 100 from sight, with obvious advantages in terms of aesthetic appearance. As will be explained below, always according to the present invention, with the supporting arms 107 in the position shown in Figure 2b, the heating or conditioning element will be fixed to the solid structure by means of suitable solutions, for example by hanging it on the structure itself. According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, each one of the supporting arms 107 can revolve around a substantially horizontal axis between an open or supporting position (Figures 3a and 3b) and a folded or rest position that is not illustrated in the figures. Furthermore, a folding bracket 1071 is interposed between the box 100 and the end of each one of the two arms 107 opposite the rotation axis of the arm itself. The folding bracket 1071 thus serves the function of increasing the resistance to load of the corresponding arm 107. In Figure 3a, the reference number 1 10 indicates the hydraulic union revolving elements for the hydraulic connection of the heating or conditioning element. It can thus be understood that even in this case the hydraulic connection can be made with the heating or conditioning element resting on the supporting arms 107 in the open position (Figure 3b), while once the above mentioned hydraulic connection has been completed the arms 107 can be folded, thus positioning the heating or conditioning element substantially before the box 100, so that also in this case the contents of the box 100 will be hidden from sight by the heating or conditioning element. Furthermore, elastic brackets 109 are located inside the box 100, the same being suited to maintain the heating or conditioning element in its use or operating position before the box 100.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b is substantially similar to the embodiment just described above, which means that also in this case each one of the supporting arms 107 alternatively revolves around a substantially horizontal axis 107c between a folded or rest position (Figure 5b) and an open or operating or supporting position (Figure 5a), the main difference with respect to the previous embodiment lying in that in this case each one of the two arms 107 (or alternatively at least one of them, according to the needs or circumstances) comprises a portion 107e that can be alternatively extended and retracted as indicated by the oblique arrow in the figure. At the end of the arm 107 opposite the rotation axis or pin 107c (and therefore at the end of the retractable and extendable portion) there is a supporting portion 107s that also revolves around a substantially horizontal pin 107p in such a way as to provide a supporting surface whose position can be adjusted according to the more or less inclined position of the heating or conditioning element that rests on it. The extendable portion 107e can be either of the pneumatic or of the hydraulic type and furthermore the arms, or at least one of them, can be rotated around the rotation axis or pin 107c through electromechanical means, like for example a small electric motor.

The explanation just provided above with reference to the embodiment that has just been described applies also to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b, in which the supporting arms 107 are alternatively rotated between their rest and supporting positions through electromechanical means 121. Furthermore, in Figures 6a and 6b, as well as in Figures 5a and 5b (or even in Figure 3a) the reference number 108 indicates valves for opening and closing the pipe fittings that connect the heating or conditioning element to the main pipes of the corresponding system.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7a and 7b, the supporting arms 107 (at least one of them) comprise a fixed portion rigidly anchored to the box 101 and a portion that slides on it and is therefore alternatively extendable or retractable. Also in this case, the extendable and retractable portion can be moved both manually and through, for example, electromechanical means 121.

With reference now to Figure 4, it can be observed that it shows the position of the built-in box 100 with respect to a solid structure 130, for example a wall. It can be understood from Figure 4 that the box 100 is housed in a recess obtained in the structure 130 and having shape and size suitable for this purpose. Furthermore, an anchorage plate 120 is fixed to the structure 130, in a high position with respect to the box 100, wherein a heating or conditioning element can be hung to said anchorage plate 120 according to procedures that will be described below. According to the present invention, the hydraulic connection of the heating or conditioning element (of the convector or radiator) can be performed as explained below. With the radiator or convector resting on the supporting arms 107 and if necessary revolvingly anchored to the anchorage plate 120, the radiator or convector is hydraulically connected to the system and thus to the end portions of the main pipes of the same system inside the box 107. Once the hydraulic connection has been completed (for example by means of flexible or revolving pipe fittings), the supporting arms are folded, thus allowing the radiator or convector to remain substantially hanging from the anchorage plate 120, in particular in such a way as to at least partially hide the box 100 and anything housed in it from sight.

In Figures 8a and 8b, as well as in Figure 9, the reference number 200 indicates a further built-in box 200 that is also suited to be enclosed in a recess having corresponding shape and size, obtained in a solid structure. In particular, the size of the box 200 will be such as to allow a heating or conditioning element (a radiator or a convector, for example) to be housed inside it.

For this purpose, the box 200 comprises side walls arranged along a substantially rectangular perimeter, as well as a front wall from which an edge 201 develops that is suitable for fixing the box 200 to the structure according to the procedures described with reference to the box 100. Furthermore, in the front wall there is an opening that is slightly larger than the element intended to be housed in the box 200. The box 200 is obviously suited to be used in combination with the box 100 and in particular it is provided, for this purpose, with an opening 202 obtained in the back wall opposite the front wall, whose size is such as to allow the box 100 to be housed inside it. The exploded view of Figure 9 shows, in fact, the box 100, intended to be housed in the opening 202, the heating or conditioning element 300 intended to be housed in the box 200, as well as the anchorage plate that in this case is fixed to the back wall of the box 200. The possibility to anchor the anchorage plate 120 to the back wall of the box 200 represents the special feature of this solution, according to which it will be possible to pre-assemble the box 200 with the anchorage plate 120, then enclose the box 200 in the recess provided in the structure, and then enclose the box 100 in its recess provided in the structure through the opening 202 that is present in the back wall of the box 200.

Figures 10a, 10b and 10c show, in particular, the steps required for anchoring the element 300 to a structure 130 using the box 100, the box 200 and the anchorage plate 120.

In a first step illustrated in Figure 10a, the element 300 is rested on the supporting arms 107 of the box 100 according to one of the embodiments described above. Always during this step, the element 300 is revolvingly hung (see the following detailed description) to the anchorage plate 120 through suitable means like hooks or similar means 140. Once the hydraulic connection has been completed according to the procedures illustrated above, the arms 107 will be brought back to their rest position inside the box 100 so that the element 300 can be lowered and still be hanging from the anchorage plate 120 through the hooks 140 and then housed inside the box 200. It should be underlined that, according to the solution illustrated in Figures 10b and 10c, the element 300 hangs from the anchorage plate 120 in an external position with respect to the structure 130 and therefore with respect to the box 200. This solution can be preferred in the cases where the efficiency of the element 300 should be increased, in particular its radiation towards the outside. When, on the other hand, solutions that are more valuable from the aesthetic point of view should be preferred, the element 300 can be housed inside the box 200 according to the procedures just described above.

Figures 1 1a and l ib show some details of the solution according to the present invention. For example, according to the view shown in Figure 11a, the anchorage plate can be fixed to the structure or to the box 200 through fixing means 121 like, for example, screws, bolts, dowels or similar means. Furthermore, the element 300 can be hung to the anchorage plate 120 through the hooks 140 substantially constituted by plates that are curved at their ends; in particular, a curved end 141 of the hook 140 will fit into a slot 122 that projects from the anchorage plate 120, while the opposite curved end will fit into a slot obtained in the element 300 or applied to it. Furthermore, in the case of an element of the type shown in Figures 1 1a and l ib, meaning in the case of an element made with metal section bars, for example aluminium section bars, the end of each one of the hooks 140 opposite the end fitted in the slot 122 of the anchorage plate can be simply fitted into an opening provided in said section bar. Figures 12a and 12b show, in particular, the details of the anchorage plate 120 with the corresponding holes for anchoring the same to a structure or to the box 200, as well as with the U-shaped slots 122 where the hooks 140 can be fitted. Finally, Figure 13 shows two examples of hooks 140, each formed by a plate with curved ends 141 and 142. In one case, the shape of the end intended to be fitted in the slot 122 provided in the anchorage plate 120 is slightly elongated, in such a way as to facilitate the rotation of the hook with respect to the plate 120 and therefore the movement of the element 300 from the position shown in Figure 10a to the position shown in Figure 10b and vice versa.

Figures 13a and 13b show perspective views of the box 100 (obviously, depending on the needs or circumstances, according to any of the embodiments previously described) housing the elements for the hydraulic connection of a radiator or convector (in general, a heat exchanger). In particular, said connection elements comprise a first valve 108m and a second valve 108r that are hydraulically connected to the end portion respectively of a delivery pipe and of a return pipe (not illustrated in the figures) of a main system, in order to alternatively close and open said delivery and return pipes.

A series of rectilinear and curved pipes and/or pipe fittings 400m develops from the delivery valve 108m, of which the one at the opposite end of the valve 108m is suited to be hydraulically connected to the delivery inlet of a heat exchanger element (radiator or convector or similar element). In the same way, a series of rectilinear and curved pipes and/or pipe fittings 400r develops from the return valve 108r, of which the one at the opposite end of the valve 108r is suited to be hydraulically connected to the discharge or return outlet of a heat exchanger element (radiator or convector or similar element). The first special feature of the pipe fittings 400m and 400r lies in that they are extendable and retractable and therefore suited to be lengthened and shortened, as indicated by the double rectilinear arrows in the figures. In particular, the end portions in proximity to the valves, the opposite portions and the intermediate portions can all be extendable. The possibility to shorten and lengthen the various portions or parts of the pipe fittings 400m and 400r can, for example, be achieved using telescopic pipes. The second special feature of the pipe fittings 400m and 400r lies in that different portions of said pipe fittings are revolving, as indicated by the curved double arrows shown in the figures.

In this way there is the possibility to connect the heat exchanger element to the pipes of a main system, by connecting the pipe fittings 400m and 400r while the heat exchanger element is supported by the arms 107 of the box 100, and to successively arrange the exchanger element in the operating position (folding the arms 107), as well as to move the heat exchanger element from its operating position and rest it on the arms 107, for example in order to perform maintenance operations (on the element itself or parts of the same or on the box and parts of the same or even on the pipe fittings, the valves, etc), and finally to replace the heat exchanger element in its operating position.

The description provided above has thus shown that the solution according to the present invention for the anchorage and hydraulic connection of a heating or conditioning element makes it possible to achieve the set objects and to overcome the problems and drawbacks that are typical of the solutions according to the known art.

In particular, the solution according to the present invention allows a hydraulic connection to be made in advance, meaning with the heating or conditioning element in a position different from its final operating position and such as to facilitate the operations that must be carried out to complete said hydraulic connection. Furthermore, once the hydraulic connection has been completed, with simple operations and reduced physical effort by the operator it will be possible to position the heating or conditioning element in its final operating position. Furthermore, if necessary, it will be possible to move the heating or conditioning element from its operating position, always by means of simple operations and with reduced physical effort, and above all with no need to interrupt the hydraulic connection, arranging the same heating or positioning element in a position (resting on the supporting arms) in which it is possible to perform maintenance operations as wells as cleaning operations, if necessary, on the element itself and/or inside the recess where the element is housed. Finally, as the heating or conditioning element (or at least parts of the same) in its operating position is housed inside a box that in turn is enclosed in a recess provided in a structure, it will be possible to achieve the desired aesthetic advantages.

It should however be noted that, although the present invention has been illustrated by means of the description of its embodiments shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings. On the contrary, the present invention includes all those modifications or variants of the described embodiments that are known to the expert in the art and fall within the scope of the following claims.