TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a connection device for connecting a heating radiator (in particular, a die- cast aluminum radiator) to a plumbing system, in particular for connecting the radiator itself from the bottom .

The invention also relates to a heating radiator equipped with a connection device for connecting the radiator to a plumbing system.

BACKGROUND ART

As known, the heating radiators used for heating buildings, usually consisting of an array of radiator elements placed side-by-side, are fed with a hot fluid (typically water) circulating in a hydraulic circuit consisting of a network of tubes.

Each radiator has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, typically arranged on a lateral side of an end radiator element.

At each portion in which the installation of a radiator is required, the plumbing system comprises a delivery tube and a return tube, to which the radiator is connected by means of specific joints.

The tubes of the plumbing system typically protrude from a wall of the room in which the radiator must be installed and the radiator is provided with side inlet and outlet openings, so as to be easily connected to said tubes .

In some cases, the tubes intended to be connected to the radiator protrude from the floor.

In these situations, or in similar situations in which the delivery and return tubes are underneath the radiator, and especially if the radiator is a die-cast aluminum radiator, specifically designed or at least modified radiators must be used for the connection to the tubes from the bottom; therefore, radiators provided with downward facing attachments are required; however, supplementary components and tubes, and/or adapter devices, are commonly needed to connect the tubes of the plumbing system to the inlet and outlet openings of the radiator .

However, the known systems for connecting a radiator to delivery and return tubes protruding from the floor do not appear fully satisfactory, in particular in terms of constructional simplicity, efficacy, dimensions, and ease of assembly, especially the systems in which the delivery and return tubes are engaged onto the same radiator element .

In particular, known systems are not adapted to centrally connect the radiator to the delivery and return tubes of the plumbing system, i.e. to connect the delivery and return tubes of the plumbing system to respective radiator elements which are not placed at a side end of the radiator.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a connection device which allows a heating radiator (in particular, a die-cast aluminum radiator) to be connected to a plumbing system so as to solve the problems of the prior art identified herein.

In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a connection device which allows the radiator to be connected to tubes of the plumbing system which are placed under the radiator and in central position with respect to the radiator (instead of at a side end of the radiator), in a simple, fast and effective manner.

The present invention thus relates to a connection device for connecting a heating radiator, in particular a die-cast aluminum heating radiator, to a plumbing system, and to a plumbing system as defined in essential terms in appended claim 1 and, in the additional features thereof, in the dependent claims.

The connection device of the invention allows a radiator (also a radiator designed with side connection) to be connected to delivery and return tubes placed under the radiator, and also in central position with respect to the radiator, in a simple, fast, and effective manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a non-limitative embodiment thereof, with reference to the figures in the accompanying drawings, in which :

- figure 1 is a partial diagrammatic, perspective, longitudinal section view, with parts removed for clarity, of a heating radiator provided with a connection device according to the invention;

- figure 2 is a longitudinal section view of the radiator in figure 1;

- figures 3 and 4 are a front perspective view and a longitudinal section view, respectively, of a component of the connection device of the invention;

- figures 5 and 6 are a perspective view and a cross section view, respectively, of a further component of the connection device of the invention;

- figure 7 is an exploded, longitudinal section view of a further component of the connection device of the invention .

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to figures 1 and 2, a heating radiator 1, in particular a tube radiator, consists of an array of radiator elements 2. Each radiator element 2 comprises: a tubular body 3, for example made of die-cast aluminum, substantially extending along an axis X (substantially vertical in use) and provided with an inner chamber 4 for water circulation; two pairs of transverse connecting sleeves 5 (only one of which is shown in figures 1 and 2) arranged at respective, axially opposite ends of body 3; and a plurality of fins and/or heat exchange plates 6 variously connected to one another and/or to body 3.

Body 3 comprises a substantially tubular end part 7 arranged at a lower end 10 of body 3; the end part 7 is provided with a bottom opening 8 arranged substantially about axis X and delimited by a radially outer collar 9. The openings 8 are normally closed by means of plugs (known and not shown) .

The two pairs of sleeves 5 are arranged at the lower end 10 and at an upper end (not shown) of body 3, respectively; the sleeves 5 of each pair extend from opposite sides of body 3, substantially orthogonal to axis X, and extend along respective axes substantially parallel to each other and orthogonal to axis X.

In particular, the lower sleeves 5 (arranged at the lower end 10 of body 3) extend from opposite sides of the end part 7 and are aligned along an axis Y, which is substantially orthogonal to axis X (and thus substantially horizontal in use) . The lower sleeves 5 of the various radiator elements 2 define a transverse duct 11 which extends along axis Y and is perpendicular to the chambers 4 (similarly, the upper sleeves 5 define an upper traverse duct, not shown) .

The sleeves 5 of each pair of adjacent radiator elements 2 are joined together by means of specific nipples (known and not shown for simplicity) , screwed into the adjacent sleeves 5 (which are internally threaded) .

Radiator 1 consists of a plurality of radiator elements 2 arranged side-by-side; the sleeves 5 of the radiator elements 2 placed at respective opposite side ends of radiator 1 may be used to connect radiator 1 to an external plumbing system (not shown) , in the case of side connection. The sleeves 5 which are not used to join two adjacent radiator elements 2 or for the connection to the plumbing system are closed by means of plugs (known and not shown) .

In accordance with the invention, instead, radiator 1 is connected to the plumbing system from the bottom, the delivery and return tubes of the system being arranged side-by-side under radiator 1, in particular in a substantially central position with respect to radiator 1 (instead of at a side end of radiator 1) .

Radiator 1 is connected to the system by means of a connection device 20.

Device 20 comprises a joint element 23, fixable to a radiator element 2, and a service tube 24, insertable into the transverse duct 11 of radiator 1 and connectable to the joint element 23.

The joint element 23 extends along a longitudinal axis A which in use, i.e. when the joint element 23 is mounted on a radiator element 2, is aligned with the axis X of the radiator element 2 on which the joint element 23 is mounted.

Also referring to figures 3-6, the joint element 23 is internally provided with two separate channels 25, 26 and has: an inlet 27, connectable to a delivery tube of the plumbing system; an outlet 28, connectable to a return tube of the plumbing system; a delivery opening 31 connected to the inlet 27 of channel 25; and a return opening 32 connected to the outlet 28 of channel 26.

The delivery opening 31 and the return opening 32 are arranged on respective different planes and at different heights along axis A. Preferably, but not necessarily, the openings 31, 32 are substantially orthogonal to each other.

In particular, the joint element 23 comprises an insert 33, insertable into the end part 7 of a radiator element 2, and a connecting body 34, joined to insert 33 and protruding, in use, outside the end part 7.

In the example shown, but not necessarily, the insert 33 and the connecting body 34 are two separate pieces, assembled to each other. It is understood that the insert 33 and the connecting body 34 can also form a monolithic piece, as well as they can consist in turn of several assembled pieces.

Specifically referring to figures 1-2 and 3-4, insert 33 extends along axis A and comprises an insert portion 35, shaped so as to be inserted into the end part 7 of a radiator element 2 through the opening 8 along axis A and having a top face 36 provided with the return opening 32; a radially outer flange 37, which radially extends, substantially orthogonal to axis A, from the insert portion 35 and abuts against a front edge 38 of collar 9 which delimits opening 8; and an end portion 39, projecting from the face 36 parallel to axis A and provided with the delivery opening 31.

Insert 33 is joined in a fluid-tight manner to the end part 7, in particular by means of the insert portion 35, optionally with the aid of a seal 40 (or several seals 40) .

The return opening 32 is arranged on face 36 in an eccentric position (i.e. laterally displaced) with respect to axis A; the end portion 39 with the delivery opening 31 is also eccentric with respect to axis A. In particular, the return opening 32 and the end portion 39 (and thus the delivery opening 31) are arranged on opposite sides of axis A.

The delivery opening 31 is arranged on a side face 41, substantially orthogonal to the face 36, of the end portion 39, facing a side end 42 of radiator 1.

Specifically referring to figures 1-2 and 5-6, the connecting body 34 extends from flange 37 in a direction opposite to the end portion 39 and, when the joint element 23 is mounted on a radiator element 2, externally protrudes from the radiator element 2.

The connecting body 34 is provided with a pair of bottom openings 43, arranged side-by-side at a lower end of the connecting body 34, and with a pair of top openings 44, arranged side-by-side on a top plate 45 of the connecting body 34 and aligned with respective inner channels of insert 33 which communicate with the delivery opening 31 and the return opening 32, respectively. The bottom openings 43 and the top openings 44 are aligned along respective axes, substantially orthogonal to one another (and horizontal in use) .

The bottom openings 43 are provided with respective couplings (known) for joints and/or tubes and define the inlet 27 to be connected to the delivery tube of the plumbing system, and the outlet 28 to be connected to the return tube of the system, respectively. The connecting body 34 is internally provided with two separate channels 46, each of which connects a bottom opening 43 to a top opening 44.

Joint element 23 is attached to the radiator element 2 in any known manner.

In the non-limiting example shown, the joint element 23 is attached to the radiator element 2 by means of an annular coupling element 47 (shown in detail in figure 4), fitted about insert 33 and specifically about flange 37, and having a peripheral edge 48 which axially fastens the flange 37 of insert 33 against the collar 9 of the end part 7 of the radiator element 2 and is plastically deformed and folded about collar 9, or is either welded or fused thereon.

The connecting body 34 is joined to insert 33 by means of screws (not shown) , inserted into respective seats 49 formed so as to be aligned in the connecting body 34 and insert 33.

Optionally, gaskets are arranged between the insert 23 and the connecting body 34, e.g. housed in respective annular seats formed on plate 45 about the openings 44.

Also referring to figure 7, the service tube 24 comprises a tubular body 50 extending along a longitudinal axis B which in use, i.e. when tube 24 is inserted into the transverse duct 11 and is joined to the joint element 23 (namely to insert 33), is perpendicular to axis A and to the axes X and aligned to axis Y.

Tube 24 extends between two axial ends 51, 52.

The axial end 51 is provided with a coupling portion 53 to connect tube 24 to the joint element 23, by engaging a fastening seat 54 formed in the end portion 39 and provided with the delivery opening 31.

For example, the coupling portion 53 is an externally threaded portion of tube 24 and is shaped so as to be screwed into the fastening seat 54, which is internally threaded.

Optionally, a gasket may be arranged between the coupling portion 53 and the fastening seat 54.

The axial end 52 is provided with a sealing device 55, mounted about tube 24 to cooperate in a fluid-tight manner with an inner lateral surface 56 of the transverse duct 11.

The sealing device 55 comprises an internally hollow ring nut 57, provided with an internal threaded through seat 58 to be screwed onto a threaded portion 59 of tube 24; an abutment ring 60, fitted onto tube 24 and also screwed on the threaded portion 59 of tube 24; and a sealing ring 61, axially interposed between the ring nut 57 and the abutment ring 60.

The ring nut 57 extends along and about axis B and comprises a control head 62, for example hexagonal in shape, which can be operated by an operator, possibly by means of a tool; a radially outer flange 63; and a free end collar 64, facing the abutment ring 60 and having a front annular edge 65.

The abutment ring 60 extends about axis B and has two axially opposite faces 66, 67; face 66 abuts against an axial shoulder 68, which delimits the threaded portion 59 of tube 24, when the abutment ring 60 is screwed onto the threaded portion 59 of tube 24.

Face 67 faces the ring nut 57 and abuts against the front annular edge 65 of the ring nut 57.

The sealing ring 61 is fitted about collar 64. The sealing ring 61 is shaped so as to expand radially when the ring nut 57 is screwed onto tube 24 and fastened against the abutment ring 60. Indeed, the sealing ring 61 is axially compressed between the flange 63 of the ring nut and the face 67 of the abutment element 60, thus radially expanding.

In use, the following procedure is performed in order to connect radiator 1 to a pair of tubes placed under radiator 1 and in central position with respect to radiator 1 (figures 1 and 2) .

A central radiator element 2a to which the delivery and return tubes of the plumbing system must be connected is selected; central radiator element means an intermediate radiator element between the two outermost radiator elements, placed at respective side ends of the radiator .

The joint element 23 is mounted on the central radiator 2a through opening 8.

In particular, insert 33 is inserted into the end part 7, through opening 8, of the radiator element 2a; insert 33 is fixed to collar 9 by means of the annular coupling element 47, fitted about insert 33, and the connecting body 34 is then fixed to insert 33 by means of the specific screws.

Insert 33 is shaped so as not to close the end part

7, i.e. not to close the chamber 4 or the transverse duct 11 of the radiator element 2a, thus leaving water free to circulate along the transverse duct 11 and in chamber 4; the chamber 4 and the transverse duct 11 of the radiator element 2a communicate with each other even when insert 33 is inserted into the end part 7.

Tube 24, already provided with the sealing device

55, is inserted through an outer sleeve 5a of an end radiator element 2b, placed at the side end 42 of radiator

1 (which may be the right or left end side) ; for this purpose, such a sleeve 5a is free from its own closure plug. An internal sleeve 5b, aligned along axis Y and opposite to the external sleeve 5a, joins the radiator element 2a to the adjacent radiator element.

Tube 24 is introduced into the transverse duct 11 to insert 33. Tube 24 is thus joined to insert 33, by screwing the coupling portion 53 of tube 24 into the fastening seat 54.

The length of tube 24 is such that when the axial end 51 is joined to insert 33, the axial end 52 is placed in the inner sleeve 5b which joins the end radiator element 2b to the adjacent radiator element 2.

By tightening the ring nut 57 on the threaded portion 59 of tube 24, the sealing ring 61 is compressed between the flange 63 and the abutment ring 60; the sealing ring 61 radially expands and comes into contact with the inner lateral surface 56 of the transverse duct 11, namely of sleeve 5b, thus closing the transverse duct 11 in a fluid-tight manner.

The sleeve 5a used for the insertion of tube 24 is closed with a specific plug (not shown) .

Finally, the inlet 27 and the outlet 28 of the joint element 23 are connected to the delivery and return tubes of the system in a known manner.

The delivery tube is connected to inlet 27: the water enters into radiator 1, in particular into the central radiator 2a, through channel 25; the water transits through the delivery opening 31, crosses the tube 24 and reaches the radiator element 2b, thus exiting into the transverse duct 11 behind the sealing device 55; the water moves up into the chamber 4 of the radiator element 2b and is distributed in the following radiator elements 2.

Once the water has been circulated in radiator 1, it exits from the central radiator element 2a, through the return opening 32, the channel 26 and the outlet 28.

Obviously, tubes 24 of various lengths may be provided to be adapted to radiators 1 of different size.

Finally, it is understood that changes and variations can be made to the connection device described and shown herein, without departing from the scope of the appended claims .