PLUMBING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a connection kit 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.

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.

Furthermore, the known systems do not allow the radiator to be connected to delivery and return tubes having the so-called different pitch (i.e. placed at different distances) unless several components and joints to be assembled to one another are used. Indeed, the delivery and return tubes found in buildings are not always arranged at the same distance from one another.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a connection kit 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 kit which allows the radiator to be connected to tubes of the plumbing system which are placed under the radiator, in a simple, fast and effective manner.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a connection kit which allows the radiator to be connected in a simple, fast and effective manner to tubes of the plumbing system which are placed at different distances from one another.

The present invention thus relates to a connection kit 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 kit 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 in a simple, fast, and effective manner .

According to an aspect of the invention, the connection kit then allows the connection from the bottom to delivery and return tubes placed at different distances from one another. The connection kit may be easily and rapidly fitted, without requiring additional components and/or complicated assembly operations, to delivery and return tubes having a standard pitch (typically 50 mm) and also a different pitch.

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 kit according to a first embodiment of the invention;

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

- figures 3 and 4 are a front view and a side view, respectively, with parts in section of a detail of the radiator in figures 1 and 2, namely of a nipple with joins two radiator elements of the radiator in figures 1 and 2 ;

- figure 5 is an exploded, longitudinal section view of a further detail of the radiator in figures 1 and 2, in particular of two components of the connection kit of the invention;

- figures 6 and 7 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a further component of the connection kit of the invention;

- figure 8 is a partial diagrammatic, perspective, longitudinal section view, with parts removed for clarity, of a heating radiator provided with a connection kit according to a second embodiment of the invention;

- figure 9 is a longitudinal section view of the radiator in figure 8;

- figure 10 is an exploded, longitudinal section view of a detail of the radiator in figures 8 and 9, in particular of certain components of the connection kit of the invention shown in figures 8 and 9.

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 12 (only one of which is shown in figures 1 and 2) .

The nipples 12 are of known type; also referring to figures 3 and 4, each nipple 12 consists of a tubular body 13 comprising two axially opposite end portions 14 provided with specific opposite outer threads 15, so as to engage respective inner threads 16 of two adjacent sleeves 5 belonging to two consecutive radiator elements 2.

Each nipple 12 is internally provided with a pair of radially inner, diametrically opposite projections 17 which radially extend from an inner lateral surface of body 13. The projections are used to engage nipple 12 with a tool and tighten nipple 12 into the sleeves 5 of the radiator elements 2.

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.

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

In particular, radiator 1 is connected to the system at a side end 21 of radiator 1, by means of the two radiator elements 2 placed at the side end 21 of radiator 1, namely: a radiator element 2a, which is the first starting from the side end 21, i.e. the outermost; and a radiator element 2b, which is the one immediately adjacent to the radiator element 2a, i.e. the second one starting from the side end 21.

In the example shown in figures 1 and 2, the side end 21 is the right side end of radiator 1; it is however understood that the radiator 1 may also be connected at the left side end, by using the two radiator elements 2 of radiator 1 placed more leftwards (i.e. at the left side end) .

The connection kit 20 comprises a pair of joint elements 23, to be mounted on respective radiator elements 2, and a plug 24, to be interposed between the two radiator elements 2 provided with the joint elements 23.

In the example shown, the two joint elements 23 are identical and interchangeable.

Also with reference to figure 5, each joint element 23 extends along an axis A (which, in use, is aligned to the axis X of the radiator element 2 on which the joint element 23 is mounted) and comprises an insert 25 and a joint 26, joined to insert 25.

In the example shown in figure 5, the joint element 23 is a monolithic piece, i.e. insert 25 and joint 26 form a monolithic body, but insert 25 and joint 26 may also consists of respective pieces joined together (as shown by way of example in figures 1 and 2) . In all cases, insert 25 and joint 26 are joined in a fluid- tight manner, possibly with the aid of gaskets interposed between insert 25 and joint 26.

Insert 25 extends along and about axis A, and has an insertion portion 27 shaped so as to be inserted into the end part 7 of a radiator element 2 along axis A, through the opening 8; and a radially outer flange 28, which radially extends from the insertion portion 27 and abuts against a front edge 29 of collar 9 which delimits opening 8. Insert 25 is joined in a fluid-tight manner to the end part 7, optionally by means of a gasket 30 (or several gaskets 30) .

Insert 25 is attached to the radiator element 2 in any known manner.

In the non-limiting example shown, insert 25 is attached to the radiator element 2 by means of an annular coupling element 31, fitted about insert 25 and specifically about flange 28, and having a peripheral edge 32 which axially fastens the flange 28 of insert 25 against the collar 9 of the end part 7 and is plastically deformed and folded about collar 9, or is either welded or fused thereon.

Joint 26 axially extends from flange 28 along axis A and axially projects outside the radiator element 2 when the insertion portion 27 is housed in the end part 7 of a radiator element 2.

Joint 26 is connectable, by means of a threaded end portion 33, for example, to a tube or outer joint.

The joint element 23 is provided with an inner duct

34 formed through insert 25 and joint 26.

Also referring to figures 6 and 7, plug 24 extends along an axis B, which is aligned to axis Y in use.

Plug 24 can be inserted into the transverse duct 11 of radiator 1 through the sleeve 5 of the outermost radiator element 2a placed at the side end 21. Plug 24 comprises a closure portion 35 and a control rod 36.

The closure portion 35 is substantially cylindrical and extends along axis B between two axially opposite ends, provided with a rear face 37, joined to the control rod 36, and with a front face 38, opposite to the rear face 37, respectively.

The closure portion 35 has an outer lateral surface 39 shaped so as to be screwed into a nipple 12, i.e. provided with screwing members 40 shaped so as to cooperate with an inner surface of nipple 12 in order to be screwed into nipple 12.

For example, the screwing members 40 comprise a pair of shaped tracks 41, formed on surface 39 and defining respective thread stretches which engage the protrusions 17 of nipple 12, in order to be internally screwed on nipple 12. Each track 41 has a front inlet opening 42 formed on the front face 38 of the closure portion 35.

The closure portion 35 is provided with at least one sealing member 43, e.g. an annular radial gasket housed in a circumferential groove 44 obtained on surface 39, between the tracks 41 and the rear face 37.

The sealing member 43 radially cooperates with an inner lateral surface 45 of nipple 12.

It is understood that plug 24 (in particular the closure portion 35 thereof) may be provided with several sealing members 43, even of different type (e.g. of axial type) .

The control rod 36 extends along axis B from the rear face 37 of the closure portion 35. The cross section of the control rod 36 is smaller than the cross section of the closure portion 35, such that once the control rod 36 has been inserted into the transverse duct 11, it is radially spaced apart from an inner lateral surface 46 of the transverse duct 11, defining an annular passage channel 47 about the control rod 36, between the control rod 36 and the surface 46.

In use, the following procedure is performed in order to connect radiator 1 to a pair of tubes placed under radiator 1 and to the side end 21 of radiator 1.

The two adjacent radiator elements 2a, 2b placed at the side end 21 are free from the plugs which normally close the openings 8.

The two joint elements 23 are mounted on the end parts 7 of the two radiator elements 2.

In particular, the inserts 25 of the two joint elements 23 are inserted into respective end parts 7, through the respective openings 8; and the joint elements 23 are attached by means of the coupling elements 31.

The duct 34 of each joint element 23 communicates with the chamber 4 of the radiator element 2 on which the joint element 23 is mounted.

Plug 24 is inserted through the sleeve 5 of the radiator element 2 placed at the side end 21; for this purpose, such a sleeve 5 is free from its own closure plug .

Plug 24 penetrates into the transverse duct 11 up to the nipple 12 which joins the outermost two adjacent radiator elements 2 (i.e. placed at the side end 21); the inlet openings 42 of the tracks 41 are aligned with respective protrusions 17 of nipple 12, and plug 24 is screwed into the nipple 12 by rotating the plug 24 by means of the control rod 36 (the protrusions 17 engage respective tracks 41) .

By tightening plug 24 onto nipple 12, the sealing member 43 is compressed against surface 45, thus closing the transverse duct 11 in a fluid-tight manner.

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

Finally, the two joint elements 23 are connected in a known manner to the delivery and return tubes of the system by means of the respective joints 26.

The delivery tube is connected to the joint element 23 mounted on the first radiator element 2a starting from the side end 21 (i.e. the outermost radiator element 2a) : the water enters into radiator 1, in particular into the first radiator element 2a, through the joint element 23 mounted on the first radiator element 2a, moves up into the chamber 4 of the radiator element 2a, and is distributed in the subsequent radiator elements 2.

Once the water has been circulated in radiator 1, it exits from the second radiator element 2b, through the corresponding joint element 23.

In the embodiment shown in figures 8-10, in which details similar or equal to those already described are indicated with the same numerals, the connection kit 20 also allows to be fitted to delivery and return tubes of the plumbing system having a different pitch (i.e. arranged side-by-side at different distances from one another) .

The connection kit 20 again comprises a pair of joint elements 23 to be mounted on respective radiator elements 2, and a plug 24, to be interposed between the two radiator elements 2 provided with the joint elements 23.

Each joint element 23 extends along an axis A (which is aligned, in use, to the axis X of the radiator element 2 on which the joint element 23 is mounted) and comprises an insert 25 and a joint 26, joined to insert 25.

With specific reference to figure 10, insert 25 has a through hole 50, arranged between an inner face 51 (placed in use within the end part 7 of the radiator element 2) and an outer face 52 (which remains, in use, outside the radiator element 2), both axially opposite to insert 23; hole 50 defines (or comprises) a rotation seat 53, having a circular cross section, for joint 26.

Joint 26 comprises a substantially tubular connection portion 54 extending along axis A, rotationally inserted into the rotation seat 53 of insert 25; an eccentric portion 55, projecting obliquely (inclined with respect to axis A) from the connecting portion 54; and a free end portion 56, optionally provided with a threading, to be joined to a tube or other component.

The connection portion 54 is inserted into the rotation seat 53.

The connection portion 54 and the insert 25 are joined by means of a rotating coupling 57, so that the connection portion 54 is axially blocked with respect to insert 25, inside the rotation seat 53, along axis A; and can rotate with respect to insert 25, within the rotation seat 53, about axis A.

For example, insert 25 is provided (figures 8 and 9) with an elastic locking ring 58, which engages an outer circumferential groove of the connection portion 54 and axially rests on the inner face 51 of insert 25. The connection portion 54 is also joined in a fluid-tight manner to the rotation seat 53 by means of one or more sealing rings 59, for example, in particular radial sealing rings, interposed between an outer lateral surface of the connection portion 54 and an inner lateral surface of the rotation seat 53.

Preferably (but not necessarily) , the connection portion 54 completely crosses hole 50 and axially protrudes from hole 50.

The eccentric portion 55 extends obliquely

(inclined with respect to axis A) from the connection portion 54, to which it is joined by means of a flange 61 which abuts against an axial shoulder 62 formed on insert 25, namely on the outer face 52 of insert 25.

The free end portion 56 is substantially parallel to the connection portion 54 and the axis A, and is laterally spaced with respect to the connection portion 54 and joined thereto by means of the eccentric portion 55. The free end portion 56 can be connected by means of a threaded end portion 33, for example, to a tube or outer joint.

Joint 26 has an inner through duct 63 which crosses the connection portion 54, the eccentric portion 55 and the free end portion 56.

Insert 25 is attachable to a radiator element 2 by means of the above-described annular coupling element 31, for example, fitted about insert 25, namely about the flange 28, and having a peripheral edge 32 which axially fastens the flange 28 of insert 25 against the collar 9 of the end part 7 and is plastically deformed and folded about collar 9, or is either welded or fused thereon .

Plug 24 is entirely similar to that described above .

In use, the following procedure is performed in order to connect radiator 1 to a pair of tubes placed under the radiator and to the side end 21 of radiator 1.

As in the above-described embodiment, the two adjacent radiator elements 2a, 2b placed at the side end 21 are free from the plugs which normally close the openings 8.

The two joint elements 23 (each consisting of insert 25 and joint 26, the latter rotating with respect to insert 25) are mounted on the end parts 7 of the two radiator elements 2a, 2b.

In particular, the inserts 25 of the two joint elements 23 are inserted into respective end parts 7, through the respective openings 8; and the joint elements 23 are attached by means of the coupling elements 31.

The duct 63 of each joint element 23 communicates with the chamber 4 of the radiator element 2 on which the joint element 23 is mounted.

Plug 24 is inserted through the sleeve 5 of the radiator element 2 placed at the side end 21; for this purpose, such a sleeve 5 is free from its own closure plug.

Plug 24 penetrates into the transverse duct 11 to the nipple 12 which joins the outermost two adjacent radiator elements 2 (i.e. placed at the side end 21); the inlet openings 42 of the tracks 41 are aligned with respective protrusions 17 of nipple 12, and plug 24 is screwed into the nipple 12 by rotating the plug 24 by means of the control rod 36 (the protrusions 17 engage respective tracks 41) .

By tightening plug 24 on nipple 12, the sealing member 43 is compressed against surface 45, thus closing the transverse duct 11 in a fluid-tight manner.

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

Finally, the two joint elements 23 are connected in a known manner to the delivery and return tubes of the system by means of the respective joints 26, once the position of the joints 26 has been adjusted, by rotating the joints 26 with respect to the respective inserts 25, to fit the distance between the delivery and return tubes of the system.

The delivery tube is connected to the joint element 23 mounted on the first radiator element 2a starting from the side end 21: the water enters into radiator 1, in particular into the first radiator element 2a, through the joint element 23 mounted on the first radiator element 2a, moves up into the chamber 4 of the radiator element 2a, and is distributed in the subsequent radiator elements 2.

Once the water has been circulated in radiator 1, it exits from the second radiator element 2b, through the corresponding joint element 23.

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