DE29623165U1 - Heater - Google Patents

Description

Attorney file: 42 867 VII

Kermi GmbH

Pankofen Station 1

94447 Plattling

Heating device

The invention relates to a heating device with a covering according to the preamble

1)

of the PateBMfflspruch I.

In the prior art, heating devices, hereinafter referred to as radiators or bathroom radiators, have become known which have two vertically aligned header pipes and a plurality of horizontally aligned heating tubes fluidically connected to these header pipes.

Such radiators are used for optical reasons, especially in bathrooms, as they have undoubted advantages not only in terms of heating technology, but also aesthetically, which conventional radiators do not have, at least not to the same extent.

However, the radiators and bathroom radiators mentioned above have the disadvantage, among other things from an aesthetic point of view, that the connection area and possibly the control area of these radiators are freely accessible to the viewer. The otherwise very advantageous appearance of such a radiator is permanently marred by the connection fittings and possibly existing electrical heating devices, such as an electrical resistance heating rod with control, inlet valves, etc., which are often arranged at the lower end of the radiator.

® Fax: Telex: VAT: Bayer. Vereinsbank Munich 453100 (bank code 700202 70)

In addition, temperature sensors, temperature display instruments, etc. are often located uncovered and unprotected at the lower end of a radiator as described above and can easily be damaged, for example during cleaning.

Furthermore, heating elements are known which are arranged one behind the other in the form of one or more heating plates, whereby such heating elements are generally welded together using connecting elements by pressing the heating elements together with high pressure and melting the material in the connecting areas by the flow of high electrical currents in order to form an intimate connection.

However, such manufacturing processes can only be used with a reasonable yield for panel radiators with several heating plates if these have relatively small dimensions so that manufacturing tolerances are still acceptable.

Radiators are currently often hidden in window niches etc., as radiators are usually still unsightly on the outside.

In certain areas, such as bathrooms, radiators are increasingly becoming aesthetically pleasing design elements. Here they are also used as textile dryers, such as towel dryers, which are designed with one or more through-pass options. However, such radiators have the disadvantage that aesthetically designed radiators have a relatively small radiation surface for sufficient heat output for a room of a given size. For this reason, corresponding radiators, such as bathroom radiators, must have large external dimensions in order to provide sufficient heat output, or they must be supported by additional heating options, such as underfloor heating.

It is a preferred object of the present invention to propose a heating device with a cover or to propose a cover for a heating device, which also eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. In particular

a heating device with a cover or a cover for a heating device should be proposed that protects the lower part of a radiator or bathroom radiator both from the view of an observer and from mechanical influences.

This object is achieved by a heating device having the features listed in patent claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments of the device or cladding according to the invention emerge from the respective subclaims.

The invention can also be directed to the problem of proposing a radiator arrangement that remedy the disadvantages of the prior art and is intended in particular to provide a heating device that is aesthetically pleasing and provides sufficient heating power in the smallest possible space.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to conceal unsightly connection fittings, valve devices, electrical connections for heating elements, etc. and to protect them at the same time, which on the one hand results in greater operational reliability and on the other hand in a much improved overall appearance for a corresponding radiator. In addition, the probability of injuring yourself on sharp-edged profiles in the connection area of a radiator is greatly reduced. Accordingly, it is particularly expedient to provide the cover on the connection section of the heating device, in particular on the lower end section of the radiator or heating device.

The casing advantageously has an upper cover surface which has the same extension in the direction of the broad side of the collecting pipes as the front surface. This not only prevents a view from above, but also prevents dust etc. from penetrating and settling on a resistance heating rod (if present) or its electrical connections, which is particularly important in

Bathrooms can be a significant source of danger, as these rooms often contain easily flammable fabric components, such as cotton threads or the like.

In addition, the panel can be provided with side surfaces that are arranged on the narrow sides of the front surfaces and that are preferably angled at an angle to the front surface, so that the side surfaces follow or adapt to the contour of the collecting pipe or pipes in the depth of the heating device. This also prevents a lateral view of the area to be shielded on the heating device according to the invention.

The cover surface or the side surface or sides can have recesses, openings or the like, in particular to guide the collecting pipes through. In this way it is possible to enclose the area of the radiator to be covered and to isolate it from the environment so that there are no gaps or free spaces or the like from any of the usual viewing directions. Since this design creates a particularly compact impression, the aesthetic value of the radiator together with the covering in this form is to be judged to be particularly outstanding. In addition, the risk of people injuring themselves in the area of the radiator or bathroom radiator designed in this way is significantly reduced, since all the angular parts of a radiator are covered and gaps etc. that could be a source of danger are largely avoided with the covering designed in this way.

The advantages to be achieved according to the present invention can also be based on the fact that a tubular radiator with horizontal and/or vertical heating pipes and correspondingly vertical or horizontal or horizontal collecting pipes is connected to a tubular radiator or a flat radiator. In this case, angular deviations of 3 to 6° occur between the radiators arranged in parallel due to manufacturing tolerances, which cannot be managed with an acceptable result using conventional manufacturing methods.

While flat radiators can be manufactured by deforming metal sheets, tubular radiators are manufactured by welding or soldering pipes together. Flat radiators or planar radiators are transported from one production station to the next via roller conveyors and the welding machines used to connect the pre-formed sheets place at least ten welding points per square decimetre of the radiator surface, which are often leaky.

Due to the fact that tubular radiators are not suitable for transport on the roller conveyors used for panel radiators, it is almost impossible to produce radiators of different types using the same production methods and production machines.

In addition, the welding machines used to produce the weld seams of flat radiators or panel radiators are not suitable for tubular radiators, as it is hardly possible to produce a closed 360° weld seam when welding tubes together, which also satisfies aesthetic aspects.

Heating devices with two radiators arranged one behind the other can be realized particularly advantageously if they have an essentially continuous cover between them. The cover can cover the entire rear radiator or selected sections of the rear radiator. Alternatively or additionally, the cover can cover connection fittings, thermostat valves, etc., and similar components that are provided at the lower end of the heating device according to the invention and via which a connection to a central heating system can be made. The cover can have ornaments, recesses and projections in order to leave a visually harmonious impression and/or to offer a certain heat radiation characteristic. If partial cover is mentioned below or in the foregoing, the technical features listed in this context are also to be seen as extremely advantageous in connection with the cover discussed above.

It is therefore necessary to use a soldering process for tubular radiators.

A soldering process that uses copper solder has proven particularly effective, as copper due to its high capillary pressure draws into all connection points and provides an ideal connection both in terms of stability and tightness as well as in terms of the practicality of the manufacturing process.

Due to the different manufacturing processes, panel radiators and tubular radiators have even greater manufacturing tolerances, which can only be managed by using suitable connection techniques between the individual radiators in the radiator arrangement.

On the other hand, the subsequent connection of separately manufactured radiators to form the present radiator arrangement according to the invention results in the advantage that the radiators in the arrangement can be colored differently. While in the prior art, radiators that are welded together, for example, could only be designed in one color as an arrangement in one piece, according to the invention each of the radiators in the arrangement can be colored individually, whereby the radiators must later be connected to one another.

Here, it is advantageous to use connecting elements that have a design that accommodates manufacturing tolerances.

Such connecting elements for the heating device according to the invention have a first and a second connection area, each of which can be fixed in one of the heating elements of the arrangement. The respective connection areas can each be screwed in, fixed using sleeves or secured in some other way.

In the simplest case, the connection area can have an at least partially flat first flat surface running perpendicular to the axis of the first and/or second connection area. The second connection area has a corresponding second flat surface, wherein a sealing element, for example an O-ring, can be arranged between the flat surfaces.

In order to be able to compensate for the manufacturing tolerances, one of the two flat surfaces advantageously has smaller dimensions or a smaller diameter than the other flat surface. This means that the two flat surfaces and thus the two connection areas can be mounted in a manner other than a coaxial arrangement of the two connection areas.

In addition, the O-ring can accommodate further tolerances by being pressed differently.

This degree of freedom to accommodate manufacturing tolerances can advantageously be created by the connecting element connecting the two flat surfaces and thus the connection areas having different internal dimensions or a different internal diameter than at least one of the flat surfaces. This allows at least one of the connection areas to be misaligned within the limits specified by the connecting element, which also allows tolerances to be accommodated.

Additional degrees of freedom can be achieved by changing the diameter or the dimensions of the flange area of at least one of the two connection areas assigned to the flat surfaces in the axial direction.

In order to be able to hold the sealing element in a predetermined position and to prevent the sealing element from being squeezed too much, a groove can advantageously be arranged in the flat surface, which partially accommodates the sealing element.

In order to be able to connect the connection areas tightly to the respective radiators of the radiator arrangement, sealing devices can also be arranged on the respective outer diameters or outer sections of the connection areas, which are pressed to form a seal, for example, when the connection areas are pushed or screwed into the respective associated radiators. For example, O-rings can be considered an advantageous sealing agent.

If the connecting element described above is used in one of its embodiments, the relevant radiators of the radiator arrangement according to the invention are provided with holes or openings on the one hand on their side facing the front view and on the other hand on the side facing this front view, into which the connecting elements or their connection areas are inserted. The connecting elements mentioned are subjected to both fluidic and mechanical stress as connecting elements. Accordingly, the connecting element described also has a supply or return line. In order to be able to guarantee sufficient mechanical stability of the radiator arrangement according to the invention, it is preferable if four of the described connecting elements are mounted on the corner areas of the respective radiators of the radiator arrangement according to the invention. However, two, three or more than four of the described connecting elements or the connecting elements described below or different connecting elements described here can also be used in a corresponding manner.

In order to reduce the risk that the often much higher temperatures in the vicinity of the connection fittings of a radiator can lead to the covering according to the invention heating up excessively, the covering according to the invention is advantageously made of a material that does not or only poorly conducts heat, preferably plastic.

Advantageously, the casing extends beyond the extent of the heating device or the strip heater and/or forms a receiving space for heating and/or control devices, for example a thermostat-controlled resistance heating rod, an automatic mixing control heating device that switches off an electric heating device or reduces its output as soon as sufficiently hot heat transfer medium is supplied via a central heating pipe network.

Advantageously, in the heating device according to the invention or behind the panel, a control device can be concealed, which has at least one temperature measuring device and at least one control device for controlling an energy flow that can be converted into heating power, in particular an electric current, with an electric heater,

preferably an electric heating rod or an electric heating cartridge, whereby at least one throttling device for controlling or stopping the flow of the heating medium can be arranged in the inlet and/or return of the heating device. The circuit can cause the opening, throttling or interruption of the inlet and/or return of the heating medium from or to a central heating system by means of the throttling device depending on a preset desired or target room temperature for the heating device and depending on the temperature of the heating medium, whereby the desired or target room temperature should preferably be felt at the inlet of the heating device and whereby the inlet and/or return of the heating medium can be controlled by means of the throttling device to or from the central heating system when the inlet temperature falls below a predetermined temperature value.

This design makes it possible to ensure mixed central heating and heating cartridge operation for a heating device according to the invention during transition periods.

This design also makes it possible to partially or completely isolate the heating device according to the invention from the central heating system. The heating device according to the invention to be tempered can then be heated solely by the heating cartridge located in the heating device and the risk of heating up neighboring rooms via connected cables and distant radiators is eliminated. Unnecessary energy losses are also avoided. The correct operating mode can be selected automatically, which provides additional safety. This is particularly important if the panel is made of a possibly flammable plastic that warps or even catches fire when temperatures are too high, for example if a heating rod is not or poorly regulated.

A room temperature sensor can also be arranged in the heating device according to the invention in order to supply the control device with information about the actual room temperature.

The cladding according to the invention can have recesses or cutouts in which operating elements, for example an input device or keyboard, are arranged in order to enter some or all control parameters, limit values or the like, in particular the target temperature of the room, a time at which the heating operation is to begin.

As already stated, it is advantageous for the aesthetic impression if the control device is arranged behind the panel according to the invention, since this eliminates the need for separate installation in a wall box or the like. The safety aspect is also met in an advantageous manner.

Insofar as a timer device is also arranged under the covering according to the invention, it is possible to pre-program heating periods, times for the start or end of a heating period, ramps and the like.

The casing can also be used to conceal a battery and/or a power connection, a rechargeable battery or similar, from the view of an observer and from access by unauthorized persons, such as children. In addition, the use of a battery or rechargeable battery makes it possible to dispense with a direct power connection, which means that cables that are not aesthetically pleasing can be omitted.

In addition, LED warning lights or LCD displays or similar can be arranged in the panel, which can provide information about the current status of the battery or accumulator. Operating status displays such as "heating on" or "fault" are also conceivable. If an additional mains connection is provided, the monitoring circuit can temporarily connect an existing battery to the mains for charging.

In addition, it is possible to provide a pressure compensation tank due to the panel designed according to the invention without spoiling the appearance of a corresponding radiator or bathroom radiator. Such a pressure compensation tank is required above all if the radiator is to be operated with additional electricity

is completely disconnected from the heating network or even operated completely independently. The expansion tank then provides the expansion space required when heating the filling fluid. The safety gain is quite considerable here, since the pressure compensation tank, which may be under increased pressure, can be additionally protected from mechanical interventions from the outside by the cladding according to the invention.

In order to be able to withstand increased mechanical loads better, the cladding according to the invention can also be reinforced with reinforcing ribs made of the same material from which the cladding according to the invention itself is essentially made, for example plastic. On the other hand, however, reinforcements made of other materials can also be incorporated into the cladding according to the innovation.

It may also be advantageous to arrange ventilation slots or the like in the covering according to the invention, for example in the cover.

The innovation is explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures. They show:

Fig. 1 a heating device or a bathroom radiator with a covering;

Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a covering according to the invention in

a perspective front view;

Fig. 3 shows another preferred embodiment of the cladding according to the invention

in a perspective front view;

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a heating device according to the innovation with

Components that can be arranged behind a panel according to the invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic exploded view of a particular embodiment

the invention;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another particular embodiment;

Fig. 7 is a representation of the embodiment according to Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 shows an example of a tubular radiator in a rear view, as shown in

a radiator arrangement according to the invention can be used ;

Fig. 9 shows a panel radiator as used in a radiator arrangement according to

the invention can be mounted, in a front view;

Fig. 10 a connecting element in a partial longitudinal section or a partial

side view;

Fig. 11 a connecting element in a partial side view and a partial

longitudinal section;

Fig. 12 another embodiment of a connecting element for the connection

a radiator arrangement or the connection of a radiator arrangement according to the present invention in a partial longitudinal section or a partial side view;

Fig. 13 an embodiment of a connecting element with a cardanic

Sealing element in a longitudinal section and views of the sealing element;

Fig. 14 another embodiment of a connecting element with a tolerance absorption radius in a longitudinal section; and

Fig. 15 another embodiment of a connecting element with a plug connection technology in a longitudinal section.

Figure 1 shows a radiator, in particular a bathroom radiator 100, which is designed as a tubular radiator.

This has a panel 10 according to the invention, which is partially cut out and which allows the fittings etc. hidden behind it to be seen.

A front surface 12 with or without a valve or thermostat head opening 26 extends between sections 22, to which side surfaces 16 are connected, which at least partially surround the radiator 100. The side surfaces 16 can surround the radiator directly in a clamping manner or can have additional fastening devices, for example in the form of clips. The cover 10 can also be fastened using screws, by gluing or in another way.

In Fig. 2, a panel 10 according to the invention can be seen, which has a front surface 12 and a cover surface 14. Side surfaces or lateral surfaces 16 are provided at the ends of the front surface 12 in its main extension direction.

The cover surface 14 has recesses 18 through which either the manifold pipes of a heating device or a radiator can be led directly or their connection fitting extensions can be led through.

Depending on the type of radiator, these recesses 18 could be provided both in the cover surface and in the side surfaces 16.

As can be seen, the front surface 12 merges into the side surfaces 16 in a slightly curved manner. Of course, an abrupt transition in the form of an angle can also be provided here. A section-by-section transition or other aesthetic or mechanically stabilizing modifications are also possible here. On the back of the front surface 12,

Reinforcing ribs can be provided. In addition, recesses can also be provided on the front surface 12, for example, to arrange control panels, such as keyboards, or displays, such as LED displays or the like, or a manually operated valve or thermostat valve so that they can be accessed from the front. Likewise, openings with transmitting or receiving diodes arranged behind them, for example an infrared control path, are possible, via which signals for operating valves, safety devices or the like are transmitted.

The front surface 12 abruptly merges into the cover surface at an angle of approximately 90°. Of course, roundings or the like can also be provided here.

A material with poor heat conductivity, such as plastic, is recommended for the covering 10. If possible, the plastic should be sufficiently easy to color or be able to be colored by adding additives to a plastic base material.

Fig. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of a panel 10' according to the invention. In this figure, parts that correspond to the parts shown in Fig. 2 or at least have the same function are identified by the same reference numerals.

The reference number 20 indicates, on the one hand, the possibility of providing reinforcement ribs that are visible from the outside as decorations, and, on the other hand, the possibility of arranging ventilation slots in order to achieve additional convection effects. Accordingly, slots and/or reinforcements 20 can of course also be provided in the cover 14.

In the embodiment 10', the front surface 12 merges into the side surfaces 16 in sections. First, the front surface 12 bulges out over the section 24, and then bulges slightly beveled or slightly rounded into a section 22. The contour resulting from the sections 24, 22, 16 can correspond to the outer contour of a collecting pipe. A collecting pipe of this type that could fit this contour can be seen in Fig. 4 or Fig. 1 and has the reference number 150 in Fig. 4. This collecting pipe

The pipe can be placed directly on the surface of the cover surface 14, which results in a continuous transition between the covering according to the invention and the radiator, or whereby the radiator according to the invention with its covering presents itself as an aesthetic unit. The external shape of the cover 14 or the front surface 12 can also be adapted to the corresponding dimensions and/or shapes of the associated radiator, whereby, for example, the radiator according to Fig. 4 or Fig. 1, which has curved heating pipes 152, could continue with its shape bent into the room in the corresponding contour or the corresponding cross-section of the covering 10 or 10'.

Fig. 4 shows a partly schematic, partly perspective view of a radiator according to the invention with the devices at least largely concealed behind a covering according to the invention.

If the dimensions of the panel 10, 10' are related to the orientation of the bathroom radiator 100, then the "broad side" of the header pipes 150 means the short dimension of the surface 150a visible from the top view of the bathroom radiator, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the header pipes 150, and the "depth" of the heating device or header pipes means the dimension direction in the short direction of the surface 150b of the header pipes 150, which is aligned approximately perpendicular to the surface 150a. These details are only for orientation and do not limit the product to a specific type of radiator. Bathroom radiators etc. with header pipes 150 with a round, semi-circular, trapezoidal or similar cross-section can also be used.

The bathroom radiator 100 has trapezoidal collecting pipes 150 through which a heat transfer medium can flow. The collecting pipes 150 are connected to one another via heating pipes 152.

The components described below can be concealed behind the new cladding, whereby only the central heating system 112 is of course not affected by this finding.

A supply line 114 and an outlet 116 to the central heating system 112 can very well be concealed behind a covering 10, 10' according to the invention.

A valve 18 can either protrude through a recess in the panel if it is a simple valve or thermostatic valve, or, if it is an automatic valve, can also be hidden behind the panel.

Accordingly, many of the operating units and/or control units described below can, as already indicated above, be accessible via recesses in the panel.

A valve can also be arranged in the outlet or return 116 of the bathroom radiator 110, which can be designed as a shut-off valve or as a metering valve. It should only be ensured that one of the valves allows pressure equalization in order to prevent the bathroom radiator 110 from bursting due to the expanding heating medium when it is heated separately by a heating cartridge or a heating rod 124. However, an equalization tank can also be installed which absorbs excess liquid if necessary.

The resistance heater or the heating cartridge 124 is housed in the bathroom radiator 110, whereby a safety thermal switch 126 can be assigned to it, which directly affects the power supply of the heating rod 124 or influences the function of the heating rod or the heating cartridge 124 via a control electrics or control electronics 132. An additional sensor 12 in the supply line 14 can transmit information about the flow temperature of the heating medium to the electronics or electrics 132 in order to provide a value or values on the basis of which it can be decided whether the supply 114 and/or the return 116 should be opened, throttled or closed via the metering valve 118 and/or the valve or metering valve 120, whereby again preferably at least a minimal pressure equalization opening should remain in order to avoid damage to the heating element if it is heated separately by the heating cartridge 124.

A room temperature sensor 128, which can also be arranged behind the panel 10, 10', transmits measurements of the room temperature to the control electrics or control electronics 132. All electrical or electronic components are connected to one another via control or supply lines 130, which are shown only as examples in the single figure, and can be hidden behind the panel.

A timer device, e.g. a programmable timer 134, can be connected to the control electronics or electronics 132, which transmits time-related control commands tailored to the user's wishes to the control electronics or electronics 132 in order to cause the control device or control arrangement to start operating.

In addition, an input device 136, a comparison device 138 and a storage device 140 can be provided. The input device enables the user to enter commands into the electronics or electrics 132 or simultaneously into the timer device 134, for example via function or input keys that can be accessible through recesses in the casing. The comparison device 38 can be used to compare the target temperatures with the current temperatures in order to use the difference to reduce or increase the flow of the heating medium if necessary or to limit or increase the power supply to the heating cartridge or the heating rod 124 if necessary.

The storage device 140 can store the entered information in order to make it available to the control electronics if required.

Figure 5 shows a particularly advantageous embodiment according to the present invention, which comprises an arrangement of a rear heating element 20 and a front heating element 10 with a panel 12 provided between them. The heating element 10 according to Figure 5 is designed in the same way as the heating device 10 according to Figure 8 or according to Figure 1.

Connecting connections 100 are provided on the radiator 20, which can serve as a mechanical support device on the one hand and can also provide a fluidic connection between the rear radiator 20 and the front radiator 10 on the other. The connections 100 are also structured in such a way that they can also support the panel 12, whereby the connections 100 access the front radiator 10 through recesses in the panel 12. The panel 12 has a main plane 12b, the dimensions of which essentially correspond to the dimensions of the rear radiator 20. A projection 12a is formed at the lower end of the panel 12. This lower part or projection 12a serves to cover connection fittings, valves, thermostats, etc., in particular on the lower part of the heating device. The hole provided on the lower extension 12a shows where a valve or thermostat valve protrudes from the heating device according to the invention for its operation. Side extensions 12c provided on the panel 12 serve, for example, to continue the outer, particularly peripheral, shape of the collecting pipes 13 (see Figure 8) of the front heating element 10 in order to create a particularly advantageous aesthetic impression.

Figure 6 shows a further embodiment in which the cover 12 does not completely cover the rear radiator 20, but allows vertical pipes of the rear radiator to remain visible. To secure the cover 12, clips can be provided on the cover 12, which encompass at least some of the vertical pipes of the rear radiator 20 (see also Figure 5). This embodiment of a cover 12 has a lower extension 12a and an upper extension 12d, which can be used on the one hand to cover the holder device or fittings and the like, but at the same time can also help to improve the external aesthetic impression of the heating device according to the invention.

The illustration according to Figure 7 shows the heating device according to Figure 5 in the assembled state. Here, the smooth transition between the respective trapezoidal collecting pipes and the outer areas 12c (see Figure 5) of the casing 12 can be clearly seen. At the upper end, the casing 12 has a small but noticeable

Overhang 12d, so that the panel 12 practically acts like a frame for the front radiator 10 when viewed from above, which is particularly advantageous when the front radiator 10 and the panel 12 have different colors, which is possible here in a particularly advantageous manner, since the individual parts can later be joined together to form a complete heating device according to the invention, so that the individual parts 10, 12 and optionally 20 can each be provided with different colors, for example by means of a PUI coating.

The heating device shown in Figures 8 to 15 is an advantageous embodiment A with a first heating element (12) with a front view or front surface, with the following features: a second heating element (20) with a front view or front surface, the first and the second heating elements (10, 20) are arranged one behind the other with the front views running essentially parallel to one another; and the first and the second heating elements (10, 20) are connected fluidically and/or mechanically via at least two connecting elements (100, 200, 300, 400).

Further very advantageous embodiments B to AN are described below.

An embodiment B according to embodiment A results when the first or rear radiator (10) is a flat radiator and/or tubular radiator.

An embodiment C results when the second or front radiator (20) is a flat radiator and/or a tubular radiator.

An embodiment D according to one of the embodiments A to C results when the connecting element (100, 200, 300, 400) has a construction that accommodates manufacturing tolerances.

An embodiment E according to one of the embodiments A to D results, wherein the connecting element (100, 200, 300, 400) has a first and a second connection area

(102, 104; 202, 204; 302, 304; 402, 404), each of which can be fixed in one of the radiators (10, 20).

An embodiment F according to embodiment E results, wherein the first connection region (102, 202, 302, 402) has an at least partially flat first flat surface (122) running perpendicular to the axis of the first and/or second connection region (104, 204, 304, 404) and the second connection region (104) has a corresponding second flat surface (128), wherein at least one sealing element, for example an O-ring (124), is arranged between the flat surfaces.

An embodiment G according to embodiment F results, wherein one of the two plane surfaces (122, 128) has smaller dimensions or a smaller diameter than the other.

An embodiment H according to one of the embodiments F and/or G results, wherein the connecting element (108) connecting the two flat surfaces (122, 128) has different internal dimensions or a different internal diameter than at least one of the flat surfaces (122).

An embodiment I according to one of the embodiments E to H results, wherein the diameter or the dimensions of a flange region of at least one of the two connection regions (102) change in the axial direction on their outer circumference.

An embodiment J according to one of the embodiments E to I results, wherein at least one of the two flat surfaces (128) has a groove in which the sealing element (124) is at least partially received.

An embodiment K according to one of the embodiments E to J results, wherein the connection regions (102, 104; 202, 204; 303, 304; 402, 404) have sealing devices (132) on their outer sections.

An embodiment L according to the embodiment E results, wherein the first and the second connection region (202, 204) run axially parallel, wherein the connection regions (202, 204) are connected to one another by a connecting line (238), wherein the connecting line (238) has continuous receptacles (240) at its respective ends, into which the connection regions (202, 204) can be inserted.

An embodiment M according to the embodiment L results, wherein the connection areas (202, 204) each have at least one sealing element (242a) or an O-ring, which can be brought into operative connection with at least one opening of the continuous receptacle (240).

An embodiment N according to one of the embodiments L or M results, wherein at least one opening of the continuous receptacle (240) of the connecting line (238) is provided with a sealing element (244a) which can be brought into operative connection with a corresponding section on the respective first or second connection region (202, 204).

An embodiment O according to one of the embodiments L to N results, wherein a sealing element (242a, 244a) is provided on the connection region (202, 204) and one on one of the openings of the receptacle (240).

An embodiment P according to one of the embodiments L to O results, wherein the respective connection areas (202, 204) have at least one axial and at least one radial connection opening (203, 236).

An embodiment Q according to embodiment E results, wherein the first connection area (304) has a larger diameter or larger dimensions than the second connection area (302), so that the second connection area (302) can be inserted axially at least partially into the first connection area (304) or vice versa, wherein either the first and/or the second connection area (302, 304) on its outer and/or

Inner surface is each provided with at least one circumferential sealing element (324) extending axially 201 to the connection areas (302, 304).

An embodiment R according to embodiment Q results, wherein the connection areas (302, 304) can be connected to one another via a connecting device, for example a union nut (308).

An embodiment S according to one of the embodiments Q or R results, wherein the inner and/or the outer connection area (302, 304) have a structure, such as grooves or ridges, which fix the sealing element axially or translationally and/or come into a sealing operative connection with the sealing element (324).

An embodiment T according to one of the embodiments Q to S results, wherein the sealing element (324) has different dimensions in the axial direction and/or radial direction.

An embodiment U according to one of the embodiments Q to T results, wherein the sealing element has an oval or elliptical shape in the axial direction in cross section, which transitions into a round or circular shape, which preferably transitions into a shape offset from the first oval or elliptical shape, in particular an oval or elliptical shape.

An embodiment V according to embodiment U results, wherein the sealing element is designed in cross-section over the axial direction in such a way that the focal points are distributed on a first axis of the ellipse around the center of the ellipse, the focal points on the ellipse axis approach each other in an axial offset, unite at the center (circle) and the focal points then move away from the center on the ellipse axis offset by 90°.

An embodiment W according to the embodiment Q results, wherein the first and/or the second connection area tapers or widens conically in their respective connection direction, wherein one of the connection areas is connected to a connecting device, for example

a union nut (308) which at least partially surrounds the sealing element (324) at least in the closed state.

An embodiment X according to embodiment V results, wherein the sealing element tapers more conically in its front region (324a).

An embodiment Y according to embodiment W results, wherein the connection area not carrying the sealing element (324) has a structure (348) which essentially corresponds to the more conical area (324a) of the sealing element (324) or is complementary thereto.

An embodiment Z according to one of the embodiments W to Y results, wherein the conical connection region (302) which carries the sealing element (324) has a structure, for example with a circumferential corrugation, ribbing or the like.

An embodiment AB according to one of the embodiments E to Z results, wherein the sealing element or the sealing elements consist of a soft, flexible material, in particular rubber, latex or the like.

An embodiment AC according to the embodiment E results, wherein the first connection region (502) and the second connection region (504) are formed on their radially outer sealing connection surfaces (564) at least according to a radius, the starting point of which lies on the plane perpendicular to the cylinder axis of both connection regions (502, 504), wherein the starting point of the radius runs around a circular path lying in the parallel plane of the mutually facing ends of the connection regions on a predetermined diameter.

An embodiment AD according to one of the embodiments Q to AC results, wherein a flange (562) of one connection region (502) has smaller dimensions, in particular external dimensions, than the other flange (556) of the other connection region (504).

An embodiment AE according to one of the embodiments Q to AD results, wherein the connection areas (502, 504) are connected via a connecting device, for example a union nut (508), wherein the connecting element encompasses at least one of the flanges (562) with a free space or clearance in the radial and/or axial direction.

An embodiment AF according to one of the embodiments Q to AE results, wherein the inner diameter of the encompassing connecting device (508) in the rear grip area is larger than the outer diameter of the associated connection area (502).

An embodiment AG according to one of the embodiments AC to AF results, wherein a sealing device (524) is provided, which preferably has at least slightly larger dimensions than the space provided for the sealing device (524) at the connection areas (502, 504).

An embodiment AH according to the embodiment AG results, wherein the sealing device (524) has at least approximately on its outer circumference the shape which the sealing connection surfaces (564) of the connection regions (502, 504) predetermine.

An embodiment AI according to embodiment E results, wherein the first connection area (602) has a first fixing section (674) to fix the one heating element (610) and a further fixing section (676) to fix the other heating element (620), wherein the further fixing section (676) has at least in places a smaller or different outer diameter than the diameter of the associated opening in the other heating element (620), wherein the further fixing section (676) is mechanically and/or fluidically connected to the one heating element (610) via the second connection area (604).

An embodiment AJ according to the embodiment AI results, wherein the further fixing section (676) with a smaller outer diameter passes at least partially through the opening in the other heating element (620).

An embodiment AK according to the embodiment AJ results, wherein the first connection region (602) has an axial line (603) and at least one radially outwardly directed line (636) in the second fixing section (676).

An embodiment AL according to the embodiment AK results, wherein the second connection area (604) closes the axial line (603), fixes the first connection area (602) to the further heating element (620) and optionally has a vent opening (605) that can be closed.

An embodiment AM according to one of the embodiments AI or AJ results, wherein the second connection region (604) has an axial line (603) and at least one radial line (636), wherein the axial line (603) in the assembled state of the connecting element (600) connects to an axial line (603) of the first connection region (602).

An embodiment AN according to one of the embodiments AI to AM results, wherein on the first connection area (602) in a transition area (644) between the one fixing section (602) and the other fixing section (676) a sealing device (644) is provided, which in the assembled state can be pressed against a surface (680) of the heating element (620), and between the second connection area (604) and an associated other surface (642b) of the heating element (620) a further sealing device (642) is provided, wherein the sealing devices (644, 642) advantageously have a compressible structure or shape.

In the figures and in particular figures 5 to 15 and 8 to 15, reference symbols with the same reference symbols or those increased by a predetermined number (e.g. 100) can be assigned to identical or at least functionally identical parts (corresponding parts are, for example, 104, 204, 304, ...).

In Fig. 8, a tubular heater 10 with manifolds 13 and heating tubes 14 is shown. To assemble a heater assembly according to the invention, the tubular

radiator 10 has connection openings for the flow and return flow 16a, 16b, 18a and 18b. Connecting elements (see Fig. 10 to 15) can be inserted into these openings 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b and fixed in place.

Fig. 9 shows a flat radiator 20 which has a heating plate 14 with water pipes and collecting pipes 13' contained therein.

The flat radiator 20 also has connection openings, which are designated in Fig. 9 with the reference symbols 16a', 16b', 18a' and 18b'. The connection openings shown in Fig. 8 are shown mirrored to the connection openings shown in Fig. 9 in order to make it clear that the sides of the radiators 10 and 20 visible to the viewer of the figures face each other.

Instead of a flat radiator and a tubular radiator, two tubular radiators 10 can also be connected to form a radiator arrangement according to the invention.

The connection shown in Fig. 10 has a connection area 102 and a connection area 104, which can each be inserted into corresponding openings on the radiators. Pipe sections that are either countersunk or protrude from the corresponding radiator can be inserted into the openings 16a, 16a', 16b, 16b', ... of the radiators 10, 20. The corresponding pipe sections are indicated in Fig. 10 by the reference numeral 190. It is also possible to establish a connection without these pipe sections 190.

The two connection areas 102, 104, which can be screwed into the pipe sections 190, for example, via threads, have O-ring seals 132, which can be mounted via a corresponding sealing surface on the openings or pipes 190 of the radiators or directly on the radiator 10, 20 in a sealing connection to the respective radiators 10, 20. The seals 132 provided on the outer circumference of the connection areas 102, 104 can be arranged in corresponding grooves 134, which

extend around the outer circumference of the connection areas 102, 104. The respective connection areas 102, 104 end from their sides facing away from the radiators 10, 20 in flange sections, which have respective flat surfaces 122, 128 of different diameters or with different dimensions. The two flanges with the flat surfaces 122, 128 are connected to one another via a union nut 106. The union nut 106 engages with a radially inwardly extending section 126 behind the flange with the smaller flat surface 122 and is connected via a leg 108 with a thread to the flange having the flat surface 128. The respective threaded areas are identified by the reference number 130. A seal, for example an O-ring seal 124, is arranged between the smaller flat surface 122 and the larger flat surface 128, which, as shown here, can be accommodated within a groove.

A distance is provided between the radially outwardly extending section of the flange of the connection area 102, which has the flat surface 122, and the inner diameter of the union nut 106, which allows the two connection areas 102, 104 to be deflected from the coaxial position relative to one another. A corresponding clearance is also provided between the connection area 102 and the section 126. Accordingly, the union nuts can also be designed according to the other embodiments. In this way, manufacturing tolerances can be compensated. In addition, additional angular deviations and thus additional manufacturing tolerances can be compensated by a circumferentially different pressing of the O-ring 124.

Without parts of the connection 100 that absorb these manufacturing tolerances, the radiators of the radiator arrangement according to the invention would become distorted during assembly and could break off during assembly. They could also be damaged due to the internal distortions during operation when high temperatures place additional thermal expansions on the connections 100 and the radiators.

In Fig. 11, a "bone" connecting element 200 is shown, which also has connection areas 202, 204, which are mechanically and fluidically connected to one another via a connecting line 238. At openings 203, 205 of the connection areas 202,

204, respective radiators of a radiator arrangement according to the invention are connected. This can be done, for example, by screwing via the threads provided on the outer circumferences of the connection areas 202, 204.

The connecting line 238 has two receptacles 240 into which the respective connection areas 202, 204 are inserted. Seals 242a, 244a, which are held in corresponding grooves 242, 244, are pressed sealingly against respective connection surfaces of the receptacle 240 or a heating element (not shown) when the connection areas 202, 204 are tightened. The connection areas have at least one opening 236 which allows a flow of a heating medium through the connecting element 200.

The receptacles 240 can provide a larger free space than would be required for accommodating the connection areas 202, 204.

The illustrated connecting element 200 can be screwed from below or from above into the respective radiators of a radiator arrangement according to the invention. Structures at the respective ends 246 of the connection areas 202, 204 serve to provide contact surfaces for corresponding tools, for example wrenches or screwdrivers.

The illustrated connecting element 200 can be covered by an elegant housing (not illustrated), which has, for example, an oval shape and is placed over the connecting element from above or below.

In Fig. 12, a further connecting element 300 is shown, which is shown here in connection with a valve connection set for a radiator, but can also be seen in connection with the radiator arrangement according to the present invention.

Here, a connection area 302 has a conical shape, on which a seal 324, which is strongly conical in its front area 324a, for example made of a

Silicone material is provided. The seal 324 is at least partially surrounded by a connecting element, for example in the form of a union nut 308.

The connection area 304, which has a larger diameter, can at least partially accommodate the connection area 302. The connection area 304 has, on its front section facing the connection area 302, a strongly conically widening section 348 on its inner diameter, which essentially corresponds to the section 324a of the seal 324.

If the connection area 302 is attached to the area 304 via the union nut 308, the connection area 302 is pushed into the connection area 304 while the union nut 308 is tightened. The seal 324 is pressed onto the connection area 304 via the surface 348 and deformed. Since the connection area 302 tapers and the union nut 308 leaves a free space between the outer diameter of the connection area 302 and the inner diameter of the union nut 308, the connection area 302 can be moved relative to the connection area 304 with a very wide range of play to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. The pressing of the seal 324 serves both to seal and to mechanically fix the connection areas 302, 304 to one another. In order to achieve an increased mechanical holding force, a structure is provided on the outer circumference of the connection area 302, into which the pressed seal 324 can engage. Such a structure can consist, for example, of circumferential corrugations or the like, a negative or positive knurling, etc.

The connection valve assembly shown has a valve 352, via which, for example, the flow and return of a radiator can be short-circuited with one another via a bypass or can be connected to the flow or return connection line of a central heating system. Of course, it is also possible to install the valve assembly shown in accordance with the installation situation for the connecting element 200 according to Fig. 9, in which case the connections 368 are blindly flanged or are not provided at all.

By using a valve at this point, the heating output of a corresponding heater arrangement according to the invention could be varied by switching the front or rear radiator on or off.

Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of a connecting element 400 with a special seal 424. The seal 424 has an oval or elliptical area 424a, which in particular continuously transitions into a circular area 424b. This circular area 424b then transitions into a second ellipse 424c that is 90° to the first ellipse 424a. The diameter profile in the cross section is conical. The cone runs in the opposite direction in longitudinal sections offset by 90°, i.e. while the cone tapers in one longitudinal section plane, the cone widens in the longitudinal section plane that is rotated by 90° to this.

The connecting element 400 shown at the bottom of Fig. 13 has two connection areas 402, 404. The connection areas 402, 404 have two flange areas 456, 462, whereby the actual sealing surfaces are provided in the connection area 402 in a section 454 with a reduced radial outer diameter and in the connection area 404 in a correspondingly radially outwardly expanded area with an enlarged inner diameter 455. The flange 462 and the connecting element 408 and the associated configurations, in particular the clearances 460, 452, 450, correspond in principle to the corresponding parts of the embodiment according to Fig. 10.

The embodiment of a connecting element 500 according to Fig. 14 is designed from the connection areas 502, 504 according to the corresponding parts of the embodiment according to Fig. 13.

In contrast to this, the circumferential sealing surfaces 564 on the inner diameters of the flanges 556, 562 are designed in a part-circular shape. The shape is point-symmetrical, with the point of symmetry lying on the cylinder axis of the two coaxially arranged connection areas 502, 504 and on the plane that lies between the coaxially arranged connection areas 502, 504.

The sealing device 524 is advantageously formed with an outer circumferential sealing surface 524a, which corresponds to the sealing surface 564.

The connection areas 502, 504 of this connecting element 500 can be arranged both with an angle of the cylinder axes of the two connection areas 502, 504 to each other and with an offset, so that this embodiment also enables the compensation of very significant manufacturing tolerances.

Fig. 15 shows a radiator arrangement according to the invention with a front radiator 610 and a rear radiator 620 and a connecting element 600.

For the fluidic connection of the two radiators 610, 620, radial openings 636 are provided in the connecting element 600 in the interior of the radiator 620. These radial openings 636 connect to an axial line 603, which opens into the front radiator 610.

The connecting element 600 has a first section 602 which has a thread at its end, which is connected to the front heating element 610, and is provided with a sealing ring 632. If the front connection area 602 is screwed into the front heating element 610, a corresponding tool engages the connection area 602 via a structure, for example a hexagon socket 672.

The connection area 602 has an area 674 with a larger diameter, which advantageously has a relatively short axial extension. A seal 644 is provided on the surface 644 of the area 674 with an enlarged diameter facing the rear heating element 620. The connection area 602 has an area 676 with a reduced diameter, which can be inserted into a through-opening in the rear heating element 620. The outer diameter of this area 676 with a smaller diameter is smaller than the diameter of the opening in the rear heating element 620 in order to be able to absorb tolerances or manufacturing tolerances. At its end facing away from the front heating element 610, the first connection area 602 has an inner

thread into which the second connection area 604 can be screwed, whereby a seal 642a provided between a surface 642b of the rear heating element 620 and the flange area 642a of the second connection area 604 is pressed in a sealing manner. The relevant surfaces 642a and 678 of the first and second connection areas 602, 604 practically form the jaws of a screw clamp, which on the one hand press the seals 644, 642 together in a sealing manner and thereby mechanically connect the rear heating element 602 to the rear heating element 620, compensating for manufacturing tolerances.

The rear connection area 604 has an internal structure for assembly purposes, for example a hexagon socket 670. A vent opening can be provided in the opening 605 of the second area 604, which can be closed, for example, via a valve or a sealing screw or the like.

Claims (32)

1. Covering for a radiator for a central heating system, the radiator (2) having manifolds with a predetermined contour which run at a distance from one another, heating pipes being provided which extend between them and extend over the distance between the manifolds, the manifolds being connectable to connection fittings in a connection area and being connectable to the central heating system via the connection fittings, the covering extending over the distance between the manifolds and being arranged in front of the connection area, characterized in that the covering comprises a front surface (12) which comprises lateral sections (22) which also extend over the front side of the manifolds with respect to the front side of the radiator. 2. Covering according to claim 1, characterized in that the front surface (12) is adjoined at the respective ends on the lateral sections of the front side by side surfaces (16) which extend into the depth of the radiator or its collecting pipes (150b). 3. Covering according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the Front surface has a recess, for example for a valve adjustment knob, a thermostat valve adjustment knob or the like. Mu/ig Bayer. Vereinsbank Munich 453100 (bank code 700 202 70) Hypo-Bank Munich 4410122850 (bank code 70020001) Postbank Munich 653 43-808 (bank code 700 100 80) Fax: Telex: VAT: (089)4707064 (089)4707120 524560 DE 130746066 {089)4705009 (089)4706 417 Swan d (0 89) 419000 25 «&Ugr;? 4. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a covering surface (14) adjoins the upper edge of the front surface (12), which extends perpendicular to the front surface into the depth of the radiator and over the distance between the collecting pipes. 5. Covering according to claim 4, characterized in that the covering surface (14) in the region of the collecting pipes (13, 150) comprises a respective recess (18) adjacent to said respective connection areas adjoining the collecting pipes, the connection fittings accessing said recesses via said respective openings (18). 6. Covering according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the front surface is provided with recesses and/or reinforcing ribs (20). 7. Covering for a radiator for a central heating system, the radiator (2) having manifolds with a predetermined contour which run at a distance from one another, heating tubes being provided which extend between them and extend over the distance between the manifolds, the manifolds being connectable to connection fittings in a connection area and being connectable to the central heating system via the connection fittings, the covering extending over the distance between the manifolds and being arranged in front of the connection area, characterized in that the covering comprises a front surface (12), to the upper edge of which a cover surface (14) adjoins, which extends perpendicular to the front surface into the depth of the radiator and over the distance between the manifolds. 8. Covering according to claim 7, characterized in that the covering surface (14) also extends over the front surface (150a) of the collecting pipes (150) and preferably beyond. 9. Cover according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the cover comprises a front surface (12) which comprises lateral portions (22) which also extend over the front of the manifolds with respect to the front of the radiator. &igr;&eegr;.&igr;&eegr;. ^: ··&igr; · 10. Covering according to claim 9, characterized in that the front surface (12) is adjoined at the respective ends on the lateral sections of the front side by side surfaces (16) which extend into the depth of the radiator or its collecting pipes (150b). 11. Covering according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the Front surface has a recess, for example for a valve adjustment knob, a thermostat valve adjustment knob or the like. 12. Covering according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the covering surface (14) in the region of the collecting pipes (13, 150) comprises a respective recess (18) adjacent to said collecting pipes, wherein respective connection areas adjoin the collecting pipes and the connection fittings access said openings (18). 13. Heating device for central heating systems with a casing, where the heating device vertically aligned manifolds and
has heating tubes connected to them, preferably horizontally aligned, and the cladding comprises a front surface, the front surface (12) has an extension such that the area between the collecting tubes (150) in the direction of their broad side is essentially covered, while the area in the main extension direction or longitudinal direction of the collecting tubes is at least partially uncovered, characterized in that the covering (10, 10') has lateral side surfaces (16) which are arranged at the ends of the front surface (12) in its main extension direction and which are angled at an angle to the front surface (12) so that the side surfaces (16) follow or adapt to the contour of the collecting tubes (150) in the depth of the heating device. 14. Heating device according to claim 13, characterized in that the cover surface (14) or the side surface or surfaces (16) have recesses (18), openings or the like, in particular in order to guide the collecting pipes (150) or their extension fittings or pipes through. 15. Heating device according to claim 13, characterized in that the covering has an upper cover surface (14) which has the same extension as the front surface (12) in the direction of the broad side of the collecting pipes. 16. Heating device according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the heating device (100) is provided with the covering (10, 10') at one end section. 17. Heating device according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the heating device (100) has at the end section a further region with a different collecting pipe cross-section and/or optionally connection sections, fittings or the like and is covered at least in this further region by the covering (10, 10'). 18. Heating device according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the covering comprises a non-heat-conducting material, in particular plastic, and preferably consists essentially of this material. 19. Heating device according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the covering (10, 10') extends beyond the extent of the heating device at least in one direction and/or has a receiving space for heating and/or control devices. 20. Heating device according to claim 19, characterized in that the control device has at least one temperature measuring device and a control device for controlling an energy flow that can be converted into heating power, in particular an electric current, preferably an electric heating rod or an electric heating cartridge (124), wherein at least one throttle device for controlling or preventing the flow of the heating medium is arranged in the inlet and/or return line (114, 116) of the heating device (100), and the circuit (132) controls the opening, throttling or interruption of the inlet and/or return line of the heating medium from or to a central heating system by means of the throttle device (118) depending on a preset target room temperature for the heating device (100) and depending on the Temperature of the heating medium, which is preferably perceptible at the inlet (114) of the heating device (100), wherein the inlet and/or the return of the heating medium to or from the central heating system (112) can be controlled by means of the throttle device (118, 120) when the inlet temperature falls below a predetermined temperature value. 21. Heating device according to claim 20, characterized in that the heating device (124) is controllable depending on the temperature of the heating medium at the inlet (114) and the desired or target room temperature. 22. Heating device according to one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that an input device (36) is arranged in particular in or on the casing (10, 10') in order to enter control parameters, in particular the target or desired room temperature, wherein the input device is preferably arranged in a recess in the casing (10, 10'). 23. Heating device according to one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that a pressure equalization tank is connected to the heating device (100), which is preferably arranged behind the casing (10, 10'). 24. Heating device according to one of claims 13 to 23, characterized in that that the cladding (10, 10') has reinforcing ribs (20) which preferably extend in the main extension direction of the cladding (10, 10'). 25. Covering for a heating device, in particular a bathroom heating device, which has at least two, preferably vertically alignable header pipes and in particular horizontally alignable heating pipes, the covering having a front surface, the front surface (12) extending between the header pipes (150) in the main extension direction of the heating pipes (152) and partially extending in the main extension direction of the header pipes (150) or of the heating device (100), characterized in that the covering (10, 10') has lateral side surfaces (16, 22, 24) which are arranged on the end sides in the main extension direction of the front surface (12). 26. Covering according to claim 25, characterized in that the side surfaces are angled at an angle to the front surface (12) so that the side surfaces adapt to the contour of the collecting pipe or pipes (150). 27. Covering according to one of claims 25 or 26, characterized in that an upper covering surface (14) is provided which has the same extension as the front surface (12) in the direction of the broad side of the collecting pipes (150). 28. Covering according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the cover surface (14) or the side surface or surfaces (16, 22, 24) have recesses, openings or the like, in particular in order to guide the collecting pipes or their connection fittings through. 29. Covering according to one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that the covering (10, 10') comprises a non-heat-conducting material, in particular plastic, and preferably consists essentially of this material. 30. Covering according to one of claims 25 to 29, characterized in that the covering has an additional receiving space for heating and/or control devices. 31. Covering according to one of claims 25 to 30, characterized in that the covering has reinforcements or reinforcing ribs which preferably extend in the main extension direction of the covering (10, 10'). 32. Covering according to one of claims 27 to 31, characterized in that ventilation slots are preferably provided in the front surface (12) and/or the cover surface (14).