EP0563528B1 - Connection fittings for heaters - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for mounting a heating installation is described, in which a connection fixture (10) is first mounted on the wall or on the floor of the installation site for the radiator (32, 40). Subsequently, the connection of the pipes to the connection fixture (10), the shutting off of the radiator connections of the connection fixture, and the hydraulic-pressure testing of the entire installation consisting of pipes and the connection fixture are carried out. The radiator(s) (32, 40) is (are) mounted on the connection fixture (10) only at a later suitable time. A connection fixture developed for this purpose has connection means (38) for connection to the pipes, connection means for connection to at least one radiator, and fastening means for stationary mounting of the connection fixture on a wall or a floor. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a connection fitting for radiators according to the preamble of patent claim 1. The term heating system, which is used in the following, is to be understood as meaning a system comprising at least one radiator and the pipelines supplying it; Of course, in a conventional heating system, there are normally several radiators, some in different rooms, and pipes divided into different piping lines.

When installing such a heating system, the usual procedure is to first lay the pipes in an unfinished building and cut them to length according to the intended locations for the radiator or radiators. Then the radiators are mounted in the designated places on brackets attached in the wall or in the floor. Then the connection parts for the radiator are attached to this, for example a valve set, as described in the generic DE-A-31 20 396.

Such a valve set has an actual valve part attached to the top of the radiator, which is connected via a riser pipe to a connection part attached to the bottom of the radiator. The adaptation to different heights of radiators is made possible by appropriate adjustment of the length of the riser.

In the lower connection part connecting pieces for the heating water supply connection, the heating element supply connection, the heating water return connection and the heating element return connection are provided. A bypass duct with a reversing device for changing over from one-pipe to two-pipe operation of the radiator is provided between the radiator flow connection and the heating water return connection.

When all connections of the valve set to its connecting parts, the radiator and the supply lines have been made, the entire heating system is checked for leaks by pressing. Then the construction work continues until the object is completed.

DE-U-87 08 437 describes a simplified connection fitting for plate radiators, in which a valve body assigned to the lower fitting body and acting directly on its return connection is provided; the valve body and the valve body are therefore combined into one unit. This may reduce the time it takes to attach a valve assembly to the already installed radiator, but in principle nothing changes in the way the heating system is installed.

So far, the installation of a heating system has been relatively time-consuming and also leads to further problems, which apparently have not been given prior attention in the prior art.

First of all, according to the state of the art, it is necessary to install the radiators in a relatively early structural phase, since only after the heating system has been pressed can further construction work be carried out can be carried out. During the further construction work, however, the radiators are at risk of being damaged. In addition, the already installed radiators are also at risk of theft, since the interior of a shell is generally freely accessible during the early phases of the shell.

Attempts are often made to protect the radiators against damage by means of elaborate packaging, which remains on the radiator even in the assembled state during the shell construction phase. First of all, this is costly per se and also requires further work steps towards the end of the construction phase, namely to remove the packaging from the radiators. Furthermore, complex, voluminous packaging also brings with it disposal problems.

From DE-A-1 579 944 a radiation screen is known which is to be attached to the wall of a building. Two lines are provided on the radiation shield for the supply and return of a radiator to be installed. The radiator can be fixed to the radiation shield and thus to the associated wall via fastening sections arranged on the radiation shield.

A heating arrangement is known from NL-A-8 600 634, which is complex in terms of its design and fluidic implementation. A flow line is connected to connected radiators via hoses. Valves are provided at the end sections of the radiators. A heating medium is introduced into the return pipes via the valves.

Finally, from EP-A-0 171 780 a mounting device for a radiator is known, in which the radiator is clamped between two jaw-like sections with respective holding and connecting devices. The jaw-like clamping devices, which can simultaneously represent side panels, are connected to one another via parallelogram linkages.

It is the object according to the present invention to provide a connection fitting via which at least two feeds and two returns for respective radiators are made available in an assembly-friendly manner.

This object is achieved by a connection fitting with the features listed in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subordinate claims.

The invention is based on the knowledge of initially only laying the pipelines and connecting them to each of them (instead of a radiator) a special connection fitting. This system consisting of pipes and the connection fitting is then checked for leaks. The radiators are only connected to the connection fittings when the construction is complete, possibly only when the last interior work has been carried out.

The connection fitting according to the invention can be used as follows: attachment of a connection fitting on the wall or on the floor of the installation site for the radiator; Connection of the pipes to the connection fitting; Shutting off the radiator connections of the connection fitting; Impression of the entire system consisting of the pipes and the connection fitting; and assembly of the radiator on the connection fitting at a later, suitable time.

The assembly of the radiators can therefore be postponed to a point in time at which the rooms to be heated have already been completed, including floor laying work, painting work and the like. The radiators can be delivered from the factory or warehouse in reusable transport devices and assembled immediately; Packaging material that protects against damage is no longer necessary. This also results in not inconsiderable cost savings, since the capital for the radiators only has to be made available considerably later than was previously required according to the prior art.

During installation, shut-off devices provided there can advantageously be actuated to shut off the radiator connections of the connection fitting. Instead, for example, blind plugs or the like can also be used.

Before pressing the entire heating system, a bypass provided on the connection fitting for single-pipe, two-pipe operation should be opened. A radiator fastening device, to which the radiator is later mounted, is preferably attached to the connection fitting when it is installed. This eliminates the need for later steps to attach a radiator to a wall or floor.

The connection of the pipelines to the connection fitting and / or the connection of the radiator to the connection fitting is preferably carried out by means of quick couplings; this also saves assembly time.

As will be explained in more detail below, a plurality of connection fittings for a plurality of radiators are usually connected to the pipes, a connection fitting being able to supply not only one, but even two or more radiators.

A front cover and optionally a side cover is preferably attached to the connection fitting. This allows one Achieve adaptation to radiator linings that are becoming increasingly widespread. For this purpose, the front cladding of the connection fitting is preferably detachably connected to one or more adjacent radiator claddings or claddings, for example by snapping in, hanging in, snap fastenings or the like. The front panel of the connection fitting is also very well suited to accommodate additional display or control elements. For this purpose, at least one display or control element for the operation of the radiator is attached to and / or in the front cladding, preferably a setpoint adjuster for thermostatic temperature control. This ensures that such display or control elements can be installed in the front cladding at a suitable point in time, the installation possibly already being carried out at the factory, so that later on when the radiators are installed, no additional time is required for such installation steps.

In certain installation situations, it may be advantageous for technical or aesthetic reasons to divide the required heating output over several radiators. To this end, two or more radiators can be connected to a single connection fitting; in this case, the connection fitting only has to be connected to the pipes once.

The advantages mentioned above in connection with the assembly of the connection fitting according to the invention naturally also apply mutatis mutandis to this itself.

The pipe connection means preferably extend to the rear of the connection fitting. In this case, the pipes remain "invisible". At least the radiator connection means can or should each be provided with a quick coupling so that the later connection of the radiators can be carried out without complex assembly processes. In order to enable the (provisional) heating system to be easily pressed, that is to say the system consisting of connection fittings and pipelines, a shut-off device is preferably provided for each of the radiator connection means of the connection fitting.

For the universal use of the connection fitting for single-pipe or two-pipe operation, the connection fitting preferably has an adjustable bypass with zero shut-off.

The connection fitting should be provided with at least one radiator valve, which preferably has a k _V value setting.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention relate to features which facilitate the assembly of the radiator and / or of additional devices on the connection fitting. For this purpose, the connection fitting should have at least one mounting device for mounting a radiator, and the mounting device should be adjustable, in particular height and / or side adjustable, with respect to the connection fitting. When installing the radiator, it is then simply hung in the mounting device, fastened by snapping or the like. In order to facilitate the pipe connection to the radiator in this connection, the radiator connection means of the connection fitting should be adjustable in terms of height, side and angle position; this can be achieved for example by flexible connecting pipes.

To attach an additional device such as a heating cost proportion measuring device, a temperature display or an (electronic) control device, the connection fitting is advantageously provided with a corresponding holding device.

Furthermore, the connection fitting should have a front cover and / or a side cover and / or an upper cover. This will adapt the appearance of the connection fitting the corresponding paneling of the radiator or radiators is reached. In addition, the cladding of the connection fitting, in particular the front cladding, is suitable for attaching at least one functional component such as, for example, a setpoint adjuster of a thermostatic control or a display device.

Overall, therefore, according to the present invention, a connection fitting is provided which, in the manner of a "function block", has all the setting, operating and display elements required for the commissioning and normal operation of the heating system, insofar as it relates to the radiators.

Fig. 1

eine Vorderansicht, teilweise im Schnitt, einer Anschlußarmatur gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung, die zwischen zwei (teilweise dargestellten) Heizkörpern angeordnet ist;

Fig. 2

eine Aufsicht auf die in Fig. 1 dargestellte Anordnung;

Fig. 3

eine ähnliche Vorderansicht wie in Fig. 1, jedoch mit einer durch eine Frontverkleidung verblendeten Anschlußarmatur;

Fig. 4

eine Aufsicht auf die in Fig. 3 dargestellte Anordnung;

Fig. 5

eine Vorderansicht auf eine zentrale Frontverkleidung einer zentralen Anschlußarmatur, an welcher in symmetrischer Anordnung auf jeder Seite zwei Plattenheizkörper angeschlossen sind, die durch Frontverkleidungen voneinander getrennt sind, deren Form im wesentlichen an die Form der Frontverkleidung der Anschlußarmatur angepaßt ist.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, from which further advantages and features emerge. It shows:

Fig. 1

a front view, partly in section, of a connection fitting according to the present invention, which is arranged between two (partially shown) radiators;

Fig. 2

a plan view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

a front view similar to that of Figure 1, but with a connector paneled by a front panel.

Fig. 4

a plan view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

a front view of a central front panel of a central connection fitting, to which two plate radiators are connected in a symmetrical arrangement on each side, which are separated from each other by front coverings, the shape of which is essentially adapted to the shape of the front cover of the connection fitting.

A connection fitting according to the present invention is generally designated by the reference number 10 in FIGS. 1, 2. In the embodiment shown, the connection fitting 10 serves to supply two plate heating elements 32, 40. The connection to the one plate heating element 32 takes place at the top via a pipe 12 of the connection fitting 10 and at the bottom via a pipe 20; for this purpose, quick couplings (not shown) can be provided on the tubes 12, 20.

In a corresponding manner, the connection fitting 10 is connected to the other plate heating element 40 via an upper pipe 14 or a lower pipe 22, and these two pipes 14, 22 can also be provided with quick couplings (not shown).

The connection between the upper pipe 12, 14 and the lower pipe 20, 22 takes place via a first riser pipe section 16 and a second riser pipe section 18, between which a socket 28 (FIG. 2) sits, on which a conventional thermostatic valve is provided.

The connection to the pipes of the heating system is made via a pipe connection 24 and a pipe connection 26.

As is clear from the view according to FIG. 2, the left plate heater 32 has a front heating plate 36 and a rear heating plate 34. A connection piece 38 of the radiator 32 is used for connection to the pipe 12 of the connection fitting 10.

Correspondingly, the right plate heater has a front heating plate 44 and a rear heating plate 42. The connection of the upper tube 14 of the connection fitting 10 takes place via a connection piece 46 of the radiator 40.

3, 4 corresponds to the representation of FIGS. 1, 2. In the front view of FIG. 3, only the pipe connections 64, 66 can be seen from a connection fitting (corresponding to the pipe connections 24, 26 in FIG. 1), since the remaining section of the connection fitting in Fig. 3 is covered by a front panel 50.

In contrast to the thermostatic valve 30 in FIGS. 1, 2, in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 3, 4, a setpoint adjuster 52 separate from the heating valve is provided, which is arranged in the front cover 50. This setpoint adjuster is designed as a linear setpoint adjuster 52 and for this purpose has a slide 54 which is guided through a slot 56 and which at the same time serves as a pointer on a scale of the setpoint adjuster 52 ranging from 1 to 5.

As in FIGS. 1, 2, the connection fitting shown in FIGS. 3, 4 also supplies two plate heating elements 60, 62, which extend from both sides of the connection fitting, according to the present invention. At the top, the entire arrangement of the two plate heaters 60, 62 and the connection fitting with its front cover 50 is covered by an upper cover 58, which is provided with ventilation openings for the passage of the heated air.

Of course, the connection fitting 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 could also be subsequently provided with a front cladding, which would then have to have a corresponding hole for the thermostatic valve 30.

It is pointed out that basically the same connection fitting (for example the connection fitting 10) can be used to connect one and two radiators; If the connection fitting 10 is to supply only one radiator, the pipes 10, 20 could be closed, so that only the pipes 14, 22 are still functional. Of course, it is also possible to design different connection fittings according to the number of radiators to be connected. A connection fitting for the connection of only one radiator would differ from the connection fitting 10, for example, in that the pipes 12, 20 are missing (and only the pipes 14, 22 are still present).

FIG. 5 once again explains the diverse possibilities which the present invention offers by means of a front view of a plurality of radiators supplied by a single connection fitting.

A connection fitting according to the invention which is arranged in the center is covered to the front by a front cladding 110; from the connection fitting only the downwardly extending pipe connections 112, 114 for the connection to the pipes can be seen.

On the left-hand side in FIG. 5, a plate heater 120 and a plate heater 116 are supplied by the connection fitting, and these two plate heaters 120, 116 are separated by a front cover 118, which is designed to match the front cover 110 of the connection fitting.

On the right-hand side in FIG. 5, the panel fitting supplies a plate heater 122 and a panel heater 126, which are separated by a front cover 124, which (like the left front cover 118) is also adapted in design to the front cover 110 of the connection fitting.

In particular, the illustration of FIG. 5 also shows the advantages of the present invention, which consist in the fact that only the connection fitting, which is hidden behind the front cladding 110 in FIG. 5 and is provided with its pipeline connections 112, 114, is provided in the shell construction phase of a building is connected to the pipes of the heating system. All other parts shown in Fig. 5, namely the four panel radiators 116, 120, 122 and 126, as well as the additional front panels 118, 124, but also the front panel 110 of the connection fitting and an upper panel 128 covering the entire arrangement are not in the shell construction phase are available and will only be assembled when they are finally removed All these parts therefore do not interfere in the shell construction phase, and cannot be damaged or otherwise impaired in their function, and cannot be stolen.

Claims (11)

1. Connection fitting (10) for radiators, with the following features:

   - connection means (24, 26) for connection to pipes, with an inlet and an outlet;

   - connection means (12, 14, 20, 22) for connection to at least one radiator, with at least one inlet and one outlet (14, 22);

   - fastening means for the stationary application of the connection fitting (10),

   - the connection means (26) for the inlet is connectable by means of an ascending pipe (16, 18) to an inlet (14) of a radiator (40);

   - a by-pass with an adjustment device is provided, by means of which the connection means (24, 26) are joinable,

   characterised by the following features:

   a) the ascending pipe comprises a longer (18) and a shorter (16) section, at least one valve device (30) being disposed between these sections,

   b) on the ascending pipe above the valve device at least two connection means (12, 14) for radiators (32, 40) are disposed,

   c) on the connection means (24) for the outlet at least two connection means (20, 22) for at least two radiators (32, 40) are provided.
2. Connection fitting according to Claim 1, characterised in that the pipe connection means (24, 26) extend to the rear of the connection fitting.
3. Connection fitting according to at least one of Claims 1 and/or 2, characterised in that the radiator connection means (12, 14, 20, 22) are each provided with a rapid-action coupling.
4. Connection fitting according to at least one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the radiator connection means (12, 14, 20, 22) each have a shut-off device.
5. Connection fitting according to at least one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the by-pass has a zero shut-off.
6. Connection fitting according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the at least one valve device (30) has a k_v value setting.
7. Connection fitting according to at least one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the connection fitting has at least one assembly device for the assembly of one radiator.
8. Connection fitting according to Claim 7, characterised in that the assembly device is arranged so as to be height-adjustable and/or laterally adjustable in relation to the connection fitting.
9. Connection fitting according to at least one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the radiator connection means (12, 14, 20, 22) are arranged so as to be adjustable in terms of height, lateral position and inclination, for example flexibly.
10. Connection fitting according to at least one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the connection fitting has at least one holding device for the application of an additional device such as a heating-cost meter, a temperature display or an electronic controller.
11. Connection fitting according to at least one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the connection fitting has a front casing (50) and/or a side casing and/or a top casing (58).

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