EP1041352B1 - Method and device for mounting a radiator in a heating installation and assembly of two quick connectors for such an installation - Google Patents

Abstract

Support (20) comprises quick-release coupling (11, 12), able to be integrated in water alimentation system (1, 2) for hot wa slots (25a, 25'a, 25b, 25'b), used as guiding system, for sliding in translation heater (30) in direction of connection (F) of f quick-release coupling with second one, attached to heater. An Independent claim is also included for the description of the quick-release coupling mechanism, and for the method for attaching the heater on its support.

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for installation of a radiator in a water heating installation hot. The invention also relates to a set of two quick couplings for the connection of two fluid lines which find application in the loop feed of a radiator.

DE-A1-19 633 144 and DE-A-2 257 958 describe radiators for heating system with hot water.

In hot water heating systems, it is known to connect a radiator to two dedicated pipes respectively to the hot water supply and the water drainage cooled, using olive fittings or by welding the radiator directly on these pipes. Furthermore, it is also known to use one or more supports to fix each radiator in relation to the wall in front of which it is placed. With this known technique, the installation of a radiator is relatively long and delicate, especially to ensure that the supports used are correctly placed in relation to to the radiator supply pipes.

In addition, the disassembly of a radiator installed according to the known technique is delicate, even impossible, and we give up generally at such disassembly, except major malfunction of the radiator. It is thus customary not to disassemble a radiator when a room is repainted or repainted, which leads to an approximate application of the tapestry or the paint behind the radiator.

It is to these disadvantages that we hear more particularly remedy the invention by proposing a device for mounting a radiator which facilitates initial installation and allows disassembly easy, for maintenance operations or during operations rehabilitation of the room in which this radiator is installed.

• d'au moins un premier raccord rapide apte à être intégré dans une ligne d'alimentation en eau chaude du radiateur et
• de moyens de guidage du radiateur en translation selon une direction de raccordement du premier raccord rapide avec un second raccord rapide coopérant, solidaire du radiateur.

In this spirit, the invention relates to a device for mounting a radiator in a hot water heating installation comprising a support for said radiator, capable of being immobilized on the wall of a room to be heated, characterized in that the support is provided:

• at least a first quick connector capable of being integrated into a hot water supply line to the radiator and
• means for guiding the radiator in translation in a direction of connection of the first quick connector with a second cooperating quick connector, integral with the radiator.

Thanks to the invention, the support provides both immobilizer function once installed and a guidance function during the installation of the radiator, this which allows the use of quick couplings which can be easily assembled and disassembled by a user, even a non-expert in the technical field. The invention therefore makes it possible to envisage to easily disassemble a radiator for maintenance, such as descaling or finding a leak in the workshop, or for local rehabilitation operations, such as applying a new coat of paint, including included on the rear side of the radiator, i.e. the one facing the wall, and usually on the wall masked by the radiator. In the same way, the radiator can be easily dismantled when it comes to reupholstering the wall question. The invention also allows a standard exchange of a radiator without any particular difficulty, especially when the heating power must be adapted to a new use of the premises.

• il comprend deux raccords rapides positionnés de façon rigide l'un par rapport à l'autre et par rapport au support. Dans ce cas, ces deux raccords sont avantageusement formés dans une pièce monobloc, elle-même fixée sur le support ;
• les moyens de guidage comprennent au moins une entaille ou lumière allongée de réception d'un doigt ou pion fixé sur la face arrière du radiateur ;
• les moyens de guidage comprennent au moins un rail apte à coopérer avec des moyens correspondant prévus sur la face arrière du radiateur ;
• certains moyens de guidage et/ou certains moyens portés par le radiateur et destinés à coopérer avec les moyens de guidage sont conformés pour permettre des variations dimensionnelles du radiateur selon une direction globalement perpendiculaire à la direction de raccordement ;
• il comprend des moyens de verrouillage du radiateur sur le support en position raccordée des premier et second raccords rapides. Ces moyens, qui peuvent être élastiques, évitent un démontage intempestif du radiateur, notamment par un enfant.

According to advantageous aspects of the invention, the device incorporates one or more of the following characteristics:

• it includes two quick couplings rigidly positioned relative to each other and to the support. In this case, these two fittings are advantageously formed in a single piece, itself fixed on the support;
• the guide means comprise at least one notch or elongated lumen for receiving a finger or pin fixed on the rear face of the radiator;
• the guide means comprise at least one rail capable of cooperating with corresponding means provided on the rear face of the radiator;
• certain guide means and / or certain means carried by the radiator and intended to cooperate with the guide means are shaped to allow dimensional variations of the radiator in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of connection;
• it comprises means for locking the radiator on the support in the connected position of the first and second quick couplings. These means, which can be elastic, prevent inadvertent disassembly of the radiator, in particular by a child.

• prévu pour alimenter en boucle un radiateur dans une installation de chauffage à eau chaude et
• solidaire d'un support pour ce radiateur portant des moyens de guidage de ce radiateur lors d'un mouvement de raccordement des deux raccords rapides avec des raccords rapides coopérant portés par le radiateur.

The invention can also be defined as relating to a set of two quick couplings belonging to a mounting device as previously described, for the connection of two adjacent fluid lines, characterized in that it is:

• designed to loop supply a radiator in a hot water heating installation and
• secured to a support for this radiator carrying means for guiding this radiator during a movement of connection of the two quick connectors with cooperating quick connectors carried by the radiator.

• installer au moins un premier raccord rapide à l'extrémité d'une tubulure d'alimentation du radiateur en eau ;
• fixer, sur un mur adjacent, un support solidaire de ce premier raccord rapide ;
• mettre en place le radiateur sur ce support en se servant de ce support comme d'un guide pour un mouvement de translation correspondant au raccordement du premier raccord rapide avec un second raccord rapide solidaire du radiateur.

The invention also relates to a method of mounting a radiator in a hot water heating installation which can be implemented with the device as previously described and, more specifically, a method which consists in:

• install at least a first quick coupling at the end of a water supply pipe to the radiator;
• fix, on an adjacent wall, a support integral with this first quick connector;
• set up the radiator on this support using this support as a guide for a translational movement corresponding to the connection of the first quick connector with a second quick connector integral with the radiator.

Advantageously, the movement in translation is generally vertical and directed downwards, the corresponding process then to a positioning of the radiator by a push in direction of the ground from which the tubes generally emerge to supply the radiator.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un radiateur et d'un support de montage de ce radiateur, conformes à un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue par l'avant, avec arrachement, du radiateur et du support lors d'une première étape de mise en place du radiateur ;
• la figure 3 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 lorsque le radiateur est monté ;
• la figure 4 est une vue de dessus du radiateur et du support dans la position de la figure 3 ;
• la figure 5 est une coupe verticale du raccord double, en position accouplée ;
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un radiateur et d'un support de montage conformes à un second mode de réalisation de l'invention et
• la figure 7 est une coupe verticale du raccord double de la figure 6, en position accouplée.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of two embodiments of a device for mounting a radiator in a heating installation in accordance with its principle, given only by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a radiator and a mounting bracket of this radiator, according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 2 is a front view, with cutaway, of the radiator and the support during a first step of positioning the radiator;
• Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 when the radiator is mounted;
• Figure 4 is a top view of the radiator and the support in the position of Figure 3;
• Figure 5 is a vertical section of the double connector, in the coupled position;
• FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a radiator and a mounting support in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, and
• Figure 7 is a vertical section of the double connector of Figure 6, in the coupled position.

In FIG. 1, two pipes 1 and 2 emerge from the ground near a wall 3, as is generally the case in residential, office or industrial premises. The pipe 1 constitutes a line for supplying hot water to a radiator while the pipe 2 constitutes a line for discharging cooled water, as shown by the arrows F ₁ and F ₂ . Two female quick couplings 11 and 12 are provided to be mounted at the respective ends of the pipes 1 and 2 by any suitable means, and in particular by means of a system of olive couplings 11 a , respectively 12 a . As can be seen more clearly from FIG. 5, the connections 11 and 12 are formed in a single block 13 of metal in which is formed a channel 14 for short-circuiting the pipes 1 and 2, this channel being closed by a needle controlled 15. Each quick coupling 11 or 12 is fitted with a valve 11 b or 12 b loaded elastically by a return spring 11 c or 12 c in the closed position. The spacing e of connections 11 and 12 is precisely defined by block 13.

A support, formed by a sheet metal plate 20, is provided to be fixed to the wall 3 by means of four screws 21 provided for penetrating into oblong openings 20 a of the plate 20. In its lower part, the plate 20 is extended by a tab 22 which is bent and configured to be made integral with the quick couplings 11 and 12 by means of a screw 23 passing through an orifice 13 a of the block 13 and a hole 22 a of the tab 22 and cooperating with a nut 23 a which can be welded to the rear face of the tab 22. The connections 11 and 12 are thus secured to the plate 20 while they are rigidly positioned with respect to each other and with respect to this plate.

The installation of the radiator is carried out in the manner next :

After the quick couplings 11 and 12 have been fixed on the pipes 1 and 2, the tab 22 is slid between the wall 3 and the block 13, so that the screw 23 can be tightened in the nut 23 a , this which allows to join the fittings 11 and 12 on the one hand and the plate or support 20 on the other. It is then possible to fix the plate 20 to the wall 3 by tightening the screws 21 in suitable holes.

Alternatively, the fittings 11 and 12 can be pre-assembled on plate 20 in the workshop, for example welded to it. A pre-assembled "support-fitting" assembly is then obtained, which all the more guarantees the positioning of fittings relative to the support, this assembly being manipulated unitary, which reduces installation time.

Whatever the variant considered, after fixing the plate 20 on the wall, a radiator 30 can be presented to be connected to the pipes 1 and 2 by means of male quick couplings 31 and 32 provided for engaging respectively in the fittings quick couplings 11 and 12. The quick couplings 31 and 32 have a center distance e 'precisely defined due to the geometry of the radiator 30. In practice, the center distances e and e ' are chosen equal, so that it is possible to connect in the same movement the connections 31 and 11 on the one hand, 32 and 12 on the other.

So that this connection is carried out in the best conditions without risk of distorting one of the quick couplings, the plate 20 is provided with means for guiding in translation of the radiator 30, so that the quick couplings 31, 32 are moved in direction of the quick couplings 11 and 12 while their respective central axes X ₃₁ and X ₃₂ are centered on the central axes X ₁₁ and X ₁₂ of the couplings 11 and 12.

Four pins or fingers 35 are provided on plates 36 fixed on the rear face of the radiator 30, that is to say on the face facing the support 20. Furthermore, two notches 25 a and 25 ' a are provided in upper part of the plate 20, while two slots 25 b and 25 ′ b are provided in the lower part. The notches 25 a and 25 ' a on the one hand and the openings 25 b and 25' b on the other hand are formed in ribs 20 b and 20 ' b of the plate 20 directed towards the radiator, so that the heads 35 a pins 35 can be arranged between these ribs 20 b and 20 ′ b and the surface of the wall 3, as appears in FIG. 4.

The slots 25 b and 25 ′ b comprise a generally cylindrical portion of diameter greater than that of the heads 35 a allowing the penetration of the heads 35 a of the two lower pins 35 through the plate 20. The width l of the notches 25 a and 25 b is slightly greater than the diameter d of the pins 35, so that the cooperation of shapes between the elements 25 and 35 makes it possible to guide the radiator 30 vertically during a downward movement.

The operation emerges from the comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3. The radiator 30 is presented by an operator by substantially aligning the upper pins 35 with the notches 25 a and 25 ′ a and by making the heads 35 have lower pins 35 in the lights 25 b and 25 ' b . We are then in the position of FIG. 2.

We then go to the configuration of Figure 3, in which the fittings 31, 32, 11 and 12 are connected, pushing the radiator towards the ground as represented by the arrow F, the radiator then being guided by the notches and lights 25 a , 25 ' a , 25 b and 25' b .

In this configuration, the ends 31 a and 32 a push back the valves 11 b and 12 b of the connections 11 and 12, which allows the pipes 1 and 2 to be placed in fluid communication on the one hand and the interior circulation zone of the radiator. 30 on the other hand. As is more clearly apparent from Figure 5, the ferrules 31a and 32a are elastically mounted to the end fittings 31 and 32 through two O-rings 31 c and 31 'c on the one hand, 32 c and 32' c on the other hand, making it possible to compensate for possible misalignments of the axes X ₃₁ and X ₁₁ , on the one hand, X ₃₂ and X ₁₂ on the other hand.

A hook 37 is provided, between the two upper pins 35, on the upper plate 36. This hook is intended to be engaged in the hollowed-out central part of an elastic tab 26 that it deforms elastically during movement according to the arrow F of progression of the radiator 30 downwards. This tab 26 and this hook 37 therefore constitutes locking means elastic of the radiator 30 in the connected position of the fittings 11, 12, 31 and 32.

When it is necessary to dismantle the radiator 30, for a maintenance operation or to access the wall 3 or the rear face of the radiator 30, it suffices to push the tab 26 towards the wall to release the hook 37 and lift the radiator 30 for passing from the position of FIG. 3 to the position of FIG. 2, the fluid communication being automatically interrupted by valves 11 b and 12 b at the level of the quick couplings 11 and 12.

Under these conditions, we understand that a user do not hesitate to disassemble the radiator 30 as soon as this is necessary, especially since no specific tool is necessary.

The width l ′ of the notch 25 ′ a and of the opening 25 ′ b in its lower part is greater than the diameter d of the pins 35, which allows expansion of the radiator 30 which in fact results in a variation of the spacing between the pins 35 located on the rear face. Indeed, by its very function, a radiator is subjected to variable thermal stresses which necessarily result in dimensional variations thereof, in particular in a generally horizontal direction, that is to say perpendicular to the direction of introduction of fittings 31 and 32 into fittings 11 and 12. This is why it is advisable to provide sufficient clearance, defined by the difference in the values of l and d to allow such expansion in some of the means of fixing the radiator 30 to the support 20. This clearance also makes it possible to absorb the dimensional manufacturing tolerances of the elements 20 and 30.

In this case, the notches and lumens closest to the fittings 11 and 12, namely the notch 25a and the lumen 25 b have a width l adjusted relative to the diameter d of the pins 35, while the most notches and lumens 25 ' a and 25' b apart have a slightly greater width ensuring the aforementioned clearance.

In the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 6 and 7, elements similar to those of first embodiment bear identical references increased by 50.

In this embodiment, two quick couplings 61 and 62 are mounted on a lower tab 72 of a plate forming support 70, intended to be fixed to a wall using screws 71 represented by centerlines.

As before, the female connectors 61, 62 are formed in a block 63 comprising a short-circuiting channel 64 of pipes 51 and 52. The radiator 80 carries male quick connectors 81 and 82 intended to cooperate with the connectors 61 and 62 and which differ from the previous ones essentially in that they each comprise a valve 81 d or 82 d elastically loaded by means of an elastic cup 81 e or 82 e so that, in the event of disconnection of the quick couplings 61, 62, 81 and 82, not only the valves 61 b , 62 b of the connections 61 and 62 close off the fixed pipes 51 and 52, but also the valves 81 d and 82 d prevent water from flowing from the radiator 80.

In this embodiment, the guide means in translation of the radiator 80 relative to the plate 70 are formed by two identical T-shaped rails, 75 and 75 ', provided to cooperate each with a chute 85 or 85 ' disposed at the rear of the radiator 80 and allowing a efficient translational guidance by cooperation of shapes. Each chute 85 or 85 'includes an upper veil forming stop at the displacement of the radiator 80 downwards.

As before, the chute 85 'furthest from quick couplings 61 and 62 can have transverse dimensions slightly higher than those of chute 85 for allow transverse expansion of the radiator.

According to a variant not shown of the invention, the chutes 85 and 85 'and the hook 87 intended to cooperate with an openwork elastic tab 76 of the plate 70 are mounted on a common plate, itself fixed on the rear face of the radiator.

Of course, other guidance modes than those described with reference to these two embodiments can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the claims appended hereto.

Likewise, other means of locking the radiator in the connected position quick couplings can be considered, such locking means being advantageously set up automatically when moving fittings for connection. Locking means can, in particular, be located at block level in which are formed quick couplings, a cross button can, for example, be arranged between the fittings. It is also possible to provide that the radiator lock in position is achieved by a screw.

According to a variant not shown of the invention, the quick couplings can be arranged with their longitudinal axes respective substantially horizontal, i.e. parallel to the ground. The installation of the radiator then takes place by a generally horizontal translation.

It can also be provided that the guidance of the radiator on the support plate is obtained with a single guide means, such as a rail, cooperating with a single corresponding hub, such as a slide, correctly placed on the back of the radiator, for example aligned with the fittings, in a central part of the radiator, and having a sufficient length. Alternatively, the guide means can be segmented along their length, for example formed of unitary means distributed over the race radiator, vertical or horizontal.

Claims (10)

1. A device for mounting a radiator in a hot-water heating installation, comprising a support (20; 70) for said radiator which is capable of being immobilised on a wall of premises to be heated, characterised in that said support is provided:

   with at least one first quick connector (11, 12; 61, 62) capable of being integrated into a hot-water supply line (1, 2; 51, 52) of said radiator (30; 80) and

   with means (25a, 25'a, 25b, 25'b; 75, 75') for guiding said radiator in translation in a direction (F) of connection of said first quick connector with a co-operating second quick connector (31, 32; 81, 82), integral with said radiator.
2. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that it comprises two quick connectors (11, 12; 61, 62) positioned rigidly relative to one another and relative to said support (20; 70).
3. A device according to Claim 2, characterised in that said two connectors (11, 12; 61, 62) are formed in a monobloc part (13; 63), which itself is fixed to said support (20; 70).
4. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said guide means comprise at least one elongated port (25b, 25'b) or notch (25a, 25'a) for receiving a finger or pin (35) fixed to the rear face of said radiator (30).
5. A device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said guide means comprise at least one rail (75, 75') capable of co-operating with corresponding means (85, 85') provided on the rear face of said radiator.
6. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that some (25a, 25b) guide means and/or some means (85') borne by said radiator (80) and intended to co-operate with said guide means (75') are shaped (1') to permit dimensional variations of said radiator (30) in a direction which is perpendicular overall to said direction of connection (F).
7. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises means (26, 37; 76, 87) for locking said radiator (30; 80) on said support (20; 70) in the connected position of said first and second quick connectors (11, 12, 31, 32; 61, 62, 81, 82).
8. A set of two quick connectors (11, 12; 61, 62) belonging to a mounting device according to one of the preceding claims for connecting two adjacent fluid lines (1, 2; 51, 52), characterised in that it is:

   provided for supplying in a loop a radiator (30, 80) in a hot-water heating installation and

   integral with a support (20; 70) for said radiator bearing means (25a, 25'a, 25b, 25'b; 75, 75') for guiding said radiator upon a connecting movement (F) of said two quick connectors with co-operating quick connectors (31, 32; 81, 82) borne by said radiator.
9. A process for mounting a radiator in a hot-water heating installation, characterised in that it consists of:

   installing at least one first quick connector (11, 12; 61, 62) on the end of a pipe (1, 2, 51, 52) for supplying said radiator (30; 80) with water;

   positioning said radiator on said support using said support like a guide (25a, 25'a, 25b, 25'b; 75, 75') for a translational movement (F) corresponding to the connection of said first quick connector to a second quick connector (31, 32; 81, 82) integral with said radiator.
10. A process according to Claim 9, characterised in that said translational movement (F) taken as a whole is vertical and directed downwards.

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