EP2052192A2

EP2052192A2 - Plug for radiator elements

Info

Publication number: EP2052192A2
Application number: EP07805761A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lombardino Codenotti
Original assignee: Omec Di Codenotti&c SNC
Current assignee: Omec Di Codenotti&c SNC
Priority date: 2006-08-18
Filing date: 2007-08-06
Publication date: 2009-04-29
Also published as: RU2433357C2; RU2009105672A; ITMI20061631A1; WO2008020464A2; WO2008020464A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug (1 ) for radiator elements comprising a cap (10; 100; 110) adapted to being screwed into a hub (14) of a radiator element and a gripping portion (18) having a polygonal section to permit a gripping action by a tool the screwing/unscrewing of the cap, and a cap cover (24; 24'; 24'), made from a plastic material for example, applicable to the front of the cap to hide the gripping portion that protrudes from the radiator element. The cap cover eliminates the need for the painting of the gripping portion.

Description

"Plug for radiator elements" DESCRIPTION

[0001] The object of the present invention relates to a plug for radiator elements. [0002] Plugs for radiator elements are substantially in the form of caps adapted to hermetically closing a radiator element, where necessary in association with an air vent, or connection devices for attaching the water inlet/outlet pipes, temperature regulation valves, or other devices.

[0003] In all cases, the caps of said plugs generally present a threaded portion for coupling with the radiator element, adapted to screwing onto a threaded hub on the radiator element, a hexagonal gripping portion adapted to being engaged by a tool for the screwing/unscrewing of the cap, and a collar extending between said threaded portions and which, following the screwing of the cap onto the hub, creates a hermetic join with the radiator element. [0004] Caps in prior art are made from metallic material, by means of a moulding process for example. Subsequently they are painted and mounted on the radiator. However the screwing action of the cap damages the paint finish on the hexagonal portion which forms the visible part of the cap, thus causing an aesthetic defect which is unacceptable. To overcome this drawback, the cap is often repainted by hand at the end of the assembly operation, with obvious increases in costs and installation times.

[0005] Furthermore, the aesthetic aspect of these plugs for radiators is strictly limited by the need to present a visible portion having a hexagonal shape or in any case, having a shape suitable to be gripped by a tool. [0006] The object of the present invention is to conceive and provide a plug for radiator elements that overcomes the drawbacks of prior art described above. [0007] This object is achieved by means of a plug as described in claim 1.

[0008] Further characteristics and advantages of the plug according to the invention will be made clear from the following description of preferred but non-limiting embodiments, provided as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended figures wherein:

[0009] - figure 1 is an exploded view in axial section of the plug according to the invention in a first embodiment;

[0010] - figure 2 is an exploded view in axial section of the plug in a second embodiment; [0011] - figure 3 is an exploded view in axial section of the plug according to the invention in a third embodiment;

[0012] - figure 4 illustrates the plug in figure 3 assembled on a radiator element; and

[0013] - figures 5, 6 and 7 show in a perspective view the only plug cap, according to the three embodiments.

[0014] With reference to the aforesaid figures, the numeral 1 identifies a plug for radiator elements according to the invention as a whole.

[0015] According to a general embodiment, the plug 1 comprises a cap 10; 100;

110, adapted to being screwed in a hub 14 of a radiator element, and a cap cover 24; 24'; 24" applicable to said cap in such a manner that it covers the part of the cap that protrudes from the radiator element.

[0016] Advantageously, the cap is made from a metallic material, while the cap cover is made from a plastic material, such as polypropylene.

[0017] The cap 10; 100; 110 presents an axial symmetrical shape developed around an axis X coinciding with the axis of the hub 14 into which it is screwed. More precisely, the cap 10; 100; 110 presents a threaded fixing portion 12 adapted to being screwed into the hub 14, a gripping portion 18 having a polygonal section conceived to be engaged by a tool for the screwing/unscrewing of the cap, and a collar 20 that extends radially between and with respect to the said threaded 12 and gripping 18 portions, and which is adapted to forming a hermetic join with the radiator element. In other words, the collar 20 determines an arrest when the cap is screwed into the hub. Therefore, during use, the threaded portion 12 is completely inserted into the hub 14, while the collar 20 and the gripping portion 18 form the part of the cap that protrudes from the radiator element, [0018] The collar 20 has an external attachment surface 22 set at an angle sloping towards the threaded portion 12 of the cap in a manner to form an undercut in said collar.

[0019] The cap cover 24; 24'; 24" has a peripheral rim 26 adapted to forming a click-on coupling with the said undercut of the collar. [0020] More precisely, said peripheral rim 26 of the cap cover has an internal attachment surface 26a at an angle complementary to the angle of the external surface 22 of the collar.

[0021] Preferably, the cap cover has a spherical cap form.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the cap collar 20 has, on the side facing the threaded portion 12, an annular seat 28, having a substantially semi-circular section, for example, adapted to receiving a sealing element 30, such as an o-ring, for example.

[0023] Preferably, said annular seat 28 is adjacent to the external attachment surface 22. In other words, the sloping external attachment surface 22 and the annular seat 28 are separated by a circular edge that forms a "beak" section on the collar 20.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the collar 20 has a flat front surface 32 (the term 'front' refers to the part opposite the radiator element, in other words, facing towards the gripping portion 18). The external sloping attachment surface 22 is connected with said front surface 32 by means of an external surface 34 which is bevelled or sloping towards the gripping portion 18, adapted to facilitating cap cover application.

[0025] In other terms, said bevelled surface 34 benefits from the elasticity of the plastic material of the cap cover to radially widen the external rim 26 in such a manner to encircle the collar 20 and, when pressed further axially towards the cap, it has a click-on coupling action with the attachment surface 22. [0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the gripping portion 18 is enclosed by a circumference having a diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of the threaded portion 12. [0027] According to a first embodiment of the plug illustrated in the figures 1 and 5, the cap 10 is a blind cap which acts as a hermetic closure on a radiator element. The corresponding cap cover 24 has a continuous external surface, preferably having a spherical cap form. In figure 1 , the dotted line represents the cap cover 24 applied to cap 10. [0028] In a second embodiment of the plug illustrated in the figures 2 and 6, wherein identical or similar parts of the previous embodiment are identified using the same numerals, the cap 100 is crossed axially by an opening 36 at least partially threaded for the connection of pipes, temperature regulation valves or other devices to the radiator. [0029] In the example shown in figure 2, the opening 36 has a threaded portion that extends from the distal end of the gripping portion as far as the interior of the threaded portion 12.

[0030] The opening 36 can be of different diameters according to necessity, such as 1/8th to % of an inch. [0031] The corresponding cap cover 24' has a central opening 38 substantially aligned with the opening of cap 36. Practically speaking, the cap cover 24' has a spherical cap crown form.

[0032] In a third embodiment of the plug illustrated in figures 3 and 7, wherein identical or similar parts of the previous embodiment are identified using the same numerals, the plug is conceived to permit the bleeding of any water present in the radiator.

[0033] In this embodiment, the cap 110 is crossed axially by a bleeding pipe 40 with which a needle valve 42 is associated. In a corresponding manner, inside the cap cover 24" is a valve seat 44 coaxial with said bleed pipe 40 and adapted to receiving and permitting access for said needle valve 42.

[0034] More precisely, the bleed pipe 40 has a rear section 40a open towards the radiator element and a threaded front section 40b into which the needle valve 42 is screwed. The latter has a conical end 42a facing towards said rear section 40a of the bleed pipe 40 in a manner to regulate the section of the bleed pipe passage according to its axial position.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the cap cover 24" comprises, on the side facing the cap 110, a cylindrical protrusion 46 in which the valve seat 44 for the needle valve 42 is housed. Said cylindrical protrusion 46 is suitable for partial insertion with some friction into a recess 48 positioned in the front portion of the cap. [0036] For example, said cylindrical protrusion 46 has one portion of the end thereof 46a knurled or with at least an annular ribbing.

[0037] The cylindrical portion 46 and recess 48 perform a first function as a guiding means for the correct centring of the cap cover 24" on the cap 110, which in this embodiment is particularly important to permit perfect alignment between the needle valve 42 and the bleed pipe 40.

[0038] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the cap cover 24" has an annular lip 50 that extends radially in the valve seat 44 in a manner to hermetically form, with a needle screw inserted in the cap, a bleed chamber 52 facing the bleed pipe 40 and communicating with the exterior through the bleed hole 54 in the cap cover.

[0039] The end portion 46a of the cylindrical protrusion 46 and the recess 48 perform a second function as a fluid seal which guarantees the correct draining of the water exclusively through the bleed hole 54. [0040] Advantageously, in addition, the annular lip 50 forms on the opposite side to the bleed chamber 53, a cylindrical breaking 56 to house and provide access for the head 42b of the needle valve 42, the head adapted to being engaged by a tool for screwing/unscrewing of the screws. [0041] Preferably, the bleed hole 54 is positioned in a radial portion 58 of the cap cover having a greater thickness.

[0042] It should be noted that the click-on coupling between the cap cover and the cap is such to permit the easy rotation of the former on the latter. In other words, it has been chosen in a manner to result as safe, but easy to turn at the same time. In the third embodiment of the plug, this aspect is particularly useful in order to orientate the bleed hole 54 in a desired direction. [0043] Advantageously, in addition, the plug according to the present invention presents particular aesthetic characteristics thanks to the possibility of decorating and customising the cap cover 24; 24'; 24". In particular, the cap cover can act as a signal light element, or a night light when the room wherein the radiator is installed, such as a child's room, becomes dark. Advantageously, this effect can be obtained by applying at least one phosphorescent part on the cap cover. For example, the cap cover or a portion thereof can receive the application of a logo or design by means of screen printing using very thick phosphorescent ink, which can be coated successively with a transparent protection layer. [0044] Furthermore, the cap cover can be decorated in an infinite number of ways, such as sublimation decorating techniques for example, composed of applying a high resolution print wherein the image is sublimed or transferred by means of a process in a high vacuum oven. Practically speaking, the image is impressed under the surface of the body of the cover, in such a manner that is resistant to wear, scratching, and cleaning with any form of solvent.

[0045] From the description provided above it is obvious how the plug according to the present invention achieves the objects as stated.

[0046] In fact, the proposed plug presents the same, if not even better, functional characteristics as plugs of prior art, but also fully solves the problem of the paint surface. Thanks to the successive application of the cap cover over the whole part of the cap that protrudes from the radiator element, the user no longer needs to worry about damaging the paint finish of said part when screwing on the cap. [0047] Furthermore, the shape of the visible part of the plug is no longer limited to the functional necessity of fixation to the radiator, but can now be conceived according to purely aesthetic criteria, thus making the whole heating installation more pleasant and harmonious to the eye.

[0048] In order to satisfy any needs related to the aforesaid plug, those skilled in the art are able to apply any changes, adaptations, and replacements of elements with others having equivalent functions while remaining within the scope described in the following claims.

[0049] For example, the internal cylindrical protrusion 46 of the cap cover and the corresponding recess 48 in the cap can also be applied in the case of blind caps or to act as a connection, as illustrated in figure 1 for example, in order to facilitate the centring action of the cap cover on the cap and/or improve the sealing action of the coupling.

[0050] Each of the characteristics described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be produced independently of the other embodiments described.

Claims

1. Plug (1) for radiator elements, comprising a cap (10; 100; 110) having a threaded fixing portion (12) adapted to being screwed into a hub (14) of a radiator element, a gripping portion (18) having a polygonal section able to be gripped by a tool for the screwing/unscrewing of the cap, and a collar (20) that extends radially between and with respect to said threaded and gripping portions and that is adapted to forming a hermetic join with the radiator element, characterised in that said collar (20) has an external attachment surface (22) sloping towards the threaded portion in a such a manner to form an undercut, and characterised in that said plug (1 ) also comprises a cap cover (24; 24'; 24") applicable on the front of the cap to hide the collar and the front portion, said cap cover having a peripheral rim (26) adapted to forming a click- on coupling with said attachment surface of the collar.

2. Plug according to claim 1 , wherein said peripheral rim of the cap cover has an internal attachment surface (26a) sloping in a complementary manner in relation to the external attachment surface (22) of the collar.

3. Plug according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the cap cover has a spherical cap form.

4. Plug according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the cap cover is made from a plastic material.

5. Plug according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the collar (20) of the cap has, on the side facing the threaded portion, an annular seat (28) having a substantially semicircular seat adapted to receiving a sealing element (30), such as an o-ring.

6. Plug according to claim 5, wherein said annular seat (28) is adjacent to the external attachment surface (22).

7. Plug according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the collar (20) presents a flat front surface (32) and wherein the external attachment surface (22) connects with said front surface by means of an external surface (34) bevelled or sloping towards the gripping portion, conceived to facilitate the application of the cap cover.

8. Plug according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the cap (100) is crossed axially by an opening (36) at least partially threaded for connection of pipes or other devices to the radiator.

9. Plug according to the previous claim, wherein the cap cover (24') has a central opening (38) substantially aligned with the opening of the cap (36).

10. Plug according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the cap (110) is crossed axially by a bleed pipe (40) with which a needle valve (42) can be associated, and wherein inside the cap cover (24") a valve seat (44) has been created, coaxial to said bleed pipe and conceived to receive and provide access to said needle valve.

11. Plug according to claim 10, wherein said bleed pipe (40) has a rear section (40a) open towards the radiator element and a threaded front section (40b) wherein the needle valve (42) is screwed, said needle valve having a conical end (42a) facing towards said rear section (40a) of the bleed pipe in a manner to reduce the section of the bleed pipe passage according to its axial position.

12. Plug according to claim 11 , wherein the cap cover has, on the side facing the cap, a cylindrical protrusion (46) wherein the valve seat (44) is created for the needle valve, said protrusion being suitable for partial insertion with a certain friction into a recess (48) created in the front portion of the cap.

13. Plug according to claim 12, wherein said cylindrical protrusion (46) has an end portion (46a) having at least an annular ribbing that cooperates with said recess (48).

14. Plug according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the cap cover has an annular lip (50) that extends radially in the valve seat (44) in a manner to hermetically form, with a needle screw inserted in the cap, a bleed chamber (52) facing the bleed pipe and communicating with the exterior through a bleed hole (54) created in the cap cover.

15. Plug according to claim 14, wherein the cylindrical protrusion (46) and the recess (48) are adapted to performing the function of a fluid seal for the bleed chamber (52).

16. Plug according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said annular lip (50) forms, on the side opposite the bleed chamber, a cylindrical breaking (56) to house and provide access for the head (42b) of the needle valve, said head being adapted to being gripped by a tool for the screwing/unscrewing of the valve.

17. Plug according to claim 14 or 15 or 16, wherein said bleed hole is created in a radial portion of the cap cover (58) having a greater thickness.

18. Plug according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the click-on coupling between the cap cover and the cap is such that it permits easy rotation of the former on the latter.

19. Plug according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the cap cover is provided with a light source that is activated when the room in which the radiator is installed becomes dark.

20. Plug according to claim 19, wherein a thick phosphorescent ink is applied to the cap cover or a portion thereof.