FR2679322A1 - RADIATOR HAS HEATING ELEMENTS SUPPLIED IN HEATING FLUID, THESE ELEMENTS BEING VERTICALLY AND / OR HORIZONTALLY JUSTIFIED TO ADAPT THE EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS OF THE RADIATOR. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a radiator made up of identical or similar heating elements, through which a heating fluid circulates, and making it possible to adapt its outer dimensions by juxtaposition of the said elements. In accordance with the invention, each heating element forms a module (100, 101, 102, 103) comprising : a square or rectangular body (200) having, on the inside, at least one internal hydraulic circuit (201) with parallel columns (202), hydraulic connection means (205) for fluidally joining two modules juxtaposed in a common plane, mechanical assembly means (210, 211) for mechanically coupling the juxtaposed modules; the dimensions of each module are furthermore chosen in such a way that the adjacent hydraulic connection means (205) of two juxtaposed modules are spaced apart by a fixed distance (d1) which also corresponds to the distance separating two adjacent hydraulic connection means (205) of the same module. Application in particular to the modular production of modular cast iron radiators, capable of being installed in situ with the desired geometry.

Description

The present invention relates to radiators with heating elements,

  supplied with heating fluid, said elements being

  juxtaposed vertically and / or horizontally to adapt the dimensions

  the radiators according to the desired power and available space. The field concerned is more particularly that of radiators whose heating elements are made of moldable material, in particular cast iron, without this however constituting a limitation in the

framework of the invention.

  The manufacturers have proposed various improvements for radiators with aluminum heating elements, and mention may be made in this respect of French Patent No. 2 435 013 and European Patent No. 079 896,

  but without modifying the basic structure of these radiators.

  Some solutions were proposed several decades ago, to organize a certain juxtaposition of heating elements,

  in a direction that is either vertical or horizontal.

  There can be mentioned Swiss Patent No. 145 921, in which such a juxtaposition is described, each heating element being of rectangular shape and having two threaded outlets at each angle, of perpendicular directions, so as to perform simultaneously the hydraulic connection and the assembly. Mechanics between adjacent elements by a threaded connection The juxtaposition then performs a duplication of internal circuits with parallel columns, forming an enlarged single circuit. However, the structure of these elements is such that the mounting of the radiator is delicate and tedious: indeed, in the case of vertical juxtaposition, it must pass a tool through a threaded outlet horizontal direction to screw the fitting, after this outlet is capped with a plug, and for each of the two angles of the opposite edges (in the case of a horizontal juxtaposition, one must the same

  way to pass the tool through the vertical direction threaded outlets.

  In addition, it is naturally impossible with such a design to consider a juxtaposition both horizontal and vertical, because we can not pass the tool used to screw the threaded connections

away from the edges.

  As a result, there is very little flexibility to take into account the radiator installation conditions, especially with regard to

  of the space available for their installation.

  Finally, the in situ assembly of such radiators is difficult to envisage, since each individual element is relatively heavy, and the vertical juxtaposition poses safety problems such that the operator is virtually obliged to assemble the radiator flat on the ground, before tipping it in a vertical plane, which is restrictive and dangerous, in

  requiring the presence on site of several installers.

  It has also been proposed to assemble identical or similar elements according to at least two parallel vertical planes, with a staggered organization resulting from an overlap of the various planes, the connection or connecting members being situated in the overlapping zones and in a forward-to-back direction: such a method of assembly, in which the elements of each plane fill only part of that plane, within the limits of the outer dimensions of the plane.

  radiator, is illustrated in French Patent No. 2 110 403.

  Such a structure is complex and its assembly involves a large number of operations; moreover, this design requires assembly

  in the factory, so that the installation is carried out with the complete radiator-

assembled.

  The object of the invention is to provide a radiator with juxtaposed heating elements that does not have the aforementioned drawbacks, thanks to a simple design structure, allowing an assembly carried out in

  situ, easily and quickly, and by a single installer.

  Another object of the invention is to provide a radiator with juxtaposed heating elements whose structure allows a large number of combinations of juxtapositions, both in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction, without the need for the installer to have to perform in each case, pre-positioning and positioning, which makes it possible at the same time to take into account with great flexibility

  local constraints of size and aesthetics sought.

  The invention also aims to provide a radiator with juxtaposed heating elements requiring only a small number

  different elements for the multiple possible combinations.

  It is more particularly a radiator composed of identical or similar heating elements, supplied with heating fluid, and allowing an adaptation of its external dimensions by juxtaposition of said elements, characterized in that each heating element constitutes a module comprising : a square or rectangular body internally with at least one

  internal hydraulic system with parallel columns arranged symmetrically

  only with respect to an axis of symmetry of said body; hydraulic connection means provided at the ends of said at least one internal hydraulic circuit, at two opposite edges of the body and in a direction of alignment parallel to the axis of symmetry of said body or coinciding with said axis, so as to allow the fluidic connection of two modules juxtaposed in a common plane and in a first direction which is vertical or horizontal; mechanical assembly means provided at each of said opposite edges of the body, so as to allow the mechanical connection of said modules juxtaposed in said first direction; and in that the dimensions of each module are chosen such that the adjacent hydraulic connection means of two modules juxtaposed in said common plane, in a second direction which is perpendicular to said first direction, are spaced a first distance fixed, which is the same for all the modules constituting the radiator, and which also corresponds to the distance separating two adjacent hydraulic connection means of a same module when said module has at least two parallel hydraulic circuits with parallel columns, so that any vertical or horizontal juxtaposition of the constituent modules defines a hydraulic line parallel to the said first direction, or several hydraulic lines parallel to the said

  first direction and independent of each other.

  According to a particularly advantageous characteristic, said first direction is vertical for all the modules constituting the radiator, so that the hydraulic lines thus defined are all vertical This in particular makes it possible to easily solve the purge problems that could be encountered with a first direction horizontal,

  without limiting the multiplicity of possible assemblies.

  According to another advantageous characteristic, the radiator is made from modules taken from four basic unit modules, including two square body modules respectively comprising one and two parallel column internal hydraulic circuits, and two rectangular body modules respectively comprising one and two circuits

  internal hydraulics with parallel columns.

  Preferably, the hydraulic connection means are of the same type in a constituent module, and for all the modules constituting the radiator; in particular, the hydraulic connection means are essentially constituted by a machined contact surface having a recess or groove for receiving a compressed gasket.

  Advantageously, in addition, the mechanical assembly means

  are provided on each side of each connection

  hydraulic, at a second fixed distance from said means.

  Preferably then, the mechanical assembly means are of a first type for an edge of the constituent module concerned, and of a complementary type for the opposite edge of said module, and this for all

modules constituting the radiator.

  According to an advantageous embodiment, the mechanical assembly means comprise, for an edge, a fin having a tapped hole, and for the opposite edge, a fin also having a tapped hole, but with a reverse thread, the complementary fins of two vertically juxtaposed modules that can be connected together, to be brought closer to each other in order to clamp one against the other of the two modules concerned, by an assembly bolt with two threaded ends with inverse threads one of which has a bar-turning for retaining on one of the modules the floating stud before assembly of said modules concerned, and to define an abutment shoulder bearing against the corresponding fin-once said assembled modules Preferably then, the assembly stud comprises a central actuating portion, for example a bore or a projecting part for clamping against each other; concerned modules juxtaposed vertically, by inserting an associated tool between the adjacent edges of said modules; in particular the central actuating portion is a protruding portion, for example hexagon, arranged to abut against the fin of the upper module carrying the assembly stud, during the presentation of said module on the lower module, so that said stud is automatically oriented vertically before the clamping operation Advantageously, the threaded end which does not have bar cutting ends with a cone helping centering during the presentation of the upper module bearing the assembly stud on the lower module, and said threaded end has a thread with two threads to obtain a faster vertical movement during the

tightening maneuver.

  In the case of a first vertical direction, it is advantageous that the radiator comprises an upper collector and / or a

  lower collector, each having hydraulic connection means

  and mechanical assembly means for their fluidic connection and their mechanical connection with the adjacent module or modules In the case of a first horizontal direction, it will naturally be a question of

side collectors.

  Preferably then, the hydraulic connection means and mechanical assembly associated with the (x) collector (s) are identical to those

adjacent modules.

  Advantageously, at least one of the collectors is made by assembling unit collectors, juxtaposed horizontally, and whose length is equal to or is a multiple of said first fixed distance, said assembly providing the hydraulic connection between said unitary collectors; in particular, the unitary collectors comprise respective means of hydraulic connection with sealing of the same

  type than those of the modules constituting the radiator.

  It is also possible to provide a solid seal between certain unit collectors of the same collector, in order to specifically organize the circulation in the vertical hydraulic lines of the radiator in order to optimize the thermal performance of the radiator by

  depending on the type of external connection concerned.

  Preferably, each manifold has a tapping at its ends, to allow to choose the connection

  external enclosure of said radiator to inlet and outlet pipes.

  According to another possibility, at least one of the collectors receives electrical heating elements, allowing the heating of the

  fluid supplying the radiator modules.

  As a variant, at least one of the collectors is made in the form of one or more modules similar to the unit modules constituting the radiator, the collector module or modules, however, comprising only one internal hydraulic circuit connecting a plurality of

  hydraulic connection means arranged longitudinally and laterally

  is lying. According to another particularly advantageous characteristic, each module further comprises fastening means provided on the rear face of the body of said module, to allow an in situ suspension of this module on a suspension system common to the different modules.

constituting the radiator.

  Preferably then, the attachment means are essential

  Ely consisting of ears for attaching each module to a common suspension system having associated notches or hooks; in particular, in the case of a first vertical direction, the attachment lugs are advantageously arranged at the vertical axis of the hydraulic connection means of the module, behind said means, so as to mask the relevant parts of the

common suspension system.

  Advantageously, the common suspension system is in the form of a frame consisting of vertical angles having the hooking notches, and horizontal cross members connected to said brackets by associated connecting means; in particular, the hooking notches are spaced a constant pitch, whose value is substantially equal to the smallest dimension in height of the modules constituting the radiator, so that all modules hung

  on the chassis are automatically well positioned between them.

  Preferably then, the frame is hooked to a wall by means of one of its horizontal crosspieces, preferably the upper horizontal crossbar, by anchoring hooks anchored in said wall; in particular, the hung frame is held against the wall by members anchored in said wall and cooperating with a lower horizontal cross member of said frame, for example by hooks

  analogous to said hooks.

  According to another advantageous characteristic, the body of each module is made by molding, preferably being cast iron or

in aluminium.

  Advantageously then, the internal hydraulic circuit (s) of each module is (or are) obtained (s) using one or more foundry cores, during the manufacture of said module by molding; alternatively, the internal hydraulic circuit or circuits of each module is (or are) constituted (s) by a tubular metal assembly, on which the body of the module is directly overmolded during the manufacture of said module by molding. It is then interesting that the hanging ears are

come directly from molding.

  Advantageously, the front face of at least some of the modules is flat, and may have an external decoration, for example a grooving, an embossing or graining In particular, the outer decorations differ from one module to another, to confer to the radiator a

special set decor.

  Other features and advantages of the invention appear

  more clearly in the light of the description that follows and

  attached drawings, relating to a particular embodiment, with reference to the figures or: Figure 1 schematically illustrates four basic unit modules for producing radiators according to the invention, by juxtaposing such modules in vertical and / or horizontal directions; these modules only represent examples of modules according to the invention; FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a unitary unit of square shape, with two internal hydraulic circuits with parallel columns, according to the largest of the basic modules illustrated in FIG. 1, said module being here produced by molding and being equipped with hydraulic connection means and mechanical assembly means (fins integrally molded) at its upper and lower edges, and fastening means (two ears integrally molded) for attaching this module to a common suspension system , such as the system illustrated in Figure 25 or 26; FIGS. 3 to 5 are sections respectively along lines III-III, IV-IV and VV of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a view from above of the module of FIG. 2 (according to arrow VI), these figures to better distinguish the structure of said module and the aforementioned means that equip it; Figure 7 is a view illustrating two modules juxtaposed in a vertical direction, and attached to a wall wall; Figure 8 is a section corresponding to the detail VIII of Figure 7, to show the structure of the hydraulic connection means associated with the two juxtaposed modules, this figure also to distinguish a latching lug of the lower module; FIG. 9 is a plan view of a collector equipping a radiator according to the invention, this collector here being unitary so as to constitute a complete collector when the radiator comprises several hydraulic lines (upper or lower collector when these lines are vertical) ); Figure 10 is a section along X-X of Figure 9, to better distinguish the associated means of hydraulic connection and mechanical assembly, substantially identical to those of the aforementioned modules; Figures 11, 12 are plan and side views of a unitary collector, and Figures 13, 14 sections according to XIII-XIII and XIV-XIV of Figure 10, to better understand the structure of said unitary collector; Figures 15 and 16 are sections (corresponding to detail VIII of the

  7) representing the mechanical assembly means, respectively

  during the presentation of the upper module on the lower module (before the tightening maneuver of the assembly bolt), and after tightening the one of the other of the two modules concerned, and Figure 17 illustrates the assembly bolt of a particular type used here; FIG. 18 schematically illustrates, by way of examples, seven radiators (denoted a) to g)) obtained by vertical and / or horizontal juxtapositions of basic unit modules of the aforementioned type, whose independent hydraulic lines are here vertical, with in in addition to an upper collector and a lower collector (for the case d), there are illustrated collectors made by assembling unit collectors of the type illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 14); Figure 19 schematically illustrates a slightly different variant of the radiators illustrated in Figure 18, with collector modules at the top and bottom of the radiator; FIG. 20, with the associated section according to XXI-XXI (FIG. 21), illustrates one of the components (horizontal cross members) of a common suspension frame, the other component (vertical angles) being illustrated on the elevational views. and at the end of FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 (FIG. 22 shows, in particular, two hooking notches making it possible to suspend

  modules by their hanging ears, and two rectangular openings

  for the possible passage of horizontal sleepers); Figures 25 and 26 illustrate two examples of common suspension frame, the first favoring the vertical juxtapositions for a top radiator, and the second the horizontal juxtapositions for a

elongated radiator.

  FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates, by way of example, four basic unit modules for producing radiators in accordance with the invention, by juxtaposing such modules in vertical and / or horizontal directions. The structure of these modules is not here illustrated schematically, in order to locate the different essential means that each of these modules comprises, one of them (the module

  square of larger size) which is then described

  more detailed with reference to Figures 2 to 6.

  We thus distinguish a first square module 100, a second rectangular module 101, a third rectangular module 102, and a fourth square module 103. Each of these modules comprises a body 200, which is square or rectangular as the case may be, and which has an internal at least one internal hydraulic circuit 201 with parallel columns 202, said columns being arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry 203 of said body The module 100 thus comprises two internal hydraulic circuits 201, the length of which corresponds to the side of the square body, while the rectangular module 101 comprises a single internal hydraulic circuit 201 identical to the two circuits of the module 100 The rectangular module 102, whose height corresponds to half of the square module 100, also comprises two internal hydraulic circuits 201 with parallel columns, corresponding to a half height hydraulic circuits inside the two modules 1 00 and 101 above The square module 103 comprises for its part only one internal hydraulic circuit 201, identical to the two circuits of the module 201. One of the aforementioned internal hydraulic circuits 201 is illustrated with its parallel columns 202 for the module 100, whereas the Other internal hydraulic circuits are shown schematically by a dashed rectangle At both ends of each of these hydraulic internal circuits 201, there is a hydraulic connection means 205, at two opposite edges 206, 207 of the body 200 of each of the modules. concerned As is apparent from Figure 1, these hydraulic connection means 205 are arranged in an alignment direction 204 which is parallel to the above-mentioned axis of symmetry 203 of the body 200 (for the modules 100 and 102), or merged with said axis

(for modules 101 and 103).

  Such an arrangement of the hydraulic connection means, whose structure will be described later more precisely, allows the fluidic connection of two juxtaposed modules in a common plane,

  and in a first direction that is vertical or horizontal.

  Each module 100, 101, 102, 103 further comprises mechanical assembly means 210, 211, provided at each of the opposite edges 206, 207 of the associated body 200, here on either side of each connection means. These mechanical assembly means allow the mechanical connection of the modules juxtaposed according to the

  first direction above, which is vertical or horizontal.

  The body 200 of each module is preferably made by molding, being in particular made of cast iron or aluminum In this case, and according to a conventional molding technique, the hydraulic circuit or circuits 201 of each module is (or are obtained (s) using one or more foundry cores, during the manufacture of said module by molding. It is immediately understood that the choice of the four modules illustrated in FIG. 1 makes it possible to considerably rationalize the manufacture of these modules by molding, in the measurement that we will use only two types of cores, namely a long core to realize the internal hydraulic circuits of the modules 100 and 101, and a short core

  to realize the internal hydraulic circuits of the modules 102 and 103.

  In a variant, the internal hydraulic circuit or circuits 201 of each module is (or are) constituted by a tubular metal assembly, on which the body of the module is directly overmolded during the manufacture of said module by molding, according to a technique of core

metallic type.

  As an indication, using a judicious sizing of the large square module 100, we obtain a basic unit cast iron unit whose weight is compatible with the mounting of the radiator by a man

  only in accordance with a procedure that will be described later.

  According to another essential characteristic of the invention, the dimensions of each module 100, 101, 102, 103 are chosen such that the adjacent hydraulic connection means 205 of two modules juxtaposed in a common plane, and in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first aforementioned direction, are spaced a first fixed distance d 1, which is the same for all the modules constituting the radiator, and which also corresponds to the distance between two hydraulic connection means 205 of the same module when said module has at least two internal hydraulic circuits 201 with parallel columns (which is the case here for the modules 100 and 102 shown in Figure 1), so that any vertical or horizontal juxtaposition of the constituent modules defines a hydraulic line parallel to said first direction, or several hydraulic lines

  parallel to said first direction and independent of each other.

  In order to better understand the notion of hydraulic line, which actually corresponds to a fictitious line, it is necessary to refer to FIG. 18, on which are illustrated various radiators obtained by different vertical and / or horizontal juxtapositions of basic unit modules of type shown in Figure 1 Of the seven examples illustrated in Figure 18, the hydraulic lines, reference LH, here are vertical, which corresponds to a particular case of the radiator according to the invention wherein the first aforementioned direction is vertical for all modules constituting said radiator This particular case is an advantageous embodiment, but it goes without saying that we can have other arrangements corresponding to a first horizontal direction This is actually to rotate 90 all or part of the radiators comprising lines

vertical hydraulics.

  The radiator illustrated in a) in FIG. 18 is obtained by juxtaposition of five basic unit modules, among which two rectangular modules 101, two rectangular modules 102, and a square module 103 are recognized, the latter being disposed here centrally. The radiator here comprises an upper collector CS and a lower collector CI, but we will come back later on this point, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14 It can thus be seen that the first aforementioned distance d1, corresponds not only to the interval between two connection means hydraulic 205 of the rectangular modules 102, but also at the interval between the hydraulic connection means 205 of two juxtaposed modules, for example two rectangular modules 102 and 101 of the top of the radiator, and this for all the modules constituting said radiator, which allows to define here three hydraulic lines LH, parallel and independent of each other, said lines here being vertical nc that all hydraulic connections are opposite each other, in a vertical direction, which greatly simplifies the mounting of the radiator, but also rationalizes the manufacture of the constituent modules, insofar as one can achieve said radiator from of modules from four basic unit modules, such as the modules illustrated in

figure 1.

  The other radiators comprise different types of juxtapositions, always obtained from basic unit modules of the aforementioned type: the radiator illustrated in b) comprises a vertical juxtaposition of five rectangular modules 102 (there are then two hydraulic lines LH), the radiator illustrated in c) comprises a juxtaposition of two rectangular modules 101, two square modules 100, a square module 103, and a rectangular module 102 (there are then three independent hydraulic lines LH), the radiator illustrated in d) comprises a juxtaposition of four modules Rectangular 101 and two square modules 100 (there are then four independent hydraulic lines LH), the radiator illustrated in e) comprises a juxtaposition of four square modules 100, four rectangular modules 101, four rectangular modules 102, four square modules 103 (we have then six independent hydraulic lines LH), the radiator illustrated in f) comprises a juxtaposition of s ix rectangular modules 101 and three square modules 100 (there are then four independent hydraulic lines LH), and finally the radiator illustrated in g) comprises a juxtaposition of ten rectangular modules 101 and four

  square modules 100 (there are then six independent hydraulic lines LH).

  For each of the aforementioned examples, we always find this fundamental distance dl, which is a real "step" for the modular radiator that can be achieved from this basic design It is easily understood that this fundamental distance still allows multiple other combinations of different modules, and that for all these combinations, it is ensured to automatically find an alignment of all the hydraulic connection means, which is a great advantage.

important.

  It should be noted, on the schematically represented modules

  1, the presence of means 215, which, although not compulsory in the context of the invention, are nonetheless extremely advantageous: they are in fact fastening means provided on the rear face of the 200 of each module, to allow in situ suspension of this module on a suspension system common to the various modules constituting the radiator A particular embodiment of such attachment means 215 will be illustrated later, in particular with reference to FIGS. and 8, the suspension system common to the various modules constituting the radiator being in turn subject to a

  description which will be given with reference to Figures 20 to 26.

  We will now describe the precise structure of the module 100, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, in the case of a square module with two internal hydraulic circuits 201, the body 200 of said module being here

  made by molding, for example cast iron.

  Each internal hydraulic circuit 201 is here composed of four parallel columns 202, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry 203 of the body 200. The two opposite edges 206 and 207 of the body 200 each comprise two hydraulic connection means 205, which are all of the same type for this module As is best seen in Figure 6, each hydraulic connection means is essentially constituted by a machined contact surface 250 having a countersink or groove 251 for receiving a seal sealing (not visible in Figure 6), the bore associated with each hydraulic connection means defining a passage 252 which corresponds

  at the inlet or outlet of the associated internal hydraulic circuit 201.

  It goes without saying that it will be interesting to provide that the hydraulic connection means 205 are the same for all the modules

constituting the radiator.

  When two modules are juxtaposed one on the other, as illustrated in FIG. 7, by being pressed against each other by means of the associated mechanical assembly means, the arrangement of each hydraulic connection means corresponds to the representation given in section in FIG. 8, on which a gasket 253 can be distinguished, compressed between the facing counterbores 251 and the two associated machined contact surfaces 250. The seal 253 will preferably be made of elastomer, and will present a particular section compatible with

  installation conditions (here we have a round section).

  FIGS. 2 to 6 also show the presence of fins 254 in the vicinity of the edge 206 and 256 in the vicinity of the edge 207, these fins, here molded, being projecting in a direction perpendicular to the front face 500 of the module towards the rear of said face, thanks to the arrangement of associated cells 258, 259 The aforementioned fins, advantageously provided on either side of each hydraulic connection means 205 as illustrated here, are preferably of a first type for the edge 206 of the module, and of a complementary type for the opposite edge 207 of said module, and this for all the modules constituting the radiator As this is better visible on the section of Figure 3 and on the view of 6, the fin 254 has a threaded hole 255 (threaded on the right), and the fin 256 also has a threaded hole 257, but with a reverse thread, for reasons that will be explained

  hereinafter with reference to Figures 15 to 17.

  FIG. 15 distinguishes the adjacent edges 206, 207 of two modules juxtaposed in a vertical direction, during the presentation of the upper module on the lower module. The presence of an assembly stud 260, illustrated in FIG. together

  threaded ends 261, 262, one of which (261) has a cut-off 263.

  The threads of the two ends 261 and 262 are reversed, which makes it possible both to retain the floating stud 260 on the upper module, before the assembly of the two modules concerned, and to define an abutment shoulder bearing against the corresponding fin. Once said modules assembled Thus, the upper module is here already equipped with its assembly studs 260, which have been positioned by screwing the end 261 of said studs through the associated threaded holes 257 until the passage of their bar turning, said studs being floating and captive by being retained on the respective fins 256 Each assembly pin 260 further comprises a central actuating portion, for example a bore or a projecting part, for clamping one against the other of the relevant modules juxtaposed vertically, by inserting a tool between the adjacent edges 206, 207 of said modules. In the present case, the central operating portion is one by protruding portion 264, hexagon, this protruding portion being arranged to abut against the fin 256 of the upper module carrying the connecting pin 260 during the presentation of said module on the lower module, so that said stud is automatically oriented vertically before the tightening maneuver, as illustrated in the position of Figure 15 will also note the presence, at the end of the threaded end 262 which does not have bar cutting, a cone 265 helping centering the stud 260 during the presentation of the module

  upper bearing said stud on the lower module.

  It then suffices for the installer to insert a tool through the horizontal slot separating the adjacent edges 206, 207 of the two modules, for example a simple key, in order to screw each of the assembly pins 260 by their threaded end 262 on the The inverse threads of the two ends 261, 262 of the connecting pin 260 then provide an advantageous advantage, insofar as the edge of the thread 261 coming into contact with the threaded hole 257 (threaded on the left) constitutes a shoulder. abutment during the continuation of the screwing, which allows to bring the complementary fins 254 and 256 closer to one another in order to clamp the two modules concerned, and at the same time to achieve the compression of the associated seal the hydraulic connection means 205 arranged between the corresponding pair of mechanical assembly means 210, 211 The position is then that which is illustrated in FIG. Furthermore, it is necessary to provide that the threaded end 262 which does not have free cutting has a thread with two threads to obtain a faster vertical movement during

the tightening maneuver.

  Thus, it proceeds in this case to screw the two connecting pins 260 on either side of each hydraulic connection means 205 It will be preferable to screw in synchronization the two bolts concerned for each pair, to avoid a incorrect positioning of the two modules concerned and irregular compression of the

  seal associated with the hydraulic connection means.

  It should be noted that the mechanical assembly means 210, 211 are here provided on either side of each hydraulic connection means 205, and at a fixed distance (denoted d 2 in FIG. 1) from said means, that is to say in fact of the associated axis 204 It is then ensured, as for the hydraulic connection means 205, to always have the same presentation, along a vertical line, fins to bring together to perform the tightening of the modules vertically juxtaposed This symmetry naturally applies to the fins 254 of the upper edge 206 of the modules, and for the complementary fins 256 of the lower edge 207

said modules.

  As has been indicated above, and shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, each module further comprises fastening means 215 provided on the rear face of the body 200 of said module, to allow an in situ suspension of this module on a system. of

  suspension common to the various modules constituting the radiator.

  According to an advantageous characteristic, the attachment means 215 consist essentially of ears 220, which can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, and on the enlarged scale section of FIG. 8, said ears making it possible to hang on. each module to a common suspension system comprising associated notches or hooks In the case of a module made by molding, for example cast iron, as is illustrated here in Figures 2 to 6 and 8, the ears

  fastening 220 are preferably directly molded.

  Each of the lugs 220 is pierced with a hole 221 making it possible to let the male part of a hook hook which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 22 to 26 relating to the suspension frame common to the various modules constituting the radiator. interesting to note that the attachment lugs 220 are here arranged at the vertical axis 204 of the hydraulic connection means 205 of the module 100 illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, behind said means, which allows to hide the parties concerned common suspension system In the case of a first horizontal direction, the attachment lugs will be arranged in a similar manner on the rear face of the body of the modules, but without being wedged on the then horizontal axis of the hydraulic connection means of said modules As is apparent from the examples given in FIG. 1, it can be seen that the narrow modules (modules 101 and 103) comprising a single hydraulic circuit inside have only one attachment means 215, in the axis 204 of the associated hydraulic connection means 205, while the larger modules (modules 100 and 102) comprising a plurality of internal hydraulic circuits (here two) comprise several means fastening 215, at the axes 204 of the connecting means

associated hydraulics 205.

  It is thus expected to hang each module constituting the radiator, step by step, on a common suspension system, each module once hooked then being assembled to the module disposed below it, which automatically performs the hydraulic connection by

  the associated hydraulic connection means.

  The assembly means which have just been described are both simple and advantageous, insofar as the operator can easily proceed to screw the assembly studs to clamp the stacked modules one against the other, without having to slide a tool from behind or sideways, and without harming the aesthetics of the front 500

  different modules constituting the radiator.

  The front face 500 of at least some of the modules is preferably flat, and may have an external decoration, for example grooving, embossing or graining. It is also possible to provide that the exterior decorations differ from one module to the other. other, to give the radiator a set of special set The installer can organize an original and personalized composition through a particular grouping mode The aesthetic is also particularly neat insofar as the interval between the edges e two superposed modules (FIG. 7) is equal to the interval separating the vertical edges of the juxtaposed modules, which makes it possible to obtain front faces

  geometrically radiated radiator as shown in FIG.

  As an indication, the interval e will be of the order of a few millimeters, for

example 5 mm.

  Each module could certainly be hung individually to a wall P by an associated latching system cooperating with the aforementioned ears, as shown in Figure 7 It is however advantageous to provide a suspension system common to the various modules constituting the radiator On will now describe such a system

  with reference to Figures 20 to 26.

  As is illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, the common suspension system 400 is made in the form of a frame constituted by vertical angles 410 having hooks or hooking notches 401, notches which allow the attachment of a module by penetration of their male part in the hole 221 of the attachment lugs 220 of said modules, and by horizontal cross members 420

  connected to said brackets by associated connecting means.

  FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a U-shaped structure of the horizontal crosspieces 420, and FIGS. 22 to 24 an L-shaped structure of the vertical angles 410. The vertical angles 410 comprise rectangular openings 411 for passing through a horizontal cross-bar 420. making by single bolting or equivalent using each time a hole 412 on the vertical angle and 422 on the horizontal cross member There are also a plurality of tapped holes 421 on the horizontal cross members 420, which can be used to mount behind said sleepers spacers adjustable from the

wall.

  It should be noted that the horizontal cross members 420 are organized in a constant pitch, which naturally corresponds to the distance d 1 separating either the fastening means 215 of the same module with several internal hydraulic circuits, or the attachment means 215 of two adjacent modules, which ensures that each module can be hooked on a notch by his or her ears hanging directly in the right position, without the installer has to make any adjustment when the juxtaposition and assembly of the various modules The vertical angles 410 are also organized with a constant pitch p 1 (which applies for notches or hooks 401 and for the openings 411), this constant pitch being preferably substantially equal to the smallest dimension in height of the modules constituting the radiator, so that all the modules hung

  on the chassis 400 are automatically well positioned between them.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 25 and 26, the common suspension frame 400 is hooked to a wall via one of its horizontal sleepers 420, preferably the upper horizontal crossbar, by hooking pegs. 430 anchored in said wall It is also advantageous, especially to avoid any risk of tipping, to provide that the hung frame 400 is held lower against the wall by members 440 anchored in said wall, and cooperating with a lower horizontal cross member 420 of said frame , for example by hooks 440 similar to hooking hooks 430: this prevents the frame from rising and falling off, while being able to make up for a possible lack of verticality of the wall As is easy to understand, the chassis 400 illustrated in the figure favors the vertical juxtapositions for a high radiator, and the chassis 400 illustrated in FIG. e horizontal juxtapositions

for an elongated radiator.

  It should be noted that the frame 400, when attached to the wall, is relatively deformable in the manner of an articulated parallelogram, but this deformability disappears as soon as the installer has hung the constituent modules of the radiator on this common frame Under the effect of the weight of said modules The organization in lines and columns of the various hooks or hooking notches 401 allows the installer to arrange as it sees fit the composition of the radiator, since it is always certain to find, for each selected module, one or

  several hooks or notches for hanging said module.

  As is easy to understand, when the first aforementioned direction is vertical (which is the case for the variants illustrated herein and previously described), it is necessary, in order to complete the radiator, to add to the set of juxtaposed modules At least one hydraulic connection manifold As mentioned above, and with reference to FIG. 18, the radiators illustrated comprise an upper manifold CS and / or a lower manifold CI, each having hydraulic connection means and means mechanical assembly for their fluidic connection and their mechanical connection with the adjacent module or modules. It is then particularly advantageous to provide that the hydraulic connection and mechanical assembly means associated with these collectors are identical to those of the adjacent modules. what we find on the structure of a

  collector 300 illustrated in Figures 9 to 14.

  It is in fact in these figures a unitary collector, it being understood that an upper or lower collector will be obtained by simple assembly of several unitary collectors 300, juxtaposed horizontally, said assembly naturally realizing the hydraulic connection between the adjacent unitary collectors There are then hydraulic connection means 305 and mechanical assembly means 311 respectively identical to the hydraulic connection means 205 and the mechanical assembly means 210 or 211 of the unit modules. Thus, for the hydraulic connection means 305, a machined contact surface 350 having a counter-groove 351 for receiving a compressed gasket, the hydraulic connection being via the central passage 352. In the same manner, for the mechanical assembly, the means 311 consist of fins 356 having a tapped hole 357, the thread of which is selected with a The fins 356 are defined by cavities 358 similar to those of the previously described modules. In the case of a unitary collector forming part of the upper collector of the module, the fins 356 are defined by cells 358. radiator, the assembly studs 260 will be retained floating after screwing their upper end in the threaded hole 357 By cons, when it comes to a unitary collector constituting a component of the lower manifold, it is the other end threaded 262 of the assembly studs 260 which will be screwed

  in threaded holes 357 threaded accordingly.

  Each unitary manifold 300 further comprises respective hydraulic connection means 364 allowing connection with the seal between adjacent unitary collectors, these means being of the same type as the means 205 of the modules constituting the radiator. Thus, the two lateral wings 359 of the collector unit 300 have on the one hand tapped holes 365 for assembly by bolting between individual collectors, and an opening 363 for the hydraulic connection between adjacent collectors units, a seal (not shown here) being disposed at the countersink 362 provided on each side face 361 of the unit collectors As is visible in Figures 10 and 11, the openings 363 are preferably threaded, not to ensure the mechanical connection between adjacent unit collectors, since this connection is already provided by bolting between the wings opposite, but to allow to choose the connection appropriate external of said radiator to inlet and outlet pipes at the ends of the collectors concerned Finally, it should be noted that the length of a unitary collector 300 here corresponds to the first distance above d 1 constituting the fundamental step of the system already described, but can also be

  equal to a multiple of this distance dl.

  It will of course be possible to provide a solid seal disposed between certain unit collectors 300 of the same collector, in order to specifically organize the circulation in the vertical hydraulic lines LH radiator, to optimize the thermal performance of the radiator in Depending on the type of external connection concerned, it is also possible to provide for at least one of the collectors CS, CI, or unit collectors 300 to receive electric heating elements for heating the fluid supplying the

radiator modules.

  According to another variant, it is possible to provide that the upper and / or lower collector is made in the form of one or more modules similar to the unitary modules 100, 101, 102 or 103

  constituting the radiator: such a variant is illustrated in Figure 19.

  In this case, "collecting modules" are produced, which, however, comprise only one internal hydraulic circuit, connecting a plurality of hydraulic connection means arranged longitudinally and laterally, and preferably respectively identical to the means

  305 and 364 of the collector 300 previously described.

  In FIG. 19, the upper and lower collectors are each composed of three collector modules, with respectively a collector module 100 'and two collector modules 101', and a collector module 100 "and collector modules 101" (the structure of these modules collectors here being closer to that of the modules 100 and 101). We will now describe the different stages of mounting a radiator according to the invention: we first fix on the wall hooking hooks 430 at the desired height, the number of hooks being naturally chosen according to the weight of the radiator considered; similar hooks or hooks 440 are also fixed to prevent tilting of the chassis subsequently hooked onto the upper hooks; a deformable frame is made with the appropriate number of vertical angles 410 and horizontal cross members 420, so as to constitute a common suspension frame 400; the frame 400 is hooked onto the hooks 430, then the anti-tilt hooks 440 are lowered (or put in place if they have not been fastened). It is advantageous to provide that the hooks 430 and 440 present oblong holes, for a precise adjustment of the positioning of the upper hooks 430 hooking, and an easy implementation of the lower hooks 440 locking; the installer then hangs one of the lower modules of the radiator to achieve, with his or her attachment ears, on the notch or notches concerned chassis 400; the installer puts in place the seal or seals associated with the means (s) of hydraulic connection; the installer then sets up a new module on the previous module, hanging it on the common suspension system, so

  that the associated hydraulic connection means are automatically

  well positioned relative to each other, as well as the mechanical assembly means; the installer performs the bolting of the assembly studs, which

  allows to tighten the two modules against each other.

  The installer continues to gradually mount the various modules of the radiator, each new module

  being assembled to the lower module by the associated assembly means.

  Once all the unit modules have been put in place and assembled together, the installer finally assembles the unitary collectors needed to form an upper or lower collector (the length of the unit collectors being equal to or being a multiple of no fundamental dl previously described, as shown in example d) of Figure 18), then the installer proceeds to the establishment and fixing of the collector thus formed, which automatically performs the hydraulic connection with the adjacent modules . The installer can then finish the installation in situ by making the external connections of the collector (s), and by installing solid plugs at the unaffected ends of said collectors: the collectors up and down allow in fact to admit the connections in parallel or in series with the hydraulic circuits

  in the same way as for conventional radiators.

  The invention is not limited to the embodiments that have just been described, but on the contrary covers any variant using, with equivalent means, the essential characteristics set out more

above.

Claims (24)

  1 / Radiator composed of identical or similar heating elements, supplied with heating fluid, and allowing an adaptation of its external dimensions by juxtaposition of said elements, characterized in that each heating element constitutes a module (100, 101, 102, 103 ) comprising: a square or rectangular body (200) internally having at least one internal hydraulic circuit (201) with columns (202) parallel and arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry (203) of said body; hydraulic connection means (205) provided at the ends of said at least one internal hydraulic circuit (201), at two opposite edges (206, 207) of the body (200) and in an alignment direction (204) parallel to the axis of symmetry (203) of said body or merged with said axis, so as to allow the fluidic connection of two modules juxtaposed in a common plane and in a first direction which is vertical or horizontal; * mechanical assembly means (210, 211) provided at each of said opposite edges of the body (200), so as to allow the mechanical connection of said modules juxtaposed in said first direction; and in that the dimensions of each module (100, 101, 102, 103) are chosen such that the adjacent hydraulic connection means (205) of two modules juxtaposed in said common plane, in a second direction which is perpendicular at said first direction, are spaced apart by a first fixed distance (d 1), which is the same for all the modules constituting the radiator, and which furthermore corresponds to the distance separating two adjacent hydraulic connection means (205) from a same module when said module has at least two internal hydraulic circuits (201) with parallel columns, so that any vertical or horizontal juxtaposition of the constituent modules defines a hydraulic line (LH) parallel to said first direction, or several hydraulic lines (LH parallel to the said first direction and independent of each other.   2 / radiator according to claim 1, characterized in that said first direction is vertical for all the modules constituting the radiator, so that the hydraulic lines (LH) and defined are all vertical.   3 / radiator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is made from modules taken from four basic unit modules (100, 101, 102, 103), including two modules (100, 103) with body square having respectively one and two internal hydraulic circuits   (201) with parallel columns, and two modules (101, 102) with a rectangular body   gulley respectively comprising one and two hydraulic circuits   interiors (201) with parallel columns.   4 / Radiator according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized   in that the hydraulic connection means (205) are of the same type in a constituent module, and for all the modules constituting the radiator. Radiator according to Claim 4, characterized in that the hydraulic connection means (205) consist essentially of a machined contact surface (250) comprising a countersink or groove (251) for receiving a seal. compressed (253).   6 / Radiator according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized   in that the mechanical assembly means (210, 211) are provided on each side of each hydraulic connection means (205), on a   second fixed distance (d 2) of said means.   7 / radiator according to claim 6, characterized in that the mechanical assembly means (210, 211) are of a first type (210) for an edge (206) of the constituent module concerned, and a complementary type (211) for the opposite edge (207) of said module, and this for   all the modules constituting the radiator.   8 / Radiator according to claims 2 and 7, characterized by the   the mechanical assembly means (210, 211) comprise, for an edge (206), a fin (254) having a tapped hole (255), and for the opposite edge (207), a fin (256) presenting also a threaded hole (257), but with a reverse thread, the complementary fins (254, 256) of two vertically juxtaposed modules can be connected together, to be brought closer to each other for tightening one against the other of the two modules concerned, by an assembly bolt (260) with two threaded ends with inverted threads (261, 262), one of which (261) has a cut (263) for retaining on the one of the modules the bolt (260) floating before the assembly of said modules concerned, and define a stop shoulder bearing against the corresponding blade   (256) once said modules are assembled.   9 / radiator according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting pin (260) comprises a central actuating portion (264), for example a bore or a projecting portion for clamping one against the other of concerned modules juxtaposed vertically, by inserting an associated tool between the adjacent edges (206, 207) of said modules.   10 / radiator according to claim 9, characterized in that the central actuating portion (264) is a protruding portion, for example hexagon, arranged to abut against the fin (254) of the upper module carrying the dowel assembly (260), when presenting said module on the lower module, so that said stud is   automatically oriented vertically before the tightening maneuver.   11 / Radiator according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized   in that the threaded end (262) which does not have free cutting terminates in a cone (265) assisting the centering during the presentation of the upper module carrying the assembly bolt (260) on the module inferior.   12 / Radiator according to one of Claims 8 to 11, characterized   in that the threaded end (262) which does not have free cutting has a thread with two threads to obtain a vertical displacement   faster during the tightening maneuver.   13 / Radiator according to one of claims 2 to 12, characterized   in that it comprises an upper collector (CS) and / or a lower collector (CI), each having hydraulic connection means (305) and mechanical assembly means (311) for their fluidic connection and their connection mechanics with the adjacent module (s). 14 / radiator according to claim 13, characterized in that the hydraulic connection means (305) and mechanical assembly (311) associated with (x) collector (s) are identical to those of the modules adjacent.   Radiator according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that at least one of the collectors is produced by assembling unitary collectors (300), juxtaposed horizontally, and whose length is equal to or is a multiple of the said first distance. fixed (d 1), said assembly providing the hydraulic connection between said unitary collectors. 16 / Radiator according to claim 15, characterized in that the unit manifolds (300) comprise respective hydraulic connection means (364) with sealing of the same type as those (205)   modules constituting the radiator.   17 / Radiator according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that a solid seal can be provided between certain unit collectors (300) of the same collector, to specifically organize the circulation in the hydraulic lines (LH ) vertical radiator to optimize the thermal performance of the radiator depending on the type external connection concerned.   18 / radiator according to one of claims 13 to 17,   characterized in that each manifold (CS, CI, 300) has a tapping (363) at its ends, to allow selection of the appropriate external connection of said heatsink to pipes entry and exit.   19 / Radiator according to one of claims 13 to 18,   characterized in that at least one of the collectors (CS, CI, 300) receives electrical heating elements, for heating the fluid   supplying the radiator modules.   Radiator according to one of Claims 13 to 18,   characterized in that at least one of the collectors (CS, CI) is in the form of one or more modules (100 ', 100 ", 101', 101") similar to the unitary modules (100, 101, 102, 103) constituting the radiator, said collector module or modules comprising however only a single internal hydraulic circuit connecting a plurality of connection means   arranged longitudinally (305) and laterally (364).   21 / Radiator according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized   in that each module further comprises attachment means (215) provided on the rear face of the body (200) of said module, to allow suspension in situ of this module on a suspension system (400)   common to the various modules constituting the radiator.   22 / radiator according to claim 21, characterized in that the attachment means (215) consist essentially of ears (220) for hanging each module to a common suspension system (400) having notches or hooks hooking (401) associates.   23 / Radiator according to claims 2 and 22, characterized by   the fact that the attachment lugs (220) are arranged at the vertical axis (204) of the hydraulic connection means (205) of the module, behind said means, so as to mask the relevant parts of the   common suspension system (400).   24 / Radiator according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the common suspension system (400) is formed in the form of a frame consisting of vertical angles (410) having the attachment notches (401), and by horizontal ties (420) connected   to said brackets by associated connecting means.   Radiator according to Claim 24, characterized in that the hooking notches (401) are spaced apart by a constant pitch (pl) whose value is substantially equal to the smallest dimension in height of the modules constituting the radiator. so that all modules hung on the chassis (400) are automatically positioned correctly between them.   26 / Radiator according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the frame (400) is hooked to a wall (P) via one of its horizontal cross members (420), preferably the upper horizontal crossbar , by hooking hooks (430) anchored in said wall. 27 / radiator according to claim 26, characterized in that the frame (400) hooked is held against the wall (P) by members (440) anchored in said wall and cooperating with a lower horizontal cross member (420) of said frame, for example by brackets   analogous to said hooks (430).   28 / Radiator according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized   in that the body (200) of each module is made by molding, in   preferably being cast iron or aluminum.   29 / radiator according to claim 28, characterized in that the or the internal hydraulic circuits (201) of each module is (or are) obtained (s) using one or more foundry cores, during the   manufacturing said module by molding.   Radiator according to Claim 28, characterized in that the internal hydraulic circuit or circuits (201) of each module is (or are) constituted by a tubular metal assembly, on which the body of the module is directly overmolded during the manufacture of said module by molding. 31 / Radiator according to claim 22 or 23, and one of   Claims 28 to 30, characterized in that the hooking ears   (220) came directly from molding.   32 / Radiator according to one of claims 1 to 31, characterized   in that the front face (500) of at least some of the modules is flat, and may have an external decoration, for example a grooving, a embossing or graining.   33 / Radiator according to claim 32, characterized in that the outer decorations differ from one module to another, to give the   radiator a particular set decoration.