GB2027146A - Multiple-panel radiator for a central heating system - Google Patents

Abstract

The radiator comprises individual panels (12,13) each formed with an aperture for heating medium inflow and an aperture for heating medium outflow, for instance, as provided by an internally screw-threaded boss (15), and divided-flow connections (16) respectively to supply heating medium to the inflow apertures and receive heating medium from the outflow apertures; each divided-flow connection comprising a chamber to receive heating medium, separate and spaced from the radiator panels, and conduit connections (20,21) from the chamber to the respective panel apertures. This arrangement permits the use of panels normally used in single panel radiators. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Multiple panel radiator The present invention relates to the manufacture of multiple panel radiators such as are used in central heating systems, for instance, the so-called double and triple radiators.

The method presently used to manufacture such radiators entails segregation during manufacture of the individual panels to be used in the multiple panel radiator from those which are used to produce single panel radiators, and also the incorporation of connecting pieces between the individual panels by welding.

This method has several disadvantages. It means that a decision has to be made before manufacture as to how many panels are going to be produced for use in multiple panel radiators, and how many for use as single panel radiators. It also entails the incorporation of separately formed parts and gives rise to the need for skilled labour in welding them to the individual panels. It also means that if, in a multiple panel radiator, any one of the panels is found faulty, all the panels have to be scrapped, and since welding produces an unsatisfactory seal giving rise to leakage, the method leads to an undesirable number of faulty radiators. The welds are also unsightly in appearance.It is also the case that the connections formed between the individual panels cause an undue restriction of flow of the circulating heat carrier; and a further disadvantage is that the radiators provide only for a bottom connection for the supply of the heat carrier.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of manufacturing multiple panel radiators.

The present invention seeks to achieve this object by using as the individual panels in the multiple panel radiator, those which are ordinarily used to form single panel radiators. These panels as produced are formed with a connection aperture to permit a connection of the panel to be made for in-flow of heat carrier to the panel and for out-flow of heat carrier therefrom; and in accordance with the present invention, it is proposed to connect the inflow and outflow apertures respectively of the panels of the radiator, by a connection, normally a valved one, providing a divided flow, namely one flow path in respect of each connection aperture.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fragment of a radiator panel conventionally used in forming a multiple panel radiator; Figure 2 shows a bridging piece used to form a common inflow or outflow connection for two of the panels; Figure 3 is a like view to Figure 1 showing two of the panels with the bridge piece secured thereto; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a further piece used to complete the common inflow or outflow connection; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the two panels shown in Figure 3 with the connection in its completed state; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a corresponding fragments of two panels normally used to form single panel radiators; and Figure 7 is a perspective view of a divided-flow connector for connecting the two panels shown in Figure 6 for inflow or outflow of heat carrier, in accordance with the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, a panel, generally indicated at 1, used to form a panel radiator comprises metal sheets 2, 3 seam welded together to form transverse channels 4 and longitudinal channels, one which, 5, is seen in Figure 1, for transmission of heat carrier; and the conventional method of manufacturing multiple panel radiators entails forming in an end portion of a longitudinal channel, a notch 6 taken in from the open end 7 of the channel; each notch being provided with a surrounding flat 8.

In forming say a double radiator, i.e. a two panel radiator, two of the panels are assembled in a jig in spaced apart, side by side relationship as shown by the panels 1 and 1' in Figure 3 to leave notches of the two panels in alignment with one another. The space between facing notches is then bridged by a generally "U"-shaped member 9 (Fig. 2) the member providing end flanges 10 which respectively are welded to the flats of the facing notches. This forms an open-ended chamber which is then closed by having welded to the end edges thereof a cover plate 11 as shown in Figure 5. The cover plate 11 comprises a screw threaded central bore to receive a conventional connector for a single-flow valve (not shown) connected, in use of the radiator, to a common supply conduit (not shown) for the heat carrier or to a common output conduit therefor (not shown).

The connection as described above is usually formed at the bottom of the radiator.

The present invention makes use of panels normally used to form single panel radiators.

Figure 6 shows corresponding fragments 12, 13 of two such panels. To provide for inflow or outflow of heat carrier, these panels are formed in a terminal portion of a horizontal channel with a connection aperture, in this instance. in the form of an internally screw-threaded boss i 5. In manufacture of the radiator according to the invention, the individual panels are assembled in a jig in spacedapart side-by-side relationship and are braced by brackets (not shown) secured to the panels in any convenient manner, the assembled panels then being removed from the jig. The panels are then connected by a divided-flow connector, in this instance, in the form of a divided-flow valve 1 6.

The valve comprises a screw-threaded shank 1 7 for connection in a conventional manner to the supply or output conduit, and the chamber (not shown) of the valve is formed to provide access to two apertures 1 8 and 1 9 in which shanks 20 and 21 respectively are mounted. These shanks are connected to the bosses of the component panels in any suitable manner, for instance, by a uniontype connection.

The component panels are, therefore, provided with a connection in a neat and unobtrusive way and may accordingly be formed at the top of the radiator. The panels themselves require no modification and thus a manufacturer can make multiple panel radiators and single panel radiators from the same stock. No welding is entailed and thus the possibility of leakage is eliminated.

Further, although a divided-flow connection is needed, this is not substantially more expensive than the conventionally used single-flow valve, it does not unduly restrict flow and no separately formed parts such as the bridge piece 9 and cover plate 11 are required. Also, the fitting of the connection requires no skilled labour.

As a result, the present invention simplifies the manufacture of multiple-panel radiators.

Claims (6)

1. A multiple-panel radiator for use in a central heating system, wherein each panel is formed with an aperture for inflow of heating medium and an aperture for outflow of heating medium, and divided-flow connections are provided respectively to supply heating medium to the inflow apertures and to receive heating medium from the outflow apertures of the panels of the radiator; each divided-flow connector comprising a chamber to receive the heating medium, separate and spaced from.the radiator panels and providing conduit connections from the chamber to the respective panel apertures.

2. A radiator according to claim I,wherein 1, wherein each divided-flow connection is a valved one.

3. A radiator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the apertures of the panels of the radiator is in the form of an internally screw-threaded boss.

4. A radiator according to claim 3, wherein each conduit of each divided-flow connection is connected to the respective boss by a union type connection.

5. A radiator according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, in each of the panels each boss is located in a terminal portion of a horizontal channel section of the panel.

6. A multiple-panel radiator substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.