GB2458501A

GB2458501A - Connection means for a domestic boiler

Info

Publication number: GB2458501A
Application number: GB0805222A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Trevor Steed
Original assignee: HALSTEAD BOILERS Ltd
Current assignee: HALSTEAD BOILERS Ltd
Priority date: 2008-03-20
Filing date: 2008-03-20
Publication date: 2009-09-23
Also published as: GB0805222D0

Abstract

The connection means includes at least one support bracket 140 fixable to a support surface 125 to which the boiler 200 is to be connected. At least one mounting bracket 240 is fixable to a surface 204 of the boiler. The support bracket together with the support surface define a receiver channel 141 having a top opening. The mounting bracket includes a depending hook member 241 hookably receivable in the receiver channel to suspend the boiler from the support bracket. The connection means may be used with a housing 120 having top 123, base 124, side 121, 122 and rear 125 walls for receiving the boiler. The connection means may also be used with a sealed housing with predefined apertures 132-136 for receiving pipe and/or service connections with seals 195.

Description

1 2458501 Title Connection means for a domestic boiler

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to domestic boilers and in particular connection means for a boiler and boiler housing assembly

Background

Many households have an internally fitted boiler, disadvantages of which include the fact that boiler takes up a finite amount of space in a living environment in which space may already be at a premium. Boilers also typically require installation on an external wall of the building, and suitable external wall space may, in particular, be limited. The noise of the boiler heat engine may be a nuisance to householders. Users would generally prefer to ensure that the numbers of openings or apertures provided through an external wall as inlets or outlets to and from the boiler arc limited. This is to interfere as little as possible with the wall structure, integrity and/or insulation. There may also be access issues or problems, for example, a service or repair person will need access to the inside of the house to perform routine maintenance or repairs, which often necessitates the householder being in attendance.

External boilers are known in the art and address many of the problems associated with the internally fitted boilers in that the issues of noise and the space occupied are not as noticeable, also it may be possible to access an external boiler from the outside of a dwelling for purposes of maintenance and repairs. There are however specific issues associated with external boilers. It will be appreciated that as the boiler is provided in an outside environment that it is exposed. To this end, an external boiler often needs a dedicated housing for reasons of shelter and/or protection from water ingress and/or security. The purpose of the housing is to provide a compact location within which the boiler is housed. As a result the internal space or volume is typically designed to be fully occupied by the installed boiler which therefore reduces any working space within the housing for an installer or for subsequent engineering work. In particular, the installer may have little or no access to, and a very limited view, of the rear of the boiler.

There are therefore a number of problems with the external boilers that need to be addressed.

Summary

These needs and others are addressed by a boiler connection means in accordance with the teachings of the invention which comprises a connection means for a boiler comprising at least one support bracket fixable to a support surface to which the boiler is to be connected, and at least one mounting bracket fixable to a surface of the boiler, the support bracket together with the support surface defining a receiver channel having a top opening, the mounting bracket comprising a depending hook member hookably receivable in said receiver channel to suspend the boiler from the support bracket.

Thus a connection means according to claim I is provided. Further advantageous features are provided in the dependent claims 2-48.

According to another aspect a housing for boiler is provided according to claim 51 with advantageous features provided in the dependent claims. A sealed housing is further provided in accordance with claim 58.

These and other features of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the drawings which follow which are provided to assist in an understanding of the teaching of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting in any fashion.

Brief Description of The Drawings

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1(a) is perspective view from the front of a housing and connection means for a boiler according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view from the front of a housing for a boiler according to an embodiment of the invention showing an arrangement of various components and features of the housing; Figure 2 shows detailed lateral cross-sectional views of a boiler housing and a boiler for connection thereto and in particular the connection components, Fig. 3 shows the boiler being presented the housing; Figure 3 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the boiler assembly of Fig. 2 with the boiler being connected into the housing; and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a boiler arranged within a boiler housing according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 is a detailed view of a flue element according to a further aspect of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a view of a housing according to an alternative embodiment showing an integral flue element, various apertures for couplings to the boiler and support brackets together with a support flange.

Detailed Description of The Drawings

The teaching of the present invention will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof which are provided to assist with an understanding of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting in any way. It will be appreciated that modifications can be made to the exemplary arrangements which follow without departing from the scope of the invention which is only to be limited insofar as is deemed necessary in the light of the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings there is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a mounting arrangement for enabling a mounting of a boiler or heat engine 200 within a dedicated boiler housing 120.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 a boiler housing 120 provided in accordance with the teaching of the invention typically has a box configuration in that it comprises two side walls 121, 122 a roof 123 and a base 124. Each of the side walls, roof and base are spaced apart from one another and abut against a back wall 125 of the housing. The back wall 125 is suitably configured to be received on a mounting surface such as that provided by either an external wall or one within a cavity wall or other support surface. Apertures and pins may be provided for fixing the housing to a support surface. The side walls 121, 122, roof 123 and base 124 project outwardly from the back wall 125 and are orientated substantially perpendicularly to the back wall. The depth of the housing is substantially defined by the side walls, roof and base and they collectively define an interior volume for receiving a boiler. The depth of the housing may be that of a standard cavity used in the construction industry in housing. The boiler may be presented into the interior volume through a front opening 126. A door 127 provided on a front face of the housing may be opened and closed to enable access to the interior volume of the housing through the front opening and to effect a closing of the box when in the closed orientation. The door 127 may be attached to the housing by hinge means or other suitable means. Within the interior volume of the housing 120 upper and lower support brackets or rails 140, 150 are provided arranged to support a boiler or heat engine therein.

The support brackets or rails 140 and 150 are located on a support surface to which the boiler is to be mounted. In the case of the illustrated exemplary embodiment this surface is the back wall 125 of the housing. The brackets are desirably configured or shaped such that on location of the brackets on the support surface, each bracket together with the support surface defines a receiver channel or slot 141, 151 for receiving and engaging with a corresponding mounting bracket provided on the boiler. The brackets or rails 140, 150 and channels 141, 151 have an elongate form and extend longitudinally defining the major axis of the bracket which is indicated in the drawings as the X-axis.

The bracket has a minor axis defined by the arrangement of the receiver channel indicated in the drawings as the Y-axis. The major and minor axes are substantially perpendicular to each other. In this case, the major axis extends in the longitudinal direction and substantially across the width of the rear of the housing, the minor axis extends substantially in the vertical direction. The support brackets 140 and 150 may be oriented generally horizontally and the receiver channels 141, 151 comprise a top opening such that a corresponding mounting bracket provided on the surface of the boiler may be presented downwardly into the receiver channel where it is then received, the mutual inter-engagement of the support brackets and the mounting brackets effecting a retention of the boiler against the support surface. An inspection of Figures 2 and 3 will show that each of the channels as dcfmed by the brackets and the support surfaces have a substantially u-shaped form. Desirably two or more receiving or support brackets are provided and are spaced apart from one another such as to distribute the support loading across multiple brackets. The location and spacing of the receiving brackets on the support surface is desirably predetermined to correspond with the location and spacing of co-operating mounting brackets provided on the boiler.

Exemplary brackets 140 and 150 respectively comprise a flange having a lower fixing portion 142, 152 and an upper support portion 143, 153 which is offset forward of the lower fixing portion 142, 152. The lower fixing portionl42, 152 is provided with apertures 144, 154 to enable fixing to the surface on which the boiler is to be mounted using suitable fixing means. The upper support portion 143,153 which is offset forward may be substantially parallel to the lower fixing portion and in use parallel to the support surface to which the support bracket is fixed. The upper support portion and the lower fixing portion may be separated by a web portion 145, 155 running there between and arranged substantially at right angles to the upper and lower flange portions. The web portion 145, 155 defines the separation, or depth of the channel in the transverse direction, (indicated in the drawings as the Z-direction), between the upper support portion of the flange from the support surface and also defmes the base of the receiver channel 141, 151.

The housing 120 further comprises apertures configured to accommodate services namely pipes, inlets, outlets, and connections, to be provided to the boiler. The housing 120 comprises an exhaust gas outlet 130 for receiving of a boiler exhaust, a gas supply conncction aperture 132 for receiving a gas union pipe 170. A condensate drain arrangement fits between points 133 and 134. Apertures 135 and 136 for receiving heat flow and return pipes 171 and 172. A connection duct 131 for receiving an electronic boiler control connection may be provided. The electronic control may be remote from the main boiler, fitted inside the property. An air inlet is also provided in this case the air inlet includes a filter 190 and one or more openings 191, 192 and 193 in the base of the housing.

Air is drawn into the housing and boiler via one or more air inlet apertures provided in the base 124 of the housing. A replaceable air filter 190 may be provided to prevent dust and other particulates entering the boiler housing, the air filter being arranged to cover air inlet apertures. The air filter may be periodically replaced during routine service work. The connection between the boiler 200 and control interface (not shown) may be by a link wire with suitable connections at each end. Alternatively a wireless link may be used. The boiler may have a mains voltage isolation device within the housing.

A support 180 for the heat flow and return pipes 171 and 172 may be provided. An inspection of Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) shows that the support 180 comprises a flange having a connection portion 181 which is connected to the housing and a support portion 182 in which the apertures 183 and 184 are provided for receiving the heat flow and return pipes. The flange 180 comprises an L-shaped form. The flow and return pipes 171 and 172 enter the housing via apertures 135 and 136 and are then passed upwardly through the apertures 183 and 184 of the support 180. Pipe couplings 187, 188 are provided on the upper free ends of the pipes. The apertures 183 and 184 are formed and sized such that in use the couplings are retained against the upper surface of the flange 180. The support or flange 180 is connected to the housing at a predefined location relative to the support brackets 140, 150. The flange 180 is configured as a location and alignment member for locating and retaining the heat flow and return pipes 171, 172 and the couplings 187, 188 as required for connection to corresponding boiler heat engine connection pipes 212 and 213 and couplings. In effect, when the boiler mounting brackets 240, 250 are mounted and inter-engaged as required with the support brackets 140, 150, the prcdefmed locations of the brackets and the support flange 180 is such that the boiler couplings are provided in alignment and proximity with the flow and return couplings located and support on the flange 180 in the housing.

An inspection of Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) shows that the support 180 is arranged on the side wall 121 of the housing and such that the support surface 182 extends substantially perpendicularly to the support brackets.

Referring to the drawings, and in particular Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 6 the housing 120 may comprise a trim or moulding 300. The trim 300 is configured to extend between the housing and the wall and/or from the front opening or door to the wall. The trim 300 may comprise an opening 301 for receiving a flue element. As in the exemplary arrangement of the Fig. 4, the housing 120 may be installed into the cavity in the wall, with a front portion extending outwardly or protruding beyond the outside surface of the exterior wall. The trim 300 tapers outwardly and back from the opening 126 or door 127 in the direction of the wall. When the housing is installed into a wall cavity, the trim features are configured to abut the front of the external wall. In the case where bricks may have been removed from the external wall to provide a space for the housing 120, the trim 300 accommodates any tolerances that may remain between the housing and wall W. The trim closes or covers any openings that may remain between the wall and housing. Further seals may be provided between the trim and the wall. The trim 300 provides a secure fit between the housing and the wall.

When the housing 120 is installed into a wall cavity, it may be arranged such that only the front portion of the housing protrudes outwardly from the wall. The apertures for the air inlet, condensate pipes, and gas coupling are located in the base of the housing and near to the front opening, so as to be on that portion of the housing that protrudes forward of the front wall of the cavity wall in the event that the housing is installed recessed into a cavity. Where these various apertures are provided adjacent the trim, then corresponding apertures may also be provided in the trim.

Components may also be housed within the trim, for example, as described below, the housing may comprise an external flue which may be housed within the trim.

Couplings or portions of the pipes for connection to the boiler for example, of the gas pipe or condensate pipe could be housed within the trim. Additional insulation may also be provided within the trim feature.

The housing 120 may comprise one or more seals for example a rubber seal to seal the back of the door trim and/or of the housing to the wall. Such seals being configured to prevent any water ingress between the housing and wall. Rubber or other suitable seals may also be provided around the perimeter of the door 127 and/or the perimeter of the opening 126 of the housing such that the door and housing seal together when the door is closed. A further sealed connection may be provided between the air inlet and the boiler, and the air inlet and the housing.

Referring to Fig. 1, seals 195 may also be provided at each of the apertures for the various pipes, cbupling means and the flue. A further seal 196 is provided between the door 127 and the opening 126. The housing 120 is thus effectively a sealed housing.

Any air that enters the housing does so via the air intake and/or filter 190 provided in the base 124 of the housing. Thus the air entering the housing may thus be limited to filtered air only. The present sealed housing 120 is advantageous from the point of view of providing a very stable environment for the boiler 200. The boiler and housing are protected from the external environmental conditions, for example, from excessive build up of condensation or dampness. Any condensate generated by the boiler 200 is passed directly out of the housing via an outlet pipe provided in sealed openings 133, 134.

In view of the possible external location and access, the housing 120 may be provided with insulation. For example, the inner side of the door 127 of the housing may comprise a moldable element of insulation which when the door is closed moulds and/or forms and/or deforms over at least a part of the boiler or heat engine. In the case that the housing is mounted recessed in a wall, the housing may also benefit from the insulation provided by the wall.

The arrangement of miet and outlet apertures in the top or base of the housing, ensures that the door which is effectively that portion of the housing which will be most exposed to the elements following rnstallation is fully sealable with the housing and does not include any openings or apertures that may be vulnerable to the elements.

Furthermore in the case that the door comprises insulation and/or that insulation is provided between the door and the front of the boiler and arranging the inlet and outlet apertures in the base and top of the housing, the integrity of the insulation will not be affected and any cold bridging effects will be avoided.

Referring to Figs. 1 4, 5 and 6 a flue 310 may be provided for connection to the boiler exhaust 207. The flue 310 has a duct portion 311 defming a passageway for the gasses to flow from the boiler exhaust to the outside. The exhaust gasses enter the flue via an inlet 312 and exit via an outlet 313. The duct portion 311 comprises a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile. The duct 311 has a low profile being configured to rest on the top outer surface of the housing in use. An inlet pipe 314 may be provided for connection between the duct portion inlet 312 and the boiler exhaust 207.

In use, the flue 310 is located externally on the top 123 of the housing 120. The inlet 312 is in use aligned with the opening 130. The length of the duct from the outlet to the inlet corresponds to the distance between the front of the housing and the exhaust aperture 130.

The inlet pipe 314 is connected at the inlet 312 and passed through the aperture 130 in the top surface 123 of the housing for connection to the boiler exhaust 207. The flue further may further comprise a flange or trim portion 319 and/or a connector portion 317. In this case the flange 319 comprises a taper form corresponding to the form of the door flange or trim 300. The connector portion 317 comprises a depending flange having apertures to enable the insertion of connection pins or other fixing means. The flue may further comprise snap fitting or other clip means for securing in place.

In use the inlet pipe 314 is scalably connected to the exhaust 207 of the boiler and the inlet 312 of the duct. A seal 196 is also provided at the aperture 130 in the housing.

The inlet pipe 314 may be integral with the flue or may be formed separately for connection thereto at the inlet 312.

As noted above the form of the trim or flange 319 of the flue will be similar to that of the trim 300 of the housing. As noted above, an opening 301 may be provided in the flange of the housing for receiving the flue and the flange thereof. In an alternative embodiment the flue may be provided integral to the housing. The outlet 313 being provided formed in the trim portion of the housing, and the duct portion extending between the outlet and inlet as described previously.

An additional duct could be connected to the integral flue and used to expel flue gasses at a greater height if desired.

Referring to Fig. 4 a boiler 200 is described. The boiler 200 comprises a top 201, a bottom 202, a front 203, a rear 204 and sides 205 and 206. In the exemplary embodiment shown an exhaust 207 is provided in the top 201, heat flow and return pipe 211, 212 having connectors 213 and 214 are provided depending from the base of the boiler. The nut connectors 213 and 214 on the flow and return pipes 211 and 212 from the boiler heat engine 200 are connected to the flow and return pipes 171, 172 to secure the boiler in place in to the housing 120.

The boiler 200 draws fresh air from the lower part of the housing 120 through apertures 191, 192, and 193 provided in the base of the housing. The air may further be drawn through and a filter 190. The filter 190 may be a replaceable filter. The air is then presented to the base of the boiler or heat engine.

The flow of air is demonstrated in Fig 4. Air is presented to the heat engine via the replaceable filter on the base of the housing, it enters the combustion process at the base of the heat engine and is expelled at the top via the flue duct 310 which is located near the top 123 of the housing. Both the inlet for air and the outlet for the exhaust are arranged externally being exposed directly to the environment. This provides for an improved air flow arrangement. In this case the outlet and the inlet arc provided at the opposite top and base surfaces of the housing.

It will be appreciated that while not illustrated in the drawings the boiler 200 may include further standard boiler features including for example, control unit, condensate drain, gas inlet.

To enable a mating or engagement of the boiler 200 with the support brackets provided on the support surface a fixing plate 231 mountable to a surface of a boiler is provided.

Such a plate 231 is shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 mounted to the rear surface 204 of the boiler 200. The fixing plate 231 comprises upper and lower mounting brackets 240 and 250 which are formed and configured to co-operate with the corresponding support brackets 140 and 150 of the housing. The relative orientation and spacing of the brackets 240, 250 is chosen such that on presentation of the boiler into the housing each of the brackets of the housing and boiler will mutually inter-engage. It will be recalled that in the exemplary arrangements for the housing brackets substantially U-shaped receiver channels 141, 151 were defmed. A suitable mating shape for inter-engagement with the U shape of the channels requires an overlap as provided by the mounting 240, 250 of the boiler. To provide such a shape, the upper bracket 240 comprises an elongate hook form defining an n-shaped channel form 241 and the lower bracket 250 comprises an 1-shaped form. The mounting brackets thus comprise a depending hook portion or member configured for engagement with the receiver channel defined by the corresponding support bracket. The upper and lower mounting brackets in this case thus comprise upper and lower flanges.

The fixing plate may comprise a locator 234 provided protruding forward of the fixing plate and configured to abut the top surface 201 of the boiler to assist with properly locating the fixing plate 231 to the boiler. The upper and lower mounting flanges or brackets 240 and 250 each have a major axis defmed by the longitudinal axis of the flange/bracket and indicated as the X-direction in the drawings, and a minor axis as defmed by the orientation of the hook member indicated in the drawings as the Y-direction. The major and minor axes of the flanges/brackets are in this case substantially perpendicular to each other. In this case the major axis extends in the longitudinal direction and substantially parallel to the rear facing surfaces of the fixing plate and boiler. The major and minor axes of the mounting bracket arc substantially parallel of those of the corresponding support bracket or rail.

The mounting bracket 240 comprises a first mounting portion defined by a flange 241 defining a depending hook member, spaced apart from the fixing plate by a web 243.

The flange 241, web 243 and an inner wall portion 232 of the fixing plate together defme the n-shaped channel form of the mounting bracket 240. The length dl of the depending hook portion 241 may correspond to the vertical extent d2 of the upstanding support portion 143 of the support bracket 140 and depth of the receiver channel 141.

An inspection of Fig. 3 shows that in this case when the mounting flanges/brackets 240, 250 and support rails/brackets 140, 150 are mutually inter-engaged the topmost end of the support flange 143 of the support bracket abuts the web 243 of the mounting flange/bracket 240. Similarly the lowermost end of the hook member 241 of the mounting bracket 240 abuts the base of the receiver channel 141 as defined by the web of the support bracket. The flange 241 and the hook portion are substantially parallel to the fixing plate and to the rear of the boiler, and the web 243 is arranged substantially at right angles between the flange 241 and the fixing plate 231.

The lower mounting flange/bracket 250 comprises an L-shaped form provided at the lower end of the fixing plate. The bracket comprises a depending flange 251 defining the hook portion of the bracket which is spaced apart from a lower end portion 233 of the fixing plate by a web 253. The flange 251 and hook member are arranged substantially parallel to the fixing plate 231, and to the back of the boiler housing, the web 253 runs substantially at right angles between the flange 251 and the lower end portion 233 of the fixing plate. The length c13 of the depending hook portion 251 may correspond to the vertical extent d4 of the upstanding support portion 153 of the support bracket 150 and depth of the receiver channel 151.

In the example shown the length II of the fixing plate is greater than the length of the back of the boiler, such that when assembled the top locator 234 abuts the top of the boiler and the lower end portion 233, extends below the bottom surface of the boiler.

In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3 the upper mounting bracket 240 is formed integrally with the top of the fixing plate and the lower mounting bracket 250 is formed integrally with end portion of the fixing plate, however, it will be appreciated that the mounting brackets may be formed separately having fixing portions to enable their attachment to the fixing plate as required. In the case where the mounting brackets are provided integral with the fixing plate the mounting bracket may be formed for example by press folding of the end portions of the platc.

The thicknesses of the flanges 241, 251 defining the hook members of the upper and lower mounting brackets 240 and 250 substantially correspond to the depths of the receiver channels 141 and 151 of the support brackets in the transverse direction, indicated as the Z-direction in the drawings. Such an arrangement provides a secure frictional fit and secure support of the hook member in the corresponding channel. The hook member may comprise surface features or formations, for example, ribs to assist in providing a secure frictional fit or to assist in location. Similarly, the inner walls of the receiver channels may comprise surface features or formations. The hook member defmed by the flanges 241 and 251 may comprise a continuous form, having a substantially uniform cross-sectional area along the longitudinal axis of the bracket.

The mating formations namely receiver channels 141, 151 of the support brackets and the hook portions 241, 251 of the mounting brackets are arranged to provide inter-engagement substantially along the minor axes of the corresponding brackets. The elements arc inter-engaged by movement in the direction of the minor axes in this case the Y-direction, or by a vertical downward movement.

In the embodiment shown corresponding upper and lower mounting and support brackets are provided. The upper brackets are located near the top of the boiler body and the lower brackets are located near the base thereof. Such a spacing arrangement is advantageous from the point of view of ensuring that the weight of the boiler is distributed evenly and the boiler is supported very securely. The support and mounting brackets are of substantially the same length which in this case corresponds substantially to the width of the boiler. The provision of brackets which extend the width of the boiler again ensures that good support is provided. The arrangement is such that the load of the boiler is distributed.

As noted above the support brackets and corresponding receiver channels extend longitudinally and present elongated slots or openings. This arrangement is advantageous from the point of view of the installer working to locate and engage the corresponding brackets in the confines of the boiler housing. The corresponding mating surfaces, namely the hook member and receiver channel of the support and mounting brackets are extended making it easier to achieve an overlap between the brackets than would be possible if there were one or more short discrete brackets to be inter-engaged.

The channels of the support and mounting brackets may further comprise openings 147, 157, 247, 257 at one or both of the lateral side ends. Alternatively, the support and/or mounting brackets may comprise a stop member (not shown) at or near one of the lateral side ends. The stop member may be configured to assist with the task of location of the brackets in the longitudinal direction.

The heat engine of the boiler 200 may be provided as a modular component which is replaceably mountable in the housing 120. As noted above the housing 120 may be provided with pipe fixings and service connections required by the boiler for example, gas feed! waler supplies. The location of the feeds or pipe fixings and/or service connections in the housing 120 is fixed being predetermined by the location of the apertures provided in the housing. Similarly the boiler unit may include any required fixings for example, pipe connections. The boiler and housing include the respective support and mounting brackets which are located to provide alignment of the boiler and the services within the housing when mutually inter-engaged.

While the boiler is located and supported in the housing by the support and mounting brackets it is locked in place by means of the connection between the boiler fittings and the flow and return pipe couplings at the support 180. A lock/release may be achieved by the pipes 211, 212 on the boiler heat engine assembly being aligned with the isolation valves 187, 188. The nut connectors on the flow and return pipes 211 and 212 from the boiler heat engine 200 being connected to flow and return pipes 171, 172 to secure the boiler to the housing 120 at couplings 187 and 188.

The provision of a fixing plate 231 bearing the mounting brackets 240 and 250 provides increased flexibility for the user, since the fixing plate is mountable to and may be fixed to different suitable boilers, so that the boiler may then be mounted to support brackets 140, 150 on a support surface. Thus the fixing plate may be effectively considered as an adaptor or mounting adaptor. A number of different fixing plates of different sizes or forms may be provided for mounting to different boilers, as required. Preferably the mounting brackets on the different fixing plates are fixed at a standard separation to enable connection to corresponding support rails.

The mounting flanges/brackets 240, 250 are configured to be hookably and/or slideably engaged with the support brackets. No separate fixing components arc required to secure the boiler to the housing. This provides also for ease of removal or replacement of the boiler.

The arrangement of the invention facilitates a two-step mounting process in which one or more support brackets are first of all connected to a support surface. One or more boiler mounting brackets are then hookably engaged with the support brackets. An example of such a mounting process in which the boiler is mounted to a support surface in a boiler housing having support brackets provided therein is as follows: First of all the housing 120 is fitted to a wall or other support or receiving surface, as required. The housing has a relatively light shell form so that it is not necessary for the installer to locate and support a heavy item during fixing. The support brackets may be provided fixed to an inner wall of the housing, at the required location.

Secondly, the boiler is installed or mounted into the housing. The fixing plate whieh is fitted to a surface of the boiler, in this case the rear surface, includes the mounting brackets for engagement with corresponding support brackets. The installer may mount the boiler from the front of the boiler unit by bringing the fixing plate close to the support surface behind the boiler. The installer then hooks and/or slides the depending hook member of the mounting brackets into the receiving channel of the corresponding support brackets.

The mounting brackets are first of all located and engaged by a relative movement in the direction of the minor axis of the brackets, in this case by movement the vertical direction by hooking into the channels defined by the support brackets and the support surface. The mounting brackets may then also be moved by a sliding movement along the major axis, in this case the longitudinal or horizontal direction relative to the support brackets to the fmal preferred location.

No further fixings or pins or screws are required to hold the boiler in place. The interconnection between the mounting and support brackets can be achieved quickly without the need to hold and support the heavy boiler component in place for a long period of time. Whereas in the case of prior art boiler, it may often be necessary to support the heavy boiler unit while locating and inserting fixing pins or other fixing means as required.

Furthermore the mounting procedure is simplified by virtue of the arrangement of the brackets, mounting as noted above is by a movement of the boiler and the mounting brackets thereon in the direction of the minor axis relative to the support brackets, here in the vertical direction in a hooking movement. Thus movement of the mounting bracket into a final location in the support bracket is thus assisted by the weight of the boiler. The form and direction of orientation of the brackets, and in particular the channel and depending hook forms for connection is also advantageous. The brackets present relatively long surfaces for overlapping engagement which provides for case of location and engagement of the members.

The housing/boiler assembly is suitable for mounting externally to a building, and may be connected to an external wall, or fully or partially recessed in an external wall. For example, the housing and boiler may be fitted in the cavity area between the external and internal walls. If mounted fully recessed then preferably only the access/service door and flange or trim of the frame of the top, bottom and side walls protrude.

The housing having support brackets and apertures for accommodating the various services, pipes, inlets and outlets may thus be installed and provided with all external connections and services required, for example, the gas supply, heat flow and return pipes, power connection, air inlet and outlet, condensate drain. The housing when mounted and plumbed and connected to the required services thus effectively acts as a plumbing jig. The housing is effectively configured to receive the boiler or heat engine at a later date. The mounting and support brackets provided are configured to support the boiler on a support surface for example of a boiler housing and to provide alignment between the installed pipe fittings, connections and services and the boiler.

The mounting and support bracket components are configured to enable the user to mount the boiler or heat engine to the housing without the need for direct access to the brackets. The support flange arrangement in which the support flange is located at a predefined position relative to the mounting and support brackets advantageously provides for location and alignment of the boiler flow and return pipes and couplings with the heat flow and return pipes. The internal mounting and support brackets together with the support flange thus provide for a direct and simplified connection of the boiler into the boiler housing.

The bracket arrangement of the invention thus provides for increased ease of process of installing a boiler. In effect, preformed coupling members are provided and the user must simply align and connect the couplings. Thus installation may be completed in a shorter period of time than is possible with conventional boilers. Once the housing has been installed and services connected thereto then installation of the boiler may be completed at anytime, and there is some flexibility of choice of boiler for the user.

The arrangement of the invention has the further advantage that components for example the boiler heat engine is a modular components which may be installed and subsequently removed and reinstalled with ease. The mounting and support bracket configured supports ease of removal, in that there are no fixings to be opened removal may be achieved simply by opening any pipe couplings and lifting the boiler such that the mounting brackets are unhooked from the support brackets.

There are further advantages to providing an external boiler for example, the reduction of space required to house such internally in a building, ease of access for the purposes of service or repair. Routine service work can be advantageously done without entering the property; normally this service work requires no access to the control electronics.

The boiler which is effectively provided as a modular boiler is configured to be easily removed from and replaced into the housing since engagement of the boiler with the support brackets is by hooking or sliding only, there are no fixing pins or other attachment means provided. This arrangement has the further advantage that when the boiler requires maintenance or repair, the repair person may directly and easily remove the boiler to enable inspection or repairs to be carried out. The invention thus provides increased access for the user/maintenance personnel to the boiler which is often provided in a compact or confmed housing. The modular form of the boiler also makes it possible for a first boiler to be removed and replaced with another unit while it is taken off-site for repairs.

The arrangements described relate particularly to externally installed boilers and boiler housings. The boiler and housing may in particular be mounted recessed in a cavity wall. In this case, the boiler housing and the boiler will benefit from insulation provided by the wall, with normally the front portion of the housing only being exposed. The location of the air inlet opening in the base of the housing is advantageous being a relatively sheltered location. The arrangement of the flue between the top of the housing and the opening of the flue similarly provided a relatively sheltered arrangement. The door of the housing which in use may be the most exposed portion is configured to provide a seal and/or insulation. The door does not include any apertures or openings which might affect the integrity of the seal or insulation. The trim of the housing may provide further protection. The housing and boiler arrangement of the invention is thus advantageously a highly secure arrangement.

Conventionally fitted gas boilers located indoors within a property require a gas supply which is run within the property. In the case of the boiler described in the present application which is located externally, then providing that the gas supply is externally supplied to a property and can be coupled externally to the boiler then there is no need for a gas supply to be run through the building. This arrangement has safely benefits and may reduce the pipework requirements and installation work normally associated with installing a gas boiler.

The present application relates to domestic boilers and in particular connection means for a boiler and boiler housing assembly. More particularly the arrangements described may relate to Condensing Band A' rated boiler which can either be of the heating only type, sealed system or combination type Boiler. The final details of the boiler and boiler housing arrangement will vary according to the size of the type of boiler to be installed, but is clearly similar for the various types of boiler to be accommodated.

The invention provides a new air flow arrangement including inlet and exhaust features.

In the case of the prior art air is often both drawn in and expelled via the flue. For example in the case of an internally installed boiler, it is preferred to have only one opening through an external wall therefore both the air inlet and outlet are arranged via the flue. In this case air in drawn inwardly into the boiler via an air inlet and/or filter provided in the base of the housing and expelled via the exhaust and flue located near the top of the housing.

The words comprises/comprising when used in this specification are to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

Claims 1. A connection means for a boiler comprising at least one support bracket fixable to a support surface to which the boiler is to be connected, and at least one mounting bracket fixable to a surface of the boiler, the support bracket together with the support surface defining a receiver channel having a top opening, the mounting bracket comprising a depending hook member hookably receivable in said receiver channel to suspend the boiler from the support bracket.
2. Means as claimed in claim 1, the support bracket having a major axis and a minor axis, the bracket having elongate form and extending in the direction of the major axis and the receiver channel being oriented in the direction of the minor axis.
3. Means as claimed in claims 1 or 2, the mounting bracket having a major axis and a minor axis the hook member of the mounting bracket having an elongate form and extending along the major axis of the bracket, and being oriented to depend in the direction of the minor axis.
4. Means as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, on assembly, the major axis of the support and mounting brackets are substantially parallel and the hook member and receiver channel are engaged substantially along the length thereof.
5. Means as claimed in any preceding claim the support bracket comprising a flange having a lower fixing portion configured for fixing to the support surface and an upper support portion offset from the lower fixing portion, the upper support portion and the lower fixing portion being substantially parallel and connected by a web portion arranged substantially at right angles thereto.
6. Means as claimed in claim 5 wherein the receiver channel as defined by the upper support portion, the web and the support surface comprises a u-shaped channel form.
7. Means as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the receiver channel includes openings at the lateral ends thereof.
8. Means as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the receiver channel comprises a stop member at a lateral side end thereof.
9. Means as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the depending hook member is configured to be hookably engaged in the receiving channel of the support bracket by a hooking movement substantially in the direction of the minor axis.
10. Means as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mounting bracket is moveable by sliding relative to the support bracket in the direction of the major axes thereof.
11. Means as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the housing comprises a first upper support bracket and a second lower support bracket and boiler comprises a first upper mounting bracket and a second lower mounting bracket, wherein the first and second support and mounting brackets are vertically spaced apart by corresponding distances.
12. Means as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the one or more mounting brackets are provided on a fixing plate.
13. Means as claimed in claim 12 wherein the fixing plate comprises fixing means for attachment to an external surface of the boiler.
14. Means as claimed in claims 12 or 13 wherein the fixing plate comprises a locator configured to abut the top of the boiler.
15. Means as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the hook member is defmcd by a flange arranged substantially parallel to the fixing plate and spaced apart from the mounting bracket portion of the fixing plate by a web oriented substantially perpendicularly to the flange and fixing plate.
16. Means as claimed in claim 15 wherein the flange, web and mounting bracket portion of the fixing plate together defme an n-shaped channel.
17. Means as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16 wherein the hook member is defined by a flange arranged substantially parallel to the fixing plate and spaced apart from the fixing plate by a web arranged substantially perpendicular to an end portion of the fixing plate, wherein the flange and web define an 1-shaped form.
18. Means as claimed in claim 17 wherein the hook member is located at the lower end portion of the fixing plate.
19. Means as claimed in any of claims 15 to 18 wherein the mounting bracket portions are formed integrally with the fixing plate at an upper and lower ends thereof.
20. Means as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the boiler comprises heat flow and return fittings for connection to heat flow and return pipes, and further comprising a support flange configured to support flow and return pipes in proximity to flow and return fittings of the boiler.
21. Means as claimed in claim 20 wherein the support flange comprises a connector portion to enable connection to a support surface and a support portion having apertures for receiving flow and return pipes.
22. Means as claimed in claims 20 or 21 wherein the support flange comprises an L-shaped form.
23. Means as claimed in claims 20 to 22 wherein in use the support flange is provided oriented in a direction generally perpendicular to the support brackets.
24. Means as claimed in claims 20 to 23 wherein in use the support flange is mounted on a surface generally perpendicular to the support surface to which the support brackets arc mounted and is arranged to extend generally parallel to the sides of the boiler.
25. Means as claimed in claims 20 to 24 wherein the vertical location of the support flange relative to the support brackets is defined by the vertical extent of the boiler and the location of the flow and return connectors on the boiler.
26. Means as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one support bracket is provided within a housing for the boiler, and wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of predefined apertures defining locations for receiving pipe andlor service connections as required by the boiler for operation.
27. Means as claimed in claim 26 wherein the boiler is provided as a modular boiler removably mountable to the housing, the boiler having fittings for connection to the pipe and/or service connections provided at predefmed locations in the housing.
28. Means as claimed in any of claims 26 or 27 wherein the one or more mounting brackets and support brackets are configured to provide alignment between the boiler fittings and the housing pipe and/or service connections.
29. Means as claimed in any of claims 26 to 28 wherein the boiler fitting comprises heat flow and return pipe fittings and wherein the support flange is provided within the housing at a predefmed located relative to the one or more support brackets, being configured to support the heat flow and return pipes are a predefined location relative to the support brackets and to the corresponding boiler fittings.
30. Means as claimed in claim 29 wherein the boiler is locked in position in the housing by means of interconnection of the pipe couplings of the boiler and the flow and return pipes.
31. Means as claimed in any of claims 26 to 30 wherein the boiler housing and boiler are configured for external installation.
32. Means as claimed in any of claim 26 to 31 wherein the boiler housing comprises insulation means.
33. Means as claimed in any of claims 26 to 32 wherein the boiler housing comprises one or more seals arranged to provide a seal the housing and a supporting wall.
34. Means as claimed in any of claims 26 to 33 wherein the boiler housing comprises a door the door and br housing comprising one or more seals to provide a seal between the door and housing.
35. Means as claimed in any of claims 26 to 33 wherein seals arc arranged between any pipes and apertures in the housing.
36. Means as claimed in claims 34 or 35 wherein the door comprises instulation.
37. Means as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the housing comprises a trim or moulding element configured to extend between the perimeter of the opening of the housing and the supporting wall.
38. Means as claimed in claim 37 wherein the moulding is configured to accommodate any tolerances between the wall and the housing.
39. Means as claimed in claims 37 or 38 wherein the moulding comprises a receiver for a flue or duct member.
40. Means as claimed in any of claims 37 to 39 wherein the trim tapers outwardly and back from the door.
41. Means as claimed in any of claims 39 to 39 the housing further comprising an exhaust aperture for the boiler exhaust.
42. Means as claimed in any of claims 39 to 41 comprising a flue having an inlet, an outlet and a duct, the duct defming a passageway for exhaust gasses.
43. Means as claimed in claim 42 wherein the flue outlet is connected externally to the housing at the exhaust aperture.
44. Means as claimed in claims 42 or 43 wherein the flue comprises a duct of substantially rectangular cross-section and having a low profile.
45. Means as claimed in claims 42 to 44 wherein the flue is configured to rest against an outer surface of the housing.
46. Means as claimed in any of claims 42 to 45 wherein the flue comprises a trim portion formed for conformity with the trim of the hosuing, the flue being receivable into a receiver provided in the trim.
47. Means as claimed in any of claims 42 to 46 wherein the flue is provided integral with the housing.
48. Means as claimed in any of claims 42 to 47 wherein the flue is provided integral with the trim, the outlet being provided in a front portion of the trim.
49. Connection means for a boiler as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.
50. A housing for a boiler comprising connection means as claimed in any preceding claim.
51. A housing for a boiler, the housing having a top, a base, first and second side walls and a rear wall together defining an interior volume for receiving a boiler and a front opening having a door, the housing comprising at least one support bracket provided on an inner surface thereof, to which the boiler is to be connected, the boiler having at least one mounting bracket, wherein the support bracket and the inner surface together define a receiver channel having a top opening, the mounting bracket comprising a depending hook member hookably receivable in said receiver channel to suspend the boiler from the support bracket.
52. A housing as claimed in claim 51 wherein the rear wall is configured to be received on a mounting surface provided by an external wall or within a cavity wall, and wherein the housing further comprises a support flange having a support surface having first and second apertures for supporting heal flow and return pipes, the support surface being arranged in proximity heat flow and return fittings of the boiler to provide alignment between heat flow and return pipes and heat flow and return fittings of the boiler.
53. A housing as claimed in claims 51 or 52 wherein the support flange is arranged substantially at right angles to the at least one support bracket.
54. A housing as claimed in claims 5110 53 further comprising a plurality of predefined apertures defming locations for receiving pipe and/or service connections as required by the boiler for operation.
55. A housing as claimed in claim 54 further comprising seals between the apertures and corresponding pipes and/or service connections.
56. A housing as claimed in claims SIlo 55 wherein a seal is provided between the door and the housing.
57. A housing as claimed in claims 54 to 56, the boiler having an exhaust and wherein the housing comprises an exhaust aperture and an external flue and wherein the boiler exhaust is connected to the external flue via the aperture.
58. A sealed housing for a boiler the housing having a top, a base, first and second side walls and a rear wall together defining an interior volume for receiving a boiler and a front opening having a door, the housing comprising at least one support bracket provided on an inner surface thereof, to which the boiler is to be connected, the boiler having at least one mounting bracket, wherein the support bracket and the inner surface together define a receiver channel having a top opening, the mounting bracket comprising a depending hook member hookably receivable in said receiver channel to suspend the boiler from the support bracket, the housing further comprising a plurality of predefmed apertures defming locations for receiving pipe and/or service connections as required by the boiler for operation, wherein seals are between the apertures and corresponding pipes and/or service connections and between the door and the housing.
59. A housing as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.