ES2362983T3 - BOILER UNIT. - Google Patents

Abstract

A boiler assembly (1) comprising a removable boiler unit (2) detachably connected to a manifold unit (4), the arrangement being such that the manifold unit (4) provides the boiler unit (2) ), in use, an interface for connection to a pipe system, while the manifold unit (4) comprises a rear section (60) and a base section (62), characterized in that at least one guide rail (76) it is placed in the rear section (60) of the manifold so that, during assembly, the boiler unit (2) moves along the guide rail that supports and guides the boiler unit (2) in the unit manifold (4), and so that, when assembled, the guide rail (76) separates the boiler unit (2) above the base section (62) of the manifold and supports the weight of the boiler unit (2).

Description

The present invention relates to a boiler assembly comprising a removable boiler unit and in particular, although not exclusively, a removable domestic boiler and a method for reviewing and maintaining a boiler unit.

At present, in the case of a domestic boiler that has broken down or requires revision, work must be carried out on site. This requires a maintenance person to carry a large selection of spare parts. If the repair is complex, the house can be without heating for a considerable period of time.

Document EP0.784.192 of NV Radson Alutherm discloses a boiler assembly comprising an 'L' shaped collector, whose base is formed with guide ribs to guide a boiler unit to the base of the collector, the weight of the boiler unit through said guide ribs.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a boiler assembly characterized by a removable boiler unit detachably connected to a collector unit, the arrangement being such that the collector unit provides the boiler unit, in use , an interface for connection to a pipe system, characterized in that the collector unit comprises a rear section and a base section, at least one guide rail being placed in the rear section of the manifold so that, during assembly, the boiler unit moves along the guide rail that holds and guides the boiler unit to the manifold unit, and so that, when assembled, the guide rail separates the boiler unit above the base section of the collector and supports the weight of the boiler unit.

The boiler unit is preferably a self-contained unit comprising the components required for heat production, the components being a fan motor, a fan pressure switch, a burner unit, a heat exchanger, a fluid pump, a gas valve and a PCB control panel.

The boiler unit is preferably a self-contained unit comprising the components required for the production of hot water, the components being a fan motor, a fan pressure switch, a burner unit, a heat exchanger, a fluid pump , a gas valve and a PCB control panel.

Preferably, the connection interface comprises a plurality of connections between the boiler unit and the manifold unit.

The piping system can incorporate a fluid supply and a fluid return, each being connected to the boiler unit by means of the manifold unit.

The collector unit preferably provides the boiler unit with a connection interface to a power source.

The power supply is preferably an electrical power source.

The connection interface to the power supply is preferably a male and a female socket, the arrangement being such that the male socket is automatically received by the female socket when the boiler unit is assembled in the manifold unit.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the manifold unit preferably provides the boiler unit with an interface for connection to a gas inlet conduit.

The manifold unit preferably provides the boiler unit with a connection interface to a gas outlet duct.

The manifold unit preferably provides the boiler unit with a direct connection to the gas outlet duct.

The connections of the connection interface are preferably quick release connections.

Preferably, the connections of the connection interface comprise means for isolating the piping system, which can be used before disconnecting the boiler unit from the manifold unit.

Preferably, the boiler unit comprises means for insulating the connections.

The collector unit preferably comprises means for insulating the connections.

The isolation means can be used to prevent the flow of fluid through the connections. The insulating means can be used to stop the flow of a fluid through the connections before removal of the boiler unit from the manifold unit. The avoidance of the flow of a fluid through the connections before removal of the boiler unit from the manifold unit avoids the requirement of purging the piping system or boiler assembly.

The isolation means are preferably located in the front part of the boiler assembly. The location of the isolation means at the front of the boiler assembly provides easy access to the isolation means.

The boiler assembly can preferably be mounted on the wall or resting on the floor. The location of the insulating means at the front of the boiler assembly facilitates the assembly of the boiler assembly on the wall or resting on the floor.

The means for isolating the connection is preferably a series of valves.

The guide rail preferably comprises a distal end formed with a tapered region.

The tapered region of the guide rail is preferably a conical shape.

The boiler assembly preferably comprises a support rail for supporting the boiler unit during removal and reassembly.

The support rail can preferably be removed from the collector unit.

The boiler assembly preferably comprises a plurality of support rails for supporting the boiler unit during removal and reassembly.

Preferably, the boiler assembly comprises two support rails, the arrangement being such that during the use thereof, each support rail is arranged in respective lower corners of the boiler unit.

The guide means may comprise a plurality of guide rails along which the boiler unit can slide when the boiler assembly is assembled and disassembled.

The boiler unit preferably comprises means for measuring the pressure.

The boiler unit preferably comprises control means for controlling the operation of the boiler assembly.

The boiler unit preferably comprises means for measuring the humidity within the boiler unit. Means for measuring humidity are used to provide an alert of any possible leakage inside the boiler unit.

The boiler unit preferably comprises means for analyzing gases. Means for analyzing gases are used to provide an analysis of combustion gases at the outlet and to provide an alert about combustion rates.

In an embodiment of the present invention the manifold unit comprises an expansion chamber for the heating pipe system.

The manifold unit preferably comprises means for measuring the pressure.

The boiler assembly preferably comprises safety means to prevent unauthorized removal of the boiler unit.

Preferably the boiler unit is a domestic boiler unit and the piping system is a domestic piping system.

The boiler assembly may comprise operating remote management means for communicating with the boiler assembly by means of a modem, so that the boiler assembly provides analysis information to the management means. The management means can be used to monitor one or more remote boiler assemblies and detect possible failures.

According to a second aspect of the present invention a heating system is provided characterized in that the system comprises a boiler assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a review or repair procedure of a boiler unit of a boiler assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, characterized by the method comprising the separation and removal of a first unit boiler of a collector unit; then the replacement of the first boiler unit with a second boiler unit and the connection of the second boiler unit to the collector unit.

By replacing the boiler unit with a second boiler unit, the heating system can be used while the first boiler unit is undergoing revision or repair.

The present invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein.

The present invention can be applied in practice in various ways, although two exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic view of a boiler assembly comprising a boiler unit and a manifold unit;

fig. 2 is a side view of the boiler assembly shown in fig. one;

fig. 3 is an isometric front view of the boiler unit shown in fig. 1 and 2, and shows the boiler unit with a front panel removed;

fig. 4 is an isometric rear view of the boiler shown in fig. 3;

fig. 5 is an isometric front view of the collector unit shown in fig. 1 with the boiler unit removed;

fig. 6 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of a boiler assembly comprising a boiler unit (shown in phantom form) partially mounted on a manifold unit;

fig. 7 is a side view of a corner of the collector unit shown in fig. 6 and a support rail partially removed from the collector unit; Y

fig. 8 is an isometric rear view of the boiler shown in fig. 6.

Referring to fig. 1 to 5, a boiler assembly 1 comprises a removable domestic boiler unit 2 detachably connected to a manifold unit 4, the arrangement being such that the manifold unit 4 provides the boiler unit 2 with a connection interface to a heating pipe system (not shown).

The boiler unit 2 can be removed quickly and easily from the collector unit 4 and taken to another place for inspection or repair. In order for the heating system to be used while checking, a replacement boiler unit is connected to the manifold unit 4.

The boiler unit 2 is a box shape comprising a removable front panel 8; two removable side panels 10, 12 each with a recess for grip 13; a removable top panel 14; a base panel 16 and a rear panel 18. The removable panels of the collector unit 4 are secured to the unit by a series of screws 20 (not shown in some figures). The front panel 8 comprises a security lock 22, which helps prevent unauthorized access to the boiler unit 2. The skilled person will note that any suitable safety device can be used to prevent unauthorized access to the boiler unit. boiler 2. Under the front panel 8 there is a rectangular instrumentation panel 24 comprising a pressure gauge 26 and a timer 28 for turning the boiler unit on and off 2. Timer 28 can also be used to indicate when a check should be made or for Indicate a fault.

The boiler unit 2 contains a set of standard elements normally found in a domestic boiler, such as a burner unit 30, a heat exchanger 31, a combustion chamber 32, a fluid pump 34, a pressure switch 36 for a fan, a gas valve 38, a bypass valve 40 for the heat exchanger 31, a water pressure switch 42 and a PCB control panel

44. Boiler unit 2 also comprises series of pipe connections 46. Pipe connections 46 are used as water inlet and water outlet holes for boiler unit 2. One or more of the pipe connections 46 they can be used as a gas feed hole for the burner 30. The nominal value and the correct design of the connections and the internal pipes must be chosen by virtue of the different functions of the connections 46 and the internal pipes. An isolation valve 48 is attached to each connection 46 (see fig. 1).

At each corner of the boiler unit 2 there is a guide channel 50, each of which extends from the rear panel 18 in a direction towards the front of the boiler unit 2. The rear panel 18 is also formed with an electrical socket element 54, and a circular hole 52 that provides an exhaust for a flue pipe of the boiler unit 2.

The collector unit 4 is a substantially L-shaped structure comprising a rectangular back box section 60 and a rectangular base section 62. The back box section 60 contains an expansion chamber 64 that is used for the pipes, which contains the hot water. An upper region of the rear case section 60 is formed by a female electrical outlet 67 and a smoke outlet orifice 66 for the exhaust gases of the boiler unit 2. When the boiler unit 2 is assembled in the unit manifold 4 the orifice of the flue pipe 66 is aligned and connected with the circular hole 52 of the boiler unit 2 and the element of the male electrical outlet 54 of the boiler unit 2 is received by the female electrical outlet 67 of the collector unit 4.

The uppermost panel 70 of the back box section 60 is formed by a series of circular holes 72. One or more pipes of the heating pipe system may use the holes 72 for access to the manifold. The uppermost panel 70 is also formed with an ejection section 74, which can be removed to allow access to an exhaust flue pipe (not shown).

The manifold unit 4 comprises four guide rails 76 that extend in a direction substantially parallel to the base section 62. In the assembled state of the boiler assembly the rails 76 are received by the channels 50 of the boiler unit 2 and help provide support for boiler unit 2.

The base section 62 comprises a series of tubes 78 whose respective distal ends are supported by a horizontal clamp 80. Connected to the respective distal ends of the tubes 78 are the respective isolation valves 82. In the assembled state, the isolation valves 82 of the manifold unit 4 are connected to the isolation valves 48 of the boiler unit 2 (see fig. 1).

The boiler assembly 1 can be fitted to an existing domestic heating system or alternatively a completely new heating pipe network can be fitted and connected to the boiler assembly 1. The manifold unit 4 is fixed to the wall or floor of the building. The different water pipes of the heating network are connected to the manifold unit 4. If the boiler unit 2 uses gas, then the gas pipe is connected to the manifold unit 4 and the exhaust flue pipe of gas is connected to the manifold unit 4. The person skilled in the art will observe that any type of boiler can be used, such as an electric boiler or a diesel boiler. The boiler unit 2 receives electric power by means of the male electrical outlet 54 and the female socket 67.

When the boiler unit 2 must be inspected or requires repair, the maintenance person insulates the heating piping system of the boiler unit 2 and the gas supply by closing the isolation valves 48 and 82. The connections are disabled between the respective isolation valves 48 and 82. Next, the boiler unit 2 is easily removed from the manifold unit 4 using the grips 13. When the boiler unit 2 is removed from the manifold unit 4, the guide channels 50 slide on the rails 76, the electrical connection between the male socket 54 and the female socket 67 is interrupted and the connection between the circular hole 52 and the smoke outlet tube hole 66 is interrupted. There is no need to remove the front panel 8 of the boiler unit 2 since the work is carried out outside the place of operation.

Once the boiler unit 2 of the collector unit 4 has been removed, a replacement boiler unit can be assembled in the manifold unit 4 and all connections made so that the heating system can be used while the boiler unit Original is being reviewed out of place.

A particular advantage of the manifold unit 4 is that some of the elements of a boiler assembly, such as the expansion chamber 64 and the exhaust vent 66, which normally do not require revision, may be contained in the collector unit 4. Boiler unit 2 may contain only those items that require regular inspection or are likely to need repair. The other elements of a domestic boiler assembly can be left when boiler unit 2 is carried.

The boiler unit may comprise a device for measuring the pressure within one or more of the elements of the boiler assembly, a device for analyzing the humidity within the boiler unit and a device for measuring the various gases within the boiler assembly . The information of these various devices can be transmitted to a remote computer management system by means of a modem. The computer management system monitors the information received from the devices. Any breakdown or potential breakdown is recorded and such information can be used by a service technician.

The boiler assembly may comprise operating remote management means for communicating with the boiler assembly by means of a modem, the boiler assembly providing analysis information to the management means. The management means can be used to monitor one or more remote boiler assemblies and detect potential failures.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown in the figures), a boiler unit comprises a removable boiler unit that is detachably connected to a piping system by means of a connection interface comprising quick release connections. The piping system comprises isolation valves adjacent to the piping system connections. The boiler unit may also comprise isolation valves adjacent to the connections.

Isolation valves are used to prevent the flow of a fluid through the connections and can be used to interrupt the flow of a fluid through the connections before removal of the boiler unit from the piping system. The connection interface may comprise an electrical power connection to provide the boiler unit with a power supply and a gas pipe connection to provide the boiler unit with a connection to a gas inlet conduit. The connection interface may also comprise an exhaust connection to provide the boiler unit with a connection to a gas outlet duct.

Once the boiler unit has been disconnected and removed from the piping system, a replacement boiler unit can be connected to the piping system so that the heating system can be used while the original boiler unit is under review. out of place

Referring to fig. 6 to 8, a boiler assembly 1 comprises a removable domestic boiler unit 2 detachably connected to a manifold unit 4, the arrangement being such that the manifold unit 4 provides the boiler unit 2 with a connection interface to a heating pipe system (not shown).

In this particular embodiment the manifold unit 4 comprises four guide rails 90 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the base section 62. In the assembled state of the boiler assembly the rails 90 are received by channels 95 of the boiler unit 2 and help provide support for the boiler unit 2. The guide rails 90 are each attached to the manifold at one of their respective ends so that they form a cantilever. The guide rails 90 each have a circular cross section. The distal end 91 of each guide rail 90 is a conical shape to aid insertion into the respective channels 95.

5 Boiler assembly 1 also comprises two removable support rails 94. The support rails 94 have an L-shaped vertical cross section and are used during the assembly and disassembly of the boiler unit 2 of the collector unit 4 to provide support to the boiler unit 2. In the assembled state the rails of support 94 can be removed from boiler assembly 1.

Claims (36)

1. A boiler assembly (1) comprising a removable boiler unit (2) detachably connected to a manifold unit (4), the arrangement being such that the manifold unit (4) provides the boiler unit (2), in use, a connection interface to a pipe system, while the manifold unit (4) comprises a rear section (60) and a base section (62), characterized in that at least one guide rail (76) is placed in the rear section (60) of the manifold so that, during assembly, the boiler unit (2) moves along the guide rail that supports and guides the boiler unit (2) in the manifold unit (4), and so that, when assembled, the guide rail (76) separates the boiler unit (2) above the base section (62) of the manifold and supports the weight of the boiler unit (2).

2.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 1 wherein the boiler unit (2) is a self-contained unit comprising the components required for heat production, the components being a fan motor, a fan pressure switch (36), a burner unit (30), a heat exchanger (31), a fluid pump (34), a gas valve (38) and a PCB control panel (44).

3.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 1 wherein the boiler unit (2) is a self-contained unit comprising the components required for the production of hot water, the components being a fan motor, a pressure switch of fan (36), a burner unit (30), a heat exchanger (31), a fluid pump (34), a gas valve (38) and a PCB control panel (44).

Four.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the connection interface comprises a plurality of connections between the boiler unit (2) and the manifold unit (4).

5.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 4 wherein the piping system incorporates a fluid supply and a fluid return, each being connected to the boiler unit (2) by means of the manifold unit (4 ).

6.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the manifold unit (4) provides the boiler unit (2) with a connection interface to a power source.

7.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 6 wherein the power supply is an electrical power source.

8.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 7 wherein the connection interface to the power supply is a male socket (54) and a female socket (67), the arrangement being such that the male socket

(54) is received by the female socket (67) automatically when the boiler unit (2) is assembled in the manifold unit (4).

9.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein in an embodiment of the present invention the manifold unit (4) provides the boiler unit (2) with a connection interface to a conduit of gas inlet

10.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 9 wherein the manifold unit (4) provides the boiler unit with a connection interface to a gas outlet duct.

eleven.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 10 wherein the manifold unit (4) provides the boiler unit (2) with a direct connection to the gas outlet duct.

12.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 11 wherein the connections of the connection interface are quick-release connections.

13.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 12 wherein the connections of the connection interface comprise means for isolating the piping system, which can be used before disconnecting the boiler unit (2) from the collector unit (4).

14.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 13 wherein the boiler unit (2) comprises means for insulating the connections.

fifteen.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 14 wherein the manifold unit (4) comprises means for insulating the connections.

16.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 14 or 15 wherein insulating means can be used to prevent the flow of fluid through the connections.

17.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the insulating means are located at the front of the boiler assembly (1).

18.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the boiler assembly (1) can be mounted on a wall or resting on the floor.

19.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein the means for isolating the connection is a series of valves (48, 82).

twenty.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the guide rail (76, 90) comprises a distal end (91) formed with a tapered region.

twenty-one.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 20 wherein the tapered region of the guide rail (76, 90) is a conical shape.

22

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 1 wherein the boiler assembly (1) comprises a support rail (94) for supporting the boiler unit (2) during removal and reassembly.

2. 3.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 22 wherein the support rail (94) can be removed from the manifold unit (4).

24.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of claims 21 to 23 wherein the boiler assembly (1) comprises a plurality of support rails (94) for supporting the boiler unit (2) during removal and reassembly

25.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein the boiler assembly (1) comprises two support rails (94), the arrangement being such that during use thereof each support rail ( 94) is disposed in respective lower corners of the boiler unit (2).

26.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 1 wherein the boiler unit (2) comprises means for measuring the pressure.

27.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 26 wherein the boiler unit (2) comprises control means for controlling the operation of the boiler assembly (1).

28.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 26 wherein the boiler unit (2) comprises means for measuring the humidity inside the boiler unit (2).

29.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 26 to 28 wherein the boiler unit (2) comprises means for analyzing gases.

30

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 1 wherein in an embodiment of the present invention the manifold unit (4) comprises an expansion chamber (64) for the heating pipe system.

31.

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 30 wherein the manifold unit (4) comprises means for measuring the pressure.

32

A boiler assembly (1) according to claim 1 wherein the boiler assembly (1) comprises safety means to prevent unauthorized removal of the boiler unit (2).

33.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the boiler unit (2) is a domestic boiler unit and the piping system is a piping system.

domestic.

3. 4.

A boiler assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the boiler assembly (1) comprises operating remote management means for communicating with the assembly of

5 boiler (1) by means of a modem, so that the boiler assembly (1) provides analysis information to the management means. 35. A heating system characterized in that the system comprises a boiler assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 34. 10 36. A method of reviewing or repairing a boiler assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 34, characterized by the method comprising the separation and removal of a first boiler unit (2) from a unit of collector (4); then the replacement of the first boiler unit (2) with a second boiler unit (2) and the connection of the second boiler unit (2) to the unit of 15 collector (4).