Outlet pipe assembly, inlet/outlet pipe assembly and kit with such an assembly

Abstract

 Outlet pipe assembly (1) having an outlet pipe (4), and an outlet element (5; 15; 25; 35) forming the outlet end of the outlet pipe assembly (1). The outlet pipe (4) is provided with a connecting part (3), wherein the inner surface of the connecting part (3) and the outer surface of the outlet element (5; 15; 25; 35) are provided with mutually co-operating attachment elements (6, 17). Also described is an inlet/outlet pipe assembly (10) comprising an outlet pipe assembly (1) according to the present invention and an inlet pipe (2), wherein the outlet pipe assembly (1) is positioned inside the inlet pipe (2).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an outlet pipe assembly, comprising an outlet pipe. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to an inlet/outlet pipe assembly comprising an outlet pipe assembly.

Background of the invention

[0002] European patent publication EP-A-1 923 632 discloses an assembly of a building with a vertical wall and an inlet/outlet pipe system with an inlet/outlet mouthpiece. The pipe system extends through the vertical wall and the mouthpiece lies on the outside of the wall. Inside the building the pipe assembly is connected to a combustion system. The mouthpiece has a horizontally extending inlet pipe part and a horizontally extending outlet pipe part. The outlet pipe part extends through the interior of the inlet pipe part and projects with an outflow part beyond the inlet pipe part. The bottom of the outlet pipe part extends at a slope in order to return water of condensation to the pipe system. The outflow part is provided with a diffuser which reduces the velocity of flue gases flowing through the outflow part.

[0003] In certain circumstances, the inlet/outlet pipe system of the assembly disclosed does not meet the requirements for easy and multi-purpose installation of the inlet/outlet system.

Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a versatile ad flexible outlet pipe assembly, which is useful in installation work related to central heating systems, or in general, flue gas outlet arrangements.

[0005] According to the present invention, an outlet pipe assembly is provided according to the preamble defined above, wherein the outlet pipe assembly further comprises an outlet element forming the outlet end of the outlet pipe assembly, wherein the outlet pipe is provided with a connecting part, and wherein the inner surface of the connecting part and the outer surface of the outlet element are provided with mutually co-operating attachment elements.

[0006] This provides a very versatile and easy-to-use assembly for application in flue gas outlet arrangements, and the separate components are easy to manufacture and simple to assemble at a building site.

[0007] The attachment element may be formed by a groove and a corresponding protrusion in each of the connecting part and in the outlet element. In an alternative embodiment, the mutually co-operating attachment elements are formed by clamping surfaces on each of the connecting part and the outlet element. This allows to use a single material for forming the various parts, resulting in an easier and more cost-effective manufacturing process.

[0008] The inner diameter of the outlet pipe and the inner diameter of the outlet element at their mutual interface are substantially equal in a further embodiment. This allows to obtain a smooth transition surface, preventing build up of any depositions at the transition surface.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the connecting part is provided with at least one orientation element, co-operating with a corresponding orientation body provided on the outlet element. This helps in providing an easy to install assembly, eliminating the chance of faulty installation steps. Furthermore, if multiple orientation elements are provided and a single orientation body co-operating therewith, it is possible to provide multiple mutual positions, e.g. to obtain a bend in a predetermined direction.

[0010] The outlet element is a deflector in one embodiment, allowing to obtain an exhaust plume which is diverted from a straight horizontal as is the case in known outlet pipe assemblies. As an alternative, the outlet element is a coupling element allowing attachment of further pipe elements, allowing further guidance of the flue gases to an outlet position where the exhaust plume is less cumbersome. E.g. the outlet element comprises an extension pipe with a length of more than 0.5m, which can be useful when trying to bring the exhaust plume beyond a balcony ceiling.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the outlet element further comprises a sealing element, to ensure proper guidance of the exhaust gases without leaks.

[0012] The outlet element is provided with a beveled edge in a further embodiment, allowing more simple assembly of the outlet element onto the connecting part of the outlet pipe assembly.

[0013] In an even further embodiment, the outlet element is provided with a blocking element, preventing entrance of foreign object into the outlet pipe assembly which might block the passageway, such as birds or other animals.

[0014] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to an inlet/outlet pipe assembly comprising an outlet pipe assembly according to any one of the present invention embodiments and an inlet pipe, wherein the outlet pipe assembly is positioned inside the inlet pipe. Such an inlet/outlet pipe assembly can be advantageously used in combination with present day central heating systems using a closed air circuit. In a further embodiment, the outlet pipe assembly is inclined with respect to inlet pipe, allowing condensation fluids to flow back to a suitable drain in the piping system.

[0015] In an even further aspect, the present invention relates to a kit comprising an outlet pipe assembly according to any one of the present invention embodiments and two or more different outlet elements. This allows to stock kits in larger quantities, and allows installers to have sufficient choice of outlet elements using a single kind of kit.

Brief description of the drawings

[0016] The invention will be explained in detail with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a cross sectional view of an inlet/outlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal cross section view of an outlet pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a transverse cross sectional view of the outlet pipe assembly of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 shows a side view of an outlet element according to an embodiment of the present invention attachable to the outlet pipe assembly embodiment of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 shows a side view of an outlet element according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows a side view of an outlet element according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 shows a side view of an outlet element according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 8 shows a cross sectional view of an outlet element provided with a blocking element.

Detailed description of embodiments

[0017] In Fig. 1 a cross sectional view is shown of an inlet/outlet assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such an inlet/outlet assembly 10 may be advantageously used in combination with modem heating systems, which use an enclosed air system. Air from outside of a building is taken through an inlet tube 2 towards the heating system for use in a combustion chamber. Flue gases from the heating system are transported to the outside environment of a building through an outlet assembly 1. The inlet/outlet assembly 10 can be mounted using a hole in a wall of the building, and the hole can be nicely covered using a slidable cover 40 which can slide over the outer surface of the inlet pipe 2. the inlet pipe 2 may be provided with a partial extension 21, which effectively shield the inlet/outlet assembly 10 from rain and other foreign objects from entering the inlet pipe 2.

[0018] In certain circumstances, it is necessary to modify the inlet/outlet pipe assembly 10 partly or entirely. In present day assemblies 10, this usually involves tearing down the assembly 10 partly or entirely. Using the present invention embodiments, this type of work can be performed more easily and cost-effectively without doing any damage to the remaining parts of the inlet/outlet assembly 10. Moreover, when installing the present invention embodiments as novel parts, e.g. during construction work, it provides a much more flexible assembly, allowing adaption to specific needs at that site.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 1, an inlet/outlet pipe assembly 10 is provided comprising an outlet pipe assembly 1 according to any one of the embodiments described below, in combination with an inlet pipe 2, wherein the outlet pipe assembly 1 is positioned inside the inlet pipe 2. Furthermore, the outlet pipe assembly 1 may be inclined with respect to inlet pipe 2, in order to allow condensing water to flow back to proper drain parts of the total installation inside the building.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal cross sectional view of an outlet pipe assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is also used in the inlet/outlet assembly 10 as shown in Fig. 1. The outlet pipe assembly 1 comprises an outlet pipe 4, and an outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35 forming the outlet end of the outlet pipe assembly 1. The outlet pipe 4 is provided with a connecting part 3, wherein the inner surface of the connecting part 3 and the outer surface of the outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35 are provided with mutually co-operating attachment elements. The present invention embodiments thus provide a very flexible system, allowing easy and fool-proof installation, by providing a simple connection of an outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35 at the inside surface of the outlet pipe 4, as opposed to the complex construction in the disclosure of EP-A-1 923 632.

[0021] In one embodiment, the attachment elements are formed by a first groove 17 on the outside surface of the outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35 and a corresponding ridge 6 on the inner surface of the connecting part 3. The ridge 6 may be a (partial) rim or inward protrusion formed from the same material as the connecting part 3.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the mutually co-operating attachment elements are formed by clamping surfaces. The inner surface of the connecting part 3 may e.g. be made to have a slightly increasing diameter towards its open end, which allows to clamp a straight external surface of the outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35. Of course the form of the two surfaces may be interchanged, or even both surfaces may de adapted to form the clamping effect.

[0023] In Fig. 2, it is shown that the outlet pipe assembly 1 comprises a substantially horizontally extending outlet pipe 4 for transferring flue gases to the outside environment. At the external end of outlet pipe 4, a connecting part 3 is provided, to which one of several embodiments of outlet elements 5, 15, 25, 35 can be attached. The internal diameter of the outlet pipe 4 having a length L is Dn at the left (upstream) side, and is e.g. 60mm. As shown in Fig. 2, the thickness of the wall of the outlet pipe 4 may vary over its length, as a result of which the internal diameter Dn slowly decreases. The effect is that the flue gases are better flowing towards the outside environment.

[0024] The internal diameter D2 of the connecting part 3 is larger than that of inlet pipe 4, allowing attachment of an outlet element (e.g. a regular outlet element 15 as shown in Fig. 1, and discussed in more detail below with reference to Fig. 5), without any sudden change in internal diameter of the outlet pipe assembly 1. This prevents any dirt or other depositions to accumulate at the interface. In general terms, the inner diameter of the outlet pipe and the inner diameter of the outlet element at their mutual interface are substantially equal.

[0025] The length of the connecting part 3 is L1, e.g. 50 mm, which provides for a reliable attachment of the outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35 to the outlet pipe 4. Furthermore, connecting part 3 is provided with ridges 6 (or locking ribs) at a distance L2, e.g. 35 mm from the open end of connecting part 3. The ridges 6 are provided at a length L2 from the outer rim of connecting part 3, which allows for a proper connection between outlet pipe assembly 1 and an outlet element 5, 15, 25,35 (to be discussed below with reference to Figs. 4-7.

[0026] Also, orientation elements 11 are provided, e.g. in the form of notches on the inside surface of the connecting part 3 as shown, which allow proper orientation of the outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35 with respect to outlet pipe assembly 1. In other words, the connecting part 3 is provided with at least one orientation element 11, co-operating with a corresponding orientation body, e.g. in the form of a protrusion 18, provided on the outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35 (see below).

[0027] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figs. 1-3, the connecting part 3 is implemented as a socket comprising two locking ribs 6 extending inwardly of the inside of the socket, as can also be seen in the from view of outlet pipe assembly 1 as shown in Fig. 3. The socket is furthermore provided with three orientation elements 11 in the form of positioning slots for ensuring the socket can receive the outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35 in a proper mutual orientation.

[0028] The end portion to the left of the outlet pipe assembly 1 as shown in Fig. 1 connects to an outlet of a flue gas generating unit (not shown), e.g. a heating installation. The end portion to the right of the outlet pipe assembly 1 projects through an external wall of a building to the outside environment, with both the inlet pipe 2 and outlet pipe assembly 1 extending through the external wall.

[0029] Finally, in Fig. 2 (and in Fig. 1) a blocking element 8 is shown as part of the outlet pipe assembly 1, which should prevent e.g. birds or other foreign matter from entering the space between inlet pipe 2 and outlet pipe assembly 1. This blocking element 8 is shown more clearly in the frontal view of the outlet pipe assembly 1 as shown in Fig. 3. According to an embodiment of the invention, the blocking element 8 is a semispherical element extending outwardly from the bottom of the connecting part 3 and is supported by a holding element 12. This allows to have the outlet pipe assembly 1 to have an inclined orientation with respect to the inlet pipe 2, and yet provide a sufficient blocking functionality for the inlet air.

[0030] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 three orientation elements 11 are provided at the top part of connecting part 3, with a mutual position of α, e.g. 43°, which allows installation of the outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35 at fixed orientations.

[0031] The locking ridges 6 are provided over only a part of the circumference of the inner surface of connecting part 3. This allows to obtain a stable connection, yet allows easily removal of an outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35 as shown in Figs. 4-7, e.g. for replacement with another type of outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35. As an alternative, more ridges 6 may be provided, or each ridge 6 may span a larger angle in the circumferential direction.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, the entire inlet/outlet pipe assembly 10 and all its elements are made of a plastic material, such as PVC. This allows easy production and assembly using known and reliable installation techniques.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a side view of an outlet element 5 which can be used in an advantageous embodiment of the outlet pipe assembly 1 according to the present invention. The outlet element 5 is a deflector, having an exit surface of which the normal orientation is at an angle β to a longitudinal axis of the outlet pipe. The normal orientation and longitudinal axis are indicated in Fig. 3 by dash dot lines. This deflector type of outlet element 5 can be easily manufactured using conventional (PVC) manufacturing techniques, e.g. by bending a straight tube, or by gluing or melting together properly cut tubular pieces. Also the end opening of the outlet element 5 may be adapted to have a proper aesthetic outlook.

[0034] The deflector type of outlet element 5 comprises a first (circumferential) groove 17 for receiving the two locking ribs 6 in the connecting part 3 when assembled. Also one or more orientation bodies in the form of protrusions 18 are arranged which co-operate with the orientation elements 11 in the connecting part 3. If one protrusion 18 is provided on the outlet element 5, and three corresponding orientation elements 11 in the connecting part 3, the outlet element 5 can be attached in one of three mutual orientations. The deflector type outlet element 5 allows to divert the flue gases in a direction which provides the least discomfort. When using the outlet pipe assembly 1 with a modern condensing type of central heating installation, the flue gases may form a visible plume in the outside environment. Using this invention embodiment, it is possible to divert this plume is direction not providing any inconvenience for the inhabitants.

[0035] A second groove 19 is provided for forming a sealing element, e.g. in combination with an O-ring, to seal off the connection between the outlet element 5 and the connecting part 3.

[0036] Also, the deflector type outlet element 5 is provided with a beveled edge 16, on the side facing the outlet pipe assembly 1, which aids in more easily connecting the outlet element 5 to the connecting part 3.

[0037] Fig. 5 shows a side view of a further embodiment of an outlet element 15. As in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the outlet element 15 is provided with a beveled edge 16, a first groove 17, a second groove 19 and a protrusion 18. This type of outlet element 15 will cause an outlet plume in a substantially horizontal direction, which may be very well acceptable in certain circumstances.

[0038] Fig. 6 shows a side view of an outlet element 25 according to a further embodiment of the present invention, serving as an extension element. This type of outlet element 25 can be indicated as a plume management kit which is provided with a coupling element in the form of a general outlet connector 28. This general outlet connector 28 is suitable for connecting to various further pipes or outlet elements, and allows to guide the flue gases to a different outlet point, away from the inlet opening when used in the inlet/outlet pipe assembly 10 of Fig. 1.

[0039] As in the two types of outlet elements 5, 15 discussed in relation to the embodiments shown in Fig. 4 and 5, the plume management kit type of outlet element 25 is provided with a beveled edge 16, a first groove 17, a second groove 19 and a protrusion 18 on the side facing the connecting part 3.

[0040] This plume management kit type of outlet element 25 is provided with a bend, wherein the longitudinal axis at the connecting part 3 side and the longitudinal axis of the part at the other side (indicated by das dot lines) are at an angle y, e.g. 91.5°.

[0041] When this type of outlet element 25 is provided with a single protrusion 18 co-operating with any one of three orientation elements 11 in the connecting part 3, a very flexible assembly is provided for installation of further pipe parts or additional elements.

[0042] Fig. 7 shows a side view of yet another embodiment of the outlet element 35. This type of outlet element 35 in the form of an extension element can be advantageously used in circumstances where a simple extension of the outlet pipe assembly 1 is needed, e.g. to bring the outlet opening past a balcony ceiling into the open air. For this, e.g. an extension pipe can be attached to the outlet element 35 with a length of more than 0.5m

[0043] As in the two types of outlet elements 5, 15, 25 discussed in relation to the embodiments shown in Fig. 4, 5 and 6, also this extension type of outlet element 35 is provided with a beveled edge 16, a first groove 17, a second groove 19 and a protrusion 18 on the side facing the connecting part 3. As in the plume management kit type of outlet element 25, this extension type of outlet element 35 is provided with a general outlet connector 28.

[0044] Fig. 8 shows a cross sectional view of an outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35 according to a further embodiment of the present invention provided with a blocking element 38. This blocking element 38, which can be provided anywhere along the length of any type of outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35, has a similar function as the blocking element 8 described with reference to the Figs. 1 and 3, but now for the outlet part of the outlet pipe assembly 1. As shown, the blocking element 38 can be formed as an integrated element by a number of circular walls with interconnecting ribs. Alternative embodiments, e.g. having a honeycomb structure or a mesh structure may also be provided as blocking element 38.

[0045] In this embodiment, three protrusions 18 are provided on the outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35. When the corresponding connecting part 3 of the outlet pipe assembly is provided with three orientation elements 11, this results in one possible mutual orientation.

[0046] The present invention embodiments have been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible, and are included in the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

[0047] Furthermore, a kit is provided as further embodiment, comprising an outlet pipe assembly 1 according to any one of the embodiments described above (or even an inlet/outlet assembly 10 as described above) and two or more different outlet elements 5, 15, 25, 35. This allows an installer to take from a single package the outlet pipe assembly 1 and the outlet element 5, 15, 25, 35 suitable for the project at hand.

Claims

1. Outlet pipe assembly, comprising
an outlet pipe (4), and
an outlet element (5; 15; 25; 35) forming the outlet end of the outlet pipe assembly (1),
wherein the outlet pipe (4) is provided with a connecting part (3),
wherein the inner surface of the connecting part (3) and the outer surface of the outlet element (5; 15; 25; 35) are provided with mutually co-operating attachment elements (6, 17).

2. Outlet pipe assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mutually co-operating attachment elements are formed by a groove (17) and a corresponding protrusion (6).

3. Outlet pipe assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mutually co-operating attachment elements are formed by clamping surfaces.

4. Outlet pipe assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the inner diameter of the outlet pipe (4) and the inner diameter of the outlet element (5; 15; 25; 35) at their mutual interface are substantially equal.

5. Outlet pipe assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the connecting part (3) is provided with at least one orientation element (11), co-operating with a corresponding orientation body (18) provided on the outlet element (5; 15; 25; 35).

6. Outlet pipe assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the outlet element (5; 15; 25; 35) is a deflector (5).

7. Outlet pipe assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the outlet element (5; 15; 25; 35) is a coupling element (25; 35) allowing attachment of further pipe elements.

8. Outlet pipe assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the outlet element (5; 15; 25; 35) comprises an extension pipe with a length of more than 0.5m.

9. Outlet pipe assembly according to any one of claim 1-8, wherein the outlet element (5; 15; 25; 35) further comprises a sealing element (19).

10. Outlet pipe assembly according to any one of claim 1-9, wherein the outlet element (5; 15; 25; 35) is provided with a beveled edge (16).

11. Outlet pipe assembly according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the outlet element (5; 15; 25; 35) is provided with a blocking element (8).

12. Inlet/outlet pipe assembly (10) comprising an outlet pipe assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1-11 and an inlet pipe (2), wherein the outlet pipe assembly (1) is positioned inside the inlet pipe (2).

13. Inlet/outlet pipe assembly according to claim 12, wherein the outlet pipe assembly (1) is inclined with respect to inlet pipe (2).

14. Kit comprising an outlet pipe assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1-11 and two or more different outlet elements (5; 15; 25; 35).

Drawing