MANIFOLD FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF A FLUID IN A PLUMBING AND HEATING SYSTEM AND RELATIVE DISTRIBUTION KIT

Abstract

A manifold for the distribution of a fluid in a plumbing and heating system has a tubular shape and defines in its interior a distribution conduit for the fluid. The manifold extends between a first inlet/outlet end and a second inlet/outlet end, both of which are designed to put the distribution conduit in communication with the exterior of the manifold to receive incoming fluid or to send fluid exiting the manifold. The manifold comprises a plurality of branches arranged in series along a longitudinal extension and interposed between the first and second inlet/outlet ends, wherein each branch allows a quantity of fluid to enter into or exit from the distribution conduit. Each branch is provided with an access or exit opening having a respective axis, and the branches are positioned in the manifold in such a way that: the distance between the first inlet/outlet end and the axis of the first branch is equal to an initial stretch, the centre-to-centre distance between the axis of each branch and the axes of the adjacent branches is equal to a centre-to-centre distance measurement between the branches, and the distance between the axis of the last branch and the second inlet/outlet end is equal to a final stretch. The length of the final stretch is equal to the sum of the length of the initial stretch and half of the centre-to-centre distance measurement.

Claims

1. Manifold (1) for the distribution of a fluid circulating in a plumbing and heating system, having a tubular shape and defining in its interior a distribution conduit (2) intended to be crossed by a fluid, the manifold (1) extending longitudinally between: a first inlet/outlet end (3), suitable to put said distribution conduit (2) in communication with the exterior of the manifold (1) and configured to receive fluid entering the manifold or to send fluid exiting the manifold; a second inlet/outlet end (4), separate from said first inlet/outlet end (3), suitable—at least in an operating condition—to put said distribution conduit (2) in communication with the exterior of the manifold (1) and configured to receive fluid entering the manifold or to send fluid exiting the manifold; wherein the manifold (1), in use, is configured to operate with at least one of said first inlet/outlet end (3) and second inlet/outlet end (4) which receives fluid entering the manifold or sends fluid exiting the manifold; the manifold (1) being provided with a plurality of branches (5), mutually distinct and arranged in series along a longitudinal extension of the manifold, interposed between the first inlet/outlet end (3) and the second inlet/outlet end (4), wherein: the plurality of branches (5) comprises at least a first branch (6) and a final branch (7); each branch (5) of said plurality of branches defines a respective branch point of the manifold, at which a quantity of fluid in transit in the distribution conduit (2) can exit the distribution conduit towards the exterior or a quantity of fluid coming from the exterior can enter the distribution conduit; each branch (5) of said plurality of branches comprises at least one respective first access or exit opening (8), configured to allow the exit from the manifold (1) of at least part of the fluid in transit in the distribution conduit (2) or the entrance of fluid inside the distribution conduit (2), said respective first access or exit opening (8) being a hole having a respective axis (D) of the branch; and wherein the branches (5) of said plurality of branches are positioned, in the manifold (1), in such a way that: the distance between the first inlet/outlet end (3) and the axis (D) of the first branch (6) is equal to an initial stretch (X) of the manifold; the distance between the axis (D) of each branch (5) and the axes of adjacent branches, and/or between the axis (D) of the first branch (6) and the axis of the subsequent branch and/or between the axis (D) of the last branch (7) and the axis of the previous branch, is equal to a given centre-to-centre distance measurement (A) between the branches (5) of the manifold; the distance between the axis (D) of the last branch (7) and the second inlet/outlet end (4) is equal to a final stretch (Y) of the manifold; and wherein the length of said final stretch (Y) is substantially equal to the sum of the length of said initial stretch (X) and N times half of said centre-to-centre distance measurement (A), where N is an odd integer greater than or equal to 1.

2. The manifold (1) according to claim 1, wherein the value of said number N is equal to 1 and the length of said final stretch (Y) is substantially equal to the sum of the length of said initial stretch (X) and half of said centre-to-centre distance measurement (A), and/or wherein said longitudinal extension of the manifold is directed along a longitudinal axis (L) of the manifold, and/or wherein the second inlet/outlet end (4) is longitudinally opposite with respect to the first inlet/outlet opening (3), and/or wherein said initial stretch (X), said centre-to-centre distance measurement (A) and said final stretch (Y) have respective extensions defined by dimensional values in length measured along said longitudinal axis (L) of the manifold.

3. The manifold (1) according to claim 1, wherein said axis (D) of each branch (5, 6, 7) is oriented orthogonally to said longitudinal axis (L) of the manifold, and/or wherein said centre-to-centre distance measurement (A) between the branches (5, 6, 7) corresponds to the distance between the respective axes (D) of two adjacent branches, and/or wherein, considering the centre-to-centre distance measurement (A) between the branches (5) as a step of the manifold, i.e. a value of the distance between the branches (5) suitable to define the manifold, the length of the final stretch (Y) is substantially equal to the length of the initial stretch (X) plus half the step, and/or wherein said centre-to-centre distance measurement (A) is constant among all the branches (5) of the manifold.

4. The manifold (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first branch (6) is the branch arranged in the position closest to the first inlet/outlet end (3) and farthest from the second inlet/outlet end (4), and the last branch (7) is the branch arranged in the position closest to the second inlet/outlet end (4) and farthest from the first inlet/outlet end (3), and/or wherein the further branches (5) of said plurality of branches, in addition to said first branch (6) and said last branch (7), are positioned in sequence between the first branch and the last branch, and/or wherein each further branch (5) in addition to said first branch and said last branch is an internal branch, not adjacent to the first and to the second inlet/outlet end, interposed between a respective previous branch and a respective subsequent branch.

5. The manifold (1) according to claim 1, wherein the manifold is a single-block tubular body, extending between the first inlet/outlet end (3) and the second inlet/outlet end (4) and provided with all of said branches (5, 6, 7), or wherein the tubular body of the manifold is made in a single piece, or wherein the tubular body of the manifold comprises a main body, comprising the first inlet/outlet end (3) and the plurality of branches (5), and a final stretch defining at least partially said final stretch (Y), comprising the second inlet/outlet end (4), said final portion being associated with the main body to form a unitary manifold, and/or wherein said final portion can have an extension equal to the length of said final stretch (Y) or equal to the length of said initial stretch (X) or equal to the length of half of said centre-to-centre distance measurement (A).

6. The manifold (1) according to claim 1, wherein the manifold, in use, is configured: to operate with the first inlet/outlet end (3) that receives fluid, from the plumbing and heating system, entering the manifold and the second inlet/outlet end (4) closed or connected to a pipe of the plumbing and heating system downstream of the manifold; or to operate with the second inlet/outlet end (4) that receives fluid, from the plumbing and heating system, entering the manifold and the first inlet/outlet end (3) closed or connected to a pipe of the plumbing and heating system downstream of the manifold, and/or wherein the first access or exit opening (8) of each branch (5, 6, 7) is configured to receive in connection a respective branch pipe (30), configured to receive a flow of fluid from the distribution conduit (2), or to introduce a flow of fluid into the distribution conduit (2), and/or wherein said first inlet/outlet end (3) and/or said second inlet/outlet end (4) comprise respective means for connection to a part, upstream or downstream, of the plumbing and heating system to receive fluid entering the manifold or send fluid exiting the manifold (1).

7. The manifold (1) according to claim 1, wherein all the first access or exit openings (8) of all the branches (5, 6, 7) are mutually aligned, such that the axes (D) of all the branches are mutually parallel and all lie on a same median plane of the manifold, and wherein the median plane of the manifold longitudinally divides the manifold into two halves, and crosses the first inlet/outlet end (3), the second inlet/outlet end (4) and the access or exit openings (8) of the branches, and/or wherein one or more of said branches (5, 6, 7) comprises a second opening (9), aligned with the respective first access or exit opening (8) along the respective axis (D) of the branch, wherein the second openings (9) of the branches (5, 6, 7) are configured to allow the connection, to the respective branch, of a control device (20) active on the respective branch, wherein the control device (20) active on a respective branch (5) can be assembled to the second opening (9) of the branch, so as to cross the inside of the distribution conduit (2) of the manifold and act on the first access or exit opening (8) of the branch (5) to control and regulate the flow of fluid exiting, or entering, the respective branch pipe (30).

8. Distribution kit (50) comprising: a first manifold (1), according to claim 1; a second manifold (10), preferably structurally and/or dimensionally identical or equivalent to said first manifold (1); assembly members (60) intended to be fixed to an assembly wall on which the kit is to be positioned, and configured to receive and support the first manifold (1) and the second manifold (10), such that the manifolds (1, 10) are stably positioned, preferably removably, with respect to the assembly members (60) and therefore with respect to the assembly wall, and such that the first (1) and the second manifold (10) are vertically aligned with each other, with the first manifold above the second manifold or vice versa the second manifold above the first manifold, and preferably with the respective longitudinal axes (L) parallel to each other; and wherein the distribution kit (50) is configured to allow the assembly of the first and second manifold to the assembly members at least according to one of the following assembly configurations: a first assembly configuration, in which the first inlet/outlet end (3) of the first manifold (1) is vertically aligned with the respective first inlet/outlet end (13) of the second manifold (10), the second inlet/outlet end (4) of the first manifold (1) is vertically aligned with the respective second inlet/outlet end (14) of the second manifold (10), and each branch (5) of the first manifold has its axis (D) coincident with the respective axis (D′) of a corresponding branch (15) of the second manifold (10); a second assembly configuration, in which the first inlet/outlet end (3) of the first manifold (1) is vertically aligned with the second inlet/outlet end (14) of the second manifold (10), the second inlet/outlet end (4) of the first manifold (1) is vertically aligned with the first inlet/outlet end (13) of the second manifold (10), and the branches (5) of the first manifold are laterally staggered with respect to the branches (15) of the second manifold, so that each branch (5) of the first manifold has its axis (D) interposed, substantially halfway, between the respective axes (D′) of two adjacent branches of the second manifold, with the axes (D) of the branches (5) of the first manifold (1) parallel to the axes (D′) of the branches (15) of the second manifold (10).

9. The kit (50) according to claim 8, wherein said first manifold (1) operates as a delivery manifold and said second manifold (10) operates as a return manifold, or vice versa, and wherein between the first and the second assembly configuration the orientation of the second manifold (10) with respect to the first (1) is reversed, i.e. the second manifold is rotated 180° about an axis orthogonal to its longitudinal axis (L), and/or wherein in the first assembly configuration the respective first inlet/outlet ends (3, 13) of the first and second manifold are vertically aligned on one and the same side of the kit and the respective second inlet/outlet ends (4, 14) of the first and second manifold are vertically aligned on an opposite side of the kit, and/or wherein in the second assembly configuration the first inlet/outlet end (3) of the first manifold and the second inlet/outlet end (14) of the second manifold are vertically aligned on a same side of the kit and the second inlet/outlet end (4) of the first manifold and the first inlet/outlet end (13) of the second manifold are vertically aligned on an opposite side of the kit, and/or wherein both in the first assembly configuration and in the second assembly configuration, the distribution kit (50) has a left side wherein an inlet/outlet end (3; 4) of the first manifold (1) is vertically aligned with an inlet/outlet end (13; 14) of the second manifold (10), and a right side—opposite to the left side with respect to the longitudinal extension (L) of the manifolds—wherein the other inlet/outlet end (4; 3) of the first manifold (1) is vertically aligned with the other inlet/outlet end (14; 13) of the second manifold (10).

10. The kit (50) according to claim 8, wherein the assembly members (60) comprise at least one assembly bracket (61) provided with a rear side (62), intended to be fixed to an assembly wall on which the kit is to be positioned, and a front side (63), intended to receive and house a portion of the first manifold (1) and a corresponding portion of the second manifold (10), mutually vertically aligned, and/or wherein the assembly bracket (61) has a prevalent longitudinal extension and can be positioned orthogonally to the longitudinal extension (L) of the first and second manifold, and/or wherein the assembly bracket (61) is provided with: a first tightening ring (64), arranged in a first position on its front side, and configured to externally wrap around a portion of the first manifold (1) so as to make it integral with the bracket itself; a second tightening ring (65), arranged in a second position on its front side, distinct from the first position and defined below the first position, and configured to externally wrap around a portion of the second manifold (10) so as to make it integral with the bracket itself.

11. The kit (50) according to claim 8, wherein the assembly members (60) comprise a pair of said assembly brackets, intended to both be fixed to the assembly wall, wherein: the first assembly bracket (61) is configured to receive a first portion of the first manifold (1) and a corresponding first portion of the second manifold (10), such that they are fixed to the bracket itself, the second assembly bracket (66) is configured to receive a second portion of the first manifold (1) and a corresponding second portion of the second manifold (10), such that they are fixed to the bracket itself; and/or wherein the first assembly bracket (61) and the second assembly bracket (66) are mutually identical and interchangeable, and/or wherein the first assembly bracket (61) and the second assembly bracket (66) do not vary their position or orientation whether the kit operates in the first assembly configuration or the kit operates in the second assembly configuration.

12. The kit (50) according to claim 8, comprising a plurality of branch pipes (30, 40), each branching off from a respective branch of the first or second manifold, and wherein: in the first configuration the pipes (30) of the branches (5) of the first manifold (1) are aligned and substantially coaxial with respect to the corresponding pipes (40) of the second manifold (10); in the second configuration the pipes (30) of the branches (5) of the first manifold (1) are laterally, and in parallel, staggered with respect to the pipes (40) of the second manifold (10), which are alternated, or intercalated, with respect to the pipes (30) of the first manifold; and/or wherein the branches (5) of the first manifold (1), if operating as a delivery manifold, are provided with respective second openings (9), and the kit (50) comprises a plurality of flow rate meters/regulators (21), each mountable to the second opening (9) of a respective branch (5) and configured to set the flow rate exiting the pipe (30) of said respective branch, and wherein the branches (15) of the second manifold (10), if operating as a return manifold, are provided with respective second openings (9), and the kit (50) comprises a plurality of interception valves (22), each mountable to the second opening of a respective branch (15) and configured to open or close the passage of fluid entering from the pipe (40) of said respective branch, or vice versa.

13. Mixing system comprising at least one distribution kit (50) according to claim 8, mountable in one of said first or second assembly configurations, and further comprising a plurality of components among which pipes, valves and/or one or more pumps, forming at least a delivery branch and a return branch of the mixing system, wherein: with the kit (50) in said first assembly configuration, at least the first inlet/outlet end (3) of the first manifold (1) is placed in fluid communication with said delivery branch of the mixing system, to receive therefrom the fluid entering the distribution conduit of the first manifold, and at least the first inlet/outlet end (13) of the second manifold (10) is placed in fluid communication with said return branch of the mixing system, to send thereto fluid exiting the distribution conduit of the second manifold; or with the kit (50) in said second assembly configuration, at least the first inlet/outlet end (3) of the first manifold (1) is placed in fluid communication with said delivery branch of the mixing system, to receive therefrom the fluid entering the distribution conduit of the first manifold, and at least the second inlet/outlet end (14) of the second manifold (10) is placed in fluid communication with said return branch of the mixing system, to send thereto fluid exiting the distribution conduit of the second manifold.

14. Method for assembling a distribution kit (50), comprising the steps of: providing a first manifold (1), according to claim 1; providing a second manifold (10), preferably structurally and/or dimensionally identical or equivalent to said first manifold (1); providing assembly members (60) intended to be fixed to an assembly wall on which the kit is to be positioned, and configured to receive and support the first manifold and the second manifold, such that the manifolds are stably positioned, preferably removably, with respect to the assembly members and therefore with respect to the assembly wall, assembling the first manifold (1) and the second manifold (10) to the assembly members (60), such that the two manifolds are vertically aligned with each other, with the first manifold above the second manifold or vice versa the second manifold above the first manifold, and preferably with the respective longitudinal axes (L) parallel to each other; wherein said step of assembling the first manifold and the second manifold to the assembly members can take place according to at least one of the following assembly configurations: a first assembly configuration, in which the first inlet/outlet end (3) of the first manifold (1) is vertically aligned with the respective first inlet/outlet end (13) of the second manifold (10), the second inlet/outlet end (4) of the first manifold (1) is vertically aligned with the respective second inlet/outlet end (14) of the second manifold (10), and each branch (5) of the first manifold has its axis (D) coincident with the respective axis (D′) of a corresponding branch (15) of the second manifold (10); a second assembly configuration, wherein the first inlet/outlet end (3) of the first manifold (1) is vertically aligned with the second inlet/outlet end (14) of the second manifold (10), the second inlet/outlet end (3) of the first manifold (1) is vertically aligned with the first inlet/outlet end (13) of the second manifold (10), and the branches (5) of the first manifold are laterally staggered with respect to the branches (15) of the second manifold, so that each branch (5) of the first manifold has its own axis (D) interposed, substantially halfway, between the respective axes (D′) of two adjacent branches (15) of the second manifold, with the axes (D) of the branches of the first manifold parallel to the axes (D′) of the branches of the second manifold.

15. Method for assembling a mixing system, comprising the steps of: providing at least one distribution kit (50) according to claim 8, mountable in one of said first or second assembly configurations; providing a plurality of components among which pipes, valves and/or one or more pumps, forming at least a delivery branch and a return branch of the mixing system; selecting one of said first assembly configuration and second assembly configuration and performing the assembly of the first manifold (1) and of the second manifold (10) to the assembly members (60); wherein the method further comprises one of the following steps, depending on the selected assembly configuration: if the first assembly configuration for the kit (50) is selected, placing at least the first inlet/outlet end (3) of the first manifold (1) in fluid communication with said delivery branch of the mixing system to receive therefrom the fluid entering the distribution conduit of the first manifold, and provided at least the first inlet/outlet end (13) of the second manifold (10) in fluid communication with said return branch of the mixing system to send thereto fluid exiting the distribution conduit of the second manifold; if the second assembly configuration for the kit (50) is selected, placing at least the first inlet/outlet end (3) of the first manifold (1) in fluid communication with said delivery branch of the mixing system to receive therefrom the fluid entering the distribution conduit of the first manifold, and placing at least the second inlet/outlet end (14) of the second manifold (10) in fluid communication with said return branch of the mixing system to send thereto fluid exiting the distribution conduit of the second manifold.

Description

[0133] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the detailed description of some exemplary but non-exclusive embodiments, including also a preferred embodiment, of a manifold for the distribution of a fluid, a distribution kit for plumbing and heating systems, a mixing system and a method for assembling a distribution kit or a mixing system for plumbing and heating systems according to the present invention. Such description is given hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided only for illustrative and, therefore, non-limiting purposes, in which:

[0134] FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of a possible embodiment of a manifold for distributing a fluid in a plumbing and heating system according to the present invention;

[0135] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section view, along the plane II-II, of the manifold of FIG. 1;

[0136] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a distribution kit for a mixing system of a plumbing and heating system, according to the present invention, in a first assembly configuration, with some parts removed and some accessories;

[0137] FIG. 4 shows a front view, and in partial section along the plane IV-IV, of the distribution kit of FIG. 3;

[0138] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the distribution kit of FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0139] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a distribution kit for a mixing system of a plumbing and heating system, according to the present invention, in a second assembly configuration, with some parts removed and some accessories;

[0140] FIG. 7 shows a front view, and in partial section along the plane VII-VII, of the distribution kit of FIG. 6;

[0141] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the distribution kit of FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0142] With reference to the cited figures, reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole a manifold for the distribution of a fluid circulating in a plumbing and heating system, according to the present invention. Reference numeral 50 generally indicates a distribution kit according to the present invention. In general, the same reference numeral is used for identical or similar elements, possibly in their embodiment variants.

[0143] The entire mixing system made starting from a manifold 1 and a distribution kit 50 is not shown, and its components (valves, pumps, conduits, etc.) associated with the manifold 1 and the kit 50 can be of a known type.

[0144] The entire plumbing and heating system which uses the mixing system, as well as the manifold 1 and the kit 50, according to the present invention is not shown, since it is of a per se known type.

[0145] As shown in all the figures, and in particular in FIGS. 1 and 2, the manifold 1 overall has a tubular shape, which defines in its interior a distribution conduit 2 intended to be crossed by a fluid (for example water from a plumbing and heating system).

[0146] The manifold 1 extends longitudinally between: [0147] a first inlet/outlet end 3, which puts the distribution conduit 2 in communication with the exterior of the manifold and is configured (based on the operating conditions, illustrated below) to receive fluid entering the manifold or to send fluid exiting the manifold; [0148] a second inlet/outlet end 4, separate from the first inlet/outlet end, which puts the distribution conduit 2 in communication with the exterior of the manifold and is configured to receive fluid entering the manifold or to send fluid exiting the manifold.

[0149] The manifold 1, in use, is configured to operate with at least one of the first end 3 and the second end 4 which receives fluid entering the manifold or which sends fluid exiting the manifold.

[0150] The manifold is provided with a plurality of branches 5, mutually distinct and arranged in series along the longitudinal extension of the manifold (indicated with L in the figures), interposed between the first inlet/outlet end 3 and the second inlet/outlet end 4.

[0151] In the figures, the manifolds 1 are shown by way of example with four branches 5, identical to each other and equidistant from each other along the longitudinal extension L. As illustrated below, the manifold 1 according to the present invention may have any number of branches, preferably from a minimum of two branches up (up to ten or twenty branches).

[0152] As illustrated in the figures, the plurality of branches 5 preferably comprises at least a first branch 6 and a final branch 7.

[0153] The first branch 6 is the branch located closest to the first inlet/outlet end 3 (and therefore further away from the second inlet/outlet end 4). The last branch 7 is the branch located closest to the second inlet/outlet end 4 (and therefore further away from the first inlet/outlet end 3).

[0154] Each branch of the aforesaid plurality of branches 5 defines a respective “branch point” of the manifold, also referred to in jargon as “detachment” or “way”, at which a quantity of fluid in transit in the distribution conduit 2 can exit the distribution conduit towards the exterior or a quantity of fluid coming from the exterior can enter the distribution conduit 2.

[0155] Each branch 5 comprises at least one respective first access or exit opening 8, configured to allow at least part of the fluid in transit in the distribution conduit 2 to exit the manifold (in the case in which the manifold operates in fluid delivery) or the inlet of fluid inside the distribution conduit 2 (in the case in which the manifold operates in fluid return).

[0156] Preferably, the respective first access or exit opening 8 is a hole having a respective axis of the branch D.

[0157] The branches 5 of the aforesaid plurality of branches are positioned, in the manifold 1, in such a way that: [0158] the distance between the first inlet/outlet end 3 and the axis D of the first branch 6 is equal to an “initial stretch” (indicated with X) of the manifold; [0159] the distance between the axis D of each branch and the axis D of two adjacent branches is equal to a certain centre-to-centre distance measurement between the branches 5 of the manifold (indicated with A); [0160] the distance between the axis D of the last branch 7 and the second inlet/outlet end 4 is equal to a “final stretch” (indicated with Y) of the manifold.

[0161] According to the present invention, the length of the aforementioned final stretch Y is substantially equal to the sum of the length of the initial stretch X and “N times” half of the centre-to-centre distance measurement A. Moreover, the aforesaid value “N” is an odd integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0162] Preferably, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, the value of said number “N” is equal to 1 and the length of the final stretch Y is equal to the sum of the length of the initial stretch X and half of the centre-to-centre distance measurement A.

[0163] By translating this concept into a mathematical formula, it is obtained that the overall length of an entire manifold 1 according to the present invention is equal to:

X+[(n−1)*A]+Y

[0164] where Y=[X+(N*A/2)]

[0165] and where “n” is the number of branches.

[0166] Basically, the manifold is defined in stretches, starting from the initial stretch X, continuing with many stretches corresponding to the succession of all the branches (separated from each other by a centre-to-centre distance A) and ending with the final stretch Y.

[0167] In practice, the longitudinal length of the manifold 1 is defined as the sum of the following succession of values:

[0168] X, A, A, . . . , A, A, Y

[0169] where the number of “A” (i.e. centre-to-centre distances) in the succession is equal to the number of branches “n”−1. In fact, as can be seen in the figures, if the branches are four, the centre-to-centre distances “A” are three (those included between two adjacent branches), while the lengths external to the first branch 5 and to the last branch 6 constitute the initial stretch X and the final stretch Y.

[0170] It should be noted that, as in the embodiment of the figures, the value Y is equal to X+A/2, since the value of N is exactly equal to 1: in practice, the final stretch is equal to the initial stretch plus half the centre-to-centre distance. According to the present invention, N can also be equal to a higher odd number, for example 3, 5, etc. It should also be noted that the centre-to-centre distance measurement A, i.e. the distance between the D axis of each branch and the axes D of the “adjacent” branches, is valid both for the “internal” branches of the manifold, that is, which have two adjacent branches (one before and one after along the longitudinal extension L), and for the first 6 and the last branch 7. In fact, the distance between the axis of the first branch 6 and the axis of the subsequent branch (the second) and the distance between the axis of the last branch 7 and the axis of the previous branch (the penultimate), are also equal to the centre-to-centre distance measurement A. In general, the centre-to-centre distance measurement A is repeated among all branches 5, based on the number of branches of the manifold 1.

[0171] Preferably, the longitudinal extension L of the manifold 1 is directed along a longitudinal axis of the manifold (also indicated with L in the figures).

[0172] Preferably, the second inlet/outlet end 4 is longitudinally opposite with respect to the first inlet/outlet opening 3. Within the scope of the present invention, and as shown in the figures, the initial stretch X, the centre-to-centre distance measurement A and the final stretch Y have respective extensions defined by dimensional values in length measured along the longitudinal axis L of the manifold.

[0173] Preferably, the axis D of each branch 5 is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis L of the manifold 1.

[0174] Preferably, the centre-to-centre distance measurement A between the branches 5 corresponds to the distance between the respective axes of the branch D of two adjacent branches (i.e. the axes of two adjacent holes defining the first access or exit openings 8). The distances defined in the formulas are generally calculated with respect to the axes D of the holes of the branches 5.

[0175] Basically, the initial stretch X extends from the first inlet/outlet end 3 (i.e. from the beginning of the manifold) to the axis D of the first branch 6, and the final stretch Y extends from the axis D of the last branch 7 to the second inlet/outlet end 4 (i.e. up to the end of the manifold).

[0176] Preferably, the initial stretch X constitutes a tubular portion of the manifold 1 devoid of further branches except for half of the first branch 6, X being measured from the first end 3 to the axis D of the first branch 6. Typically, the initial stretch X is substantially a connecting part for the connection, in use, of the end 3 to a destination part, and has a length such as to be able to house, for example, a thread.

[0177] Preferably, the final stretch Y constitutes a tubular portion of the manifold 1 devoid of further branches except for half of the last branch 7, Y being measured from the axis D of the last branch 7 to the second end 4.

[0178] Preferably, considering the centre-to-centre distance measurement A between the branches 5 as a “step” of the manifold (which constitutes a technical specification thereof), i.e. a value of the distance between the branches 5 suitable to define the manifold, the length of the final stretch Y is substantially equal to the length of the initial stretch X plus half the step. In other words, the manifold 1 is, on the one hand, half a step longer (or half the centre-to-centre distance A/2) than it is on the opposite side, considering these sides as the two ends (3 and 4)—along the longitudinal extension L—placed externally to the plurality of branches 5.

[0179] Preferably, the further branches 5 of the plurality of branches, in addition to the first branch 6 and the last branch 7, are positioned in sequence between the first branch and the last branch.

[0180] Preferably, each further branch in addition to the first branch 6 and the last branch 7 is an “internal” branch, not adjacent or contiguous to the first 3 and second 4 inlet/outlet ends, interposed between a respective previous branch (which can be the first branch or a previous internal branch) and a respective subsequent branch (which can be a subsequent internal branch or the last branch).

[0181] In a possible embodiment (not shown), the plurality of branches may comprise two branches, corresponding to the first branch and the last branch.

[0182] Preferably, the plurality of branches comprises a number of branches 5 greater than 2 or greater than 4 or greater than 6 or greater than 8 or greater than 10 or greater than 12. The number of branches may be selected on the basis of the destination system of the manifold, without affecting the general technical solution underlying the present invention.

[0183] Preferably, as in the example shown in the figures, the centre-to-centre distance measurement A is constant between all the branches 5 of the manifold 1.

[0184] Preferably, as in the example shown in the figures, all the branches 5 of the manifold are identical to each other (for example they are branches suitable for receiving a pipe with a diameter of 16 mm, or 20 mm, or 26 mm, etc.).

[0185] Preferably, the centre-to-centre distance measurement A between the branches of the manifold is the same between the first branch 6 and the subsequent one, between the last branch 7 and the previous one, and—if further branches are present in addition to the two end ones—between each branch and the adjacent branches (i.e. the previous branch and the subsequent branch).

[0186] Preferably, the manifold 1 has a rectilinear tubular shape (i.e. the longitudinal axis L lies on a straight line), as shown in the figures. In any case, the manifold may also have a curvilinear shape, but in any case extending in a longitudinal direction, and also in this case the measurements of X, A, Y are calculated along the longitudinal extension L.

[0187] Preferably, the manifold 1 is a single-block tubular body which extends between the first inlet/outlet end 3 and the second inlet/outlet end 4 and provided with all said branches.

[0188] Preferably, the tubular body of the manifold 1 is made of one piece.

[0189] In a possible alternative embodiment, not shown, the tubular body of the manifold may comprise a main body, comprising the first inlet/outlet end and the plurality of branches, and a final portion defining at least partially the final stretch Y, comprising the second inlet/outlet ends; in this case, the final portion is associated with the main body to form a unitary manifold. Preferably, the final portion may have an extension equal to the length of the final stretch or equal to the length of the initial stretch or equal to the length of half of the centre-to-centre distance measurement (or N times the half of the centre-to-centre distance measurement). Preferably, the final portion may be a threaded nipple or an extension.

[0190] Preferably, as shown by way of example in the figures, the first inlet/outlet end 3 and the second inlet/outlet end 4 are open towards the exterior of the manifold 1.

[0191] In a possible alternative embodiment, not shown, one of said first and second inlet/outlet ends may be closed by means of closing means. Preferably, such closing means comprise a closing element made of one piece with the aforesaid tubular body, for example a molded or folded or welded wall thereof which closes the inlet/outlet opening. Alternatively, the closing means may comprise an additional closing element configured to be removably associated with the inlet/outlet opening to determine the closure thereof. This additional closing element may be for example a plug (for example a threaded plug) or a tap or a vent or a pressure gauge.

[0192] Typically, with manifold 1 mounted in a mixing system, one of the two inlet/outlet ends (the one not connected to the delivery branch or the return branch of the system) is then closed, precisely, with a plug, a vent, a pressure gauge or a tap.

[0193] For example, a typical installation that can be carried out by an expert in the field provides that one end of the manifold receives fluid from the system and distributes it among the branches, and the other end is then closed, or the manifold receives fluid from the branches and sends it to the system via one end, while the other is closed.

[0194] Preferably, the manifold 1, used as a delivery manifold, is configured: [0195] to operate with the first inlet/outlet end 3 that receives fluid, from the plumbing and heating system, entering the manifold 1 and the second inlet/outlet end 4 closed or connected to a pipe of the plumbing and heating system downstream of the manifold (in this case the first inlet/outlet end acts as the inlet end and the second inlet/outlet end acts as the outlet or closing end); [0196] to operate with the second inlet/outlet end 4 that receives fluid, from the plumbing and heating system, entering the manifold 1 and the first inlet/outlet end 3 closed or connected to a pipe of the plumbing and heating system downstream of the manifold (in this case the second inlet/outlet end acts as the inlet end and the first inlet/outlet end acts as the outlet or closing end).

[0197] Preferably, the manifold 1 has a linear tubular shape, for example with a circular, square or polygonal section, and the branches 5 branch orthogonally on the external surface of such a tubular shape.

[0198] Preferably, the manifold is made starting from a metal pipe, preferably in stainless steel or brass (for example yellow brass CW617N), said metal pipe being subjected to forming and/or drilling and/or bending and/or molding and/or hydroforming operations. For example, the manifold is made by means of a steel pipe having a thickness of about 1 mm, or comprised between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. Alternatively, the manifold may be made of plastic material (for example of PPSU technopolymer), for example by injection molding.

[0199] Preferably, the first access or exit opening 8 of each branch 5 is configured to receive in connection a respective branch pipe 30, configured to receive a flow of fluid from the distribution conduit or to introduce a flow of fluid into the distribution conduit.

[0200] Preferably, the overall flow rate of fluid carried by the manifold 1: [0201] is divided, at the outlet from the manifold, between the respective branch pipes 30 of the plurality of branches 5 in the case in which the manifold operates as a delivery manifold; [0202] is the sum of the flows, entering the manifold, introduced by the respective branch pipes 30 of the plurality of branches 5 in the case in which the manifold operates as a return manifold.

[0203] Basically, the manifold 1 distributes, preferably in a controlled manner, the fluid transported by it among the various branches 5, in the case in which it is operating as a delivery manifold, while it receives, preferably in a controlled manner, the flows entering all the branches 5, if it is operating as a return manifold.

[0204] Preferably, the first access or exit opening 8 of each branch 5 comprises respective connection means, for example a threaded connection for installing the respective branch pipe 30.

[0205] Preferably, the first inlet/outlet end 3 and/or the second inlet/outlet end 4 comprise respective means for connection to a part, upstream or downstream, of the plumbing and heating system to receive fluid entering the manifold or to send fluid exiting the manifold. Such a part of the system may be a delivery pipe from the boiler, a return pipe to the boiler, an inlet to a pump, an outlet from a pump, an inlet to a valve device, an outlet from a valve device. Preferably, the connection means may comprise a threaded portion intended to connect to a corresponding counter-thread of said part of the plumbing and heating system.

[0206] Preferably, the first access or exit opening 8 of each branch 5 is defined on an external surface of the manifold 1 (and communicates with the interior of the distribution conduit 2, i.e. it passes through the tubular body).

[0207] Preferably, all the first access or exit openings 8 of all the branches 5 are aligned with each other, so that the axes D of all the branches 5 are parallel to each other and all lie on the same median plane of the manifold (corresponding to the section plane II-II indicated in FIG. 1).

[0208] Preferably, the median plane of the manifold divides the manifold 1 longitudinally into two halves, and crosses the first inlet/outlet end 3, the second inlet/outlet end 4 and the access or exit openings 8 of the branches 5.

[0209] Preferably, the longitudinal axis L of the manifold lies on the median plane of the manifold.

[0210] Preferably, one or more of the branches 5, preferably all the branches, comprises a second opening 9, preferably aligned with the respective first access or exit opening 8 along the respective axis D of the branch.

[0211] Preferably, the second openings 9 of the branches 5 are defined on an opposite side of the external surface of the manifold with respect to the first access or exit openings 8.

[0212] Preferably, the second openings 9 are configured to allow the connection, to the respective branch 5, of a control device 20 active on the respective branch 5.

[0213] Preferably, the control device 20 active on a respective branch 5 is assembled to the second opening 9 of the branch, crosses the inside of the distribution conduit 2 of the manifold and acts on the first access or exit opening 8 of the branch 5 to control and regulate the flow of fluid exiting, or entering, the respective branch pipe 30.

[0214] Preferably, the control device is: [0215] a flow meter/regulator 21, when the manifold operates as a delivery manifold; or [0216] a thermostatic or manually operated interception valve 22, or an electronically controlled electrothermal head or an electrothermal actuator, when the manifold operates as a return manifold.

[0217] Preferably, the flow meter/regulator 21 is configured to set the flow rate exiting, through the first outlet opening 8 of the branch, from the pipe 30 of the respective branch 5 to which it is mounted.

[0218] Preferably, the interception valve 22 with thermostatic option or manual operation, or the electronically controlled electrothermal head or the electrothermal actuator, are configured to open or close the passage of fluid entering, from the branch pipe 30, to the first access opening 8 of the branch.

[0219] A distribution kit 50 according the present invention is now described, illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 3-8.

[0220] The kit 50 includes first of all: [0221] a first manifold 1; [0222] a second manifold 10, preferably structurally and dimensionally identical or equivalent to the first manifold 1; [0223] assembly members 60.

[0224] In FIGS. 3-8, the distribution kit 50 comprises two manifolds 1 and 10 which are completely identical to each other, as an advantageous application of the technical solution underlying the present invention. It should also be noted that the two manifolds 1 and 10 of FIGS. 3-8 are identical to the manifold 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, and include the same technical features described above.

[0225] The assembly members 60 are intended to be fixed to an assembly wall (not shown, for example a wall or the inside of a plumbing box) on which the kit is to be positioned, and are configured to receive and support the first manifold 1 and the second manifold 10, such that the manifolds 1 and 10 are stably positioned, preferably removably, with respect to the assembly members and therefore with respect to the assembly wall.

[0226] The assembly of the manifolds to the assembly members 60 is made so that the first 1 and the second manifold 10 are vertically aligned with each other, with the first manifold above the second manifold or vice versa (as shown in the figures) with the second manifold 10 above the first manifold 1, and preferably with the respective longitudinal axes L parallel to each other.

[0227] The distribution kit 50 is configured to allow the assembly of the first 1 and second manifold 10 to the assembly members 60 at least according to one of the following assembly configurations: [0228] a first assembly configuration, in which the first inlet/outlet end 3 of the first manifold 1 is vertically aligned with the respective first inlet/outlet end 13 of the second manifold 10, the second inlet/outlet end 4 of the first manifold 1 is vertically aligned with the respective second inlet/outlet end 14 of the second manifold 10, and each branch 5 of the first manifold has its axis D coincident with the respective axis D′ of a corresponding branch 15 of the second manifold 10 (placed above the first manifold); [0229] a second assembly configuration, in which the first inlet/outlet end 3 of the first manifold 1 is vertically aligned with the second inlet/outlet end 14 of the second manifold 10, the second inlet/outlet end 4 of the first manifold 1 is vertically aligned with the first inlet/outlet end 13 of the second manifold 10, and the branches 5 of the first manifold 1 are laterally staggered with respect to the branches 15 of the second manifold 10 (placed above the first manifold), so that each branch 5 of the first manifold 1 has its axis D interposed, substantially halfway, between the respective axes D′ of the overlying adjacent branches 15 of the second manifold 1′0, with the axes D of the branches of the first manifold 1 parallel to the axes D′ of the branches 15 of the second manifold.

[0230] It should be noted that the “first assembly configuration” is exemplarily shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, while the “second assembly configuration” is exemplary shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.

[0231] Preferably (as shown in FIGS. 3-8), the first manifold 1 operates as a delivery manifold and the second manifold 10 operates as a return manifold (but the kit works in the same way in reverse, i.e. with reversed manifolds).

[0232] By the expression “structurally and/or dimensionally identical or equivalent”, it is meant that the two manifolds 1 and 10 have the same tubular conformation and/or the same longitudinal extension, and the same measurements of the initial stretch X, of the centre-to-centre distance A between the branches, and of the final stretch Y.

[0233] Preferably, the orientation of the second manifold 10 with respect to the first manifold 1 is reversed between the first and the second assembly configuration, i.e. the second manifold is rotated by 180° (i.e. inverted) around an axis orthogonal to its longitudinal axis L.

[0234] In the context of this description, the use of terms such as “vertical”, “vertically”, “above”, “upper”, “superiorly”, “below”, “lower”, “inferiorly”, “side”, “laterally”, “horizontal”, “horizontally”, “front”, “rear”, and the like refers, unless otherwise specified, to the spatial orientation that the object of the invention normally assumes in operating and use conditions. In this regard, consider that distribution kits and mixing systems are typically installed—as shown in the accompanying figures—vertically, on a wall or a vertical wall (often inside a special box).

[0235] It should be noted that, in the context of the present invention, the term “kit” means an equipment, a set of components (in this case at least the first and second manifolds and the assembly members). The kit 50 is defined as such both in the disassembled condition (for example with the components contained in a package, intended for sale or at a place of use), and in the assembled condition (i.e. the kit installed on site, in a plumbing and heating system).

[0236] In the first assembly configuration, the respective first inlet/outlet ends 3 and 13 of the first 1 and of the second manifold 10 are vertically aligned on the same side of the kit (for example the left side in FIGS. 3 and 4) and the respective second ends inlet/outlet ends 4 and 14 of the first 1 and of the second manifold 10 are vertically aligned on an opposite side of the kit (for example the right side in FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0237] In the second assembly configuration, the first inlet/outlet end 3 of the first manifold 1 and the second inlet/outlet end 14 of the second manifold 10 are vertically aligned on the same side of the kit (for example the left side in FIGS. 6 and 7) and the second inlet/outlet end 4 of the first manifold 1 and the first inlet/outlet end 13 of the second manifold 10 are vertically aligned on an opposite side of the kit (for example the right side in FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0238] Preferably, in both the first assembly configuration and the second assembly configuration, the distribution kit 50 has a left side in which an inlet/outlet end (first 3 or second 4) of the first manifold 1 is vertically aligned with an inlet/outlet end (first 13 or second 14) of the second manifold 10, and a right side—opposite to the left side with respect to the longitudinal extension L of the manifolds—in which the other inlet/outlet end (second 4 or first 3) of the first manifold 1 is vertically aligned with the other inlet/outlet end (second 14 or first 13) of the second manifold 10.

[0239] Preferably, the assembly members 60 comprise at least one assembly bracket 61 provided with a rear side 62, intended to be fixed to the assembly wall on which the kit 50 is to be positioned, and a front side 63, intended to receive and house a portion of the first manifold and a corresponding portion of the second manifold, mutually aligned vertically.

[0240] Preferably, the assembly bracket 61 has a prevalent longitudinal extension and can be positioned orthogonally to the longitudinal extension L of the first 1 and second manifolds 10.

[0241] Preferably, the assembly bracket 61 is provided with: [0242] a first tightening ring 64, arranged in a first position on its front side 63, and configured to externally wrap around a portion of the first manifold 1 so as to make it integral with the assembly bracket 61 itself; [0243] a second tightening ring 65, arranged in a second position on its front side 63, distinct from the first position and defined below the first position, and configured to externally wrap around a portion of the second manifold 10 so as to make it integral with the assembly bracket 61 itself.

[0244] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-8, the two tightening rings 64 and 65 of each bracket are made as clamps which can be selectively tightened to the front side of the bracket by means of suitable screws, which allow the clamp to be loosened or tightened to insert and fix the tubular body of the manifold. The tightening rings can be replaced with equivalent mechanical means.

[0245] Preferably, as shown by way of example in FIGS. 3-8, the assembly members 60 comprise a pair of assembly brackets 61 and 66, both intended to be fixed to the assembly wall, in which: [0246] the first assembly bracket 61 is configured to receive a first portion of the first manifold 1 and a corresponding first portion of the second manifold 10, such that they are fixed to the bracket itself, [0247] the second assembly bracket 66 is configured to receive a second portion of the first manifold 1 and a corresponding second portion of the second manifold 10, such that they are fixed to the bracket itself; Preferably, in the first assembly configuration (FIGS. 3-5): [0248] the first portion of the first manifold 1, which can be mounted on the first assembly bracket 61, corresponds to the first inlet/outlet end 3 of the first manifold, and the corresponding first portion of the second manifold 10, which can be mounted on the first assembly bracket 61, corresponds to the respective first inlet/outlet end 13 of the second manifold 10; [0249] the second portion of the first manifold 1, which can be mounted on the second assembly bracket 66, corresponds to the second inlet/outlet end 4 of the first manifold, and the corresponding second portion of the second manifold 10, which can be mounted on the second assembly bracket 66, corresponds to the respective second inlet/outlet end 14 of the second manifold 10.

[0250] Preferably, in the second assembly configuration (FIGS. 6-8): [0251] the first portion of the first manifold 1, which can be mounted on the first assembly bracket 61, corresponds to the first inlet/outlet end 3 of the first manifold 1, and the corresponding first portion of the second manifold 10, which can be mounted on the first assembly bracket 61, corresponds to the second inlet/outlet end 14 of the second manifold 10; [0252] the second portion of the first manifold 1, which can be mounted on the second assembly bracket 66, corresponds to the second inlet/outlet end 4 of the first manifold 1, and the corresponding second portion of the second manifold 10, which can be mounted on the second assembly bracket 66, corresponds to the first inlet/outlet end 13 of the second manifold 10.

[0253] Preferably, the first assembly bracket 61 and the second assembly bracket 66 are identical to each other and interchangeable.

[0254] Preferably, the first assembly bracket 61 and the second assembly bracket 66 do not change their position or orientation both if the kit 50 operates in the first assembly configuration, or if the kit 50 operates in the second assembly configuration (only the position of one of the two manifolds reverses—overturns).

[0255] Preferably, the distribution kit 50 is configured to be mounted, both in the first assembly configuration and in the second assembly configuration, in such a way that all the first access or exit openings 8 of the branches 5 and 15 of the first 1 and second manifold 10 are oriented downwards.

[0256] Preferably, the distribution kit 50 comprises a plurality of branch pipes 30 and 40, each branching off from a respective branch 5 or 15 of the first manifold 1 or of the second manifold 10.

[0257] In the figures, the branch pipes of the first manifold are identified with the numeral 30, while the branch pipes of the second manifold are identified with 40. All these pipes can be identical to each other (for example pipes made of plastic or multilayer material, or metal pipes).

[0258] Preferably: [0259] in the first configuration (FIGS. 3-5), the pipes 30 of the branches 5 of the first manifold 1 are aligned and substantially coaxial with respect to the corresponding pipes 40 of the second manifold 10 (placed above the first manifold); the pipes 40 of the second manifold 10 pass behind the first manifold, between the rear surface of the first manifold and an assembly wall on which the kit can be positioned or is positioned; [0260] in the second configuration (FIGS. 6-8), the pipes 30 of the branches 5 of the first manifold 1 are laterally, and in parallel, staggered with respect to the pipes 40 of the second manifold 10 (placed above the first manifold); the pipes 40 of the second manifold 10 pass behind the first manifold, between the rear surface of the first manifold and an assembly wall on which the kit can be positioned or is positioned, in such a way as to be alternated, or interleaved, with respect to the pipes 30 of the first manifold 1.

[0261] Preferably, the branches 5 of the first manifold 1 (if operating as a delivery manifold, as in the figures) are provided with respective second openings 9, and the kit 50 comprises a plurality of flow meters/regulators 21, each mountable to the second opening 9 of a respective branch 5 and configured to set the flow rate exiting, through the first outlet opening 8 of the branch, from the pipe 30 associated with this respective branch.

[0262] Preferably, the branches 15 of the second manifold 10 (if operating as a return manifold, as in the figures) are provided with respective second openings 9, and the kit 50 comprises a plurality of interception valves 22, each mountable to the second opening 9 of a respective branch 15 and configured to open or close the passage of fluid entering the pipe 40 associated to such a respective branch.

[0263] Conversely, if the first manifold operates as a return manifold and the second manifold operates as a delivery manifold, the plurality of interception valves is combined with the first manifold and the plurality of flow meters/regulators, is combined with the second manifold.

[0264] A mixing system according to the present invention comprises: [0265] a distribution kit 50 as illustrated above, which can be mounted in one of the first and second assembly configurations; [0266] a plurality of components including conduits, valves and/or one or more pumps, which form at least one delivery branch and one return branch of the mixing system (as known in the plumbing or heating systems sector, in particular floor).

[0267] The system provides that: [0268] with the kit 50 in the first assembly configuration (FIGS. 3-5), at least the first inlet/outlet end 3 of the first manifold 1 is placed in fluid communication with the delivery branch of the mixing system, to receive therefrom the fluid entering the distribution conduit 2 of the first manifold 1, and at least the first inlet/outlet end 13 of the second manifold 10 is placed in fluid communication with the return branch of the mixing system, to send thereto fluid exiting the respective distribution conduit 12 of the second manifold 10; or [0269] with the kit 50 in the second assembly configuration (FIGS. 6-8), at least the first inlet/outlet end 3 of the first manifold 1 is placed in fluid communication with the delivery branch of the mixing system, to receive therefrom the fluid entering the distribution conduit 2 of the first manifold 1, and at least the second inlet/outlet end 14 of the second manifold 10 is placed in fluid communication with the return branch of the mixing system, to send thereto fluid exiting the distribution conduit 12 of the second manifold 10.

[0270] A method for assembling a distribution kit according to the present invention is illustrated below, which essentially corresponds to a method of use of the kit 50 and of the manifold 1 according to the present invention.

[0271] The method comprises the steps of: [0272] preparing a first manifold 1; [0273] providing a second manifold 10, preferably structurally and/or dimensionally identical or equivalent to the first manifold 1; [0274] providing assembly members 60 intended to be fixed to an assembly wall on which the kit is to be positioned, and configured to receive and support the first manifold 1 and the second manifold 10, such that the manifolds are stably positioned, preferably removably, with respect to the assembly members and therefore with respect to the assembly wall, [0275] assembling the first manifold 1 and the second manifold 10 to the assembly members 60, such that the two manifolds 1 and 10 are vertically aligned with each other, with the first manifold above the second manifold or vice versa the second manifold above the first manifold, and preferably with the respective longitudinal axes L parallel to each other.

[0276] The step of assembling the first manifold 1 and the second manifold 10 to the assembly members 60 can take place according to at least one of the following assembly configurations: [0277] a first assembly configuration (FIGS. 3-5), in which the first inlet/outlet end 3 of the first manifold 1 is vertically aligned with the respective first inlet/outlet end 13 of the second manifold 10, the second inlet/outlet end 4 of the first manifold 1 is vertically aligned with the respective second inlet/outlet end 14 of the second manifold 10, and each branch 5 of the first manifold has its axis D coincident with the respective axis D′ of a corresponding branch 15 of the second manifold (placed above the first manifold in the figures, but which can be equally positioned below the first manifold); [0278] a second assembly configuration, in which the first inlet/outlet end 3 of the first manifold 1 is vertically aligned with the second inlet/outlet end 14 of the second manifold 10, the second inlet/outlet end 4 of the first manifold 1 is vertically aligned with the first inlet/outlet end 13 of the second manifold 10, and the branches 5 of the first manifold are laterally staggered with respect to the branches 15 of the second manifold 10 (placed above the first manifold in the figures, but equally positionable below the first manifold)), so that each branch 5 of the first manifold has its axis D interposed, substantially halfway, between the respective axes D′ of two adjacent branches 15 of the second manifold 1′0, with the axes D of the branches 5 of the first manifold parallel to the axes D′ of the branches 15 of the second manifold.

[0279] A process for assembling a mixing system, according to the present invention, comprises the steps of: [0280] providing at least one distribution kit 50, which can be selectively mounted in the first or second assembly configuration; [0281] providing a plurality of components (not shown in the figures) among which pipes, valves and/or one or more pumps, which form at least a delivery branch and a return branch of the mixing system; [0282] selecting one between the first assembly configuration and the second assembly configuration; [0283] performing the assembly of the first manifold 1 and of the second manifold 10 to the assembly members 60, according to the selected assembly configuration.

[0284] The method further comprises one of the following steps, depending on the selected assembly configuration: [0285] if the first assembly configuration for the kit 50 is selected, placing the first inlet/outlet end 3 of the first manifold 1 in fluid communication (i.e. connecting hydraulically) with the delivery branch of the mixing system to receive therefrom the fluid entering the distribution conduit 2 of the first manifold 1, and placing the first inlet/outlet end 13 of the second manifold 10 in fluid communication (i.e. connecting hydraulically) with the return branch of the mixing system to send thereto fluid exiting the distribution conduit 12 of the second manifold 10; [0286] if the second assembly configuration for the kit 50 is selected, placing the first inlet/outlet end 3 of the first manifold 1 in fluid communication with the delivery branch of the mixing system to receive therefrom the fluid entering the distribution conduit 2 of the first manifold 1, and placing the second inlet/outlet end 14 of the second manifold 10 in fluid communication with the return branch of the mixing system to send thereto fluid exiting the distribution conduit 12 of the second manifold 10.

[0287] The invention thus conceived is subject to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept, and the components mentioned may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0288] The invention therefore achieves important advantages. First of all, as is clear from the above description, the invention allows at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome.

[0289] Before explaining in detail the technical effects and advantages of the solution described, it should be noted that in the context of the present description and claims, the expression “substantially equal” means that the formula with which the length of a manifold is constructed (and in particular the length of the final stretch Y) according to the present invention determines a precise value, which may however vary slightly without departing from the teachings and protection of the present application. In other words, what matters is the succession “initial stretch—centre-to-centre distance—final stretch”, where the final stretch corresponds to the initial stretch plus half of the centre-to-centre distance (or half step): this is the technical solution underlying the present invention, which allows—as illustrated below—specific technical effects to be obtained. A manifold which has a structure similar to that established by the construction formula and similar technical effects, but slightly different dimensions, is to be considered completely equivalent to a manifold according to the present invention. The illustrated technical solution, in particular the definition of a manifold according to the above formula, is not incidental or arbitrary, but carries with it specific technical effects. In fact, inside a distribution kit 50, the two manifolds 1 and 10 can advantageously be completely identical to each other, and can also be mounted in the two illustrated configurations (first and second) without the vertical alignment of the left and right ends of the two manifolds. In fact, both in the first assembly configuration and in the second assembly configuration the distribution kit 50 has: [0290] a left side (on the left in FIGS. 3-4 and 6-7) in which an inlet/outlet end (first 3 or second 4) of the first manifold 1 is vertically aligned with an inlet/outlet end (the first 13 or the second 14) of the second manifold 10; and [0291] a right side (on the right in FIGS. 3-4 and 6-7) in which the other inlet/outlet end (the second 4 or the first 3) of the first manifold 1 is vertically aligned with the other inlet/outlet end (the second 14 or the first 13) of the second manifold 10.

[0292] In practice, in order to switch from the first to the second assembly configuration (and vice versa) it is sufficient to “flip” one of the two manifolds 1 or 10 from left to right, inverting the first inlet/outlet end with the second inlet/outlet end. In the first configuration, a coincidence is obtained between the axes D of the branches of the first manifold and the axes D′ of the branches of the second manifold (and therefore between the pipes 30 of the first manifold and the pipes 40 of the second manifold), while in the second configuration, a precise staggering/alternation is obtained between the pipes 30 of the first manifold and the pipes 40 of the second manifold. All this without ever vertically misaligning the ends of the manifolds on the left and right side of the distribution kit.

[0293] This perfect modularity of the manifold, which can be used in two identical specimens within the kit, is obtained thanks to the definition of the initial stretch X and the final stretch Y based on the construction illustrated by the formula described above, which clarifies how the X and Y are correlated with each other and with the centre-to-centre distance measurement A between the branches.

[0294] The manifold described is therefore universal for the two assembly configurations, and allows solving the problems of the known solutions, exposed in the initial part of the description.

[0295] In fact, it is possible to mount the two manifolds of the kit both with the branches (and therefore the respective pipes) aligned, and with the branches (and the respective pipes) alternating with each other, without this causing a lateral displacement of the ends of the manifolds on the left and right side.

[0296] In the prior art with “staggered” pipes, however, the manifolds are misaligned and this is a serious drawback, since the loss of lateral alignment does not allow direct connection of the kit to the further mixing devices (valves, pumps, conduits, etc.) placed upstream or downstream of the two manifolds, and therefore it becomes necessary to add spacers or extensions.

[0297] Furthermore, in the known solution, the staggered assembly requires special brackets, while in the present case the two assembly brackets used can be completely identical to each other and interchangeable, and furthermore it is not necessary to move or relocate the brackets according to the assembly configuration (first or second) selected.

[0298] According to the present invention, it is sufficient to overturn one of the manifolds (identical to the other) and mount it to the two identical brackets (positioned in the same way) to switch from one assembly configuration to the other.

[0299] The solution of the present invention therefore provides an enormous advantage from the production point of view: it is not in fact necessary to prepare special brackets, nor particular production processes. In fact, the stretches X and Y of the manifold are made in the same way, and the manifold can be obtained from a tubular of a known type (also already used for traditional manifolds according to the prior art): the difference lies in the specific dimensional modification of the stretches of the manifold, according to the above formula, which illustrates the dimensioning of the manifold on the basis of the centre-to-centre distance between the branches. Overall, the solution of the present invention allows a kit to be mounted (with two identical manifolds) both in the “traditional” way (with upper and lower pipes aligned), and in the “staggered” mode (with alternating pipes), according to the needs of the specific installation, in any case connecting everything to standard mixing systems without the need for additional components or items.

[0300] The solution according to the present invention overcomes the technical prejudices of the prior art, which in order to solve the problem of the complex assembly of the pipes in the “aligned” condition has always proposed a misalignment obtained with special assembly brackets to move the manifolds laterally, and by providing additional pieces upstream or downstream of the manifolds. In fact, it is now possible to obtain both assemblies by inverting one of the two manifolds without introducing misalignments at the ends, without special brackets and without additional components.

[0301] In summary, the same kit comprising only two identical manifolds and two standard brackets intrinsically allows both assemblies to be made.

[0302] It should be noted that the presence of a final stretch Y of increased length (of N times half a step, or simply of half a step A/2) with respect to the initial stretches X requires an additional use of material from the tubular body that makes the manifold, however this addition—from an economic and production point of view—is not very relevant, and in any case the solution of the present invention is much less onerous than the known solutions, which have considerable costs due to the special brackets, fittings and additional extensions to be prepared to re-align, to the higher assembly costs, the management of the warehouse and the article codes to be set up for a distribution kit.

[0303] Ultimately, the manifold and the distribution kit of the present invention allow carrying out the assembly of a mixing system—according to two completely selectable and interchangeable assembly configurations—in a simple, convenient and rapid manner.

[0304] Furthermore, the manifold and the distribution kit of the present invention allow implementing the assembly of a mixing system without the need for special components (such as special assembly brackets or extensions for the manifolds).

[0305] Overall, the manifold and the distribution kit of the present invention are characterized by a high versatility of use in the implementation of mixing systems.

[0306] Furthermore, the manifold and the distribution kit of the present invention are characterized by a reduced manufacturing cost and by a simple and rapid production process, which can also be implemented on production plants previously used for the production of known solutions.

[0307] Finally, as emerges from the entire description, the manifold and the distribution kit of the present invention undoubtedly have a simple and rational structure.