U.S. patent application number 12/525360 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-25 for modular thermal exchange system.
Invention is credited to Paolo Campagna.
Application Number | 20100071873 12/525360 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38627005 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100071873 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campagna; Paolo |
March 25, 2010 |
MODULAR THERMAL EXCHANGE SYSTEM
Abstract
A modular heat-exchange system, includes a plurality of heat
exchanger modules, each of which includes a plate provided with
internal conduits for the passage of a conditioning fluid. The
conduits contain openings on connecting sides of the plate and
locking arrangement for connecting two adjacent heat exchanger
modules in an assembly. A connecting arrangement is provided for
sealingly connecting the openings of the two adjacent heat
exchanger modules. Each heat exchanger module includes on each
connecting side a seat containing at least one of the openings and
configured so as to form with a similar seat of an adjacent heat
exchanger module a housing that is open and arranged for receiving
the locking arrangement and the connecting arrangement.
Inventors: |
Campagna; Paolo; (Monte San
Pietro, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAUBSCHER & LAUBSCHER, P.C.
1160 SPA ROAD, SUITE 2B
ANNAPOLIS
MD
21403
US
|
Family ID: |
38627005 |
Appl. No.: |
12/525360 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
February 18, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2008/000367 |
371 Date: |
July 31, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/56 ; 165/144;
165/168 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24D 3/127 20130101;
F24D 3/142 20130101; F28F 9/262 20130101; Y02B 30/24 20130101; Y02B
30/00 20130101; F28F 3/12 20130101; F24D 3/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/56 ; 165/168;
165/144 |
International
Class: |
F24D 3/16 20060101
F24D003/16; F28F 3/12 20060101 F28F003/12; F28F 9/26 20060101
F28F009/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 20, 2007 |
IT |
BO2007A000096 |
Claims
1-96. (canceled)
97. Modular heat-exchange system, associable with a wall of a room
to be conditioned, comprising heat exchanger modules, each of which
comprises a plate internally provided with conduits for the passage
of a conditioning fluid, said conduits leading via openings on
connecting sides of said plate, a locking arrangement for
connecting two heat exchanger modules that are adjacent and placed
mutually abutting along respective connecting sides in an assembly
condition, a connecting arrangement for sealingly connecting said
openings of said two adjacent heat exchanger modules, wherein each
heat exchanger module comprises on each connecting side at least a
seat containing at least one of said openings and configured so as
to form, in said assembly condition, with a similar seat of an
adjacent heat exchanger module, a housing that is open and arranged
for receiving said locking arrangement and said connecting
arrangement.
98. System according to claim 97, wherein said housing is open on a
respective external face of said plate of each heat exchanger
module.
99. System according to claim 97, wherein said connecting
arrangement comprises a connecting element having a shape that is
complementary to, and insertible into, said housing, said
connecting element being provided with at least one through opening
for flowingly connecting corresponding openings of said two
adjacent heat exchanger modules.
100. System according to claim 99, wherein said seat comprises end
walls shaped so as to facilitate the insertion of said connecting
element and to abut on and support further end walls of said
connecting element.
101. System according to claim 97, wherein said locking arrangement
when arranged inside said housing, is drivable so as to lock
reversibly together said two adjacent heat exchanger modules.
102. System according to claim 101, wherein said connecting
arrangement comprises a connecting element having a shape that is
complementary to, and insertible into, said housing, said
connecting element being provided with at least one through opening
for flowingly connecting corresponding openings of said two
adjacent heat exchanger modules and wherein said locking
arrangement comprises a locking bush rotatably housed in a central
recess of said connecting element and provided with an abutting
arrangement arranged for engaging, in a locking position, a further
abutting arrangement of said seats.
103. System according to claim 102, wherein said abutting
arrangement and/or said further abutting arrangement is shaped such
that by rotating said locking bush from an inserting position,
wherein said abutting arrangement is disengaged from said further
abutting arrangement, to said locking position, said adjacent heat
exchanger modules are progressively clamped together and to said
connecting element.
104. System according to claim 103, wherein said abutting
arrangement comprises two open cavities, that are substantially the
same as one another and angularly spaced apart, made on a lower
portion of said locking bush and provided with respective external
walls having a variable thickness so as to make a substantially
eccentric profile.
105. System according to claim 104, wherein said further abutting
arrangement comprises a protrusion made on a bottom wall of said
seat and shaped so as to be inserted into, and progressively engage
with, one of said cavities.
106. System according to claim 103, wherein said locking bush
comprises an appendage arranged for engaging a groove of said
central recess so as to constrain said locking bush to said
connecting element in said inserting position.
107. System according to claim 106, wherein said seat comprises a
further groove arranged for receiving said appendage in said
locking position.
108. System according to claim 106, wherein said locking bush
comprises two appendages protruding externally and laterally from a
lower portion of said locking bush.
109. System according to claim 103, wherein said abutting
arrangement comprises two shaped protrusions made on a lower
portion of said locking bush.
110. System according to claim 109, wherein said further abutting
arrangement comprises a notch provided at said seat and arranged
for receiving a respective shaped protrusion in said locking
position.
111. System according to claim 110, wherein said notch has an
arched shape and is such as to make an eccentric profile.
112. System according to claim 110, wherein said notch is made on
an internal face of said plate.
113. System according to claim 109, wherein said locking bush is
rotatably connected to said connecting element.
114. System according to claim 113, wherein said locking bush
comprises an external flange connected, by means of a central pin,
to a cross plate provided at opposite ends of said shaped
protrusions.
115. System according to claim 114, wherein said central pin of
said locking bush is rotatably inserted into a central through
opening of said connecting element.
116. System according to claim 97, wherein said plate of each heat
exchanger module comprises a perimetrical edge defining on an
internal face a gap suitable for containing thermal insulating
material, said internal face being intended to abut on said wall of
a room.
117. System according to claim 97, wherein said conduits are
integrally formed with said plate.
118. System according to claim 117, wherein said plate of each heat
exchanger module comprises a perimetrical edge defining on an
internal face a gap suitable for containing thermal insulating
material, said internal face being intended to abut on said wall of
a room and wherein said conduits comprise longitudinal walls
obtained in relief on said internal face of said plate.
119. System according to claim 118, comprising a closing element
fixed to said longitudinal walls so as to form said conduits.
120. System according to claim 97, wherein said connecting sides
are opposite sides and/or consecutive sides of said plate.
121. System according to claim 97, wherein said plate of each heat
exchanger module comprises a plurality of cavities.
122. System according to claim 121, wherein said heat exchanger
modules are fixable to said wall of a room by a fixing arrangement
inserted into at least one of said cavities provided with a bottom
hole.
123. System according to claim 97, wherein a coating arrangement is
provided that is applicable to an external face of said plate of
each heat exchanger module.
124. System according to claim 97, comprising a radiant arrangement
that is applicable to said heat exchanger modules and arranged for
increasing a heat exchange by convection between said heat
exchanger modules and said room.
125. System according to claim 124, wherein said radiant
arrangement includes at least a radiant panel comprising a slab
provided on an internal surface, which is opposite an external
radiant surface, with a plurality of elongated baffles.
126. System according to claim 125, wherein said baffles are
substantially parallel to one another and to a side edge of said
slab.
127. System according to claim 125, wherein said baffles are spaced
apart from one another and have a corrugated and/or rectilinear
shape.
128. System according to claim 125, wherein said at least a radiant
panel comprises hooking elements provided on said internal surface
for fixing said radiant panel to at least an heat exchanger
module.
129. System according to claim 128, wherein said plate of each heat
exchanger module comprises a plurality of cavities and wherein said
hooking elements comprise a plurality of pegs that are insertible
into said cavities of said heat exchanger modules.
130. System according to claim 124, wherein said heat exchanger
modules and/or said radiant arrangement are made of metallic
material with high heat conductivity, in particular of aluminium
alloy.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a heat-exchange system of
sectional, modular type with limited overall dimensions, which is
particularly suitable for room air conditioning.
[0002] Modular heating systems are known, so-called radiant floor
heating, formed of flat and thermally insulated modules facing
towards the floor, provided with means for quick and removable
reciprocal connection, so as to form a coating or panel with the
required dimensions and shape. Such modules have an upper face made
of a material with a good heat conductivity, usually metallic
material, and is such as to be coated with a material which has
good heat dissipating properties, providing a surface that can be
walked on and has suitable Mechanical resistance and aesthetic
features.
[0003] The radiant floor heating manufactured in this way has
modules arranged for producing heat by exploiting incorporated
electrical resistances, supplied at low voltage for reasons of
safety.
[0004] Alternatively, the modules comprise internally channels or
conduits provided on an upper metallic coating that are then
covered by the walk-on surface, pipes of the type used for indoor
floor heating, in which a fluid, for example glycolated water, is
circulated at low pressure and at a temperature no higher than
40.degree. C., coming, for example, from a heat exchanger and a
heat pump which in the summer can be used also for cooling the room
via fan coil and/or dehumidifying systems.
[0005] The aforesaid radiant floor heating systems are, for
example, intended for conference halls, trade-fair stands or
open-air events or for places of particular artistic, cultural and
monumental interest, for example churches, museums, historic
buildings, art galleries and other places, where the spaces to be
conditioned often involve extensive horizontal and vertical areas
and in which there is the need to limit to a few metres the height
of thermoconvective movements which could convey aerial pollutants
upwards.
[0006] Radiant floor heating systems with electrical resistances,
involve high electrical energy consumption, inasmuch as the heat is
produced by the Joule effect. In addition to this, electrical
transformers are necessary that are intended to produce low voltage
and very high electrical currents in order to be able to deliver
the power necessary for supplying even very large surfaces.
[0007] With this solution it is difficult to reconcile walkability
of the floor with good heat conduction, and electromagnetic
pollution is inevitably produced due to the alternating current
power supply.
[0008] Further, the system requires the scrupulous use of costly
fireproof materials to avoid fire being started by the electric
heating resistances, which as a result of localised damage could
give rise to overheating and electric arcs.
[0009] Such drawbacks are overcome by radiant floor heating systems
with pipes for circulating liquid, which pipes can also be used for
cooling environments.
[0010] However, such systems are not suitable for also being
supplied by the gas boilers that are normally installed in
buildings, which boilers are generally devoid of a stage in which
liquid is supplied at low pressure.
[0011] Another drawback of fluid circulation heat-exchange systems
consists of the fact that, due to the connection between the pipes,
the modules are very complicated and laborious to assemble and
dismantle. In particular, said modules cannot be dismantled
separately, for example in the event of a fault, but in groups,
thus requiring time and an increase in costs. Further, the
aforesaid modules integrating a supporting structure, liquid
circulation pipes and walkable coating, are very complex and costly
to produce.
[0012] In order to limit the thickness of the modules, the liquid
circulation pipes generally have a reduced diameter, thus
determining modest conditioning liquid flow values, and, vice
versa, great load losses.
[0013] Further, both the known radiant floor heating systems are
not suitable for being located other than on the floor, for example
on vertical walls or on ceilings.
[0014] An object of the present invention is to improve the modular
heat-exchange systems for conditioning buildings, in particular by
increasing the versatility and flexibility of use thereof.
[0015] Another object is to obtain a modular heat-exchange system
the heat exchanger modules of which can be assembled together and
be subsequently dismantled in a rapid, simple and easy manner,
separately and independently of one another.
[0016] A further object is to make a modular heat-exchange system
that ensures an effective and durable seal between the conduits of
the various heat exchanger modules even with conditioning fluid
supplied at high pressures and temperatures.
[0017] Still another object is to obtain a modular heat-exchange
system that permits high flow values of a conditioning fluid inside
the heat exchanger modules and reduces load losses. Still another
object is to devise a modular heat-exchange system provided with
heat exchanger modules having a simple, tough and cheap
construction.
[0018] A still further object is to obtain a modular heat-exchange
system that can be assembled so as to form modular panels of a
desired shape and dimension that is applicable to any wall of an
environment to be conditioned.
[0019] Another object is to devise a modular and composable liquid
circulation heat-exchange system that has great technological
reliability, can be equally mounted on the floor, wall or ceiling,
and can be reliably coated with traditional coatings, for example
plasterboard panels, ceramic tiles.
[0020] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a
modular heat-exchange system, which is associable with a wall of a
room to be conditioned, comprising heat exchanger modules each of
which comprising a plate internally provided with conduits for the
passage of a conditioning fluid, said conduits (C) leading via
openings on connecting sides of said plate, locking means for
connecting two heat exchanger modules that are adjacent and placed
mutually abutting along respective connecting sides in an assembly
condition, connecting means for sealingly connecting said openings
of said two adjacent heat exchanger modules, characterised in that
each heat exchanger module comprises on each connecting side at
least a seat containing at least one of said openings and
configured so as to form, in said assembly condition, with a
similar seat of an adjacent heat exchanger module, a housing that
is open and arranged for receiving said locking means and said
connecting means.
[0021] The connecting means comprises a connecting element having a
shape that is complementary to and is insertible into, said housing
and is provided with through openings for flowingly connecting
corresponding openings of said two adjacent heat exchanger
modules.
[0022] When the locking means is arranged inside the housing it is
drivable so as to reversibly lock together said two heat exchanger
modules. The lacking means comprises, in particular, a locking bush
that is rotatably housed in a central recess of the connecting
element and is provided with abutting means arranged for engaging,
in a locking position, further abutting means of said seats.
[0023] The abutting means and/or the further abutting means are
shaped in such a manner that as said locking bush rotates from an
inserting position, in which said abutting means is disengaged from
said further abutting means, to the locking position, the adjacent
heat exchanger modules are progressively clamped together and to
said connecting element.
[0024] In this manner it is possible to connect-together a
plurality of heat exchanger modules 1 and to make modular panels
having various shapes and dimensions.
[0025] The modular heat-exchange system of the invention, by virtue
of the conformation of the heat exchanger modules and of the
corresponding connecting means and of the locking means, enables
the heat exchanger modules to be assembled in a rapid and easy
manner, it being possible for the heat exchanger modules to be
fixed independently on the wall of the room and then to be
connected and locked together. Once the heat-exchange system has
been assembled so as to form a modular panel of desired shape and
dimensions, it is possible to dismantle separately an heat
exchanger module equally rapidly and easily, for example by
replacement thereof, without the need to dismantle the heat
exchanger modules adjacent thereto.
[0026] The heat-exchange system thus ensures easy, fast and cheap
assembly/dismantling procedures.
[0027] In addition thereto, the connecting means and the locking
means ensure an effective and durable seal between the conduits of
the different heat exchanger modules, also with conditioning fluid
supplied at high pressure and temperatures.
[0028] The modular heat-exchange system of the invention has great
technological reliability, can be arranged indifferently on the
floor, on the wall or on the ceiling, and be coated with
traditional coating, for example with plasterboard panels or with
any other suitable material, with ceramic tiles or with tiles of
another type.
[0029] In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a
modular heat-exchange system, which is associable with a wall of a
room to be conditioned, comprising heat exchanger modules, each of
which comprising a plate internally provided with conduits for the
passage of a conditioning fluid, said conduits (C) leading via
openings on connecting sides of said plate, characterised in that
said conduits are made as a integrally formed in said plate.
[0030] The conduits comprise, in particular, longitudinal walls
obtained in relief on a rear face of said plate. Closing means are
fixed to the longitudinal walls so as to close and form the
conduits.
[0031] Owing to this aspect of the invention it is possible to
obtain a modular heat-exchange system, the heat exchanger modules
of which are easily and rapidly devisable, for example, by means of
a die-casting procedure, from a metal material with great heat
conductivity, in particular aluminium alloy, thus considerably
reducing production costs. It is also possible to obtain, in this
manner, conduits with a rectangular section of large dimensions,
thus enabling high conditioning fluid flow values to be obtained
with reduced load losses. A greater fluid flow determines higher
heat-exchange values and thus greater performance of the
heat-exchange system.
[0032] In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a
radiant panel that is applicable to an heat exchanger module of a
modular heat-exchange system, associable with a wall of a room to
be conditioned, comprising a slab provided with an internal
surface, which is opposite a radiant external surface, of a
plurality of elongated baffles.
[0033] Hooking means is provided on the internal surface to enable
the radiant panel to be fixed to one or more heat exchanger
modules.
[0034] The radiant panel is made of metal material, in particular
of aluminium alloy.
[0035] Once the radiant panel has been mounted on a respective heat
exchanger module, owing to the heat conductivity of the metal, the
radiant panel heats rapidly. The baffles form a plurality of
channels inside which the air heats or cools and is dispersed into
the surrounding environment through convective motion, ensuring a
great and efficient heat exchange of the heat exchanger module.
[0036] The external radiant surface of the panel also enables heat
to be dispersed through irradiation.
[0037] The invention can be better understood and implemented with
reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate an embodiment
thereof by way of non-limiting example, in which:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a frontally schematic view of the modular
heat-exchange system of the invention mounted on a wall of a
room;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an heat exchanger module of
the heat-exchange system of the invention;
[0040] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate details of the heat exchanger
module of FIG. 2, sectioned respectively along the line III-III and
the line IV-IV of FIG. 2;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an internal face of the heat
exchanger module with a conduit closed by a corresponding closing
element;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a section along the line VI-VI of a detail of the
module in FIG. 5;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of an heat exchanger
module, in which connecting means and locking means are shown in a
dismantled condition;
[0044] FIG. 8 is a partial plan view and partially sectioned view
of an external face of two adjacent heat exchanger modules that are
mutually joined and connected to the connecting means and the
locking means in FIG. 7;
[0045] FIG. 9 is an enlarged and bottom perspective view of a
locking bush for locking the locking means in FIG. 7;
[0046] FIGS. 10 and 11 are partial sections enlarged respectively
along the line X-X and the line XI-XI of FIG. 8;
[0047] FIG. 12 is an enlarged section along the line III-III in
FIG. 2;
[0048] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a version of the heat
exchanger module, of the connecting means and of the locking means
of the modular heat-exchange system in FIG. 1;
[0049] FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial view of a detail in FIG.
13;
[0050] FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial bottom perspective view of
the heat exchanger module, of the connecting means and of the
locking means in FIG. 13;
[0051] FIG. 16 is partial plan view and partially sectioned view of
two adjacent heat exchanger modules that are mutually joined and
connected by the connecting means and by the locking means;
[0052] FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial section according to line
XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 16;
[0053] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of radiant means applied to
the heat exchanger module in FIG. 13;
[0054] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the radiant means in FIG.
18.
[0055] In FIG. 1 there is illustrated the heat-exchange system of
the invention comprising a plurality of heat exchanger modules 1,
which are joined and connected to form a modular panel, i.e. a
chain or mosaic, which can be positioned on a wall S of, a room,
for example a colder wall facing the exterior, to thermally
condition the room, taking account of the volume of the building
and of the intended use thereof, also with reference to the
presence of doors, windows and the possible equipment that may be
arranged against said wall S. The modularity of the heat-exchange
system 100 enables a heat-exchange panel to be made that is
customised and suitable for the needs of the room to be
conditioned. The heat-exchange system 100 is applicable not only to
surfaces S of walls, floors or ceilings of a building but also to
any supporting surface intended for positioning in any room to be
thermally conditioned.
[0056] The heat exchanger modules 1 are arranged individually for
fixing to the wall S, or to the ceiling or floor of the building or
of prefabricated parts of the same building, as explained in detail
below in the description.
[0057] The heat exchanger modules 1 can for example have a square
or rectangular shape or other shape suitable for the chain or
mosaic composition and are internally provided with channels or
conduits C for circulation of a thermal conditioning fluid,
positioned or leading onto opposite and/or consecutive sides of
said modules.
[0058] Locking means is provided for connecting and fixing in a
reversible manner two heat exchanger modules 1 that are adjacent in
an assembly condition.
[0059] Connecting means is provided for sealingly connecting the
ends of the conduits C of the two adjacent heat exchanger modules 1
so that, once the heat-exchange system 100 in the form of a modular
panel has been assembled, a circuit C' is made, for the circulation
of the conditioning fluid.
[0060] The circuit C' can be supplied by any suitable source and be
connected, for example, to suitable manifolds D, of known type and
not illustrated in detail in the Figures, provided as a single
piece or fitted on one or more of the heat exchanger modules 1 for
connecting to liquid circulation means, which is also of known type
and is not illustrated in the Figures.
[0061] Depending on the intended use of the modular panel 100 to be
formed, the heat exchanger modules 1 may have conduits C that are
shaped according to different methods: rectilinear conduits open on
two opposite sides of the same module, cross conduits, open on four
sides of the module, "T"-shaped conduits, open on three sides, for
example, consecutive sides of the module, "L"-shaped conduits open
on two consecutive sides of the same module.
[0062] With reference to FIGS. 2 to 6 there is illustrated an heat
exchanger module 1 of the heat-exchange system 100 of the invention
provided with rectilinear conduits, the constructional features of
which also apply to the other types of heat exchanger modules
provided with conduits having different configurations.
[0063] The heat exchanger module 1 comprises a plate 101, for
example made of metal material, in particular of aluminium alloy,
for example made by a die-casting process. The plate 101 is
provided with a protruding and continuous perimetrical edge 201
which gives an internal or rear face 101b of the module 1 a
box-like shape, suitable for containing an insulating layer 2 of a
thermal insulating material with good resistance to compression.
The insulating layer 2 combines raised parts provided on said rear
face of the heat exchanger module 1 and protrudes from the edge 201
for a defined portion, for example by overhanging it.
[0064] The heat exchanger module 1 is positioned in contact with
the wall or surface S of the building with the internal face 101b
bearing the insulating layer 2, so that a radiant front external
face 101a, which is opposite said internal face 101b, faces the
room to be conditioned and the conditioning heat is not released
to/removed from the wall S of the room. On the internal face 101b
of the heat exchanger module 1, longitudinal walls 3 of the
conditioning fluid circulation conduits C are made monobloc, which
may, for example, be at least two or more in number and thus not
necessarily four in number as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5.
[0065] The ends of the conduits C lead onto corresponding apertures
or openings B on the edges 201 of the module 1.
[0066] The conduits C are arranged for being closed in the lower
part of the module 1 and the tubular shape thereof is thus defined
by closing elements or bottom 4 sealingly applied by means of
appropriate glue or adhesive.
[0067] The closing elements 4 are provided longitudinally with
edges with a grooved profile 104 which are coupled on the edges of
the walls 3 of the conduits C (FIG. 6). The ends of the closing
elements 4 comprise flat parts 204 which rest on, and are fixed to,
steps 5 provided at the bottom on the perimetrical area of the heat
exchanger module 1 in which the openings B of said conduits C are
made.
[0068] Using monobloc longitudinal walls made on the plate 101
enables conduits C to be made, with a large, for example almost
rectangular, section, in order to have high flow values of the
conditioning fluid with reduced load losses. A greater flow of the
fluid entails higher heat-exchange values and thus higher
performance of the heat-exchange system.
[0069] With particular reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the closing
elements 4 are mechanically stiffened by external ribs 6, for
example in the form of a lattice or other suitable shape.
Similarly, further ribs 106, of any suitable form, are provided on
the internal face 101b of the plate 101. Said further ribs 106 are
connected to the perimetrical edge 201 and also to the longitudinal
walls 3 of the conduits C, and comprise a plurality of conical
projections 7, each of which forms, on the front face 101a of the
plate 101 facing the room, a respective seat or cavity 8.
[0070] The aforesaid cavities 8 have, for example, a round section,
form a projection 7 and are preferably open by means of a
respective bottom hole 108. The bottom holes 108 enable coating
means P and/or radiant means 60 to be fixed to the external face of
the heat exchanger module 1.
[0071] In the cavities 8 doses of glue 9, for example with a
silicone base, can be applied that are anchored to the bottom hole
108 and fixed to the mosaic of the plates 101 of the modules 1,
coating means P comprising tiles P or other suitable coating
material.
[0072] Some of the cavities 8 can be used differently to fix the
heat exchanger modules 1 of the heat-exchanger system 100 to the
wall S of the room by means of suitable screw anchors 10. Such
screw anchors 10 have a first part 110 that is mushroom-shaped and
made of suitable stiff plastics, which is housed in the cavity 8,
reaches as far as the wall S and is crossed by a fastening screw
210. Further, the screw anchors have a protruding part 310, which
is deformable as said screw 210 expands and which engages a hole 11
made on the wall S with a drill inserted through the bottom hole
108 of the cavity 8. The mushroom 110 acts as a spacer inasmuch as
it is arranged not to enter the hole 11 and limit the compressing
action exerted on the thermal insulating layer 2 by the axial
stress of the fastening screw 210 (FIG. 4).
[0073] Spacers 12 can be applied to the bottom of the projections 7
of the cavities 8, inserted, for example by snap-fitting, into the
hole 108 and arranged for resting on the wall S of the room without
forming heat bridges towards the outside (FIG. 12). When the heat
exchanger modules 1 are located on a floor, the spacers 12 prevent
the load exerted on the heat exchanger modules by walking and by
objects subjecting the insulating layer 2 to excessive and
non-distributed pressure that could subject the modular panel
formed by the heat exchanger modules 1 to uneven stress, especially
on the connecting means.
[0074] The spacers 12, which are, for example, made of suitable
stiff plastics, can be provided with a through axial cavity 112 so
as to be effectively engaged by the fixing glue 9. The spacers 12
can further be of the type that is axially adjustable, for example
comprising screw and nut, to be able to be made to touch the wall S
of the room selectively also when the wall S is not sufficiently
flat, for example comprising rough surfaces.
[0075] In the case of the heat exchanger module 1 illustrated in
the Figures, the openings B of the ends of the conduits C lead onto
side walls 113 of recessed seats 13 provided on two connecting
sides 202 that are parallel to and opposite the heat exchanger
module 1. Such seats 113 are, for example, two in number for each
connecting side 202, and with each one thereof two openings B are
associated.
[0076] Each rectilinear seat 13 is open upwards and on an opposite
side to that of the side wall 113, whilst it is closed below by a
bottom wall 213.
[0077] In an assembly configuration AS, in which two heat exchanger
modules 1 are arranged adjacent and are correctly aligned for
mutual fixing, the seat 13 of an heat exchanger module 1 is
opposite the seat 13' of the adjacent heat exchanger module 1 (FIG.
8) so as to form a seat or housing 130 that is open on only one
side, perpendicular to the modules, at the external faces 101a of
said heat exchanger modules 1.
[0078] Connecting means 14 is inserted into said housing 130 to
sealingly connect openings B facing and opposite the conduits C of
the aforesaid heat exchanger modules 1.
[0079] The connecting means 14 comprises an insert or connecting
element that rests on the bottom walls 213 of the seats 13, 13' and
which has through openings 15, having the shape and dimensions of
the openings B of the conduits C. Said through openings 15 are,
further, suitably spaced so as to bridge, when said connecting
element 14 is correctly inserted, the openings B of the conduits C.
Sealing gaskets 16 are provided frontally around said through
openings 15 to ensure a sealing connection with the openings B
(FIG. 10).
[0080] The connecting element 14 is provided with an intermediate
part of a central recess 17 suitable for housing a respective
locking bush 19 of the locking means.
[0081] The central recess 17 has an enlarged upper portion 117 and
a bottom wall in which, in a central position, a projection 18 with
a substantially circular shape is provided in which a lower
cylindrical hub 119 of a tank or locking bush 19 with a circular
plane can be housed and rotate, the body of the tank or locking
bush 19 rotatably engaging said central recess 17. Said locking
bush 19 comprises a flange or upper wing 219 that engages the
widened upper portion 117 of the central recess 17, and two
appendages 319, 319' protruding laterally from a lower part of the
body of said locking bush 19. Said appendages 319, 319' are the
same as one another, opposite at 180.degree. and provided with a
respective through hole 20. During the mounting step, when the
connecting element 14 is inserted into the housing 130, i.e. into
the seats 13, 13' of two adjacent and abutting heat exchanger
modules 1, the appendages 319, 319' of the locking bush 19 are
housed in slits or lateral grooves 21, 21' of said connecting
element 14, open on opposite sides of the connecting element 14
(FIGS. 7 and 8), the locking bush 19 being arranged in an inserting
position M.
[0082] In this position, during the assembly step it is possible to
insert inside opposite seats 13, 13' of two adjacent heat exchanger
modules 1 the connecting element 14 and the corresponding
connecting bush 19, joined as if they were a single piece.
[0083] A lateral and central recess 22, 22' having a circular
sector plan shape is provided on each respective seat 13, 13'. In
the assembly condition AS the lateral recesses 22, 22' of two
adjacent seats 13, 13', form with the central recess 17 of the
connecting element 14 a complete seat, with a circular shape, for
the locking bush 19.
[0084] Each lateral recess 22, 22' comprises a respective upper
widening 122, 122' that is substantially aligned and coplanar with
the widened upper portion 117 of the central recess 17 of the
connecting element 14, in the assembly condition AS, and arranged
for receiving the upper flange 219 of the locking bush 19.
[0085] Each upper widening 122, 122' also has a respective lateral
intermediate extension 222, 222' provided with a respective
vertical through hole 23.
[0086] Each lateral recess 22, 22' has a respective side wall
provided with a further slit or groove 24, 24', which is also of
circular shape, that extends for a preset angle and faces a
respective groove 21, 21' of the connecting element 14. The further
grooves 24, 24' of the adjacent seats 13, 13' are shaped so as to
enable the connecting element 14, once it has been inserted into
the housing 130, i.e. into said seats 13, 13', to rotate the
locking bush 19 by 90.degree., from the inserting position M to a
locking position L. In this way, the appendages 319, 319' are
disengaged from the grooves 21, 21' of the connecting element 14
and are inserted into the further grooves 24, 24' of the recesses
22, 22' as far as the locking or closing position L, in which the
through holes 20 of the appendages 319, 319' are substantially
aligned on the through holes 23 of the heat exchanger modules
1.
[0087] In this locking position L the locking bush 19 is
constrained to the heat exchanger modules 1 by means of the
appendages 319, 319' and, at the same time, locks the connecting
element 14 in the seats 13, 13', firmly connecting together the
heat exchanger modules 1, which remain joined on a single plane. It
is further possible to firmly fix the locking bush 19 in the
locking position L, by inserting rivets or screws 27 in the aligned
holes 20, 23, as indicated schematically by the dot and dash lines
in FIG. 11.
[0088] With reference to FIG. 9, the locking bush 19 is provided
with abutting means comprising two lower cavities 25, 25', which
are symmetrically the same, the respective external walls 125, 125'
of which have an eccentric shape, i.e. a variable thickness so as
to make an eccentric or cam profile. When the connecting element 14
and the locking bush 19 in the inserting position M are inserted
into the housing 130 formed by the two opposite seats 13, 13' of
respective heat exchanger modules 1, the lower cavities 25, 25' are
engaged by further abutting means comprising projections or
protrusions 26, 26' provided on the bottom of the lateral recesses
22, 22' of the seats 13, 13' and having a bolt function.
[0089] When the locking bush 19 is rotated by ninety degrees in the
locking position L to fix the connecting element 14 to the two
adjacent heat exchanger modules 1, the protrusions 26, 26' are
engaged progressively by the eccentric external walls 125, 125' of
the lower cavities 25, 25' of the locking bush (FIG. 11), this
causing the twisting or clamping torque applied to said locking
bush 19 to be transformed into traction force that pushes the heat
exchanger modules 1 against the connecting element 14 and against
one another. This compression force ensures an effective and
sealing connection between the openings B of the conduits C and the
through openings 15 of the connecting element 14, with appropriate
compressing of the sealing gaskets 16 (FIG. 10).
[0090] This connection has proved to be very reliable and capable
of also resisting very high circulating pressure of the
conditioning fluid.
[0091] In order to rotate the locking bush 19, the locking bush 19
is provided, opposite the lower hub 119, with a hexagonal seat 28
in which a corresponding hexagonal wrench can be inserted.
[0092] With reference to FIG. 7, in order to facilitate the
insertion and removal of the connecting element 14 into and from
the housing 130, i.e. the opposite seats 13, 13' of the two
adjacent heat exchanger modules, end walls 114 of said connecting
element 14 can be slightly countersunk or convergent downwards.
Similarly, further end walls 313 of each seat 13 can be slightly
countersunk or divergent from the bottom wall 213.
[0093] With the procedure disclosed above, it is possible to
connect together a plurality of heat exchanger modules 1 and to
make modular panels having various shapes and dimensions.
[0094] The heat-exchange system 100 of the invention, owing to the
conformation of the heat exchanger modules 1 and of the
corresponding connecting means 14 and of the locking means 19
enables the heat exchanger modules 1 to be assembled in a rapid and
easy manner that can be fixed independently to the wall S of the
room and then be connected and locked together by the connecting
means 14 and the locking means 19. Similarly, once the
heat-exchange system 100 has been assembled to form a modular panel
of desired shape and size, it is possible in an equally rapid and
easy manner to separately dismantle an heat exchanger module 1, for
example in order to replace it, without the need to dismantle heat
exchanger modules adjacent thereto.
[0095] The heat-exchange system 100 thus ensures extremely easy,
fast and cheap assembly/dismantling procedures.
[0096] In addition thereto, the connecting means 14 and locking
means 19 ensure an effective and durable seal between the conduits
C of the various heat exchanger modules 1, also with the
conditioning fluid supplied at great pressure and temperatures, for
example if the modular heat-exchange system is associated with a
heating boiler operating at high pressure.
[0097] The modular heat-exchange system disclosed can be supplied
by means, of known type that is not illustrated in the Figures,
that provides forced or natural circulation in the conduits C of a
heating or cooling fluid.
[0098] Such means comprises boilers, heat pumps, heat exchangers
and the like.
[0099] The heat-exchange system 100 of the invention can further be
used as a simple radiator, or heater, visibly applied to a wall of
a room, or as a solar panel to produce hot water by means of solar
radiation, the coating means P being suitable for absorbing solar
rays in such a case.
[0100] With reference to FIGS. 13 to 17 there is illustrated a
version of the heat-exchange system 100 of the invention that
differs from the previously disclosed embodiment through the
different configuration of the locking means 419, of the connecting
means 414 and of the seats 413, 413' of the heat exchanger modules
1.
[0101] The connecting means 414 comprises a insert or joint element
that is substantially similar to the previously disclosed one,
provided with through holes 415 and shaped so as to be inserted
inside a housing 430 formed by two opposite seats 413, 413' of two
abutting heat exchanger modules 2.
[0102] These seats 413, 413' are made, for example, on two parallel
and opposite connecting sides 202 of each heat exchanger module 1,
and are two per side in number.
[0103] Each seat 413 comprises a through notch provided with a
lateral wall 513, in which, for example, two openings B of the
conduits C open, and provided with two facing and opposite end
walls 520, shaped to form respective steps. The end walls 520 are
arranged for being engaged in the assembly condition AS by the
further end walls 420 of the connecting element 414 so as to
support the connecting element 414. The further end walls 420 are
shaped in a complementary manner to the end walls 520.
[0104] The connecting element 414 further comprises a central
through opening 425 in which the locking bush 419 of the locking
means is rotatably inserted.
[0105] The locking bush 419 comprises a flange or external wing 519
that is connected, by a central pin 525, to a transverse plate 526
with an almost rectangular elongated shape.
[0106] The flange 519 is provided below with a circular crown 527,
whilst the transverse plate 526 has abutting means 528 on opposite
ends comprising respective protrusions.
[0107] The locking bush 419 consists of two couplable parts, so as
to be able to be mounted/dismantled on the connecting element 414,
the central pin 525 being rotatably inserted in the central through
opening 425. In particular, the flange 519 and the pin 525 are a
single body and are coupled to the transverse plate 526, for
example, by a screw.
[0108] Alternatively, the central pin 525 can be formed by two
parts, each of which is made of a single body, respectively with
the external flange 519 and with the transverse plate 526.
[0109] The connecting element 414 is provided, on an outer side of
an intermediate part thereof, with a central recess 417 arranged
for housing the locking bush 419.
[0110] The central recess 417 has peripheral grooves 517, 518
arranged for receiving respectively the flange 519 and the circular
crown 527 of the locking bush 419.
[0111] On an opposite internal side of said intermediate portion of
the connecting element 414 there is provided a gap 530 that is
suitable for completely receiving the transverse plate 526 so as to
enable the connecting element 414 and the locking bush 419, mounted
thereupon in the inserting position M, to be inserted inside the
housing 430.
[0112] On the bottom of the gap 530 two arched grooves 531, 532 are
made that are angularly opposite one another, arranged for
receiving respective shaped protrusions 528 of the transverse plate
526.
[0113] A lateral recess 522, 522' is provided on each respective
seat 413, 413' of the heat exchanger modules 1 at the external face
101a of the heat exchanger module. The lateral recess 522, 522' has
respective peripheral grooves, similar to those of the central
recess 417 and arranged for receiving respectively the upper flange
519 and the circular crown 527 of the locking bush 419.
[0114] In the assembly condition AS the lateral recesses 522, 522'
of two adjacent seats 13, 13' form with the central recess 417 of
the connecting element 14 a complete seat, that is circular in
shape, for the locking bush 419.
[0115] A notch 426, 426' is made in the respective seat 413, 413'
at the internal face 101b of the respective heat exchanger module
1.
[0116] As illustrated in detail in FIG. 15, each notch 426, 426'
has an arched shape with, an eccentric profile acting as a cam. The
notches 426, 426' act as further abutting means for the abutting
means 528 of the locking bush 419.
[0117] When the connecting element 414 and the locking bush 419 are
inserted into the housing 530 formed by the adjacent seats 413,
413' of two heat exchanger modules 1 and the locking bush 419 is
rotated by ninety degrees, from the inserting position M to the
locking position L, the shaped protrusions 528 of the transverse
plate 526 are disengaged from the respective arched grooves 531,
532 and are progressively inserted into the respective notches 426,
426'.
[0118] Due to the arched shape with an eccentric profile of said
notches 426, 426', the progressive insertion into the notches 426,
426' of the shaped protrusions 528 causes the two heat exchanger
modules 1' to move towards one another. In this way twisting or
clamping torque applied to the locking bush 19 is transformed into
traction force that pushes and maintains the heat exchanger modules
1 against one another. Such compression force ensures an effective
and sealing connection between the openings B of the conduits C and
the through openings 415 of the connecting element 414, with an
appropriate compacting of the sealing gaskets 416.
[0119] The operation of this version of the modular heat-exchange
system 100 of the invention is substantially similar to that of the
previously disclosed embodiment.
[0120] With reference to FIGS. 18, 19, there is illustrated radiant
means 60 of the heat-exchange system 100 of the invention.
[0121] These radiant means comprise a radiant panel 60 comprising a
slab 61 with, for example, a rectangular or square shape, provided
on an internal surface 61b, opposite a radiant external surface
61b, of a plurality of elongated ribs or baffles 62 substantially
parallel to one another and to a side edge 61c of said plate. The
baffles 62 are regularly spaced apart to one another and have, for
example, a corrugated and/or rectilinear shape.
[0122] Hooking means 63 is provided on said internal surface 61a to
enable said radiant panel 60 to be fixed to one or more heat
exchanger modules 1.
[0123] The hooking means 63 comprises, for example, a plurality of
pegs arranged for engaging the cavities 8 provided on the external
face 101a of the heat exchangers module 1. The pegs 63 are inserted
into respective cavities 8 and are fixed by pressure thereto or by
means of interposed glue or another mechanical means.
[0124] Alternatively, the hooking means may comprise one or more
through holes provided on said plate 61 for the passage of
respective fixing screws for fixing to the heat exchanger modules
1.
[0125] Further baffles 64 are provided for connecting together a
series of aligned pegs 63. The further baffles 64 are parallel to,
and are interposed between, the baffles 62. The radiant panel is
made of a metal material, in particular the same material used for
the heat exchanger modules 1, for example aluminium alloy.
[0126] Once fitted on a respective heat exchanger module (FIG. 18),
the radiant panel 60, owing to the heat conductivity of the metal,
heats rapidly. The baffles 62 and the further baffles 64 form a
plurality of channels inside which the air is heated or is cold and
through convective motion it is dispersed into the surrounding
environment, ensuring a high and efficient heat exchange.
[0127] The radiant external surface 61a of the panel also enables
heat to be dispersed through radiation.
[0128] For this reason, using radiant panels 60 is particularly
suitable for applications of the heat-exchange system 100 of the
invention that provide for the mounting of a plurality of heat
exchanger modules on a substantially vertical walls of rooms. The
radiant panels are mounted on the heat exchanger modules so that
the baffles 62, 64 are vertical. Each radiant panel 60 is
applicable to a respective heat exchanger module or to two or more
adjacent and interconnected heat exchanger modules 1.
[0129] The external surface 61a of the radiant panel 60 can be
decorated at will to match the decor of the room in which the
heat-exchange system is inserted.
* * * * *