EP4281709B1 - Infrared heating device and wall structure comprising infrared heating device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an infrared heater and a wall construction with a built-in infrared heater.

Especially in today's new buildings, a particularly high-quality energy design with low heat requirements is desired and provided. For this purpose, a tight building shell is provided, which includes, for example, a particularly efficient ventilation concept. The difference to this is the so-called heat recovery. Thanks to the excellently insulated building shell, the heat requirement in the individual apartments is low and additional heating is minimal. It is precisely these requirements that are supported by the ecologically and energy-efficient equipment of a new building, for example by integrating a photovoltaic system. The energy generated there can be used directly by electrical consumers in the house. The electricity is thus generated on the roof of a house, for example by a 30 kW peak system. With such a system, up to 30% of the consumption for an apartment building can be covered. The second aspect, namely the low heat requirement due to the high-quality construction, often allows the increasing use of so-called infrared heaters.

The principle of infrared heating is particularly characterized by the fact that it primarily heats the body (directly) when the infrared radiation hits it. In particular, it does not primarily heat the air. This ensures a pleasant, comfortable climate in the living space despite a low room temperature and thus low energy consumption. In addition, little air is moved, much less than is the case with conventional convection heating or underfloor heating, which in turn reduces dust movement and is therefore particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.

To date, infrared heating systems have been proposed for this purpose, which have been positioned in special casings and/or hanging systems below the ceiling or on the outside of the room wall. This type of installation of additional infrared heaters always means that they are installed in a conspicuous manner, particularly in confined living space conditions such as for lighting systems, pictures, windows, etc.

For example, the US 5, 049, 725 a radiant heating structure for supplying (infrared) radiant energy to a selected object. A pair of radiant tube holders are arranged in the interior of the housing, which is assembled by means of metallic plates. The electrical connections in the radiant tube holders are designed so that they can be connected via lines in a duct space. The duct space can be supplied with a pressurized gaseous coolant, which can escape through perforations in the duct housing part into the interior and through the reflectors to cool them.

WO 2014/031003 A1 describes a radiant heater having a heating element comprising a radiant side having a first emission coefficient and at least one second radiant side having a second emission coefficient, wherein the first emission coefficient is greater than the second emission coefficient such that the difference between the first and second emission coefficients produces directed radiant heat/directed thermal radiation.

The EP 2 716 327 A1 deals with an infrared radiator and a manufacturing process for it. The radiator comprises at least one filter glass holder that is glued to at least one filter glass. Such a direct connection has the advantage that, depending on how the infrared radiator is installed, no additional housing parts need to be used, which has a positive effect on the weight and price.

Based on this, the object of the present invention is to initially partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a system of flexibly usable infrared heating devices is to be proposed that can be applied in a living space in accordance with space and/or energy requirements. Furthermore, infrared heating devices are desired that are modular in design and can therefore be flexibly integrated into given living space situations, especially in new buildings. Furthermore, the production or provision of different modules of an infrared heating device should be made possible.

These objects are achieved with a housing for an infrared heater and a wall construction with an infrared heater according to the independent patent claims. Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. It should be noted that the features from the patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically reasonable manner and can be combined with other facts from the description. The description, in particular in connection with the figures, explains the invention and specifies further embodiments.

An infrared heater contributes to this, comprising a housing with several housing wall elements made of plastic, which can be detachably connected to one another by means of several flexible connecting elements, as well as at least one flat infrared heater, wherein the housing with the housing wall element forms a heat protection for the infrared heater.

The housing can in particular be a rear element of an infrared heating device that can be closed at the front, for example with a protective element (grille, etc.). In this respect, the housing can preferably be designed in the manner of a tub in which the functional components or parts required for an infrared heating device are housed or attached to them. The housing is not designed in one piece, but rather comprises several housing wall elements. The housing wall elements are in particular wall sections of the housing that are/are joined together.

The housing wall elements can be plastic components in particular. The housing wall elements can be plastic components that have been manufactured using an injection molding process. It is possible to use an injection molding material with at least 40% glass fiber content. A flame-retardant polyphenylene sulfide material is preferably selected. A polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) with 40% and/or 50% glass fiber content is preferably used, which in particular achieves a permanent temperature resistance of 250°C. A housing wall element can have a thermal conductivity of less than 0.5, in particular in the range of 0.25 - 0.35, W/Km (at room temperature).

The housing wall elements could be brought into contact with one another in alignment over their respective edges, so that together they form the desired tub shape. The housing is therefore provided in a modular design, so that the housing can be expanded with further housing wall elements or can also be made smaller by removing at least one housing wall element. The housing wall elements can preferably be arranged or lined up next to one another in a predetermined direction. It is preferred that the housing is designed with three, four, five, six, seven or eight housing wall elements.

The housing wall elements are connected in a detachable manner. In other words, this means in particular that no material connection is implemented in which the housing wall elements can only be separated from one another by destroying the wall element and/or the connecting element. On the contrary, it is proposed here that connecting elements are provided which can be removed from the housing wall elements, for example, in particular using mechanical forces, so that the housing wall elements can be removed or attached. This particularly promotes flexibility in the assembly and/or alignment or equipment of the infrared heater.

To establish this detachable connection, a plurality or a multitude of flexible connecting elements are proposed. A connecting element preferably cooperates with two housing wall elements arranged adjacent to one another. In particular, a connecting element is engaged with two housing wall elements. It is particularly preferred that several or many connecting elements are provided for connecting two adjacent housing wall elements. It is particularly preferred that the connecting element is not connected in a captive or non-detachable manner to either of the two housing wall elements. In other words, this means in particular that the connecting elements can be removed from both or all of the housing wall elements.

The connecting elements are flexible in that they can change their (preferred or stable) shape, preferably by simply applying force, i.e. they can be compressed, opened, bent, deformed or the like. This ability to change shape can be achieved in particular by manually operating or processing the connecting element, so that additional tools (besides a mechanical lever) can be largely dispensed with. The flexibility or deformability of the connecting element can be present in a partial area of the connecting element, but it is also possible for the connecting element as a whole to be flexible or deformable.

Such a modular housing with easy-to-use connecting elements that provide sufficient stability creates a basis for an infrared heater that can be flexibly equipped, particularly with regard to the desired heating output and/or the available installation space. The assembly of such an infrared heater can be carried out easily, safely and with manual means on site, adapted to the respective environmental conditions. This significantly increases the flexibility of installing an infrared heater in the area of a wall section in a new building or in retrofitting.

The infrared heater also includes at least one flat infrared heater. Of course, it is possible for the infrared heater to include other components. It is particularly preferred that the infrared heater a housing with several housing wall elements and an equal number of flat infrared heaters.

The infrared heater is preferably designed with one, two, three, four, five or six infrared heaters. It is particularly preferred that the flat infrared heaters are arranged in an (axial) row in alignment with one another. In particular, these are so-called high-temperature heaters, which are designed as ceramic infrared surface heaters. The operating temperature is up to at least 850° C, with a surface output of at least 60 kW/m ² [kilowatts/square meter] being provided. In particular, these are ceramic hollow cast heaters that are filled with a thermal insulation material. This results in a significantly improved emission of radiation to the environment. The ceramic hollow cast heaters have the particular advantage that they have a significantly shortened heating time and thus enable energy savings of up to 25% depending on the application. The power range of the infrared heater is preferably in the range of at least 200 W [watts]. It is particularly preferred that the flat infrared heater has a surface area of at least 100 x 100 mm [millimeters]. The main radiation surface, which in particular faces away from the housing, can be flat and/or structured. It is preferred that the temperature of the infrared heater reaches a surface temperature of 200° C within 2 min [minutes] at the latest, preferably within 1 min. It is particularly preferred that 50% of the maximum radiation output of the infrared heater is reached within 2 min. The output of the infrared heater is preferably in the range of 200 - 400 W, very preferably in the range of approximately 300 W. It is further preferred that the typical operating temperature of the infrared surface heater is in the range of 600 - 800° C. The wavelength range of the emitted infrared radiation is preferably or predominantly in the range of 2 - 10 µm.

It is possible that the infrared heater is assigned an integrated thermocouple with which the operation of the infrared heater can be temperature-controlled.

An infrared heater is particularly capable of emitting electromagnetic waves in the spectral range above visible light from 0.7 µm to about 80 µm [micrometers]. The maximum radiation output of the infrared heater is preferably in the range from 3 µm to 5 µm [micrometers], where approximately 40 - 60% radiation output is achieved.

The power of the infrared heaters is preferably adjusted via a temperature control, for example using a thermocouple. In particular, it is possible for the infrared heaters to have an integrated thermocouple, which is located between the radiating surface and the heating coil. This thermocouple signal can be recorded, for example, via an integrated control and used to operate the infrared heater. A temperature controller switches individual or entire groups of infrared heaters on and/or off, for example with the help of one or more thyristor switching units. An average power is set on the infrared heater according to the preselectable duty cycle. This method enables very precise observation of the specified temperature of the infrared heaters' operation and thus also the repeatability of the desired heating effect. If several infrared heaters are used, these controllers can also be used to create certain zones with heating surfaces that heat to different degrees. A programmable logic controller can be used for this, which is connected to the thermocouples in a potential-free manner.

The housing (alone) provides heat protection for the infrared heater. In particular, a separate thermal insulation layer, insulation layer, etc. (inside the housing) can be dispensed with. The infrared heater can be designed so that an external surface temperature does not exceed 50°C in normal operation, in particular reaches a maximum of 40°C. The collar can itself represent a thermal shield of a protective grille towards the wall when installed.

Preferably, the infrared heaters are arranged at a distance of at least 20 mm [millimeters] from a protective grille, a reflector, the housing wall elements and/or from each other, but particularly preferably at most 35 mm. This enables a compact design with sufficiently high heat protection.

The housing can comprise two lateral housing wall elements and at least one central housing wall element, the latter being alignable and/or fixable by means of a plurality of connecting elements between the lateral housing wall elements.

Accordingly, it is particularly preferred that the housing has two lateral housing wall elements, which represent, for example, the lateral end pieces. The lateral housing wall elements can be designed as mirror images, whereby it is particularly possible for the housing wall elements to be designed identically and only mounted in a mirrored manner. The lateral housing wall elements can predominantly represent a side wall of the housing.

At least one central housing wall element can be provided between these lateral housing wall elements, with preferably several central housing wall elements being provided, for example two, three, four or five. The central housing wall elements differ from the lateral housing wall elements in particular in that they have a large, essentially flat central surface. In particular, these form collar elements on two opposite sides. Very particularly preferably, these then have a flush edge on the sides without collars, which can each be combined with further housing wall elements (lateral and/or central). It can be provided that the central housing wall elements are designed with openings, while the lateral housing wall elements are designed without openings. The openings can in particular be provided to accommodate holders, electrical connections and/or sensor lines or the like.

The majority of the housing wall elements are preferably each fixed to one another using a plurality of connecting elements. The connecting elements are to be arranged or mounted to the housing wall elements in such a way that the edges of the housing wall elements are simultaneously aligned in a targeted manner. In particular, it is desirable that surface elements of the housing wall elements or their edges are aligned in alignment with one another. In this way, it is particularly important to avoid the housing wall elements being offset or not flush with one another, which in particular reliably prevents gaps in the transition area of the housing wall elements. In particular, it is desirable that the housing wall elements are aligned and fixed to one another in such a way that there are no visible gaps between the housing wall elements. This particularly promotes thermal insulation and avoids hotspots in the area outside the housing of an infrared heater.

The housing wall elements can have receptacles into which the connecting elements can engage. The receptacles can be wing-shaped, pocket-shaped, hook-shaped or the like. It is possible for the connecting elements to be able to be inserted into these receptacles, in particular (only) partially. The receptacles can be designed in terms of their shape and/or dimensions so that the connecting elements can engage, snap into place and/or be clipped in here. The receptacles are preferably designed to be significantly more rigid than the connecting elements in their flexible partial area. In particular, the receptacles are designed in such a way that when the connecting elements engage, a part of the connecting elements is flexibly deformed and this is relaxed again in the desired position so that a form engagement takes place. It is also preferred that the receptacles of adjacent housing wall elements can be aligned with one another. For this purpose, the connecting elements essentially have form elements or undercuts located in one plane or on one line so that they can simultaneously engage in the aligned receptacles. It is possible for the receptacles to be designed as one piece or in one piece with the housing wall element, for example also with the same material. However, it is also possible that the mounts are separate components that have been attached to the housing wall elements, for example via a frictional connection and/or a material connection.

The connecting elements can have end faces on each of which a pair of spring elements is provided. A pair of spring elements can be formed from two spring elements that have the same shape but a different (mirror-image) arrangement to one another. The end faces can be designed in the manner of a clip. It is possible for an end face to be formed with two spring legs that are essentially axially aligned. The two spring legs can be spaced apart from one another so that they can approach one another and/or move away from one another when mechanical force is applied. It is possible, for example, for a corresponding receptacle to be designed in such a way that the spring elements approach one another when they engage or (axially) insert into the receptacles and move away from one another again when a certain target situation is reached. It is particularly preferred that the connecting element is designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central plane so that both end faces are essentially identical but mirror-symmetrical. It is particularly preferred that the connecting element is designed in one piece, in particular from plastic. It is preferred that the connecting element is formed with a polyamide material, in particular with a (long) glass fiber content of at least 30%, preferably 40% and/or 50%. The melting point of the material of the connecting element is preferably in the range from 260° C to 280° C. A heat-stabilized polyamide 6.6 with high rigidity and strength is preferably used, e.g. with a tensile modulus of elasticity (1 mm/min, ISO 527-2, dry) in the range from 12,000 to 14,000 MPa and/or a flexural modulus of elasticity (2 mm/min, ISO 527-2, dry) in the range from 11,000 to 12,000 MPa.

It is possible for the connecting elements to have a recess that can interact with a receptacle of a housing wall element. The recess can be formed in particular on or with the pair of spring elements. It is possible for external areas of the spring elements or Spring legs are designed with a recess which is designed or dimensioned in such a way that it can engage around a receptacle of a housing wall element, in particular can engage around it flush there. This makes it possible in particular for the connecting element, in particular the pair of spring elements, to be pushed into the receptacle, the recess accommodating the receptacles when a predetermined target position is reached (flush). This in particular creates a positive connection which prevents axial displacement of the connecting elements. The detachability of the connection then results in particular from the spring elements being pressed together at the ends and being able to be pushed back through the receptacle (axially back), because this moves the receptacle out of the recesses. This creates a particularly stable, detachable and precisely alignable fixing connection.

It is preferred that the housing wall elements are clamped together by means of several connecting elements. This means in particular that the connecting elements are designed or positioned and/or arranged on the housing wall elements in such a way that the housing wall elements are pressed against one another at their lateral edges, in particular to avoid a gap along these edges. For this purpose, it is possible for the connecting elements, in particular with their recesses, to form a press fit and/or a positive connection with the housing wall elements, in particular via the receptacles.

It can be provided that at least one housing wall element comprises a holder for an infrared radiant heater. It is particularly preferred that a central housing wall element, in particular all central housing wall elements, each comprise a holder for an infrared radiant heater. In other words, this means in particular that each central housing wall element comprises a holder for an infrared radiant heater. Consequently, it is preferred that the number of central housing wall elements determines the number of infrared radiant heaters of the desired infrared heating device. The holder can comprise an opening in the central housing wall element which is suitable for receiving an infrared radiant heater or its base. It is also possible, that a base of an infrared heater can be applied to such an opening. In particular, the holder is designed in such a way that the connections, in particular electrical or electronic connections, for an infrared heater can be led through. Furthermore, the holder can be designed in such a way that an aligned, detachable, but permanently fixed fixation of an infrared heater (only) to the housing wall element is possible. The housing wall element or the holder can be designed in such a way that all functional components of an infrared heater or the components required for its operation can be applied to the housing wall element.

It is preferred that the housing forms a tray that has a maximum depth of 15 cm [centimeters]. This tray is formed in particular when the housing forms a substantially flat frontal collar and a rear, substantially flat or flat rear wall, wherein the collar and the rear wall are each positioned in a plane that is a maximum of 15 cm apart. It is preferred that the maximum depth is less than 12 cm or even a maximum of 10 cm. In this respect, a housing is specified here that enables a particularly flat design, so that the components of the infrared heater can be arranged very densely or compactly. This very small maximum depth of the housing also enables the integration of an infrared heater into a relatively narrow-walled wall construction. The dimensions of a lateral housing wall element can be approximately 21x183x100 mm (WxHxD). The dimensions of a central housing wall element can be approximately 157x183x100 mm (WxHxD). For a housing with 2 lateral and 3 central housing wall elements, the following dimensions are preferred when assembled: 513x183x100 mm (WxHxD).

If the housing is designed with a circumferential, one-piece collar (made of PPS as explained above), this preferably has a width of at least 10 mm, in particular a width of approximately 12 mm. The material thickness of the collar is preferably approximately 3 mm.

According to a further aspect, a wall construction is proposed which comprises a front wall, a rear wall and a mounting frame. The mounting frame is usually used to fix the front wall and rear wall at a predetermined distance from one another. In this respect, the fact arises that an interior space is formed by the front wall, rear wall and mounting frame. The front wall and/or the rear wall has a slot in which an infrared heating device of the type disclosed here is positioned such that the housing is arranged in the interior space.

This wall construction is in particular a stud wall. A stud wall is usually used in drywall construction to create an interior wall of a building or a room. The frame, also called a studwork or substructure, can consist of wooden studs or sheet steel profiles. The stud construction is set up as a single stud wall or double stud wall. Sheet steel profiles are used as C, U and L profiles for ceilings, walls or corners. The frame is set up in such a way that it forms a flat support for the building boards with which it is planked (front wall, rear wall). For example, plasterboard, gypsum fiberboard, calcium silicate boards and cement building boards are used for the planking. It is also possible for these to be installed in one or more layers. The planking can be attached using drywall screws, nails or staples. The cavities or interior spaces that exist between this planking (front wall, rear wall) also serve, for example, to improve sound insulation, and these can be filled with mineral wool.

The idea here is to make such a wall construction with a slot and to insert a housing or an infrared heater into this slot from the outside. The housing can partially rest against the front wall and/or the rear wall. The majority of the housing is then located in the interior, with the housing spaced from the opposite rear wall/front wall. The housing is designed in particular in the shape of a tub with a small depth of max. 15 cm. The slot width or slot height is preferably matched to the dimensions of the housing.

It is particularly preferred that the housing closes the slot. The housing can have a circumferential collar that covers the areas of the front wall/rear wall that are adjacent to the slot, and the areas that are adjacent to the collar are essentially flush with the slot. Electrical/electronic connections required for the operation of the infrared heater can be routed through the interior to areas that are remote from the slot. It is particularly preferred that the housing forms a positive connection with the slot, so that further alignment aids are not required. It is possible that the housing of the infrared heater can be fastened to the front wall/rear wall with one or more safety devices. It is also possible that the housing is provided with thermal insulation on the outside, particularly in a frontal area or area that protrudes from the slot and/or in a contact area with the slot and/or the interior, which prevents an undesirably high temperature development on the outside of the infrared heater. This insulation on the outside of the housing can be implemented using a coating, (solely) the collar and/or a separate component.

The use of an infrared heater in the manner disclosed here for flush integration in a wall construction for heating a room is considered advantageous. It is particularly preferred that this use includes the use of renewably generated energy, for example from a photovoltaic system that is set up to supply electrical power to the infrared heater. Furthermore, the use is designed in particular in such a way that it enables simple, flexible installation of an infrared heater in a post and beam structure.

The explanations of the housing, the infrared heater and the wall construction can be combined with each other, so that for the explanation of the one aspect of the invention can be used to draw on the other aspects of the invention.

1. a) Getaktetes Aktivieren der Mehrzahl von Infrarotheizstrahler über einen Anlaufzeitraum (H1);
2. b) Deaktivieren der Mehrzahl von Infrarotheizstrahler über einen ersten Pausenzeitraum (P1);
3. c) Durchführen einer Phasenwechselheizung, umfassend Heizphasen (Hp) mit getaktetem Aktivieren der Mehrzahl von Infrarotheizstrahler und Pausenphasen (Pp) mit deaktivierter Mehrzahl von Infrarotheizstrahler, wobei zumindest eine Heizphase zeitlich kürzer als der Anlaufzeitraum (H1) ist.

A method for operating an infrared heater of the type disclosed here is considered advantageous, which comprises at least the following steps:

1. a) Clocked activation of the plurality of infrared heaters over a start-up period (H1);
2. b) deactivating the plurality of infrared heaters for a first pause period (P1);
3. c) carrying out a phase change heating, comprising heating phases (Hp) with clocked activation of the plurality of infrared heaters and pause phases (Pp) with deactivated plurality of infrared heaters, wherein at least one heating phase is shorter in time than the start-up time period (H1).

The specified steps a), b) and c) are preferably carried out one after the other.

In step a), all infrared heaters can be activated simultaneously or at different times. The heating output can be set individually/differently or equally for all infrared heaters. Step a) is carried out in particular when the heating process starts. The start-up period is preferably at least 15 minutes, in particular at least 25 minutes. The start-up period should preferably not exceed 40 minutes. The start-up period is particularly preferably around 30 minutes.

Once the start-up time has been reached, step b) is automatically initiated, preferably simultaneously for all infrared heaters. The first pause period is preferably between 4 and 7 minutes, in particular around 5 minutes.

This is followed by the phase change heating step if the desired room temperature has not yet been reached. This can include one or more heating phases and also at least one pause phase. The number of phases can be adjusted depending on the difference between the current and desired Room temperature may vary. The heating phases and/or break phases may vary in time and/or be designed differently. In simple applications, it is preferable to assign specific or fixed time periods to heating phases and break phases. One (or each) heating phase may last for a period of less than 20 minutes, in particular in the range of 15 to 18 minutes. A break phase may last for a period of less than 5 minutes, in particular in the range of 4 to 5 minutes, in particular around 4:30 minutes.

It can be provided that in step c) one (or each) break phase (Pp) is also shorter in time than the first break period (P1).

Step a) can be carried out if a temperature in the area surrounding the infrared heater can be detected or is detected that is below a preset comfort temperature. The ambient temperature can be determined or calculated using an external temperature sensor. This information can be made available to the control unit, which compares it with an existing comfort temperature (in particular the target temperature specified by the user). Step a) can be initiated (automatically), in particular after a new setting of the comfort temperature and/or a preset minimum difference between the current ambient temperature and the comfort temperature.

The process can be terminated (automatically) when a preset comfort temperature is reached in the area surrounding the infrared heater.

According to a further aspect, a room heating system comprising at least one infrared heater is proposed, which is attached to or in a room wall at a predeterminable distance from the room floor, wherein (at least) one temperature sensor for the room temperature and/or (at least) one setting element for a comfort temperature in the room is installed remotely from the at least one infrared heater, which are connected in a data-conducting manner to the control unit of the infrared heater.

The room heating system can comprise a plurality of infrared heaters which, if appropriate, emit infrared radiation in the same direction and/or at least partially to one another. The provision of at least one infrared heater per 10 m ² [square meters] of room floor is preferred, with each infrared heater having a heating output of at least 1,000 watts.

The infrared heater should preferably be positioned in the upper half of the room, for example at a distance from the floor of at least 1.60 m, preferably at a distance of approximately 1.80 - 2.20 m.

A temperature sensor can be installed either mobile or permanently in the room to measure the current room temperature and a setting element (e.g. rotary control, keypad, touch pad, mobile phone, etc.) can be installed to set the user's desired comfort temperature. It is possible for both components to be housed in one housing, but this is not absolutely necessary. If these components are permanently installed in the room, they should preferably be at a distance of approx. 1.40 - 1.70 m from the floor.

The connection of the temperature sensor and/or setting element with the control unit of the infrared heater can be made via cable and/or via wireless technology (WLAN, Bluetooth ^® , etc.).

An infrared heating device of the type disclosed here can in particular also be installed in a vehicle and heat a passenger compartment. The vehicle can be floor-bound and/or rail-bound. It is also possible for an infrared heating device of the type disclosed here to be installed in an aircraft. The infrared heating device can be installed in a seat, a headrest, a vehicle wall and/or a vehicle ceiling. In this respect, the infrared heating device is preferably proposed for heating a mobile passenger compartment.

Fig. 1:

eine Ausführungsvariante eines Gehäuses in modualer Bauweise, teilweise gefügt,

Fig. 2:

ein Detail eines Verbindungselementes gegenüberliegend einer Befestigungsstelle an einem Gehäuseelement,

Fig. 3:

eine frontale Ansicht eines Gehäuses mit darin angeordneten Infrarotheizstrahlern,

Fig. 4:

eine rückseitige Ansicht eines Gehäuses nach Fig. 3,

Fig. 5:

einen Längsschnitt durch eine Ausführungsvariante eines Infrarotheizgerätes, und

Fig. 6:

eine Wandkonstruktion mit einem Infrarotheizgerät.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with the aid of figures. It should be noted that the figures are more schematic Nature and are not intended to limit the invention. The elements or features shown individually in the figures can be combined with elements or features of other figures and the general description, unless explicitly excluded here. They show:

Fig.1:

a variant of a housing in modular construction, partially assembled,

Fig. 2:

a detail of a connecting element opposite a fastening point on a housing element,

Fig. 3:

a frontal view of a housing with infrared heaters arranged inside,

Fig.4:

a rear view of a housing after Fig.3 ,

Fig.5:

a longitudinal section through a variant of an infrared heater, and

Fig.6:

a wall construction with an infrared heater.

Fig.1 shows a housing 1 for an infrared heater, which has several housing wall elements 3, 4, 5, 6, which can be detachably connected to one another by means of several flexible connecting elements 8. In the position shown, it is provided that a first lateral housing wall element 3 with a first central housing wall element 5 and, adjacent to it, a second central housing wall element 6 are already pre-assembled on the left. It is also provided that the second central housing wall element 6 also has a plurality of connecting elements 8 or that these are already attached there.

The connecting elements 8 can be used for a detachable, aligning and clamping connection with the second lateral housing wall element 4. The housing wall elements 3, 4, 5, 6 each have a plurality of receptacles 9 into which separate, identically designed connecting elements 8 can engage. The housing wall elements 3, 4, 5, 6 can be detachably plugged together using the flexible connecting elements 8. The central housing wall elements 5, 6 also have openings that can be used, for example, to hold infrared heaters.

Fig.2 shows a preferred embodiment of a flexible connecting element 8. The flexible connecting element 8 is made in one piece, and is designed as a mirror image. To the left and right of each end face 10, the connecting element 8 is designed with a pair of spring elements 11. The spring elements 11 can be moved towards and/or away from each other due to the groove between them. The design is in particular such that each pair of spring elements or the respective spring legs are designed with a conically tapered or tapered end region, which forms a certain projection on the inside with respect to the receptacle 9 to be integrated on the housing wall element. When the connecting element 8 is inserted into the receptacle 9, the two spring elements 11 are pressed together and moved towards each other, in particular due to the conically tapered end region on the end face 10. If the connecting element is pushed in far enough, the receptacle 9 engages in correspondingly prepared recesses 12, so that a positive connection is formed and the spring elements 11 can move outwards again. It is particularly preferred that the connecting element 8 is designed in one piece.

Fig.3 illustrates a variant of a housing 1, which is designed with two lateral housing walls 3, 4 and three central housing walls 5, 6, 7. Each of the central housing wall elements 5, 6, 7 is designed with an infrared heater 14. Between the central housing wall elements 5, 6, 7 and the flat infrared heaters 14, thermal insulation (not required or shown here) and a reflector 26 can be provided. The thermal insulation and/or the reflector 26 can be a dimensionally stable component, for example in the form of a tub, or designed as a lining film. In particular, the thermal insulation is made of ceramic and a suitable reflector 26 is made of metal (e.g. aluminum). It is possible that a Reflector is designed with thermal insulation (on the back). The reflector can have approximately the following dimensions: 506x179x40 mm (WxHxD).

In the embodiment of a housing 1 shown here, the housing 1 is designed in the manner of a trough 15, which has a maximum depth 16 of 15 cm. In the present case, the reflector 26 is also designed in the manner of a trough.

Fig.4 shows a perspective rear view of the housing 1 after Fig. 3 It can be seen here that the essentially flat embodiment of the housing construction comprises, in addition to the housing wall elements 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, additional components that form a connection channel 24. The elements of the connection channel 24 can be separate components that form a cavity in the rear area of the housing 1. The connection channel 24 serves in particular to bring together electrical or electronic components or their accessories and, if necessary, to lead them off externally via a connection 25. It is preferred that the connection channel 24 is also formed with several components.

Fig.5 illustrates the cross-section of a possible embodiment of an infrared heating device 2, comprising a housing 1 and a plurality of flat infrared heaters 14. It can be seen that the housing 1 is in turn formed with several housing wall elements 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. These form a type of trough 15. Inside the trough 15 there is a single large-area reflector 26, which is positioned between the housing 1 and the flat infrared heaters 14. The bases of the flat infrared heaters 14 break through the reflector 26 and the associated housing wall elements 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 - in the area of the associated holders 13. This allows electrical or electronic lines to be led through the housing 1 into a connection channel 24 arranged at the rear. From there an electrical or electronic connection to a voltage source 29 can then be realized. It is particularly preferred that the housing 1 including the connection channel 24 is designed with a maximum depth 16 of 15 cm.

It is possible that a temperature sensor 27 is provided in the area between the reflector 26 and the housing 1 and/or between the flat infrared heater 14 and the reflector 26. The temperature sensor 27 can be used to set a clocked operation in the area of the desired operating temperature of the flat infrared heater 14 (automatically). It can also be seen here that the various housing wall elements 3, 4, 5, 6, 7? can be fixed in alignment with one another by means of the connecting elements 8.

Fig.6 illustrates a wall construction 17. The wall construction 17 comprises a front wall 18, a rear wall 19 and a mounting frame 20, whereby the front wall 18 and the rear wall 19 are kept at a predefined, in particular parallel, distance from one another. Furthermore, an interior space 21 is formed here by the front wall 18, the rear wall 19 and the mounting frame 20. In the embodiment variant shown here, the front wall 18 is designed with a slot 22. An infrared heater 2 is positioned in this slot 22 so that the housing 1 is arranged in the interior space 21. The housing 1 closes the slot 22 completely. When the housing 1 is attached in the interior space 21, for example via the collar 23 on the outside of the front wall 18, a protective element 30 can also be provided, for example in the manner of an open grille, so that reaching into or touching the infrared heaters 14 can be safely avoided. Starting from the infrared heater 2, electrical/electronic cables can run to a control unit 28 for the infrared heater 2 fastened in the wall construction 17 and/or to a voltage source 29.

Due to the dimensions and construction of the infrared heater 2 proposed here, a space-saving, flexible integration into a wall construction is possible.

List of reference symbols

1

Housing

2

Infrared heater

3

first lateral housing wall element

4

second lateral housing wall element

5

first central housing wall element

6

second central housing wall element

7

third central housing wall element

8th

Connecting element

9

Recording

10

Front side

11

Spring element

12

Recess

13

bracket

14

Infrared heaters

15

Tub

16

depth

17

Wall construction

18

Front wall

19

Back wall

20

Adjustment frame

21

inner space

22

slot

23

collar

24

Connection channel

25

Connection

26

reflector

27

Temperature sensor

28

Control panel

29

Voltage source

30

Protective element

Claims (9)

1. Infrared heating device (2), comprising a casing (1) with a number of casing wall elements (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) made of plastic and a number of flexible connecting elements (8), wherein the casing wall elements (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) are at least detachably connectable to each other with the connecting elements (8), and at least one flat infrared radiant heater (14), wherein the casing (1) forms with the casing wall elements (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) a heat shield of the infrared heating device (2).
2. Infrared heating device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the casing wall elements (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) are designed so that an outer surface temperature of the casing wall elements (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) does not exceed 50°C in normal operating conditions.
3. Infrared heating device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing wall elements (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) are braced together with a number of connecting elements (8), wherein the connecting elements are designed, positioned and/or are arranged on the casing wall elements so that the casing wall elements (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) are being pushed together on their lateral edges.
4. Infrared heating device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the internals of the casing no separate thermal isolation layer is provided.
5. Infrared heating device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing (1) is a rearward element of the infrared heating device (2), that is frontally closable with a protective element.
6. Infrared heating device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing (1) forms a tub (15) with a maximum depth (16) of 15 cm and a distance of the at least one flat infrared radiant heater (14) to the protective grille, a reflector (26), the casing wall elements (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and/or to each other is in the area of 20 mm to 35 mm.
7. Infrared heating device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is configured for an operation with an operating temperature of up to 850 °C, wherein an area output of at least 60 kW/m² is being provided.
8. Infrared heating device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing wall elements (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) at room temperature have a heat conductivity of less than 0.5 W/Km.
9. Wall construction (17), comprising a front wall (18), a rear wall (19), a positioning frame (20) and an interior (21) composed by the front wall (18), the rear wall (19) and the positioning frame (20), wherein at least the front wall (18) or the rear wall (19) have a slit (22), in which a infrared heating device (2) according to one of the preceding claims is positioned in a way that the casing (1) is arranged in the interior (21).

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