EP4334657A1

EP4334657A1 - Liquid circulation radiator for indoor climate control and manufacturing method thereof

Info

Publication number: EP4334657A1
Application number: EP22722357.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Orlando NIBOLI
Original assignee: Fondital SpA
Current assignee: Fondital SpA
Priority date: 2021-05-03
Filing date: 2022-05-02
Publication date: 2024-03-13
Also published as: CN117677814A; WO2022234433A1

Abstract

A liquid circulation radiator (1) for indoor climate control comprises a monolithic body (2) made of die-cast aluminium comprising : a plurality of tubular elements (3) provided with respective inner chambers (4), in which an operating liquid circulates in use; a front heat exchange plate (5); and a plurality of heat exchange fins (6), substantially orthogonal to the plate (5); the tubular elements (3) and the respective chambers (4) extend along respective axes (A) substantially rectilinear and parallel to one another and the radiator comprises connection assemblies (20) connecting respective longitudinal ends (7) of pairs of adjacent tubular elements (3) to define a circuit (C) for the operating liquid circulating in the radiator (1).

Description

"LIQUID CIRCULATION RADIATOR FOR INDOOR CLIMATE CONTROL AND

MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF"

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This patent application is related to Italian Patent Application No. 102021000011180 filed on May 3, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a liquid circulation radiator for indoor climate control, intended, in particular, for heating/cooling inside rooms.

State of the Art

Heating/cooling radiators are known that are formed from sets of radiator elements individually manufactured and then joined to each other and in which an operating liquid for heating circulates (typically, hot water for heating, cold water for cooling).

In particular, radiator elements are known that are made of die-cast aluminium, produced, that is, via a process for die-casting aluminium (or aluminium alloy).

A typical radiator element of this type has a substantially tubular body, provided with an inner chamber for the passage of water extending, in use, vertically; and multiple heat exchange fins. The radiator element has, at respective opposite longitudinal ends, pairs of transverse connection sleeves (also called hubs) internally connected to the water chamber for coupling to other identical radiator elements and/or to a hydraulic circuit.

Various radiator elements are placed side-by-side and joined via the connection sleeves to form a set with the desired heat capacity.

In any case, it is necessary to assemble numerous radiator elements to achieve the desired performance.

In addition, the body of the radiator element comprises several parts, in particular the connection sleeves but also some connection parts between the fins and the water chamber, which are not efficient in terms of the heat exchange; these parts, made of aluminium as well, affect the weight and cost of the radiator element, without benefits in terms of performance, instead reducing the specific power per unit of weight.

The radiators of the type mentioned, therefore, in addition to requiring relatively laborious assembly operations during installation, have, thus, margins for improvement, including in terms of efficiency.

Subject and Summary of the Invention

One purpose of this invention is to provide a liquid circulation climate control radiator that overcomes the drawbacks highlighted in the prior art.

This invention thus relates to a liquid circulation radiator for indoor climate control and to the manufacturing method thereof as defined in essential terms in the attached claims 1 and, respectively, 22.

Additional preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

The radiator of the invention is particularly efficient, allowing, in particular, to fully exploit the heat of the operating liquid and to transfer it to the aluminium only where it is used.

The invention, in fact, enables a very efficient use of the aluminium in the radiator: the aluminium is positioned only where necessary or useful for heat exchange, avoiding pieces that do not contribute to the radiator's efficiency.

In particular, the connection sleeves typical of die- cast aluminium radiator elements are practically eliminated; in addition, the radiator of the invention is provided with heat exchange fins only in the radiator zones where the fins may fulfil their function with the greatest efficiency, avoiding material (and thus reducing the weight and cost of the radiator) in low-efficiency performance zones.

The amount of operating liquid required is, also, significantly less than in both conventional sets of radiator elements and plate radiators, which, however, are comparatively much more complex to construct (being made of sheet metal that is folded and welded) and not completely satisfying, neither in terms of performance, nor in terms of aesthetics .

The arrangement of the chambers, where the operating liquid circulates, and the fins also enables a better distribution of the air flow on the fins, which are all hit by air basically in the same flow conditions: all the fins receive the same type of air, basically colder air, which brushes the chambers.

The radiator of the invention is, on the other hand, extremely simple and convenient to manufacture and assemble.

In particular, the choice of the die-cast process does not only make it possible to obtain the specific geometric solutions adopted (particularly efficient in terms of heat exchange), but also entails important advantages in terms of environmental sustainability and production energy costs. The choice of using the die-cast process makes it possible, in fact, to use secondary aluminium alloys (e.g., EN 46100) which can be obtained by recycling aluminium waste and are not otherwise suitable for other manufacturing processes, such as extrusion, which requires the use of primary aluminium alloys, thus directly linked to the extraction process of the aluminium from minerals, which, as known, is particularly onerous in terms of cost and environmentally problematic. The energy cost of a secondary aluminium alloy is, in fact, indicatively 20 times smaller than the energy cost of a primary aluminium alloy. The use of secondary aluminium alloys makes it possible, therefore, to provide a more sustainable product, making it possible to completely recycle the waste material (aluminium) and avoiding the use of primary aluminium.

The invention also makes it possible to produce, with a single die-casting operation, a radiator that is equivalent to a set of conventional radiator elements.

The radiator of the invention is also adapted, however, to producing modular systems with different thermal capacities, connecting various monolithic bodies which can be connected not only horizontally and vertically, but also depth-wise (i.e., positioned one behind the other).

The radiator of the invention is suitable, then, for being used both to heat and to cool, also being equipped with a fan and/or a condensing unit that are advantageously positioned in suitable areas of the radiator formed between the heat exchange fins.

The front plate, directly formed in the die-casting step, also fulfils an aesthetic function without requiring additional aesthetic covers, as, in contrast, is required in plate radiators where it is necessary to mask with an additional aesthetic plate the pattern of the operating liquid circulation chambers, deriving from the construction methods (folded sheet metal).

Brief Description of the Drawings

Additional characteristics and advantages of this invention will be clear from the description of the following, non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached figures, in which:

- Figure 1 is a rear, perspective view of a first embodiment of a climate control radiator in accordance with the invention;

- Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a monolithic body of the radiator in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the monolithic body in Figure 2;

- Figure 4 is a view on an enlarged scale and in cross section of a detail of the monolithic body in Figure 2;

- Figure 5 is a rear plan view, with parts removed for clarity, of the radiator in Figure 1;

- Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of additional, respective details of the radiator in Figure 1;

- Figure 8 is a rear, perspective view of a second embodiment of the radiator of the invention;

- Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of a first monolithic body of the radiator in Figure 8;

- Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of a second monolithic body of the radiator in Figure 8;

- Figures 11 and 12 are perspective views of respective details of the radiator in Figure 8;

- Figures 13 and 14 are, respectively, a rear perspective view and a longitudinal cross-section view, both with parts removed for clarity, of an additional embodiment of the radiator of the invention;

- Figures 15 and 16 are, respectively, a rear perspective view and a longitudinal cross-section view, both with parts removed for clarity, of an additional embodiment of the radiator of the invention;

- Figures 17 and 18 are, respectively, a rear perspective view and a longitudinal cross-section, both with parts removed for clarity, of an additional embodiment of the radiator of the invention;

- Figures 19 and 20 are, respectively, a rear perspective view and the same view with parts removed of an additional embodiment of the radiator of the invention;

- Figure 21 is a longitudinal cross-section view, with parts removed for clarity, of the radiator in Figure 20;

- Figures 22 and 23 are, respectively, a view from below and a side view of the radiator in Figure 20;

- Figure 24 is a rear perspective view of climate control equipment, in particular a fan-coil, integrating a radiator of the invention;

- Figures 25 and 26 are, respectively, a side view and a rear perspective view, both with parts removed for clarity, of an additional climate control apparatus, in particular a fan-coil, integrating a radiator of the invention;

- Figure 27 is a side view, with parts removed for clarity, of an additional climate control apparatus, in particular a fan-coil, integrating a radiator of the invention;

- Figures 28 and 29 are, respectively, a side view and a rear perspective view of the radiator in Figure 27.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the

Invention

In Figure 1, the reference number 1 indicates, as a whole, a climate control liquid circulation (for example, hot water) radiator (for heating/cooling rooms inside buildings) . It is understood that the radiator 1 can operate in both heating mode by circulating hot water, and in cooling mode as well by circulating, instead, a cold liquid (for example, cold water). Thus, in general, in the radiator 1 an operating liquid, whether hot or cold, circulates.

The radiator comprises a monolithic body 2 made of die-cast aluminium (or an alloy thereof).

Here and below, a "monolithic body of die-cast aluminium" means a body comprising a single piece that cannot be separated, made as a single piece during manufacturing using a die-casting process in aluminium or in an alloy containing aluminium.

Optionally, as will be described below, the monolithic body can embed inserts, including made of a material other than the material of the monolithic body, but maintaining the characteristic of being a single piece made using die casting in aluminium or in an alloy thereof.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3 as well, the body 2 comprises: a plurality of tubular elements 3 provided with respective inner chambers 4, in which an operating liquid circulates in use; a front heat exchange plate 5; and a plurality of heat exchange fins 6, which are transverse to the tubular elements 3 and, in particular, substantially orthogonal to the plate 5 and to the tubular elements 3.

With reference to the normal use position of the radiator 1, the front plate 5 is substantially vertical and has, for example but not necessarily, a horizontal width that is greater than its vertical height; and the tubular elements 3 and the chambers 4 are substantially horizontal (here and below, "substantially horizontal" also means an element that is slightly tilted, indicatively with a margin of ±10° in relation to an exactly horizontal line).

The tubular elements 3 and the respective chambers 4 extend along respective axes A (just one of which is indicated in Figures 1-3) that are substantially straight and parallel to each other and have respective open longitudinal ends 7, provided with respective radially outer flanges 8 (here and below, "substantially parallel" also means elements that are slightly tilted, indicatively with a margin of ±10°, to each other).

For construction reasons, since the body 2 is made via die-casting (as described in detail below), the chambers 4 are longitudinally tapered along the respective axes A, i.e., they have an inner cross section decreasing along the axis A from one longitudinal end to the other (Figure 3).

The chambers 4 may have differently shaped cross sections .

Preferably, as shown in detail in Figure 4, the chambers 4 have a flattened and oblong cross section with one substantially flat side facing the plate 5. In particular, the chambers 4 substantially have the shape of an ellipse cut from one parallel secant to a larger axis of the ellipse and defined by the virtual intersection with an inner face 11 of the plate 5 (Figure 4).

The tubular elements 3 are spaced apart from one another in a direction transverse to the axes A.

In the example illustrated in Figures 1-2, the body 2 comprises four tubular elements 3 equally spaced apart from each other, but it is understood that the body 2 may comprise a different number of tubular elements 3, including differently spaced apart from each other.

The plate 5 is substantially flat and has an inner face 11 facing the tubular elements 3, and an outer face 12, opposite to the inner face 11, and turned, in use, towards the room to be heated/cooled (Figure 4).

For example, the plate 5 is substantially flat and the two faces 11, 12 are flat and parallel. Preferably, the outer face 12 is smooth; the inner face 11 directly faces the chambers 4.

The plate 5 has, in particular, a quadrangular shape, optionally with rounded edges, and its width (horizontal in use) is greater than its height (vertical in use). It is understood that the plate 5 may have a different shape.

The inner face 11 is, optionally, provided with fixing seats 13 for receiving respective fixing members of other components of the radiator 1 (Figure 2).

The tubular elements 3 and the fins 6 project from the face 11 of the plate 5 and are made of a single piece with the plate 5 to form with it the monolithic body 2 made of die-cast aluminium.

In particular, the fins 6 project from the face 11 of the plate 5 and from the tubular elements 3 and are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the plate 5 and to the tubular elements 3 (and to the axes A).

Preferably, but not necessarily, the fins 6 are organised in groups 14 joined to respective tubular elements 3; each group 14 comprises a plurality of fins 6 connected to a respective tubular element 3. The fins 6 of each group 14 are spaced apart from the fins 6 of the other groups 14, defining free spaces 15 between the groups 14 (available for housing any auxiliary components of the radiator 1). Advantageously, some fins 6, aligned longitudinally to each other, of respective groups 14 are joined by stiffening ties 16 that are also transverse to the tubular elements 3 and to the relative axes A.

The plate 5 constitutes a base structure 19 that connects the tubular elements 3 to form the monolithic body 2 and supports, at least in part, the fins 6.

The fins 6 may be variously shaped and organised, but are transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the tubular elements 3 and to the relative axes A, and are made of a single piece with the base structure 19 and with the tubular elements 3 to form, with these, the monolithic body 2 made of die-cast aluminium. The presence of fins 6 transverse to the tubular elements 3 in the monolithic body 2, and any other transverse components, such as the ties 16, is an intrinsic structural feature of the monolithic body 2 made of die-cast aluminium: the body 2 may not be made in another way, for example by extrusion, if it has tubular elements 3 combined with fins 6 and/or other elements such as the ties 16 that are transverse (orthogonal) to the tubular elements 3. In other words, the material with which the body 2 is made, i.e., die-cast aluminium, defines a technical feature of the product; the manufacturing technique is unequivocally determined by the technical features of the product.

With reference to Figure 5 as well, the radiator 1 comprises connection assemblies 20 connecting respective longitudinal ends 7 of pairs of adjacent tubular elements 3 (i.e., arranged side-by-side, without additional tubular elements placed between these) to define a circuit C for the operating liquid circulating in the radiator 1. It is understood that, depending on how the tubular elements 3 and the connection assemblies 20 are arranged and organised, the circuit C may have branches, parallel sections, etc., for which the operating liquid circulating in the circuit C can trace different paths, not necessarily passing along a single one and in a single direction. In particular, each end 7 of the tubular elements 3 is provided with a head member 21, 21a defined by a piece that is separate to the body 2 and made, for example, of metal, the same or different to the material of the body 2, for example steel, and joined to the respective end 7, in particular to the flange 8, via fixing members, for example, screws.

Each connection assembly 20 (Figure 6) comprises a pair of head members 21 that are fixed to the ends 7 of respective tubular elements 3 and a connection pipe 22 (for example, also made of steel); the head members 21 have a first opening 23 communicating with the chamber 4 of the tubular element 3 to which they are joined; and a second opening 24 communicating with the connection pipe 22.

The connection assemblies 20 are positioned so as to connect the tubular elements 3 and the respective chambers 4 in series, defining a coil-shaped circuit C for the operating fluid circulating in the radiator 1.

Optionally, the connection assemblies 20 may also be used to connect two or more bodies 2 together so as to create a modular radiator 1 that can be assembled vertically.

Two end tubular elements 3, i.e., positioned higher and lower on the radiator 1, have respective ends 7 that are joined and respective terminal head members 21a, which define, respectively, an inlet and an outlet of the radiator 1 and are intended to connect to an outer hydraulic circuit. The head members 21a have, thus, a first opening 23a that communicates with the chamber 4 of the tubular element 3, and a second opening 24a (for example aligned at least in part with the opening 23a) available to connect to the outer circuit (Figure 7).

The head members 21a may also be used to connect two or more bodies 2 together so as to create a modular radiator 1 that can be assembled in three directions (i.e., vertically, horizontally, and depth-wise).

Optionally, the radiator 1 also comprises (Figure 1) a top cover element 27 arranged on one upper side of the body 2 and provided with through openings for the passage of air; and/or a pair of side cover elements 28 arranged on respective lateral sides of the body 2.

The cover elements 27, 28 consist of respective pieces that are separate to the body 2 and fixed to the body 2, for example using fixing members that engage the fixing seats 13 and/or one another, for example so that they interlock or using fixing members.

The radiator 1 is advantageously produced using the following method.

First of all, the body 2 is produced via die-casting in aluminium (or an aluminium alloy), in a single operation and in the form of a monolithic piece.

As known, the die-casting is a foundry process wherein molten metal (in this case, aluminium or an alloy thereof) is injected, under high pressure, into a mould, consisting of two half-moulds that can be separated and equipped with inner cam pins and/or carriages.

On the body 2, obtained, thus, via a single die-casting step, the various other components of the radiator 1 are then assembled, in particular the connection assemblies 20 with the various head members 21, 21a and the cover elements 27, 28.

Obviously, the usual finishing and painting, etc., operations can be carried out on the body 2 and/or on the assembled radiator 1.

In the embodiment in Figures 8-12, in which the similar or identical details to those already described are indicated with the same numbers, the radiator 1 comprises a first monolithic body 2, substantially as described above, and at least one second monolithic body 102, which is also made of die-cast aluminium.

In this case, the end tubular elements 3 (i.e., those furthest from each other) of the body 2 (Figure 9) are provided with respective pairs of cylindrical connection collars 33, which are positioned near the respective ends 7 of the tubular elements 3 and extending radially from the tubular elements 3 perpendicular to the axes A. The collars 33 are placed at respective corners of the body 2 on the end tubular elements 3.

Each collar 33 delimits a hollow inner seat 34, communicating with the chamber 4 of the respective tubular element 3 (Figure 11).

Like the first body 2, the second body 102 (Figure 10) also comprises a plurality of tubular elements 103 provided with respective inner chambers 104 in which the operating liquid circulates in use (and preferably tapering longitudinally), and a plurality of heat exchange fins 6 projecting from the tubular elements 103 that are substantially perpendicular to the tubular elements 103.

The tubular elements 103 and the respective chambers 104 also extend along respective axes A that are parallel to each other and have respective open longitudinal ends 7, provided with respective radially outer flanges 108.

The tubular elements 3, 103 and the respective chambers 4, 104 of the bodies 2, 102 extend substantially parallel to each other.

The end tubular elements 103 (i.e., those furthest from each other) of the body 102 are provided with respective pairs of cylindrical connection collars 133, which are positioned near the respective ends 7 of the tubular elements 103 and extending radially from the tubular elements 103 perpendicular to the axes A on opposite sides of the tubular elements 103. The collars 133 are placed at respective corners of the body 102 and are aligned with respective collars 33 of the body 2. Each collar 133 delimits a hollow inner seat 134, communicating with the chamber 104 of the respective tubular element 103 and that crosses the tubular element 103 perpendicularly to the axis A.

The body 102 does not have, unlike the first body 2, a continuous front plate. The base structure 19 of the body 102 comprises, instead, a plate 5 formed from a plurality of plate portions 105 that are parallel to each other and to the front plate 5 of the body 2 and joined to each tubular element 103 of the body 102.

In particular, two plate portions 105 project from opposite sides of each tubular element 103 (i.e., above and below the tubular element 103); the plate portions 105 joined to the respective tubular elements 103 are vertically spaced apart from each other.

The fins 6 of the body 102 are organised in groups 14 of fins connected to respective tubular elements 103 and to the connected plate portions 105. In each group 14, the fins 6 are arranged on respective faces opposite the plate portions 105 and on opposite sides of the tubular elements 103.

In this case too, the fins 6 of each group 14 are preferably (but not necessarily) spaced apart by the fins of the other groups, so as to define the free spaces 115 between the groups 14.

Some fins 6 of respective groups 14 are optionally joined to one another by connecting ties 116.

The tubular elements 103, the plate portions 105, and the fins 6 are made of a single piece so as to form the monolithic body 102 made of die-cast aluminium.

In this embodiment, the radiator 1 comprises connection assemblies 20 (Figure 8), formed from head members 21 and connection pipes 22 and connecting not just the respective longitudinal ends 7 of pairs of adjacent tubular elements 3 of the body 2, but also respective longitudinal ends 7 of pairs of adjacent tubular elements 103 of the body 102.

The connection assemblies 20 are positioned so as to connect the tubular elements 3 and the respective chambers 4 of the body 2, and the tubular elements 103 and the respective chambers 104 of the second body 102, in series, defining a coil-shaped circuit C for the operating fluid circulating in each of the bodies 2, 102.

The body 102 is fixed to a wall and arranged behind the body 2 and opposite the front plate 5 of the body 2 and is connected to the body 2 via joint groups 40 positioned at respective corners of the radiator 1, which may, thus, also serve to support the radiator 1.

Each joint group 40 (Figure 12) comprises a support member 41 that engages respective seats 34, 134 formed in respective tubular elements 3, 103 of the two bodies 2, 102 and aligned with each other perpendicularly to the tubular elements 3, 103 and to relative axes A, so as to mechanically support the two bodies 2, 102.

The support member 41 has, for example, a shaft 42 that engages the seats 34, 134 and a head 43 radially projecting from the shaft 42 to abut against an edge of a collar 133; a spacer 44 is fitted around the shaft 42 between the collar 33 and the other collar 133 facing it; sealing members 45 (for example O-ring seals) are positioned on respective edges of the collars 33, 133 (preferably housed in respective annular grooves) in order to cooperate to create a seal with the spacer 44 and the head 43.

Two joint groups 40, preferably arranged on the same side of the radiator 1, comprise support members 41a that are hollow inside for hydraulically connecting the bodies 2, 102; while the other two joint groups 40 have solid support members 41 that do not permit the passage of operating liquid, so that the second body 102 is connected hydraulically in parallel to the first body 2.

Each of the hollow support members 41a is equipped with a longitudinal conduit 46, formed along the shaft 42 and open to a free end of the shaft 42, opposite the head 43; and a pair of side holes 47, formed through a side wall of the shaft 42 and perpendicular to the conduit 46.

The ends 7 of the tubular elements 103 where the hollow support members 41a are positioned are closed by plugs 49 that are fixed to respective flanges 8.

In this embodiment, the method for manufacturing the radiator 1 comprises the steps of creating, through respective individual die-casting steps, the bodies 2, 102; for connecting the bodies 2, 102 using the joint groups 40; and for assembling, on the bodies 2, 102, the various other components of the radiator 1, in particular the connection assemblies 20 and the plugs 49 and, optionally, the cover elements 27, 28 (which, in this case, will be sized suitably to cover both the bodies 2, 102).

It is understood that the body 102 can be used alone in the radiator 1, i.e., the radiator 1 may also comprise the body 102 alone, as it may the first body 2 alone (as described above); and that the radiator 1 may comprise a plurality of bodies 2 and/or 102 connected together.

In additional embodiments, as illustrated, for example, in Figures 13-14 and 15-16, the radiator 1 comprises a monolithic body 202 made of die-cast aluminium again formed from a plurality of tubular elements 203 provided with respective inner chambers 204, in which the operating liquid circulates in use; and from a base structure 19 joining the tubular elements 203 to form the monolithic body 202.

The body 202 embeds one or more inserts 210 defining at least part of the chambers 204 in which the operating liquid circulates in use.

In these embodiments, the tubular elements 203 are made of two overlapping layers made of different materials: one inner layer defined by the insert 210, and one outer layer consisting of the material of the body 202 (aluminium or an alloy thereof) that covers, at least in part, the insert 210.

The body 202 is, therefore, also in this case a monolithic body, consisting of a single monolithic piece made by die-casting aluminium (or an alloy thereof); in this case, the body 202 includes, therein, one or more inserts 210 that are embedded in the body 202 via comoulding and are covered, at least in part or entirely, by the material of the body 202 and are made of a different material (for example, but not necessarily, steel).

The inserts 210 are positioned in the die-casting mould and thus covered, entirely or in part, by the material of the body 202, so that the body 202 is made, again via a single die-casting operation in aluminium, by embedding the inserts 210.

In the example of Figures 13-14 as well, the base structure 19 comprises a plate 5 that is, in particular, a front plate from one inner face 11 of which the tubular elements 203 and a plurality of fins 6 project. It is understood that the base structure 19 may be shaped differently and include, for example, a plate 5 formed from a plurality of plate portions connected by ties, as described with reference to the body 102 (Figure 10).

The body 202 may include just one continuous insert 210, of various shapes and sizes; or several inserts 210, even different to each other, of various shapes and sizes and variously organised and connected together.

For example, in the embodiment in Figure 13, the body

202 comprises a continuous insert 210 that is substantially coil-shaped and defining the circuit C for the operating liquid circulating in the radiator 1.

The coil-shaped insert 210 defines, in its entirety, the circuit C for the operating liquid inside the body 202 and hydraulic connections between the various chambers 204 are not required: the chambers 204 of each tubular element

203 are connected by connection conduits 220, defined by respective curved sections of the insert 210.

In the embodiment in Figures 15-16, the body 202 comprises a continuous insert 210 formed from a plurality of pipes 230, 231 connected to each other to define the whole circuit C of the operating liquid circulating in the body 202.

In particular, the insert 210 is ladder-shaped, being formed from a plurality of transverse pipes 230 parallel to each other and extending along respective parallel axes A, connected by a pair of longitudinal pipes 231, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the pipes 230 and extending along respective axes B perpendicular to the axes A; the pipes 231 define respective connection conduits 220 connecting the pipes 230.

It is understood that the insert 210 may comprise a plurality of pipes organised in other ways in relation to what is described here and illustrated merely by way of example; and that the connection conduits 220 may be defined either by transverse pipes 230 or longitudinal pipes 231, as well as by other elements, including curved ones.

In the example in Figures 15-16 as well, the base structure 19 comprises a plate 5 that is, in particular, a front plate from one inner face 11 of which the tubular elements 203 and a plurality of fins 6 project. It is understood that the base structure 19 may be shaped differently and include, for example, a plate 5 formed from a plurality of plate portions connected by ties, as described with reference to the body 102 (Figure 10).

In the embodiment in Figures 17-18, the body 202 comprises a plurality of separate inserts 210 that are not directly in hydraulic communication but are connected to each other by respective connection assemblies 20 (not illustrated in Figures 17-18, but totally similar, for example, to those described above). For example, the inserts 210 are in the shape of respective straight pipes, but could have other shapes.

In the example in Figures 17-18 as well, the base structure 19 comprises a front plate 5 from one inner face 11 of which the tubular elements 203 and a plurality of fins 6 project. In this case too, the base structure 19 may be shaped differently and include, for example, a plate 5 formed from a plurality of plate portions connected by ties.

Clearly, the body 202 may be used either alone in the radiator 1 or together with other bodies as described above; all the various embodiments described and illustrated may be combined together.

In the additional embodiment shown in Figures 19-23 too, the radiator 1 comprises a monolithic body 302 made of die-cast aluminium formed from a plurality of tubular elements 303 provided with respective inner chambers 304, in which the operating liquid circulates in use; and from a base structure 19 joining the tubular elements 303 to form the monolithic body 302.

The tubular elements 303 define a plurality of pipes 230, 231 connected together to define the circuit C of the operating liquid circulating in the body 302.

In particular, the body 302 comprises a plurality of transverse pipes 330 parallel to each other and extending along respective parallel axes A, connected by a pair of longitudinal pipes 331, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first pipes 330 and extending along respective axes B perpendicular to the axes A; the second pipes 331 define respective connection conduits 320 connecting the first pipes 330.

It is understood that the connection conduits 320 may be defined either by transverse pipes 330 or by longitudinal pipes 331.

In this case too (but not necessarily), the body 302 comprises a plate 5 and a plurality of fins 6.

To enable the production of the body 302 in a single die-casting operation, without using inserts as described with reference to the embodiment in Figures 15-16, in the die-casting mould, two groups of so-called "swords" (mobile mould elements) are used that basically move perpendicular to each other and cross without, however, interfering with each other.

For this reason (Figures 21-23), the pipes 331 are offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the pipes 330 and to the plate 5: in particular, one of the pipes 331 extends directly from the face 11 of the plate 5, being in contact with the face 11, while the other pipe 331 is spaced apart from the face 11 of the plate 5. The pipes 330 are preferably (but not necessarily) all in contact with the face 11 of the plate 5.

Each pipe 330 communicates with the two pipes 331 through respective passages 332a, 332b that are perpendicular to each other: one first passage 332a is formed at the intersection of the pipe 330 with a first pipe 331 and is perpendicular to the axis A of the pipe 330; a second passage 332b is shaped in a side wall of the pipe 330 and communicates laterally with a second pipe 331.

In this way, it is possible to use two sets of perpendicular swords that cross during die-casting. The pipes 330, 331 are, advantageously, longitudinally tapered towards their respective axial ends, so as to enable the extraction of the swords.

The radiator of the invention may be used, in addition to as a stand-alone radiator (formed from one or more monolithic bodies), in a climate control apparatus as well (i.e., a heating and cooling apparatus), as shown, for example, in Figure 24.

Figure 24 shows, in particular, a fan-coil apparatus 300 comprising a radiator 1, in particular formed from two monolithic bodies 2, 102 made of die-cast aluminium, substantially as described with reference to the embodiment in Figures 8-12; and one or more fans 301. Clearly, in this case too, the radiator 1 may comprise a single monolithic body, or more than one, of any type described above, like, for example, one or more of the bodies: 2, 102, 202, 302, including variously combined together.

As described above, the radiator 1 comprises connection assemblies 20 connecting the tubular elements 3 and the respective chambers 4 of the body 2, and the tubular elements 103 and the respective chambers 104 of the body 102, in series, defining a coil-shaped circuit C for the operating fluid circulating in each of the bodies 2, 102; and joint groups 40 hydraulically connecting (for example in parallel) the bodies 2, 102.

The apparatus 300 comprises one or more fans 301 (driven, for example, by an electric motor) arranged so as to direct an air flow onto the bodies 2, 102. In the example in Figure 24, the fans 301 are positioned below the bodies 2, 102 and, in particular, below the rear body 102 (positioned, that is, behind the body 2 equipped with the front plate 5). In other embodiments, the fan/s 301 may be positioned in other positions, including in the spaces 5, 115 defined between the fin groups 14.

In all cases, the radiator of the invention may be used with different operating liquids circulating in the radiator. For example, the radiator of the invention may be operated with oil in an electric, oil circulation apparatus, equipped with a device (for example an electrical resistance) for heating the oil circulating in the radiator.

Figures 25 and 26 show an additional example of use for the radiator 1 of the invention in a fan-coil type apparatus 300.

The apparatus 300 comprises a casing 350 (only partially illustrated in Figure 25) that houses at least one heat exchange battery 351, in which an operating fluid circulates; at least one fan 301, driven by an electric motor; and at least one radiator 1, comprising a monolithic body 302 made of die-cast aluminium substantially as described above (in particular, but not necessarily, of the type described with reference to Figures 19-23). Clearly, in this case too, the radiator 1 may comprise a monolithic body, or more than one, of any type described above.

The heat exchange battery 351, like the fan 301 as well, and the general configuration of the apparatus 300 are substantially known; for simplicity, they are not, therefore, described in detail nor are the various other components of the apparatus 300 illustrated (operating fluid circuit serving the battery 351, pumps, valves, electrical connections etc.).

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 25-26, the fan 301 is positioned below the battery 351, which is arranged, tilted, in the casing 350; the radiator 1 is positioned in front of the battery 351 and the fan 301.

The radiator 1 is arranged with the heat exchange fins 6 facing towards the battery 351 and the fan 301; the radiator plate 5 defines a front plate of the apparatus 300, facing, in use, towards the room in which the apparatus 300 is installed. An aesthetic cover plate is not, therefore, needed, unlike with known apparatuses of a similar type.

In the variant shown in Figures 27-29 as well, the apparatus 300, which is, again, a fan-coil, comprises a casing 350 that houses at least one heat exchange battery 351, in which the operating fluid circulates and is arranged, titled, in the casing 350; at least one fan 301 positioned below the battery 351; and at least one radiator 1, comprising a monolithic body 302 made of die-cast aluminium.

In order to reduce the bulk of the apparatus 300 (in particular, its depth), the radiator 1 is positioned in front of the battery 351 and above the fan 301 and is shaped so as to be inserted in the space defined in front of the tilted battery 351.

The body 302 of the radiator 1 has, thus, heat exchange fins 6 that are substantially shaped like a triangle or trapezoid, or, in any case, have a free end edge 352, opposite to one root edge 353 joined to the inner face 11 of the plate 5 or to the tubular elements 303 from which the fins 6 project, tilted in relation to the plate 5.

Finally, it is understood that additional modifications may be made to the radiator and to the related manufacturing method described and illustrated here, and variants produced thereof, which do not depart from the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims.

Claims

1. A liquid circulation radiator (1) for indoor climate control, comprising a body (2; 102; 202; 302) made up of a plurality of tubular elements (3; 103; 203; 303) provided with respective inner chambers (4; 104; 204; 304), in which an operating liquid circulates in use; of a base structure (19) joining the tubular elements (3; 103; 203; 303) to form said monolithic body (2; 102; 202; 302); wherein the tubular elements (3; 103; 203; 303) and the respective chambers (4; 104; 204; 304) extend along respective axes (A) substantially rectilinear and parallel to one another and said chambers (4; 104; 204; 304) are connected by connection assemblies (20) and/or connection conduits (220; 320) to define a circuit (C) for the operating liquid circulating in the radiator (1); characterized in that said body (2; 102; 202; 302) is a monolithic body made of die-cast aluminium and comprises a plurality of heat exchange fins (6) transverse to said tubular elements (3; 103; 203; 303) and to corresponding axes (A) and forming a single piece with the base structure (19) and with the tubular elements (3; 103; 203; 303) to form, with these, said monolithic body (2) made of die-cast aluminium.

2 . The radiator according to claim 1, wherein with respect to the normal use position of the radiator (1) the tubular elements (3; 103; 203; 303) and the chambers (4; 104; 204; 304) are substantially horizontal and/or substantially vertical.

3. The radiator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchange fins (6) are parallel to one another and orthogonal to the tubular elements (3; 103; 203; 303).

4 . The radiator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base structure (19) of the body (2; 102; 202; 302) comprises a heat exchange plate (5), optionally formed by a plurality of plate portions (105) joined to one another, extending from the tubular elements (3; 103; 203; 303) and substantially parallel to the tubular elements (3; 103; 203; 303).

5 . The radiator according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base structure (19) comprises a front plate (5) and the tubular elements (3; 103; 203; 303) and the fins (6) project from at least one face (11) of the front plate (5).

6. The radiator according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plate (5) is made up of a plurality of plate portions (105) parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another and projecting from opposite sides of each tubular element (103); the plate portions (105) associated to respective tubular elements (103) being spaced apart from one another and joined by connecting ties (16).

7 . The radiator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fins (6) are arranged in groups (14) of fins (6) connected to respective tubular elements (3), the fins (6) of each group (14) being spaced from the fins (6) of the other groups (14).

8. The radiator according to claim 7, wherein some fins (6) of respective groups (14) are joined to one another by connecting ties (16).

9. The radiator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection assemblies (20) connect respective longitudinal ends (7) of pairs of adjacent tubular elements (3) and each end (7) of the tubular elements (3) is open and provided with a radially outer flange (8), mechanically joined to a head member (21) defined by a separate piece with respect to said body (2) and made of the same material or a different material with respect to the body (2).

10. The radiator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each connection assembly (20) comprises a pair of head members (21) and a connection pipe (22); the head members (21) being joined to respective ends (7) of the tubular elements (3) and having a first opening (23) communicating with the respective chamber (4) and a second opening (24) communicating with the connection pipe (22).

11. The radiator according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a top cover element (27) positioned on an upper side of the body (2) and provided with through openings for air passage; and a pair of lateral cover elements (28) positioned on respective lateral sides of the body (2); said cover elements (27, 28) consisting of respective separate pieces with respect to the body (2) and fixed to the body (2).

12. The radiator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (202; 302) comprises a plurality of transverse pipes (230; 330) parallel to one another and extending along respective first substantially parallel axes (A), connected by a pair of longitudinal pipes (231), substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the transverse pipes (230; 330) and extending along respective second axes (B) substantially perpendicular to the first axes (A) and defining respective connection conduits (220; 320) connecting the transverse pipes (230; 330).

13. The radiator according to claim 12, wherein the longitudinal pipes (331) are offset with respect to each other in a direction perpendicular to the transverse pipes (330); and wherein each transverse pipe (330) communicates with the two longitudinal pipes (331) through respective passages (332a, 332b) which are perpendicular to each other.

14. The radiator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (202) comprises one or more inserts (210) embedded by comoulding inside the body (202) and defining at least part of said chambers (204).

15. The radiator according to claim 14, wherein the (inserts 210) are made of a material different from the material of the body (202).

16. The radiator according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the body (202) comprises a plurality of separate inserts (210), which are not directly in hydraulic communication but are connected to one another by respective connection assemblies (20).

17. The radiator according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the body (202) comprises a continuous insert (210), for example coil-shaped or ladder-shaped, defining the circuit (C) for the operating liquid circulating in the radiator (1).

18. The radiator according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two or more monolithic die-cast aluminium bodies (2, 102; 202; 302), each made up of a plurality of tubular elements (3, 103; 203; 303) provided with respective inner chambers (4, 104; 204; 304) in which the operating liquid circulates in use, and of a base structure (19) joining the tubular elements (3, 103; 203; 303) to form the respective monolithic body (2, 102; 202; 302); and wherein said bodies (2, 102; 202; 302) are hydraulically connected in parallel via joint groups (40) joining respective ends (7) of respective tubular elements (3, 103; 203; 303) of the bodies (2, 102; 202; 302).

19. The radiator according to claim 18, wherein two bodies (2, 102; 202; 302) are positioned one behind the other.

20. The radiator according to claim 19, wherein the joint groups (40) that join the two bodies (2, 102; 202; 302) are positioned at respective corners of the radiator (1); and wherein each joint group (40) comprises a support member (41) engaging respective seats (34, 134) formed in respective tubular elements (3, 103; 203; 303) of the two bodies (2, 102; 202; 302) and aligned to each other perpendicular to the tubular elements (3, 103; 203; 303), so as to mechanically support the two bodies (2, 102; 202; 302).

21. The radiator according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one fan and/or one condensing unit, preferably arranged in respective spaces made between groups (14) of fins (6).

22. A method for manufacturing a liquid circulation radiator (1) for indoor climate control according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of making said die- cast aluminium monolithic body (2; 102; 202; 302) by a single die-casting operation and in the form of a monolithic piece.

23. The method according to claim 22, comprising a step of connecting respective longitudinal ends (7) of pairs of adjacent tubular elements (3; 103; 203) via said connection assemblies (20).

24. The method according to claim 23, comprising a step of providing one or more inserts (210) in the die-casting mould in which the body (202) is made, so as to include the inserts (210) in the body (202).

25. The climate control apparatus (300), in particular fan-coil type, comprising a radiator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 21; and one or more fans (301) to direct an air flow on one or more monolithic bodies (2; 102; 202; 302) of the radiator (1).

26. The climate control apparatus (300), in particular fan-coil type, comprising a radiator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 21; at least one heat exchange battery (351), in which an operating fluid circulates and arranged inclined with respect to a vertical axis in use; at least one fan (301) to direct an air flow through the battery (351) and, optionally, also through the radiator (1); wherein the radiator (1) is positioned in front of the battery (351) and the body (302) of the radiator (1) has heat exchange fins (6) facing towards the battery (351) and a front plate (5) defining a front plate of the apparatus (300), facing in use towards the room in which the apparatus (300) is installed.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the radiator (1) is positioned in front of the battery (351) and above the fan (301); and at least some fins (6) have a free end edge (352) inclined with respect to the plate (5).

28. The climate control apparatus (300), optionally provided with a fan (301), in particular an oil radiator, comprising a radiator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 21 in which oil circulates; and an electric device for heating the oil circulating the radiator (1).