FR3088817A1 - TOWEL HOLDER RADIATOR - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a radiator comprising: - at least one towel bar in the form of a hollow tube having an internal wall and comprising an opening at each of its ends, - an electrically insulated electric heating cord (4) inserted in the length of the bar (2), - a profile (5) inserted in the length of the bar (2), which profile is shaped to hold the heating cord (4) in said bar, - the profile (5) is a heat sink having two ends opposite (51a, 51b) which are respectively located at the level of the openings of the bar (2) - at least one latching lug (52a, 52b) is provided at each end of the profile (5), said latching lugs being adapted to hang on a border of the bar openings. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 9

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Towel radiator

Technical field [0001] The invention relates to a radiator comprising at least one towel bar in which is housed an electric heating cord. It also relates to a method of mounting the electric heating cord in the towel bar.

It relates to the general technical field of electric heating elements intended to be integrated into the towel bars of a radiator.

STATE OF THE ART Some radiators include one or more towel bars in which electrical heating cords are housed. Thus, a towel or a damp garment placed on the bar can be heated and dried quickly.

The implementation of heating elements inside a towel bar of reduced section requires the use of a heating cord of reduced section having electrical insulation generally required for this type of device. The flexible electric heating cables with double silicone sheath meet these criteria. Many models are available but have the disadvantage of not being able to withstand a temperature rise of more than about 200 ° C. It is therefore necessary to evacuate their thermal energy to avoid an excessive rise in their temperature likely to deteriorate their physical integrity.

The patent document ER 2,985,654 (TEXAS DE ERANCE) proposes to house the heating cord inside a heat sink made of a heat conductive material. The heat sink is made up of two parts assembled together. A washer and screw system keeps the cord and its heat sink in the radiator upright. Assembling the two parts of the heat sink can be relatively time consuming in an industrial manufacturing process. In addition, the various parts used to form the heat sink and its fixing system are likely to significantly increase the manufacturing price of the radiator.

Patent document EP 1,381,255 (MULLER) proposes using a profile inserted in the length of the bar. This profile is shaped to keep the heating cord pressed against the internal wall of the bar. The positioning and holding in position of the profile of Figure 8 of this document seem difficult, especially because of its size and its shape. Furthermore, the evacuation of thermal energy from the heating cord does not appear to be optimal, particularly in the areas of the cord in contact with the profile.

An objective of the invention is to remedy these various problems. Another objective of the invention is to allow a very simple and rapid installation of a heating cord in a towel bar while optimizing the evacuation of its thermal energy. Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a radiator whose design is simpler and faster assembly than the radiators known from the aforementioned prior art. An additional objective of the invention is to provide a radiator whose manufacturing costs are reduced compared to those of the aforementioned prior art.

Presentation of the invention The solution proposed by the invention is a radiator comprising:

- at least one hollow towel bar having an internal wall and having an opening at each of its ends, - an electrically insulated heating cord electrically inserted in the length of the bar, - an inserted profile along the length of the bar, which profile is shaped to keep the heating cord pressed against the internal wall of the bar.

This radiator is remarkable in that:

- The profile is a heat sink having two opposite ends which are respectively located at one of the openings of the bar, - at least one hooking lug is provided at each of the ends of the profile, said lugs hooking being adapted to hang on a border of the bar openings.

The profile has a triple function:

- It forms a single blocking piece of the heating cord, to reduce the cost of manufacturing and assembly. The electrical cord is easily associated with this profile, the assembly being able to be easily slid and held in one of the bars of the radiator.

- It forms a means of plating the heating cord against the internal wall of the bar in order to transmit to it by conduction the maximum of thermal energy.

- It forms a means of dissipating thermal energy in the bar.

Other advantageous features of the invention are listed below. Each of these characteristics can be considered alone or in combination with the remarkable characteristics defined above, and be the subject, if necessary, of one or more divisional patent applications:

Advantageously, at least one hooking tab is adapted to clip against an edge of one of the openings of the bar.

Advantageously, at least one hooking tab is suitable for hooking against an edge of one of the openings of the bar.

Advantageously, a first end of the profile comprises a first pair of latching lugs and the second end of said profile comprises a second pair of latching lugs.

- Advantageously: - the latching tabs of the first pair are adapted to clip against an edge of a first opening of the bar; - The latching tabs of the second pair are adapted to hook against an edge of the second opening of the bar.

Advantageously, the profile has an arrangement whose cross section is complementary to the cross section of the heating cord.

Advantageously, part of the external surface of the heating cord is in close contact with the internal wall of the arrangement.

Advantageously: - the heating cord has an extra thickness at each of its ends; - the dimensions of the arrangement are larger at its ends so as to adjust to the extra thickness of the cord.

Advantageously, the profile comprises at least one heat dissipation fin extending inside the bar.

- The fin can be kept away from the internal wall of the bar, or be shaped to be in surface contact with said internal wall.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for mounting a heating electric cord in a bar of a radiator, said method comprising the following successive steps:

A) housing the heating cord in the profile, b) inserting the electrical cord and the profile into the bar, the insertion being carried out by the second opening of said bar, by first inserting the first end of the profile, c) when the second end of the profile reaches the second opening of the bar, then hook the latching tabs of the second pair against an edge of said second opening, d) clip the latching tabs of the first pair against a border of the first opening of the bar.

Presentation of the drawings Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better on reading the description of a preferred embodiment which will follow, with reference to the accompanying drawings, produced by way of indicative examples and not restrictive and on which:

[Fig.l] is an overall perspective view of a radiator according to the invention, [fig-2] is a perspective view of a heating electric cord used in the invention , [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a profile according to the invention, [fig.4] is a top view of the profile of Figure 3, [0039] [fig.5 ] is a cross-sectional view of a profile according to the invention, in a first embodiment, [fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of a bar in which is installed a “cord- profile ", the profile being according to the first embodiment, [fig-7] is a cross-sectional view of a profile according to the invention, in a second embodiment, [0042] [fig.8 ] is a cross-sectional view of a bar in which a “bead-profile” assembly is installed, the profile being according to the second embodiment, [0043] [fig.9] is a perspective view of an assembly "Profiled bead", [fig. .10] is a perspective view showing hooking lugs clipped against a border of an opening of a bar, [fig.l 1] is a perspective view showing hooking lugs hooked against a border of a bar opening.

Detailed description of the invention In FIG. 1, the radiator 1 comprises at least one towel bar 2 on which there are articles to be dried, which bar is fixed on at least one upright 3. The radiator 1 can comprises a multitude of bars 2 fixed horizontally on at least one, preferably two, vertical uprights 3. The bars 2 are spaced from each other hang so as to be able to hang therein in particular towels or clothes. The radiator 1 can thus have a dual function of heating the ambient air and drying. Each bar 2 is advantageously assembled on the frame of two vertical uprights 3. The radiator 1 has for example a height which can vary from 20 cm to 300 cm and a width between 20 cm and 150 cm.

In a preferred embodiment, each bar 2 is in the form of a hollow tube having an opening at each of its ends 2a, 2b. The tube can have a circular, square, rectangular, oval, polygonal, etc. section. Its diameter (or its dimensions in width / height) can vary from 1 cm to 5 cm, and its length can be between 20 cm and 150 cm. The ends 2a, 2b of the bar 2 can be completely open, or partially open to ensure only the passage of the ends of the profile 5 as explained further in the description.

The bar 2 is advantageously made of a heat conductive material, typically steel, cast iron or aluminum. The bar 2 can be made of a non-metallic material of the polymer or composite type.

The bar 2 contains an electrically insulated heating cord. This cord 4 is of the type known to those skilled in the art. In FIG. 2, the heating cord 4 is formed by an electrical resistance 40 surrounded by a flexible sheath 41 based on silicone. The cord 4 is inserted in the length of the bar 2, so that its length corresponds substantially to that of said bar. By "substantially" is meant that the length of the cord 4 is equal to or slightly less, or slightly greater, for example a few millimeters or a few centimeters, than that of the bar 2. The external diameter of the cord 4 is less than the diameter (or dimensions) internal of the bar 2. At least one end 4a, 4b of the cord 4 ends in an electrically insulated electric cable 42 which allows its connection to the thermostat (not shown) fixed to the radiator 1.

The electrical cord 4 does not necessarily have the same diameter over its entire length. It may indeed include an additional thickness 41a, 41b at each of the ends 4a, 4b. This additional thickness 41a, 41b is in the form of an additional insulating sheath which provides double insulation at the connection between the electrical resistance 40 and the electric cable 42. This additional sheath may be an integral part of the sheath 41 or be present in the form of a separate added sheath. For example, it has a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 5 mm and a length varying from 0.5 cm to 3 cm.

The cord 4 is held in the bar 2 by means of a profile 5 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. This profile 5 is adapted to be inserted in the length of the bar 2. It forms a heat sink serving to evacuate the thermal energy of the cord 4. The profile 5 therefore has a double function: to maintain the cord 4 in the bar 2 and to dissipate the thermal energy of said cord.

The profile 5 is made of a heat conductive material. The best results are obtained by using a rigid material of the steel, cast iron, aluminum or copper type. It can be obtained by machining, molding or preferably, by stamping, stamping or bending of a sheet. The profile 5 has the shape of an elongated piece whose length corresponds substantially to that of the cord 4 and / or of the bar 2, which length is for example between 20 cm and 150 cm. By "substantially" is meant that the length of the profile is equal to or slightly less, or slightly greater, for example by a few millimeters or a few centimeters, than that of the bead 4 and / or of the bar 2. Its thickness may be between 0 , 3 mm and 5 mm. The profile 5 has two ends 51a, 51b which are opposite.

The profile 5 is adapted to receive the cord 4 over its entire length. To simplify the design, the profile 5 preferably has the shape of a longitudinal rod having an arrangement 50 in the form of a groove or groove in which the cord 4 is housed. In FIGS. 5 to 8, the arrangement 50 has a section transverse complementary to that of the cord 4, here a convex portion, rounded or in an arc, the profile 5 having a general shape of half-tube.

Referring to Figures 6, 8 and 9, when the cord 4 is installed in the profile

5, the latter covers said cord over its entire length, or at least the portion of said cord included between the extra thicknesses 41a, 41b. Part of the external surface of the bead 4 is in surface contact with the internal wall of the arrangement 50. The heat exchange between the bead 4 and the profile 5 is carried out at this contact zone. The other part of the external surface of the cord 4 is totally, or partially, in contact (surface or linear) with the internal wall 200 of the bar 2. The dissipation of the thermal energy of the cord 4 is therefore carried out mainly by conduction, at the level of the contact zone with the profile 5 and at the level of the zone of contact with the internal wall 200 of the bar 2. These contact zones cover a major surface of the heating cord 4 so that the heat dissipation is excellent.

In Figures 3 and 4, the dimensions of the arrangement 50 are larger at its ends 501a, 501b so as to be able to adjust to the extra thicknesses 41a, 41b of the cord 4. The section 5 then has a variable diameter along its length. It effectively encloses the entire length of the cord 4, both at the flexible sheath 41 and the extra thicknesses 41a, 41b present at the ends 4a, 4b. The assembly of the cord 4 and the profile 5 is illustrated in FIG. 9.

The contact between the external surface of the bead 4 and the internal wall of the arrangement 50 can be a tight contact so that the bead 4 is held in position in the arrangement 50. To do this, the internal diameter ( or the internal dimensions) of the arrangement 50 may be slightly less than the external diameter (or the external dimensions) of the sheath 41 so as to enclose the latter. This configuration facilitates the handling of the "bead-profile" assembly for its insertion into the bar 2.

Referring to Figures 5 and 7, the profile 5 comprises two fins 500 of heat dissipation attached respectively to one of the longitudinal edges of the arrangement 50 so that they are arranged symmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of said streamlined. The fins 500 are advantageously made of the same material as the rest of the profile 5. They can be attached to the body of the profile 5 and held, for example, by welding or by mechanical assembly. This solution has the advantage of being able to use fins 500 made of a material other than the rest of the profile 5. The least expensive and simplest solution however consists in conforming the fins 500 at the same time as the profile 5 so as to that the arrangement 50 and said fins form a single piece. For example, the fins 500 have a width of between 0.2 cm to 3 cm and a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 5 mm.

The fins 500 advantageously extend continuously over the entire length of the profile 5. They can however extend discontinuously and / or over only part of the length of the profile 5. The fins 500 make it possible to dissipate the thermal energy stored by the profile 5. When the profile 5 is inserted into the bar 2, the fins 500 extend inside said bar.

In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, the fins 500 are shaped so as not to be in contact with the internal wall 200 of the bar 2. In other words, they are kept away from the internal wall 200 This configuration can be obtained by stamping or folding the fins 500, so that their free end 5000 is bent upwards, opposite the cord 4. The profile 5 then has a generally “W” cross section. . The dissipation of thermal energy in the bar 2 is then essentially by convection.

The dissipation by radiation of the profile 5 can become significant if an adequate surface treatment is carried out on said profile and on the internal surface 200 of the bar 2. This surface treatment can be of the anodization or matt paint type which increases the emissivity of the profile 5 and the absorbency of the bar 2. The energy transfer by radiation is then greatly improved compared to a surface of raw aluminum which has a lower emissivity / absorptivity. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 9, the fins 500 are shaped to be in surface contact with the internal wall 200 of the bar 2. This contact can be made over the entire width of the fins 500, or over only part of this width, preferably over at least 50% of the width to optimize the transfer of thermal energy to the bar 2. The profile of the cross section of the fins 500 substantially follows that of the internal wall 200 of the bar 2 so that said he fins are pressed against said surface. In FIGS. 7 and 9, the fins 500 have a concave cross section (curve, arc of a circle, broken lines, etc.). This configuration can be obtained by stamping or folding the fins 500. The section 5 then has a cross section of general shape in omega "Ω". The dissipation of thermal energy in the bar 2 is then done essentially by conduction. Compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, this embodiment allows better transfer of thermal energy to the bar 2 but requires high precision folding of said fins which can be difficult to control in production.

Referring to Figures 10 and 11, when the profile 5 is inserted into the bar 2, its ends 51a, 51b are respectively located at the openings at the ends 2a, 2b of the bar 2. According to the invention , the profile 5 has latching lugs 52a, 52b arranged at each of its ends 51a, 51b. In FIGS. 3, 4 and 9, the first end 51a of the profile 5 comprises a first pair of latching lugs 52a and the second end 51b of said profile comprises a second pair of latching lugs 52b. These attachment tabs 52a, 52b have a dual function: to keep the profile 5 in position in the bar 2 and to press the heating cord 4 against the internal wall 200 of said bar.

The hooking lugs 52a, 52b are adapted to hang on an edge 20a, 20b of the openings provided at the ends 2a, 2b of the bar 2. Two types of hooking lugs are provided to facilitate mounting. The attachment tabs 52a are adapted to clip against the edge 20a of the opening provided at the end 2a of the bar 2 (FIG. 10). And the attachment tabs 52b are adapted to hook against the edge 20b of the opening provided at the other end 2b of the bar 2 (Figure 11).

The attachment tabs 52a, 52b are advantageously made of the same material as the rest of the profile 5. They can be attached to the profile 5 and held, for example, by welding or by mechanical assembly. This solution has the advantage of being able to use latching lugs 52a, 52b made of a material other than the rest of the profile 5. The least expensive and simplest solution however consists in conforming the latching lugs 52a, 52b at the same time as the profile 5 and the fins 500 so that the assembly forms a single piece.

Referring to Figure 10, the hooking lugs 52a of the first pair are arranged symmetrically on either side of the longitudinal axis of the profile 5, at the end 51a. They each have an arm 520a secured to the profile 5 and which extends downwards from the said profile. In FIG. 10, the arms 520a are integral with the fins 500. Each arm 520a is extended by an inclined return 521a which is turned towards the profile 5 and which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said arm. The returns 521a and / or the arms 520a are able to deform elastically, in particular due to their thin thickness and / or due to the use of a semi-rigid material (for example a steel sheet).

In Figure 11, the latching tabs 52b of the second pair are also arranged symmetrically on either side of the longitudinal axis of the profile 5, at the end 51b. They each have an arm 520b secured to the profile 5 and which extends downwards from the said profile. Each arm 520b is extended by a return 521b which is turned towards the profile 5 and which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said arm. The arm 520b and the return 521b form an L-shaped hook oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the profile 5.

The mounting of the heating cord 4 in the bar 2 is carried out in a very simple and very rapid manner as described below.

The heating cord 4 is first housed in the profile 5, and more particularly in its arrangement 50.

The “bead-profile” assembly thus formed is inserted into the bar 2. This insertion can be carried out manually, in the longitudinal axis of the bar 2. The insertion is initiated by first inserting the first end 51a profile 5 through the opening of the bar 2 arranged at the end 2b.

The insertion continues until the second end 51b of the profile 5 reaches this end 2b. The latching tabs 51b are then hooked (or nest) against the edge 20b of the opening of the bar 2 so as to block the insertion of the "bead-profile" assembly (Figure 11).

In this position, the first end 5la of the profile 5 is located at the opening of the bar 2 arranged at the other opposite end 2a (Figure 10). The attachment tabs 51a are then clipped against the edge 20a of the opening. The interlocking and locking of the latching lugs 52a on the edge 20a is done by pressing the end 51a of the profile 5, so as to press the inclined returns 521a against the inner wall of the bar 2, at the edge of the opening of said bar. This support tends to elastically deform the returns 521a and / or the arms 520a thanks to the inclination of said returns. The latter can then pass through the opening and, automatically resuming their initial conformation, come to press against the external wall of the bar 2, at the edge of said opening.

Once the hooking lugs 52a are put in place, the "bead profile" assembly is held at the end 2a by the returns 521a which form hooks with the arms 520a. The “bead-profile” assembly is finally blocked at each of the ends of the bar 2, the hooking lugs 51a, 51b being adapted to prevent any longitudinal movements and all radial movements of said assembly. The "bead-profile" assembly can therefore no longer leave the bar 2 without the intervention of an operator.

The hooking lugs 51a, 51b are configured so that the profile 5 permanently maintains pressure on the heating cord 4 so that it remains pressed against the internal wall 200 of the bar 2. In this way it also prevents any movement of the heating cord 4 in the bar 2. An advantage of this fixing system is that with a single piece - the section 5 - the heating cord 4 is fixed in the bar 2.

The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications can be made to these elements and / or means and / or stages, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular :

- The profile 5 can be in the form of a tube which completely surrounds and encloses the heating cord 4. The profile 5 can thus be in contact with the largest possible area of the heating cord 4, thereby ensuring the best possible thermal conduction.

- The profile 5 may have only one heat dissipation fin 500, or have more than two fins 500, for example three or four fins. Profile 5 can also be devoid of fin.

- The first end 5la of the profile 5 may have only one hooking tab 52a and the second end 51b of said profile may have only one hooking tab 52b.

- Each end 5la, 51b of the profile 5 may have more than two hooking lugs, for example three or four hooking lugs.

- The attachment tabs 52a, 52b can be of a single type, and in particular can be adapted to clip at each of the edges 20a, 20b of the openings of the bar 2

Claims (1)

Claims [Claim 1] Radiator comprising: At least one towel bar (2) in the form of a hollow tube having an internal wall (200) and comprising an opening at each of its ends (2a, 2b), • an electrically insulated electric heating cord (4) inserted along the length of the bar (2), A profile (5) inserted in the length of the bar (2), which profile is shaped to hold the heating cord (4) in said bar, characterized in that: The profile (5) is a heat sink having two opposite ends (51a, 51b) which are respectively located at the level of the openings of the bar (2), • at least one hooking tab (52a, 52b) is provided at each end of the profile (5), said hooking tabs being adapted to hang on an edge (20a, 20b) of the openings of the bar (2 ). [Claim 2] Radiator according to claim 1, in which at least one hooking lug (52a) is adapted to clip against an edge (20a) of one of the openings of the bar (2). [Claim 3] Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one hooking tab (52b) is adapted to hook against an edge (20b) of one of the openings of the bar (2). [Claim 4] Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, in which a first end (51a) of the profile (5) comprises a first pair of hooking lugs (52a) and the second end (51b) of said profile comprises a second pair of lugs 'hanging (52b). [Claim 5] A radiator according to claim 4, in which: The hooking tabs (52a) of the first pair are adapted to clip against an edge (20a) of a first opening of the bar (2), • the hooking tabs (52b) of the second pair are adapted to hook against an edge (20b) of the second opening of the bar (2). [Claim 6] Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, in which the profile (5) has an arrangement (50), the cross section of which is complementary to the cross section of the heating cord (4). [Claim 7] A radiator according to claim 6, wherein part of the outer surface of the heating cord (4) is in close contact with the inner wall of the arrangement (50) [Claim 8] Radiator according to one of claims 6 or 7, in which: The heating cord (4) has an additional thickness (41a, 41b) at each of its ends (4a, 4b), • the dimensions of the arrangement (50) are greater at its ends (501a, 501b) so as to adjust to the extra thicknesses (41a, 41b) of the cord (4). [Claim 9] Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, in which the profile (5) comprises at least one heat dissipation fin (52a, 52b, 52a ’, 52b’) extending inside the bar (2). [Claim 10] Radiator according to claim 9, in which the fin (500) is kept at a distance from the internal wall (200) of the bar (2). [Claim 11] A radiator according to claim 9, in which the fin (500) is shaped to be in surface contact with the internal wall (200) of the bar (2). [Claim 12] Method for mounting a heating electric cord in a bar (2) of a radiator according to claim 5, said method comprising the following successive steps: at. place the heating cord (4) in the profile (5), b. insert the electrical cord and the profile into the bar (2), the insertion being carried out by the second opening of said bar, by first inserting the first end (51a) of the profile (5), vs. when the second end (51b) of the profile reaches the second opening of the bar (2), then hook the hooking lugs (51b) of the second pair against an edge (20b) of said second opening, d. clip the hooking lugs (51a) of the first pair against an edge (20a) of the first opening of the bar (2).