GB2516956A

GB2516956A - A Cover

Info

Publication number: GB2516956A
Application number: GB1314216.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Higgs
Original assignee: QUINN RADIATORS Ltd
Current assignee: QUINN RADIATORS Ltd
Priority date: 2013-08-08
Filing date: 2013-08-08
Publication date: 2015-02-11
Also published as: GB201314216D0

Abstract

A cover 10 for a radiator to inhibiting access to the radiator, and to minimise the exterior temperature thereof whilst permitting heat to be emitted there from. The cover comprises at least a front panel 18, and a top panel 16 formed of sheet material. The top panel comprises vent openings 24 for heat to convect there through. A heat sink is provided as a layer overlying at least part of the top surface so as to dissipate the heat produced by a radiator within the cover. The heat sink may be a layer of sheet material which may be integral with the top cover. Vent holes may be provided in the heat sink to match those in the top panel. The heat sink may overlie an inner face of the top panel. The cover and/or heat sink may be formed from a sheet metal stamping.

Description

A cover

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cover, more particularly a cover for a radiator. In addition, the present invention relates to a heat sink plate for such a cover and to a radiator assembly including such a cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE iNVENTION

Radiators, or "emitters" as they are sometimes referred to as used as part of a heating system. They operate by convection and radiation of heat from a medium such as water, that circulates through the a space within a body thereof Typically, the medium is heated to a temperature above a safe level for contact with skin, e.g. around 80°C.

In certain environments such as hospitals, sheltered housing and care homes where ill, young, elderly or disabled people are present, there is an increased risk of accidental prolonged contact with radiators, resulting in bum injuries if such radiators are unshielded.

As a result heath and safety guidelines are in place that set a limit on the surface temperature of the radiator or some fbrm of cover or guard installed over a "bare" radiator. The United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) "Safe' hot water and surface temperature Health Guidance Note" 1998 sets this upper limit at 43°C for both the front and top surface of covers.

Various cover/guard arrangements have been proposed that meet, or purport to meet this limit. These arrangements are typically referred to as "low surface temperature" (LST) radiators.

However, such arrangements tend suffer from a number of disadvantages. In some instances the heat output is compromised, either because a lower capacity emitter has to be used to minimise the temperature, or because insufficient vents are provided to enable maximum convection of heat. Other arrangements require complex manufacturing processes using numerous components, and are therefore prohibitively expensive. Other arrangements are difficult to clean, and therefore unsuited to hospital environments etc. Certain arrangements claim to meet the guidelines but when these claims are investigated it becomes apparent that outdated versions of the guidelines are being referred to, which limit the maximum temperature of the front but not the top to 43°C.

A further consideration for cover/guard arrangements is that vent holes need to be suitably small to "prevent small hands penetrating and contacting the heat emitter" The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a cover for a radiator for use inhibiting access to the radiator and in minimising the exterior temperature thereof; whilst permitting heat to be emitted therefrom, the cover comprising: at least a front panel, and a top panel formed of sheet material, the top panel comprising vent openings for heat to convect therethrough; and an additional heat sink being provided as a layer overlying at least part of the top surface so as to dissipate the heat produced by a radiator within the cover.

Advantageously this provides more even heat distribution so hotspots of elevated temperature minimised.

The heat sink layer may be a layer of sheet material, which is relatively easy and cheap to manufacture.

The front panel and the top panel may integrally formed from the same piece of material, again providing for low cost and easy manufacture.

The heat sink layer may be a separate piece of material from the cover, but attached to the cover and is optionally relcasably attached to the cover, c.g. by using threaded fasteners for ease of cleaning.

Alternatively the heat sink layer can be permanently attached to the cover, e.g. by welding, brazing or riveting.

In another embodiment, the heat sink layer is integrally formed from the same sheet of material as the top panel, front panel cover and/or a side panel of the cover, for ease of manufacture.

The heat sink layer may be folded so as to overlie the top panel.

A gap of less than 1mm is advantageously provided between the heat sink layer and the top panel as this has been found to have improved heat dissipation characteristics.

The heat sink layer may have vent holes arranged to substantially match the vent holes of the top panel so as not to impede convection airflow and heat output thereof The heat sink layer may be arranged to overlie substantially all the top panel so it is in effect universal for a range of radiator models with different convection characteristics.

The heat sink layer may be arranged to overlie an inside face of the top panel.

At least one further additional heat sink layer may be provided in some embodiments to improve the heat dissipation characteristics.

The front panel further can further comprise vent openings to aid convection and therefore heat output.

At least a portion of the vent openings in the front panel can be located in a lower half of the front panel, which ifirther aids convection by allowing cool air to be drawn in at bottom of radiator.

The heat sink layer and/or the cover may be formed from a sheet metal stamping, as this is considered cost effective.

The cover may ñrthcr comprising an opening arrangement to permit access to the interior of the cover when installed against a wall, to improve ease of cleaning and maintenance.

The opening arrangement may comprise a pivoting arrangement.

The opening arrangement may include a bracket for mounting in a fixed relationship relative to a wall.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a heat sink arranged to overlie at least part of a top panel of a radiator cover, so as to assist with the dissipation of the heat produced by a radiator within the cover, the heat sink being formed from a layer of material and having vent holes therein, arranged to permit air to convect therethrough. Advantageously this enables an existing cover to have improved heat dissipation characteristics.

Thc heat sink may be a platc.

The heat sink may be formed from a plurality of plates.

The heat sink may be substantially planar.

The heat sink may formed from sheet steel.

The heat sink may further comprise at least one mounting feature for mounting the layer to a cover, e.g. a circular bore for receiving at least one complementary fastener of the cover.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a low surface temperature radiator assembly comprising a radiator and a cover according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The radiator may be a two panel, two convector fin type radiator.

With the radiator operating at maximum design output and having a predetermined spacing from the top panel of the cover, the surface temperature of the cover preferably does not in any location exceed 43°C in order to comply with thc NHS Guidance Note.

A thurth aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a cover fix a radiator of the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) stamping a blank of matcrial fbr forming thc cover, b) bending or forming the blank into the desired shape of cover; and c) bringing a heat sink layer into an oveilying relationship with at least part of a top panel of the cover wherein step c) may precede or succeed step b).

Mvantageously, this represents a low cost way of manuflicturing a cover which provides an improved way of evenly dissipating heat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front isometric view of a radiator cover according to a first embodiment of the present invention secured against a wall; Figure 2 is a horizontal cross sectional view through the cover of Fig. 4 on line 2-2; Figure 3 is a rear isometric view of the cover of Fig. 1 illustrating a radiator in situ within; Figure 4 is a rear elevation of the assembly of Fig. 1; FigureS is a vertical cross-section through the cover of Fig. 4 on the line 5-5; Figure 6 is an isometric view of part of the cover of Fig. 1; Figure 7 is a plan view of a heat sink incorporated into the cover of Fig. 1; FigureS is an isometric view of the heat sink of Fig. 7; Figures 9 and 10 are isometric views of other parts of the cover of Fig. 1; Figures 11 and 12 are rear and front isometric views ofa cover according to a second embodiment respectively; Figure 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the rear cover illustrated in Figure 11; and Figures 14 is an isometric view ofa heat sink plate of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a cover or guard 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown installed against a wall 8 and enclosing a radiator/emitter 6 within it. The cover incorporates a heat sink layer in the form of a plate 12 as shown in Figures 7 and 8 and discussed in more detail below.

The general construction of the cover is known from the present applicant's existing LST range, with the main body 14 of the cover 10 being formed from a 1.5mm gauge sheet steel stamping and pressing, that is formed in the pressing process into a top panel 16, front panel 18 and two side panels 20 and 22. The sheet is preferably powder coated with a suitable anti-bacterial coating.

In this embodiment there are radiused bull-nose corners between the front panel 18 and the two side panels 20 and 22, and a sharper, creased corner between the front and top panels 16. In other embodiments, this arrangement may be altered with different radii or intermediate minor panels. Thc angles between the top, front and side panels (which are 90° in this embodiment) may also be adjusted as required.

The stamping process additionally forms a series of air vent openings in the form of arrays of elongate slots with rounded ends in three distinct regions: a top panel region 24, an upper front panel region, 26 and a lower front panel region 28. The top panel region 24 occupies the majority of the top panel 16 and includes a regular array of slots that result in the region being rectangular in shape. The upper front panel region 26 is a trapezoid in shape, adjoins the top panel region 24, is of the same width as the top panel at the top corner of the front panel, but narrows as it extends downwardly, before terminating approximately 1/6 of the way down the panel. The lower front panel region 28 extends from the bottom of the front panel 18 as essentially a mirror image of the upper front panel region. In other embodiments it will be appreciated that alternative patterns of vents may be used and the shapes of the vents may also be altered. However, to obtain the maximum heat output from convection, it is important to have a significant vent area on the top panel 16, as well as towards the bottom of the front panel 18.

The side panels 20 and 22 are also provided with recessed portions 30 and 32 whose function is discussed in more detail below, and apertures 34 and 36 for receiving a lock mechanisms (not shown).

With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the main body 14 additionafly has a pair of mounting lugs 38 and 40 mounted near the lower corners, as discussed in more detail below.

The cover 10 additionally comprises a mounting bracket arrangement 42 illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. This arrangement comprises two uprights 44 and 46, with 46 being shown in Figure 9 and described in detail. The other upright 44 is visible in Figure 3 and is a mirror image of upright 46. The uprights are formed from sheet steel pressed into an angle section, and formed into an L-shape, having a base 48 for securing to the floor and a vertical portion 50 for securing to a wall. A tongue 52 extents forward from the vertical portion 50 and has an aperture 53 for receiving a radiator control 54, as can be seem in Figures 1 and 3. The tongue 52 essentially fills the gap revealed by the recessed portions 30 and 32 The bracket arrangement 42 additionally includes a bottom brace 56 shown in Figure 10, which is arranged to connect the uprights 44 and 46 and also act as a support for the mounting lugs 38 and 40, and a top brace 58 visible in Figures 3 and 4. Once the uprights and braces are assembled and secured to a floor and wall, the mounting bracket arrangement 42 acts as a support and guide for the main body 14.

For cleaning and maintenance of the cover 10 and the radiator 6, it is desirable that access can easily be gained to the interior of the cover, the main body 14 is normally locked securely to the mounting bracket arrangement 42 to inhibit tampering.

However, once unlocked, access can easily be gained to the interior by pivoting the main body 14 fbrward on mounting lugs 38 and 40.

It will be appreciated that a cover in this form (without the heat sink plate 12) will have a significantly lower surface temperature than the radiator 6 housed within, when the radiator is operating at flu! rated output. However, the present applicant have found that with their highest output "type 22" radiators with two panels and two sets of conveetor fins, there are hotspots that are in excess of the NHS guidance temperature of 43°C when operating at full capacity.

Specifically, testing with radiators of this type has revealed hotspots over the 43°C limit in two locations inset approximately 1⁄4 of the distance from one end of the cover to the other. This is believed to be as a result of the particular convection currents that are generated by this type of radiator transferring heat to the cover in these locations. It will be appreciated however that other radiators are likely to have uneven convection currents that may result in hotspots in the cover in other locations on the top panel thereof.

The present applicant has recognised that in order to meet the NHS guidance over the entire surface of the cover, which is a requirement of the current guidance, certain changes need to be made to the cover. Unlike in prior art devices, it is nevertheless desirable to minimise the cost of the cover, whilst not compromising the heat output.

To this end, the applicant has invested a significant amount of time and resources in developing a simple, low cost, dependable and easy to clean solution.

Referring to Figures 2, 7 and 8, one or more additional heat sink layers in the form of one or more heat sink plates 12 are secured in a face-contacting/overlying relationship on the underside of the top panel 16 in order to provide this solution.

In this embodiment, a single heat sink plate is used and is formed as a stamping from the same 1.5mm gauge steel plate as the cover body 14 and is powder coated in the same way. The plate has a similar front to rear depth as the top panel, and is slightly less wide. The plate is substantially planar, although this may not be the case in other embodiments if it is to match a non-planar top panel.

The heat sink plate 12 is provided with a vent region 60 with an array of openings in the form of elongate slots. The vent region 60 substantially matches the top panel vent region 24 and covers a substantial majority of its surface area.

In order to secure the plate 12 to the cover, a number of threaded studs 62 (Figs. 2 and 5) are mounted on the underside of the top panel, and complementary bores 64 are provided on the plate 12 so the plate can be removably held with suitable nuts (not shown).

A close, preferably contacting, relationship between the plate or plates 12 and the top panel 16 has been found to provide the best results, as such a relationship is believed to best dissipate the heat away from any hotspots and therefore result in a more even heat distribution over the top surface of the top panel at tess than 43°C.

Installation of the cover is as follows: The bracket arrangement 42 is first secured around the radiator 6. The radiator controls are arranged to extend through the aperture 53. The main body 14, with the heat sink plate 12 already attached, is then sited on the bracket arrangement 42 via mounting brackets 38 and 40 and pivoted back to the wall into the position of Figure 1, before being secured with the locks provided in the apertures 34 and 36.

To clean the radiator 6, and interior of the cover 10, the locks are released and the main body 14 pivoted forward or removed entirely. If necessary, the heat sink plate 12 can be detached from the top panel 14 for cleaning and reattached.

A cover of a second embodiment is shown in Figures 11 to 14. Like parts are illustrated by the same numerals, but labcflcd 100 greater. Only difference from the cover of the first embodiment arc discussed in depth.

In this embodiment the main body 114 is manufactured from thicker 2mm gauge sheet to give greater rigidity, and has a different, entirely rectangular upper and lower front panel air vent regions 126 and 128. Additionally, no aperture is provided in the tongue 152, as it is envisaged that a remote temperature control/thermostat may be used.

A stay arrangement is provided to restrict forward tilting of the main body 114, and comprises a pivotably mounted arm 180 on the main body 114 having a roller 181 on its free end, and a corresponding stop surface 182 formed by bending a tab from the tongue 152. this enables the main body 114 to be automatically held in a partially tilted position when pivoted fbrward, but easily removed or tilted fully forward if the roller 181 is lifted clear of the stop surface 182.

With reference to Figure 14 it can also be seen that the heat sink plate 112 has a slightly different format to that of the first embodiment, and is also 2mm thick as per the main body 114. Again one or more (typically up to four) plates 112 maybe used.

The number of plates 12, 112 required has been determined by empirical methods as no direct correlation between radiator heat output and number of plates has been observed.

Typically, there is a vertical spacing of 250mm between the top of the emitter, and the top panel of the cover. However, for 600mm high covers, this vertical spacing is IS reduced to 150mm.

The table below summariscs the test results at the independent BSRIA test laboratories in Bracknell. UK of covers of the type described in the second embodiment, used to house a number of different emitters of the sizes and formats described in the table with inlet water at a temperature of 80°C.

Emitter Emitter Emitter No. of Pass/fail type height width plates _____ (mm) (mm) _____ _____ 21 300 600 1 Pass 21 300 700 1 Pass 22 300 700 2 Fail 22 300 600 2 Fail 22 300 600 3 Pass 11 300 700 2 Pass 11 300 600 2 Pass 11 400 800 2 Pass 21 400 800 2 Fail 11 500 900 2 Pass 21 500 900 2 Pass 21 500 900 3 Pass 21 500 900 4 Fail It should be noted that in the radiator/emitter type column, the fir st numeral represent the number of emitter panels and the second represents the number of convector fins.

For example a 21 type has two panels and one set of convector fins.

It will be appreciated that the present invention represents an elegant, low cost way of achieving the guideline temperatures, whilst maintaining the heat output and easy cleaning characteristics.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the heat sink layer may be an integral panel folded e.g. through 1800 out of a co-planar relationship with the top panel, so as to overlie the top panel. The heat sink layer may only be provided at locations where hotspots occur, and accordingly the layer may be formed from two or more separate plates or panels. The heat sink layer may be used with covers constructed in different ways -e.g. fabricated from multiple separate panels instead of stamped and folded/pressed largely from a single sheet. If the cover is wholly wall mounted, there may be convection vents on an underside rather than, or in addition to, the lower portion of the front face. The pattems of vents may be altered from those shown, as may the overall dimensions of the cover. The heat sink layer may be mounted above rather than below the top panel, and may be releasably or non-releasably secured thereto by other means, such as spot welds, brazing, clips or rivets. The cover and/or heat sink layer may be made from different material, such as aluminium or plastics.

Claims

Claims 1. A cover fbr a radiator for use inhibiting access to the radiator and in minimising the exterior temperature thereof, whilst permitting heat to be emitted therefrom, the cover comprising: a. at east a front panel, and a top panel formed of sheet material, the top panel comprising vent openings for heat to convect thcrethrough; and b. an additional heat sink being provided as a layer overlying at least part of the top surface so as to dissipate the heat produced by a radiator within the cover..
2. A cover according to claim 1 wherein the heat sink layer is a layer of sheet material..
3. A cover according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the front panel and the top panel are integrally formed from the same piece of material.
4. A cover according to any preceding claim wherein the heat sink layer is a separate piece of material from the cover, but attached to the cover.
5. A cover according to claim 4 wherein the heat sink layer is releasably attached to the cover, e.g. by using threaded fasteners.
6. A cover according to claim 5 wherein the heat sink layer is permanently attached to the cover, e.g. by welding, brazing or riveting.
7. A cover according to any one of claims I to 3, wherein the heat sink layer is integrally formed from the same sheet of material as the top panel, front panel cover and!or a side panel of the cover.
8. A cover according to claim 7 wherein the heat sink layer is folded so as to overlie the top panel.
9. A cover according to any preceding claim wherein a gap of less than 1mm is provided between the heat sink layer and the top panel.
10. A covcr according to any prcceding claim whcrcin thc heat sink laycr has vcnt holes arranged to substantially match the vent holes of the top panel.
11. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat sink layer is arranged to overlie substantially all the top panel.
12. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat sink layer is arranged to overlie an inside face of the top panel.
13. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one further additional heat sink layer is provided.
14. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the front panel further comprises vent openings.
15. A cover according to claim 14 wherein at least a portion of the vent openings in the front panel are located in a lower half of the front panel.
16. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat sink layer is formed from a sheet metal stamping.
17. A cover according to any preceding claim, formed substantially from a sheet metal stamping.
18. A cover according to any preceding claim, further comprising an opening arrangement to permit access to the interior of the cover when installed against a wall.
19. A cover according to claim 18 wherein the opening arrangement comprises a pivoting arrangement.
20. A cover according to claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the opening arrangement includes a bracket for mounting in a fixed relationship relative to a wall.
21. A heat sink arranged to overlie at least part of a top panel of a radiator cover, so as to assist with the dissipation of the heat produced by a radiator within the cover, the hcat sink being formcd from a layer of material and having vent holes therein, arranged to permit air to convect therethrough.
22. A heat sink according to claim 21 wherein the heat sink is a plate.
23. A heat sink according to claim 22 wherein the heat sink is formed from a plurality of plates.
24. A heat sink according to any one of claims 21 to 23 wherein the heat sink is substantially planar.
25. A heat sink according to any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein the heat sink is formed from sheet steel.
26. A heat sink according to any one of claims 21 to 25 further comprising at least one mounting feature for mounting the layer to a cover.
27. A heat sink according to claim 26 wherein the at least one mounting feature is a circular bore for receiving at least one complementary fastener of the cover.
28. A low surface temperature radiator assembly comprising a radiator and a cover according to anyone of claims I to 20.
29. A low surface temperature radiator assembly according to claim 28 wherein the radiator is a two panel, two convector fIn type radiator.
30. A low surface temperature radiator assembly according to claim 28 or claim 29, wherein with the radiator operating at maximum design output and having a predetermined spacing from the top panel of the cover, the surface temperature of the cover does not in any location exceed 43°C.
31. A method of manufacturing a cover for a radiator according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: a. stamping a blank of material for forming the cover, b. bending or forming the blank into the desired shape of cover; and c. bringing a heat sink layer into an overlying relationship with at least part of a top panel of the covcr; whcrcin stcp c) may precedc or succeed step b).
32. A cover, layer, radiator assembly or method substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to the drawings.