WO1999009790A1

WO1999009790A1 - Electric heating panel

Info

Publication number: WO1999009790A1
Application number: PCT/FR1998/001790
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernard Aulagne
Original assignee: Bernard Aulagne
Priority date: 1997-08-14
Filing date: 1998-08-11
Publication date: 1999-02-25
Also published as: EP1004223A1; FR2767443A1; FR2767443B1; AU9075198A

Abstract

The invention concerns a heating panel comprising at least a heating electric resistor (2) and having one apparent front surface (4) defined by a natural/artificial stone or glass plate (3), in particular a marble plate, and a rear surface (6) defined by a second plate (5) substantially equal in dimension to the first plate (3), the heating electric resistor (2) being sandwiched between these two plates (3, 5). Said heating panel is characterised in that the second plate (5) is made of natural/artificial stone or glass, and has a coefficient of thermal expansion identical to that of the first plate (3) corresponding to the front surface (4), said two plates (3, 5) being laminated by means of a adhesive bead arranged on the peripheral edge (7) on their mutually facing side (8) and defining a sealed peripheral expansion joint.

Description

ELECTRIC HEATING PANEL.

The invention relates to a heating panel incorporating at least one electric heating resistance and the visible front face of which is defined by a plate made of natural or reconstituted stone or else made of glass, in particular by a marble plate.

The present invention will find its application in the field of electric heaters.

Among these electric heaters, there are, mainly, those operating by convection and devices which diffuse the calories they produce by conduction and / or radiation.

The heating panel, object of the present invention, particularly falls into this latter category.

In this regard, it is known, at present, heating devices consisting of drowning in a plate or a panel of refractory material, an electric heating resistance.

However, for problems of expansion and, therefore, of mechanical strength, such plates or panels are necessarily of reduced size. Also, it is customary to juxtapose several of these panels or plates and to connect the various electrical resistances together to finally design a heating device having the required heating power. It is understood, of course, that it is necessary, under these conditions, to keep these various panels or plates assembled, which is usually obtained by means of an appropriate metal covering.

It appears, in the light of the foregoing, that such heating devices prove, ultimately, to be relatively complex in design, not to mention that their final aesthetic appearance, resulting from the metal covering, is somewhat questionable. At the same time, processes for manufacturing radiant panels are also known, consisting of embedding an electrical heating resistance in a moldable refractory material. Note that such a panel, after demolding and, therefore, solidification of the refractory concrete, can be dressed with earthenware in order to improve its aesthetics. In this context, it is also possible to add on the front face of this panel, a plate of natural or reconstituted stone, for example of granite or marble which gives the product an advantageous appearance. However, the juxtaposition of such a plate and a heating panel is problematic insofar as these materials do not evolve similarly under the influence of temperature. Thus, it is not uncommon for the facing plate made of natural or reconstituted stone to break.

In addition, this superposition of a panel of refractory material and a plate of natural and / or reconstituted stone leads to an assembly whose periphery is of an unattractive appearance. Also, it is customary to frame it, in particular by means of metal profiles.

Finally, we see that, again, this type of radiant panel is of complex design, which results in a significant cost price.

Also known, through documents DE-296 01 336 and DE-88 07 634, electric heating panels constituted by two plates, front and rear, of stone or the like between which is an electric heating resistance. The latter takes the form of a heating sheet, each side of which is bonded, across its entire surface, to one of the plates, the connection between the latter then being only achieved by bonding them to said resistor. However, the latter has a coefficient of thermal expansion different from that plates of stony material which, over time, can lead to detachment of the latter.

In addition, it is also known, as described in document FR-2,729,744, to mill in the thickness of a stone plate, for example lava stone or marble, conduits in which one comes to position shielded electric heating resistors. In certain cases it is still possible to pour refractory concrete in these conduits after having ensured the correct positioning of said resistors.

It is obvious that this solution is hardly more economical compared to those presented above. Indeed, the operation of milling in the thickness of the duct plate is not an easy task. Thus, this operation can only be carried out by means of specific tools. In addition, the machining time is very long, not to mention that the loss of material is not negligible. In addition, during such milling operations, the plate, which is ultimately very fragile, is at risk of breaking at any time.

The present invention is intended to respond to the above problems. Thus, it relates to a heating panel which, while having an apparent face defined by a natural or reconstituted stone or glass plate, giving it an advantageous aesthetic appearance, remains simple in design while being reliable over time.

To this end, the present invention relates to a heating panel incorporating at least one electric heating resistance and having an apparent front face defined by a natural or reconstituted stone or glass plate, in particular a marble plate, as well as a rear face. defined by a second plate of dimension substantially equal to the first plate, between these plates being sandwiched the electrical resistance heating, characterized by the fact that the second plate is made of natural or reconstituted stone or even glass, and has a coefficient of expansion at temperature substantially identical to that of the plate corresponding to the front face, these two plates being laminated to the using a bead of glue placed at the peripheral border on their side facing each other and defining a peripheral tight expansion joint.

In this regard and according to a feature of the present invention, this electric heating resistance is in the form of a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible sheet, of small thickness, less than 5 mm, and with dimensions substantially smaller than those of said plates. so as to define, with respect to the latter, a peripheral bonding edge.

The advantages arising from the present invention lie essentially in that it results in a heating panel whose design is particularly simple while being able to adopt an advantageous aesthetic.

Thus, assuming that the two plates, front and rear, are designed in an identical material, which is in any case preferable so that these plates have a similar coefficient of expansion, one can perfectly imagine to treat the edge peripheral of these plates so as to make it aesthetic and thus avoid the use of a covering frame.

Thus, if the plate defining the visible face is polished, the peripheral edge of the two plates can also be treated in the same way.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will emerge during the description which follows, relating to an embodiment which is given only by way of indicative and nonlimiting example. Understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawing, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic view in partial section of a heating panel according to one invention;

- Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a wall support more particularly intended for such a heating panel according to the invention;

- Figure 3 is a schematic and partial view of the sheet defining the electric heating resistance and which can be either rigid, or semi-rigid, or even flexible.

As shown in Figure 1, the present invention relates to an electric heating panel 1, operating according to the principle of radiation. In this context, the heating panel 1 incorporates an electric heating resistor 2 concealed behind a plate 3 made of natural or reconstituted stone or even glass, coming to define the visible front face 4 of this heating panel 1. Thus, this plate 3 may in particular be made of marble. This material, by the variety of colors that it is able to present, allows the design of particularly aesthetic heating panels while being able to be coordinated with the interior decor of each. Instead of marble one can still use granite of which there is, again, a large variety. Finally, as already indicated above, this plate 3 can also be made of reconstituted stone, knowing that one can also imagine it in glass.

Ultimately, the peculiarity of the heating panel 1, object of the present invention, resides in the fact that it comprises a second plate 5 of natural or reconstituted stone or also of glass intended to define its rear face 6. The two plates 3 and 5 are laminated using a bead of glue which is disposed at the peripheral edge 7 of these plates 3, 5, on their side 8 facing each other. This bead of glue thus defines a tight joint for peripheral expansion. In this regard, it should be observed that the second plate 5, intended to define the rear f 6 of the heating panel 1, is chosen from a material comprising a coefficient of expansion at temperature substantially identical to the material making up the plate 3 defining the front face 4. Preferably, the two plates 3 and 5 are chosen from an identical material.

It is advantageous to observe that these two plates 3 and 5 are laminated without pressure so that the bead of adhesive is able to fulfill its function of expansion joint. In particular, the differential dimensional variations of the plates 3 and 5 are in a way intended to be absorbed by this bead of adhesive. This is, of course, chosen in a manner suitable for the material to be bonded. In addition, it is important that this glue retains a certain flexibility after drying. Also, we can use sealants as known by the skilled person. Furthermore, in the case of a design of a heating panel from marble slabs, marble resin can be used very particularly for such an application.

It should be observed that in order to guarantee perfect adhesion of the bead of adhesive on the plates 3, 5, these are preferably unpolished on their side 8 facing each other.

The electric heating resistor 2, visible in FIG. 3, is in the form of a sheet 9 which can be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible and which is, in all cases, chosen to be thin, ie less than 5 mm . Thus, according to a first embodiment, this sheet 9 is of the rigid type and comprises a glass plate whose thickness is preferably 4 mm.

According to another embodiment, said sheet 9 is of the semi-rigid type and comprises a sheet of synthetic material, in particular polyethylene polyester, the thickness of which is preferably between 1 and 2 mm.

Said glass plate or, as the case may be, said synthetic sheet, is supplemented by a resistive film constituted by a metal layer produced, preferably, by atomic projection of metal particles under vacuum.

This electric heating resistor 2 can also be defined by a notched heating plate covered with a printed circuit or even by an insulated metal strip.

In the case of a sheet 9 of flexible type, this can be in the form of a flexible film consisting of a metal tape placed between two mattresses of insulating material, very particularly polyester or a polyester-polyethylene complex .

It will be noted that the sheet 9 defined by the electric heating resistor 2 advantageously has dimensions substantially smaller than those of said plates 3, 5 so as to delimit, with respect to the latter, a peripheral bonding edge whose width is between 5 and 50 mm, preferably between 10 and 20 mm.

According to an additional feature of the present invention, this heating panel 1 can be completed by means for positioning said heating resistor 2 relative to the plates 3; 5. Such positioning means are, moreover, designed capable of maintaining said resistance 2 relative to the plates 3; 5 and this with a slight clearance in order to take account of the differences in behavior with respect to heat, on the one hand, of said plates 3; 5 and, on the other hand, of said heating resistance 2.

In fact, these positioning means are, for example, in the form of positioning pads, in particular made of silicone, and are made integral with at least one of these plates 3; 5. Thus, when the latter have, at their back receiving said electrical resistance 2, a flat surface, said positioning pads are attached directly to the latter by appropriate means.

However and according to a preferred embodiment, said heating panel 1 is completed by means for receiving the electric heating resistor 2 which are, advantageously, in the form of a recess produced at the level of at least one of the plates 3; 5. Such an obviously is designed capable of receiving said heating resistor 2 and has, for this purpose, dimensions substantially greater than the latter, in particular a chosen depth less than 6 mm.

Such receiving means can, then, be supplemented by positioning means, again, in the form of positioning pads, in particular made of silicone, placed inside said recess, preferably around the periphery of the latter. .

The electrical heating resistor 2 is connected to an electrical energy supply, preferably through an appropriate opening made at the rear plate 5. In this regard, it is again important to take all the necessary precautions to ensure this electrical connection of the heating resistor 2 in a sealed manner to guarantee perfect security of the heating panel 1, in accordance with the invention, in particular in the event of of use of the latter in water rooms, such as bathrooms or others. Note, in this regard, that through the tight expansion joint defined by the adhesive bead, the electric heating resistor 2, placed between the two plates 3 and 5, is perfectly isolated from the outside.

Such a heating panel 1 can also be equipped with a thermal regulation probe 10. The latter is preferably embedded using an appropriate sealant, in particular marble resin, in a groove 11 formed at the level of the one of the internal sides 8 of one of the plates 3, 5, preferably, the plate 5 defining the rear face 6 of the heating panel 1. It will further be observed that, in order to guarantee perfect regulation of the heating temperature of the latter, said groove 11, receiving the probe 10, preferably extends along a diagonal on the internal side 8 of such a plate 5.

We now attach more particularly to FIG. 2 illustrating a wall support 12 specially adapted to the heating panel 1, in accordance with the invention. In fact, on this wall support 12 is intended to hang said heating panel 1 by means of inserts 13 formed at the level of the rear plate 5 and projecting with respect to the rear face 6 of said heating panel 1. Substantially, such inserts 13 can be defined by sections of threaded rod intended to pass through openings 14, 15 provided at the level of the wall support 12, these sections of threaded rod receiving, then, a fixing nut 16 which ensures the connection between the two elements.

Said support 12 coming to define, in a way, a spacer between said heating panel 1 and a wall 17, comprises, by elsewhere, hooking means on this wall 17. Such hooking means are, for example, in the form of simple openings 18 for the reception of suitable fixing screws.

This wall support 12 is, moreover, designed so as to be able to absorb the dimensional variations of the heating panel 1 in order to avoid stressing the latter. For this purpose, this wall support 12 is defined by a plate, preferably metallic 19, in which is formed, vertically, and / or horizontally, at least one folding in the form of Ω 20 giving it sufficient elasticity to enable it, precisely, absorb dimensional variations in a direction, respectively, horizontal and / or vertical.

In the context of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, this plate 19 receives at least two Ω-shaped folds 20 extending vertically, such folds conferring, in addition, on this support 12 the thickness 21 sufficient to allow it to play the role of spacers as defined above.

In such a design, the dimensional variations of the heating panel 1 in a vertical direction are absorbed through openings 14 of oblong shape for the reception of the inserts 13.

In fact, as visible in FIG. 2, the openings 14 formed in the upper part of the wall support 12 are defined here, in the form of cutouts, which has the advantage, moreover, of facilitating the hanging of the panel 1 on this wall mount 12.

As emerges from the above description, the present invention advantageously responds to the various problems posed. Thus, this invention makes it possible to end up with an electric heating panel which, while having an advantageous aesthetic, remains of very simple design therefore inexpensive.

Claims

Resell! Cations

1. Heating panel incorporating at least one electric heating resistor (2) and having an apparent front face (4) defined by a plate (3) made of natural or reconstituted stone or glass, in particular a marble plate, as well as a back side

(6) defined by a second plate (5) of dimension substantially equal to the first plate (3), between these plates (3, 5) being sandwiched the electric heating resistance (2), characterized in that the second plate (5) is made of natural or reconstituted stone or also of glass, and has a coefficient of expansion at temperature substantially identical to that of plate (3) corresponding to the front face (4), these two plates (3, 5 ) being laminated with a bead of glue placed at the peripheral edge (7) on their side (8) facing each other and defining a peripheral tight expansion joint.

2. Heating panel according to claim (1), characterized in that the plates (3, 5) defining, respectively, the visible front face (4) and the rear face (6) of said heating panel (1), are constituted of identical material.

3. Heating panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric heating resistance (2) is in the form of a sheet (9) rigid, semi-rigid or flexible, of small thickness, less than 5 mm, and with dimensions substantially smaller than those of said plates

(3,5) so as to delimit, relative to the latter, a peripheral bonding edge.

4. Heating panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peripheral bonding edge has a width of between 5 and 50 mm, preferably between 10 and 20 mm.

5. Heating panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is supplemented by means for positioning said heating resistor (2) relative to the plates (3; 5), said positioning means being, in addition, designed capable of ensuring the maintenance of said resistance (2) with a slight clearance.

6. Heating panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is supplemented by means for receiving said electric heating resistor (2) in the form of a recess produced at the level of at least one plates (3; 5) and capable of receiving said resistance (2), said obviously having, for this purpose, dimensions substantially greater than the latter.

7. Heating panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a wall support (12) designed capable of defining, on the one hand, a spacer between said heating panel (1) and a wall ( 17) and, on the other hand, able to absorb the dimensional variations of said heating panel (D •

8. Heating panel according to claim 7, characterized in that the wall support (12) is defined by a plate, preferably metallic, (19) in which is formed vertically and / or horizontally at least one folding in the form of Ω 20 .

9. Heating panel according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that it comprises inserts (13) in the form of sections of threaded rod projecting relative to the rear face (6) of said heating panel ( 1), these threaded rod sections being intended, on the one hand, to pass through openings (14, 15) provided at the level of the wall support (12), and, on the other hand, to receive a fixing nut (16 ).

10. Heating panel according to claim 9, characterized in that the wall support (12) comprises, in its upper part, openings (14) in the form of cutouts for the reception of inserts (13) defined by sections of threaded rod fitted with a fixing nut (16).

11. Heating panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with a thermal regulation probe (10) embedded in a groove (11) formed at one of the internal sides ( 8) of one of the plates (3, 5).