HEAT PANEL ASSEMBLY FOR HEATING
Technical Field
The present invention relates, in general, to a heat panel assembly for heating and, more particularly, to a heat panel assembly for heating, which has high heating efficiency and excellent safety, and allows easy construction of a heating system.
Background Art In order to heat a room, an indoor heating system using a hot-water boiler has been widely used. That is, a hot-water pipe, such as a copper pipe or a synthetic resin pipe, is laid under a floor of the room, and the floor is heated by hot water circulating through the hot-water pipe, thus heating the room, hi a detailed description, a heat insulation material is laid on the floor of the room, and the hot-water pipe is arranged on the heat insulation material in a zigzag pattern using a support means. Next, hollow spaces are filled with a fine aggregate, such as gravel or sand. Afterwards, mortar is spread on the fine aggregate, and is covered with floor paper or the like. In such an indoor heating system, heat is transmitted through the mortar layer, which contacts the hot-water pipe arranged in the zigzag pattern, to the floor. Thus, only the area in contact with the hot-water pipe is substantially heated. Thereby, the conventional heating system is problematic in that the heated area is small and the amount of heat transmitted through the hot- water pipe to the mortar layer is small, so that heating efficiency is low. When a synthetic resin pipe is used as the hot-water pipe, heating efficiency is still further reduced. Such a reduction in heating efficiency increases the consumption of heating fuel. Moreover, the pitch of the hot-water pipe arranged in a zigzag pattern is about 30~50cm, which is considerably large. Thus, the heat is not uniformly transmitted to the floor. Thereby, areas under which the hot-water pipe passes are hot, whereas areas under which the hot-water pipe does not pass are cold. In order to solve the problems, the thickness of the mortar layer spread on the hot-water pipe may be increased. However, the thick mortar layer further reduces heating efficiency. Further, many laborers are required for heating system construction. Since hollow spaces must be filled with fine aggregates and mortar spreading work is required, heating system construction work is complicated and takes a long time. In order to overcome the problems, several types of heat panels have been proposed. That is, a heat panel comprising a plated steel sheet may be layered on the hot-water pipe. Further, as
disclosed in Korean U.M. Registration No.204241 , a heat panel having a groove and covered with a cover may be used. According to the cited document, a hot-water hose is arranged along the groove, so that it is possible to omit mortar spreading work.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem However, in the prior art, a plated steel sheet is used as the heat panel, so that the heat panel is heavy, and is inferior in heat conductivity, corrosion resistance, and chemical resistance to a heat panel made of aluminum. Further, since the heat panel and the hot-water pipe are independently manufactured and are not integrated with each other, heat is not efficiently transferred therebetween. Further, the heat panel and the hot-water pipe may become bent or distorted. Particularly, in the latter case, when the hot-water hose is made of a synthetic resin material, heating efficiency is further reduced and safety is poor. Meanwhile, in the former case, the heat panel must be welded to the hot-water pipe, so that those not skilled in the art cannot construct the heating system. Further, it is difficult to keep the heat panel flat. Since several components must be cut and assembled with each other in-situ according to a construction area, construction costs, a construction period, and labor costs are increased. Further, in the latter case, the heat panel laid on the floor has a complicated structure, so that construction costs and a construction period are increased. Furthermore, it is difficult to arrange the hot-water pipe in a zigzag pattern and standardize the heat panel.
Technical Solution Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a heat panel assembly ft>r heating, which has high heating efficiency and excellent safety, and allows easy construction of a heating system. In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a heat panel assembly for heating, including a plurality of heat panels, each of the heat panels including an aluminum plate having a first support rib formed by bending a first end of the aluminum plate, and bent at a lower end thereof inwards, with a coupling rib protruding from an outer surface of the first support rib, and a second support rib formed by bending a second end of the aluminum plate and bent at a lower end thereof inwards, with a coupling groove provided on an outer surface of the second
support rib to correspond to the coupling rib, and including a plurality of aluminum pipes provided on a lower surface of the aluminum plate to be parallel to the support ribs, whereby the heat panels are connected to each other via the coupling rib and the coupling groove; and a copper pipe arranged in a zigzag pattern and including linear pipes, each of the linear pipes inserted into each of the aluminum pipes such that both ends of the linear pipe protrude out of both ends of the aluminum pipe, and including curved pipes, both ends of each of the curved pipes being inserted into protruding ends of neighboring linear pipes. According to this invention, the aluminum plate may be integrated with the aluminum pipes into a single structure through an extrusion process. Alternatively, the aluminum plate and the aluminum pipes are separately manufactured, and a fastening part is integrally provided at a predetermined position on each of the aluminum pipes and is fastened to the lower surface of the aliiminum plate through a welding process or fastening means, thus allowing the aluminum pipe to be integrated with the aluminum plate. Further, the aluminum plate includes a plate made of aluminum, and first and second support ribs and made of aluminum and manufactured separately from the plate, the first and second support ribs being integrally attached to both sides on a lower surface of the plate through a welding process. Preferably, the curved pipes provided along at least one end of each of the heat panels protrude out of the heat panel, with the protruding curved pipes covered with an extension heat panel that is connected to the end of the heat panel and is made of aluminum. A first end of the extension heat panel is downwardly stepped to form an insertion part, and an insertion slit is provided between an end of the aluminum plate and an end of each of the aluminum pipes to receive the insertion part, so that the extension heat panel is easily coupled to the heat panels. Preferably, a second end of the extension heat panel is bent downwards to provide a third support rib having an inwardly bent lower end. Further, an additional aluminum pipe may be longitudinally provided on the lower surface of the extension heat panel.
At least one reinforcing bead may be provided on the lower surface of each of the heat panels and the extension heat panel to reinforce them. Further, polyurethane foam is attached to the lower surface of the heat panel. When the extension heat panel is coupled to the heat panel, it is preferable that the polyurethane foam be provided throughout the lower surface of the heat panel and the lower surface of the extension heat panel. The polyurethane foam is supported by inwardly bent lower ends of the support ribs. The linear pipe is radially expanded such that an outer circumferential surface of the linear pipe is in close contact with an inner circumferential surface of the aluminum pipe. Preferably,
parts of the linear pipe, protruding outward from both ends of the aluminum pipe, comprise expanded parts to receive ends of associated curved pipes.
Description of Drawings FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a heat panel assembly for heating, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view to show an example of a heat panel of the heat panel assembly for heating, according to the first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view to show the connection structure of heat panels of the heat panel assembly for heating, according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG.4 is a sectional view to show another example of a heat panel of the heat panel assembly for heating, according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG.5 is a sectional view to show a further example of a heat panel of the heat panel assembly for heating, according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI- VI of FIG. 1, showing the arrangement of a copper pipe. FIG. 7 is a sectional view to show the state where polyurethane foam is attached to the lower surface of the heat panel assembly for heating, according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a heat panel assembly for heating, according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a heat panel assembly for heating, according to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an extension heat panel of the heat panel assembly of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an extension heat panel of the heat panel assembly FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a sectional view to show the connection structure of the extension heat panel with a heat panel of the heat panel assembly for heating, according to the second embodiment of this invention. FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a heat panel assembly for heating, according to the third
embodiment of the present invention.
<Description of reference characters of important parts> 100: heat panel, 110: aluminum plate, [ 10a: plate, 112: first support rib, L14: coupling rib, 116: second support rib, [18: coupling groove, 120, 176: reinforcing beads,
122: insertion slit, 130, 178: aluminum pipes, 132: fastening part, 140: copper pipe, 142: linear pipe, 144: expanded part, 146: curved pipe, 160: polyurethane foam, 170: extension heat panel, 172: insertion part, 174: third support rib
Mode for Invention The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. While specific terms used in the specification and claims are for illustrative purposes only, it is to be understood that changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. <First Embodiments FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate a heat panel assembly for heating, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat panel assembly includes a plurality of heat panels 100 to be coupled to each other, and a copper pipe 140 arranged on the lower surface of each heat panel 100 in a zigzag pattern. Each heat panel 100 includes an aluminum plate 110, and a plurality of aluminum pipes 130 mounted to the lower surface of the aluminum plate 110. The drawings show an example where
four aluminum pipes 130 are mounted to the lower surface of the aluminum plate 100.
As shown in FIG. 2, a first support rib 112 and a second support rib 116 are provided along both edges of the aluminum plate 110, and are bent downwards. A coupling rib 14 is longitudinally provided on an outer surface of the first support rib 112, and a lower end of the first support rib 112 is bent inwards. Further, a coupling groove 118, corresponding to the coupling rib 114, is longitudinally provided on an outer surface of the second support rib 116, and a lower end of the second support rib 116 is bent inwards. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of heat panels 100 are coupled to each other by inserting a coupling rib 114 of any one ofthe heat panels 100 into a coupling groove 118 of another heat panel 100.
The inwardly bent lower ends ofthe first and second support ribs 112 and 116 function to hold polyurethane foam 160 that is attached to the lower surface ofthe heat panel 100, as shown in FIG. 7. The polyurethane foam 160 serves as a heat insulation material which prevents heat loss, in addition to serving as a sound insulation material which prevents noise from being transmitted to an area under the heat panel. Further, at least one reinforcing bead 120 is provided on the lower surface ofthe aluminum plate 110 to increase the strength ofthe aluminum plate 110, thus keeping the aluminum plate 110 flat. Preferably, the reinforcing bead 120 is longitudinally provided on the aluminum plate 110. The aluminum pipes 130 are provided parallel to the first and second support ribs 112 and 116. As shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the aluminum pipes 130 be integrally provided on the lower surface ofthe aluminum plate 110. In this case, it is advantageous in that the heat panel 100 can be manufactured through an extrusion process. Alternatively, the aluminum plate 110 and the aluminum pipes 130 may be separately manufactured, prior to being assembled with each other. When the aluminum plate 110 and the aluminum pipes 130 are separately manufactured, a predetermined portion on an outer circumferential surface of each aluminum pipe 130 may be welded to the lower surface ofthe aluminum plate 110 through a spot welding process. Although not shown in the drawings, it is preferable that a fastening part 132 be integrated with each aluminum pipe 130. Thereby, the fastening part 132 ofthe aluminum pipe 130 is festened to the aluminum plate 110 via a fastening means, such as a screw. In such a case, the aluminum plate 110 and the aluminum pipes 130 may be also manufactured through an extrusion process. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the aluminum plate 110 may comprise a plate 110a, the first support rib 112, and the second support rib 116, which are made of aluminum and are separately manufactured. In this case, the first and second support ribs 112 and 116 may be integrally welded to both sides ofthe lower surface ofthe plate 110a through a spot welding process, hi this case, the first and second support ribs 112 and 116 may be manufactured through an extrusion
process. Preferably, at least one reinforcing bead 120 is integrally provided on the lower surface ofthe plate 110a
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the copper pipe 140 includes linear pipes 142 and curved pipes 146. Each ofthe linear pipes 142 is inserted into an associated aluminum pipe 130 such that both ends ofthe linear pipe 142 protrude outwards from both ends ofthe aluminum pipe 130. Both ends of each curved pipe 146 are inserted into ends of neighboring linear pipes 142. Such a construction allows the copper pipe 140 to be easily arranged in a zigzag pattern. An inlet pipe 152 and an outlet pipe 154 are coupled to outermost linear pipes 142. Although not shown in the drawings, it is preferable that the inlet and outlet pipes 152 and 154 be covered with additional heat panels that are connected to the heat panel 100.
According to the present invention, an outer circumferential surface of each linear pipe 142 is in close contact with an inner circumferential surface of an associated aluminum pipe 130, thus allowing the heat in the hot water circulating in the copper pipe 140 to be efficiently transmitted to the aluminum plate 110, and preventing hot water from leaking from the linear pipe 142 even when the linear pipe 142 is damaged. That is, each ofthe linear pipes 142 is inserted into an associated aluminum pipe 130. The linear pipe 142 is radially expanded using an expansion ball that is reciprocated by an air cylinder, so that the outer circumferential surface ofthe linear pipe 142 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface ofthe aluminum pipe 130. Afterwards, both ends ofthe linear pipe 142, which protrude outwards from both ends ofthe aluminum pipe 130, are expanded to form expanded parts 144. Thus, both ends of each curved pipe 146 can be easily inserted into the expanded parts 144 of neighboring linear pipes 142. Further, the linear pipes 142 maybe welded to the curved pipes 146 through a seam welding process or the like, thus preventing water from leaking from junctions ofthe linear pipes 142 and the curved pipes 146. hi the heat panel assembly for heating according to this embodiment, the heat panel 100, the copper pipe 140, and the polyurethane foam 160 are prefabricated, thus constituting a single unit. The unit is installed at a desired site, for example, a floor, a wall, a veranda, etc., without any additional manipulation. If necessary, the unit may be connected to other units and the curved pipes 146, according to an area to be heated. Thus, such a standardized unit allows everyone, even a worker who is not an expert skilled in the art, to easily execute heating construction work. Further, although the components do not constitute a unit, the components can be easily assembled with each other at a construction site, thus making heating system construction work easier. When heating construction is executed using the heat panel assembly according to this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of each linear pipe 142 ofthe copper pipe 140 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of an associated aluminum pipe 130. Each
curved pipe 146 ofthe copper pipe 140 contacts the alurninum plate 110 (or the plate 110a), so that the heat in the hot water circulating through the copper pipe 140 is efficiently transmitted through the copper pipe 140 to the aluminum plate 110, and thereafter is efficiently transmitted from the aluminum plate 110 to the floor. Therefore, heating efficiency is remarkably enhanced. As a result, the consumption of fuel for heating is considerably reduced. According to this embodiment, each linear pipe 142 is securely protected by an associated aluminum pipe 130, thus preventing the copper pipe 140 from being broken or deformed. Further, each linear pipe 142 water-tightly contacts an associated aluminum pipe 130, so that the aluminum pipe 130 prevents the leakage of hot water, even ifthe linear pipe 142 is damaged. <Second Embodiments
FIGS. 8 through 12 illustrate a heat panel assembly for heating, according to the second embodiment ofthe present invention. Those components common to both the first and second embodiments will carry the same reference numerals. The same components will not be described below in detail.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the heat panel assembly for heating according to this embodiment includes a plurality of heat panels 100 to be connected to each other, a copper pipe 140 arranged on the lower surface of each heat panel 100 in a zigzag pattern, and extension heat panels 170. Each extension heat panel 170 is made of aluminum, with an end ofthe extension heat panel 170 coupled to a lengthwise end of an associated heat panel 100. Referring to the drawings, two heat panels 100 each having two aluminum pipes 130 on the lower surface of an aluminum plate 110 are connected to each other. The extension heat panel 170 is connected to the lengthwise ends ofthe heat panels 100.
According to the heat panel assembly for heating of this embodiment, the curved pipes 146 provided along an end of each heat panel 100 protrude out ofthe heat panel 100, the protruding portions ofthe curved pipes 146 being covered by the extension heat panel 170. That is, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, an end ofthe extension heat panel 170 is downwardly stepped to provide an insertion part 172. Further, an insertion slit 122 corresponding to the insertion part 172 is formed between an end of each aluminum plate 110 and an end of each aluminum pipe 130 so that the insertion part 172 is inserted into the insertion slit 122. Thereby, the extension heat panel 170 can be simply coupled to the heat panels 100. Further, the upper surfaces ofthe heat panels 100 are flush with the upper surface ofthe extension heat panel 170. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , it is preferable that the other end ofthe extension heat panel 170 be downwardly bent to provide a third support rib 174 having an inwardly bent lower end. In this
case, polyurethane foam 160 is provided throughout the lower surface ofthe heat panels 100 and the lower surface ofthe extension heat panel 170. The bent lower end ofthe third support rib 174 functions to hold the polyurethane foam 160 in cooperation with the first and second support ribs 112 and 116. Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, an additional aluminum pipe 178 may be longitudinally provided on the lower surface ofthe extension heat panel 170. Preferably, at least one reinforcing bead 176 is provided on the lower surface of the extension heat panel 170 to reinforce the extension heat panel 170. <Third Embodiments
A heat panel assembly for heating according to the third embodiment of this invention will be described with reference to FIG. 13. Those components common to the above-mentioned embodiments and the third embodiment will carry the same reference numerals. The same components will not be described below in detail. As shown in FIG. 13, the heat panel assembly for heating according to this embodiment includes a plurality of heat panels 100 to be connected to each other, a copper pipe 140 arranged on a lower surface of each heat panel 100 in a zigzag pattern, and a pair of extension heat panels 170. The extension heat panels 170 are made of aluminum, and are connected to opposite lengthwise ends of the heat panels 100. Referring to the drawings, two heat panels 100 each having two aluminum pipes 130 on the lower surface of an duminum plate 110 are connected to each other. The extension heat panels 170, having the same structure as the extension heat panel of FIGS. 10 and 11, are connected to opposite lengthwise ends of each heat panel 100. In the heat panel assembly of this embodiment, all curved pipes 146 ofthe copper pipe 140 protrude out ofthe heat panels 100, with the protruding curved pipes 146 being covered with the extension heat panels 170. That is, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, an end of each extension heat panel 170 is stepped downwards to provide an insertion part 172. Further, an insertion slit 122 (see, FIG. 12) is formed between each of opposite ends of each aluminum plate 110 and each of opposite ends of each aluminum pipe 130 to receive the corresponding insertion part 172. Thereby, the extension heat panels 170 can be simply coupled to opposite ends of each heat panel 100. Further, the upper surface of each heat panel 100 is flush with the upper surfaces of the extension heat panels 170. According to this embodiment, polyurethane foam 160 is provided throughout the lower surface ofthe heat panels 100 and the extension heat panels 170. In this case, the support ribs 112, 116, and 174 are provided on four sides to hold the polyurethane foam 160, thus more securely supporting the polyurethane foam 160.
Industrial Applicability
As described above, the present invention provides a heat panel assembly for heating, which is constructed so that a heat panel 100 is made of aluminum having good heat conductivity, thus allowing a room to be rapidly heated, and enhancing heating efficiency. Therefore, the consumption of fuel for heating is considerably reduced compared to a conventional heat panel. Further, the heat panel assembly of this invention is simple in structure, and the heat panel 100 can be easily manufactured through an extrusion process, thus remarkably reducing manufacturing costs ofthe heat panel assembly.
According to this invention, the heat panel assembly has a simple structure, and is made of aluminum, thus being light. Thereby, the cost of materials and the distribution cost are sharply reduced. Further, the light heat panel assembly is capable of reducing the load on a building. Therefore, in the case of a twenty-story building, it is possible to add one story to the building. As such, the fight heat panel assembly increases available space.
Further, a copper pipe 140 is securely protected by aluminum pipes 130, thus preventing the copper pipe 140 from being damaged or deformed. Even if linear pipes 142 are broken due to impacts or accidents and hot water leaks from the linear pipes 142, the leakage ofthe hot water is prevented by the aluminum pipes 130, thus enhancing safety. The aluminum pipes 130 and 178 as well as reinforcing beads 120 and 176 serve as reinforcing members, thus increasing the strength ofthe heat panels, and keeping the heat panels flat.
Further, it is possible to prefabricate the components such that they constitute a unit. Additionally, the assembly ofthe components and the installation ofthe heat panel assembly are easy, and mortar spreading work is not required. Thus, construction costs, a construction period, and labor costs can be reduced. It is easy to mount the heat panel assembly on a floor, a veranda, a wall, a ceiling, etc. Furthermore, the heat panel assembly has the effect of blocking harmful electromagnetic radiation and water vein radiation, thus protecting persons against harmful environments. It is easy to dismantle the heat panel assembly when a building is demolished or remodeled. When the heat panel assembly is dismantled, only the polyurethane foam 160 is discarded, and the rest ofthe components can be recycled. Thus, the heat panel assembly of this invention is environmentally friendly.