WO2011141189A2

WO2011141189A2 - Air-heated platform for heating outdoor spaces

Info

Publication number: WO2011141189A2
Application number: PCT/EP2011/050255
Authority: WO
Inventors: Davide Pagenstecher
Original assignee: Vigni, Marina
Priority date: 2010-05-10
Filing date: 2011-01-11
Publication date: 2011-11-17
Also published as: WO2011141189A3; ITBO20100050U1

Abstract

An air-heated platform (1) for heating outdoor spaces, which comprises a generally metallic structure (2) that has a lower resting surface (3) designed to be placed on the ground (4) of the installation area of the platform (1). The structure (2) is surmounted by a walking surface (5). The structure (2) defines internally a plurality of ducts (6) provided with distributed openings (7) for dispensing the air conveyed by the ducts (6). The ducts (6) are provided with means (8) for treating the air in at least one of their sections. The openings (7) are substantially aligned with respective passages (9) defined on the walking surface (5) for the distributed dispensing of air in the space that lies above the platform (1).

Description

AIR-HEATED PLATFORM FOR HEATING OUTDOOR SPACES

Technical field

The present invention relates to an air-heated platform for heating outdoor spaces.

Background Art

Devices such as infrared lamps, devices known as gas-fired mushroom heaters and, in the case of enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, heating platforms are usually used generally to heat the outdoor areas of public concerns (bars, restaurants, pizza restaurants) or of private properties (gazebos, balconies, terraces).

In particular, the heating platform, designed to be placed on the ground of the outdoor area that one needs to heat, is constituted usually by a structure whose upper surface defines the walking surface. Below this structure there are resistance heaters which, by transferring heat to such structure and therefore also to the platform, allow to heat the surrounding space,

In this manner the platform heats the space exclusively by radiating effect, consequently generating a thermal effect that is scarcely detectable.

In particular, the generated thermal effect is even weaker if it is considered that the outdoor spaces where they are installed are characterized by low temperature and by a separation from the outside that is ensured exclusively by a structure which does not provide perfect insulation and is generally provided with entrance doors which, being opened rather frequently, generate a constant movement of cold air.

A different device is constituted by infrared lamps, which are constituted generally by a support and by the infrared light source that is accommodated therein.

The support can have different shapes and dimensions and so can the light source, and according to the requirements it can be fixed to the ceiling or rested on the paving. These devices have the characteristic of radiating heat in a limited region, directly onto the body to be heated, without transferring it to the air but concentrating it toward the point where such lamp is oriented.

Because of this, a person who is not struck fully by the light beam perceives the heat on his/her body unevenly and is immediately affected by the thermal differential to which the different parts of his/her body are subjected, and this is detrimental to the well-being of such person.

One must also consider that their use entails an extremely high energy expenditure: in fact, approximately 2 kWh are needed in order to achieve a good heating effect for one or two people (an area of 2 square meters).

The device known as gas-fired mushroom heater is further known and is composed substantially of a generically cylindrical base structure, inside which the tank of the fuel used to supply it is accommodated.

The structure ends with a supporting rod on which a burner is connected; a sloping covering is arranged above such burner to prevent the generated heat from propagating directly upward.

The heat is in fact emitted by the mushroom heaters at a height of approximately 1.6 meters and therefore it is unlikely to be able to heat the layers of air that lie closest to the paving of the area where they are installed; accordingly, it is unlikely to be able to have, in these layers, a temperature that is adequate to ensure a certain comfort.

From the technological standpoint, . these are heating systems that appear to be simple to provide and install but are extremely bulky and polluting.

These are devices that produce high emissions of pollutants: they are in fact capable of emitting, for one hour of operation, as much carbon dioxide as is emitted by an average-size car traveling 25 km, moreover with a heating capacity that is rather limited in terms of space: one should consider that the heat effects are not detectable beyond one and a half meters. Moreover, it should be specified that for this reason the European Commission is considering a proposed law that will ban and prevent the use of these devices; this proposal, if approved, will subsequently be transposed by the legal systems of the member States. This decision is part of the environmental and energy policies of the Union, as established in Directive 20/20/20.

Moreover, one should not underestimate the danger entailed by these devices, which in the presence of malfunctions or leaks of fuel caused by a possible fault might even cause explosions of a certain extent.

Disclosure of the Invention

The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, by proposing an air-heated platform for heating outdoor spaces that is capable of diffusing heat homogeneously and uniformly.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to propose a heated platform that heats the outdoor space without causing discomfort to the occupants.

A further object of the invention is to propose a heated platform that has a high energy efficiency.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a heated platform that ensures reduced consumption and low operating costs.

Another object of the invention is to propose a heated platform that is not dangerous during use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a platform that complies with currently applicable European and national statutory provisions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a platform that is highly versatile in use.

A further object of the invention is to propose a heated platform that is simple to install.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a heated platform that has low costs and is relatively simple to provide and safe in application.

This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by an air-heated platform for heating outdoor spaces, which comprises a generally metallic structure that has a lower resting surface designed to be placed on the ground of the installation area of the platform, said structure being surmounted by a walking surface, characterized in that said structure defines internally a plurality of ducts provided with distributed openings for dispensing the air conveyed by said ducts, said ducts having means for treating the air in at least one of their sections, said openings being substantially aligned with respective passages defined on the walking surface for the distributed dispensing of air in the space that lies above the platform.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the heated platform according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figures 1 and 2 are views of a heated platform according to an embodiment of the present invention, and more particularly:

Figure 1 is a sectional perspective view, taken along a transverse plane, of a portion of the platform according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional side view, taken along a longitudinal plane, of the portion of the platform according to the invention;

Figures 3 and 4 are views of the heated platform according to the invention in another embodiment, and more particularly:

Figure 3 is a sectional perspective view, taken along a transverse plane, of a portion of the platform according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a sectional side view, taken along a longitudinal plane, of the portion of the platform according to the invention;

Figures 5 to 9 are views of the heated platform according to the invention in a further embodiment, and more particularly:

Figure 5 is a sectional perspective view, taken along a transverse plane, of a portion of the platform according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a sectional side view, taken along a longitudinal plane, of the portion of the platform according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a front view of a detail of the platform of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a top plan view of the two end regions of the platform; Figure 9 is a top plan view of a portion of the platform according to the invention, illustrated partially in cross-section to show some underlying components.

Ways of carrying out the Invention

With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an air-heated platform for heating the outdoor spaces of public concerns (bars, restaurants, pizza restaurants) or of private properties

(gazebos, balconies, terraces).

The heated platform 1 comprises a generally metallic structure 2 which is surmounted by a walking surface 5.

The walking surface 5 can be provided by using various materials, such as wood, stone-like material, cement-like material, metal and polymers of various kinds, with panels having a thickness that can vary between 5 and

20 mm.

Moreover, the possibility is not excluded to provide a platform 1 that has a luminous effect and is obtained by installing below the walking surface 5 light sources which are directed toward such surface and are conveniently positioned.

In this case, a particular mix of cement, optical fibers and resin is used for the walking surface 5 which has the particularity of being permeable to light and therefore of shielding but not preventing the passage of the light beam above the walking surface 5, creating a pleasant effect (the perceived light is not too strong and able to cause discomfort) and improving the esthetics of the space.

The structure 2 has a lower resting surface 3, which is designed to be rested on the ground 4 of the installation area of the platform 1.

According to the invention, inside the structure 2 there is a plurality of ducts 6 that extends over its entire surface.

In at least one section of the ducts 6 there are suitable air treatment means 8.

According to a first family of constructive solutions, as shown in

Figures 1 and 2, the air treatment means 8 are arranged outside the platform

1 and are connected to it at the inlet of the ducts 6.

In particular, the possibility is noted to use effectively, as air treatment means 8, a conditioning unit which is provided with a heat pump that is capable of supplying warm air in the winter period and cold air in the summer period.

According to a second family of constructive solutions, the platform 1 is provided with air treatment means 8 which are arranged substantially upstream of the respective ducts 6 for the conveyance of such air.

The treatment means 8 are composed of at least one air pumping device 17, at least one fan, to ensure the forced injection of the air in the ducts 6, and at least one heating chamber, which are connected to a respective duct and are designed for the pneumatic supply thereof.

In some embodiments there are two fans, which are interposed between the pumping device 17 and the heating chamber.

During the winter period, when the platform 1 is supplied with warm air, a single fan is operated, while in the summer period both fans operate solely to move the air with a cooling effect.

Preferably, the pumping device 17 is associated with a filter for purifying the air that enters such device. The heating chamber designed to preheat the air that exits from the pumping device 17 is constituted by a hollow body, which accommodates internally a set of resistance heaters or other equivalent devices adapted to reach a high temperature when they are subjected to appropriate forces.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the ducts 6 are provided with openings 7 which are distributed so as to be substantially aligned with respective passages 9, which in turn are defined on the walking surface 5 of the platform 1 to allow the diffusion of the air above the platform 1.

Conveniently, a thermally insulating layer 10 is interposed between the lower resting surface 3 of the structure 2 and the ground 4 and has, at its lower surface 1 1, a covering plate 12.

The ducts 6 are defined between the upper surface 13 of the thermally insulating layer 10 and the lower surface 14 of the walking surface 5.

The platform 1 can be constituted by a single module 15 or by the assembly of several modules, each of which comprises: the plate 12, the thermally insulating layer 10, the structure 2 and the walking surface 5. Any interconnection between contiguous modules is provided with a mating of the male-female type.

The individual modules 15 have a size which, according to requirements, can vary from 0.10 m² to 6.0 m².

With reference to a first embodiment of the second family of constructive solutions, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, each module 15 that composes the platform 1 is provided with respective air treatment means 8 in order to ensure maximum flexibility of installation and use,

Moreover, according to this first embodiment the ducts 6 accommodate internally at least one element provided with radiating surfaces 18, which when brought to a specific temperature by an adapted electric heater transfer heat to the air, which by circulating inside the ducts 6 flows around them.

With reference to a second embodiment of the second family of constructive solutions, as shown in Figures 5 to 9, the platform 1 is constituted by the assembly of at least two modules 15a and 15b, which are mutually associated with a mating of the male-female type and inside which preferably tubular ducts 6 are arranged between the walking surface 5 and the ground 4.

In order to further heat the air, the ducts 6 accommodate internally cables 19 which are crossed by an electric current, which by Joule effect (a conductor crossed by an electric current dissipates energy in the form of heat) become hot and, by coming into contact with the air, heat it further.

The cables 19 are further provided, in order to ensure electrical continuity, with connection terminals that connect them to corresponding terminals of cables that are accommodated in contiguous modules.

Also according to this second embodiment, an air diffusion nozzle 20 is interposed between the distributed openings 7 and the passages 9 and an air distribution device 21 is arranged above it.

The device 21 is constituted by a box-like body 22, which has, on the face 23 that is directed toward the walking surface 5, a series of through holes 24, and is coupled to the nozzle 20 on the opposite face 25.

This second embodiment, too, provides for summer operation, which is provided by eliminating the heating effect produced by the activation of the resistors and of the cables 19, with a further energy saving with respect to the one obtained in the winter period.

The platform 1, thanks to its modularity, therefore has a shape and size which are complementary to those of the installation area for complete coverage of such area.

Moreover, the possibility is not excluded to add to the air that is emitted from the platform 1 essences that have a fragrance and are dispensed by an adapted dispenser arranged in any portion of the ducts 6 or of the components connected thereto.

Furthermore, each module 15 of the platform 1 is supported by resting feet, which allow to increase the stability of such platform.

The operation of the heated platform 1 according to the invention consists of a first step of treating the air in input, a second step of conveying the air into the ducts 6, and a third step of diffusing the air into the space above the platform 1.

As regards the first family of constructive solutions, the first step consists in drawing the air from external treatment means 8 and conveying it by forcing, by means of the fan, toward the inlet 16 of the ducts 6,

As regards the second family of constructive solutions, the first step consists in drawing the air from the outside by way of the treatment means 8 and conveying it by forcing toward the heating chamber provided with high- temperature components.

Inside the chamber, the air flows around the resistance heaters and becomes hot by means of the heat transferred by them.

In practice it has been found that the heated platform 1 according to the invention fully achieves the intended aim, since it allows a homogeneous and uniform diffusion of heat over the entire area that is occupied by it.

This advantage is achieved by the presence of the passages 9 defined on the walking surface 5 uniformly over its entire surface, which allow the outflow of the air at a moderate pressure and a distributed diffusion of the heat.

This solution thus allows to heat rapidly the space and not cause discomfort to the occupants.

Moreover, it is convenient to note that the platform 1 according to the invention allows to obtain considerable energy savings:

first of all due to the nature of the energy used to supply the air treatment means 8, i.e., exclusively electric power, thus avoiding the direct emission of pollutants;

secondly, due to the energy consumption required, which is much lower than in known devices, with a reduction of 50% and more depending on the installation.

This reduction is also a result of the fact that the platform 1 according to the invention acts by utilizing the normal upward flow of heat and consequently the air that circulates inside it does not need to be forced at high pressure in order to ensure heating and therefore effective operation of the platform 1.

Another advantage that is linked to the fact of ensuring reduced consumption is that it ensures at the same time low operating costs.

Moreover, it should be stressed that the platform 1 according to the invention ensures a high level of safety in operation even in the presence of any malfunctions thereof.

The platform 1 further has considerable versatility of use, thanks to its modularity and to the different dimensions of the individual modules, which allows to adapt it to the different dimensions of the installation area.

One must further consider that the entire surface occupied by the walking surface 5 and therefore by the platform 1 is the useful and usable space of the outdoor area, differently from the other devices, which by having a certain space occupation reduce the useful space,

The advantage provided by this characteristic is even more evident if the outdoor area being considered is the area of a public concern, such as a bar or restaurant, where the presence of the traditional devices reduces the space that can be occupied by tables and chairs and therefore also reduces the possible covers and the possible revenue that can be obtained from them.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

The heated platform 1 , according to the first family of constructive solutions, can in fact be adapted to provide climate control systems in the civil and industrial field, utilizing for example appropriately modified raised floors or utilizing the modules to provide the floor of the enclosed space.

Furthermore, all the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.

Moreover, it is noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

The disclosures in Italian Utility Model Application No. BO2010U000050 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. An air-heated platform for heating outdoor spaces, comprising a generally metallic structure (2) that has a lower resting surface (3) designed to be placed on the ground (4) of the installation area of the platform (1), said structure (2) being surmounted by a walking surface (5), characterized in that said structure (2) defines internally a plurality of ducts (6) provided with distributed openings (7) for dispensing the air conveyed by said ducts (6), said ducts (6) having means (8) for treating the air in at least one of their sections, said openings (7) being substantially aligned with respective passages (9) defined on the walking surface (5) for the distributed dispensing of air in the space that lies above the platform (1).

2. The air-heated platform according to claim 1 , characterized in that a thermally insulating layer (10) is interposed between said lower resting surface (3) of said structure (2) and the ground (4), a covering plate (12) being arranged at the lower surface (1 1) of said thermally insulating layer (10), said ducts (6) being defined between the upper surface (13) of said thermally insulating layer (10) and the lower surface (14) of said walking surface (5).

3. The air-heated platform according to claim 2, characterized in that it is constituted by at least one module (15), which comprises said plate

(12), said thermally insulating layer (10), said structure (2) and said walking surface (5), any interconnection between contiguous modules being provided with a mating of the male-female type.

4. The air-heated platform according to claim 1, characterized in that said plurality of ducts (6) comprises at least one respective inlet (16), said air treatment means (8) being arranged outside said platform (1 ) and being connected to said inlet (16).

5. The air-heated platform according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one air pumping device (17), which is preferably associated with an air purifying filter in input to said device (17), at least one fan and at least one heating chamber connected to a respective duct, which are designed for the pneumatic supply of said duct, said at least one heating chamber containing a set of resistors adapted to preheat the air to be introduced in said ducts (6).

6. The air-heated platform according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that it is constituted by at least one module (15) which is provided with respective air treatment means (8), which are arranged substantially upstream of the respective ducts (6) for the conveyance of said air.

7. The air-heated platform according to claims 1 and 6, characterized in that said ducts (6) accommodate internally at least one element (18) which is provided with radiating surfaces (18a), the air that circulates within said ducts (6) flowing around said radiating surfaces.

8. The air-heated platform according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that it comprises at least two modules (15a and 15b) which are mutually associated with a mating of the male-female type, said ducts (6), which preferably have a tubular shape, arranged between said walking surface (5) and the ground (4), accommodating internally heating cables (19) which are provided with terminals for connection to corresponding terminals of cables of contiguous modules.

9. The air-heated platform according to claims 1 and 8, characterized in that at least one air diffusion nozzle (20) is interposed between said distributed openings (7) and said passages, an air distribution device (21) being arranged above said nozzle and being constituted by a box-like body (22) which has a series of through holes (24) on the face (23) that is directed toward said walking surface (5) and is mated to said at least one nozzle (20) on the opposite face (25).

10. A method for heating spaces by means of the heated platform according to claim 1 , comprising:

- a first step of treating the incoming air;

- a second step of conveying the air into said ducts (6); - a third step of diffusing the air into the space that lies above the platform (1).

1 1. The method for heating spaces according to claim 10, characterized in that said first step consists in drawing the air from the outside, conveying it by forcing toward a preheating chamber provided with components at high temperature, the contact of the air with said components causing a heating of said air.

12. The method for heating spaces according to claim 1 1, characterized in that said first step consists in drawing the air from said air treatment means (8) and conveying it by forcing toward said inlet (16) of said plurality of ducts (6).