WO2021058846A1

WO2021058846A1 - Modular electric radiator

Info

Publication number: WO2021058846A1
Application number: PCT/ES2020/070569
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pablo Javier LÓPEZ GÓMEZ
Original assignee: Comtec Iberica, S.L.
Priority date: 2019-09-23
Filing date: 2020-09-22
Publication date: 2021-04-01
Also published as: ES1237039Y; ES1237039U

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular electric radiator comprising: a first control module (2) for controlling a radiator (1); an independent dissipator module (3), formed by a profile (4) comprising a longitudinal leaktight cavity (5) that contains a thermal fluid, the profile also including an electric heating element (6) inside the cavity (5), which has a closed bottom end and an open top end with hermetic attachment means of the electric heating element (6), and a series of heat-dissipating fins (7) extending from the cavity (5) towards the outside, and connecting means (8) for connecting to an adjacent module (2, 3); and an electronic connection plate (9) connected to the electric heating element (6) and to the control means, wherein each module (2, 3) comprises a removable front cover (11) having respective coupling tabs at the top and bottom of same.

Description

MODULAR ELECTRIC RADIATOR

DESCRIPTION

Technical field of the invention

The present invention corresponds to the technical field of electric heating radiators or emitters with thermal fluid and, specifically, to a modular electric radiator.

Background of the Invention

At present there are several types of heat emission devices, with different heating systems. Thus, there can be found those that work by infrared emission, by heating an electrical resistance of heat emission, those that have a closed chamber that contains a thermal liquid fluid that is heated by electrical elements (internal resistances), or even electric radiators without thermal fluid, and heating like the latter by convection. There are also those that have an inlet and outlet of a thermal liquid fluid and a boiler heating of the same, in which case it requires a connection installation of the devices with the boiler by means of a series of pipes.

If we focus on radiators with internal thermal fluid, they are formed from metallic elements that act as a heat exchanger between the thermal generator (generally an internal resistance) and the external one. Many of these radiators are made up of modules that are joined together so that a radiator can be designed with a greater or lesser number of modules depending on the space to be heated.

These modules are communicated in such a way that they configure an interior space in which the thermal liquid of the radiator is contained and are joined together by threaded fittings that must be hermetic to prevent leakage. This makes the installation of the modules of each radiator difficult, with numerous connection elements that must be perfectly watertight. Therefore, any possible variation in the number of modules must be carried out by the manufacturing or marketing company.

Furthermore, mounting the radiator with these connections between modules generates long manufacturing times, due to the high number of parts that make up each connection.

In addition to the aforementioned complication that involves a variation in the number of modules, this configuration mode causes several drawbacks, such as the fact that in the event that the radiator presents a breakage or failure of any of the modules, the entire radiator stops working. and everything must be repaired together.

On the other hand, over time the connections between modules can lose the necessary tightness, which will generate leakage problems in the radiator.

The resistance gasket can also cause leakage problems over time.

Likewise, this type of radiators, despite being modular, generate a large occupation of storage space in distribution facilities, since different models of radiators must be manufactured with different sizes and therefore different numbers of modules, which generates a need for extensive storage space.

No electric radiator is known in the state of the art that, being modular, allows to make use of this characteristic in an effective way, that is, that facilitates the increase or decrease of the number of modules, and therefore the size of the radiator, of a Quick and easy way, without the need for the intervention of qualified personnel from the supplying company, but can be carried out comfortably by the user himself. In addition, it is necessary to obtain a solution to Tightness problems that eventually end up occurring in the connections between modules.

Description of the invention

The modular electric radiator presented here comprises a first control module that has control means for the radiator and, at least one independent dissipating module formed by a profile that comprises a watertight longitudinal cavity that contains inside a thermal fluid, a electrical resistance arranged vertically inside said cavity next to the thermal fluid, where the cavity has a closed lower end and an open upper end with hermetic fixing means of said resistance, a series of heat dissipation fins emerging from said cavity towards the exterior and means of assembly with an adjacent module.

Said electric radiator further comprises an electronic connection plate arranged at the rear of the at least one dissipative module, connected to the electrical resistance inside it and connected to the control means.

With the modular electric radiator proposed here, a significant improvement in the state of the art is obtained.

This is so because it is an electric radiator configured by completely independent and watertight modules, so that each one of them has its own cavity with thermal fluid and each one has an electrical resistance inside.

This allows the connection between each module and the adjacent modules to be much simpler, consisting of a simple assembly between the profiles that make up the modules, avoiding the use of fittings or similar elements that must be installed with strict sealing measures. Thus, by means of these watertight modules, the problems of watertightness in the connections between modules are eliminated and as these connections are formed by simple assemblies, assembly is facilitated by reducing times.

In this same sense, the position of the electrical resistance inside the module, arranged in the upper area of the module, also contributes to the elimination of sealing problems since, in the event of a possible deterioration of the gasket of the resistance, as it goes to the top, there will be no loss of fluid.

This position of the resistance and the reduced distance between it and the exchange metal in each of the modules will lead to a reduction in the start-up time of the radiator.

The ease of assembly also allows the user himself to add or eliminate a module in the event that he needs a variation in the number of them, without having to require the services of expert personnel.

On the other hand, it is very easy for the installer to resize the radiator if deemed necessary due to incorrect sizing.

In the event of a breakage or failure, this radiator presents the possibility of repairing only the affected component and, while it is being repaired, the radiator will be able to continue working with the rest of the existing modules.

This radiator in turn allows control of consumption by means of electrical devices and programmers that are incorporated into it, not requiring installation of any kind or masonry, as well as boilers, gas outlets, pipes, etc., lacking any type of maintenance .

Another significant advantage is the existing savings in storage resources for distributors, because thanks to the modularity of the radiator, only modules are stored in the distribution facilities, all of them the same size, instead of having to store radiators of different models with different size and number of modules each. In addition, there is another aspect to take into account, such as the possibility of customizing the radiator, by placing a removable front trim that expands the aesthetic possibilities of the radiator.

It is therefore a very effective modular electric radiator that manages to solve the technical problems existing today in this field.

Brief description of the drawings

In order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of a practical embodiment thereof, a series of drawings is provided as an integral part of said description, where, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, it has been provided represented the following:

Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of the modular electric radiator, for a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2.- Shows a perspective view of the first control module, for a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3.- Shows a perspective view of a dissipative module, for a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a heatsink module, for a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figures 5.1 and 5.2.- Show a perspective view of the profile of two adjacent modules of a dissipating module in a position prior to and after the assembly of both, for a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention In view of the figures provided, it can be seen how in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modular electric radiator (1) proposed here comprises a first control module (2) shown in Figures 1 and 2 and which has means for controlling the radiator and at least one independent heatsink module (3).

As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, each of the dissipative modules (3) is formed by a profile (4) comprising a sealed longitudinal cavity (5) that contains a thermal fluid inside. Inside the cavity (5), which in this case is centered with respect to the profile, it presents an electrical resistance (6) arranged vertically next to the thermal fluid.

The profile (4) further comprises a series of heat dissipation fins (7) emerging from said cavity (5) towards the outside and assembly means (8) with an adjacent module (2, 3). In this preferred embodiment of the invention, said assembly means between dissipative modules (3) are formed by a tongue and groove joint and fixing screws, as shown in Figures 5.1 and 5.2.

The cavity (5) of the profile (4) of each dissipating module (3) has a closed lower end and an open upper end with hermetic fixing means of said electrical resistance (6).

This radiator (1) also comprises an electronic connection plate (9) arranged at the rear of the at least one heatsink module (3), connected to the electrical resistance (6) inside it and connected to the control means . In this preferred embodiment of the invention, as can be seen in Figure 1, the radiator (1) comprises four dissipative modules (3) and connection means by means of a pressure plug (10) between the respective electronic connection plates ( 9) of adjacent heatsink modules (3).

Likewise, the connection between the electronic connection plate (9) of the dissipative module (3) adjacent to the first control module (2) and its control means is also formed by a pressure socket (10). In this preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the modules (2, 3) comprises a removable front trim (11), which has hooking tabs to the upper and lower part thereof, making it easily adaptable. to the module (2, 3) in particular without the need to use screws. This front trim (11) can be easily changed if it suffers any damage or for simply aesthetic reasons and protects the user from possible excess heat.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the front trim (11) of each module comprises a grille (12) in the upper part thereof.

The radiator (1) also comprises a side cover (13) to close the assembly both in the first control module (2) and in the dissipator module (3) arranged at the opposite end of the radiator (1).

In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the radiator control means (1) comprise an electronic control board that has means for wireless connection to an external programming device. Likewise, the control means, in this embodiment, comprise a presence sensor, an on / off switch and a temperature sensor, although in other embodiments they may not carry any of these elements.

Each of the dissipative modules (3) will work independently under the same programming, since each of them has an electrical resistance (6) connected to an electronic connection plate (9), so that said Independence in operation and before one of the modules breaks, it can be easily repaired while the rest of the radiator (1) continues to function.

The connection means by means of pressure plug (10) between each module (2, 3) and the adjacent modules allow the programming device to detect the number of dissipative modules (3) installed and for them to respond to it. Said connection means are designed so that the electrical transmission is effective giving good electrical protection in the radiator's working temperature range (1).

On the other hand, the radiator itself (1) can work independently or collaboratively as part of the global heating system on which it depends.

According to another aspect, in other embodiments, the radiator (1) may comprise led devices in a space between the profile (4) of the at least one dissipative module (3) and the front trim (11).

In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the profile (4) of each dissipative module (3) is formed by an extruded aluminum alloy profile. In other embodiments, it can be formed by an injected aluminum profile or made by die casting or whatever production process is considered more suitable.

In this case, it is made using aluminum as it is a material that has great dissipation capacities and low cost.

The described embodiment constitutes only an example of the present invention, therefore, the specific details, terms and phrases used in the present specification are not to be considered as limiting, but are to be understood only as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis that provides an understandable description, as well as sufficient information to the person skilled in the art to apply the present invention.

Claims

1- Modular electric radiator (1), characterized in that it comprises

- a first control module (2) having control means for the radiator (1);

- At least one independent dissipative module (3) formed by a profile (4) comprising a watertight longitudinal cavity (5) containing a thermal fluid inside, an electrical resistance (6) arranged vertically inside said cavity ( 5) next to the thermal fluid, where the cavity (5) has a closed lower end and an open upper end with hermetic fixing means of said electrical resistance (6), a series of heat dissipation fins (7) emerging from said cavity (5) towards the outside and assembly means (8) with an adjacent module (2, 3), and;

- An electronic connection plate (9) arranged at the rear of the at least one dissipative module (3), connected to the electrical resistance (6) inside it and connected to the control means.

2- Modular electric radiator (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two dissipative modules (3) and connection means by means of a pressure plug (10) between the respective electronic connection plates (9) of modules adjacent heatsinks (3).

3- Modular electric radiator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic connection plate (9) of the heatsink module (3) arranged adjacent to the first control module (2) is connected to the means control via a pressure socket (10).

4- Modular electric radiator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the modules (2, 3) comprises a removable front trim (11), which has two hooking tabs to the upper and lower part of the same. 5- Modular electric radiator (1), according to claim 4, characterized in that the front trim (11) of each module (2, 3) comprises a grid (12) in the upper part thereof.

6- Modular electric radiator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly means (8) of each profile (4) with the profile (4) of the at least one adjacent module (2, 3) are made up of a tongue and groove joint and fixing screws.

7- Modular electric radiator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control means for the radiator (1) comprise an electronic control board that has means for wireless connection to an external programming device.

8. Modular electric radiator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control means comprise an on / off switch.

9. Modular electric radiator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control means comprise a presence sensor, and / or a temperature sensor.

10. Modular electric radiator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a side cover (13) of the radiator (1).

11. Modular electric radiator (1), according to any of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that it comprises led devices in a space between the profile of the at least one heatsink module (3) and the front trim (11).

12. Modular electric radiator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile (4) of each dissipative module (3) is made of aluminum.