WO2013061131A2

WO2013061131A2 - New concept bimetallic radiator

Info

Publication number: WO2013061131A2
Application number: PCT/IB2012/002125
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefano Ragaini
Original assignee: Gruppo Ragaini S.P.A.
Priority date: 2011-10-25
Filing date: 2012-10-24
Publication date: 2013-05-02
Also published as: WO2013061131A3; ITAN20110145A1

Abstract

Object of this invention is a bimetallic combined radiator (1), consisting of a steel inner core (2) and a number of half shells (3, 4) opposed and reciprocally coupled to each vertical diffusing duct (2.3) of said inner core (2). Said outer half shells (3, 4) are preferably produced through die casting of aluminium alloys, whereas said inner core (2) is consists preferably of a pre-formed towel radiator.

Description

NEW CONCEPT BIMETALLIC RADIATOR

DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to a new concept and simplified construction room heating radiator, the production thereof is shared by at least two distinct components, preferably of different materials and separately produced.

Each heating element is apt to be produced according to various methods, depending from the technology and from the different kind of material employed. Radiators obtained by means of die-casting of aluminium alloy or through the assembly of tubular elements are widespread.

Radiators obtained through die-casting are composed by flanking and assembling a number of elements equal to one another, in a number sufficient to ensure the requested thermal power, whereas radiators having tubular elements consist of a single body.

In general, irrespective of the embodiment thereof, each single heating element shares the feature of comprising sections of upper and lower horizontal transversal ducts, forming the delivery and collection ducts for the heat transfer fluid, connected by vertical diffusing channels which diffuse the heat outwards.

Bathroom radiators known as towel radiators, made of tubular elements, are known as well, wherein, on the other hand, the collecting ducts are vertical and the diffusing ducts connect them horizontally.

The choice of the material the single elements are made of depends from several factors, with usually opposed requirements. Radiators having tubular elements, for example, as compared with those made of die-cast aluminium alloys, are more labour intensive, are thermally less efficient and heavier and a good aesthetic finish is harder to achieve, especially when produced in regions where workforce is cheap; on the other hand, they require low investments for tooling.

Radiators made of die-cast aluminium alloys, conversely, concede a wider range of aesthetic and functional options, easily allowing surfaces which are complicated and provided with fins which improve the thermal exchange efficiency, at the expense, however, of high costs for stamping tooling which is rather complicated for the need, namely, to achieve inner cavities. Furthermore, alloys having a good resistance to corrosion are required and galvanic corrosion phenomena are to be avoided for the possible presence of copper piping in the water distribution circuit. In the industry, then, the so-called "bimetallic radiators" were developed as well, formed by single flanked modular elements having an inner steel core whereon an outer element made of aluminium alloys is overstamped by casting.

The solution thereof returns some advantages from the thermal efficiency point of view, due to the fact that the outer element may have, through stamping, a surface provided with fins having the most suitable shape, whereas, on the inside, it is in close thermal contact with the steel core which can, substantially, cover in full. Said technology, however, shows practical drawbacks as well, related to the impossibility of subsequent dismantling in the event of deburrings and inaccuracies in the casting of the outer layer.

In fact a bimetallic element produced according to said method must necessarily avoid the presence of deburrings and inaccuracies in the mechanical finishing processes, especially in the side areas connecting with the other heating elements for the assembly of the complete radiator, both for aesthetic reasons and, even more importantly, for sealing and energy efficiency reasons. Another issue lies in the mechanical tensions arising due to the strong difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of the two coupled components (outer element and inner steel core). The main object of the present invention is to obviate the drawbacks listed hereinabove providing a new concept and simplified construction bimetallic radiator.

A further object of this invention is to obtain a radiator with high thermal and functional performance.

Another object of this invention is to provide a radiator allowing a wide range of aesthetic solutions, while limiting the cost of the tooling needed for the different variants.

Further features of the present invention shall be better highlighted by the following description of a preferred embodiment, in accordance with the patent claims and illustrated in the enclosed designs. Such figures should be considered as having an illustrative and non-limiting purpose, wherein:

- figure 1 shows a perspective view of the radiator assembled according to the invention;

- figure 2 shows the inner component of the radiator according to the invention;

- figure 3 shows the inner part of the outer front component of the radiator according to the invention;

- figure 4 shows the outer face of the outer rear component of the radiator according to the invention;

- figure 5 shows a detail of the assembly between the outer components and the inner component of the radiator according to the invention;

The features of the invention are hereby described, making use of the reference numerals contained in the figures and with particular reference to the embodiment described therein; for simplicity of description, further embodiments of the invention shall be described hereinbelow.

The terms "upper'V'lower", "verticarVhorizontal" or similar spatial references employed from now on refer to the position whereat the elements appear in the figures, without any reference, unless differently stated, to their position under operative conditions. Reference numeral 1 globally indicates the radiator according to the invention as a whole, from now on named combined radiator 1, the outer appearance thereof recalls the classic room heating radiator produced by assembling single flanked elements.

On the other hand the peculiarity of this invention lies in the fact that its composition provides the union between a single inner core, preferably made of steel, and multiple opposed outer half shells, preferably made of an aluminium alloy, as described in detail hereinbelow.

Reference numeral 2 indicates an inner steel core, comprising a single tubular structure for the passage of the heat transfer fluid, consisting of the upper 2.1 and lower 2.2 inlet and collecting manifolds for the heat transfer fluids, and vertical diffusing ducts 2.3 for an appropriate circulation of the fluid within the core 2. Said manifolds 2.1 and 2.2 have ends 2.4 for the connection to the delivery and discharge thermal system of said heat transfer fluid.

Advantageously, said inner core 2 may consist of a towel radiator, having compatible dimensions to the size of the desired combined radiator 1 (See fig. 2). Reference numerals 3 and 4 indicate the opposed elements forming the outer components of the combined radiator 1 according to the invention, from now on named front and rear "half shells", whereof the first one is oriented towards the room to be heated and the second one towards the supporting wall.

Each couple of said front 3 and rear 4 half shells is intended to cover each vertical diffusing duct 2.3 of the inner core 2, coupling one to the other according to the methods and with the means described hereinbelow.

Figures from 3 to 5 show in detail features and assembling methods of said half shells 3, 4 which may be advantageously produced by die casting aluminium alloys. Figure 3, namely, shows the inner face of the front half shell 3, whereas figure 5 shows, among the others, the inner face of the rear half shell 4.

Said front 3 and rear 4 half shell are constrained one to the other, having the respective inner faces opposed, clamping therebetween at least a part of a vertical diffusing duct 2.3 through suitable constraint means, preferably of the dismountable type.

At least one of said half shells 3, 4, preferably, if only one, the front 3, provides, on the inner face thereof, a longitudinal channel 3.1, 4.1 having a counter shape relative to the shape of the vertical diffusing duct 2.3 of the inner core 2 against which it is clamped.

"Counter shape" of a first shape relative to a second surface means achieving a "shape coupling" which allows the first surface to be put substantially in close contact with the second being the first surface the negative shape of the other.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, said longitudinal channels 3.1, 4.1 couple with the half of the outer surface of a corresponding vertical diffusing duct 2.3 which is oriented towards the longitudinal channel thereof.

In the specific embodiment shown in the figures, the vertical diffusing ducts 2.3 have a circular section and, therefore, the corresponding longitudinal channels 3.1, 4.1 have a semicircular section.

In general, obviously, the shape of said longitudinal channels 3.1, 4.1 is closely related to the shape of the vertical diffusing duct 2.3 of the part to be covered, having to ensure a direct and continuous contact in order to aid the thermal exchange.

As shown in figures 3 and 5, said longitudinal channels 3.1 , 4.1 develop vertically in the inner face of the half shells 3, 4 by a length equal to the longitudinal section of the vertical diffusing duct 2.3 the shape coupling wherewith is desired.

It is also possible that the inner face of the half shells 3, 4 is shaped so as to be apt to achieve a shape coupling also with at least a part of the manifolds 2.1, 2.2 of the inner core 2.

Said manifolds 2.1, 2.2 are preferably disguised by covering elements 3.3, 4.3, 3.3/4.3.

Said covering elements 3.3, 4.3 or 3.3/4.3 may consist of half casings 3.3, 4.3, shaped at the upper and lower end of each couple of half shells 3, 4: the coupling of said half shells 3.3, 4.3 results in a closed inner space, capable to house said manifolds 2.1, 2.2 achieving therewith, possibly, a shape coupling as well. Please note that, in figures from 3 to 5, said half casings 3.3, 4.3 are made integrally with the longitudinal portion of their respective half shell 3, 4 whereto they are constrained.

Optional reinforcing ribs 3.31, made within one or both the half casings 3.3, 4.3 of the half shells 3, 4 additional or alternative to the possible said shape coupling, may as well improve the thermal transmission of the inner core 2 outwards.

Due to aesthetic and construction simplification reasons, on the other hand, one or both half casings 3.3, 4.3 may consist of elements 3.31, 4.31, separate from the half shells 3, 4, made separately and each one consisting of a profile forming a continuous transversal casing 3.3/4.3, which can be made of, for example, extruded aluminium alloy, whereon are possibly made aeration holes, which, as shown in figure 1, disguises said manifolds 2.1, 2.2.

The tightening of each front 3 or rear 4 half shell against the corresponding vertical diffuser 2.3 is performed preferably through the reciprocal constraint of each opposed couple of half shells 3, 4 with the corresponding vertical diffuser 2.3 interposed.

This may be achieved through known fastening elements such as, for example, self- threading screws, bolts, pins and the like housed in holes 3.21, 4.21 made at the position of a number of seats 3.2, 4.2; in the embodiment of the figure, said seats are formed easily by means of die-casting, laterally and solid with the longitudinal channels 3.1, 4.1.

Said fastening means may be concealed from the view of the user (see fig 4) due to the fact that they are introduced in through holes 4.21 formed in the rear half shell 4, going to anchor to the blind holes 3.21 of the opposed range of seats 3.2 of the inner face of the front half shell 3.

Obviously, although not shown in the figures, there are several other ways for obtaining the tightening of the half shells 3, 4 against the core 2 through means which are not visible from the front face of the combined radiator 1 and which do not require the said number of seats 3.2, 4.2 obtained integrally with said half shells. Said seats 3.2, 4.2 may be, for example, always constrained to the inner face of each half shell 3, 4 but not necessarily made integrally therewith; or said seats may be arranged on the half casings 3.3, 4.3, upper and lower of each couple of half shells 3, 4 (when they are made integrally with the longitudinal portion of the respective half shell), being unchanged the peculiarity that the fastening means remain concealed from the view of the user.

Other fastening means, additional or alternative to those described hereinabove, may consist in a shape coupling having a snap or a pressure closure of each half shell 3, 4 against the other, for example made with counter-shaped longitudinal channels and ribs provided, respectively, on the half shells 3 and 4. Alternatively, the fastening may consist of one or more tack welds, suitable to reciprocally constrain said half shells 3, 4.

Furthermore, if said continuous transversal casings 3.3/4.3 made of extruded aluminium alloy are provided, these may be "C" shaped and clamp one to the other the ends of the half shells 3, 4.

Ultimately, the man skilled in the art is able to provide a number of fastening means concealed from the view and which do not require seats 3.2, 4.2 formed iintegrally with the front 3 and rear 4 half shells. At this point, if the front 3 and rear 4 half shells are also devoid of the half casings 3.2, 4.2, replaced with the transversal casings 3.3/4.3, nothing prevents that they may be made through extrusion instead of die casting. In that case, then, the die casting technology, with its implied cost for the moulds, is removed from the production process.

Please take note that the reciprocal fastening means just described, while ensuring a good shape coupling between the half shells 3, 4 and core 2, which ensures an appropriate heat transmission, allows also the relative shifting between the components made of different materials, due to the different thermal dilatations thereof.

The combined radiator 1 which is the object of this invention allows a number of advantages as compared to the radiators of the prior art, even when compared with the so-called bimetallic radiators. It shares therewith the benefit of having an inner core 2 made of steel having a high resistance to corrosion and to the operative pressures.

But, all the bimetallic radiators of the prior art provide the construction of separate heating elements, which are then assembled one flanking the other for creating the complete radiator.

Instead,- the combined radiator 1 employs an already pre-formed inner core 2, consisting of a single tubular steel which, substantially, may consist of a known towel radiator (which, in the embodiment shown in the figure, has its manifolds arranged horizontally).

Said solution provides significant advantages both in terms of economy and time saving on the production line of the combined radiator 1, due to the fact that, with the presence of an already preformed inner core 2 (for the whole radiator and not for the single heating element), there is no need for a careful finishing mechanical process of the single heating element for the correct assembly thereof.

With regards to the half shells 3, 4 the moulds required for obtaining them through die-casting are significantly less expensive than those required for stamping the die- cast radiator elements known to the art due to the fact that, being devoid of inner cavities, they are much simpler as they do not need moving parts.

Furthermore, it has been seen that, for some embodiments, said half shells 3, 4 may be obtained through extrusion as well.

Said technological simplification implies a further range of advantages consisting in the wide possibility for aesthetic customisation of half shells 3, 4, leaving unchanged the tubular structure forming the inner core 2: said outer half shells may be produced according to any shape and look required by the market, due to the fact that their production through die-casting of aluminium or alloys thereof is performed through dedicated moulds, significantly cheaper, as said, than moulds for elements fully made of die-cast aluminium.

Therefore, when utilising a steel inner core 2 which can remain always the same, it is sufficient to make different moulds for the production of covering half shells 3, 4 having different appearance. The attached figures show an explanatory and not limiting variant of said aesthetic variability, wherein the front half shell 3 is provided with ornaments 3.5. In said figure, said ornaments 3.5 are created closed to one of the end half casings 3.3, but they may be also arranged on the whole front surface of said half shell 3. Also the outer surface of the rear half shell 4 may be provided with aesthetic ornaments or, as shown in fig. 4, with one or more sets of fins 4.5 suitable to favour the thermal exchange with room air.

Said fins may also be formed on the front face of the opposed front half shell 3 as well as be present also in the inner parts of each half shell 3, 4 in the spaces not occupied by the longitudinal channels 3.1, 4.1.

A further advantage is closely connected to the extreme simplicity and quickness of assembly of the half shells 3, 4 which is performed through known releasable fastening means; unlike the current bimetallic radiators, said fastening means allow also the following disassembly of said half shells, in case maintenance or replacement operations of the inner core 2 or of one or more couples of half shells 3, 4 are desired.

It is clear that several variants of the combined radiator 1 hereinabove are possible to the man skilled in the art, without departing from the novelty scopes of the inventive idea, as well as it is clear that in the practical embodiment of the invention the various components described above may be replaced with technically equivalent ones.

For example, the attached figures always refer to an inner core 2 having circular or substantially circular section vertical diffusing ducts 2.3, but, obviously, nothing prevents that said section has a different shape still providing a shape coupling with the half shells 3, 4.

A simplified embodiment of the combined radiator 1, for example, may provide an inner core 2 having lozenge shaped tubular section vertical diffusing ducts 2.3, that is with regular quadrilateral section having a diagonal parallel to the axis of said manifolds 2.1 and 2.2: in such a case, the shape of the longitudinal channels 3.1, 4.1 may be obtained in a simple way, being sufficient that it is shaped as a more or less open or closed "L", having the same angle of the edge of the lozenge whereagainst it has to be tightened. The more the angle of said L shaped section is closed (namely <= 45°) the more, with equal tightening force, is obtained a close contact between the counter shaped surface portions.

Further embodiments of this invention may regard the ways of creating the half shells 3, 4 and the reciprocal coupling thereof for covering the vertical diffusing ducts 2.3: the embodiment wherein each couple of said half shells 3, 4 covers a single vertical diffusing duct has been described so far, but it is also possible to create half shells having bigger amplitude capable to cover two or more of said vertical diffusing ducts 2.3.

A marginal variant suitable for particularly cheap radiators 1, may provide the presence of the sole front half shells 3 with the inner core 2 of the combined radiator 1 being, therefore, covered only frontally by said half shells 3, whereas the rear face remains devoid of the covering shell: in such a case the half shell 3, being not able to couple with the reciprocal rear half shell 4, is directly constrained to the inner core 2 to one or more plates arranged on the rear of the inner core 2 thereof. The fins 4.5 which in fig. 4 are present in longitudinal direction as well, may be as well provided as transversal to the half shells 3, 4, which, in such a case, should necessarily be obtained through die-casting, whereas the towel radiator forming the core 2 of the combined radiator 1 according to the invention would be installed as towel radiators usually are, that is with horizontal diffusing ducts 2.3.

Claims

Combined radiator (1) for room heating,

comprising a core (2) suitable to be crossed by the heat transfer fluid, said core (2) comprising inlet and collecting manifolds (2.1, 2.2) and diffusing ducts (2.3) for the circulation of said heat transfer fluid,

and one or more outer elements (3, 4)

characterised in that

said core (2) has a single tubular structure the dimensions thereof are substantially equal to the dimensions of said combined radiator (1) and comprising a number of diffusing ducts (2.3),

and in that

said one or more outer elements (3, 4) comprise at least one or more front half shells (3), each one tightened through suitable fastening means (3.21 , 4.21, 3.2, 4.2) against one or more of said diffusing ducts (2.3), with at least a part thereof they achieve a shape coupling.

Combined radiator (1) according to the previous claim,

characterised in that

said shape coupling is achieved due to the fact that said diffusing ducts

(2.3) are tubular shaped while the corresponding half shells (3, 4) are internally provided with longitudinal channels (3.1, 4.1) being counter shaped relative to said tubular shape.

Combined radiator (1) according to any previous claim,

characterised in that

said shape coupling substantially extends along the half of the outer surface of said diffusing ducts (2.3) facing towards the corresponding half shell (3, 4).

Combined radiator (1) according to any previous claim,

characterised in that

each of said longitudinal channels (3.1, 4.1) develops vertically on the inner face of each of said half shells (3, 4), by a length substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the diffusing duct (2.3) it is covering. Combined radiator (1) according to any previous claim, from 2 onwards, characterised in that

said tubular shaped diffusing ducts (2.3) have circular section.

Combined radiator (1) according to any previous claim, from 2 to 4 included,

characterised in that

said diffusing tubular shaped ducts (2.3) have a regular quadrilateral section having a diagonal parallel to the axis of said manifolds (2.1, 2.2). Combined radiator (1) according to any previous claim,

characterised in that

said collectors (2.1, 2.2) of said core (2) are disguised by covering elements (3.3, 4.3; 3.3/4.3).

Combined radiator (1) according to claim 7,

characterised in that

said covering elements (3.3, 4.3; 3.3/4.3) consist of half casings (3.3, 4.3) shaped at the upper and lower end of each of said half shells (3, 4), the half shells (3, 4) thereof being formed through aluminium alloy die casting.

Combined radiator (1) according to claim 7,

characterised in that

said covering elements (3.3, 4.3; 3.3/4.3) consist of continuous cross casings (3.3/4.3).

- suitable to disguise, each one of them, the corresponding said manifold (2.1, 2.2),

- separately obtained from said half shells (3, 4),

- and consisting, each one, in an aluminium alloy section bar.

Combined radiator (1) according to any previous claim,

characterised in that

- said one or more half shells (3, 4) are at least a couple (3, 4) of front (3) and rear (4) half shells.

said suitable fastening means (3.21, 4.21, 3.2, 4.2) provide known fastening elements (rivets, bolts, pins and similar) that are inserted in through holes (4.21) formed in a number of seats (4.2) of the rear half shell (4) of said couple of half shells (3, 4) and that hook in corresponding blind holes (3.21) in the opposed number of seats (3.2) of the inner face of the front half shell (3) of the same couple of half shells (3, 4).

Combined radiator (1) according to any previous claim from 1 to 9 included,

characterised in that

- said one or more half shells (3, 4) are at least a couple (3, 4) of front (3) and rear (4) half shells

- said suitable fastening means consist in a shape coupling having a snap or a pressure closure of each half shell (3, 4) of said couple of half shells (3, 4) against the other of the same couple of half shells (3, 4).

Combined radiator (1) according to any previous claim from 1 to 9 included,

characterised in that

each of said one or more front half shells (3) is directly constrained to said inner core (2).

Combined radiator (1) according to any previous claim from 1 to 9 included,

characterised in that

each of said one or more front half shells (3) is constrained to one or more plates arranged on the rear of said inner core (2).

Combined radiator (1) according to claim 9,

characterised in that

said one or more half shells (3, 4) are at least a couple (3, 4) of front (3) and rear (4) half shells

said continuous cross casings (3.3/4.3) are shaped as a "C" and jaw- lock the ends of said half shells (3, 4) of said couple (3, 4) of half shells.

15. Combined radiator (1) according to any previous claim,

characterised in that

said one or more half shells (3, 4) are provided with fins (4.5) suitable to favour the thermal exchange with room air.

16. Combined radiator (1) according to any previous claim,

characterised in that

said one or more half shells (3, 4)

- are made of die cast aluminium alloy,

- and said fins (4.5) are transverse to the half shells (3, 4) thereof.

17. Combined radiator (1) according to any previous claim, 8 and 16 excluded,

characterised in that

said one or more half shells (3, 4) are made of extruded aluminium alloy.

18. Combined radiator (1) according to any previous claim,

characterised in that

each of said one or more half shells (3, 4) are shape coupled with only one of said diffusing ducts (2.3).