WO2014170817A1

WO2014170817A1 - Device for air heating and/or air conditioning

Info

Publication number: WO2014170817A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/060712
Authority: WO
Inventors: Federico CASAROTTO; Fabio LIEVORE
Original assignee: Casarotto Federico; Lievore Fabio
Priority date: 2013-04-18
Filing date: 2014-04-14
Publication date: 2014-10-23
Also published as: ITVI20130112A1

Abstract

A heat exchanger element (100) suited to be used in heating and/ or conditioning systems, like for example domestic and/or industrial systems for heating and/or conditioning domestic and/or industrial premises, comprising at least one heat exchanger component (101) and at least one first collector element (102, 103) in mutual fluid- dynamic connection and rigidly fixed to each other, wherein said at least one heat exchanger component (101) is constituted by a piece of metal section bar provided with a plurality of pipes (104) suited to allow a fluid to circulate between the opposite ends of said piece of section bar, and wherein said at least one first collector element (102, 103) comprises a main pipe (107) in fluid-dynamic connection with each one of said pipes (104) of said piece of section bar.

Description

DEVICE FOR AIR HEATING AND/OR AIR CONDITIONING.

The present invention concerns the technical field of air heating and/or conditioning (this term being also used to mean "cooling") or similar applications for environments such as domestic and also industrial environments.

In particular, the present invention concerns a solution for making an air heating and/or conditioning device or element suited to be installed in environments such as domestic and also industrial environments.

In greater detail, the present invention concerns a solution that makes it possible to produce an air heating and/or conditioning device or component of the type described above at low cost, in a limited time and with simple and immediate production processes.

STATE OF THE ART

In the state of the art concerning heating systems it is known that the production and manufacture of heating devices like for example common radiators for domestic use pose several problems. For example, one of the typical problems is represented by the high number of component parts that need to be assembled, which slows down the production cycle with obvious consequences for the final cost of the radiator.

A second problem is due to the fact that many of the component parts to be assembled must be constructed specifically for this purpose, as it is not possible to find or use component parts that are already available on the market even if used for other purposes. For example, in the traditional cast iron radiators the elements that make up the radiator must be produced separately (for example through a casting process) and then assembled together.

A further problem related to the radiators or air conditioners according to the known art is represented by the fact that the same often have undoubtedly excessive weight and overall dimensions, which make them difficult to install, for example in domestic environments, in particular in small flats for which, instead, it would be appropriate to use small-sized radiators.

Finally, a further problem posed by the radiators or air conditioners according to the known art concerns their appearance, which in many cases is not very pleasant and therefore does not meet the aesthetical needs of applications for domestic use.

The object of the present invention, therefore, is to overcome the drawbacks that are typical of the radiators or air conditioners or con vectors or radiating elements according to the known art.

In particular, it is one object of the present invention to provide a solution that makes it possible to assemble an air heating and/or conditioning device (for example a radiator or even a conditioner or a convector) at limited costs, through a simple and immediate process or method characterized by a reduced number of production steps.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a solution for the production of an air heating and conditioning device of the type just described above allowing the use of component parts that are already available on the market or that in any case can be suited for this purpose with few and/or simple operations.

Finally, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a solution for the production of an air heating or conditioning device of the type mentioned above that makes it possible to produce a device with limited size and weight while at the same time ensuring its pleasant appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is based on the general consideration that the objects set and summed up above can be achieved in a satisfactory manner by using, for the production of an air heating and/or conditioning device, metal section bars commonly available on the market (or in any case suited to be produced following known procedures and via processes used also to produce sections bars intended for other purposes) and re-adapting them to the specific purposes of said application. The present invention is based in particular on the further consideration that the metal section bars commonly available on the market or even specifically produced can be suited with simple and relatively inexpensive operations to the specific needs of air heating or conditioning devices (in particular as regards size, weight and appearance), so that, by properly connecting one or more pieces of a section bar so as to allow a heating and/or conditioning fluid to circulate inside them, it will be possible to obtain a device capable of offering satisfactory thermal efficiency through a simple and inexpensive assembly procedure.

Based on the preceding considerations, therefore, the subject of the present invention is thus a device or element according to claim 1, meaning a heat exchanger element suited to be used in heating and/or conditioning systems, like for example domestic and/or industrial systems for heating and/or conditioning domestic and/or industrial premises, comprising at least one heat exchanger component and at least one first collector element that are in mutual fluid- dynamic connection with and rigidly fixed to each other; said at least one heat exchanger component is constituted by a piece of a metal section bar with a plurality of pipes suited to allow the circulation of a fluid between the opposite ends of said piece of section bar; said at least one first collector element comprises a main pipe that is in fluid-dynamic connection with each one of said pipes of said piece of section bar.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, said at least one first collector element is arranged at the level of a first end of said piece of section bar, said main pipe of said at least one first collector element being in fluid- dynamic connection with the first end portion of each one of said pipes.

According to another embodiment of the invention, said main pipe of said at least one first collector element develops along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of development of said piece of section bar, said main pipe comprising a plurality of secondary openings arranged along said at least one first collector element, each one of said openings being placed in fluid- dynamic connection with the end of a corresponding pipe of said piece of section bar.

According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the heating or conditioning element comprises a plurality of tubular elements suited to ensure fluid-dynamic connection, each one interposed between each one of said secondary openings and the end of the corresponding pipe of said piece of section bar, so as to obtain said fluid-dynamic connection between each one of said openings and the end of the corresponding pipe of said piece of section bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, each one of said tubular elements for fluid-dynamic connection is rigidly fixed to said collector element. According to a special embodiment of the invention, each one of said tubular elements for fluid-dynamic connection is in the shape of a truncated cone and the end of each one of said tubular connection elements opposite said at least one first collector element is at least partially inserted in the end of the corresponding pipe of said piece of section bar.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, fluid-dynamic sealing means are interposed between said at least one first collector element and the end of said piece of section bar, so as to guarantee fluid-dynamic tightness between each one of said secondary openings of said at least one first collector element and the end of the corresponding pipe of said piece of section bar.

Said sealing means preferably comprise a plurality of annular sealing elements of the O-ring type, each interposed between one of said secondary openings of said at least one first collector element and the end of the corresponding pipe of said piece of section bar.

Still preferably, said sealing means comprise a common sealing element interposed between said at least one first collector element and said end of said piece of section bar, and said sealing element comprises a plurality of openings, each one at the level of one of said secondary openings of said at least one first collector element.

Further special or preferred embodiments of the present invention, as well as possible applications of the same, are defined in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages, objects and characteristics, as well as further embodiments of the present invention will be highlighted in the following description of the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings, in which corresponding or equivalent characteristics or component parts of the element according to the present invention are identified by the same reference numbers; in particular, in the figures:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an element according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 2 and 3 respectively show a front and a rear exploded view of the element illustrated in Figure 1 ;

- Figures 4a and 4b show sectional and perspective side views respectively of the upper collector and of the lower collector of the element illustrated in Figure 1 ;

- Figure 5 shows perspective views of component parts of the element according to the present invention;

- Figures 6a and 6b show exploded perspective views respectively of a second and of a third embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 9 shows a perspective view and side views of a collector for an element according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 10 shows a perspective view and side views of a component for an element according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 1 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an element according to said further embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 12 and 14 show a possible solution for fixing an element according to the present invention to a wall;

- Figure 13 shows one of the possible uses of the element according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Even though the present invention is described below making reference to its embodiments shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below and illustrated in the drawings. On the contrary, the embodiments described below and represented in the drawings clarify some aspects of the present invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims.

The present invention can be especially but not exclusively applied to the sector of systems and solutions for heating and conditioning premises, like for example domestic but also industrial or similar premises. For this reason, the present invention is described here below with particular reference to its applications regarding the production of heat exchanger elements, like for example heating and conditioning elements (radiators, conditioners or similar elements).

With particular reference to Figure 1, herein the reference number 100 indicates a heat exchanger element according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Said element 100 comprises in particular a plurality (three, in this specific case) of heat exchanger components 101 connected to one another by a first upper collector element 102 and by a second lower collector element 103. In particular, the connection between the heat exchanger elements 101 and the two collectors 102 and 103 is of the fluid-dynamic type, meaning that a heating fluid (for example, hot water) or a conditioning fluid (for example, cooled water) can circulate between the elements 101 and the collectors 102 and 103 according to procedures that will be explained below.

With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3, it is possible to appreciate that each one of the exchanger elements 101 and of the collectors 102 and 103 is formed by a piece of metal section bar, for example made of aluminium, having suitable length (defined according to the needs or circumstances). Each piece of metal section bar forming an exchanger element 101 comprises in particular a plurality of pipes or channels 104, each one developing in the direction of longitudinal development of the section bar, so that a fluid can be circulated along each one of said pipes 104 between the two opposite ends of the piece of section bar. In particular, for the assembly of the heat exchanger element according to the present invention it will be possible to use any of the section bars available on the market, or alternatively to make (for example, extrude) section bars whose only essential characteristic must be that they comprise longitudinal pipes (at least one) and if required a supporting structure or frame. In the case of the section bar shown in Figures 2 and 3, said supporting structure comprises two parallel plates or foils that define an inner space in which the pipes are arranged. The section bars of this type are available in various sizes and various metals and are produced through processes like extrusion or similar processes.

In order to obtain a component 101 it will thus be sufficient to cut a piece of section bar with appropriate length, suitable for the specific purpose and application.

The element 100 also comprises, as mentioned above, an upper collector 102 and a lower collector 103, which are formed by pieces of section bar, too, and respectively fixed to the opposite ends of the components 101 (the latter are arranged adjacent to each other, even with a free space in-between); in particular, each one of the two collectors 102 and 103 is formed by a piece of metal section bar (for example of the extruded type), and comprises a main pipe 107 that develops in a continuous or discontinuous way (as explained below) between the two opposite ends of the collector, in such a way as to allow a fluid to flow between said two opposite ends or between the ends of pieces having predefined length.

Each one of the two collectors 102 and 103 comprises also a series of transversal openings 105 that place the main pipe 107 in communication with the outside. It can be inferred, therefore, that fixing the collectors 102 and 103 to the opposite ends of the components 101 as shown in particular in Figure 1, and taking care especially to make each one of the transversal openings 105 coincide with a corresponding pipe 104 of one of the components 101, it will be possible to obtain the circulation of a fluid between the two collectors 102 and 103 and through the components or pieces of section bar 101. For example, closing one end of the main pipe 107 of the lower collector 103 with a threaded cap 106, it will be possible to connect the opposite end of the collector 103 with an external pipe (not shown in the figures), for example the delivery pipe of a main heating or conditioning system, for example domestic or industrial. In the same way, closing one of the two opposite ends of the main pipe 107 of the upper collector 102, it will be possible to connect the opposite end of the main pipe 107 of the same upper collector 102 with an external return pipe. In this way, a heating or conditioning fluid flowing into the element 100 through one end of the lower collector 103 will continue flowing through the pipes of the components or pieces of section bar 101 until reaching the upper collector 102, from which it will be discharged through the end of the collector 102 connected to said external discharge pipe of said main system. While flowing through the pieces of section bar 101, the liquid will transfer or absorb heat, depending on its temperature, thus heating or conditioning the place where the element 100 is installed, as desired. Obviously, it will be possible to use some of the pipes 104 as delivery pipes and other pipes 104 as return pipes. For example, interrupting the main pipe 107 of the lower collector 103 in such a way as to define two portions of collector that are not in fluid-dynamic connection, the fluid flowing into a first portion of collector will flow up along the pipes 104 that are in fluid-dynamic connection with the openings 105 of said first portion and then down along the pipes 104 that are in fluid-dynamic connection with the openings 105 of the second portion of the collector, from which it will be discharged. The same circulation of fluid inside the element 100 can be obviously obtained also using two lower collectors, each closed at one end. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tightness between the transversal openings 105 of the collectors and the pipes 104 of the components or pieces of section bar 101 is obtained by means of annular sealing elements of the O-ring type, each interposed between a transversal opening 105 and the end of the corresponding pipe 104. Alternatively, it will be possible to use holed sealing strips or even holed plates, like for example thin plates made of copper or similar metals. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, each collector is fixed to the assembly of components or pieces of section bar 101 by means of a plurality of fixing elements (for example screws or bolts) 111, each one of which fits into a blind hole made in the same surface of the collector on which there are the side openings 105. In particular, Figure 3 shows that the side plate or sheet of each section bar comprises a plurality of openings (each one interposed between two adjacent pipes) 1 14 through which an operator can insert the fixing screws 1 1 1 and fit them in the corresponding blind holes 110. Obviously, it will be possible to use alternative fixing methods, for example it will be possible to glue each one of the collectors to one of the two opposite ends of the components 101.

In particular, Figure 3 shows an alternative solution for the fluid-dynamic or hydraulic connection of the element 100 to a main system, for example a main heating or conditioning system. In this case, the two opposite ends of the main pipe 107 of each one of the two collectors, meaning the upper collector 102 and the lower collector 103, are both closed, each by means of a corresponding closing cap (if necessary, interposing a sealing element or gasket). In the wall of the lower collector 103 positioned crosswise with respect to the wall provided with the transversal openings 105 connecting the main pipe 107 and the pipes 104, there are a first opening 1 12 and a second opening 1 13 which, too, place the main pipe 107 in communication with the outside. Therefore, for example, it will be possible to connect the opening 112 to the delivery pipe of a main system (for example through a pipe fitting 140), as well as the opening 113 to a return or discharge pipe of the same system, for example, also in this case, through a corresponding pipe fitting 141. It should be noted that in this circumstance the main pipe 107, as previously mentioned, is divided into two parts that are not in fluid-dynamic communication with each other. The first part 107a is hydraulically connected to the first opening 112, while the second part 107b is in hydraulic communication with the second opening 1 13. The division of the main pipe (or duct) 107 into two parts can be obtained by inserting an intermediate cap 107c inside the main duct 107. In this case, therefore, the heating or conditioning liquid flows into the element 100 through the lower collector 103 and flows out of the element 100 always through the lower collector 103. Obviously, a connection of this type can be made also on the upper collector 102. From what has been explained above and from what is illustrated in the Figures from 1 to 3 it is possible to appreciate the simplicity of the operations performed to assemble and make the element 100, as well as of the operations to be performed for connecting the same element 100 to a main system. It is also possible to appreciate the simplicity of construction of its main parts, meaning the components 101 and the two opposite collectors 102 and 103, each one of which is obtained by simply cutting a metal section bar having suitable length and making the holes necessary for the fluid-dynamic connection in the pieces of section bar intended to serve as collectors.

Figures 4a and 4b show in detail the essential characteristics of the upper collector 102 and of the lower collector 103, respectively. For example, the top side view of Figure 4a shows how the side connection openings 105 are created along a directrix that is slightly offset (crosswise) with respect to the directrix along which the blind connection holes 1 10 are arranged. In the same way, the longitudinal cross-sectional views show that, obviously, the blind holes 105 are less deep than the connection openings 1 10, in such a way as to guarantee that the blind holes 105 do not reach the main pipe 107 of the collector 102. Furthermore, the cross- sectional views show that the main pipe 107 comprises two opposite threaded ends, in which the previously mentioned closing caps 106 are fitted. Obviously, the threaded ends can be replaced by smooth ends, and in this case the closing caps can be, for example, glued or welded to the corresponding ends. Alternatively, the two opposite ends of one of the two lower and upper collectors 103 and 102 can be used for connection to the pipes of a main system.

The details explained above concerning the upper collector 102 can obviously be applied also to the lower collector 103 shown in Figure 4b, with the only difference that in this case the collector 103 comprises the further side openings 112 and 113 mentioned above and intended to be used to connect the collector to a main heating or conditioning system.

Furthermore, Figure 5 shows an example of a threaded cap 106 suited to be screwed into a corresponding threaded end of the upper and lower collectors 102 and 103, the threaded cap 106 comprising a seat with hexagonal cross section where a tool in a corresponding shape, for example a socket wrench, can be fitted. Figure 5 shows also an example of a fixing screw 108 provided with an hexagonal seat where a tool (for example a socket wrench) can be fitted, said fixing screw 108 being suited to be screwed into a corresponding blind threaded hole 1 10, and therefore being suited to fix the upper collector 102 and the lower collector 103 to the components or pieces of section bar 101. Figure 5 also shows a pipe fitting 140 (141) of the type suited to achieve the fluid-dynamic or hydraulic connection between a collector and a main external heating or conditioning system. Finally, Figure 5 shows an example of a sealing element 1 15 of the O-ring type, in this case made of an elastic material and suited to be interposed between a transversal opening 105 of a collector and a corresponding main pipe of a component or piece of section bar 101.

Each one of Figures 6a and 6b shows an embodiment or alternative application of the element 100 according to the present invention; in Figures 6a and 6b, characteristics and/or component parts of the element 100 previously described with reference to other figures and common to other embodiments are indicated by the same reference numbers.

In particular, Figure 6a clearly shows that according to the present invention it is possible to use any number of components or pieces of section bar 101 arranged adjacent to one another, either in contact with one another (as shown in Figure 6a) or, alternatively, with a free space in-between. Furthermore, Figure 6a shows that also the upper and lower collectors 102 and 103 can be each formed by a plurality of pieces of section bar connected to one another in such a way as to obtain a continuous or discontinuous main pipe 107; for this purpose, the pieces of section bar can be, for example, glued or welded to one another or connected to one another by means of alternative solutions available in the art. This solution is particularly suited to be used in the case where the number of components 101 is such that considerably long collectors are required, and thus in the case where it is not very practical to use collectors formed by a single piece of section bar. Furthermore, the length of the pieces of section bar used to make the collectors 102 and 103 may or not correspond to the width of each one of the pieces of section bar 101. For example, for the collectors 102 and 103 it will be possible to use pieces of section bar whose length is twice the width of each one of the components or pieces of section bar 101.

Figure 6b clearly shows that the element 100 can be installed with two orientations, in particular with the components 101 in a substantially vertical position (as shown in the previous figures) or alternatively with the components 101 in a substantially horizontal position and thus with the collectors 102 and 103 in a substantially vertical position (Figure 6b).

Figure 7, in which component parts or characteristics that are common to other embodiments of the invention are indicated by the same reference numbers, shows a further embodiment of the heating or conditioning element 100 according to the present invention. The main difference between the embodiment shown in Figure 7 and the embodiments described previously is related to the fluid-dynamic or hydraulic connection between the collectors 102 and the components or pieces of section bar 101. In this case, in fact, for this purpose (for both of the collectors or for one of them only, alternatively) tubular pipe fittings 116 are used, in a number equal to the number of the transversal openings 105 of the collector and of the main pipes 104. In particular, one end portion of each one of the tubular pipe fittings 1 16 is inserted in the corresponding opening 105, while the opposite end portion is inserted in the end portion of a corresponding pipe 104. If necessary, an annular sealing element (for example an O-ring) with inner diameter suited to accommodate the tubular pipe fitting 1 16 can be arranged between the opening 105 and the corresponding pipe 104. It should however be noted that, also in this case, alternative sealing elements can be used, like for example a pre-holed gasket made of an elastic material, or even a thin pre-holed plate in copper or a similar metal.

Even Figures 8 and 9 (in which, as usual, parts or characteristics common to other embodiments are indicated by the same reference numbers) show a further alternative embodiment of the element 100 according to the present invention. In this case, at least one of the two collectors (the lower collector 103 in Figures 8 and 9) comprises a plurality of hollow conical elements, each one of which is arranged at the level of a transversal opening 105; the distal end of each one of said hollow, truncated cone-shaped elements (the end opposite the main body of the collector) is thus inserted in the end portion of the corresponding pipe 104, if necessary interposing one of the sealing elements previously mentioned and described and in any case known in the art. Obviously, the solutions described above and related to the fluid-dynamic or hydraulic connection of the collectors to the components 101 can be used combined together or as an alternative to one another. This means that, for example, for the fluid-dynamic connection of the upper collector 102 it will be possible to use any of the solutions described above (for example the tubular pipe fittings 116 or the hollow truncated cone-shaped collectors 120 of Figure 8), while for the lower collector 103 it will be possible to use the same solution or even an alternative solution.

Figure 10 shows as a whole an alternative section bar suited to be used (also in this case by cutting it into pieces having suitable length) for making a heating or conditioning element according to the present invention. In this case the section bar comprises a single main plate or sheet folded at the level of the opposite side edges in such a way as to ensure that even considerably long pieces of section bar are rigid. The main pipes 104 are obviously fixed to said main plate or sheet. This solution offers considerable advantages from the aesthetical point of view, since it is possible to assemble the heating element 100 in such a way that during use the main plates of the various pieces of section bar are exposed and visible while the main pipes are hidden or in any case not visible.

Figure 1 1 shows an example of assembly of an element 100 with the use of pieces of section bar of the type shown in Figure 10. In this case, for the fluid- dynamic connection of the collectors to the components or pieces of section bar

101 the solution described above with reference to Figures 8 and 9 is shown, meaning the solution with the hollow truncated cone-shaped pipe fittings 120 projecting from the collector (glued or welded to it); the fluid-dynamic or hydraulic connection will thus be obtained by following the procedures described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Obviously, even in this case it will be possible to use alternative solutions for one or both of the collectors, for example the solution in which the tubular collectors 1 16 are used (Figure 7), or even the solution described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Furthermore, also in this case, the number of components or pieces of section bar 101 (immediately adjacent to one another or with an empty space in-between) will be selected as desired and according to the final size of the element 100. In the same way, the collectors can be constituted by a single piece of section bar or by a plurality of pieces of section bar arranged in succession and connected to one another in such a way as to form a continuous or discontinuous main pipe 107.

Figures 12 and 14 show a suitable and particularly convenient solution for fixing the element 100 according to the present invention to a solid body, for example to a wall, as well as for fixing the upper and/or lower collectors, each one of which is formed by one or more pieces of section bar, to the elements or components 101. According to this solution, pre-formed plates are used, whose number depends on the number and size of the section bars 101 and the collectors

102 and 103. In the example illustrated herein, four plates 200 are used, two for each section bar 101 and each arranged at the level of one end of section bar itself. Each one of the plates 200 comprises a main flat portion 201 whose width corresponds to the width of the section bar 101, from which hollow boxes 203 develop which are closed on four sides (one is closed by the main portion 201), and wherein one of the two remaining sides is closed by a holed wall (comprising a through hole 205), while the opposite side is open.

The plates are fixed to the elements 101 as shown in particular in Figure 14, meaning through screws or bolts 206 inserted through corresponding holes made in the sides of each flat portion 201, whose ends fit into corresponding holes 207 made in the folded U-shaped portion of the section bar 101. In greater detail, the mutual position of the plate 200 and of the section bar 101 is such that the end of each pipe 104 is housed in the space between two adjacent boxes 203. Finally, the fixing of the collectors 102 and 103 to the section bars 101 is obtained through screws or bolts 208, each screw being housed in the through hole 205 of the holed wall of the box (which can be accessed through an opening 209 obtained in the flat portion 201 of the plate 200 and through the open side of the box) and fitted in a blind hole 1 10, analogously to what happens in the other embodiments. Concerning the assembly of the heat exchanger 100 to a solid element (wall or similar structure), said assembly is performed using openings 210 obtained in the flat portion 201 of each plate 200, each of them being suited to be coupled, for example, with a hook or a similar element (not shown in the figures) and previously fixed to said solid element.

Finally, Figure 13 shows and clarifies how the heating or conditioning element 100 is suitable for applications that are particularly valuable from the aesthetic point of view. It should be noted, in fact, that the decidedly reduced thickness of the section bars and their external appearance (smooth and continuous) allow the element 101 to be built in a seat or recess, for example obtained in a wall, said seat or recess having a regular shape (usually rectangular), in such a way as to substantially close the recess and practically without spaces in-between. It can thus be inferred that all the elements of discontinuity between the recess and the devices according to the known art can be avoided, thus giving the assembly made up of the recess and the element 101 a particularly pleasant appearance. The description provided above thus shows that the heating or conditioning element according to the present invention allows the set objects to be achieved and the problems and drawbacks that are typical of the heating or conditioning elements according to the known art to be overcome.

It should however be noted that, although the present invention has been illustrated by means of the description of its embodiments shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings. On the contrary, the present invention includes all those modifications or variants of the described embodiments that are known to the expert in the art and fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Heat exchanger element (100) suited to be used in heating and/or conditioning systems such as for instance domestic and/or industrial systems for heating and/or conditioning domestic and/or industrial premises, comprising at least one heat exchanger component (101) and at least one first collector element (102, 103) in fluid-dynamic connection with and mutually fixed to each other, characterized in that said at least one heat exchanger component (101) is constituted by a piece of metal section bar with a plurality of pipes (1014) suited to allow a fluid to circulate between the opposite ends of said piece of section bar, and in that said at least one first collector element (102, 103) comprises a main pipe (107) in fluid-dynamic connection with each one of said pipes (104) of said piece of section bar (101).

2. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one first collector element (102, 103) is arranged at the level of a first end of said piece of section bar (101), and in that said main pipe (107) of said at least one first collector element (102, 103) is in fluid-dynamic connection with the first end portion of each of said pipes (104).

3. Element according to claim 2, characterized in that said main pipe (107) of said at least one first collector element (102, 103) develops along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of development of said piece of section bar, and in that said main pipe (107) comprises a plurality of secondary openings (105) located along said at least one first collector element (102, 103), each one of said openings (105) being in fluid-dynamic connection with the end of a corresponding pipe (104) of said piece of section bar (101).

4. Element according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of tubular fluid-dynamic connection elements (1 16, 120), each one interposed between each one of said secondary openings (105) and the end of the corresponding pipe (104) of said piece of section bar (101), so as to obtain said fluid-dynamic connection between each one of said openings (105) and the end of the corresponding pipe (104) of said piece of section bar (101).

5. Element according to claim 3, characterized in that each one of said tubular elements (1 16, 120) for fluid-dynamic connection is rigidly fixed to said collector element (102, 103).

6. Element according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that each one of said tubular elements (1 16, 120) for fluid-dynamic connection is in the shape of a truncated cone, and in that the end of each one of said tubular connection elements (1 16, 120) opposite said at least one first collector element (102, 103) is at least partially inserted in the end of the corresponding pipe (104) of said piece of section bar (101).

7. Element according to any of the claims from 3 to 6, characterized in that fluid-dynamic sealing means are interposed between said at least one first collector element (102, 103) and the end of said piece of section bar (101) so as to ensure fluid-dynamic tightness between each one of said secondary openings (105) of said at least one first collector element (102, 103) and the end of the corresponding pipe (104) of said piece of section bar (101).

8. Element according to claim 7, characterized in that said sealing means comprise a plurality of annular sealing elements (115) of the O-ring type, each one interposed between one of said secondary openings (105) of said at least one collector element (102, 103) and the end of the corresponding pipe (104) of said piece of section bar (101).

9. Element according to claim 7, characterized in that said sealing means comprise a common sealing element interposed between said at least one first collector element (102, 103) and said end of said piece of section bar (101), and in that said sealing element comprises a plurality of openings, each one at the level of one of said secondary openings (105) of said at least one first collector element (102, 103).

10. Element according to any of the claims from 1 to 9, characterized in that said at least one first collector element (102, 103) is rigidly glued or welded to said at least one component (101).

11. Element according to any of the claims from 1 to 9, characterized in that said at least one first collector element (102, 103) is rigidly fixed to said at least one component (101) by means of a plurality of fixing screws or bolts (108).

12. Element according to claim 1 1, characterized in that each one of said fixing screws or bolts (108) is fitted in a corresponding blind hole (1 10) made in said at least one first collector element (102, 103).

13. Element according to any of the claims from 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises at least one second collector element (102, 103) arranged at the level of a second end of said piece of section bar (101) opposite said first end of said piece of section bar (101), and in that said at least one second collector element (102, 103) comprises a main pipe (107) in fluid-dynamic connection with the corresponding end of each one of said pipes (104) of said piece of section bar (101).

14. Element according to claim 13, characterized in that said main pipe (107) of said at least one second collector element (102, 103) develops along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of development of said piece of section bar (101), and in that said main pipe (107) comprises a plurality of secondary openings (105) located along said at least one second collector element (102, 103), each one of said secondary openings (105) being placed in fluid-dynamic connection with the end of a corresponding pipe (104) of said piece of section bar (101) opposite said at least one first collector element (102, 103).

15. Element according to any of the claims from 1 to 14, characterized in that said at least one first collector element or said at least one second collector element (102, 103) comprises a first fluid-dynamic delivery connection between said main pipe (107) and an external pipe, as well as a second fluid- dynamic discharge connection between said main pipe (107) and an external pipe.

16. Element according to any of the claims from 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of heat exchanger components (101) arranged adjacent to one another, each one of which consists of a piece of section bar with a plurality of pipes (104), as well as a plurality of first collector elements (102, 103), each one comprising a main pipe in fluid-dynamic connection with each one of the pipes of a corresponding component (101), the main pipes (104) of said exchanger elements being furthermore in mutual fluid-dynamic connection.