HEATING PANEL WITH FLOATING FLOOR STRUCTURE

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heating panel comprises a base plate, a plurality of holders formed on a first surface of the base plate, a plurality of supporting cups projected from a second surface of the base plate, the second surface positioned opposite the first surface, a plurality of noise removing cups projected from the second surface of the base plate, and a plurality of screw members respectively screwed to the plurality of supporting cups to allow the base plate to float over a floor where the heating panel is placed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0086527, filed on Jul. 10, 2014, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention concern panels for heating rooms, and more specifically, to heating panels with a floating structure, enabling easier assembly and installation of heating panels.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

A few panels for floor heating came to the market, which mostly utilize carbon films or electroconductive materials that may generate heat by electric power. However, such types of heating panels are considered to be harmful for human health due to electromagnetic radiations from the materials.

As a replacement approach to the electric carbon heating panels, Korean traditional underfloor heating systems, called ondol, gain popularity. However, the traditional or conventional ondol installation is quite burdensome and is time consuming. Accordingly, a recent trend is oriented towards easier installation of an ondol heating system in a more simplified manner. Further, when installed in a multi-story house building, such as an apartment house or condominium, inter-floor noise need to be taken into account. Therefore, a need exists for an easy-to-install structure that presents reduced noise.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heating panel comprises a base plate, a plurality of holders formed on a first surface of the base plate, a plurality of supporting cups projected from a second surface of the base plate, the second surface positioned opposite the first surface, a plurality of noise removing cups projected from the second surface of the base plate, and a plurality of screw members respectively screwed to the plurality of supporting cups to allow the base plate to float over a floor where the heating panel is placed.

Each of the plurality of holders may include a plurality of columns and a cross hole between the plurality of columns. Each of the plurality of columns may have an L shape. Each of the plurality of columns may be sized or dimensioned so that a pipe is inserted through the cross hole and fastened by the plurality of columns.

The plurality of columns may include two pairs of columns, and the columns of each of the two pairs face each other.

The heating panel may further comprise a plurality of anti-sagging protrusions projected from the second surface of the base plate.

The plurality of anti-sagging protrusions may be substantially the same or smaller in length than the plurality of supporting caps.

The base plate may include at least one flange on at least one edge thereof. The at least one flanges may include at least one inserting hole or at least one inserting protrusion.

The base plate may include a first flange and a second flange along two edges thereof. The first flange may include at least one inserting hole, and the second flange may include at least one inserting protrusion.

The heating panel may be coupled with another heating panel through a coupling between the at least one inserting hole and the at least one inserting protrusion.

The plurality of screw members may be moved up and down through their respective corresponding supporting cups to adjust a height of the base plate from the floor.

The base plate, the plurality of supporting cups, the plurality of holders, and the plurality of noise removing cups may be integrally formed with each other. For example, the base plate, supporting cups, holders, and noise removing cups may be formed as a single body by injection molding.

The heating panel may further comprise a plurality of reinforcing ribs formed on the base plate along an outer edge of the base plate and between the plurality of supporting cups and the plurality of noise removing cups.

Each of the plurality of columns may include a jaw. The respective jaws of two opposite columns of the plurality of columns may face each other.

Each of the plurality of columns may have an empty internal space.

Each of the plurality of screw members may include a screw body and a head on the screw body. The head may be larger in diameter than the screw body.

The head may be shaped as a circulate plate with a mesh pattern of through holes.

The plurality of supporting cups may be evenly arranged at predetermined intervals in a first direction of the base plate and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

The plurality of noise removing cups may be evenly arranged at predetermined intervals in a first direction of the base plate and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

The heating panel may further comprise a plurality of leveling members formed on the first surface of the base plate.

The base plate may include at least one flange on at least one edge thereof, the at least one flange includes an end portion with a substantially T-shaped extension.

The hearing panel may be coupled with a second heating panel through engagement between the T-shaped extension of the flange of the heating panel and a substantially U-shaped extension formed in a flange of the second heating panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant aspects thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a heating panel assembly in which heating panels with a floating structure are coupled with one another according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure as viewed from an upper side according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure as viewed from a lower side according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure as viewed from top according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure as viewed from bottom;

FIG. 12 is a top view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 13;

FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 are plan views illustrating examples of arrangements of a pipe according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 17A is a plan view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17B is a side view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure, wherein a substantially T-shaped extension is formed in a flange thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18B is an expanded cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which two adjacent heating panels are coupled with each other through a T-shaped extension of one of the heating panels and a U-shaped extension of the other of the heating panels; and

FIG. 18C is an expanded cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which two adjacent heating panels are disconnected from each other through a T-shaped extension of one of the heating panels and a U-shaped extension of the other of the heating panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The inventive concept, however, may be modified in various different ways, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The same reference denotations may be used to refer to the same or similar elements throughout the specification and the drawings. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “adjacent to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected, coupled, or adjacent to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. Throughout the specification, the description of the same or substantially the same elements may be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a heating panel assembly in which heating panels with a floating structure are coupled with one another according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the heating panel assembly includes a plurality of heating panels. The plurality of heating panels are arranged and coupled with one another in a first direction and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A heating pipe p is disposed and fastened on the heating panel assembly.

Each heating panel includes a base plate 3, a plurality of holders 10 for firmly holding the heating pipe p, a plurality of supporting cups 20, and a plurality of noise removing cups 30. The plurality of holders 10 are arranged on the base plate 3 at predetermined intervals. The plurality of supporting cups 20 may support the base plate 3 on the floor where the heating panel assembly is placed. The noise removing cups 30 may function to remove noise. Screw members 25 may be screwed to their respective corresponding supporting cups 20 so that the heating panel is evenly placed on the floor.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure as viewed from an upper side according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure as viewed from a lower side according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the heating panel includes a base plate 3, a plurality of holders 10, a plurality of supporting cups 20, a plurality of screw members 25, and a plurality of noise removing cups 30.

The base plate 3 may form an overall outer appearance of the heating panel. The plurality of holders 10 may be integrally formed with the base plate 3. Each holder 10 may include a plurality of (e.g., four) L-shaped columns 11. The supporting cups 20 are arranged on the bottom of the heating panel at positions, e.g., not to overlap the holders 10. The screw members 25 may be screwed into their respective supporting cups 20 to adjust the height of the base plate 3. The noise removing cups 30 may be arranged at positions, e.g., not to overlap the supporting cups 20. The noise removing cups 30 may be sized to be larger or smaller than the supporting cups 20.

FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the heating panel is shaped as a substantially square plate. The base plate 3 includes at least one flange 5 on the edge thereof. For example, two flanges 5 may be formed on two edges of the base plate 3 as shown in FIG. 4. Each flange 5 may selectively include inserting holes 5a as shown in FIG. 4 and inserting protrusions 5b as shown in FIG. 5. The inserting protrusions 5b of a heating panel may be inserted and coupled to their corresponding inserting holes 5a of another heating panel to couple the two heating panels. The holders 10 are arranged on the base plate 3 at predetermined intervals in the first and second directions to firmly hold the pipe p. For example, the pipe P may be inserted and fastened by the holders 10. Each holder 10 includes a cross hole 10h substantially shaped as a plus sign (“+”).

Although an example in which the flange is flat is described, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the flange 5 may include an extension that is shaped substantially as the letter L or U. For example, two opposite heating panels 1, respectively referred to as a first heating panel 1 and a second heating panel 1, may be coupled with each other by engaging the T-shaped extension of the flange 5 of the first heating panel 1 with the U-shaped extension of the flange 5 of the second heating panel 1. Accordingly, tight sealing may be provided between the two opposite heating panels 1, preventing water leakage between the heating panels 1.

The example structure of the flange 5 is described below in further detail with reference to FIGS. 18A, 18B,and 18C.

Referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of noise removing cups 30 may include first noise removing cups 31 and second noise removing cups 33.

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the plurality of supporting cups 20 and the plurality of noise removing cups 30 may be projected from the bottom of the base plate 3. The screw members 25 may be inserted into their respective corresponding supporting cups 20, e.g., in a screwing manner, and may stick out beyond the respective ends of the supporting cups 20. Further, a plurality of anti-sagging protrusions 35 may be protruded from the bottom of the base plate 3. The anti-sagging protrusions 35 may be substantially the same or larger in height than the supporting cups 20. The anti-sagging protrusions 35 may prevent the base plate 3 from sagging, e.g., when mortar is poured on the baste plate 3 or the worker walks on the base plate 3 for installing.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 4. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 7, the heating panel with a floating structure, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is installed on a concrete slab s. The heating panel is supported on the concrete slab s by the plurality of screw members 25. The screw members 25 may be individually moved up and down through their corresponding supporting cups 20 to adjust the height of the base plate 3. Accordingly, the heating plate may be evenly placed on the concrete slab s without fiddling.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the base plate 3 of the heating plate may float over the concrete slab s except that the screw members 25 contact the concrete slab s.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of heating plates may be fitted and coupled with one another through coupling of inserting protrusions 5b to inserting holes 5a provided in the flanges 5 of the base plates 3, forming a heating panel assembly. A pipe p for heating may be fastened onto the heating assembly by the holders 10 of the base plates 3. For example, the pipe p is inserted into the holders 10 through the cross holes 10h of the holders 10 and is firmly held by the holders 10, preventing the pipe p from escaping out of the holders 10.

Mortar may be put on the heating assembly, with the pipe p fitted into the holders 10, thus forming a floor layer. The floor layer may float over the slab s by the screw members 25 of the heating panels as illustrated in FIG. 7, thus minimizing inter-floor noise.

Specifically, the base plates 3 are floated at a predetermined distance over the slab s thereunder while supported by the screw members 25. This structure may be referred to as a floating structure herein. The floating structure may minimize transfer of noise or vibration from the floor where the heating assembly is installed to a floor thereunder through the concrete slab s white allowing heat from the heating pipe s to be transferred in the upper direction. Accordingly, the floating structure may increase heating efficiency.

The base plate 3 may be formed by injection-molding, e.g., a resin or other plastics. The flanges 5, supporting cups 20, and noise removing cups 30 may be integrally formed with the base plate 3. For example, the flanges 5, supporting cups 20, and noise removing cups 30 may be formed as a single body. The screw members 5 may be detachably coupled with their respective corresponding supporting cups in a screwing manner. Reinforcing ribs 6 may be integrally formed on the base plate 3 to partition the supporting cups 20 and noise removing cups 30. The reinforcing ribs 6 may be formed on the base plate 3 along an outer edge of the base plate 3 and between the plurality of supporting cups 20 and the plurality of noise removing cups 30.

A flange 5 formed on an edge of a base plate 3 (hereinafter, a “first base plate”) may have a plurality of inserting holes 5a, and a flange 5 formed on an edge of another base plate 3 (hereinafter, a “second base plate”) may have a plurality of inserting protrusions 5b. The inserting protrusions 5b of the first base plate 3 may be inserted into the inserting holes 5a of the second base plate 3, coupling the first base plate 3 with the second base plate 3 in a direction thereof.

Although described is an example in which the first base plate 3 is coupled with the second base plate 3 through the inserting holes 5a and inserting protrusions 5b, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the two base plates 3 may be coupled with each other through, e.g., screwing or using an adhesive formed on the flanges of the plates 3.

The reinforcing ribs 6 may be projected on the top of the base plate 3 to be substantially perpendicular to the base plate 3. Each reinforcing rib 5 may be substantially shaped as a strap. The reinforcing ribs 6 may provide a reinforcing force to the base plate 3 against an external force exerted in a vertical direction of the base plate 3. The plurality of reinforcing ribs 6 may be formed on the base plate 3 along an outer edge of the base plate 3 and between the plurality of supporting cups 20 and the plurality of noise removing cups 30. The reinforcing ribs 6 may be formed to surround the supporting cups 20 and the noise removing cups 30.

Each holder 10 may include, e.g., four columns 11 projected from the top of the base plate 3, with a cross hole 10h formed between the columns 11. The heating pipe s is inserted into the holder 10 through the cross hole 10h and is fastened by the columns 11, preventing the heating pipe s from releasing from the holder 10. The heating pipe s may be arranged through the cross holes of the holders 10 on the base plate 11 in the first or second direction of the base plate 10.

Each column 11 may be shaped substantially as the letter “L.” As shown in FIG. 2, each column 11 may have a jaw 12 for preventing the pipe s inserted into the holder 10 from releasing. The jaw 12 may be shaped as a pentahedron with two opposite triangular side surfaces and three remaining rectangular surfaces as shown in FIG. 2. However, embodiments of the pattern recognizer are not limited to the shape or structure of the jaw 12. The jaw 12 may have any other structures or shapes that may firmly hold the pipe 2 inserted into the holder 10. The respective jaws 12 of two opposite columns 11 may prevent the pipe s inserted into the holder 10 from releasing out of the holder 10.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each column 11 may have an empty internal space to allow for increased structural stability while being prevented from damage when the worker does work on the base plate 3.

Each supporting cup 20 may have a through hole 21b through which its corresponding screw member 25 may be inserted and coupled with the supporting cup 20 by screwing.

Each supporting cup 20 may have at least one ribs for increasing structural stability when the screw member 25 is screwed. As shown in FIG. 3, four ribs may be formed adjacent the through hole 21b. The plurality of supporting cups 20 may be evenly arrayed on the bottom of the base plate 3 at predetermined intervals in the first and second directions as shown in FIG. 3. The supporting cups 20 may be disposed at four comers of the base plate 3 and at other positions of the base plate 3 to stably support the base plate 3.

The plurality of noise removing cups 30 may have different sizes and heights.

Each screw member 25 may include a screw body 25a and a head 25b. The screw body 25a may be shaped as a male screw or bolt screwed along an outer surface thereof. The screw body 25a may be screwed to its corresponding supporting cup 20 having a female screw formed along an inner surface thereof. The head 25b is formed on the screw body 25a. The head 25b may have a diameter larger than the screw body 25a. The diameter of the head 25b may be sized or dimensioned such that the head 25b is prevented from passing through the through hole 21b and is exposed to the outside of the base plate 3. The head 25b allows the worker to easily screw the screw member 25 to the supporting cup 20.

Since the head 25b of the screw member 25 is externally exposed, the worker may easily adjust the height of the base plate 3 by simply turning the head 25b clockwise or counterclockwise without the need of a separate tool.

The bottom tip of the screw body 25a passes through the through hole 21b of the supporting cup 20 and contacts the top of the concrete slab s. Thus, the base plate 3 may be supported while floating over the concrete slab s. The screw members 25 make point contacts with the concrete slab s, thus minimizing shock, vibration, or noise transferred through the concrete slab s.

The noise removing cups 30 may include first noise removing cups 31 and second noise removing cups 33. The first noise removing cup 31 and the second noise removing cup 33 may have different sizes and depths. For example, the first noise removing cups 31 may be smaller in size than the second noise removing cups 33. The noise removing cups 30 may be evenly arrayed on the base plate 3 at predetermined intervals in the first and second directions. Each noise removing cup 30 may have a protrusion-and-depression structure as shown in the drawings. Accordingly, the noise removing cups 30, together with the supporting cups 20, may reduce noise or vibration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of leveling members may be formed on the base plate 3. The leveling members may be fitted into some or all of the first noise removing cups 31. The leveling members, when coupled into first noise removing cups 31, may function as an indicator that provides a reference as to how much mortar the worker should put on the base plate 3. In other words, the worker may evenly put mortar over the overall base plate 3 by referencing the leveling members.

The first noise removing cups 31 and the second noise removing cups 33 may be alternately and repeatedly arranged on the base plate 3 in the first and second directions. The base plate 3, holders 10, supporting cups, and noise removing cups 30 may be integrally formed by injection molding.

The supporting cups 20 and the noise removing cups 30 may be shaped as cups each having an opened top along which a projecting rim is formed. The structure of the supporting cups 20 and the noise removing cups 30 may increase bonding between the base plates 3 and mortar put on the base plates 3 and may tightly hold the mortar to prevent the hardened mortar from cracking.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sound absorber (not shown), such as, e.g., a foaming material, methane, rubber, or unwoven fabric, may be attached on a surface of the first noise removing cup 31 and second noise removing cup 33 for increased noise removal or sound insulation.

The anti-sagging protrusions 35 may be projected downward from the bottom of the baste plate 3. The anti-sagging protrusions 35 may be the same or smaller in length than the supporting cups 20. For example, the anti-sagging protrusion 35 may be about 2 mm to about 5 mm shorter than the supporting cups 20 to be floated over the concrete slab s without contact to the slab s when the heating panel is installed.

The anti-sagging protrusions 35 may prevent the base plate 3 from being damaged or deformed due to the weight of the work who installs the heating panels or from sagging to be permanently deformed by the mortar put on the base plates 3.

In other words, the anti-sagging protrusions 35 play a role as a supporting structure for the base plates 3.

FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 are plan views illustrating examples of arrangements of a pipe according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the heating pipe p may be installed on the heating assembly in various arrangements. For example, the heating pipe p may be densely disposed where more heating is required, while sparsely where less heating is required. The holders 10 are arrayed on the base plate at predetermined intervals in the first and second directions, and the holders 10 have their respective cross holes 10h for fitting the pipe p. Accordingly, various arrangements of the pipe s may be made by putting the pipe s in the cross holes 10h of the holders 10 according to the arrangement pattern desired by the user.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure as viewed from top according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure as viewed from bottom. FIG. 12 is a top view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 12.

Referring to FIG. 10, the screw members 25 may have a different shape of head than the screw members 25 described above in connection with FIGS. 1 to 9.

For example, each screw member 25 may include a screw body 25a and a mesh head 25c. The screw body 25a may be shaped as a male screw or bolt screwed along an outer surface thereof. The screw body 25a may be screwed to its corresponding supporting cup 20 having a female screw formed along an inner surface thereof. The mesh head 25c is formed on the screw body 25a. The mesh head 25c may he shaped as a circular plate with a mesh pattern of through holes 25h. The mesh head 25c may have a diameter larger than the screw body 25a. The diameter of the mesh head 25c may be sized or dimensioned such that the mesh head 25c is prevented from passing through the through hole 21b and is exposed to the outside of the base plate 3. For example, the mesh head 25c may have a diameter that is about 50% to about 300% of a diameter of an opened top portion of the supporting cup 20.

The mesh head 25c allows the worker to easily screw the screw member 25 to the supporting cup 20.

The mesh heads 25c of the screw members 25 may have a mesh pattern of through holes 25h and may function as a wire mesh to increase bonding between the base plates 3 and mortar put on the base plates 3 while preventing the hardened mortar from cracking.

An example of installation of heating panels is described according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The worker measures the area of a concrete slab s targeted for installation of the heating panels 1. The worker mutually couples prepared heating panels 1 to arrange the coupled heating panels 1 on the overall concrete slab s in the first and second directions.

The worker inserts a heating pipe p in the holders 10 through the cross holes 10h of the holders 10 to have a desired arrangement pattern. The holders 10, specifically, the columns 11 of the holders 10, may firmly fasten the pipe p to prevent the pipe p from releasing, thus maintaining the arranged pattern of the pipe p.

The worker puts mortar on the heating panels 1, with the pipe p fastened on the base plates 3, forming a base floor. The worker may put tiles or floor paper on the base floor.

FIG. 17A is a plan view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17B is a side view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring FIGS. 17A and 17B, a leveling member 40 may be formed on the base plate 3. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of leveling members 40 may be formed on the base plate 3. The leveling members 40 may be fitted into some or all of the first noise removing cups 31. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of leveling members 40 may be arranged on the base plate 3 not to overlap the holders 10, the supporting cups 20, and the noise removing cups 30. For example, a plurality of depressions (not shown) may be formed in the base plate 3, and the leveling members 40 may be inserted into some or all of the depressions. The leveling members 40, when coupled into first noise removing cups 31, may function as an indicator that provides a reference as to how much mortar the worker should put on the base plate 3. In other words, the worker may evenly put mortar over the overall base plate 3 by referencing the leveling members.

FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure, wherein a substantially T-shaped extension is formed in a flange thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18B is an expanded cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which two adjacent heating panels are coupled with each other through a T-shaped extension of one of the heating panels and a U-shaped extension of the other of the heating panels. FIG. 18C is an expanded cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which two adjacent heating panels are disconnected from each other through a T-shaped extension of one of the heating panels and a U-shaped extension of the other of the heating panels.

Referring to FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C, a flange 5 of a first heating panel 1 may include an end portion with a substantially T-shaped extension 5c along the edge of the flange 5, and a flange 5 of a second heating panel 1 coupled with the first heating panel 1 may include an end portion with a substantially U-shaped extension 5d along the edge of the flange 5. The T-shaped extension 5c sticks out partially in a direction substantially parallel to the base plate 3 and partially in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate 3. The vertically extending portion of the T-shaped extension 5c of the first heating panel 1 may be fittingly engaged into the U-shaped extension 5d of the second heating panel 1, with the parallel extending portion of the T-shaped at least partially covering a top portion of the U-shaped extension 5d. Accordingly, tight sealing may be provided between the two opposite heating panels, preventing water leakage between the heating panels 1. The top portion of the U-shaped extension 5d may have a step where the parallel extending portion of the T-shaped extension 5c may be placed, thus allowing the first and second heating panels 1 positioned substantially co-planar with respect to each other.

While the inventive concept has been shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A heating panel, comprising:

a base plate;

a plurality of holders formed on a first surface of the base plate;

a plurality of supporting cups projected from a second surface of the base plate, the second surface positioned opposite the first surface;

a plurality of noise removing cups projected from the second surface of the base plate; and

a plurality of screw members respectively screwed to the plurality of supporting cups to allow the base plate to float over a floor where the heating panel is placed.

2. The heating panel of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of holders includes a plurality of columns and a cross hole between the plurality of columns, wherein each of the plurality of columns has an L shape, and wherein each of the plurality of columns is sized or dimensioned so that a pipe is inserted through the cross hole and fastened by the plurality of columns.

3. The heating panel of claim 2, wherein the plurality of columns include two pairs of columns, and the columns of each of the two pairs face each other.

4. The heating panel of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of anti-sagging protrusions projected from the second surface of the base plate.

5. The heating panel of claim 4, wherein the plurality of anti-sagging protrusions are substantially the same or smaller in length than the plurality of supporting caps.

6. The heating panel of claim 1, wherein the base plate includes at least one flange on at least one edge thereof, the at least one flanges including at least one inserting hole or at least one inserting protrusion.

7. The heating panel of claim 1, wherein the base plate includes a first flange and a second flange along two edges thereof, the first flange including at least one inserting hole and the second flange including at least one inserting protrusion.

8. The heating panel of claim 7, wherein the heating panel is coupled with another heating panel through a coupling between the at least one inserting hole and the at least one inserting protrusion.

9. The heating panel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of screw members are moved up and down through their respective corresponding supporting cups to adjust a height of the base plate from the floor.

10. The heating panel of claim 1, wherein the base plate, the plurality of supporting cups, the plurality of holders, and the plurality of noise removing cups are integrally formed with each other.

11. The heating panel of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of reinforcing ribs formed on the base plate along an outer edge of the base plate and between the plurality of supporting cups and the plurality of noise removing cups.

12. The heating panel of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of columns includes a jaw, and wherein respective jaws of two opposite columns of the plurality of columns face each other.

13. The heating panel of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of columns has an empty internal space.

14. The heating panel of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of screw members includes a screw body and a head on the screw body, the head being larger in diameter than the screw body.

15. The heating panel of claim 14, wherein the head is shaped as a circulate plate with a mesh pattern of through holes.

16. The heating panel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of supporting cups are evenly arranged at predetermined intervals in a first direction of the base plate and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

17. The heating panel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of noise removing cups are evenly arranged at predetermined intervals in a first direction of the base plate and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

18. The heating panel of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of leveling members formed on the first surface of the base plate.

19. The heating panel of claim 1, wherein the base plate includes at least one flange on at least one edge thereof, the at least one flange including an end portion with a substantially T-shaped extension.

20. The heating panel of claim 19, wherein the heating panel is coupled with a second heating panel through engagement between the T-shaped extension of the flange of the heating panel and a substantially U-shaped extension formed in a flange of the second heating panel.