SURFACE TEMPERATURE-CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

A surface temperature-control system for cooling or heating ceilings, walls or floors of a building, includes an installation board with first pipe routing ducts, having a first diameter. The installation board also includes second pipe routing ducts, having a second diameter differing from the first diameter. The first pipe routing ducts are configured for receiving pipes having a first pipe diameter, and the second pipe routing ducts are configured for receiving pipes having a second pipe diameter differing from the first pipe diameter.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

Under 35 USC 119, this application claims the benefit of the priority date of German Application No. 202014104621.6, filed on Sep. 26, 2014, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a surface temperature-control system for cooling or heating ceilings, walls or floors of a building.

BACKGROUND

As opposed to conventional systems, surface temperature-control systems allow for surfaces of rooms and buildings, such as floors, walls and ceilings, to be utilized for both heating as well as cooling. On account of such systems it is possible for a room to be heated in winter and to be cooled in summer, for example. The substantially identical technology is used here. To this end, surface temperature-control systems utilize water-bearing pipelines made from flexible and mostly cross-linked polyethylene, for example, for thermal transmission.

Besides this potential for dual use, surface temperature-control systems have further advantages. Fitting surface temperature-control systems allows efficient utilization of rooms, because the entire system is integrated in floors, walls or ceilings. This permits artistic freedom in planning and designing of rooms.

While various systems which enable heating and cooling systems to be built into new buildings are available on the market, there is often also a desire for retrofitting in existing buildings. In the case of new buildings, built-in heating and cooling systems can be already planned at an early stage. By contrast, a certain spatial geometry is already predefined from the outset in existing buildings and thus greatly limits the use of surface temperature-control systems. This in turn requires the systems to be particularly flexible, so as to fundamentally enable them to be built into existing buildings. One particular stipulation lies in achieving as little added height as possible. Moreover, it may be meaningful for a heating circuit and a cooling circuit to be separately implemented. Moreover, it is particularly significant in the case of retrofitting in existing buildings that heating and cooling systems can be built in as fast as possible, so that the affected rooms may be re-used and re-entered as soon as possible.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to describe a surface temperature-control system for cooling or heating of ceilings, walls or floors of a building that is as flexible as possible and easy to fit.

According to the invention, the surface temperature-control system for cooling or heating ceilings, walls or floors of a building comprises an installation board in which first pipe routing ducts and second pipe routing ducts are incorporated. The first pipe routing ducts are configured for receiving pipes having a first pipe diameter, and the second pipe routing ducts are configured for receiving pipes having a second pipe diameter.

Preferably, the installation board having the pipe routing ducts is laid out on the floor in a room, for example as a dry-installation system in an insulation layer. The routing pattern of the pipes as used in a heating and cooling system is predefined with the aid of the pipe routing ducts. The installation board may have various materials or combinations thereof. Said materials comprise, for instance, wood, plastics, and composite materials. The installation board preferably also has an insulation material and/or water-repellant layers. The first pipe routing ducts and the second pipe routing ducts are in each case configured as quasi semi-cylindrical depressions in the installation board. The pipes are secured without tools in the pipe routing ducts. For example, the pipes may be latched in the pipe routing ducts or may be clampable therein.

In a first group of design embodiments of the invention, which will be described hereunder, the first pipe routing ducts have a first diameter, and the second pipe routing ducts have a second diameter. The first and the second diameter differ from one another.

On account of the fact that the first pipe routing ducts and the second pipe routing ducts are differently sized, flexible pipes having two different diameters may be used with one and the same installation board. On account thereof, various performance grades may be implemented, for example. This means that more or less thermal energy may be transmitted, depending on the choice of the pipe diameter. This increases the flexibility of the surface temperature-control system. By way of the selected construction, the surface temperature-control system may be used as a dry system and by means of dry screeds may be set up in a correspondingly fast manner. Only one type of installation board has to be manufactured in order for different pipe diameters to be used. On account thereof, it is possible for fewer components to be stocked, saving manufacturing costs as well as storage costs.

According to one design embodiment, the first pipe routing ducts run so as to be offset in parallel with the second pipe routing ducts. On account thereof, it is possible for pipes having different diameters to be simultaneously inserted into the installation board, for example.

According to one further design embodiment, the first pipe routing ducts and the second pipe routing ducts at least partially intersect, in particular at an angle of about 90°. On account thereof, either the first pipe routing ducts or the second pipe routing ducts may be used. Typically, a plurality of installation boards are fitted in one surface temperature-control system. During assembly, an installation board has only to be rotated such that either the first pipe routing ducts or the second pipe routing ducts may be used. A plurality of installation boards of the described type may thus readily be combined to form a surface, wherein the first or second pipe routing ducts lie so as to be mutually aligned.

According to one further design embodiment, the installation board has one or a plurality of identification markings for differentiating the first pipe routing ducts and the second pipe routing ducts. The term identification markings is understood to mean any symbols or signs which are suitable for differentiating the first pipe routing ducts and the second pipe routing ducts. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable for different colours to be used for highlighting the various pipe routing ducts. This enables a technician to rapidly identify the required pipe routing ducts during installation of the board and during subsequent setting up of the pipes in the installation board.

According to one further design embodiment, the surface temperature-control system has a thermally conducting fastening board having a duct, wherein the duct has a first internal diameter for receiving pipes having the first pipe diameter, or a second internal diameter for receiving pipes having the second pipe diameter. The fastening board is connectable to the installation board by securing a wall of the duct in a first pipe routing duct or in a second pipe routing duct. The fastening board is placed into a pipe routing duct and fastened therein. For example, the fastening board is press-fitted into a corresponding pipe routing duct and/or latched thereto by way of the wall of the duct. The wall of the duct in terms of an external diameter is adapted to the first pipe routing ducts or second pipe routing ducts such that the fastening board is securable on the installation board in a mechanically secure manner, so as not to fall out thereof in the case of assembly on a wall or a ceiling. The pipes are not directly connected in the installation board, but connected to the installation board by way of the fastening board. The duct of the fastening board is preferably configured such that the former is capable of securing the corresponding pipes having the first or second pipe diameter, respectively.

The fastening board is thus a further and modular element of the surface temperature-control system. In this way, pipes having the first pipe diameter or having the second pipe diameter may be set up by way of selecting different fastening boards in the surface temperature-control system. To this end, only different fastening boards have to be made and offered as modular elements.

In one design embodiment, the fastening board has thermally conducting fins. The thermally conducting fins are in thermally conducting contact with the pipes and thus allow heat radiation or a cooling effect of the surface temperature-control system across the surface, respectively. Preferably, the fastening board has a material with high thermal conductivity. Suitable materials include inter alia metals.

According to a second group of design embodiments, the first pipe routing ducts and the second pipe routing ducts are identical in terms of their diameters.

According to one further design embodiment, the surface temperature-control system has a flexible receptacle element which is disposed in a first pipe routing duct or a second pipe routing duct and which is adapted so as to secure pipes of two different pipe diameters to the installation board within the corresponding pipe routing duct. Pipes of two different diameters, for example of the first and second pipe diameters, may be securely fixed in the installation board by means of the receptacle element. Fixing the pipes may be performed directly by depressing or clamping the pipes. Alternatively, the flexible receptacle element may also be disposed outside the first pipe routing ducts or the second pipe routing ducts, respectively, so as to fasten the pipes along the corresponding pipe routing duct.

According to one further design embodiment, the surface temperature-control system has a flexible receptacle element which is disposed in a first pipe routing duct or a second pipe routing duct and which is adapted so as to secure the fastening board to the duct within the corresponding pipe routing duct. Here, one wall of the duct is configured with a view to securing being performed within the corresponding pipe routing duct by means of the flexible receptacle element. This may be effected, for example, by adapting an external diameter of the duct.

According to one further design embodiment, the surface temperature-control system has a flexible receptacle element which is disposed in the duct of the fastening board and which is adapted so as to secure pipes of two different diameters to the fastening board within the duct. In an analogous manner to the above, the receptacle element serves for securely fixing the pipes in a corresponding pipe routing duct. On account thereof, one single fastening board may be used for setting up pipes having different pipe diameters. On account thereof, further flexibility is enabled when setting up the surface temperature-control system.

In one design embodiment, the flexible receptacle element has a longitudinal axis along which burls extend. With the aid of the burls pipes having at least two different pipe diameters may be securely fastened to the installation board or the fastening board, respectively. Alternatively or in addition, the fastening board may be fastened in a corresponding pipe routing duct by means of the burls. The burls may be connected as a separate element to the receptacle element, or in the form of a material thickening may be a structural feature of the receptacle element itself.

In one design embodiment, in each case two burls lie so as to be opposite one another along the longitudinal axis of the flexible receptacle element.

In one design embodiment, in each case two burls lie so as to be opposite one another along the longitudinal axis of the flexible receptacle element in such a manner that said burls are disposed in gaps in an alternating manner.

In one design embodiment, in each case two burls lie so as to be opposite one another along the longitudinal axis of the flexible receptacle element in such a manner that said burls are disposed along a connection axis.

In one design embodiment, the flexible receptacle element, along the longitudinal axis thereof, has a continuous and partial thickening which is adapted for fastening the pipe. Preferably, this thickening in its cross section is designed so as to be similar to a Greek omega, and has a first region for receiving a pipe or a duct, and a second region which is constricted in the shape of a throat. The pipe or the duct is pressed through the constricted second region in the receptacle element and then retained.

In one design embodiment, the burls have a flexible plastic. The flexible plastic is selected such that the burls slightly yield when a pipe is set up. On account of this flexibility of the material, in particular pipes having different pipe diameters may be set up. The usable diameters are thus only dependent on the choice of material.

In one design embodiment, the fastening board has clearances or holes. The clearances or holes here are designed such that they in each case engage in one burl of the installation board. Additional fastening of the fastening board to the installation board is enabled by means of the clearances or holes.

In addition, various pipe diameters may be used with the surface temperature-control system.

In one design embodiment, the flexible receptacle element is configured as an indentation in the fastening board or in the pipe routing ducts. An indentation represents an element which is fixedly connected to the receptacle element and which may be made by punching or pressing the receptacle element at suitable points, for example. To this end, the receptacle element preferably has a metallic material, such as a sheet-metal panel, for instance, which is punched or pressed at certain points. In a way which is similar to the burls mentioned, the points may lie opposite one another. It is furthermore also provided for the indentation in its cross section to be designed so as to be similar to the partial thickening.

In one design embodiment, the flexible receptacle element is designed as a separate element. Designing the flexible receptacle element as a separate element permits further flexibility. In a certain sense, the separate element here is a further module which may be built into the surface temperature-control system. In particular, the flexible receptacle element may be applied as foam in the form of a plastic in the fastening board or in the pipe routing ducts of the installation board.

In one design embodiment, the flexible receptacle element comprises at least two claddings for receiving the respective first or the second pipe diameter, said claddings being placeable into the fastening board or the installation board. The placeable claddings preferably have an external diameter which allows assembly in the duct of the fastening board or in one of the pipe routing ducts of the installation board. Here, the internal diameter of cladding for receiving a pipe is designed to then receive a pipe having the first pipe diameter or having the second pipe diameter. Alternatively, a duct of the fastening board may again be received.

In one design embodiment, the flexible receptacle element has a rectangular, curved, or zigzag-shaped cross section. The specific choice of the cross section of the receptacle element depends on the use of the latter as a ceiling, wall or floor element. The stipulation here is that, for example when the surface temperature-control system is used as a wall element, one pipe or one fastening board has to be fastened such that the latter cannot fall out under the influence of gravity.

It should be pointed out at this juncture that the group of the first design embodiments may also be combined with the group of the second design embodiments. The diameters of the first and second pipe routing ducts here may be different.

Further advantages and functions are described in the dependent claims and in the following and detailed description of exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments will be described hereunder with the aid of the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an installation board;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a fastening board for the installation board;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective illustration of a surface temperature-control system;

FIGS. 4A to 4C show schematic illustrations of further exemplary embodiments of installation boards having various flexible receptacle elements;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show schematic illustrations of further exemplary embodiments of fastening boards having various flexible receptacle elements; and

FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a fastening board having a placeable and flexible receptacle element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 schematically shows an installation board 1 in a plan view from above. The installation board 1 is manufactured from foamed plastic, for example PS (polystyrene) or EPS (expanded polystyrene). Alternatively, other materials such as foamed polyethylene and mineral-fibre or wool-fibre boards may be considered. First pipe routing ducts 10A and second pipe routing ducts 10B are incorporated in the installation board 1. The pipe routing ducts 10A and 10B define a routing for pipes which for heating or cooling are perfused by a medium, in particular water. The pipe routing ducts 10A and 10B are semi-cylindrical clearances. The first pipe routing ducts 10A extend so as to be parallel with a first direction of extent 15 which coincides with a longitudinal direction of the installation board 1.

The second pipe routing ducts 10B run so as to be parallel with a second direction of extent 16 which coincides with a transverse direction of the installation board 1. The two directions of extent 15 and 16 are mutually oriented at an angle of about 90°, such that the pipe routing ducts 10A and 10B are mutually intersecting. The first pipe routing ducts 10A have a first diameter 17, while the second pipe routing ducts 10B have a second diameter 18. The first diameter 17 is smaller than the second diameter 18.

Either pipes having a first pipe diameter which corresponds to the first diameter 17, or pipes having a second pipe diameter which corresponds to the second diameter 18, may thus be received by means of the installation board 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the pipes are not fastened directly to the installation board 1 but by means of fastening boards 4, one of which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2.

The fastening board 4 is made from a sheet-metal panel and has thermally conducting fins. The fastening board 4 has high thermal conductivity. A duct 40 is formed in the fastening board 4. The duct 40 is adapted in terms of an external diameter such that the former in terms of the wall thereof may be fastened in a first pipe routing duct 10A. The duct 40 furthermore has a first internal diameter which is suitable for receiving pipes having a first pipe diameter. Alternatively, the duct 40 is adapted in terms of the external diameter thereof for fastening in a second pipe routing duct 10B, and has a second internal diameter which is suitable for receiving pipes having a first pipe diameter. The duct 40 is in each case configured such that a corresponding pipe may be fastened therein in a clamping or latching manner.

By way of the installation board 1 it is now possible for fastening boards 4 having the first or the second internal diameter of the duct 40 to be used, so as to use pipes having the first pipe diameter or pipes having the second pipe diameter. Pipes having different pipe diameters, for example 14 mm and 16 mm, may thus be readily secured by means of an installation board 1.

FIG. 3 shows in a perspective manner a surface temperature-control system 20 having a plurality of installation boards 1 and fastening boards 4 of the type described above. The installation boards 1 are disposed so as to be mutually aligned, the fastening boards 4 being securely placed in first pipe routing ducts 10A. In regions without fastening boards 4, connections 11 which interconnect two or a plurality of pipe routing ducts 10A or 10B are provided in the installation boards 1. Heating or cooling circuits may thus be formed. Pipes 3 having the first pipe diameter are securely placed in the ducts 40. There is the possibility for routings of the pipe routing ducts 10A and 10B to be adapted by means of cutting tools, so as to establish further or other connections 11. Once the pipes 3 have been installed, the assembled surface temperature-control system 20 is sealed by way of a screed. A dry screed is preferably used here.

In one alternative exemplary embodiment (not illustrated), the pipes 3 are installed directly in the installation boards 1 without fastening boards 4, according to the exemplary embodiment which is shown in FIG. 1. Said pipes 3 are latched or clamped in the corresponding pipe routing ducts 10A or 10B of the installation board 1, such that the former are captively fastened. Again, a plurality of installation boards 1 may be combined and be sealed with screed after assembly.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show in each case schematic details of further exemplary embodiments of installation boards 1 having pipe routing ducts 10. The pipe routing duct 10 shown corresponds to a first pipe routing duct 10A, or alternatively to a second pipe routing duct 10B, according to FIG. 1. The pipe routing ducts 10 here have in each case one flexible receptacle element 2. On account of the flexibility of the receptacle element 2, it is possible for a pipe to be fastened in the pipe routing duct by being pressed thereinto. Alternatively, the receptacle element 2 enables a pipe having two different pipe diameters, for example having the first or second pipe diameter, to be secured in one and the same pipe routing duct 10.

The flexible receptacle element 2 in the form of mutually opposite burls 21 is implemented in FIG. 4A. These burls 21 are disposed along a pipe routing duct 10 and lie so as to be opposite one another along the longitudinal axis of the pipe routing duct 10. Alternatively, the flexible receptacle element 2 may also be provided on the base of the pipe routing duct 10, for example by applying a foamed plastic. The burls 21 are preferably made from a flexible material such as a plastic.

FIG. 4B shows a detail of a further installation board 1 having a pipe routing duct 10, wherein however, departing from the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4A, burls 21 of the flexible receptacle element 2 are disposed along the longitudinal axis of the pipe routing duct 10 such that said burls 21 are disposed in a mutually offset manner to be opposite respective gaps.

FIG. 4C shows a detail of a further installation board 1 having a flexible receptacle element 2 which has a partial thickening 22 along the longitudinal axis of the pipe routing duct 10. The partial thickening 22 is implemented such that it increases towards the base of the pipe routing duct 10, while tapering off in the shape of a horse shoe towards the open ends on the surface of the installation board 1. However, the pipe routing duct 10 may also be substantially U-shaped and have the partial thickening on the legs of the U-shape. The partial thickening is preferably achieved by applying a suitable foamed material, for example a foam material or a polymer. It is thus possible for a pipe to be fastened by a clamping effect. The partial thickening 22 likewise preferably comprises a flexible plastic, such that pipes of different diameters may also be fastened.

Installation boards 1 having a flexible receptacle element 2 as described above do not only have to serve for receiving pipes but may also serve for receiving fastening boards 4, as has already been described by means of FIGS. 1 to 3. For example, a fastening board 4 according to FIG. 2, or one of the fastening boards 4 according to FIG. 5A, 5B or 6, which will be described hereunder, may be secured.

FIGS. 5A and 5B schematically show further exemplary embodiments of fastening boards 4 having a duct 40.

The fastening board 4 as per FIG. 5 has a structure which is similar to the partial thickening 22 shown in FIG. 4C. The partial thickening 22 in this case is implemented by a shape which is similar to the Greek letter Q, for example.

By contrast, the duct 40 of the fastening board 4 in FIG. 5B has the receptacle element 2, this having burls 21 in a manner similar to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Again, the burls 21 are shown so as to be mutually offset in opposite respective gaps. Alternatively, however, said burls 21 may also lie directly opposite one another.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of a fastening board 4 having a duct 40. An external pipe diameter is predefined by the U-shaped duct 40. Various separate claddings 23 may be placed and fastened in this external pipe diameter. These claddings 23, as a separate element or module, have various internal diameters and are thus suitable for receiving pipes of different pipe diameters. The external diameter of a cladding 23 here is preferably selected such that the latter fits into the diameter of the duct 40 and can be secured therein.

By means of the modules, or of the various claddings 23, respectively, different pipes having at least the first and second pipe diameters are also usable in one fastening board 4.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• 1 Installation board
• 2 Receptacle element
• 3 Pipe
• 4 Fastening board
• 10, 10A, 10B Pipe routing duct
• 11 Connection
• 12 First diameter
• 13 Second diameter
• 15 First direction of extent
• 16 Second direction of extent
• 17 First diameter
• 18 Second diameter
• 20 Surface temperature-control system
• 21 Burl
• 22 Partial thickening
• 23 Cladding
• 40 Duct

Claims

1. A surface temperature-control system for cooling or heating ceilings, walls or floors of a building, having an installation board in which first pipe routing ducts, having a first diameter, and second pipe routing ducts, having a second diameter differing from the first diameter, are incorporated, wherein the first pipe routing ducts are configured for receiving pipes having a first pipe diameter, and the second pipe routing ducts are configured for receiving pipes having a second pipe diameter differing from the first pipe diameter.

2. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 1, wherein the first pipe routing ducts run so as to be offset in parallel with the second pipe routing ducts.

3. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 1, wherein the first pipe routing ducts and the second pipe routing ducts at least partially intersect, in particular at an angle of about 90°.

4. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 1, wherein the installation board has one or a plurality of identification markings for differentiating the first pipe routing ducts and the second pipe routing ducts.

5. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 1, having a flexible receptacle element, which is disposed in a first pipe routing duct or a second pipe routing duct and which is adapted so as to secure pipes of two different pipe diameters to the installation board within the corresponding pipe routing duct.

6. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 1, having a thermally conducting fastening board having a duct which has a first internal diameter for receiving pipes having the first pipe diameter, or a second internal diameter for receiving pipes having the second pipe diameter, wherein the fastening board is connectable to the installation board by securing a wall of the duct in a first pipe routing duct or in a second pipe routing duct.

7. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 6, having at least one flexible receptacle element which is disposed in a first pipe routing duct or a second pipe routing duct and which is adapted so as to secure the fastening board to the duct within the corresponding pipe routing duct.

8. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 6, having at least one flexible receptacle element which is disposed in the duct of the fastening board and which is adapted so as to secure pipes of two different pipe diameters to the fastening board within the duct.

9. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 1, which is configured for dry installation, in particular by way of a dry screed.

10. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 1, in which the installation board is designed as a foamed plastics board, in particular of polystyrene, of expanded polystyrene, or of foamed polyethylene, as a mineral-fibre board, or as a wood-fibre board.

11. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pipe routing ducts are designed as semi-cylindrical clearances in the installation board.

12. The surface temperature-control system for cooling or heating ceilings, walls or floors of a building, having an installation board in which first pipe routing ducts having a first diameter, and second pipe routing ducts having the first diameter are incorporated, having at least one flexible receptacle element which is disposed in a first pipe routing duct or a second pipe routing duct and which is adapted so as to secure pipes of two different pipe diameters to the installation plate within the corresponding pipe routing duct.

13. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 12, which is configured for dry installation, in particular by way of a dry screed.

14. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 12, in which the installation board is designed as a foamed plastics board, in particular of polystyrene, of expanded polystyrene, or of foamed polyethylene, as a mineral-fibre board, or as a wood-fibre board.

15. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 12, wherein the first and second pipe routing ducts are designed as semi-cylindrical clearances in the installation board.

16. A surface temperature-control system for cooling or heating ceilings, walls or floors of a building, having an installation board in which first pipe routing ducts having a first diameter and second pipe routing ducts having the first diameter are incorporated, having at least one first flexible receptacle element which is disposed in a first pipe routing duct or a second pipe routing duct and a thermally conducting fastening board having a duct which has a first internal diameter for receiving pipes having the first pipe diameter, or a second internal diameter for receiving pipes having the second pipe diameter, wherein the fastening board is connectable to the installation board by securing a wall of the duct in a first pipe routing duct or in a second pipe routing duct, wherein the at least one first flexible receptacle element is adapted so as to secure the fastening board to the duct within the corresponding pipe routing duct.

17. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 16, having at least one second flexible receptacle element which is disposed in the duct of the fastening board and which is adapted so as to secure pipes of two different pipe diameters to the fastening board within the duct.

18. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 16, which is configured for dry installation, in particular by way of a dry screed.

19. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 16, in which the installation board is designed as a foamed plastics board, in particular of polystyrene, of expanded polystyrene, or of foamed polyethylene, as a mineral-fibre board, or as a wood-fibre board.

20. The surface temperature-control system according to claim 16, wherein the first and second pipe routing ducts are designed as semi-cylindrical clearances in the installation board.