[0001] The present invention concerns a heating device as well as hot plates which can be
used thereby.
[0002] In particular, the invention concerns heating devices which are in the first place
designed for drying products, for example powders, seeds and all sorts of organic
or inorganic matter, such as sludge and the like, but which in the second place can
also be used for other applications, such as for example the toasting of products.
[0003] More in particular, the invention concerns a heating device of the type which at
least consists of a treatment space equipped with a number of hot plates, either or
not composed of several partial plates, formed of a hollow sandwich structure with
at least two plates in between which can circulate a heating medium, as well as with
means, for example spreaders or the like, to move a product to be heated over the
hot plates.
[0004] It is known that the hot plates are hereby provided horizontally on top of one another
in order to form a heating device with several levels. The hot plates are hereby made
such that the product to be treated can be moved radially outward over a first hot
plate by means of the spreaders or the like, after which it drops from the edge of
this hot plate onto an underlying second hot plate, over which said product is then
moved radially inward by means of spreaders or the like, to subsequently end up on
an underlying hot plate via central openings, after which this cycle is repeated as
many times as necessary to develop a total heating surface, sufficient to exchange
a certain amount of heat, in order to dry, toast, etc. the product until it has reached
a certain state.
[0005] A general problem with such hot plates or partial plates is exaggerated bending due
to external loads and own weight on the one hand, and that, due to occurring temperature
differences, it is often difficult to absorb and to exclude unequal expansions on
the other hand, especially when hot plates with large dimensions are used. The bending
and deformation must remain very restricted, as no greater gap may be formed between
the spreaders and the hot plates than the one that is maximally admitted and set at
the time of the initial assembly.
[0006] In order to minimise this problem, as described in Belgian patent No.
1,013,426, it has already been suggested to erect the support of the hot plates as much as
possible outside an insulated casing. Although this leads to good results, especially
to oppose deformations resulting from temperature differences, the bending problem
remains.
[0007] The preamble of claim 1 is derived from
BE-A-502895.
[0008] In general, the present invention aims a heating device which has been improved in
relation to the embodiments known until now, and which offers an optimal solution
to the above-mentioned problem.
[0009] To this end, the invention concerns a heating device of the above-mentioned type,
characterised in that the supporting structure comprises a positioning ring with a ring-shaped collar which
fits in a groove provided on the hot plates or partial plates.
[0010] As every hot plate concerned is lying mainly freely on the above-mentioned supporting
structure, the risk of deformations is less great. Thus, for example, there will be
no differential tension between the supporting structure and the hot plates, so that
at least deformations which might occur as a result thereof are already excluded.
[0011] Preferably, the supporting structures concerned are also placed mainly freely on
supporting points, preferably rollers or the like, so that also the risk for such
a supporting structure to deform as such becomes less large.
[0012] It should be noted that by a 'predominantly free support' of the hot plates and/or
supporting structure is meant that every hot plate and/or supporting structure concerned
is supported in an entirely loose manner, or is merely fixed to a limited extent,
for example at a single spot. As far as the supporting structure is concerned, this
may be for example in a single supporting point, whereas for the hot plate, this can
be realised by means of a fastening in the centre alone.
[0013] According to another preferred characteristic of the invention, the above-mentioned
supporting structure is made out of a frame of struts, which offers the advantage
that this supporting structure is light and solid.
[0014] Preferably, the supporting structure is hereby at least composed of concentrically
extending struts and/or strut parts as well as radially directed struts and/or strut
parts. In this manner is obtained a very stable structure. As all these struts are
at all times situated in a temperature zone levelled by vapour vortex convection currents,
there will be a uniform expansion. In this manner, the loads can be absorbed by a
supporting structure according to the most advantageous concept for the load transmission.
[0015] According to yet another preferred characteristic of the invention, the underlying
supporting structure is provided with a meticulously flattened top side, which offers
the advantage that the load of the hot plate and the usual external load is optimally
transmitted to the supports of the enveloping body or the enveloping structure. As
the supporting structure has a large stiffness, this also guarantees that the bending
due to the load of the hot plates and due to its own weight will stay restricted to
a minimum.
[0016] The underlying supporting structure is preferably composed of different independent
parts which form a single supporting structure per hot plate thanks to special mutual
connections.
[0017] Every supporting structure or partial supporting structure concerned is preferably
fixed in a single point on the outer perimeter onto one of the supports which is part
of the supporting frame, and it is placed freely on the other supports. Every hot
plate or partial plate concerned is kept in place with the underlying supporting structure
in relation to the centre of the supporting structure by means of a positioning ring.
The latter has a ring-shaped collar which fits in a groove with sufficient play, provided
centrally in the hot plate or partial plates. Moreover, the hot plates or partial
plates are placed freely on the supporting structure. This offers the advantage that
there is no stress between the hot plates, the underlying supporting structure and
the enveloping body, and that at the same time, at least in a general way, a mutual
fixed positioning remains.
[0018] According to its most preferred embodiment, the invention aims the following objectives:
- a maximal bending of the plates and their supporting structure under the influence
of the self-weight and under the influence of the usual external load, whose order
of magnitude may vary between 1/1750 and 1/2500, depending on the diameter of the
plates;
- a construction which is such that no differential stress occurs in the separate components
due to load or heat;
- a connection between the components which is such that the stress caused by load and
heat is fluently transmitted to the assembly as a whole;
- a circulation pattern for the heating medium which is designed such that all the parts
of the used hot plates are being flown through and heated by the medium in an almost
identical manner, such that a uniform expansion is obtained, also during the heating.
[0019] In order to optimally meet one or several of these objectives, apart from the above-mentioned
main characteristic, hot plates will further be preferably used in the device according
to the invention whose construction is characterised by a radial structure. Thanks
to the application of a radial structure or radial character, the device will be more
stable than with the known embodiments, it becomes possible to realize hot plates
with large diameters without any impermissible bending and material stress occurring,
and there will be a uniform expansion during the heating.
[0020] The radial structure is preferably realised by dividing the hot plate and/or the
partial plates out of which it is composed in radial sub sectors, whereby every sub
sector covers an angle which is smaller than 90°, and better still smaller than 30°.
Further, the hot plate is divided in at least two and possibly more independent partial
plates existing as such.
[0021] In the hot plates are preferably provided struts, such as partitions, moulded edges
and the like, which provide for a division in sectors, which struts further preferably
also coincide with radially directed struts of the underlying supporting structure,
so that a direct support is so to say obtained.
[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the hot plate has a canalisation for
the heating medium which generally provides for a radial circulation, i.e. from the
centre to the outside, or from the outside to the centre in the case where steam is
used as a heating medium, according to any path whatsoever.
[0023] According to the most preferred embodiment, partitions are provided between the aforesaid
two plates providing for a radial zigzag pattern in order to obtain a more even heating
with slight temperature differences between the centre and the outer edge of the hot
plate.
[0024] According to a special characteristic of the invention, the hot plates, as mentioned
before, each consist of two or more partial plates having the shape of circular sectors,
which makes it possible to transport the partial plates separately and to mount them
next to one another on the spot where the heating device is to be erected. In this
manner can be set up very large hot plates with diameters larger than 7 metres and
even up to 8 metres and larger, whereby the partial plates can be transported in a
normal manner over the public roads.
[0025] Preferably, the hot plate and the underlying supporting structure in this case consist
of two semicircular sectors. It is clear, however, that according to a variant, it
is also possible to realise partial plates covering a smaller sector, for example
a quarter of a circle or less. The use of parts covering a sector of a circle not
only offers the advantage that the hot plate can be transported in pieces, but also
that, when setting up relatively large hot plates, they can be easily composed in
a systematic manner.
[0026] Also the underlying supporting structure can be formed of sector-shaped parts.
[0027] In order to obtain an optimal heat distribution in the hot plate and the underlying
supporting structure, every hot plate concerned or every sector is provided with a
canalisation consisting at least of a feed pipe running under the sandwich structure;
a circular distribution pipe provided on the top side near the centre of the hot plate;
openings connecting the distribution pipe with the intermediate space of the sandwich
structure; a circular collecting pipe provided near the outer perimeter of the hot
plate on the bottom side of the sandwich structure and which is connected to the aforesaid
intermediate space via openings; and at least one discharge pipe connected to the
circular collecting pipe.
[0028] A major secondary characteristic of the invention consists in that, in the case of
large hot plates, in other words the plates as mentioned above which are provided
with clearance openings near their centre, heating means are not only present at the
height of the part situated radially inside the clearance openings, but also at the
height of the part situated radially outside the clearance opening, as a result of
which the entire plate structure is heated in a uniform manner.
[0029] It should be noted that the invention also concerns hot plates having the above-mentioned
construction with a radial structure, irrespective of whether they either or not have
a loose bearing and irrespective of the way in which they are supported.
[0030] In order to better explain the characteristics of the invention, the following preferred
embodiments according to the invention are described as an example only without being
limitative in any way, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
figure 1 schematically represents a heating device according to the invention;
figure 2 shows a top view of the underlying supporting structure represented with
F2 in figure 1;
figure 3 shows a bottom view of one of what are called the small hot plates, for example
those indicated with F3 in figure 1;
figure 4 represents the part indicated with F4 in figure 3, represented to a larger
scale and into greater detail;
figure 5 shows a bottom view of one of what are called the large hot plates, for example
those indicated with F5 in figure 1;
figure 6 shows the part indicated with F6 in figure 5 to a larger scale;
figure 7 shows a section of the hot plate from figure 5, according to line VII-VII,
whereby also the accompanying part of the underlying supporting structure is represented;
figures 8, 9 and 10 represent the parts indicated with F8, F9 and F10 in figure 7
to a larger scale;
figures 11, 12, 13 and 14 represent sections according to lines XI-XI, XII-XII, XIII-XIII
and XIV-XIV in figure 6 to a larger scale;
figure 15 shows a top view of a hot plate consisting of four partial plates.
[0031] As is generally represented in figure 1, and into greater detail in the different
views of figures 2 to 14, the invention concerns a heating device 1 of the type which
at least consists of a treatment space 2 which is equipped with a number of hot plates
3-4 on the one hand, formed of a hollow sandwich structure with at least two plates
5-6 with an intermediate space 7 in between which a heating medium, for example steam
or heated liquid such as oil, can circulate, and which is provided with means 8 to
move a product to be heated over the hot plates 3-4 on the other hand.
[0032] The hot plates 3, which may also be called small hot plates, make it possible to
move the product to be dried over the top side of these hot plates 3 from the centre
to the outer perimeter, where it drops over the outer edge, each time onto the underlying
hot plate 4. The hot plates 4, which may also be called large hot plates, are provided
with clearance openings 9, such that the product can be moved over the top side of
said hot plates 4 from the outer perimeter to the centre, until this product drops
through the clearance openings 9 onto the small hot plate 3, situated each time underneath
it.
[0033] The above-mentioned means 8 consist of a spreader mechanism 10 with a central shaft
11 on the one hand, extending through central openings 12 and 13 in the hot plates
3 and 4 and which is equipped with spreaders 14 moving over the hot plates 3-4, and
of a drive element 15 on the other hand, such as an electric motor, to drive the shaft
11.
[0034] According to the present invention, at least a number of the above-mentioned hot
plates 3-4, partial plates respectively of which they may be composed, are placed
mainly freely on a continuous supporting structure 16 situated each time underneath
it.
[0035] Every supporting structure 16 as such is also placed mainly freely on supporting
points 17 situated on the perimeter of the treatment space 2 and which are part of
a supporting frame 18. In the given example, the support is provided via roller bearings,
in particular rollers 19 or the like.
[0036] As represented in figure 2, such a supporting structure 16 is made of a frame of
struts, especially radially directed struts, in this case main struts 20-21, as well
as concentric struts, in this case ring-shaped struts 22 on the one hand and intermediate
struts 23 extending according to a mainly concentric path on the other hand.
[0037] The supporting structure 16 is made out of two semicircular partial constructions
24-25 or, according to a variant which is not represented, out of several sector-shaped
partial constructions.
[0038] The above-mentioned radial main struts 20-21 hereby consist of a series of radial
IPN or HEB struts 20 on the one hand, and, along the dividing side, i.e. the side
edges of the partial constructions 24-25, of U-shaped struts 21 on the other hand,
whereby the core plates 26 of the opposite struts 21 are connected to one another
in pairs by means of bolt connections 27 to thus form a whole per level. The above-mentioned
ring-shaped struts 22 consist of U-shaped struts. With these struts 22 are formed
four ring-shaped structures 28-29-30-31, one of which is situated on the inner perimeter
and another one on the outer perimeter. The two outermost ring-shaped structures 29-30
are formed of U-shaped DIN 1026 struts, while the ring-shaped structure 28 consists
of U-shaped DIN 1029 struts. In the given example, the intermediate struts 23 consist
of HEB cross beams or U-shaped struts, depending on the diameter of the hot plates.
[0039] The top surface of the supporting structure 16 as a whole has been meticulously flattened.
In this manner is obtained a perfect support for the hot plates 3-4.
[0040] The partial constructions 24-25 are preferably also fixed to one another per level
by means of non-represented fishplates which, after the partial constructions 24-25
have been joint, are welded onto the far ends of the struts 21 situated against one
another.
[0041] It should be noted that every supporting structure 16 and/or partial structure or
partial construction 24-25 concerned is preferably fastened in a single point on the
outer perimeter on one of the supports 17 in a fixed manner and is placed freely on
the other supports 17, either or not by means of roller bearings 19. It should be
noted that every hot plate 3-4 concerned, or in case it consists of partial plates,
for example 3A, 3B, etcetera or 4A, 4B, etcetera, as will be explained hereafter,
every partial plate is preferably positioned mainly centrally on the accompanying
supporting structure 16 and moreover, according to the present invention, rests on
the supporting structure such that it can freely move. The positioning of the hot
plate 3-4 or of the partial plates 3A-3B, 4A-4B on the supporting structure 16 can
be obtained, according to figure 8, by connecting a positioning ring 51 to a central
construction 50, in particular a bush construction, of the supporting structure, carrying
a ring-shaped collar 52 which fits in a groove 53 with much play, provided centrally
in the hot plate or partial plates concerned, and which thus maintains the latter
in position in relation to the supporting structure 16. The positioning attachment
of the hot plates 3-4, 3A-3B, 4A-4B in relation to the supporting structure 16 is
designed to keep the plates in place and to avoid that they shift unintentionally,
for example by making contact with the spreaders 14, or due to differential expansion
in relation to the supporting structure 16. A mutual attachment between partial hot
plates may consist of common fishplates which are not represented in the figures,
but which may be situated on the common connection side of the partial plates, on
the outer perimeter and centrally.
[0042] In an analogous manner, every supporting structure 16 is preferably attached in a
fixed manner in a single point to one of the supporting points 17.
[0043] Although, according to the invention, hot plates 3-4 of any construction whatsoever
can be applied, preference is given to hot plates of a construction as will be described
hereafter by means of figures 3 to 14.
[0044] The represented hot plates 3-4 each consist of two semicircular partial plates 3A-3B,
4A-4B respectively, which, as will be described hereafter, are supported mainly freely
next to one another. However, it is clear that, according to a variant which is not
represented, a number of the characteristics described hereafter can also be applied
to multipart hot plates 3-4 with sectors, for example multipart as in figure 15, or
which are for example made in one piece.
[0045] First, the general construction is illustrated, which is applicable both to hot plates
3 and 4, with reference to figures 3-4 as far as the small hot plate 3 is concerned,
and with reference to figures 5 to 14 as far as the large hot plate 4 is concerned.
[0046] As represented in the figures, every hot plate 3-4 consists of a hollow sandwich
structure formed of plates 5-6. Every partial plate 3A-3B, 4A-4B respectively, is
confined over the entire perimeter by laths 32 which are connected to the plates 5
and 6 by means of welded joints.
[0047] A major characteristic of the hot plates 3-4 consists in that they, and thus also
the partial plates 3A-3B, 4A-4B respectively, have a construction with a radial structure,
whereby this radial character can manifest itself in different ways, as will be explained
hereafter.
[0048] According to a first possibility, said radial character is obtained in the given
embodiment in that the hot plates 3-4 are divided in radial partial sectors 33, which
each cover an angle A which is smaller than 90° and preferably amounts to 30° or less.
This is obtained by dividing the intermediate space by means of partitions 34.
[0049] Another major characteristic of the hot plates 3-4 in which the radial character
is revealed, consists in that they have a canalisation for the heating medium which
generally provides for a radial circulation, in particular separately per partial
sector 33. This radial circulation is indicated by means of the arrows 35 in figures
4 and 6.
[0050] By the aforesaid is meant that the heating medium generally flows per sector either
from the inside to the outside, as is the case in the given example, or according
to a variant, from the outside to the inside in the intermediate space 7, preferably
according to radially extending canalisation parts.
[0051] As represented in figures 4 and 6, partitions 36 are preferably provided as well
between the plates 5 and 6 which not only influence the radial flow, but which also
make sure that it follows a radial zigzag pattern in order to obtain a more uniform
heating.
[0052] As is shown among others in figures 11 and 12, the partitions 34 and 36 consist of
laths formed of single, rectangular struts placed on their vertical side.
[0053] In the given example, the partitions 34 and the radially directed laths 32 situated
on the side edges of the partial plates 3A-3B, 4A-4B respectively, are positioned
such that they are situated above, or mainly above the radial main struts 20 and 21
of the supporting structure 16.
[0054] As is indicated in figures 4 and 6, additional local spacer sleeves 37 can also be
provided between the plates 5 and 6.
[0055] Every partial plate 3A-3B, 4A-4B respectively, has a canalisation which at least
consists of a feed pipe 38 running under the sandwich structure; a circular distribution
pipe 39 which is provided near the centre of the partial plate concerned, on the top
side; openings 40 which connect the distribution pipe 39 to the intermediate space
7 of the sandwich structure; a circular collecting pipe 41 provided near the outer
perimeter of the partial plate concerned on the bottom side of the sandwich structure
and which is connected to the above-mentioned intermediate space 7 via openings 42;
and at least one discharge pipe 43 connected to the circular collecting pipe 41.
[0056] In the embodiment of the small hot plate 3, every part of the intermediate space
7 formed per partial sector 33 extends continuously from the circular distribution
pipe 39 up to the circular collecting pipe 41.
[0057] The distribution pipe 39 and the collecting pipe 41 are preferably made in the shape
of semicircular pipes which, as represented among others in figures 7 to 10, are connected
with their flat sides against the sandwich structure, as a result of which a restricted
overall height is obtained.
[0058] From the figures can be derived that the aforesaid also goes for each of the partial
plates. Hence, in case use would be made of a one-piece hot plate 3-4, it is clear
that the pipes 39-41 can possibly cover a full circle instead of a semi-circle and
that use can either or not be made of more than one feed pipe 38, discharge pipe 43
respectively.
[0059] While the heating device 1 is operational, the hot plates 3-4 are heated by guiding
a heating medium via the feed pipes 38 into the partial plates 3A-3B, 4A-4B respectively.
The heating medium hereby flows via the distribution pipes 39 and the groove-shaped
openings 42 in the intermediate space 7, from where it is guided in a zigzag manner
per partial sector 33 to the openings 42. Via these openings 42, the medium is collected
in the collecting pipes 41, from where it can be discharged via the discharge pipes
43.
[0060] As far as described above, the construction of the small hot plates 3 corresponds
to that of the large hot plates 4. A number of differences are described hereafter.
[0061] A first constructional difference consists in that the small hot plates 3 have a
smaller outer diameter. This is also the case for the corresponding supporting structure
16, whose outer edge 44 also entirely disappears under the hot plate 3. In fact, the
supporting structure 16 for the small plates can be made identical to that of the
large plates, with as an only difference that the ring-shaped structure 29 is then
situated closer to the ring-shaped structure 30. The clearance opening 45 in the treatment
space 2 of the heating system is thus entirely free, apart from the supports 17 which
depart from the supporting frame 18. It should be noted that the supports 17 are also
situated under the supporting structure 16 at a lower level. There are no clearance
openings in the hot plates 3, whereas clearance openings 9 are indeed provided in
the large hot plates 4, whose position coincides with the clearance openings 46 in
the supporting structure 16.
[0062] A second major difference consists in that, with the large hot plates 4, the intermediate
space 7 per partial sector 33 is divided in two parts 47 and 48 due to the presence
of the clearance openings 9, and that the hot plate 4 is provided with passages 49
which connect the above-mentioned first part 47 of the intermediate space 7 to the
second part 48.
[0063] It should be noted that a bush construction 50 has been built in the centre of the
supporting structure 16 and has been fixed to it, as represented in figures 7 and
8, consisting of a bush 52 with two welded-on flanges 54, which surround the composed
ring-shaped structure 28 of the partial constructions 24 and 25, formed of U-shaped
struts, which flanges 54 have been welded onto the radial balcony 20 and 21 of the
supporting structure 16. The partial supporting constructions 24 and 25 can be connected
to one another by means of overlapping strips 55 limited in size, welded on the U-shaped
parts of the ring-shaped structure 28 at the height of the division of the partial
constructions 24 and 25. The positioning ring 51 for the hot plates 3-4 is connected
to the top flange 54.
[0064] The heating device 1 mainly works as will be described hereafter.
[0065] The product to be heated is moved over the hot plates 3-4 by means of the spreaders
14, whereby this product is moved in the known manner on the small hot plates 3 from
the middle towards the outer edge, and from the outer edge to the middle on the large
hot plates 4. During this movement, the product drops from the one hot plate lying
on top onto the next hot plate lying underneath it, and thus follows a zigzag path
through the heating device 1.
[0066] When operational, the heating medium is guided in the circular distribution pipe
39 via every feed pipe 38 concerned, from where said heating medium ends up in the
intermediate space 7 via the openings 40. After the medium has flowed through said
intermediate space 7 according to the above-described zigzag pattern, it leaves this
space via the openings 42 to be collected in the collecting pipe 41 and to be discharged
via the discharge pipe 43, for example to a device for heating the medium.
[0067] Since, in the case steam is used as a heating medium, less large amounts of condensing
steam have to be supplied per sector, it is easier to switch to a simpler construction,
and it is more advisable to not use the zigzag pattern. It is better for the steam
to be supplied via a circular distribution pipe along the outer perimeter of the hot
plates 3-4, and for the condensates to be removed via a centrally erected circular
discharge pipe.
[0068] Finally, it should be noted that by a general radial circulation' is meant that the
heating medium flows from the outside to the inside, or vice versa, per sector. Within
each sector, however, the progress can be arbitrary, and it must not necessarily follow
arrow 35 from figure 6.
[0069] By a 'continuous supporting structure 16' according to the invention must be understood
every supporting structure extending underneath a hot plate 3 or 4, as opposed to
for example local supports provided exclusively on the edges, as described in Belgian
patent No.
1,013,426, irrespective in what manner this supporting structure 16 has been built as such.
[0070] It is clear that, thanks to the specific construction of the invention, there is
a large degree of freedom between the different components, as a result of which expansion
differences are optimally absorbed, whereas in every component as such, in particular
in every hot plate 3 or 4 and in every supporting structure 16, is obtained a uniform
expansion, such that these components as such will not bend in an unwanted manner.
[0071] From figure 15, it is also clear that the above-mentioned hot plates must not necessarily
consist of two partial plates, but that they can also be made of four or more partial
plates.
1. Heating device of the type which at least consists of a treatment space (2) equipped
with a number of hot plates (3-4), either or not composed of several partial plates
(3A-3B, 4A-4B), formed of a hollow sandwich structure with at least two plates (5-6)
in between which can circulate a heating medium, as well as with means (8) to move
a product to be heated over the hot plates (3-4), whereby at least a number of the
above-mentioned hot plates (3-4), partial plates (3A-3B, 4A-4B) respectively, are
placed mainly freely on a continuous supporting structure (16) situated each time
underneath them characterized in that the supporting structure (16) comprises a positioning ring (51) with a ring-shaped
collar (52) which fits in a groove (53) provided on the hot plates (3-4) or partial
plates (3A-3B, 4A-4B).
2. Heating device according to claim 1, characterised in that every supporting structure (16) concerned is placed mainly free on supporting points
(17), preferably rollers.
3. Heating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the supporting structure (16) is made of a frame of struts.
4. Heating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the supporting structure (16) is at least composed of concentrically extending struts
(22-23) and/or strut parts as well as of radially directed struts (20) and/or strut
parts whose top sides are situated in one and the same plane.
5. Heating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that every supporting structure (16) is mainly fixed in a single point on one of the supporting
points (17) of a supporting frame (18) and is moreover erected freely moveable on
the other supporting points (17).
6. Heating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises one or several hot plates (3-4) having a construction with a radial
structure.
7. Heating device according to claim 6, characterised in that the above-mentioned hot plates (3-4) have a canalisation for the heating medium which
generally provides for a radial circulation.
8. Heating device according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that partitions (36) are provided in the hot plates (3-4) providing for a radial zigzag
pattern.
9. Heating device according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the above-mentioned hot plates (3-4) are divided in radial sectors, in particular
partial sectors (33).
10. Heating device according to any of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that it comprises hot plates (3-4) which are composed of one or several partial plates
(3A-3B, 4A-4B), in particular in the shape of circular segments which each form half
or a quarter or less of a hot plate (3-4).
11. Heating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hot plate (3-4) or every partial plate (3A-3B, 4A-4B) is provided with a canalisation
which at least consists of a feed pipe (38) running under the above-mentioned hot
plate (3-4); a circular distribution pipe (39) provided on the top side near the centre
of the hot plate (3-4); openings (40) connecting the distribution pipe (39) with the
intermediate space (7) of the sandwich structure; a circular collecting pipe (41)
provided near the outer perimeter of the hot plate (3-4) on the bottom side of the
hot plate (3-4) and which is connected to the aforesaid intermediate space (7) via
openings (42); and at least one discharge pipe (43) connected to the circular collecting
pipe (41).
12. Heating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hot plates (3-4) comprise struts providing for a division in partial sectors
(33), which struts coincide with radially directed struts (20) of the above-mentioned
supporting structure (16).
1. Heizvorrichtung des Typs, der mindestens aus einem Behandlungsraum (2) besteht, der
mit einer Anzahl von Heizplatten (3-4), die entweder aus mehreren Teilplatten (3A-3B,
4A-4B) zusammengesetzt sind oder nicht, welche Heizplatten aus einer hohlen Sandwichstruktur
mit mindestens zwei Platten (5-6) gebildet sind, zwischen denen ein Heizmedium zirkulieren
kann, sowie mit Mitteln (8) zum Bewegen eines zu erhitzenden Produkts über die Heizplatten
(3-4) ausgerüstet ist, wobei mindestens eine Anzahl der besagten Heizplatten (3-4)
beziehungsweise Teilplatten (3A-3B, 4A-4B) im Wesentlichen frei auf eine jeweils darunter
befindliche, durchlaufende Stützstruktur (16) aufgelegt sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Stützstruktur (16) einen Positionierring (51) mit einem ringförmigen Kragen (52),
der in eine an den Heizplatten (3-4) oder Teilplatten (3A-3B, 4A-4B) angebrachte Nut
(53) passt, umfasst.
2. Heizvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede betreffende Stützstruktur (16) im Wesentlichen frei auf Stützpunkte (17), bevorzugt
Rollen, aufgelegt ist.
3. Heizvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Stützstruktur (16) aus einem Gestell aus Profilen hergestellt ist.
4. Heizvorrichtung nach einem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Stützstruktur (16) mindestens sowohl aus sich konzentrisch erstreckenden Profilen
(22-23) und/oder Profilteilen als auch aus radial gerichteten Profilen (20) und/oder
Profilteilen zusammengesetzt ist, deren Oberseiten sich in der gleichen Ebene befinden.
5. Heizvorrichtung nach einem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede Stützstruktur (16) im Wesentlichen in einem einzigen Punkt an einem der Stützpunkte
(17) eines Stützgestells (18) befestigt ist und im übrigen frei beweglich an den anderen
Stützpunkten (17) aufgestellt ist.
6. Heizvorrichtung nach einem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie eine oder mehrere Heizplatten (3-4) umfasst, die eine Konstruktion mit einer
radialen Struktur aufweisen.
7. Heizvorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die vorgenannten Heizplatten (3-4) eine Kanalisation für das Heizmedium aufweisen,
die generell für eine radiale Zirkulation sorgt.
8. Heizvorrichtung nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Trennwände (36) in den Heizplatten (3-4) angebracht sind, die ein radiales Zickzackmuster
vorsehen.
9. Heizvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die vorgenannten Heizplatten (3-4) in radiale Sektoren, insbesondere Teilsektoren
(33), unterteilt sind.
10. Heizvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie Heizplatten (3-4) umfasst, die aus ein oder mehr Teilplatten (3A-3B, 4A-4B) zusammengesetzt
sind, spezieller in Form von Kreissegmenten, die jedes die Hälfte oder ein Viertel
oder weniger einer Heizplatte (3-4) bilden.
11. Heizvorrichtung nach einem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Heizplatte (3-4) oder jede Teilplatte (3A-3B, 4A-4B) mit einer Kanalisation versehen
ist, die mindestens aus einer unter der vorgenannten Heizplatte (3-4) verlaufenden
Zufuhrleitung (38) besteht; einer kreisförmigen Verteilerleitung (39), die an der
Oberseite in Nähe des Zentrums der Heizplatte (3-4) angebracht ist; Öffnungen (40),
die die Verteilerleitung (39) mit dem Zwischenraum (7) der Sandwichstruktur verbinden;
einer kreisförmigen Sammelleitung (41), die in Nähe des Außenumfangs der Heizplatte
(3-4) an der Unterseite der Heizplatte (3-4) angebracht ist und die mittels Öffnungen
(42) mit dem vorgenannten Zwischenraum (7) in Verbindung steht; und mindestens einer,
an die kreisförmige Sammelleitung (41) angeschlossenen Abfuhrleitung (43).
12. Heizvorrichtung nach einem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Heizplatten (3-4) Profile umfassen, die eine Unterteilung in Teilsektoren (33)
vorsehen, welche Profile mit radial gerichteten Profilen (20) der vorgenannten Stützstruktur
(16) zusammenfallen.
1. Dispositif de chauffage du type qui est au moins constitué d'un espace de traitement
(2) équipé d'un certain nombre de plaques chauffantes (3-4), composées ou non de plusieurs
plaques partielles (3A-3B, 4A-4B), formée d'une structure creuse en sandwich comprenant
au moins deux plaques (5-6) entre lesquelles peut circuler un milieu chauffant, ainsi
que des moyens (8) pour déplacer un produit à chauffer par-dessus les plaques chauffantes
(3-4), au moins un certain nombre des plaques chauffantes susmentionnées (3-4), des
plaques partielles (3A-3B, 4A-4B), respectivement, sont placées principalement librement
sur une structure de support continue (16) située à chaque fois en dessous d'elles,
caractérisé en ce que la structure de support (16) comprend un anneau de positionnement (51) comprenant
une bague de forme annulaire (52) qui s'emboîte dans une rainure (53) prévue sur les
plaques chauffantes (3-4) ou sur les plaques partielles (3A-3B, 4A-4B).
2. Dispositif de chauffage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que chaque structure de support (16) concernée est placée principalement librement sur
des points de support (17), de préférence des galets.
3. Dispositif de chauffage selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que la structure de support (16) est constituée d'un cadre d'entretoises.
4. Dispositif de chauffage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la structure de support (16) est au moins composée d'entretoises (22-23) et/ou de
parties d'entretoises s'étendant en direction concentrique, ainsi que d'entretoises
(20) et/ou de parties d'entretoises orientées en direction radiale, dont les côtés
supérieurs sont situés dans un seul et même plan.
5. Dispositif de chauffage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que chaque structure de support (16) est fixée principalement en un seul endroit sur
un des points de support (17) d'un cadre de support (18) et est en outre monté pour
être librement mobile sur les autres points de support (17).
6. Dispositif de chauffage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une ou plusieurs plaques chauffantes (3-4) possédant une construction
comprenant une structure radiale.
7. Dispositif de chauffage selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que les plaques chauffantes susmentionnées (3-4) possèdent une canalisation pour le milieu
chauffant, qui procure en général une circulation radiale.
8. Dispositif de chauffage selon la revendication 6 ou 7, caractérisé en ce qu'on prévoit des parois de séparation (36) dans les plaques chauffantes (3-4) procurant
un modèle radial en zigzag.
9. Dispositif de chauffage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, caractérisé en ce que les plaques chauffantes susmentionnées (3-4) sont subdivisées en secteurs radiaux,
en particulier en secteurs partiels (33).
10. Dispositif de chauffage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des plaques chauffantes (3-4) qui se composent d'une ou plusieurs plaques
partielles (3A-3B, 4A-4B), en particulier sous la forme de segments circulaires qui
forment chacun la moitié ou un quart d'une plaque chauffante (3-4) ou moins.
11. Dispositif de chauffage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la plaque chauffante (3-4) ou chaque plaque partielle (3A-3B, 4A-4B) est munie d'une
canalisation qui est au moins constituée d'un tuyau d'alimentation (38) s'étendant
en dessous de la plaque chauffante susmentionnée (3-4) ; d'un tuyau de distribution
circulaire (39) prévu sur le côté supérieur à proximité du centre de la plaque chauffante
(3-4) ; d'ouvertures (40) reliant le tuyau de distribution (39) à l'espace intermédiaire
(7) de la structure en sandwich ; d'un tuyau de récolte circulaire (41) prévu à proximité
du périmètre externe de la plaque chauffante (3-4) sur le côté inférieur de la plaque
chauffante (3-4) et qui est raccordé à l'espace intermédiaire susmentionné (7) via
des ouvertures (42) ; et d'au moins un tuyau d'évacuation (43) raccordé au tuyau de
récolte circulaire (41).
12. Dispositif de chauffage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les plaques chauffantes (3-4) comprennent des entretoises procurant une subdivision
en secteurs partiels (33), lesdites entretoises coïncidant avec des entretoises (20)
orientées en direction radiale de la structure de support susmentionnée (16).