Space heating device

Abstract

 The device includes a radiator (2), and a metal plate (5) covering the exposed face of the radiator (2). A layer (6) of heat-conducting resin fixes the plate (5) to the exposed face of the radiator (2), and transmits heat from the radiator (2) to the plate (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a space heating device.

[0002] As is known, space heating devices comprise radiators, in turn comprising two headers, and a number of columns connecting the two headers hydraulically. The heat exchange surface is defined by the outer surface of the columns, and part of the heat exchange surface faces the masonry wall supporting the radiator, and part faces the space for heating.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a space heating device with an extensive heat exchange surface facing the space in which the device is installed.

[0004] According to the present invention, there is provided a space heating device comprising a radiator, and characterized by comprising a metal plate covering at least part of the exposed face of said radiator; and a layer of resin for fixing said plate to said exposed face of said radiator.

[0005] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a rear view in perspective of a device in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a front view in perspective of the Figure 1 device;

Figure 3 shows a partial section and enlarged detail along line III-III in Figure 1.

[0006] Number 1 in Figure 1 indicates a space heating device. Device 1 comprises a radiator 2, inside which hot water circulates, and which, in the embodiment shown, comprises two (respectively, top and bottom) horizontal headers 3, and a number of parallel vertical columns 4, the longitudinal ends of which connect headers 3 hydraulically. Each column 4 has a flat vertical exposed face. And device 1 also comprises a vertical metal plate 5 covering the whole of the exposed face of radiator 2. Plate 5 has a rectangular perimeter, the edges of which are bent (perpendicularly to plate 5) towards radiator 2 to define a box body for housing radiator 2, and are wider than the thickness of columns 4.

[0007] With reference to Figure 3, plate 5 is fixed integrally to columns 4 by a layer 6 of heat-conducting resin already available on the market and defined by a resin mixed with elements of high intrinsic conductivity, such as metal powder, metal oxide powder, mineral powder, carbon powder, etc., so that the resin provides for both bonding and heat conduction. More specifically, in actual use, plate 5 is positioned with its inner face close to or preferably in close contact with the exposed face of radiator 2, and the gaps between adjacent columns 4 and the inner face of plate 5, and the gaps between the end columns 4 and the bent edges of plate 5 are filled with said resin.

[0008] The numerous advantages of the present invention will be clear from the above description.

[0009] In particular, a heating device 1 is achieved, in which the heat exchange surface facing the space for heating is much larger than the exposed surface of columns 4. Heat is transmitted from columns 4 to plate 5 both directly, by contact between columns 4 and plate 5, and indirectly by layer 6 of heat-conducting resin. Moreover, heating device 1 is quick and easy to assemble, by simply applying layer 6 of resin to the inner face of plate 5, and inserting radiator 2 inside the box body defined by plate 5.

[0010] Clearly, changes may be made to device 1 as described and illustrated herein without, however, departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0011] In particular, the geometry of columns 4 may differ from that shown. For example, columns 4 may have a circular, ovoid, triangular cross section, etc., and may be longitudinally straight or curved, in particular, coiled. Finally, plate 5 may even cover only part of the exposed face of radiator 2.

Claims

1. A space heating device comprising a radiator (2), and characterized by comprising a metal plate (5) covering at least part of the exposed face of said radiator (2); and a layer (6) of resin for fixing said plate (5) to said exposed face of said radiator (2).

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that said resin is a heat-conducting resin, so that the heat through said resin is transmitted from said radiator (2) to said plate (5) .

3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 and/or 2,
characterized in that said radiator (2) has a number of columns (4), along which hot water is channelled; said resin being inserted in the gaps between adjacent columns (4) and the inner face of said plate (5) .

4. A device as claimed in Claim 3, characterized in that the inner face of said plate (5) is located close to the exposed faces of said columns (4).

5. A device as claimed in Claim 3, characterized in that the inner face of said plate (5) contacts the exposed faces of said columns (4).

6. A device as claimed in Claim 4 or 5,
characterized in that said exposed faces of said columns (4) are flat.

7. A device as claimed in at least one of the foregoing Claims, characterize in that said plate (5) has a rectangular perimeter; the edges of said perimeter being bent towards said radiator (2) to define a box body for housing said radiator (2).

Drawing