METHOD FOR INSTALLING UNDERFLOOR HEATING AND UNDERFLOOR HEATING

Description

[0001] The present invention relates firstly to a method for installing underfloor heating.

[0002] It is generally known from the prior art to unwind an endless, malleable plastic pipe from a so-called "coil" and lay it in a looped shape on a foil, which typically rests on the subfloor of a room to be heated. The laid plastic pipe is then fixed to the floor using special clamps and subsequently covered with screed.

[0003] In practice, however, the plastic pipes have proven to be very space-consuming due to their large diameter, so a thick layer of screed is necessary to completely cover the laid pipe.

[0004] Therefore, it is still known from the state of the art to use metal pipes instead of plastic pipes, whereby the pipes are configured or connected on site, depending on the shape of the building space, laid loosely on the subfloor and then covered with screed.

[0005] However, this method of installing underfloor heating also proves to be in need of improvement. In particular, the installation is quite complex and can only be carried out by a very experienced professional – requiring a significant investment of time and effort.

[0006] Underfloor heating systems are also known as dry systems, in which the pipe systems – unlike the wet system described above – are not encased in screed at all, but are instead, for example, covered with a layer of concrete.

[0007] They are arranged in cassettes, casings, or similar structures, which then form the floor; however, these systems are very expensive. One such system is disclosed, for example, in DE 297 15 643 U1.

[0008] Another dry system is disclosed in EP 1 512 933 A2, according to which heat-conducting plates made of expanded graphite are used in underfloor heating systems.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method which enables a simplified installation of underfloor heating despite the use of pourable screed.

[0010] The present invention solves this problem firstly with the features of claim 1, and therefore in particular by the following process steps: Completion of an intermediate product comprising a, in particular rectangular, metal support plate, on one side of which a metal pipe system for conveying a medium, of at least one heat-conducting element, is fixed, filling a space formed by the pipe system with cast screed.

[0011] In other words, the inventive method provides a manageable unit with a pipe system arranged on a metal support plate, which is easy to install and connect. This can also be described as "partially installable".

[0012] In the simplest case, industrially prefabricated intermediate products similar to tiles can be laid on a raw floor to install underfloor heating.

[0013] According to the invention, an intermediate product is first created at one location. This intermediate product is designed to be particularly manageable, compact, and / or easily transportable. It can then be moved to another location where the underfloor heating system is to be installed. On-site, it simply needs to be arranged on the subfloor (or on a layer placed on top of it, such as a foil or similar material), for example, in the manner of laying tiles. The intermediate product is therefore very quick to install and thus highly convenient.

[0014] This provides a kind of "plug and play" system for underfloor heating, ensuring extremely simple installation. In particular, there is no longer any need to pull plastic pipe sections under tension from a "coil," nor do these pipes need to be additionally secured to the floor with clips, thus significantly reducing the physical work for the installer (enabling "back-friendly" underfloor heating installation).

[0015] Because the pipe system is made of metal, it can have thinner walls than a plastic pipe system, resulting in a smaller pipe diameter. This, in turn, leads to a thinner overall floor screed, as only one pipe with a smaller diameter needs to be covered. Therefore, the screed layer can be thinner overall (resulting in lower screed consumption). A thinner screed layer also heats up faster.

[0016] Because the pipe system is arranged on a support plate, the intermediate product can be transported more easily overall, for example, because it can be stacked. In contrast to a simple pipe meander without a support plate, an intermediate product according to the invention is also easier to handle, since the support plate prevents it from simply slipping into one another and becoming jammed.

[0017] Since the intermediate products are typically manufactured at a second (production) location, e.g., in a production hall or similar facility, and used at a first, remote location to install underfloor heating, the logistical effort can be minimized compared to a prior art method. In the prior art method, for example, the number of plastic pipe coils required is roughly estimated. This can result in either insufficient material being available when the underfloor heating is actually installed (leading to waiting times for the procurement of additional coils) or an excess of coils being available (which then have to be transported away again at a cost).

[0018] This method can include the step of planning the room for underfloor heating. It allows for the precise determination of how many intermediate products are needed to install the underfloor heating system, and the exact number of these intermediate products (e.g., from a second location's warehouse) can be transported to the first location. Therefore, neither the return transport of excess intermediate products nor reordering is necessary.

[0019] To achieve optimized storage, improved transport and, in particular, improved assembly, the carrier plate can typically be designed in the style of a tile.

[0020] The support plate is therefore usually rectangular and / or flat or planar on one side. For example, it can be essentially square.

[0021] In particular, the aspect ratio is less than 5:1, advantageously less than 4:1, and further advantageously less than 2:1. Therefore, the carrier plate – in contrast, for example, to a purely strip-like element – ​​can be described as a (full-)surface plate.

[0022] The shorter side of the support plate has, for example, a length of at least 30 cm, more advantageously at least 40 cm, and even more advantageously at least 50 cm (the same applies to the other side, which, if it deviates from a square shape, is of course longer).

[0023] According to the invention, the support plate is made of metal to enable optimized heat transfer. In this way, the heat from a medium circulating in the pipe system can be transferred to the top of the floor even more effectively than if only a metal pipe system (without a support plate) were used. Extensive measurements by the applicant have confirmed this and can be explained by the fact that the support plate achieves improved lateral heat distribution (the lateral resistance decreases).

[0024] In particular, this method allows for thermal bridging of the gap between individual pipe sections of the pipe system. In other words, the support plate can serve to efficiently conduct heat into the space between individual pipe sections of the pipe system.

[0025] The heat transfer plate / carrier plate improves heat distribution (perpendicular to the straight sections and longitudinally). This increases the average surface temperature of the underfloor heating system. Compared to a conventional, state-of-the-art underfloor heating system, the flow temperature can therefore be reduced, resulting in lower energy consumption for comparable output due to the lower flow temperature.

[0026] This applies in particular to a meandering pipe system (which typically has several parallel, preferably straight, sections connected by curved or arc-shaped sections).

[0027] In particular, the area between two adjacent (straight) sections of the pipe system can be thermally bridged.

[0028] In other words, by using a support plate, it is possible to travel in the shortest line from one straight section to an adjacent straight section of the pipe system without having to leave the intermediate product, since the area in between is bridged by the support plate (this would not be possible with a pipe meander without a support plate, since the area between the straight sections is not bridged, but is left completely open or is later filled with screed).

[0029] Measurements have shown, in particular, that the pipe spacing, i.e., the distance between two parallel (straight) sections of a meandering or harp-shaped pipe system, should be between 100 and 400 mm, preferably between 200 and 270 mm, and more preferably between 240 and 260 mm. It has been found that, for example, a pipe spacing of 250 mm results in only a negligibly worse heat distribution than a pipe spacing of 150 mm, with the larger pipe spacing being more economically advantageous, as it allows for greater material savings.

[0030] The aforementioned measurements further showed that an aluminum sheet used as a backing plate with a thickness of 0.6 mm does not perform significantly worse in terms of thermal performance than an aluminum backing plate with a thickness of 1 mm. Therefore, an aluminum backing plate with a thickness between 0.4 and 0.8 mm can preferably be used, and in particular, between 0.5 and 0.7 mm.

[0031] According to the preferred embodiment, the carrier plate is made of aluminum (or has a very high aluminum content). It is therefore an aluminum carrier plate.

[0032] The metal support plate typically has a minimum thickness of 0.3 mm, more advantageously a thickness of at least 0.5 mm, and even more preferably a thickness of at least 0.6 mm.

[0033] The support plate is specifically designed to be mathematically convex, meaning that every point on the support plate can be connected to every other point using a straight line segment, without this segment leaving the support plate.

[0034] The pipe system fixed to the support plate is typically designed in a meandering shape, as already described. It can, for example, be a one-piece (material-jointed) meander that is fixed to the support plate.

[0035] In principle, other forms are also conceivable, e.g. a harp shape in which at least two parallel, especially straight, sections are brought together at their end points.

[0036] In particular, the pipe system has several (at least two) parallel, straight sections. These sections are both / all fixed to the support plate, either directly or indirectly. Specifically, these sections typically do not protrude beyond the contour of the support plate.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pipe system is formed in one piece, which simplifies assembly on the carrier plate. In addition to the pipe system, the intermediate product can also have, for example, connecting pieces or similar components attached to the pipe system, which do not necessarily have to be formed with the pipe system in a single, materially bonded manner, but can merely be attached to the pipe system.

[0038] The medium conveyed through the pipe system is typically heated water.

[0039] According to the preferred embodiment, copper is used as the pipe material. It is therefore typically a copper pipe system.

[0040] According to the invention, the pipe system is arranged on one side of the support plate, i.e., either on the top or bottom of the support plate if the support plate is oriented substantially horizontally (as is typically found in floor areas). The heat-conducting element is therefore arranged on the same side of the support plate, and the medium guided in the pipe system is also guided along the same side.

[0041] According to the invention, the pipe system is attached to the support plate by means of heat-conducting elements. These heat-conducting elements are typically assigned to the straight sections of the pipe system.

[0042] A heat-conducting element typically spans the pipe system section by section and is usually attached to a carrier plate on both sides of the pipe (however, solutions are also conceivable in which the heat-conducting element is only attached to the carrier plate on one side and / or has an insertion slot for the pipe system in the central area or similar).

[0043] Heat-conducting elements are typically either glued to the carrier plate or attached in other ways, particularly mechanically (for example, by positive locking). In particular, several strip-like heat-conducting elements can be provided.

[0044] The element can in particular be a heat-conducting plate, which generally has greater stability than, for example, a heat-conducting film, which (especially in a self-adhesive embodiment) can also be used as a heat-conducting element according to the invention.

[0045] The crucial factor here is that the heat-conducting element has good thermal conductivity properties in order to optimize the heat transfer of the entire intermediate product and is also suitable for fixing the pipe system to the carrier plate.

[0046] An advantageously used heat-conducting plate can, in particular, exhibit spring-elastic properties, which further optimizes the fixing of the pipe system to the support plate.

[0047] Preferably, several (i.e., at least two) straight sections of the pipe system are covered and fixed by a heat-conducting element, preferably strip-shaped.

[0048] The heat-conducting element preferably consists of metal or contains metal (e.g., it is formed from a metal sheet or a metal foil or similar).

[0049] According to the invention, at least one space within the pipe system is filled with screed. The space in question refers to the areas between the sections of the pipe system. In the context of a pipe meander, this means, in particular, that two straight sections of the meander form a space between them. This space (as well as the two surrounding sections of the pipe system) is typically located (directly) on or above the support slab.

[0050] Typically, the entire area around the pipe system (on the aforementioned side of the support plate) is filled with screed. Depending on the design, the screed may also extend into the area between the heat-conducting element and the pipe system (depending on the design of the heat-conducting element and how the pipe system is secured to it).

[0051] Poured screed typically refers to a layer or layers (especially of screed mortar) that are poured directly onto the substrate on the construction site, with or without bonding, or onto an intermediate separating or insulating layer, in order to achieve a uniform substrate for a floor covering or immediate usability or a specified height.

[0052] Depending on the binder, completely different materials can be used for screed. Examples of such screeds include cement screed, mastic asphalt screed, calcium sulfate screed, magnesite screed, or synthetic resin screed; this is merely an exemplary list.

[0053] In particular, the composition is not important, but rather its property as a balancing soil conditioner.

[0054] According to the invention, the screed is poured, which is intended in particular to distinguish it from so-called dry screed, in which the screed consists of prefabricated parts which are connected on the construction site in a force-fit manner.

[0055] In this sense, the method according to the invention is a method for producing a wet system type underfloor heating system in which the pipe system is more or less completely enclosed by the screed (e.g. in comparison to a dry system in which the pipes are located below the floor covering in the insulation layer).

[0056] In other words, for the purposes of this invention, any pourable material shall be understood as screed which is suitable, in particular after a certain hardening, to form or (co-)create a floor area.

[0057] According to the invention, it is initially irrelevant whether the screed is poured before or after the intermediate product is placed on the floor. Later explanations will clarify that the intermediate product can either be poured over the screed or immersed in it.

[0058] Crucially, the screed is typically poured at a single location, which is the site where the underfloor heating is to be installed. The screed can therefore be sourced locally and does not need to be transported from the (second) location where the intermediate product is finished to the first, more distant location. Screed is thus a common, readily available consumable material, unlike the highly specialized intermediate product, which is typically manufactured by only a few specialized companies at a second location.

[0059] In this sense, the gap(s) (at the first location) can be filled by pouring screed over the intermediate product. Here, one intermediate product (or typically several) can be laid on a floor area where the underfloor heating is to be installed. The intermediate product can usually be placed with the side facing away from the pipe system, in particular the underside, on a subfloor or on a layer resting on it (insulation layer, foil, or similar). Fixing is not strictly necessary.

[0060] Optionally, fixing can also be provided, e.g. with separate clamps or by gluing the intermediate product to the subfloor.

[0061] In particular, the intermediate product may also have a separate adhesive layer on its underside, which can be activated by peeling off a film. In this case, an adhesive layer is applied to the side of the carrier plate facing away from the pipe system, and further out, a (removable) protective film or similar is applied.

[0062] According to the most advantageous embodiment, such fixings by means of an adhesive layer are not necessary at all. Instead, several intermediate products, e.g. in the form of tiles, can be laid on the subfloor (or a layer applied thereto).

[0063] Alternatively, it is conceivable that (instead of no fixing at all) a slight fixing is achieved using a grout, such as that known from conventional tiles. However, according to the invention, none of this is essential initially. Rather, what is crucial for the invention is that the intermediate product is laid on the subfloor before the screed is poured.

[0064] The screed is poured after one or more intermediate products have been laid in designated places on the floor.

[0065] Typically, the pipe system is located on top of the installed support slab and is encased in the screed. The poured screed is typically level and evenly distributed, so that the hardened screed forms a usable floor surface. In this case, the top of the pipe system is typically completely covered by the screed.

[0066] According to another embodiment of the invention, the process can also be reversed: First, the screed is poured or poured onto a subfloor, and then the intermediate product(s) can be inserted into the screed from above. In this case, the pipe system is typically located on the underside of the support plate (although a reversed installation, where the pipe system is located on the top, is also conceivable). It is thus immersed in the screed. This can be, in particular, a so-called "immersion screed".

[0067] The screed layer is particularly thick enough to allow at least the entire pipe system to be immersed in it. Preferably, the entire support plate is also immersed in the screed layer. However, according to an alternative embodiment, this can be avoided, so that the top surface of the support plate either protrudes from the screed or is flush with it.

[0068] In this particular embodiment, however, care must be taken to ensure that the laying or immersion of the intermediate product(s) takes place quickly, i.e. very soon after pouring the screed, before it hardens too much and while it is still malleable to some extent.

[0069] In the first case, where the intermediate product is moved first, this temporal sequence is naturally not so critical.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pipe system is arranged essentially within the contour of the support plate. This means that when viewed from above, on the side of the support plate where the pipe system is not located, virtually nothing or nothing of the pipe system is visible. However, this formulation excludes minor protrusions, for example, if the pipe system slightly extends beyond the contour of the support plate in the area of ​​its connections or slightly projects beyond one side of the support plate in its curved sections.

[0071] In this context, "essentially" means, in particular, that at least 75% of the pipe system is located within the contour of the support plate, meaning that a maximum of 25% of the pipe system is visible when viewing the other side of the support plate (where the pipe system is not located). Furthermore, at least 90% of the pipe is concealed, i.e., located within the contour of the support plate.

[0072] This wording is intended, in particular, to distinguish it from strip-shaped support elements to which only a very small part of the pipe system can be attached, while the majority of the pipe system extends beyond such a strip. Nevertheless, the invention, in its broadest sense, naturally also encompasses such strip-shaped support elements.

[0073] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pipe system has at least one straight section. Typically, the pipe system has several straight sections.

[0074] According to the invention, this straight section is intended to rest on or be in contact with the support plate essentially along its entire length. This is typically achieved by the heat-conducting elements, which can span or overlap such a section essentially along its entire length. The contact area between such a section and the support plate therefore consists, mathematically speaking, essentially of a straight line.

[0075] In such pipe systems mounted on support plates, it is common for some parts of the pipe system not to rest on the support plate, but to protrude slightly from it. This applies particularly to curved sections, which are preferably arranged between straight sections.

[0076] According to the invention, the straight sections can typically be arranged in parallel, for example in a meandering pipe system or a harp-shaped pipe system.

[0077] Preferably, at least two straight sections are provided, more preferably at least three, and even more preferably four or more. According to the invention, these straight sections are typically thermally connected by the support plate, thus enabling faster heating of the entire floor.

[0078] As already mentioned, the pipe system preferably consists of copper or one or more copper pipes.

[0079] The carrier plate is preferably made of aluminum and / or has a thickness of at least 0.3 mm. It is preferably rigid, i.e., not completely flexible (like a foil, for example), and may, but need not, exhibit a certain degree of elasticity.

[0080] According to the invention, the present method provides that the underfloor heating is installed or completed at a first location, while the completion of the intermediate product takes place at a second, remote location. In particular, the pouring of the screed takes place at the first location.

[0081] Preferably, the invention includes a process step of transferring the intermediate product from the second to the first location, e.g., by transport. The distance between the two locations can typically be several kilometers, and in particular, several hundred kilometers.

[0082] The intermediate product can therefore be transported to the first location, which can be the assembly site, i.e., the location of the building space to be heated.

[0083] The term "place" can refer to a locality, e.g. a city or a building or an environment.

[0084] Screed material may already be present at the installation site. The underfloor heating system can then be completed directly and immediately at the installation site, for example by a local tradesperson or a specialized company, which does not need to be familiar with the production of the intermediate products.

[0085] For transport purposes, it is particularly necessary that the intermediate product is manageable and transportable.

[0086] One or more of these intermediate products can then be transported together to the (first) assembly site. At this first site, one or more intermediate products can be used or installed to complete the underfloor heating system.

[0087] In particular, the method according to the invention can also include a step that involves planning the room layout for underfloor heating. For example, the distribution of corresponding intermediate products in the building space to be heated can be determined (virtually) using computer-aided methods.

[0088] In this way, it is also possible to determine how much intermediate product is actually needed to manufacture a desired underfloor heating system.

[0089] In this process, (electronic) plans can also be created, which can be used to later assemble or arrange the intermediate products in the building space (or on its (raw) floor).

[0090] In other words, the underfloor heating can be software-based and / or configurable online.

[0091] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method may provide that in an area of ​​the surface to be served by the underfloor heating, in which no intermediate product is provided, a metal pipe system is laid which is not arranged on a support plate and is therefore not part of an intermediate product according to the invention.

[0092] This pipe system, which is not attached to a carrier plate, can preferably be supplied by the same supplier as the intermediate product and transported together with it between the second and first locations, or alternatively, it can be supplied separately, e.g., by a local dealer or the installer himself or similar.

[0093] This separate pipe system is preferably a meandering pipe, typically also made of copper. Unlike an intermediate product, it allows for more flexible adaptation to the specific conditions on site. For example, a straight, round pipe can be bent and laid on-site into the desired meandering shape. This other pipe system (without a support plate) is typically encased in screed in the conventional manner (i.e., covered or embedded in it).

[0094] Even if such an auxiliary pipe system does not have the particularly good thermal conductivity properties of the intermediate product, it can be used to be installed in places or areas of the floor that would not necessarily be accessible to a typically rectangular support plate (e.g. because the shape of the floor area does not allow this or the size of the floor area).

[0095] Therefore, this auxiliary pipe system can be part of the same underfloor heating system as the support element(s). The auxiliary pipe system and the intermediate product(s) can also be connected to each other via piping.

[0096] Such an auxiliary pipe system can also be taken into account within the framework of the aforementioned planning, especially software-supported planning.

[0097] The invention also provides that several intermediate products for the production of the underfloor heating system are connected (pipe-wise), particularly during heating system installation. This allows particularly large floor areas to be covered without impairing the handling or transportability of an individual intermediate product.

[0098] According to a further aspect of the invention, the problem underlying the invention is solved by an underfloor heating system according to claim 10. It should be noted here that all advantages and embodiments described in relation to the method also apply to the underfloor heating system or the intermediate product of the underfloor heating system.

[0099] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the uncited dependent claims, as well as from the following description of the figures.

[0100] The figures show: Fig. 1 in a very schematic, isometric oblique view, the top of an intermediate product according to the invention with a copper tube system defined by heat-conducting plates, Fig. 2 in a view approximately according to arrow II in Fig. 1 , a top view of an intermediate product slightly modified with respect to length, Fig. 3 in a view approximately according to Fig. 2 , another alternative intermediate product in which the pipe system is not meandering but harp-shaped, Fig. 4a in a very schematic, cutaway side view, approximately according to view arrow IV in Fig. 1 , a process step for setting up an underfloor heating system according to the invention, in which an intermediate product according to Fig. 1 resting on a subfloor before being covered with screed, Fig. 4bin one view according to Fig. 4a , the intermediate product according to Fig. 4a , however, after pouring over with screed and completing the underfloor heating, Fig. 5 in a view, approximately according to Fig. 4a , an alternative manufacturing process in which a screed layer has already been freshly poured onto a subfloor and now the intermediate product according to Fig. 1 immersed in reverse orientation into the freshly poured screed, Fig. 5bin one view according to Fig. 5a , the completed underfloor heating system with two different, exemplary floor heights, partly indicated by dashed lines, and Fig. 6 a very schematic top view of the floor of an exemplary building room with laid intermediate products, according to a manufacturing method according to Fig. 4 , wherein certain intermediate areas of auxiliary pipe systems are designed without a support plate, and wherein the screed has not yet been poured or is omitted or shown transparently for the sake of clarity.

[0101] The following description of the figures should be prefaced by the fact that identical or comparable parts may be provided with identical reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters or apostrophes. For the sake of simplicity, the reference numerals used in the figures and the description of the figures will therefore be used without apostrophes or lowercase letters in the patent claims following the description of the figures, provided that the corresponding objects are comparable.

[0102] Fig. 1 This shows first an oblique view of an intermediate product 10 according to the invention for setting up a floor heating system.

[0103] The intermediate product 10 is shown as it is produced at its manufacturing site 23, before it is transported to the location where the underfloor heating is to be installed.

[0104] The intermediate product 10 initially comprises a carrier plate 11, which can typically be made of aluminum and is, for example, more than 0.3 mm thick. In the exemplary embodiment, the carrier plate is as follows: Fig. 1 The shape is approximately square, so that its longitudinal extent L corresponds approximately to its transverse extent Q. The longitudinal extent L is, for example, between 40 and 100 cm.

[0105] On its upper surface 12, the support plate 11 carries a pipe system 13, which in the present embodiments is designed in a meandering shape. The meander here comprises, by way of example, a loop with two straight sections 14 and 14'. The straight sections 14 and 14' are connected via a substantially arc-shaped section 15, the entire pipe system 13 being formed essentially in one piece, with a material-bonded connection.

[0106] Inside the pipe system 13, heated water can typically be conveyed during later use in an underfloor heating system.

[0107] The two straight sections 14 and 14' of the pipe system 13 are shown to Fig. 1 Each heat-conducting element 16, in the illustrated embodiment an example of a heat-conducting plate, is fixed to the carrier plate. The heat-conducting plates 16 can be, for example, bonded to the carrier plate 11, or alternatively or additionally riveted or similarly.

[0108] The heat-conducting elements 16 form a central groove 17 which essentially overlaps the straight sections 14 and 14' of the pipe system 13 in a congruent manner.

[0109] In this arrangement, a heat-conducting element 16 forms fastening sections 18 laterally to the pipe sections 14 and 14', which serve to fix the heat-conducting elements 16 (and thus also the pipe system 13) to the support plate 11.

[0110] Due to the heat-conducting elements 16, the straight sections 14 and 14' of the pipe system 13 typically lie directly against the top surface 12 of the support plate 11.

[0111] The arc-shaped section 15, which in the exemplary embodiment is not covered by a heat-conducting element, can also lie against the top surface 12 of the support plate 11 or, if necessary, protrude slightly from it.

[0112] The two ends 19 of the pipe system 13 are then each arranged such that they lead to the edge 20 of the support plate 11, so that the intermediate product can be connected to another one, in Fig. 1 The intermediate product 10, not shown, can be used without any problems. Connecting pieces or similar components can also be provided at the ends 19 for this purpose (not shown).

[0113] A special feature according to Fig. 1 Furthermore, it consists in the fact that the pipe system 13 is evident Fig. 1 is arranged completely within the contour of the support plate 11. This means that the pipe system 13 does not protrude beyond the edge 20 of the support plate 11, not even with its ends 19.

[0114] On the side 32 opposite side 12, which in the present embodiment can also be called underside 32, there is, however, in Fig. 1 It is not apparent that a pipe system is specified. Rather, side 32 is smooth and can therefore, for example, be laid flat on a bare floor.

[0115] Also not shown is an embodiment in which the underside 32 has an adhesive layer which is protected by a release film for transport. Such an embodiment with an adhesive layer, which is not shown, can optionally be activated at the installation site of the underfloor heating by removing the corresponding protective film.

[0116] Typically, an adhesive layer is not necessary at all, so an intermediate product like in Fig. 1 with a purely smooth, unoccupied underside 13 is completely sufficient.

[0117] Fig. 1 This reveals in particular the major advantage of the intermediate product according to the invention: The two straight pipe sections 14 and 14' are indeed connected to each other via the pipe system 13, as is known from the prior art. However, in terms of heat transfer, these two pipe sections 14 and 14' are also connected to each other via the support plate 11, namely via the connecting area 21 arranged between them, which is a part of the support plate 11. Because the connecting area 21 thermally connects the two straight sections 14, rapid and homogeneous heating of the entire intermediate product is made possible during subsequent use. This occurs particularly quickly than if only a pipe system without a support plate were used for heating system applications.

[0118] Fig. 2 This then shows a top view, for example according to view arrow II in Fig. 1 , to a slightly modified embodiment of an intermediate product 10', in which the pipe system 13' is also designed in a meandering shape, but provides more than two straight sections 14, namely four of them.

[0119] Here too, each of the straight sections 14 is overlapped by a heat-conducting element 16, e.g. in the form of a heat-conducting plate. In this way, the pipe system 13' is fixed to the support plate 11'.

[0120] Since the intermediate product 10' according to Fig. 2 provides for more pipe loops than the one according to Fig. 1 Naturally, the extension of the support plate 11' in the longitudinal direction L is also greater than in Fig. 1 , while, for example, the extension in the transverse direction Q of that according to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 identical.

[0121] This particularly increases the compatibility of the two intermediate products 10 and 10' with each other, since they can be laid next to each other in the longitudinal direction L and then do not protrude or lie flush in the transverse direction Q.

[0122] Another difference between intermediate product 10' and intermediate product 10 according to Fig. 1 consists in the fact that, as in Fig. 2 The ends 19' of the pipe system 13' are shown to protrude slightly beyond the edge 20 of the support plate 11'. Nevertheless, the pipe system 13' is also essentially within the contour of the support plate 11'.

[0123] In conclusion, it should be said that Fig. 2 noted that the pipe spacing a, i.e. the distance between two parallel, straight pipe sections 14, is basically the same as that from Fig. 1 This can correspond to the actual distance a. In the illustrated embodiment, however, this distance a is slightly larger – for illustrative purposes only – to demonstrate the variability of the different intermediate products.

[0124] Fig. 3 Figure 1 then shows a further embodiment of an intermediate product 10" according to the invention, in which the pipe system 13" is not meandering but "harp-shaped". The illustrated "harp shape" also looks (as Fig. 1 ) two straight pipe sections 14. These do not extend in the transverse direction Q, but rather in the longitudinal direction L, so that, especially with long support plates 11", particularly long straight sections 14 are formed.

[0125] Fig. 3 This is to be understood as merely an example. If, for instance, a support plate wider in the transverse direction Q were used, one would typically provide more than two parallel sections 14, namely, for example, three or more. In a harp-shaped form, all straight sections 14 typically terminate in a common end section 19" (or two thereof) and are thus joined together. The end 19" can, in particular, be formed by a Fig. 3 The exemplary attachment element 22 is used for further connection of the system to a (especially a single) guide tube. The connection piece 22 can either be considered part of the pipe system 13" or not. Regardless of this, it shows Fig. 3 , that part of the 13" pipe system also protrudes beyond the contour of the 11" support plate here.

[0126] Both in Fig. 2 as well as in Fig. 3 The proportion of the pipe system 13' and 13", which is located within the contour of the support plate, is more than 90%, so that in both cases the pipe system is also "essentially" located within the contour of the support plate, which is formed in particular by its outer edges 20.

[0127] While the intermediate product according Fig. 1 , 2 oder 3 If the product is created at a production site 23 (which could be, for example, a production building, a factory, or similar), it is typically not installed there, but rather transported to another location 24 for the purpose of installing the underfloor heating, and there, as evidenced by the Fig. 4 oder 5 used.

[0128] This location 24 could, for example, be a building or room that is to be equipped with underfloor heating (although, of course, open areas to be heated, such as terraces or similar, are also possible). This first location 24 is typically situated some distance from the production site or second location 23. Therefore, a distance of several (hundreds of) kilometers typically needs to be bridged. For this purpose, the intermediate products 10 can be used according to the Fig. 1 bis 3 in particular, transported from the second to the first location using means of transport, such as vehicles or similar.

[0129] In particular, the underfloor heating to be installed at the first location 24 can first be planned (in a manner to be described in more detail later), and specific intermediate products 10 can be requested from the first location 24.

[0130] Once an intermediate product 10 has arrived at the first location 24, the underfloor heating can be activated, e.g., as in the Fig. 4a und 4b be shown, set up.

[0131] Fig. 4a und 4b The figures show a cross-section through an intermediate product 10 placed on a raw floor 25. The intermediate product 10 can be (only by way of example) the intermediate product 10 from Fig. 1 trade (naturally, however, all other intermediate products according to the invention, in particular those according to Fig. 2 und 3 , usable in an identical process). The sectional view of intermediate product 10 corresponds approximately to section line IV in Fig. 1 .

[0132] Also in the cross-section according to Fig. 4a The pipe system 13 can therefore be identified, namely as a cross-section through the straight sections 14' and 14. Sections 14 and 14' are shown to be Fig. 4a each arranged with a heat conducting element 16 on the carrier plate 11.

[0133] The support plate 11 rests with its underside 32 on the top side 26 of the raw floor 25.

[0134] The subfloor can include the bare concrete floor and possibly additional elements such as insulation materials, protective films, or similar items, all of which are shown in the following for the sake of clarity. Fig. 4 und 5 are not shown.

[0135] In particular, the exaggerated gap between the underside 32 of the support plate 11 and the top side 26 of the raw floor 25 illustrates Fig. 4a (which gap actually does not exist at all), that the carrier plate 11 rests on the raw floor 25 without adhesive (i.e. without glue or bonding agent or similar).

[0136] The intermediate product 10 is essentially secured against slipping by its greater weight (compared to a plastic pipe and due to the support plate), whereby the intermediate product 10 is fixed in its position anyway at the latest when connected to further pipes and / or intermediate products.

[0137] After the intermediate product 10 has been placed, further intermediate products 10 may be laid in the space to be equipped, and these intermediate products are then connected, e.g. via separate pipes or connectors or similar.

[0138] As will be described in more detail later, additional pipe systems can also be laid without a support plate.

[0139] If a connection between the intermediate products and a connection to an inlet or outlet is established, intermediate product 10 can be covered with a flowable screed in a further step, which is already in Fig. 4a as indicated by arrow 27.

[0140] In other words, the underfloor heating is, according to the Fig. 4 (but also the one described below) Fig. 5 ) produced in a wet process in which the intermediate product 10 comes into contact with still liquid, or at least flowable, screed material and according to Fig. 4a is being doused.

[0141] Evidentiously Fig. 4b The screed 28 then surrounds the intermediate product 10, and in particular the pipe system 13. The top surface 29 of the screed layer is walkable after drying, and a floor covering or an insulating layer, especially for acoustic insulation, or similar materials can then be applied to it. Walkable (exposed) screed can also be used, which is used directly as a room floor without a floor covering.

[0142] Fig. 4b This shows that the screed layer has a height I, while the intermediate product 10 has a height h, where h < l. In other words, the screed layer thickness I is chosen such that the intermediate product 10 is completely "sunk" into the screed.

[0143] Since the diameter of a metal pipe, especially a copper pipe, is typically significantly smaller than that of a comparable plastic pipe, a lower screed thickness I can be achieved compared to the state of the art, with the aim of completely burying the intermediate product.

[0144] In particular, Fig. 4b recognize that the screed 28 also reaches the space 30 between the two straight pipe sections 14 and 14', which is particularly associated with the connection area 21 of the support plate 11.

[0145] Another example of how to install underfloor heating shows Fig. 5 : That's how it is in Fig. 5a a so-called immersion screed 31, which can be a conventional screed 28 with more or less special properties, freshly poured, as can be seen from the wavy surface shown in Fig. 5a can be recognized. The intermediate product 10 can be introduced into this immersion screed 31, typically with the underside 32, on which the pipe system 13 is arranged in this example, leading the way.

[0146] The intermediate product is, in this case, like the figure transition of Fig. 5a to Fig. 5b shows, along the arrow in Fig. 5a The heat-conducting element 16 is immersed in the screed 31, in particular until a predetermined immersion depth is reached or until the heat-conducting element 16 touches the top surface 26 of the subfloor 25 (this is omitted from the figures for clarity only). After the screed 31 has hardened, a smooth floor surface 29 is obtained, which completely covers the intermediate product 10, so that the intermediate product 10 is entirely surrounded by the screed 31.

[0147] Fig. 5b An alternative is shown. There, an alternative top surface 29' of the finished floor is indicated by a dashed line, which is flush with the top surface 12 of the intermediate product 10, forming part of the walkable floor in this example (although this variant is probably only relevant if an additional floor covering is used). In both cases, however, the pipe system 13 is completely embedded in the screed 31.

[0148] Finally, it shows Fig. 6 an exemplary first location 24, i.e., an installation location for the underfloor heating 33. The exemplary installation location 24 is therefore, for example, a building floor or a building room 24, which is located in Fig. 6 shown with outer walls 34 and partition walls 35.

[0149] Fig. 6 The figure shows the underfloor heating system 33 according to the invention omitting the screed layer (and optionally elements attached to it such as floor covering or acoustic insulation or similar), in particular to demonstrate the use of intermediate products according to the invention and other pipe systems in the underfloor heating system 33 according to the invention.

[0150] The living space 24 shown can thus be divided into different sections 36 to 41, which are structured in particular by the partition walls 35 or whose division is subject to other considerations.

[0151] A first area 36 is provided here by way of example with several intermediate products according to the invention of different longitudinal and / or transverse extensions.

[0152] For example, this area 36 contains the intermediate product 10 according to the invention. Fig. 1 This is adjacent in the longitudinal direction L to another intermediate product 42 (of identical transverse length or width but different length). The intermediate product 42 has, for example, five straight sections.

[0153] The two intermediate products 10 and 42 are directly connected to each other fluidically, e.g. by means of an intermediate piece not shown in detail or similar.

[0154] Furthermore, the intermediate product 10 is also connected via an additional line section 43 to another intermediate product 44, which also has the same transverse length, but is even longer in the longitudinal direction (with the same pipe spacing, in particular with seven straight sections).

[0155] This intermediate product 44 is then connected to another intermediate product 45, which, while having the same longitudinal extent, differs from the intermediate product 44 in its transverse extent and is approximately twice as wide (the support plate of the intermediate product 45 thus has approximately twice the area of ​​that of the intermediate product 44).

[0156] The section 36 is then completed by a final intermediate product 46, which is essentially identical to intermediate product 45.

[0157] All intermediate products of area 36 are connected via a common supply and discharge line 47 and 48 to a piping system of the underfloor heating 33 (not shown).

[0158] Comparable intermediate products and a comparable structure can also be found for areas 37 (where two intermediate products 10' are installed) and 39 of location 24.

[0159] Areas 38, 40 and 41 differ from the other areas in that the prefabricated intermediate products cannot be used without further ado, e.g. because the surfaces are too narrow, sloping wall surfaces are planned or similar.

[0160] However, in these areas 38, 40 and 41, pipe systems are also laid, namely so-called auxiliary pipe systems 49, which do not have a support plate.

[0161] These auxiliary pipe systems 49 can be connected in particular to the intermediate products and / or independently to the central supply and discharge lines of the underfloor heating 33.

[0162] The auxiliary pipe systems 49 exhibit in the embodiment according to Fig. 6 All of them also have a meandering shape and may, for example, have been prefabricated at the second location 23 and / or delivered to the first location 24 together with the intermediate products. Alternatively, they may also have been manufactured on-site, i.e., at location 24, and, for example, bent into the necessary shape.

[0163] Such a use case can arise, for example, if it was initially planned for certain areas 36, 37, and 39 of location 24 to be equipped with underfloor heating, corresponding intermediate products were ordered, and it is subsequently determined that other areas 38, 40, and 41 should also be included in the underfloor heating system, and ordering further intermediate products at short notice may not be possible. In this case, too, the following can be done in Fig. 6 Use the described method in which prefabricated intermediate products are supplemented by carrier plate-free pipe systems.

[0164] After laying and connecting both the intermediate products and the auxiliary pipe systems 49, the screed can then be poured at location 24. Therefore, the underfloor heating 33 is in accordance with Fig. 6 in particular a system which was manufactured approximately according to the procedure which is described in Fig. 4 as shown. Here, both the intermediate products and the auxiliary pipe systems 49 are typically completely embedded in the screed.

[0165] Finally, based on Fig. 6 It should be noted that a method according to the invention can also include the step of planning the underfloor heating: A map of location 24 can first be created, particularly with software support, optionally including exterior walls and / or partition walls. Based on this map, a plan is then created showing which intermediate products are required and / or where they are to be arranged. Finally, areas in which auxiliary pipe systems are to be used can also be identified based on this plan.

[0166] Such planning can be carried out using a software program (e.g., an app) in which the user has access to pre-assembled intermediate products. The user can, for example, virtually position these intermediate products on the plan within the software and thus identify areas suitable for intermediate products (and those where auxiliary pipe systems should be used).

[0167] Such software can then also be connected to an e-commerce system of the intermediate product manufacturer, so that intermediate products required for a planned underfloor heating system can be ordered directly online.

Claims

1. A method of installing an underfloor heating (33) comprising the steps of: • manufacturing an intermediate product (10) comprising a, in particular rectangular, metal support plate (11), on one side (12, 32) of which a metal pipe system (13) for conducting a medium is fixed by at least one heat-conducting element (16), characterised in that the method comprises the following step: • filling an intermediate space (30) formed by the pipe system (13) with poured screed (28, 31).

2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that the filling is carried out by pouring (27) screed (28) over the intermediate product (10), the pipe system (13) in particular being arranged on the upper side (12) of the metal support plate (11).

3. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that the filling is carried out by immersing the intermediate product (10) in the poured screed (31), the pipe system (13) in particular being arranged on the underside (32) of the metal support plate.

4. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pipe system (13) of the intermediate product is arranged essentially within the contour of the carrier plate (11), in particular to at least 75%, further in particular to at least 90%.

5. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pipe system (13) has at least one straight section (14) which rests on the carrier plate (11) over substantially its entire length, preferably even at least two such sections (14).

6. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the carrier plate (11) consists of aluminium (sheet) and / or has a thickness of at least 0.3 mm, in particular at least 0.4 mm or at least 0.5 mm, and / or the pipe system (13) consists of copper.

7. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the underfloor heating (33) is installed or finished at a first location (24), at which in particular the filling of the intermediate space (30) takes place, wherein the finishing of the intermediate product (10) takes place at a second, remote location (23), in particular comprising a method step of transferring the intermediate product (10) from the second (23) to the first location (24).

8. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in an area (38, 40, 41) of the surface to be served by the underfloor heating (33), in which no intermediate product (10) is provided, a, in particular meandering, pipe system (49) made of metal is laid, which is not arranged on a carrier plate (11).

9. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by the method step: connecting the intermediate product (10) as part of the heating assembly to at least one further, essentially identically produced intermediate product (42, 44).

10. An underfloor heating (33) comprising at least one intermediate product (10) for the installation of an underfloor heating (33), in particular for use in one of the preceding methods, wherein the intermediate product (10) comprises a metal pipe system (13), at least one heat-conducting element (16) and a metal support plate (11), wherein the metal pipe system (13), for conducting a medium, is fixed to one side (12, 32) of the support plate (11) by the at least one heat-conducting element (16), characterised in that an intermediate space (30) of the pipe system (13) of the intermediate product (10) is filled with poured screed (28, 31).

11. An underfloor heating (33) according to claim 10, characterised in that in a region (38, 40, 41) of the underfloor heating (33) in which no intermediate product (10) is provided, a pipe system (49), in particular a meandering pipe system, made of metal is laid, which is not arranged on a carrier plate (11).