Convector unit and low-temperature heating system

Abstract

Convector unit (1), especially for bathrooms or shower rooms, comprising: a fan coil unit (2) with a register (3) and a fan (4), and a towel holder (5), designed to receive and / or hold at least one towel (30), wherein an airflow (9) generated by the blower (4) is directed via the register (3) and to at least one upwardly open outlet opening (10), wherein the towel holder (5) is arranged above the fan convector (2) so that the airflow (9) directed upwards through the at least one outlet opening (10) flows upwards within and / or along the towel holder (5), wherein the register (3) comprises a hot water register (3-1), and wherein the hot water register (3-1) is designed to be operated with a low flow temperature of a low-temperature heating system, wherein the hot water register (3-1) comprises at least one copper pipe through which hot water can be or is passed, and guide plates designed as aluminium fins for emitting the heating heat, which are arranged on the at least one copper pipe and along which the airflow (9) generated by the blower (4) is guided.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a convector unit, in particular for bathrooms or shower rooms. The invention further relates to a low-temperature heating system.

[0002] Heating devices in the form of radiators, through which heated water flows, are well known. When installed in bathrooms, such radiators can be used not only for room heating but also for drying towels or laundry.

[0003] A heating device is known from DE 295 12 981 U1. This heating device includes both a heating and a drying function and contains additional holding elements, which can generally be described as towel rails. The heating device contains at least one heating element within a housing, in the form of a hot water coil and / or an electric heater. To enable rapid heating when required, a ventilation unit is also arranged within the housing. The housing contains openings, particularly in the form of slots, through which the heated air can escape. The holding elements, preferably arranged horizontally, such as towel rails, are located in the area of ​​the air outlet openings, and small items of laundry or towels can be hung on them to dry.

[0004] A towel rail with a fan is known from CN 2 08 677 233 U. A heating unit is known from EP 2 921 796 A1. This unit comprises a radiator, of hydraulic, electric, or mixed design, and an electric fan convector. The convector is equipped with an inlet opening for drawing in cold air and an outlet opening for expelling warm air. The hot air outlet includes an adjustable diffuser. The diffuser has a curved deflecting surface for redirecting the airflow and is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis located at the upper edge of the hot air outlet. The diffuser can be positioned between a first operating position, in which the hot airflow is deflected by the diffuser in a substantially horizontal direction, and a second operating position, in which the hot airflow is deflected upwards by the diffuser in a substantially vertical direction.

[0005] A towel rail with a drying function is known from CN 2 11 270 434 U. A heating device, particularly for bathrooms or shower rooms, comprising a housing and a heating element, is known from DE 295 12 981 U1.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of creating a device with which towels can be dried more effectively.

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by a convector unit with the features of claim 1 and a low-temperature heating system with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0008] In particular, a convector unit, especially for bathrooms or shower rooms, is provided, comprising a fan convector with a register and a fan, and a towel holder, designed to receive and / or hold at least one towel, wherein an airflow generated by the fan is directed over the register and to at least one upwardly open outlet, wherein the towel holder is arranged above the fan convector, such that the airflow directed upwards through the at least one outlet flows upwards within and / or along the towel holder.

[0009] The convector unit allows for improved drying of one or more towels. This is achieved by positioning a towel holder directly above at least one outlet of a fan convector, such that a (heated) airflow directed upwards through the outlet flows within and / or along the towel holder. Because the towel holder is located directly above the outlet, the rising air flows around the towel(s), ensuring optimal drying. Specifically, this allows the towel(s) to be surrounded by airflow from all sides, as the upward airflow moves from the bottom up the towel, effectively penetrating crevices to absorb moisture. This results in more efficient and time-saving drying of a towel.

[0010] Another advantage of the convector unit is that the towel rail is independent of the fan convector. This allows for almost complete design freedom regarding the materials used (e.g., plastic, metal, wood, etc.) and / or the shape of the towel rail. In particular, there is no need to consider water flow within a heating circuit, as is often the case with conventional ladder-style bathroom radiators with towel rails. As long as the towel rail is positioned above at least one outlet opening, there is almost complete design freedom.

[0011] Whenever the terms “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “top”, etc. are used in this disclosure, they always refer to an arrangement and orientation in which the convector unit is used in its intended operation.

[0012] The convector unit may further comprise a valve and / or a thermostat and / or a control and / or regulation in a manner known per se, without this being discussed in more detail.

[0013] The unit is designed to include a hot water coil. This allows the convector unit to be connected to a heating circuit. Specifically, the fan convector unit includes interfaces for connecting the hot water coil to the flow and return lines of a heating circuit. While such operation is rather uncommon in bathrooms and shower rooms, it is also possible, in principle, to operate the hot water coil with cold water to provide cooling.

[0014] It is further provided that the hot water coil is designed to operate with the low flow temperature of a low-temperature heating system. In particular, the hot water coil is optimized for optimal heat output and / or optimal heat exchange at low flow temperatures. This advantageously allows the integration of the convector unit into a heating circuit with low flow temperatures. Such a low flow temperature is particularly below 45°C, preferably a maximum of 35°C, and most preferably a maximum of 30°C. The hot water coil is specifically optimized for operation with a low flow temperature. In particular, the hot water coil is designed for optimal heat exchange at low flow temperatures.The fan enables the convector unit to deliver rapid heat output even at low flow temperatures, unlike conventional radiators, which provide very little heat output at low flow temperatures. For this purpose, the hot water register, for example, features numerous large, thin plates through which the heating water of the low-temperature heating system flows, and over which an airflow generated by the fan is directed. The hot water register includes baffles for distributing the heat, with an airflow generated by the fan being directed along these baffles. The plates and / or baffles can be made of materials such as aluminum or profiled sheet steel. The hot water register can also include fins, which maximize the surface area exposed to the airflow, particularly in relation to the overall volume of the hot water register.

[0015] It may be provided, in particular, that the hot water register has a large surface area. Specifically, the surface area is maximized with respect to the volume of the hot water register. In particular, the hot water register comprises or consists of materials with high thermal conductivity. The hot water register comprises at least one copper pipe through which the hot water can or is passed, and aluminum fins arranged on the at least one copper pipe.

[0016] In one embodiment, the register includes an electric heating element. This allows for heating using electrical energy as an alternative or additional method. The convector unit can be operated in this way, particularly during transitional periods when the main heating system is not yet or no longer in operation. This embodiment can also be used with purely electric heating systems.

[0017] In one embodiment, the towel holder has at least one horizontally extending retaining element for holding at least one towel. This allows the at least one towel to be optimally positioned in the upward-rising airflow.

[0018] In one embodiment, the towel holder is enclosed at the top. This restricts the upward airflow. In particular, this can also generate turbulent flows that aid the drying of the at least one towel. Furthermore, the airflow can be directed through such an enclosure, after flowing along the at least one towel, into the bathroom or shower area to also provide warmth there. Such an enclosure can, for example, take the form of a suitably designed panel, a wing, or a canopy.

[0019] In one embodiment, the towel holder features a symmetrical or asymmetrical ladder-shaped arrangement of several horizontally extending retaining elements, each capable of holding at least one towel. This allows multiple towels to be dried simultaneously. An asymmetrical ladder-shaped arrangement facilitates hanging the towels, as they can be slid laterally onto the retaining elements.

[0020] In one embodiment, the towel rack is provided with at least one multi-armed clothes stand. This allows several towels to be dried simultaneously.

[0021] In one embodiment, the towel holder has at least one plate, wherein the at least one plate has at least one horizontally extending edge on which at least one towel can be arranged. The at least one plate is preferably arranged vertically. The at least one horizontal edge can be formed by a recess in the vertical plate.

[0022] In one embodiment, the towel holder has a housing open on one side, with the towel holder enclosed by the housing on all sides except for this one side, and the at least one outlet opening is located on the underside of the housing so that the airflow is directed into the housing. This allows for an optimal drying effect, as the airflow surrounds the at least one towel inside the housing from all sides and can only exit the housing through this one side. This one side can, for example, be the front or a right or left side of the housing.

[0023] In a further developed embodiment, the towel holder may have at least one housing door with which one side can be at least partially and / or temporarily closed. This can further improve drying.

[0024] In one embodiment, the towel holder is provided with at least one air guide skirt, which is arranged such that the airflow is directed upwards, at least in sections. This allows the airflow to be directed specifically towards the towel to be dried.

[0025] Furthermore, a low-temperature heating system is also created, comprising at least one convector unit according to one of the described embodiments.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the convector unit; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of another embodiment of the convector unit; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of another embodiment of the convector unit; Fig. 4a-4d schematic representations of further embodiments of the convector unit.

[0027] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the convector unit 1. The convector unit 1 comprises a fan convector 2, with a register 3 and a fan 4, and a towel holder 5. The towel holder 5 is designed to receive and / or hold at least one towel 30.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the towel holder 5 comprises a housing 6 open on one side towards the front and a retaining element 7 arranged therein in the form of a clothes rail, which is attached to a side wall of the housing 6. The towel 30 can be slid laterally over the retaining element 7.

[0029] The register 3 and the fan 4 are arranged in a convector housing 8. The register 3 is located above the fan 4. An airflow 9 generated by the fan 4 is directed over the register 3 through several upward-facing outlet openings 10. The outlet openings 10 are formed, in particular, in the housing walls of the housings 6 and 8.

[0030] The towel holder 5 is positioned above the fan convector 2, so that the airflow 9 directed upwards through the outlet openings 10 flows upwards within and / or along the towel holder 5. A towel 30 positioned in the airflow 9 can thus be efficiently surrounded and dried.

[0031] It is provided that register 3 includes a hot water register 3-1. The convector unit 1 then has interfaces 11 for a hot water supply and return, allowing the hot water register 3-1 to be connected to a heating circuit. It is further provided that the hot water register 3-1 is designed to operate with the low supply temperature of a low-temperature heating system. In particular, the hot water register 3-1 is optimized for optimal heat output and / or heat exchange at low supply temperatures. The convector unit 1 is then operated specifically in a low-temperature heating system.

[0032] It may also be provided that register 3 includes an electric heater 3-2. This is operated by means of electrical energy and can provide heat output alternatively or additionally.

[0033] It is specifically intended that the towel holder 5 is closed at the top. In particular, the towel holder 5 is bounded by a top surface 15 of the housing 6.

[0034] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the convector unit 1. The convector unit 1 is basically the same as the one in the Fig. 1. The embodiment shown is designed as follows; the same reference numerals denote the same features and terms.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the towel holder 5 also has a housing 6. The housing 6 of the towel holder 5 and the housing 8 of the fan convector 2 are designed as a common housing. The towel holder 5 is completely enclosed by the housing 6, except for the front 12. The outlet openings 10 are designed as elongated slots running parallel to the retaining element 7. The embodiment also has a storage compartment 13 above the retaining element 7.

[0036] The convector unit 1 may be provided with at least one air deflector (not shown) arranged such that the airflow 9 is directed upwards, at least partially. For example, such an air deflector may cover part of the front 12 of the housing 6 to prevent or reduce the escape of the airflow 9, at least in the lower region of a forward-facing opening. Furthermore, at least one housing door (not shown) may also be provided to partially and / or temporarily close the front 12 of the housing 6, at least in the area of ​​the opening.

[0037] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the convector unit 1. The convector unit 1 is basically the same as the one in the Fig. 1. The embodiment shown is designed as follows; the same reference numerals denote the same features and terms.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the towel holder 5 is formed by a curved aperture body 14, the side profile of which is approximately in the shape of a five. The aperture body 14 encompasses the housing 8 of the fan convector 2 in its lower region. Above the fan convector 2, the aperture body 14 has several adjacent outlet openings 10 through which the airflow from the fan convector 2 can rise. The retaining element 7 is suspended from a canopy-like upper surface 15 of the aperture body 14.

[0039] The Fig. Figures 4a to 4d show schematic representations of further embodiments of the convector unit 1. These embodiments are fundamentally the same as those described in the Fig. 1. The embodiment shown is designed as follows; the same reference numerals denote the same features and terms.

[0040] During the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 4a, the towel holder 5 has a symmetrical ladder-shaped arrangement 16 made up of several horizontally extending retaining elements 7 for holding at least one towel each (not all retaining elements 7 are provided with their own reference numeral).

[0041] During the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 4b, the towel holder 5 has an asymmetrical ladder-shaped arrangement 17 made up of several horizontally extending retaining elements 7 for holding at least one towel each (not all retaining elements 7 are provided with their own reference numeral).

[0042] During the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 4c, the towel holder 5 has a vertically arranged plate 18, wherein the plate 18 has at least one horizontally extending edge 19 on which at least one towel can be arranged.

[0043] During the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 4d, the towel holder 5 is provided to have a multi-armed clothes rack 20.

[0044] The embodiments shown illustrate the advantages of the convector unit 1 described in this disclosure. In particular, the towel holder 5 can be designed largely independently of the fan convector 2. This allows for flexible use of shapes and materials (plastic, wood, metal, etc.). Reference symbol list 1 convector unit 2 fan convectors 3 Register 3-1 Hot water register 3-2 Electric heating 4 blowers 5 Towel holder 6 cases 7 Holding element 8 convector housings 9 Airflow 10 Outlet opening 11 Interface 12 Front 13 storage compartments 14 aperture bodies 15 Top 16 symmetrical ladder-shaped arrangement 17 asymmetrical ladder-shaped arrangement 18 plate 19 edge 20 multi-arm clothes racks 30 towels

Claims

[1] Convector unit (1), especially for bathrooms or shower rooms, comprising: a fan coil unit (2) with a register (3) and a fan (4), and a towel holder (5), designed to receive and / or hold at least one towel (30), wherein an airflow (9) generated by the blower (4) is directed via the register (3) and to at least one upwardly open outlet opening (10), wherein the towel holder (5) is arranged above the fan convector (2) so that the airflow (9) directed upwards through the at least one outlet opening (10) flows upwards within and / or along the towel holder (5), wherein the register (3) comprises a hot water register (3-1), and wherein the hot water register (3-1) is designed to be operated with a low flow temperature of a low-temperature heating system, wherein the hot water register (3-1) comprises at least one copper pipe through which hot water can be or is passed, and guide plates designed as aluminium fins for emitting the heating heat, which are arranged on the at least one copper pipe and along which the airflow (9) generated by the blower (4) is guided. [2] Convector unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the register (3) includes an electric heater (3-2). [3] Convector unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the towel holder (5) has at least one horizontally extending retaining element (7) for holding at least one towel (30). [4] Convector unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the towel holder (5) is closed at the top. [5] Convector unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the towel holder (5) has a symmetrical or asymmetrical ladder-shaped arrangement (16,17) of several horizontally extending retaining elements (7) for holding at least one towel (30) each. [6] Convector unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the towel rack (5) has at least one multi-armed clothes rack (20). [7] Convector unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the towel holder (5) has at least one plate (18), wherein the at least one plate (18) has at least one horizontally extending edge (19) on which at least one towel (30) can be arranged. [8] Convector unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the towel holder (5) has a housing (6) open on one side, wherein the towel holder (5) is enclosed by the housing (6) on all sides except for one side, and wherein the at least one outlet opening (10) is arranged on a bottom side of the housing (6) so that the airflow (9) is directed into the housing (6). [9] Convector unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one air guide skirt arranged in such a way that the airflow (9) is directed upwards at least section by section. [10] Low-temperature heating system comprising at least one convector unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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