Radiators and methods for installing a radiator

Abstract

The invention relates to a radiator (1) comprising a heat exchanger (3), a fan (4) wherein the fan (4) is arranged in the radiator (1) and is configured to generate an airflow through the heat exchanger (3), and a housing (2) wherein the housing (2) comprises the heat exchanger (3) and the fan (4), wherein in end regions (5) of the housing (2) there are installation space reserves (6) in which connecting lines between external connection points (20) and a supply connection (7) and a return connection (8) of the heat exchanger (3) can be arranged or are arranged within the housing (2).Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for installing a radiator (1), wherein the radiator (1) is a radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: specifying a connection configuration for the radiator (1), configuring the radiator (1) according to the specified connection configuration, utilizing the available space (6), wherein connecting lines between external connection points (20) specified according to the specified connection configuration and a flow connection (7) and a return connection (8) of the heat exchanger (3) are arranged in the available space (6) within the housing (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a radiator and a method for installing a radiator.

[0002] The long-standing trend towards heat pumps in the field of heat generators increasingly requires the use of radiators in residential and commercial buildings, which are particularly efficient at low flow temperatures and can meet the required heat demand.

[0003] In addition to underfloor heating, fan coil units or so-called heat pump radiators are typically used here. Both products allow for wall mounting similar to a conventional radiator. The fans, especially blowers, built into these devices increase convection within the heat exchanger, thus increasing output at low operating temperatures.

[0004] A heat pump radiator is known, for example, from EP 1 462 748 A1. There, the heat pump radiator consists of a heat exchanger provided in an open housing, which essentially comprises one or more tubes on which one or more rows of fins are provided at intervals between each other, the distance between the fins being at least three millimeters, and wherein at least one fan is provided above the heat exchanger, which draws air through the heat exchanger.

[0005] Radiators are available with various water-side connection options. Generally, each radiator has a fixed, predefined connection type. Therefore, radiators with the corresponding connection type must be considered during manufacturing, storage, and planning for each connection option. It is known to offer radiators with multiple possible connection options, but in this case, unused water connections must be sealed with a blanking plug, which can lead to leaks.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of improving a radiator and a method for installing a radiator, particularly with regard to flexibility in installing the radiator in different connection variants.

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by a radiator with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0008] In particular, a radiator is created comprising a heat exchanger and a fan, wherein the fan is arranged in the radiator and configured to generate an airflow through the heat exchanger, and a housing comprising the heat exchanger and the fan, wherein space reserves are provided in end regions of the housing in which connecting lines between external connection points and a flow connection and a return connection of the heat exchanger can be or are arranged optionally within the housing.

[0009] Furthermore, in particular a method for installing a radiator is provided, wherein the radiator is a radiator according to one of the embodiments described in this disclosure, comprising: - Specifying a connection configuration for the radiator, - Configuring the radiator according to the specified connection configuration, utilizing the available space, with connecting lines between external connection points specified according to the specified connection configuration and a flow connection and a return connection of the heat exchanger being arranged in the available space within the housing.

[0010] The proposed radiator and method allow for flexible adaptation to any connection configuration present at the installation site. The available space within the housing enables the fluidic connection of lines between an external water connection and the flow or return connection of the heat exchanger to be arranged (routed) in such a way that any external connection point can be chosen for the flow or return. This eliminates the need to manufacture, store, and deliver only a single radiator variant for a wide range of connection configurations. The heating engineer can then adapt the radiator to the specified connection configuration on-site. This reduces the effort and costs associated with manufacturing, storage, and project planning.

[0011] The available space is created, in particular, by ensuring that the heat exchanger and fan do not extend across the full width of the radiator, but rather have a narrower width than the housing. The heat exchanger and fan are then positioned centrally within the housing, leaving space at the ends that constitutes the respective available space. This available space comprises, in particular, a volume within the housing that can be flexibly filled or fitted with radiator components, especially the connecting pipes.

[0012] In particular, the following connection options with their corresponding external connection points on the housing can be used with the radiator: compact connection, DIN connection, 50 mm connection on one side (left, center, right), offset connection, diagonal connection, connection to the rear wall (left, right, center), 50 mm connection on top. Openings may be provided within the housing at the various external connection points, allowing connection to an external supply or return pipe. Knockouts may also be provided, which can be broken out at the desired external connection point if required.

[0013] In a conventional radiator configuration, the end sections or installation space reserves are located on the left and right sides of the housing. Specifically, these end sections or installation space reserves are positioned at the ends of one longitudinal direction of the radiator. The end sections are located opposite each other, particularly next to the heat exchanger and the fan. Two installation space reserves are provided.

[0014] The radiator may be designed so that the heat exchanger is positioned within it in such a way that an end face of the heat exchanger, exposed to the airflow, is angled within the radiator. In other words, air emanating from the fan at one time strikes different parts of the end face at different times. The end faces of the heat exchanger are specifically positioned at an acute angle to the front and back of the radiator, respectively. This angled design allows for a larger surface area through which air flows, even with a reduced radiator depth. In particular, the angled heat exchanger enables the use of a radiator with conventional dimensions, meaning a depth comparable to that of standard radiators.This allows for increased performance with a standard installation depth.

[0015] The heat exchanger comprises, in particular, a coil or at least one convection plate. The coil includes, for example, one or more pipes through which a heating or cooling medium is circulated. Flat fins are arranged, for example, on these pipes, along which air is guided and heat exchange occurs either towards the air (heating operation) or towards the fins (cooling operation). The at least one convection plate is, for example, arranged on a heating plate. Air is guided along the at least one convection plate, and heat exchange occurs either towards the air (heating operation) or towards the at least one convection plate (cooling operation).

[0016] The blower is specifically designed to generate an airflow. For this purpose, the blower is supplied with an electrical voltage. The blower can, for example, comprise one or more fans. A fan can be, for example, an axial fan, a cross-flow fan, or a radial fan (centrifugal fan). The blower, and in particular its speed, is controlled and / or regulated by a control unit. The blower is typically located below the heat exchanger, specifically at a predetermined distance below it. However, the blower can also be located above the heat exchanger.

[0017] The radiator is, in particular, a fan-assisted convector. The radiator is, in particular, a fan-assisted heat exchanger. The radiator enables, in particular, both heating and cooling operation. The radiator is, in particular, mounted near the floor on a wall. The radiator is, in particular, a heat pump radiator. The radiator may also include a control unit and / or an operating unit. The control unit is, in particular, designed to control the radiator, depending on the operating state (heating or cooling), such that the direction of the airflow corresponds to the respective operating state. For this purpose, the control unit, for example, queries and / or receives information about the operating state and generates corresponding control signals. Furthermore, the radiator may include an interface for remote control and / or for connection to a building management system.

[0018] Furthermore, the radiator also includes a (radiator) housing. The housing comprises, in particular, a front (housing front wall), a back (housing rear wall), a (particularly at least partially open) top (housing top) and a (at least partially open) bottom, as well as a right side and a left side (side walls).

[0019] In one embodiment, the width and / or volume of the installation space reserves is the same. This provides the same installation space in both end regions, thus imposing no restrictions on flexibility regarding the end regions or the arrangement of connecting lines and, if applicable, other components within the installation space reserves. In particular, it can be provided that the installation space reserves are essentially identical with respect to the housing.

[0020] In one embodiment, the radiator is provided with a control unit located within the housing, with each of the available installation spaces designed to accommodate the control unit. This allows the control unit to be flexibly positioned in any of the available installation spaces within the housing. Fastening elements may be provided in each of the available installation spaces, for example, on a rear wall of the housing, which interact with complementary fastening elements on the control unit. The fastening elements may be located at predetermined positions on the rear wall of the housing. The fastening elements and complementary fastening elements are, in particular, fasteners that can be used without tools. For example, hooks, tabs, and / or clamps may be provided.In this way, changes to the configuration of the control unit's arrangement at the installation site can be made without additional tools and without much effort.

[0021] In one embodiment, the radiator is provided with a transverse channel located between the available space within the housing, the channel connecting these space areas. This allows connecting lines to be routed from one space area to another, thus providing increased flexibility regarding the water connection. The transverse channel can, for example, be formed and / or arranged in a lower region of the housing. It may be provided that any existing support elements of the housing have openings through which the connecting line(s) can be passed and led into the transverse channel.

[0022] In one embodiment, the connecting lines are at least partially formed by or comprise corrugated tubing, with one of the corrugated tubing being or being connected to the flow connection and one to the return connection, each terminating at an external connection point on one side of the housing. The corrugated tubing is or can be arranged at least partially within at least one of the available installation space. This makes adapting the radiator to a different connection configuration particularly easy. The corrugated tubing is flexible in terms of its arrangement and can also be adjusted to a certain extent in length. This further increases flexibility in the use and installation of the radiator.

[0023] In one embodiment, the radiator is designed so that one side of the flow and return connections of the heat exchanger can be changed by rotating the heat exchanger, thus altering the available space into which the flow and return connections open. This increases flexibility, as the length of the connecting pipes can be reduced depending on the connection variant, thereby saving costs and effort. Furthermore, more options are available for establishing a connection between the flow or return connection and the external connection point using the connecting pipes.

[0024] In one embodiment, the radiator has a control unit located in the top of the housing and / or in a housing cover. The housing is configured so that the top of the housing and / or the housing cover can be rotated 180° on or around the housing. Furthermore, the control unit and the top of the housing and / or the housing cover are configured so that the control unit can be rotated 180° in the top of the housing and / or in the housing cover. This allows the user to decide at the installation site on which side of the top of the housing and / or the housing cover the control unit is located, thus further increasing flexibility.For example, it may be provided that the control unit is inserted into an opening provided for this purpose in the top of the housing or the housing cover, for example by means of locking lugs that engage under the top of the housing or the housing cover and form a locking connection which can be released without tools, so that the control unit can be removed from the opening, rotated and reinserted.

[0025] In one embodiment, the radiator is provided with an electronically controllable control valve, the control valve being arranged in one of the available space compartments within the housing. This allows the control valve to be positioned inside the housing and thus not visible from the outside. The control valve is connected, in particular via a wired or wireless connection, to the operating unit and / or a heating control system and / or a building management system. The control valve is specifically located between the flow connection of the heat exchanger and the associated connecting pipe.

[0026] Furthermore, a radiator kit is provided, comprising: a radiator according to one of the embodiments described in this disclosure and connecting lines for forming fluid connections between, on the one hand, the flow connection and the return connection of the heat exchanger and, on the other hand, at least one external connection point. The connecting lines may be designed, at least partially, as corrugated hoses. The radiator kit may also include, in particular, the control device and / or the operating unit and / or the control valve.

[0027] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation to illustrate one embodiment of the radiator; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an interior view of the in the Fig. 1 shown embodiment of the radiator as seen from a front view (without housing front wall); Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the embodiment in a perspective view; Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b Schematic representations to illustrate one embodiment of the radiator; Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b Schematic representations to illustrate one embodiment of the radiator; Fig. 6a to 6g schematic diagrams to illustrate possible connection variants; Fig. 7 a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the method for installing a radiator.

[0028] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation to illustrate one embodiment of the radiator 1. Fig. Figure 1 shows an external view of radiator 1. Radiator 1 has a housing 2.

[0029] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an interior view of the [building / structure]. Fig. The embodiment of the radiator 1 shown is viewed from the front (a housing front panel is not shown). Fig. Figure 3 further shows a schematic representation of the interior in a perspective view. The radiator 1 comprises a heat exchanger 3 and a fan 4, the fan 4 being arranged in the radiator 1 and configured to generate an airflow through the heat exchanger 3. The fan 4 comprises, for example, six axial fans.

[0030] The housing 2 comprises the heat exchanger 3 and the fan 4, with space reserves 6 in the end regions 5 of the housing 2 in which connecting lines between external connection points 20 and a flow connection 7 and a return connection 8 of the heat exchanger 3 can be arranged, or are arranged, within the housing 2. The width B2 (or dimensions in a longitudinal direction of the radiator) of the heat exchanger 3 and the fan 4 is, in particular, smaller than the width B1 of the housing 2. Fig. 2) The heat exchanger 3 and the fan 4 are arranged centrally in the housing 2. This leaves installation space in the end areas 5, which forms the installation space reserves 6 and can be flexibly filled or equipped with components of the radiator 1.

[0031] It may be provided that a width B ( Fig. 2) and / or a volume of the installation space reserves 6 is the same as in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. This is the case in the three embodiments shown.

[0032] It can be provided that the radiator 1 has a control device 9 which is arranged within the housing 2, with each of the installation space reserves 6 being designed to accommodate the control device 9. In particular, each of the installation space reserves 6 has dimensions that meet at least the minimum requirements for accommodating the control device 9. The two variants of the arrangement of the control device 9 within the left or the right installation space reserve 6 are shown schematically in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b clarifies, whereby the representation of the view of Fig. 2 corresponds. The same reference symbols denote the same characteristics and concepts.

[0033] It may be provided that the housing 2, in particular on a housing rear wall 10, has fastening elements 11 which cooperate with complementary fastening elements (not shown) of the control device 9 and enable, in particular without tools, the fastening of the control device 9 to the housing 2, in particular on the housing rear wall 10.

[0034] It can be provided that the radiator 1 has a transverse channel 12 arranged between the installation space reserves 6 in the housing 2, the transverse channel 12 connecting the installation space reserves 6 to each other. Support elements 13 of the housing 2 have, in particular, openings 14 so that the connecting lines can be routed from one installation space reserve 6 through the transverse channel 12 to the other installation space reserve 6.

[0035] It may be provided that the connecting lines are at least partially formed by or comprise corrugated hoses, wherein one of the corrugated hoses can be connected to the supply connection 7 and one of the corrugated hoses is connected to the return connection 8, and each terminates at an external connection point 20 on one side of the housing 2, wherein the corrugated hoses are or can be arranged at least partially within at least one of the installation space reserves 6. A further section of the connecting line(s) or the corrugated hose(s) may, in particular, run through the installation space transverse channel 12.

[0036] It may be provided that the radiator 1 is designed so that one side of the flow connection 7 and the return connection 8 of the heat exchanger 3 can be changed by rotating the heat exchanger 3, such that the installation space 6, into which the flow connection 7 and the return connection 8 open, can be changed. For this purpose, the heat exchanger 3 is removed from the housing 2, rotated 180° and then inserted back into the housing 2 in this rotated position. Fig. 4a and Fig. Figure 4b shows these two arrangements of the heat exchanger 3 inside the housing 2; in the Fig. 4a The flow connection 7 and the return connection 8 lead into the left installation space reserve 6, at the Fig. 4b, however, goes into the right-hand construction space reserve 6.

[0037] It can be provided that the radiator 1 has a control unit 17 arranged in a housing top 15 and / or a housing cover 16 of the housing 2, wherein the housing 2 is configured so that an arrangement of the housing top 15 and / or the housing cover 16 on or at the housing can be rotated by 180°, and wherein the control unit 17 and the housing top 15 and / or the housing cover 16 are configured so that an arrangement of the control unit 17 in the housing top 15 and / or in the housing cover 16 can be rotated by 180°. This is shown schematically in the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b clarifies. Starting from an arrangement of the housing top 15 and / or the housing cover 16 and the operating unit 17, as shown in the Fig. 1 is provided, the top of the housing 15 and / or the housing cover 16 can be removed from the rest of the housing 2 ( Fig. 5a), then rotated 180° along a vertical axis and subsequently placed back onto the rest of the housing 2 ( Fig. 5b). Furthermore, the control unit 17 is removed from the top of the housing 15 and / or from the housing cover 16, rotated 180° along a vertical axis and reinserted.

[0038] It may be provided that the radiator 1 has an electronically controllable control valve 18 ( Fig. 2) having a control valve 18 arranged in one of the installation space reserves 6 within the housing 2. The control valve 18 is in particular electronically controlled, in particular by the control unit 9 ( Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b). The control valve 18 regulates in particular a volume flow at the supply connection 7. Instead of the supply connection 7, in this case in particular the control valve 18 is connected to the respective connecting line.

[0039] The Fig. Figures 6a to 6g show various (common) connection options for the water connections to the radiator 1, which can be covered by the radiator 1 described in this disclosure. In principle, other variations are possible. In the figures, an external connection point 20 for the flow connection is shown as an arrow pointing into the radiator (or, in the case of Fig. 6f as a point in a circle), an external connection point for the return connection from the radiator, on the other hand, is shown as an arrow pointing out of the radiator (or in the case of Fig. 6f as X in a circle). For the sake of clarity, only the Fig. 6a with reference numeral.

[0040] The Fig. 6a shows a compact connector, which Fig. Figure 6b shows a DIN connector, which Fig. 6c shows a lower 50 mm connection, which Fig. Figure 6d shows a riding connection, which Fig. 6e shows a diagonal connection, which Fig. 6f shows a connection to the rear wall, which Fig. Figure 6g shows an upper 50 mm connection. In any case, a fluid connection is made between the flow connection 7 and the return connection 8 of the heat exchanger 2 ( Fig. 2) to the respective external connection points 20 by means of the connecting lines, in particular by means of the corrugated hoses, wherein the connecting lines are led through the installation space reserves 6 and, if necessary, through the installation space transverse channel 12 through the radiator housing to the respective external connection point 20.

[0041] The Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the method for installing a radiator. The radiator is a radiator according to one of the embodiments described in this disclosure.

[0042] In process step 100, a connection configuration for the radiator is specified. This is usually done based on existing flow and return connections at the installation location in the building.

[0043] In process step 101, the radiator is configured according to the specified connection configuration, utilizing the available installation space. Connecting lines between external connection points specified according to the connection configuration and a flow and return connection of the heat exchanger are arranged within the available installation space inside the housing. It may also be possible to utilize an existing transverse duct. Specifically, the radiator is first mounted on the wall, followed by the configuration. Openings in the housing, through which connections to the external connection points are made, may be created, in particular by removing existing knockouts at these locations. Reference symbol list 1 radiator 2 cases 3 heat exchangers 4 blowers 5 End area 6 Building space reserve 7 Flow connection (heat exchanger) 8 Return connection (heat exchanger) 9 Control unit 10 Rear panel 11 Fasteners 12 cross-channel construction space 13 Support element 14 Opening 15 Top of housing 16 Housing covers 17 Control unit 18 Control valve 20 outer junction 100-101 procedural steps QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1 462 748 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Radiator (1), comprising: a heat exchanger (3), a blower (4), wherein the blower (4) is arranged in the radiator (1) and is configured to generate an airflow through the heat exchanger (3), and a housing (2), wherein the housing (2) comprises the heat exchanger (3) and the fan (4), where space reserves (6) are available in the end areas (5) of the housing (2), in which optional connecting lines between external connection points (20) and a flow connection (7) and a return connection (8) of the heat exchanger (3) can be arranged or are arranged inside the housing (2). [2] Radiator (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a width (B) and / or a volume of the installation space reserves (6) is the same size. [3] Radiator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the radiator (1) has a control device (9) which is arranged inside the housing (2), each of the installation space reserves (6) being designed to accommodate the control device (9). [4] Radiator (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a transverse channel (12) arranged between the installation space reserves (6) in the housing (2), wherein the transverse channel (12) connects the installation space reserves (6) to each other. [5] Radiator (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the connecting lines are at least partially formed by or comprise corrugated pipe hoses, wherein one of the corrugated pipe hoses can be connected to or is connected to the supply connection (7) and one of the corrugated pipe hoses to the return connection (8) and each terminates on one side of the housing (2) at an external connection point (20), wherein the corrugated pipe hoses are or can be arranged at least sectionally within at least one of the installation space reserves (6). [6] Radiator (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the radiator (1) is designed so that one side of the flow connection (7) and the return connection (8) of the heat exchanger (3) can be changed by rotating the heat exchanger (3) in such a way that the installation space reserve (6) into which the flow connection (7) and the return connection (8) open can be changed. [7] Radiator (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by an operating unit (17) arranged in a housing top (15) and / or a housing cover (16) of the housing (2), wherein the housing (2) is configured so that an arrangement of the housing top (15) and / or the housing cover (16) on or at the housing (2) can be rotated by 180°, and wherein the operating unit (17) and the housing top (15) and / or the housing cover (16) are configured so that an arrangement of the operating unit (17) in the housing top (15) and / or in the housing cover (16) can be rotated by 180°. [8] Radiator (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by an electronically controllable control valve (18), wherein the control valve (18) is arranged in one of the installation space reserves (6) within the housing (2). [9] Radiator kit, comprising: a radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Connecting lines for forming fluid connections between, on the one hand, the supply connection (7) and the return connection (8) of the heat exchanger (3) and, on the other hand, at least one external connection point (20). [10] Method for installing a radiator (1), wherein the radiator (1) is a radiator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: - Specifying a connection configuration for the radiator (1), - Configuring the radiator (1) according to the specified connection configuration, utilizing the available space (6), with connecting lines between external connection points (20) specified according to the specified connection configuration and a flow connection (7) and a return connection (8) of the heat exchanger (3) being arranged in the available space (6) within the housing (2).

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