PLATE FOR AIR CONDITIONING DUCTS

Abstract

Panel (1) for self-supporting ducts, in particular air-conditioning ducts, made up of a core (2) of mineral wool, covered on its external face with an exterior covering (3) joined to the external surface of the core, said exterior covering (3) comprising a sheet of aluminium (4) and said sheet of aluminium being the outermost sheet of the exterior stack, said panel being characterized in that the sheet of aluminium exhibits, at least on its outwardly exposed face, diffuse reflection greater than its specular reflection.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] PANEL FOR AIR CONDITIONING DUCTS

[0003] The present invention relates to a panel for air ducts, more precisely for forming ducts intended for the distribution of conditioned air.

[0004] The present invention relates in particular to conduits obtained from such panels. In particular, the present invention relates to the field of conduits called in the field "self-supporting", because their mechanical characteristics of rigidity are not provided by a tube or an internal metal sheath but by a core of high density mineral fibers. Such conduits are therefore devoid of such a metal sheath.

[0005] Currently, ducts intended for the distribution of air conditioning exposed to the weather are made from modular prismatic tubular elements, most often made of sheet metal, which are properly fixed to each other and which do not leave the factory insulated, so that they must be sheathed with thermal insulation material in subsequent operations, with the consequent negative impact that this entails in terms of costs.

[0006] To this type of problem must be added the fact that this type of "module" is extremely bulky, with the consequent problems that this implies from the point of view of transport and storage.

[0007] It is known that the conduction of an air flow in an air conditioning transport installation arranged indoors (i.e. in an environment protected from external climatic conditions) can also be carried out using conduits formed from a rigid structure manufactured with insulating panels, preferably made of glass or rock wool or more rarely of another similar fibrous material, successively coupled along paths of sometimes appreciable lengths up to the final space to be conditioned. Such a structure is for example described in applications EP1532391A1 or EP1592853A1 to which reference will be made for further details on such an implementation.

[0008] Currently, most self-supporting air conditioning ducts are manufactured and assembled as described in previous publications from panels coated with an external coating (i.e. on the face of the panel intended to be positioned outwards in the final duct). The purpose of this coating is to guarantee a finished product resistant to external aggressions, both mechanical and chemical, but also to offer an aesthetically pleasing finished product. Currently, most exterior coatings use an aluminum layer as the outermost finishing layer, which can optionally be covered with a transparent anti-UV plastic film, especially for outdoor use.

[0009] The aluminium layer generally used is of a classic type and thus by nature presents a high overall light reflection, which can pose problems of glare or visual fatigue, particularly when laying the pipes for the operator responsible for cutting, but also for the integration of the pipes into their environment, particularly in the event of variations in the interior brightness of the room or hall equipped by said pipe or even in the sunlight conditions, particularly if the pipe is installed outside.

[0010] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above problems by proposing panels suitable for facilitating the manufacture of self-supporting ducts as well as said self-supporting ducts easily integrated into any type of environment. The object of the invention is more particularly to propose panels connected together according to the techniques already described, thus constituting ducts for distributing air conditioning, all with easy, quick, and easy assembly while guaranteeing a product whose aesthetics allows visual uniformity of the overall installation finally installed, regardless of the lighting, whether outdoors or indoors.

[0011] More particularly, the present invention relates to a panel for self-supporting ducts, in particular for air conditioning, consisting of a core of mineral wool or similar mineral wool, covered on its external face with an external coating bonded to the external surface of the core, said external coating comprising an aluminum sheet, said aluminum sheet being the outermost (visible) sheet of the external coating, said panel being characterized in that the aluminum sheet has, at least on its face exposed to the outside (i.e. furthest from said core), a diffuse reflection of visible light greater than its specular reflection.

[0012] For the purposes of the present invention, specular reflection is conventionally understood to mean the part of the incident radiation reflected by the surface of the aluminum sheet in a single direction, following Descartes' laws (angle of the reflected radiation symmetrical to that of the incident radiation relative to the normal to the surface).

[0013] Diffuse reflection refers to the part of the incident radiation reflected in all directions due to heterogeneities in the medium. Such diffuse reflection is observed in particular when surfaces are rough or roughened, and when they have asperities whose size is greater than the wavelength of the incident radiation.

[0014] The total reflection from the aluminum foil is the sum of the specular reflection and the diffuse reflection.

[0015] Total reflection, specular reflection and diffuse reflection of visible light (380 nm - 780 nm) can be measured by a conventional measuring device such as a spectrometer, for example a UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectrometer. Perkin Elmer Lambda 900 equipped with an integrating sphere. According to the invention, integration is therefore carried out over the entire visible range (380 nm-780 nm).

[0016] Some preferred embodiments of the present invention are given below, which can of course be combined with each other if necessary:

[0017] - The diffuse reflection of the said exposed face towards the outside of the aluminum sheet is at least twice its specular reflection, or even at least 3 times its specular reflection.

[0018] - The diffuse reflection of said exposed face towards the outside of the aluminum sheet is greater than 50%, and preferably is greater than 60%, or even greater than 70%, and preferably is less than 90%.

[0019] - The specular reflection of said exposed face towards the outside of the aluminum sheet is less than 30% and preferably less than 25%, or even less than 20%.

[0020] - The roughness parameter Sz of the face of the aluminum sheet exposed towards the outside, as measured according to standard NF ISO 25178, is greater than 20 micrometers and preferably greater than 30 micrometers, or even greater than 40 micrometers.

[0021] - The roughness parameter Ssk of the face of the aluminum sheet exposed to the outside, as measured according to standard NF ISO 25178 is greater than 0.1 and preferably greater than 0.2, or even greater than 0.3 or even greater than 0.4.

[0022] - The other side of the aluminum foil has a specular reflection greater than its diffuse reflection.

[0023] - Alternatively, the other side of the aluminum foil may have a specular reflection lower than its diffuse reflection. - The mineral wool core is covered on its inner side with an inner coating bonded to the inner surface of the core and comprising an outer aluminum foil, the aluminum foil having, on its side furthest from said core, a diffuse reflection greater than its specular reflection.

[0024] - The outer covering is made of said aluminum sheet, preferably reinforced with a reinforcing glass fiber grid.

[0025] - The outer covering comprises a sheet of kraft paper placed below said aluminum sheet and preferably bonded to the mineral fiber core, said aluminum sheet preferably being reinforced by a grid of reinforcing glass fibers.

[0026] - The external surface of the central core further comprises a veil of glass fibres or synthetic fibres, said veil preferably being bonded to the central core by the binder used for crosslinking the mineral fibres constituting said core, so that the panel comprises, from the external surface of the mineral wool core:

[0027] - said veil of fiberglass fibers or synthetic fibers,

[0028] - said exterior coating.

[0029] - The outer coating is covered with an anti-UV protective film, particularly chosen from HR.UV epoxy resins (high resistance to ultraviolet rays), urethanes, polyvinyl fluorides.

[0030] - The panels end at their ends with interlocking edges.

[0031] - The panel covering extends into a flap so that when assembled with another module it partially overlaps the covering of said module (and can thus be sealed with a tape possibly of the same material).

[0032] The invention also relates to a self-supporting conduit manufactured from panels such as described above and to the use of such panels for the manufacture of self-supporting conduits, in particular for distributing air conditioning.

[0033] According to other particular and preferred (but not restrictive) embodiments of the invention, which may where appropriate be combined with each other:

[0034] - The total thickness of the outer coating is between 0.005 mm and 1 mm, more preferably between 0.05 mm and 0.50 mm.

[0035] - The outer covering and / or, where applicable, the inner covering is bonded to the core using polyurethane (PU), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), hot-melt or water-based adhesives, preferably PU or LDPE.

[0036] - The external surface of the central core further comprises a veil of glass fibers or synthetic fibers, said veil preferably being bonded to the central core by the same binder as that used for crosslinking the mineral fibers constituting said core.

[0037] - The internal surface of the central core further comprises a veil of glass fibers or synthetic fibers, said veil preferably being bonded to the central core by the same binder as that used for crosslinking the mineral fibers constituting said core.

[0038] - the panel comprises successively, starting from the external surface of the mineral wool core:

[0039] - a veil of glass fibers integrated into the mineral fibers constituting the core,

[0040] - a layer of an adhesive, in particular of the type described above,

[0041] - an outer covering comprising at least one aluminium sheet, possibly reinforced with kraft paper using an adhesive and a fibreglass mesh,

[0042] - possibly a protective film made of an anti-UV protective film. The panels end at their ends in interlocking edges

[0043] As for the means of connection between the panels obtained, it has been provided that these have an interlocking profile, in order to obtain the most perfect watertight connection possible. In this way, it is possible to obtain from initially flat panels air ducts that can be exposed to the weather, that are thermally insulated and have a coating that provides an absolute vapor barrier, extremely versatile, since they allow to obtain ducts with very varied dimensions and geometries from the same "universal" panel.

[0044] - The panel covering extends slightly into a flap so that when assembled with another module it partially overlaps the covering of said module and is sealed with a tape of the same material.

[0045] - The inner coating that determines the inner face of the conduit extends beyond the edge of the panel, attaching to the surface that defines the connection profile.

[0046] - The density of the mineral fiber core is between 50 kg / m 3 and 110 kg / m 3 , preferably between 55 kg / m 3 and 80 kg / m 3 .

[0047] A panel according to the invention may, for example, be a panel for external ducts, in particular for external air conditioning ducts and similar products.

[0048] The invention also relates to a self-supporting conduit manufactured from panels as described above.

[0049] Finally, the invention relates to the use of the panels described above for the manufacture of self-supporting conduits, in particular for the distribution of air conditioning.

[0050] To complete the preceding description of the present invention and to aid a better understanding of the characteristics thereof, a preferred (but not limiting) example of its practical embodiment is hereinafter described, in relation to the set of drawings annexed hereto, as an integral part of said description where, by way of illustration and not limitation, we have represented the following:

[0051] Figure 1 shows a perspective representation of a panel from which a module is obtained for constituting external air conditioning ducts, all of this carried out in accordance with the object of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the connection of two contiguous modules within a self-supporting conduit according to the invention.

[0053] Figure 3 shows an enlarged detail view of a first variant embodiment of the connection shown in Figure 2.

[0054] Figure 4 shows a schematic enlarged detail view of a second variant embodiment of the connection shown in Figure 2.

[0055] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of all the elements constituting the panel and the conduit according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0056] Figure 6 illustrates the method used to measure reflections according to the invention.

[0057] As can be seen in the above figures, the panel (1-1') according to the invention is made from a core (2-2') of mineral wool (glass wool or rock wool) or similar, which on its face considered external is covered with an external coating (3-3') allowing it to be mechanically and chemically resistant. For the purposes of the present invention, the terms "external", "external", "internal" and "interior" refer to the respective positions of the different components of the panel in the final pipe, unless otherwise indicated.

[0058] Figures 1 to 4 describe the assembly and interlocking of the panels according to the invention and as for example illustrated by Figure 5 for obtaining self-supporting conduits. From this structure and with the appropriate cutting and folding tools, it is possible according to the invention to form with a single type of panel a multitude of conduits of different types, configurations and geometries, and this quickly and simply, as is described in particular in the publication EP 1 532 391 A1.

[0059] As regards the method of connection between modules within the self-supporting conduits, it may be provided that the panels terminate at their ends with interlocking edges, such as those shown in detail in Figures 3 and 4, so that preferably the multi-layer outer covering 3 extends slightly into a flap 8 which partially overlaps the covering 3' of the adjoining module, thus preventing the entry of water / moisture. A tape of the same material as the covering may be used.

[0060] This fitting may be straight, as shown in Figure 3, or oblique, as shown in Figure 4, without this affecting the essence of the invention.

[0061] As now described in more detail in Figure 5, according to a possible embodiment, the outer covering 3 comprises a layer of kraft paper 6 covered with an external aluminum foil 4, the two elements preferably being bonded by an adhesive, said aluminum foil being furthermore able to be reinforced by a grid of reinforcing glass fibers 9 (scrim layer according to the English term) to form an FSK (foil-scrim-kraft) complex.

[0062] According to another configuration according to the invention, the coatings according to the invention may consist solely of an aluminum sheet 4 preferably reinforced by a grid of fibers, preferably glass, for reinforcement 9.

[0063] The assembly may be protected against ultraviolet rays by an additional film known for this purpose, as previously described (not shown in Figure 5)

[0064] On the so-called internal face of the conduit (with reference to its final position in the conduit), the central core is covered with a glass fabric 7, or a single aluminum sheet 5, possibly reinforced by a reinforcing grid 9, or a kraft paper-aluminum sheet combination.

[0065] Optionally, a glass fabric or a glass veil 7 can also be fixed to said core by means of an adhesive (not shown in the figures) or alternatively by the binder uniting the fibers of the mineral core to further improve the mechanical content of the conduit, on one face or both faces of said core 2. In Figure 5, the central core 2 made of mineral wool is bordered on its outer face with a fabric 7 of glass fibers, in particular a Neto® fabric from the applicant company.

[0066] The opposite surface of the central core 2 can also be reinforced by means of another glass fiber veil 7 (not shown). According to a preferred embodiment, the glass veil or fabric 7 is deposited on the external face of the core during the manufacture of the dense mat of mineral fibers, before passing through the binder curing oven. In this way, a reinforcing veil is obtained integrated into the surface of the mineral wool core, that is to say bound to it by the same binder uniting the mineral fibers of the core, the reinforcing action of which is thus improved.

[0067] A panel or conduit according to the invention may of course comprise other additional elements, in particular additional layers and / or sheets forming part of the external covering 3.

[0068] On the external face of the central core 2, that is to say on the face facing outwards once the self-supporting conduit is manufactured from the panel, the multi-layer external covering 3 is positioned and bonded to the surface of the core, if necessary by means of the reinforcing veil 7, via a layer of glue (not shown). This layer of glue is preferably a polyurethane glue but can also be chosen from low density polyethylene (LDPE) glues, hot-melt glues or water-based glues.

[0069] According to another possible embodiment, it is possible to first place, above the aluminum sheet 4, a layer of plastic material such as polyester and then the anti-UV protective film, in particular of the type described previously.

[0070] According to another configuration not described in Figure 5 but included within the scope of the present invention, the protective coating may comprise several aluminum films, for example two aluminum films, separated from each other by layers of plastic material such as polyester.

[0071] According to the invention, the plastic layers are bonded directly to the aluminum film or films or alternatively via any adhesive known in the art to enable such a metal-plastic bond (not shown in Figure 5).

[0072] Preferably, according to the invention the total thickness of the coating 3 is between 5 micrometers and 1000 micrometers, preferably between 50 micrometers and 500 micrometers, and very preferably, is between 30 and 250 micrometers.

[0073] According to the invention, the aluminum sheet 4 is configured to have a diffuse reflection that is greater, or even much greater, than the specular reflection.

[0074] In Table 1 below, the values ​​of total reflection, specular reflection and diffuse reflection of an aluminum foil as currently marketed and of an aluminum foil configured according to the present invention to increase the specular reflection (of visible light: between 380 nm and 780 nm) are reported. The reflections (as a percentage of the incident light) were measured using a Perkin Elmer Lambda 900 UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectrometer equipped with a 150 mm integrating sphere for the visible range (380 nm-780 nm) with a step of 5 nm with an integration step of 0.26 seconds per measurement step. The measurement accuracy is estimated to be ±0.15%. The reflections are measured with an incident angle of 8° (0° being the normal).

[0075] Figure 6 illustrates the setup used to measure diffuse reflection and total reflection of visible light. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the integrating sphere.

[0076] The sphere is equipped with two ports 11 and 12 and an opening for introducing the incident ray 13 into it.

[0077] To measure the total transmission (scattering + specular), the sample is placed on port 11 (or port 11 is replaced by the sample), with port 12 remaining in place (Figure 6a). The integrating sphere thus allows the total reflection of light by the sample.

[0078] For the measurement of diffuse transmission, port 11 is also replaced by the sample, but port 12 is removed (Figure 6b). Beam 14 from the specular reflection on the sample can thus escape from the sphere without entering into the measurement obtained by the integrating sphere.

[0079] Specular reflection is obtained by subtracting diffuse reflection from total reflection.

[0080] [Table 1]

[0081] * RT = D + S

[0082] The roughness characteristics of the two aluminum sheets were measured using a profilometer according to standard NF ISO 25178.

[0083] Specifically, topography measurements were performed using a STIL profilometer including a non-contact optical sensor (chromatic confocal sensor). Measurement points were acquired on a square grid with a spacing of 1 μm. Images were acquired on a 5mm x 2.5 mm surface avoiding printed topography lines, then analyzed using DigitalSurf's MountainsMap Scanning Topography 7.4 software. Surfaces were rectified with a plane and roughness parameters were finally calculated according to the NF ISO 25178 standard.

[0084] The values ​​of the Sz parameter (which measures the maximum distance between a peak and a trough) and of the SSk parameter (which measures the asymmetry (Skewness) of the surface studied) are reported in Table 2 below:

[0085] [Table 2]

[0086] It was then verified that the use of an aluminum coating whose characteristics correspond to the present invention has the following advantages: - for the installer, by reducing the reflection of light and avoiding dangerous and uncomfortable reflections without direct exposure to light coming from the surface of the coating of the panel used. By avoiding specular reflection as much as possible in favor of diffuse reflection, visual comfort and visual fatigue of the installer or glare are improved. The safety of the installation is thus improved.

[0087] Furthermore, such work in a safe environment can be guaranteed regardless of the work area, especially in any location (outdoors or indoors), and regardless of the type of lighting (natural or artificial) and its intensity. In particular, it allows working outdoors on sunny days, without intense glare and minimizing light reflection and heat.

[0088] It also helps to improve the efficiency of the work carried out, for example by ensuring greater precision in cutting, especially if guide lines are present on the surface of the panel to be cut as described in the publication

[0089] W02004 / 001277, in particular by improving the contrast between said cutting lines and the surface of the external aluminum cladding. Efficiency of the installation work is also obtained during cutting, by facilitating conduit figures both on the internal face if this is also covered with an aluminum sheet according to the invention with diffuse reflection greater than specular reflection, in particular longitudinal sections and on the external face of the panels, for the assembly of the figures.

[0090] The use of an aluminum sheet according to the invention in the external cladding also makes it possible to improve the aesthetics of the final installation because it contributes to the visual uniformity of the overall installation regardless of the lighting (exterior or interior) and its intensity.

Claims

DEMANDS 1.- Panel (1) for self-supporting ducts, in particular for air conditioning, consisting of a core (2) of mineral wool, covered on its external face with an external coating (3) bonded to the external surface of the core, said external coating (3) comprising an aluminum sheet (4) and said aluminum sheet being the outermost sheet of the external coating, said panel being characterized in that said aluminum sheet (4) has, at least on its face exposed to the outside, a diffuse reflection greater than its specular reflection. 2.- Panel according to claim 1, in which the diffuse reflection of said face exposed to the outside of the aluminum sheet is at least twice greater than its specular reflection. 3.- Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffuse reflection of said face exposed to the outside of the aluminum sheet is greater than 50%, and preferably greater than 60%, or even greater than 70%, and preferably less than 90%. 4.- Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the specular reflection of said outwardly exposed face of the aluminum foil is less than 30% and preferably less than 25%, or even less than 20%. 5.- Panel according to one of the preceding claims, in which the roughness parameter Sz of the face of said aluminum sheet exposed to the outside, as measured according to standard NF ISO 25178, is greater than 20 micrometers and preferably is greater than 30 micrometers, or even greater than 40 micrometers.

6. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roughness parameter SSk of the outwardly exposed face of said aluminum sheet, as measured according to the standard NF ISO 25178 is greater than 0.1 and preferably is greater than 0.2, or even greater than 0.3 or even greater than 0.

4. 7.- Panel according to one of the preceding claims, in which the other face of the aluminum sheet has a specular reflection greater than its diffuse reflection. 8.- Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the other face of the aluminium sheet has a specular reflection lower than its diffuse reflection. 9.- Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mineral wool core (2) is covered on its inner face with an inner coating (5) bonded to the inner surface of the core and comprising an external aluminum foil, the aluminum foil having, on its face furthest from said core, a diffuse reflection greater than its specular reflection. 10.- Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer coating is made up of said aluminium sheet, preferably reinforced by a reinforcing glass fibre grid (9). 11.- Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said outer coating comprises a sheet of kraft paper disposed below said aluminum sheet and preferably glued to the mineral fiber core, said aluminum sheet being preferably reinforced by a reinforcing glass fiber grid (9).

12. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external surface of the central core (2) further comprises a web (7) of glass fibers or synthetic fibers, said web (7) preferably being bonded to the central core (2) by the binder used for crosslinking the mineral fibers constituting said core, so that the panel comprises, from the external surface of the wool core - 17 - mineral: - said veil (7) of glass fibers or synthetic fibers, - said outer coating (3). 13.- Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer coating is covered by a protective anti-UV film, in particular chosen from HR.UV (high resistance to ultraviolet) epoxy resins, urethanes, polyvinyl fluorides. 14.- Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the panels terminate at their ends with interlocking edges. 15.- Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the panel covering extends into a flap so that in assembly with another module it partially overlaps the covering of said module. 16.- Self-supporting conduit made from panels according to one of the preceding claims. 17.- Use of panels according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for the manufacture of self-supporting ducts, in particular for air conditioning distribution.