Heating and air cleaning device

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a heating device (1) for heating a room by convection and radiation, the heating device (1) comprising: a housing (2) defining an air heating compartment, an air inlet section and an air outlet section (5) each providing a fluidic communication between the air heating compartment and the outside environment; a fan unit being configured for transporting air from the air inlet section through the air heating compartment and expelling the air through the air outlet section (5), wherein the fan unit comprises a plurality of fans being arranged side by side to each other; a first heating element being arranged within the air heating compartment and being configured for heating the stream of air generated by the fan unit; a filter assembly being arranged between the air inlet section and the fan unit and being configured for filtering the air being transported through the air heating compartment.

Description

[0001] Heating and Air Cleaning Device

[0002] Field of disclosure

[0003] The present invention lies in the technical field of room heating and ventilation and relates in particular to a heating device for heating a room as well as the use of a heating device and the use of a filter for the heating device.

[0004] Background, prior art

[0005] Conventional heating devices for heating rooms in houses either focus on radiation or on convection to provide heat to the room. Radiation is typically provided by radiators comprising a heat carrying fluid, such as water, oil or glycol, and thermally conductive surfaces, such as large metal or ceramic or stone structures. Heating devices focusing on convection in contrast, heat air typically directly and deliver the heated air with fans to the room. In contrast to radiators, convectors rapidly cool down after the device is switched off.

[0006] A common problem of conventional heating devices is that they lack efficiency and further show only limited functionality. Furthermore, many heating devices cannot adjust to changing conditions automatically, which leads to inefficient operation.

[0007] It is therefore the general object of the present invention to advance the state of the art regarding heating devices and preferably to overcome the disadvantages fully or at least partly. In advantageous embodiments, a heating device is provided which is more efficient than conventional heating devices. In further advantageous embodiments, a heating device is provided which can not only heat a room but which also cleans air delivered to the room. In further advantageous embodiments, a heating device is provided which allows for a better control of the heat and air flow and / or air quality being delivered to the room. Summary of disclosure

[0008] The general object is achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims and the overall disclosure.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a heating device for heating a room, in particular by convection and radiation.

[0010] The heating device may comprise a housing, which defines an air heating compartment. The housing may further define, respectively delimit, an air inlet section and an air outlet section, which each provide a fluidic communication between the air heating compartment and the outside environment, i.e. the environment or space surrounding the heating device.

[0011] The heating device may further comprise a fan unit, which is configured for transporting air from the air inlet section through the air heating compartment and for expelling it through the air outlet section. Thus, the fan unit is typically configured to draw air from the outside environment through the air inlet section into the air heating compartment and transport it through the air heating compartment to the air outlet section from which it is being expelled to the outside environment. The fan unit therefore can generate a stream of air. The fan unit may comprise a plurality of fans which are arranged side by side to each other. The fans are thus distributed along the length, i.e. along the longitudinal direction, of the heating device and preferably linearly next to each other.

[0012] The heating device may further comprise a first heating element being arranged within the air heating compartment and being configured for heating a stream of air generated by the fan unit. The heating device may further comprise a filter assembly. The filter assembly is preferably arranged upstream of the fan unit. In typical embodiments, the filter assembly is arranged between the air inlet section and the fan unit. Furthermore, the filter assembly is configured for filtering the air being transported through the air heating compartment. Typically, the filter assembly is arranged such that any air which is introduced into the air heating compartment through the air inlet section must pass through the filter assembly. It is understood that the filter assembly comprises a filter. The filter of the filter assembly is further preferably exchangeable. The presence of a plurality of fans being arranged side by side to each other has the advantage that air can be more efficiently and more evenly be distributed into the air heating compartment and also into the room to be heated. Additionally, the filter assembly allows the heating device not only to heat the air being delivered to the room, but also to clean it, thereby increasing the functionality of the heating device.

[0013] It is understood that the terms “first” and “second” and “third” as used herein merely serve to differentiate different elements. The presence of a first element, such as the first heating element, does not necessarily require the presence of a second element and / or a third element, such as a second or third heating element. Also the presence of a “second element” does not necessarily require the presence of a “first element” or “third element”. Also the presence of a “third element” does not necessarily require the presence of a “first element” or “second element”. The term “first element” could therefore be replaced by “element A”, the term “second element” could therefore be replaced by “element B” and the term “third element” could therefore be replaced by “element C”. If only one of these elements is present in some embodiments, the numerical term may also be dispensed with. That is for example, in a heating device comprising in some embodiments a second heating element as described herein, the term “second” may be deleted.

[0014] It is generally understood herein that the term “comprising” is interpreted as meaning that it includes those features following this term, but that it does not exclude the presence of other features, as long as they do not render the claim unworkable. On the other hand, if the wording "consist of" is used, then no further features are present in the corresponding apart from the ones following said wording.

[0015] Directional indications as used herein are understood as follows: The length of the heating device refers to the longitudinal extension of the heating device. The longitudinal extension is typically the largest extension, i.e. larger than the vertical or transversal extension. The height refers to the vertical extension of the heating device. The width refers to the transversal extension of the heating device. The longitudinal, vertical and transversal directions are perpendicular to each other. Thus, the plurality of fans are arranged one after the other along the longitudinal direction. In the mounted state, i.e. the state in which the heating device is mounted to a wall, the longitudinal and the vertical direction extend in parallel to the wall of the room and the transversal direction is perpendicular thereto. Furthermore, the longitudinal and transversal direction extend in parallel to the ground and ceiling of the room and the vertical direction is perpendicular thereto. For example, the back outer side of the heating device may be mounted to a wall and the front outer side of the heating device may be facing a room. The front outer side and the back outer side of the heating device are oppositely arranged to each other. The term “outer side” refers to a side of the device facing the outside environment. In contrast, an “inner side” faces to the inside, e.g. the air heating compartment of the heating device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the length (extension along the longitudinal direction) of the heating device may be between 55 cm and 175 cm, in particular between 65 cm and 165 cm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the width (extension along the transversal direction) of the heating device may be between 5 cm and 15 cm, in particular between 8 cm and 12 cm, more particular between 8 cm and 10 cm.

[0018] In some embodiments, the height (extension along the vertical direction) of the heating device may be between 50 cm and 150 cm, in particular between 50 cm and 140 cm, more particular between 60 cm and 125 cm.

[0019] The housing typically surrounds and delimits the air heating compartment. In particular, the housing completely surrounds the air heating compartment with the exception of the air inlet section and the air outlet section and optionally the gap between the heat conducting front plate and the housing back portion as present in some embodiments described herein. However, it may also be possible that the housing does not necessarily completely surround the air heating compartment. It may for example be possible that the housing defines one or more recesses or openings. It may for example be possible that the housing defines an opening or recess at the front side of the housing.

[0020] In some embodiments, the fan unit and / or the filter assembly may be arranged inside the air heating compartment. In some embodiments, the filter assembly may be arranged at the air inlet section, respectively adjacent to the air inlet section, in particular inside the air heating compartment. In some embodiments, the filter assembly may be arranged directly downstream, or vertically above, the air inlet section.

[0021] In some embodiments, the filter assembly may be arranged between the air inlet section and the fan unit.

[0022] In some embodiments, each fan of the fan unit is vertically arranged above a filter section of the filter assembly. Furthermore, each fan is preferably associated with a section of the filter assembly, in particular with the filter section above which it is arranged. It may in certain embodiments be possible that each fan is associated with only a single filter section. It may also be possible that a fan is associated with a plurality of filter sections or that a multiple fans are associated with a certain filter section. The filter sections are not necessarily separated from each other. For example, the filter assembly may only digitally be divided into different sections. Associating a specific fan with a specific filter section has the advantage that the fan can control the air flow through this section by increasing or decreasing its frequency.

[0023] In some embodiments, the heating device further comprises a sensor assembly being configured for detecting the air flow through the filter assembly. For example, the sensor assembly may be configured to detect the air flow rate and / or the air flow volume through the filter assembly. However, any other suitable air flow parameter being characteristic for functionality of the filter assembly can be used. Preferably, the sensor assembly is configured for detecting the air flow through each filter section of the filter assembly, in particular through each separate filter section of the filter assembly. Such data can be used to detect malfunction, caused for example by a clogged filter or by clogging of at least one filter section of the filter assembly. Such data may for example be used to control the fans as outlined below or to indicate when the filter assembly, respectively the filter of the filter assembly should be exchanged.

[0024] In some embodiments, the heating device further comprises a control unit, such as a circuit, particularly a microprocessor.

[0025] In some embodiments, the control unit is configured for receiving the detected air flow, e.g. the air flow rate and / or air flow volume, through the filter assembly, in particular through one or more of the filter sections, and for comparing it with a predefined target air flow value. Furthermore, the control unit is configured for adjusting the fan frequency or fan power of one or more, or even all fans of the fan assembly. In particular, the control unit is configured for individually adjusting the fan frequency of one or more, or even all fans of the fan assembly. Thus, it is possible that clogging of a specific filter section by dust or other debris can be detected. The caused diminished air flow can then be corrected by increasing for example the frequency of the fan or fans being associated with the clogged filter section or if it is completely clogged, by increasing the frequency of other fans, such as adjacent fans in order to compensate the loss of open area within the filter assembly. This has the advantage that filters must not be replaced immediately if only a certain section is clogged, but can be continued to be used for a certain extended usage time.

[0026] In some embodiments, the control unit is configured for measuring the current fan power for achieving a specific fan frequency or rotational speed of each fan and for comparing it with a predetermined fan power for achieving this specific fan frequency or rotational speed values of this fan. If the measured fan power is higher than the predetermined value, it indicates that the filter, respectively the filter section below this fan is clogged. The control unit may further be configured to determine if the measured fan power deviates from the predetermined fan power by a predefined limiting range. If such a deviation is reached, the control unit may further be configured to trigger a warning signal, such as a visual or audio signal. Furthermore, the control unit may in some embodiments be configured for individually adjusting the fan frequency of one or more, or even all fans of the fan assembly. In some embodiments, the heating device may comprise a temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature in the room in which the heating device is arranged. Furthermore, the temperature sensor may provide the measured temperature at regular time intervals or on demand to the control unit. In certain embodiments, the control unit may be configured such that it actuates the first and / or second heating element if the measured temperature is below a lower threshold value.

[0027] In some embodiments, the heating device further comprises a feedback system. The feedback system may for example comprise a display or a screen to provide information to the user. Additionally or alternatively, the feedback system may comprise input means, such as a keyboard or touch screen. For example, the feedback system may display the current temperature of the heating element(s), energy consumption, dust content of the air, the temperature of the room and / or the remaining usage time of the filter assembly. In certain embodiments, the feedback system may also be configured for displaying an alarm to the user, for example in the event of malfunction or filter clogging as described herein above. In some embodiments, the feedback system may also enable the user to provide input parameters to the control unit. For example, the user may input the lower threshold value for the temperature as described above.

[0028] The fans of the fan unit are preferably rotary fans. In some preferred embodiments, each fan has a vertical rotational axis. That is, the rotational axis of each fan extends in the vertical direction and is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heating device. In other words, the rotational axis of each fan points towards the air inlet section. In preferred embodiments, the rotational axes of all fans are parallel to each other. Typically however they are offset to each other, i.e. not identical. In certain embodiments, it may also be possible that the fans are tangential fans.

[0029] In some embodiments, the fan unit comprises at least 3, preferably at least 4, more preferably at least 5 fans. In some embodiments, the fan unit comprises between 3 and 10 fan, preferably between 4 and 8 fans, more preferably between 5 and 8 fans. In some preferred embodiments, the fans are brushless DC fans. That is, each fan comprises a brushless DC motor. In certain embodiments, the fans may however also comprise a AC motor.

[0030] In some embodiments, the heating device further comprises a heat conducting front plate. The heat conducting front plate may in some embodiments be a part of the housing. It is understood that such a front plate is configured such that it can conduct heat through it, e.g. from the air heating compartment to the outside environment. Thus, the heat conducting front plate is configured such that it emits thermal energy, in particular by radiation, to the outside environment. This thermal energy is typically provided from the heating device, e.g. from the first and / or second heating element, to and through the heat conducting front plate.

[0031] The heat conducting front plate may in some embodiments be configured to store and emit thermal energy by radiation. This means that if the heating device has been used in a heating mode for a certain heating interval, such as for example 0.5 h, 1 h, or 2 h, and is then switched off, the heat conducting front plate continuous to emit heat by radiation. In particular embodiments, the heat conducting front plate is configured to store and emit thermal energy by radiation such that after a time interval of 10 min after switching-off the heating mode (e.g. after switching off the first and / or second heating element), the heat conducting front plate has a surface temperature of at least 50%, more particular at least 60%, even more particular of at least 75%, as compared to its surface temperature during the heating mode, in particular directly before switching-off the heating mode.

[0032] The heat conducting front plate is configured such that it can distribute heat to the outside environment of the heating device, in particular by radiation. For example, the heat conducting front plate may have a thermal conductivity A at 20 °C and 1 atm. of 1.0 W / (m K) or more, preferably of 10 W / (m K) or more, more preferably of 50 W / (m K), more preferably of 150 W / (m K) or more.

[0033] In some embodiments, the housing comprises, or consists of, a housing back portion and the heat conducting front plate. In some embodiments, the heat conducting front plate is spaced apart from the housing back portion. Thus, in such embodiments, there is a gap between the housing back portion and the heat conducting front plate. This gap may in some embodiments be in the range of 4 to 20 mm, in particular of 4 to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the gap may define a gap opening between the housing back portion and the heat conducting front plate, the gap opening providing a fluidic connection to between the air heating compartment and the outside environment. The gap has amongst others the advantage that cool air can flow into the housing via the gap opening. This cool air can cool the fan unit and / or the filter assembly, thereby preventing overheating and therefore extending their life time. In some embodiments, the heat conducting front plate is arranged in front of the housing back portion. Thus, the heat conducting front plate is not aligned with the housing back portion but is spaced apart therefrom and arranged in front of the housing back portion. Typically, the heat conducting front plate is arranged in the transversal direction in front of the housing back portion. In some embodiments, the heat conducting front plate is directly exposed to the environment and / or the heat conducting front plate represents the outermost delimitation of the heating device.

[0034] For example, the heat conducting front plate may be mounted to the housing back portion, in particular by a form-locking, and / or force locking connection.

[0035] In some embodiments, the heat conducting front plate and the housing back portion are not integral parts. In other words, the heat conducting front plate and the housing back portion may be formed from two separate pieces.

[0036] In some embodiments, the housing, in particular the heat conducting front plate and / or the housing back portion is made from metal or a ceramic, in particular metal. In some embodiments, the heat conducting front plate may be made from metal or a ceramic. In some embodiments, the housing back portion may be made from metal or a ceramic. The material of the housing back portion and the heat conducting front plate may be the same or different. In some embodiments, the heating device and in particular its heat conducting front plate, is further configured such that it emits at least a portion of its thermal energy as radiation to the outside environment. In particular embodiments, the radiation is emitted from the front outer side of the heating device. Thus, in particular embodiments, the heating device may at the front outer side and / or at the heat conducting front plate act as a radiator. A radiator as used herein may preferably be a heater in which the temperature rise of at least one visible surface (i.e. outer surface) exceeds 75 K in the heating mode (e.g. the normal mode). The visible surface is the surface which can be seen from a point situated 2 m in front of the heater and 1.2 m above the floor when the heater is mounted to a wall (that is, the front outer side of the heating device). In contrast, a convector as used herein may preferably be a heater in which the temperature rise of at least one non-visible part in contact with the air flowing through the heater or heating device exceeds 75 K in the heating mode (i.e. the normal mode). A non-visible part means that the part cannot be seen from a point situated 2 m in front of the heater and 1.2 m above the floor when the heater is mounted to a wall.

[0037] In some embodiments, a radiator as used herein may emit at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, more particular at least 15% of its heat energy by radiation. In contrast, in some embodiments a convector as used herein may emit more than 95%, in particular more than 98% of its thermal energy by convection.

[0038] Further, if the heating device is configured such that it emits at least a portion of its thermal energy as radiation, the heating device, respectively its heat conducting front plate, may in some embodiments have a maximum surface temperature dispersal of at most 25K as tested according to cahier des charges de la marque NF electricite performance No. LCIE 103-13 / G (February 2019) appareils des chauffage des locaux a action directe of the laboratoire central des industries electriques (France). The maximum temperature dispersal is the maximum temperature difference an element shows over its surface at different locations. In particular, the heat conducting front plate have a maximum surface temperature dispersal of at most 25 K over the entire heat conducting front plate. In some embodiments, the heating device further comprises a second heating element which is different from the first heating element. The second heating element is configured and arranged such that it can heat, in particular directly heat, the heat conducting front plate. It is understood that the first heating element and the second heating element are typically configured such that they can increase the temperature of the air which flows from the air inlet section through the air heating compartment. Thus, the air entering through the air inlet section has a lower temperature than the air being expelled through the air outlet section due to the action of the first and / or second heating element.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first heating element is arranged at the back side, in particular the inner back side, of the housing.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first heating element and / or the second heating element is arranged inside the air heating compartment.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second heating element is arranged between the housing back portion and the heat conducting front plate. The second heating element may in these or any other embodiment be in direct contact with the heat conducting front plate.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the first heating element and the second heating element are oppositely arranged, in particular at opposite sides of the housing.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the second heating element is an electric heating element. In certain embodiments, the second heating element is a heating wire, particularly an electric heating wire. In some embodiments, the second heating element may be a hydraulic heating element, such as a pipe meander for a heat carrying fluid, such as water, oil or glycol. In some embodiments, the second heating element may also be a heating mat.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first heating element is an electric heating element or a hydraulic heating element, such as a pipe meander for a heat carrying fluid, such as water, oil or glycol. In some embodiments, the first heating element may also be a heating mat.

[0045] Preferably, the first heating element is an electric heating element.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second heating element is mounted to the heat conducting front plate. Thus, the second heating element may be in direct contact with the heat conducting front plate. Typically, the second heating element is mounted to the back side of the heat conducting front plate, the back side being the side facing the air heating compartment. In contrast, the front side is the side facing the outside environment. In embodiments, in which the second heating element is a heating wire or a hydraulic heating element, the second heating element being a heating wire or a hydraulic heating element may be in the form a meander. The meander is preferably directly mounted to the heat conducting front plate, preferably to the back side of the heat conducting front plate.

[0047] In some embodiments, the heating device further comprises a first heat distributing plate. This first heat distributing plate is arranged within the air heating compartment and separates the air heating compartment into a front compartment and a back compartment. Air being transported from the air inlet section to the air outlet section is typically guided through both the front compartment and the back compartment. Such a first heat distributing plate has the advantage that heat from the first heating element can be efficiently distributed inside the air heating compartment and therefore can be more efficiently transmitted to the air flowing through the air heating compartment. Typically, the first heat distributing plate extends along the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the heating device.

[0048] In preferred embodiments, the first heat distributing plate is configured such that the front compartment and the back compartment are fluidic connected with each other. For example, the first heat distributing plate may define a slot or a recess between the front compartment and the back compartment. It is understood that the first heat distributing plate is configured such that it can distribute heat, for example heat from the first heating element, within the air heating compartment. Thus, the first heat distributing plate (and optionally also the second heat distributing plate and / or the third heat distributing plate as described below), may be a heat emitter. In some embodiments, the first heating element is arranged within the back compartment.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first heating element is configured for heating the first heat distributing plate.

[0050] In some embodiments, the heating device further comprises a second heat distributing plate, being different from the first heat distributing plate. This second heat distributing plate is arranged within the air heating compartment of the heating device. In preferred embodiments, the second heat distributing plate is arranged in the front compartment. As it is the case for the first heat distributing plate, the second heat distributing plate is configured such that it can distribute heat, for example heat from the second heating element, within the air heating compartment. The second heat distributing plate enhances the efficiency even further. In particular in embodiments with a second heating element, heat from the second heating element is not only distributed by radiation via the heat conducting front plate to the outside environment, but it is also transmitted to air flowing through the air heating compartment and thus delivered to the outside environment by convection.

[0051] In some embodiments, the distance between the housing, particularly the front side of the housing, and the second heat distributing plate, i.e. the extension in the transversal direction, is between 10% and 20% of the width of the air heating compartment defined by the housing, i.e. its extension in the transversal direction.

[0052] Typically, the second heat distributing plate is arranged between the front side of the housing, in particular between the heat conducting front plate, and the first heat distributing plate.

[0053] In some embodiments, the heating device comprises a third heat distributing plate being different from the first heat distributing plate and / or from the second heat distributing plate. In particular embodiments, the second heating element may be arranged between the heat conducting front plate and the third heat distributing plate. Preferably, the second heating element may be in direct contact with the heat conducting front plate and the third heat distributing plate. Embodiments with such a third heat distributing plate are advantageous, because the third heat distributing front plate allows to transfer and evenly distribute thermal energy from the second heating element to the air heating compartment, which makes the heating device more efficient.

[0054] In some embodiments the first heat distributing plate, the second heat distributing plate and the third heat distributing plate are arranged behind each other, in particular along the transverse direction of the heating device, and / or are spaced apart from each other.

[0055] In some embodiments the first heat distributing plate, the second heat distributing plate, the third heat distributing plate and the heat conducting front plate are arranged behind each other, in particular along the transverse direction of the heating devicenua, and / or are spaced apart from each other.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first heat distributing plate and / or the second heat distributing plate and / or the third heat distributing plate may have a thermal conductivity A at 20 °C and 1 atm of 1.0 W / (m K) or more, preferably of 10 W / (m K), more preferably of 50 W / (m K) or more, more preferably of 150 W / (m K) or more.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first heat distributing plate, the second heat distributing plate, the third heat distributing plate and / or the heat conducting front plate may be made from metal, in particular aluminum, steel, cast iron, or from stone or a ceramic. While in some embodiments, the first heat distributing plate, the second heat distributing plate, the third heat distributing plate and the heat conducting front plate may be made from the same material, they may also be made from different materials.

[0058] In some embodiments the surface area of the first heat distributing plate and / or of the second heat distributing plate and / or of the third heat distributing plate is between 70% and 95%, preferably 80% to 95% of the surface area defined by the front side of the housing. The front side of the housing is the side of the housing to which the heat conducting front plate may be mounted. Thus, the front side of the housing lies in the plane defined by the longitudinal and vertical direction of the heating device.

[0059] In some embodiments, the surface area of the first heat distributing plate and / or of the second heat distributing plate and / or of the third heat distributing plate is between 0.3 m2and 5 m2, in particular between 0.4 m2and 2 m2, in particular between 0.4 m2and 1 m2

[0060] In some embodiments, the heating device further comprises an air guide plate, which is arranged within the air heating compartment. In certain embodiments, the air guide plate is arranged in both the front compartment and the back compartment of the air heating compartment. The air guide plate is configured such that it can distribute and / or decelerate air which exits the fan unit. Such an air guide plate has the advantage that the air which is introduced into the air heating compartment is evenly distributed within the air heating compartment. As the air is further decelerated, it has more time to take up thermal energy within the air heating compartment, which increases the efficiency of the heating device. The air guide plate is typically arranged such that air exiting the fans is directly guided onto the air guide plate.

[0061] In some embodiments, the air guide plate comprises a plurality of protrusions being spaced apart from each other. Typically, each protrusion is arranged above a fan of the fan unit, i.e. vertically above a fan of the fan unit. Preferably, such a protrusion is arranged above each fan of the fan unit. This has the advantage that air exiting the fans hits a protrusion of the air guide plate, thereby distributing the air more evenly in the air heating compartment and decelerating the airflow. The protrusions of the air guide plate may for example have a II- shape or V-shape. In some embodiments, the protrusions may extend in both the transversal and also in the vertical direction of the heating device. In other words, each protrusion may not extend horizontally, but is angled with respect to the horizontal plane, respectively the transversal direction. It is understood that the horizontal plane is defined by the longitudinal and the transversal direction of the heating device. For example, the angle between each protrusion and the horizontal plane, respectively the transversal direction, may be between 10° and 30°, in particular between 15° and 25°, which improves the air distributing within the air heating compartment.

[0062] Typically, the protrusions of the air guide plate extend in parallel to each other.

[0063] In some embodiments, the heating device is configured such that air enters the air inlet section, and raises in particular vertically to the air outlet section, which is particularly oppositely arranged to the air inlet opening. With the exception of a deflection at the optional air guide plate, the heating device is typically configured such that the air flow path of the air being transported through the air heating compartment does not undergo a change of direction in the air heating compartment. For example, the heating device may be configured such that (with the exception of a deflection at the optional air guide plate) the air flow path of the air being transported through the air heating compartment is essentially and / or as a whole straight or linear. An airflow being as a whole straight or linear may comprise turbulences, i.e. internal turbulences.

[0064] In some embodiments, the distance between the filter assembly and the fan unit, e.g. the vertical distance, is between 10 mm to 50 mm, in particular between 12 mm and 35 mm.

[0065] In some embodiments, the filter assembly is arranged inside a filter holder. The filter holder may preferably comprise a pivotable door for exchanging the filter assembly. The pivoting axis of the pivotable door is preferably arranged along the longitudinal direction of the heating device. Such a pivoting door enables fast and easy replacement of a filter assembly. The filter assembly comprises a filter and may optionally further comprise a filter frame structure for holding the filter.

[0066] In some embodiments, the air inlet section and the air outlet section are diametrically opposite to each other. Typically the air inlet section and the air outlet section are in the vertical direction spaced apart from each other. In the mounted state, air will thus enter the heating device from below via the air inlet section and will then be transported through the air heating compartment and will then be expelled at the top of the heating device, i.e. towards the ceiling of the room, via the air outlet section. In certain embodiments, the air inlet section may directly be adjacent the filter assembly.

[0067] In some embodiments, the back side of the housing, i.e. the side of the housing extending in the vertical and in the longitudinal direction of the heating device and being arranged opposite of the front side of the housing, comprises a sealing structure being configured for providing a sealing connection of the heating device with a wall of a room. The sealing structure may protrude from the back side of the housing. For example, the sealing structure may be an elastomeric polymer.

[0068] In some embodiments, the housing defines a connector opening providing a fluidic communication between the outside environment and the air heating compartment. The connector opening may be configured for connecting a fresh air duct to the heating device. Such embodiments are advantageous, as a fresh air duct may be installed such that it extends through a wall of the building and provides a direct fluidic connection between the outside of the building and the air heating compartment. Therefore, it is not only possible to filter and heat the air in the room but also to provide fresh air from the outside to the air heating compartment, heat the air therein and deliver it to the room. Preferably, the connector opening is arranged at the back side of the housing.

[0069] In some embodiments, the housing further defines two connector openings providing each a fluidic communication between the outside environment and the air heating compartment. In such embodiments, one connector opening can be used for providing fresh air from the outside into the air heating compartment and the other can be used as exhaust outlet for expelling air to the outside environment.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the air heating device may comprise a valve arrangement which is switchable between an open position in which air from outside or from the outside environment can flow through the connector opening into the air heating compartment, and a closed position in which air from outside or from the outside environment is prevented from flowing through the connector opening into the air heating compartment. In particular embodiments, the valve can be controlled by the control unit of the air heating device. In certain embodiments, the control unit can be configured such that the valve arrangement is brought to the open position and predetermined time intervals and / or if filter clogging of the filter is detected.

[0071] In some embodiments, the heating device may further comprise a cooling unit. The cooling unit may for example be a chiller unit. The cooling unit may in certain embodiments comprise a compressor being configured for compressing a coolant, a condenser in which the compressed coolant condenses and an evaporator in which the condensed coolant evaporates. It is understood that the compressor, the evaporator and the condenser are fluidic connected by a pipe system. Typically, the cooling unit also comprise an expansion valve being arranged between the condenser and the evaporator. The evaporator may typically comprise multiple coils and / or rips being arranged in the air heating compartment. The coils and rips increase the surface area and therefore increase heat exchange between air flowing through the air heating compartment and the coolant inside the pipe system. Such embodiments of the heating device are advantageous as they not only allow for heating the room, but also for cooling the room. Thus, the same system can be used in winter to heat the corresponding room and in summer to cool the corresponding room. The first and / or second and / or third heat distributing plates are in preferred embodiments also beneficial for the cooling function. Thus in embodiments in which the heating device comprises besides the heating element(s) also a cooling unit as described above, the heating device may be considered as a temperature control device which can heat and cool the room in which it is arranged.

[0072] It is understood that the cooling unit is typically configured such that it can decrease the temperature of the air which flows from the air inlet section through the air heating compartment. Thus, the air entering through the air inlet section has a higher temperature than the air being expelled through the air outlet section due to the action of the cooling unit. In some embodiments in which the heating device comprises a feedback system, the feedback system may be configured such that the user can select between heating and cooling. The feedback system may be configured to provide this selection to the control unit which then actuates heating operation or cooling operation depending on the selection of the user. It may also be possible that the heating device may comprise a temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature of the room in which the heating device is positioned. The temperature sensor may be configured to transmit the temperature of the room at regular time intervals or on demand to the control unit. If the control unit detects that the temperature of the room is below a lower threshold, the heating operation is actuated and air is heated in the heating device. If the control unit detects that the temperature of the room is above an upper threshold, the cooling operation is actuated and air is cooled in the heating device.

[0073] In a second aspect, the invention concerns the use of a heating device according to any of the embodiments described herein, in particular with respect to the first aspect of the invention, to heat and / or cool a room, and to clean air within the room.

[0074] In some embodiments, air is drawn by the fan unit through the air inlet section and then through the filter assembly into the fans of the fan unit. From there it is expelled and transported through the air heating compartment where the air is heated up by the first heating element before it is expelled into the room, particularly towards a ceiling of the room, via the air outlet section. In some embodiments, the room is concomitantly heated by radiation from the heat conducting front plate.

[0075] In some embodiments, the heating device is used to provide fresh air to a room of a building. In such embodiments, a fresh air duct may extent from the outside environment of the building through a wall of the building into the room and be connected to the connector opening defined by the housing. Fresh air is provided from the outside via the fresh air duct to the air heating compartment to the room. In the air heating compartment the fresh air may optionally be heated or cooled before being delivered to the room. In a third aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a filter as a replacement filter or replacement filter assembly in or for the heating device according to any of the embodiments described herein, in particular with respect to the first aspect of the invention. The use may for example comprise removing a used filter or filter assembly from the heating device and inserting the replacement filter or replacement filter assembly into the heating device.

[0076] Brief description of the figures

[0077] The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing:

[0078] Fig. 1 a perspective view of a heating device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0079] Fig. 2 a perspective view of the heating device of Fig. 1 , in which the heat conducting front plate and the first and second heat distributing plates are removed to show the interior of the heating device;

[0080] Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view along a plane within the vertical direction and the transversal direction of the heating device according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0081] Fig. 4 a perspective and sectional view of the heating device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0082] Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view along a plane within the longitudinal and transversal direction of the heating device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0083] Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of a heating device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of a heating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0084] Exemplary embodiments

[0085] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrate a heating device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. To illustrate the interior of the heating device, the heat conducting front plate and the first and second heat distributing plates are removed in Fig. 2 (see for example Fig. 3 for these elements). Heating device 1 comprises a housing 2 which defines air heating compartment 3. Furthermore, the housing 2 defines an air inlet section (not shown here, see Fig. 3) and air outlet section 5, which each provide for a fluidic communication between air heating compartment 3 and the outside environment. Heating device 1 further comprises fan unit 6, first heating element 7 and a filter assembly (not shown here, see Fig. 3). Fan unit 6 is configured for transporting air from the air inlet section through air heating compartment 3 and for expelling the air through air outlet section 5. The fan unit 6 comprises a plurality of fans 61 , 62, 63, 64, 65 being arranged side by side to each other. As can be seen, fans 61 , 62, 63, 64 and 65 are in the longitudinal direction L arranged behind one another. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L is the transversal direction T and perpendicular thereto is vertical direction V of heating device 1 .

[0086] First heating element 7 comprises in this embodiment two heat plates being arranged adjacent to each other. Heating element 7 is configured such that air being delivered into air heating compartment 3 by fan unit 6 is warmed up inside air heating compartment 3 before it is expelled via air outlet section 5. Since the air is blown into the room via air outlet section 5, it is desirable to clean the air and remove dust and / or other particles, such as viruses from the air stream. For this reason, air heating device 1 further comprises a filter assembly, which is arranged between the air inlet section and fan unit 6. The filter assembly is arranged such that air must pass through the filter assembly and is therefore cleaned before it is warmed up and expelled to the outside environment. Heating device 1 further comprises heat conducting front plate 9 being a part of housing 2, which enables not only to heat a room by convection, but also by radiation. By combining both heating techniques, the heating device becomes more efficient.

[0087] As can be seen from Fig. 2, heating device 1 additionally comprises air guide plate 13, which is configured for distributing and / or decelerating air exiting fan unit 6. The air exciting fan unit 6 is blown towards air guide plate 13 and guided along portions of the air guide plate. Thereby, the air is distributed more evenly throughout air heating compartment 3. Decelerating the airflow has the advantage that the air is not directly expelled again through air outlet section 5, but remains for a longer period of time within air heating compartment 3 before it is expelled. This allows to transfer more thermal energy to the air.

[0088] Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view with respect to a plane in the transversal direction and vertical direction. Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of such cross-section of another embodiment of the invention. With reference to Fig. 3, heating device 1 comprises housing 2, which defines air heating compartment 3, air inlet section 4 and air outlet section 5. Filter assembly 8 is arranged in the vertical direction V between air inlet section 4 and filter assembly 6. Heating device 1 further comprises first heat distribution plate 11 and second heat distribution plate 12, which are both arranged within air heating compartment 3. First heat distribution plate 11 divides air heating compartment 3 into front compartment 31 and back compartment 32. Air exiting fan unit 6 travels through both front compartment 31 and back compartment 32. First heat distributing plate 11 is heated by first heating element 7 and allows to evenly and thus more efficiently heat the air travelling through air heating compartment 3.

[0089] Second heat distributing plate 12 is arranged between the heat conducting front plate 9 of housing 2 and first heat conducting plate 11. Front side 21 of housing 2 is oppositely arranged to back side 22 of housing 2. Front heat conducting plate 9 is spaced apart from a housing back portion of housing 2 defining a gap along transversal direction T between them (see also Fig. 7). Second heating element 10 is arranged in this gap. Second heat distributing plate 12 not only allows to distribute the heat more evenly within air heating compartment 3, but also with respect to heat conducting front plate 9.

[0090] Filter assembly 8 is arranged inside filter holder 14 which comprises a pivotable door 15 with a pivoting axis extending along the longitudinal direction of heating device 1 and further at the back side of heating device 1. This allows to readily access and exchange filter assembly 8 from the front side of heating device 1.

[0091] It can further be seen that air guide plate 13, respectively its protrusions (see Fig. 5), are angled with respect to the transversal direction. In this embodiment, the angle with respect to the transversal direction is approximately 20°.

[0092] Fig. 3 further shows control unit 17, which may be arranged outside of air heating compartment 3 or, which may alternatively also be arranged inside air heating compartment 3 or at any other suitable position. Control unit 17 may be configured for receiving the air flow through filter assembly 8 from sensor assembly 16 and compare it with a predefined target air flow value. If the received air flow is above or below the predefined value, control unit 17 may adjust the fan frequency or fan power of one or more of the fans of fan assembly 6. The control unit may communicate with sensor assembly 16 by means of known connection, such as ethernet or by wireless connections, e.g. Bluetooth or infrared, or the like.

[0093] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view with respect to the plane in the transversal and longitudinal direction. It can be seen that air guide plate 13 comprises five protrusions 131 , 132, 133, 134 and 135 which are each vertically arranged above one of fans 61 , 62, 63, 64 and 65. These protrusions may in this or any other embodiment described herein, have an U-shape.

[0094] Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of heating device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. It can be seen that the housing may consist of two parts, namely housing back portion 23 and heat conducting front plate 9 which together form the housing. Heating device 1 further comprises third heat distributing plate 18. Third heat distributing plate 18 can in this or any other embodiment described herein be arranged inside the air heating compartment defined by the housing. Second heating element 10 can for example be a hydraulic heating element being for example a pipe meander for a heat carrying fluid which flows through the pipe meander, such as water. As can be seen from Fig. 6, second heating element may in this or any other embodiment as described herein be arranged directly between heat conducting front plate 9 and third heat distributing plate 18. Furthermore, third heat distributing plate 18 may in this or any other embodiment described herein be arranged between second heat distributing plate 12 and second heating element 10. It is further preferred that second heat distributing plate 12 and third heat distributing plate 12 are spaced apart from each other, e.g. such that they define a gap between them through which air can flow. This makes the heating device more efficient, as the air can be heated up both via second heat distributing plate 12 and third heat distributing plate 18.

[0095] Fig. 7 shows schematically an embodiment of a heating device 1 . For reasons of clarity, not all components are shown therein (e.g. the first heating element). In this embodiment, housing 2 defines connector opening 19 at the housing back portion, which is configured to provide a fluidic communication between the outside environment and the air heating compartment such that fresh air can be delivered from the outside environment in the air heating compartment. Further, heating device 1 shown in Fig. 7 comprises cooling unit 20 having expansion valve 21 , compressor 22, evaporator 23 and condenser 24. The cooling unit can be used to actively cool air within the air heating compartment. Thus air can transmit its thermal energy at evaporator 23 to a coolant within the pipe connecting expansion valve 21 , compressor 22, evaporator 23 and condenser 24 with each other. It is understood that condenser 24 may be arranged outside air heating compartment. At the condenser, the coolant transmits its thermal energy to air, e.g. outside air, and condenses. Further, heating device 1 comprises feedback system 25 which allows a user to select between heating and cooling. List of designations

[0096] 1 heating device

[0097] 2 housing

[0098] 21 front side of housing

[0099] 22 back side of housing

[0100] 23 housing back portion

[0101] 3 air heating compartment

[0102] 31 front compartment

[0103] 32 back compartment

[0104] 4 air inlet section

[0105] 5 air outlet section

[0106] 6 fan unit

[0107] 61-65 fans

[0108] 7 first heating element

[0109] 8 filter assembly

[0110] 9 heat conducting front plate

[0111] 10 second heating element

[0112] 11 first heat distributing plate

[0113] 12 second heat distributing plate

[0114] 13 air guide plate

[0115] 131-135 protrusions

[0116] 14 filter holder

[0117] 15 pivotable door

[0118] 16 sensor assembly

[0119] 17 control unit

[0120] 18 third heat distributing plate

[0121] 19 connector opening

[0122] 20 cooling unit

[0123] 21 expansion valve

[0124] 22 compressor 23 evaporator

[0125] 24 condenser

[0126] 25 feedback system

Claims

Claims1. Heating device (1) for heating a room by convection and radiation, the heating device (1) comprising: a. a housing (2) defining an air heating compartment (3), an air inlet section (4) and an air outlet section (5) each providing a fluidic communication between the air heating compartment (3) and the outside environment; b. a fan unit (6) being configured for transporting air from the air inlet section (4) through the air heating compartment (3) and expelling the air through the air outlet section (5), wherein the fan unit (6) comprises a plurality of fans (61 , 62, 63, 64, 65) being arranged side by side to each other; c. a first heating element (7) being arranged within the air heating compartment (3) and being configured for heating the stream of air generated by the fan unit (6); d. a filter assembly (8) being arranged between the air inlet section (4) and the fan unit (6) and being configured for filtering the air being transported through the air heating compartment (3).

2. The heating device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein each fan (61 , 62, 63, 64, 65) is vertically arranged above a filter section of the filter assembly (8) and associated with the filter section of the filter assembly (8).

3. The heating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating device further comprises a sensor assembly (16) being configured for detecting the air flow through the filter assembly (8), in particular through each filter section of the filter assembly (8).

4. The heating device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the heating device (1) further comprises a control unit (17) being configured for receiving the air flow through the filter assembly (8) from the sensor assembly (16) and comparing it with a predefined target air flow value and for adjusting the fan frequency or fan power of one or more5 of the fans (61 , 62, 63, 64, 65) of the fan assembly (6).

5. The heating device (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the fans (61 , 62, 63, 64, 65) are brushless DC fans each comprising a brushless DC motor.

6. The heating device (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the heating device (1) further comprises a heat conducting front plate (9), which is preferably attached to a housing back portion (23) of the housing (2).

7. The heating device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the heat conducting front plate (9) is spaced apart from the housing back portion (23) of the housing (2).

8. The heating device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the heating device (1) further comprises a second heating element (10) being different from the first heating element 5 (7) and being configured for heating the heat conducting front plate (9).

9. The heating device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the second heating element (10) is an electric heating element, such as a heating wire, or a hydraulic heating element; and / or wherein the second heating element (10) is mounted to the heat conducting front plate (9).

10. The heating device (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the heating device (1) further comprises a first heat distributing plate (11) being arranged within the air heating compartment (3) and which preferably separates the air heating compartment (3) into a front compartment (31) and a back compartment (32).

11. The heating device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the first heating element (7) is5 arranged within the back compartment (32).

12. The heating device (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the heating device (1) further comprises a second heat distributing plate (12) being arranged within the air heating compartment (3) and preferably within the front compartment (31).

13. The heating device (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the heating device further comprises a third heat distributing plate (18), wherein in particular the second heating element (10) is arranged between the heat conducting front plate (9) and the third heat distributing plate (18).

14. The heating device (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the heating device (1) further comprises an air guide plate (13) within the air heating compartment (3), being configured to distribute and / or decelerate air exiting the fan unit (6).

15. The heating device (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the filter assembly (8) is arranged inside a filter holder (14), wherein the filter holder (14) preferably comprises a pivotable door (15) for exchanging the filter assembly (8).

16. The heating device (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the air inlet section (4) and the air outlet section (5) are diametrically opposite to each other.

17. The heating device (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the heating device (1) further comprises a cooling unit (20), wherein preferably the cooling unit (20) comprises a compressor (22) being configured for compressing a coolant, a condenser (24) in which the compressed coolant condenses, an evaporator (23) in which the condensed coolant evaporates and an expansion valve (21).

18. The heating device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the housing (2) defines a connector opening (18) which provides a fluidic communication between the outside environment and the air heating compartment (3).Use of a heating device (1) according to any of the previous claims to heat and / or optionally cool, a room and to clean air within the room. Use of a filter or filter assembly as replacement filter or filter assembly in or for the heating device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 18.

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