Improved climate-controlling and ventilating ceiling structure

Abstract

Ceiling structure for a space, comprising: a pipe system with pipe sections extending parallel to each other, configured to transport a fluid for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space; one or more carrier profiles; a plurality of ceiling profiles which are couplable at a mutual distance to the carrier profiles, wherein the ceiling profiles are preferably oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles, and are open at the top to receive therein one or more pipe sections; one or more insulation structures provided above the one or more carrier profiles; and an air grille with a ventilation mouth, wherein the air grille is connectable through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures, the ventilation mouth debouches in a zone between the insulation structures and an upper side of the carrier profiles, and the air grille is configured to supply and / or extract air in the space.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a ceiling structure for a space, for instance a room in a building, and particularly a climate-controlling and ventilating ceiling structure in which a pipe system is received.Background

[0002] Climate-controlling ceiling structures for forming a lowered ceiling for cooling or heating a space are known. In known climate-controlling ceiling structures the lowered ceiling is generally formed by plates arranged on a support structure. These plates typically fit together well. The plates on the side of the lowered ceiling which is not visible are here provided with a pipe system through which a fluid is carried for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space, i.e. in order to cool or heat the space.

[0003] A drawback of such known climate-controlling ceiling structures is that each plate of the ceiling structure is provided with its own pipe section which must be connected to a pipe section of an adjacent plate. Many connectors are necessary for this purpose, which increases the cost price and complexity of the connecting. The large number of connections by means of connectors moreover entails an increased risk of leaks occurring. Finally, many existing climate-controlling ceiling structures can be improved in respect of their energy consumption.

[0004] European patent EP 2 420 749 B1 and European patent application EP 3 851 751 A1 in the name of applicant describe an improved ceiling structure which largely obviates the above stated problems. Both documents are based on a technique of night ventilation for cooling a building, which allows the heat capacity of the structure of the building to be utilized in the cooling. In this technique use is made of temperature differences occurring outside the building. It is generally warmer during the day than at night, so that the heat which is stored in the building during the day can be released at night by guiding the colder outside air through the building to cool the structure of the building. The building can thus have cooled sufficiently by morning to be gradually heated up again during the day. Since the heat capacity of the building is much greater than the heat capacity of air, the heating in a room of the building to be cooled will progress much more slowly during the day owing to the application of this technique of night ventilation, so that less energy is needed for cooling the space. Although the ceiling structures of EP 2 420 749 B1 and EP 3 851 751 A1 are already energy-efficient owing to this principle, they still leave room for further improvement in respect of energy efficiency.

[0005] The climate-controlling action of the above described ceiling structures is disrupted to a certain extent when windows, along which hot outside air is supplied, are opened during the day in the space to be cooled. In order to prevent this, such ceiling structures are generally provided in spaces which cannot be ventilated manually in that any windows present cannot be opened. In such spaces such an automated ventilation system is therefore essential in order to avoid excessive concentrations of exhaled CO 2 . Existing systems for ventilating a space are however less suitable to be combined with the described ceiling structures, since such systems will generally be mounted on the ceiling of a space and thereby limit the ceiling surface area available for the climate-controlling ceiling structure.Summary of the invention

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention has for its object to provide a ceiling structure whereby controlling the temperature in a space, and supplying oxygen-rich air and discharging oxygen-poor air in the space, can be further improved in an efficient manner.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a ceiling structure for a space, for instance a space of a building. The ceiling structure comprises a pipe system, one or more carrier profiles, a plurality of ceiling profiles, one or more insulation structures and an air grille. The pipe system comprises a plurality of pipe sections extending substantially parallel to each other and is configured to transport a fluid, typically water, for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space (heating and / or cooling). The plurality of ceiling profiles are couplable at a mutual distance to the one or more carrier profiles, wherein the ceiling profiles are oriented at an angle relative to the carrier profiles and are preferably oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles. A ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles is configured to receive therein in each case one or more pipe sections of the pipe system. The ceiling profile is preferably open at the top. The one or more insulation structures are plate-like and are provided above the one or more carrier profiles. The air grille comprises a ventilation mouth and is connectable through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures. The ventilation mouth debouches in a zone between the one or more insulation structures and an upper side of the carrier profiles. The air grille is configured to supply and / or extract air in the space.

[0008] Providing insulation structures above the one or more carrier profiles prevents heat or cold from escaping along an upper side of the ceiling structure. In this way the consumed energy is utilized even more efficiently to cool or heat the space, and the space is protected against external influencing factors such as undesired cooling or heating from above. Because the insulation structures are plate-like, they cover the ceiling structure at least partially on an upper side and, as such, delimit the space to be cooled or to be heated.

[0009] The air grille, which is configured to supply and / or extract air in the space, furthermore provides for an efficient automated ventilation. The air grille is particularly utilized to supply fresh air which is high in oxygen, and / or to discharge air with high concentrations of expiration gases such as CO 2 and low concentrations of oxygen. In the present invention the ventilation system is integrated in the ceiling structure, so that the ventilation system is prevented from taking up space which cannot then be utilized by the ceiling structure.

[0010] It is advantageous here to arrange the air grille in a manner such that it can make air circulate from a zone between the carrier profiles and the insulation structures. Because the ventilation mouth of the air grille debouches in a zone between the one or more insulation structures and an upper side of the carrier profiles, supply and / or extraction of air takes place from this intermediate zone, so that the supplied and / or discharged air is carried along at least several of the ceiling profiles in its circulation through the space. In this way the air above the ceiling profiles is in fact flushed. The ceiling profiles can here function in the manner of radiating bodies for the pipe sections received therein, wherein heat is exchanged between the fluid flowing through the pipe system on one hand and the surrounding air carried along the ceiling profiles on the other. Convection carries this air back into the space under the lowered ceiling. This convective flow is moreover stimulated by the supplementary supply or discharge of air through the air grille, and is not impeded by the insulation structures owing to the position of these insulation structures at a certain height above the ceiling profiles. Compared to existing systems, such a technique for controlling the temperature in a space provides additional comfort to the users of the space.

[0011] In order to prevent the placing of the air grille from conflicting with the placing of the insulation structures, an opening is provided in or between the one or more insulation structures through which the air grille is connectable, for instance to an air guiding channel for supplying oxygen-rich air and discharging oxygen-poor air. Providing the connectability of the air grille through such opening provides the option of concealing any air guiding channels at least partially in a space above the insulation structures, so that they only take up a limited amount of space in the zone between the insulation structures and the carrier profiles. This guarantees that a sufficiently large volume of air is present between the insulation structures and the carrier profiles to enable a convective airflow in this zone. The air grille can for instance be provided in a space under the one or more insulation structures, and can be connected to a channel protruding through said opening in or between the insulation structures and further extending substantially above the insulation structures. Alternatively, the air grille can also protrude partially through said opening in or between the insulation structures in a manner such that a portion of the air grille is situated above the insulation structures in a vertical direction, while another portion comprising the ventilation mouth is situated under the insulation structures in a vertical direction. In this case it is also possible to provide any air guiding channel to be connected substantially above the insulation structures.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment the ventilation mouth of the air grille is formed as a swirl diffuser. Such a swirl diffuser is characterized by a centred radial pattern of vanes surrounded by an outer frame which is for instance formed as a ring or a surface with circular recess, wherein the vanes are typically inclined relative to this outer frame. This swirl diffuser can for instance be manufactured from galvanized steel and / or aluminium. Swirl diffusers are preferred over alternatives such as line diffusers or slot diffusers because of their radially swirling blow-out or extraction pattern, characterized by supply or discharge of air in both a vertical direction (perpendicularly of the outer frame of the swirl diffuser) and a horizontal direction (parallel to this outer frame). This in contrast to line or slot diffusers, which are configured only to supply or discharge air in a direction perpendicularly of the diffuser surface. Compared to such linearly directed ventilation, multidirectional ventilation as obtained by means of swirl diffusers are generally experienced as more pleasant by users. Swirl diffusers are furthermore known for their high induction, which means that they are able to flush a large volume of air in a short amount of time, and, as a result, for their rapid mixing of air, particularly of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor and of cool and warm air. This latter makes swirl diffusers highly suitable for cooling or heating and ventilating a large space rapidly.

[0013] Swirl diffusers also benefit from the so-called Coanda effect, which consists of supplied or discharged air being entrained along nearby surfaces over great distances, also when they lie at an angle relative to the initial supply or discharge direction. This phenomenon is caused by areas of low pressure and vortices which result in the vicinity of the initial airflow, which then attract ambient air. This ambient air feeds the existing airflow and also adheres to the nearby surfaces, this creating an additional airflow along these surfaces. In the present invention the surfaces in question are formed by the outer frame of the swirl diffuser and by the lower surface of the plate-like insulation structures and the upper surfaces of the carrier profiles. The more inclined the vanes of the swirl diffuser are, the more such horizontal airflow is promoted. The supplied air thus spreads over a large surface area along these nearby surfaces before decreasing in speed and dropping downward in the space. In this way the air grille flushes not only the air immediately surrounding it, but in fact allows the whole space to be ventilated efficiently from one single point.

[0014] The ceiling structure preferably further comprises a support structure for supporting the one or more insulation structures, wherein the support structure rests on the one or more carrier profiles or on the ceiling profiles. This support structure preferably comprises one or more insulation support profiles which are oriented substantially transversely of the one or more carrier profiles. This is because, for the ventilation mouth of the air grille to debouch in a zone between the insulation structures and an upper side of the carrier profiles, it is required to mount the insulation structures at a certain height above the carrier profiles. It is precisely for this reason that it is not desirable to have the insulation structures rest directly on the carrier profiles, but a structure is preferably provided for the purpose of supporting the insulation structures at a certain height above the carrier profiles. In order to facilitate the mounting of the ceiling structure it is advantageous to integrate the support structure into the ceiling structure by having it rest on the one or more carrier profiles or on the ceiling profiles. Since the insulation structures are formed as a plate-like structure, it is advantageous to support them in a horizontal longitudinal or width direction by means of an insulation support profile. By orienting this insulation support profile substantially transversely of the carrier profiles a more stable support structure is obtained, wherein the carrier profiles also provide in a direction perpendicularly of the direction of the insulation support profiles providing the primary support a secondary support which can limit any sagging of an insulation structure in depth direction.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment the support structure further comprises one or more spacers which are arranged between an insulation support profile and a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles, and which support on a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles or on at least one of the ceiling profiles. A spacer is for instance formed as a block with limited dimensions compared to the insulation support profiles and the carrier profiles. The one or more spacers serve to create a certain distance between the carrier profiles and the insulation support profiles, such that sufficient space is left between the insulation structures and the carrier profiles to provide space for the ventilation mouth and optionally yet another portion of the air grille. In embodiments without spacers, in which the whole support structure consists of insulation support profiles, the insulation support profiles must be given a higher form, resulting in high material costs, while a combination of less high insulation support profiles and spacers extending mainly in a height direction and having limited dimensions in a horizontal longitudinal and width direction can result in a support with the same performance and with smaller material volumes needed.

[0016] The insulation support profiles preferably have a width b, as seen in a horizontal direction, and a height h, as seen in a vertical direction, which are such that the height h is smaller than 50% of the width b, preferably smaller than 30% of the width b. The width b preferably lies between 60 and 90 mm, while the height h preferably lies between 5 and 20 mm. The width b of the insulation support profiles is preferably greater than the width of the spacers, which amounts to for instance 20 to 30 mm, while the height h of the insulation support profiles is smaller than the height of the spacers, which amounts to for instance 20 to 100 mm.

[0017] The insulation structures are preferably formed as panels or mats. A plurality of panels or mats are typically arranged adjacently of each other in a plane substantially parallel to a plane in which the ceiling profiles extend. These insulation structures are for instance formed as panels or mats of rock wool, glass wool, mass-coloured polyester wool or recycled plastic, for instance PET, optionally encased by a film or foil. The plate-like insulation structures can also comprise a plurality of different layers which may or may not be adhered to each other. The plate-like insulation structures preferably have a thickness of between 5 and 50 mm, more preferably between 10 and 40 mm, still more preferably between 15 and 25 mm. The plate-like insulation structures preferably have lateral dimensions which make these insulation structures easy to manipulate and install. These panel-like insulation structures preferably have lateral dimensions, particularly a length and a width, lying respectively between 50 and 300 cm, more preferably between 50 and 200 cm.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment the air grille comprises a housing which protrudes through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures. This positioning of the housing achieves that the ventilation mouth debouches in said intermediate zone between the insulation structures and the carrier profiles, but simultaneously prevents the whole air grille from having to be received in this intermediate zone. This is because, if this intermediate zone had to provide space to the whole air grille, the insulation structures would inevitably have to be placed at great height above the carrier profiles, with an adverse effect on the insulating action.

[0019] The air grille preferably further comprises a connection opening which is configured to be connected to an air guiding channel. Through this channel air is then discharged from the air grille to another space, typically an outside space, or supplied from such an other space to the air grille. The pump which brings about the supply and / or discharge of air can be situated at a distance from the ceiling structure, for instance at or close to an outer end of this air guiding channel. One single pump can further be connected to a plurality of ceiling structures, which are situated at a mutual distance in the same or different spaces. The connection opening of the air grille is preferably situated above the one or more insulation structures. In embodiments with an air grille with a housing which protrudes through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures the connection opening is preferably situated particularly at or close to an outer end of the housing protruding above this opening. In this way any air guiding channel which is connected to the connection opening is visually concealed at least partially. This is because such a channel is then likewise situated above the one or more plate-like insulation structures and, as a result, is shielded at least partially by these insulation structures. This enhances the aesthetics of the whole ceiling structure.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment the housing of the air grille is substantially tubular and the connection opening of the air grille corresponds with an outer end of the tubular part of the housing, which is then typically situated on an upper side of the housing. Such embodiments are characterized by an air grille which can be manufactured in simple manner and which extends substantially in a vertical direction (height direction), wherein integral manufacture is possible. These do however have the drawback that any air guiding channels to be connected, which extend substantially in a horizontal rather than a vertical direction, must bend in order to bridge the transition to the substantially vertically extending air grille, wherein use must optionally be made of connectors.

[0021] In another exemplary embodiment the housing of the air grille is closed on an upper side and the connection opening is provided in a lateral wall of the housing. The more complex form of such a housing makes these air grilles more difficult to manufacture, but facilitates connection of classic tubular air guiding channels without connectors.

[0022] The air grille is preferably provided with legs which are fastened in or onto one or more of the ceiling profiles, or in or onto at least one of the carrier profiles. By supporting the air grille from below using such legs the air grille need not necessarily be attached directly to an insulation structure, but can in fact hang through an opening in or between the one or more of the insulation structures without making close contact with these insulation structures. These legs furthermore contribute to maintaining a certain height between the ventilation mouth of the air grille and a plane bordering on an upper side of the carrier profiles.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment the air grille is provided with a flow rate control valve. This allows the magnitude of the volume of air being supplied or discharged through the air grille per unit of time to be set precisely. In this way it is achieved that embodiments of the invention can be used for cooling and / or heating and / or ventilating spaces of different sizes, wherein larger spaces typically require a higher flow rate.

[0024] The distance between the ventilation mouth of the air grille and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the ceiling profiles preferably lies between 30 and 60 mm, more preferably between 40 and 50 mm. The distance between the ventilation mouth of the air grille and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles preferably lies between 10 and 30 mm, more preferably between 15 and 25 mm. This is because placing the ventilation mouth of the air grille at an adequate height above the ceiling profiles and the carrier profiles achieves that the air can circulate freely above the ceiling profiles and between the space under the open lowered ceiling and the space above the open lowered ceiling. In this way the air of the space to be cooled and / or heated comes into contact with the structure of the building in improved manner, and the heat capacity of the building structure itself can thus be utilized. The two distances furthermore facilitate flushing of air above and along the ceiling profiles, resulting in improved action of the ceiling profiles as radiating bodies for the pipe sections, through which a fluid flows, received therein, and a better heat exchange between this fluid and the air.

[0025] The distance between the lower surface of at least one of the insulation structures and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles preferably lies between 30 and 70 mm, more preferably between 40 and 60 mm. This is because this distance forms the height of the insulation structures relative to the carrier profiles, and thus determines the size of the zone between the insulation structures and an upper side of the carrier profiles. This height must on one hand be sufficiently great for the ventilation mouth to be able to debouch in this intermediate zone and the ventilation to take place essentially from this intermediate zone, but must on the other hand also remain sufficiently limited so as not to compromise the insulating action of the insulation structures.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment the one or more insulation structures extend over substantially the whole length of the one or more carrier profiles. In this way the ceiling structure is substantially covered on an upper side by the insulation structures, this enhancing the effect of the insulation structures delimiting the space for cooling or heating and optionally visually shielding any air guiding channels lying thereabove. It furthermore has a positive effect on the insulating action if the whole pipe system, and so each of the ceiling profiles, are shielded on an upper side by the insulation structures.

[0027] The ceiling profiles have in a mounted state a certain width, as seen in a horizontal direction, and the distance between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is preferably greater than 10% of this width, more preferably greater than 20% of the width, still more preferably greater than 50% of the width. In this way a sufficiently open lowered ceiling can be obtained, wherein sufficient space is provided between the successive ceiling profiles so that a convective and ventilating airflow could be maintained between each of the ceiling profiles, stimulated by the supply and discharge of air through the air grille.

[0028] The ceiling profiles have in a mounted state a width, as seen in a horizontal direction, which preferably lies between 10 mm and 50 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, still more preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm. This is because a ceiling structure which is sufficiently open and simultaneously provides space for a sufficiently large number of pipe sections can be obtained by limiting the width of the ceiling profiles, in combination with providing an adequate distance between adjacent ceiling profiles. The width of the ceiling profiles is such that one or more pipe sections can be arranged therein, wherein the pipe sections for instance have a diameter of between 10 and 20 mm.

[0029] The ceiling profiles have in a mounted state a height, as seen in a vertical direction, which preferably lies between 20 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm. Such heights allow the ceiling profiles to accommodate one or more pipe sections on one hand and, on the other, to camouflag a portion of the one or more carrier elements for carrying the one or more pipe sections. Such heights additionally guarantee that the pipe sections are surrounded by a sufficiently large radiation surface. The pipe sections are preferably mounted in the ceiling profiles such that they make contact with the ceiling profiles.

[0030] The ceiling profiles are preferably manufactured from a material with good thermal conductivity, more preferably from metal, for instance from steel, copper or aluminium.

[0031] The one or more insulation support profiles preferably extend substantially in the direction of and over substantially the whole length of the ceiling profiles. This is because, in order to fulfil their function as part of the support structure for the insulation structures, the insulation support profiles must extend in a longitudinal direction over a substantial part of the length of the insulation structures, and the preferred orientation of the insulation support profiles transversely of the carrier profiles, which are in turn preferably oriented transversely of the ceiling profiles, indicates the direction of the ceiling profiles as preferred direction for the insulation support profiles.

[0032] The insulation support profiles are further preferably substantially U-shaped, wherein the insulation structures support on the open upper side of the U-shape, and the insulation support profiles have in mounted state a certain width, as seen in a horizontal direction, and a certain height, as seen in a vertical direction. This height is preferably smaller than 50% of this width, more preferably smaller than 30% of this width. It is advantageous to opt for a width of the insulation support profiles which is not too small, since the contact points between the insulation support profiles and the insulation structures are situated on either side of the U-shaped profiles, at a mutual distance substantially corresponding with the width of the insulation support profiles, so that this width, together with the length of the insulation support profiles which preferably coincides substantially with the length of the ceiling profiles, determines the size of the surface of the insulation structures which is directly supported by the insulation support profiles. In other words, insulation support profiles which are sufficiently large in a width direction enhance the stability and supporting action of the support structure. The height of the insulation support profiles however contributes less to this supporting action, particularly in an embodiment with spacers, whereby this height is preferably limited compared to this width. U-shaped insulation support profiles are preferred as opposed to solid profiles, since they entail lower material costs.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment the carrier profiles are provided with a pipe carrying structure for carrying the pipe system. The pipe carrying structure preferably comprises a plurality of carrier elements which are couplable to the carrier profiles. Such carrier elements are provided with a receiving part, such as a clamping bracket or a hook in which a pipe section can be suspended. In this way the pipe sections of the pipe system can be coupled to the carrier profiles in simple manner, after which the ceiling profiles can be arranged over the pipe sections and can be coupled to the carrier profiles. Mounting of the ceiling structure thus in fact starts with a solid attachment of the carrier profiles to the ceiling, after which the step of attaching the pipe sections and ceiling profiles to an underside of the carrier profiles and the step of arranging the support structure and the insulation structures on an upper side of the carrier profiles can take place in any order. This makes mounting of the ceiling structure simple and not very time-consuming.

[0034] The one or more carrier profiles are preferably configured for direct coupling to the ceiling profiles. For this purpose the ceiling profile can be provided at the top with a first and second coupling flange which delimit an opening through which one or more pipe sections can be received in the ceiling profile. This first and second coupling flange connect to respectively a first and second side wall of a ceiling profile. The one or more carrier profiles can then be provided with downward protruding wings which are configured to co-act with the first and second coupling flanges. The wings can for instance be dovetail-shaped, such that the first and second coupling flanges can engage behind protruding parts of the dovetails.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment, the pipe system comprises a continuous pipe which is arranged in looping manner, such that a plurality of mutually partially overlapping loops is formed. Such loops can extend from one side of a space to another side of the space, and comprise straight sections lying in the ceiling profiles and arched sections close to the side walls of the space. The pipe sections of the pipe system are preferably sufficiently flexible to enable a continuous pipe to be placed in looping manner. In such a configuration two mutually adjacent pipe sections, which are for instance accommodated in mutually adjacent ceiling profiles or in the same ceiling profile, will typically belong to different loops of the plurality of loops. The advantage of arranging a continuous pipe in looping manner is, among other things, that the number of connectors can be limited. The placing can also take place in simple manner. After mounting of the carrier profiles the pipe system can be provided by arranging one continuous pipe or a small number of continuous pipes in looping manner against the carrier profiles, and such that pipe sections of the loops extend substantially parallel to each other. After this, the ceiling profiles can be arranged over the pipe sections, wherein the ceiling profiles are coupled to the carrier profiles.

[0036] In summary, the first invention relates to a ceiling structure according to any one of the following clauses: 1. Ceiling structure for a space, comprising: a pipe system (100) with a plurality of pipe sections (110) extending substantially parallel to each other, wherein the pipe system (100) is configured to transport a fluid for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space; one or more carrier profiles (200); and a plurality of ceiling profiles (300) which are couplable at a mutual distance to the one or more carrier profiles, wherein the ceiling profiles are oriented at an angle relative to the carrier profiles and are preferably oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles, wherein a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles is configured to receive therein in each case one or more pipe sections of the pipe system; one or more plate-like insulation structures (500) which are provided above the one or more carrier profiles; and an air grille (600) with a ventilation mouth (620), wherein the air grille is connectable through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures, the ventilation mouth debouches in a zone between the one or more insulation structures and an upper side of the one or more carrier profiles, and the air grille is configured to supply and / or extract air in the space. 2. The ceiling structure according to clause 1, wherein the ventilation mouth (620) of the air grille (600) is formed as a swirl diffuser. 3. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, further comprising a support structure (510) for supporting the one or more insulation structures (500), wherein the support structure rests on the one or more carrier profiles (200) or on the ceiling profiles (300). 4. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, wherein the support structure (510) comprises one or more insulation support profiles (520) which are oriented substantially transversely of the one or more carrier profiles (200). 5. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, wherein the support structure (510) further comprises one or more spacers (530) which are arranged between an insulation support profile (520) and a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles (200), and which support on a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles or on at least one of the ceiling profiles (300). 6. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the air grille (600) comprises a housing (610) which protrudes through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures (500). 7. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the air grille (600) comprises a connection opening (630) which is situated above the one or more insulation structures (500) and is configured to be connected to an air guiding channel (660). 8. The ceiling structure according to clauses 6 and 7, wherein the housing (610) of the air grille (600) is substantially tubular and the connection opening (630) of the air grille corresponds with an outer end of the tubular part of the housing. 9. The ceiling structure according to clauses 6 and 7, wherein the housing (610) of the air grille (600) is closed on an upper side and the connection opening (630) is provided in a lateral wall of the housing. 10. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the air grille (600) is provided with legs (640) which are fastened in or onto one or more of the ceiling profiles (300), or in or onto at least one of the carrier profiles (200). 11. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the air grille (600) is provided with a flow rate control valve (650). 12. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the distance (D1) between the ventilation mouth (620) of the air grille (600) and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the ceiling profiles (300) lies between 30 and 60 mm, preferably between 40 and 50 mm. 13. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the distance (D2) between the ventilation mouth (620) of the air grille (600) and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles (200) lies between 10 and 30 mm, preferably between 15 and 25 mm. 14. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the distance (D3) between the lower surface of at least one of the insulation structures (500) and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles (200) lies between 30 and 70 mm, preferably between 40 and 60 mm. 15. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the one or more insulation structures (500) extend over substantially the whole length of the one or more carrier profiles (200). 16. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, and wherein a minimum distance between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is greater than 10% of the width (B), preferably greater than 20% of the width (B), more preferably greater than 50% of the width (B). 17. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, of between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, more preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm. 18. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a height (H), as seen in vertical direction, of between 20 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm. 19. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the one or more insulation support profiles (520) extend substantially in the direction of and over substantially the whole length of the ceiling profiles (300). 20. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the one or more insulation support profiles (520) are substantially U-shaped and have in a mounted state a width (b), as seen in a horizontal direction, and a height (h), as seen in a vertical direction, wherein the height (h) is smaller than 50% of the width (b), preferably smaller than 30% of the width (b). 21. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the one or more carrier profiles (200) are provided with a pipe carrying structure (400) for carrying the pipe system (100). 22. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, wherein the pipe carrying structure (400) comprises a plurality of carrier elements (410) which are couplable to the one or more carrier profiles (200). 23. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the one or more carrier profiles (200) are configured for direct coupling to the ceiling profiles (300). 24. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the ceiling profiles (300) are provided at the top with a first and a second coupling flange (321, 322) which bound an opening through which one or more pipe sections (110) are receivable and which connect to respectively a first and second side wall (311, 312) of a ceiling profile; and wherein the one or more carrier profiles (200) are provided with downward protruding wings (220) which are configured to co-act with the first and second coupling flanges (321, 322). 25. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the pipe system (100) comprises a continuous pipe which is arranged in looping manner, such that a plurality of mutually partially overlapping loops (L1, L2, L3, L4) is formed, wherein two mutually adjacent pipe sections of the plurality of pipe sections (110) belong to different loops of the plurality of loops. 26. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the pipe sections (110) of the pipe system (100) are flexible.

[0037] The object of a second aspect of the invention is to provide a ceiling structure in which functional modules, such as sensors, signage, sprinklers and so on, can be added to the ceiling structure in simple and robust manner.

[0038] For this purpose a second aspect of the invention relates to a ceiling structure for a space comprising a pipe system, one or more carrier profiles, a plurality of ceiling profiles and at least one mounting piece for mounting one or more functional modules. The pipe system has a plurality of pipe sections which preferably extend substantially parallel to each other, wherein the pipe system is configured to transport a fluid for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space. The plurality of ceiling profiles are couplable at a mutual distance to the one or more carrier profiles. The at least one mounting piece (700) is configured to mount a functional module, such as a sensor, signage, a sprinkler, in the ceiling structure. The ceiling profiles are oriented at an angle relative to the carrier profiles and are preferably oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles. A ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles is configured to receive therein in each case one or more pipe sections of the pipe system. The ceiling profiles are provided at the top with a first and a second coupling flange which bound an opening through which one or more pipe sections are receivable and which connect to respectively a first and second side wall of a ceiling profile. The one or more carrier profiles are provided with downward protruding wings which are configured to co-act with the first and second coupling flanges. The wings are preferably formed integrally with the carrier profile, for instance by punching and / or cutting and / or folding. The mounting piece is configured and dimensioned to be fixed between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles of the plurality of ceiling profiles. The mounting piece is provided with a first and second mounting coupling flange which are configured to co-act with respectively a first and second mutually adjacent wing of the plurality of wings of a carrier profile of the plurality of carrier profiles, such that the mounting piece is fixable to the carrier profile between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles. The first and second wing lie adjacently of each other, as seen in a longitudinal direction of the carrier profile.

[0039] In this way a functional module can be attached to the mounting piece instead of to a ceiling profile. This is because the pipe sections are provided in the ceiling profiles, whereby attachment to the ceiling profiles is more difficult and entails the risk of the pipe sections being damaged.

[0040] The mounting piece is preferably formed such that it can be clamped between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles. The functional module can for instance first be attached to the mounting piece, after which the mounting piece with functional module can be secured in simple manner between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles.

[0041] The mounting piece is preferably substantially U-shaped with a bottom and a first and second upright side wall, wherein the first and second mounting coupling flange connect to respectively the first and second upright side wall of the mounting piece and protrude outward. In this way the functional module can be attached to the bottom of the mounting piece, wherein any lines to be connected, such as cables, can be carried through the bottom to a location above the ceiling structure. The first and second side wall preferably connect substantially to respectively a side wall of a first ceiling profile and a side wall of a second ceiling profile lying adjacently thereof. This provides additional stability and a good anchoring of the mounting piece.

[0042] Preferably, the wings are substantially dovetail-shaped and each coupling flange and each mounting coupling flange has a thickness such that they are both at least partially insertable into a recess formed by the substantially dovetail-shaped wing. The wall thickness of the coupling flange and the mounting coupling flange can for instance be smaller than 1 mm and the height of the recess can for instance be between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0043] The length of the mounting piece is preferably smaller than 30% of the length of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles. The length can for instance be between 75 and 200 mm. In this way the air circulation is not disrupted to any significant extent, and mounting pieces can be provided only where necessary.

[0044] A mounting piece is preferably fixed between two pairs of wings, a first pair of wings on a first longitudinal side of the carrier profile and a second pair of wings on a second longitudinal side of the carrier profile.

[0045] The height (Hm) of the mounting piece is preferably between 10 and 150% of the height (H) of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles, for instance between 70 and 120% of the height (H) of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles. The height of the mounting piece can for instance be substantially the same as the height of a ceiling profile. The height can for instance be chosen in accordance with the functional module to be mounted.

[0046] Preferably, the plurality of ceiling profiles have in a mounted state a maximum width, as seen in a horizontal direction, and a minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is smaller than the width (B).

[0047] A minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is preferably substantially equal to a maximum width (Bm) of the mounting piece without the mounting coupling flanges. In this way additional stability can be provided.

[0048] A wall thickness of the mounting coupling piece is preferably smaller than 1 mm. In this way the mounting piece is sufficiently flexible, and the side walls of the mounting piece can bend inward to some extent during placing and then spring back after the respective mounting coupling flanges have been arranged in the recess of the respective wings.

[0049] The skilled person will appreciate that the above described features of the first aspect of the invention can also be combined with the features of the second aspect of the invention.

[0050] In summary, the second invention relates to a ceiling structure according to any one of the following clauses: 1. Ceiling structure for a space, comprising: a pipe system (100) with a plurality of pipe sections (110) extending substantially parallel to each other, wherein the pipe system (100) is configured to transport a fluid for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space; one or more carrier profiles (200); a plurality of ceiling profiles (300) which are couplable at a mutual distance to the one or more carrier profiles, and at least one mounting piece (700) for mounting a functional module (800), such as a sensor, signage, a sprinkler, in the ceiling structure, wherein the ceiling profiles are oriented at an angle relative to the carrier profiles and are preferably oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles; wherein a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles is configured to receive therein in each case one or more pipe sections of the pipe system; wherein the ceiling profiles (300) are provided at the top with a first and a second coupling flange (321, 322) which bound an opening through which one or more pipe sections (110) are receivable and which connect to respectively a first and second side wall (311, 312) of a ceiling profile; and wherein the one or more carrier profiles (200) are provided with downward protruding wings (220) which are configured to co-act with the first and second coupling flanges (321, 322), wherein the mounting piece (700) is configured and dimensioned to be fixed between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles (300) of the plurality of ceiling profiles and wherein the mounting piece is provided with a first and second mounting coupling flange (721, 722) which are configured to co-act with respectively a first and second mutually adjacent wing (220) of the plurality of wings of a carrier profile of the plurality of carrier profiles, such that the mounting piece is fixable to the carrier profile between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles (300). 2. The ceiling structure according to clause 1, wherein the mounting piece (700) is substantially U-shaped with a bottom (713) and a first and second upright side wall (711, 712) and the first and second mounting coupling flange (721, 722) connect to respectively the first and second upright side wall (711, 712) of the mounting piece (700). 3. The ceiling structure according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the wings are substantially dovetail-shaped and each coupling flange (321, 322) and each mounting coupling flange (721, 722) has a thickness such that they are both at least partially insertable into a recess (221, 222) formed by the substantially dovetail-shaped wing. 4. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the length (Lm) of the mounting piece is smaller than 30% of the length of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles. 5. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the height (Hm) of the mounting piece is between 10 and 150% of the height (H) of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles, for instance between 70 and 120% of the height (H) of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles. 6. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a maximum width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, and wherein the minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is smaller than the width (B). 7. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein a minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is substantially equal to a maximum width (Bm) of the mounting piece without the mounting coupling flanges. 8. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein a wall thickness of the mounting coupling piece is smaller than 1 mm. 9. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the mounting piece is fixed between two pairs of wings, a first pair of wings on a first longitudinal side of the carrier profile and a second pair of wings on a second longitudinal side of the carrier profile. 10. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, of between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, more preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm. 11. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a height (H), as seen in vertical direction, of between 20 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm. 12. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the one or more carrier profiles (200) are provided with a pipe carrying structure (400) for carrying the pipe system (100). 13. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, wherein the pipe carrying structure (400) comprises a plurality of carrier elements (410) which are couplable to the one or more carrier profiles (200). 14. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the pipe system (100) comprises a continuous pipe which is arranged in looping manner, such that a plurality of mutually partially overlapping loops (L1, L2, L3, L4) is formed, wherein two mutually adjacent pipe sections of the plurality of pipe sections (110) belong to different loops of the plurality of loops. 15. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the pipe sections (110) of the pipe system (100) are flexible. 16. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein one or more plate-like insulation structures (500) are provided above the one or more carrier profiles. 17. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, further comprising a support structure (510) for supporting the one or more insulation structures (500), wherein the support structure rests on the one or more carrier profiles (200) or on the ceiling profiles (300). 18. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, wherein the support structure (510) comprises one or more insulation support profiles (520) which are oriented substantially transversely of the one or more carrier profiles (200). 19. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, wherein the support structure (510) further comprises one or more spacers (530) which are arranged between an insulation support profile (520) and a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles (200), and which support on a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles or on at least one of the ceiling profiles (300). 20. The ceiling structure according to any one of the clauses 15-18, wherein the one or more insulation structures (500) extend over substantially the whole length of the one or more carrier profiles (200). 21. The ceiling structure according to any one of the clauses 15-19, further comprising an air grille (600) with a ventilation mouth (620), wherein the air grille is connectable through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures, the ventilation mouth debouches in a zone between the one or more insulation structures and an upper side of the one or more carrier profiles, and the air grille is configured to supply and / or extract air in the space. 22. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, and wherein a minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is greater than 10% of the width (B), preferably greater than 20% of the width (B), more preferably greater than 50% of the width (B). Brief description of the figures

[0051] The above stated and other advantageous features and objects of the invention will become more apparent, and the invention better understood, on the basis of the following detailed description when read in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a ceiling structure; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a ceiling structure in which the insulation structures and the air grille are not shown; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a ceiling structure in which the insulation structures and the air grille are not shown; Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of a ceiling structure in the direction of a carrier profile; Figure 5 shows a bottom view of a first embodiment of an air grille; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of an air grille according to Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an air grille; Figure 8 shows a perspective detail view of an embodiment of a carrier element in which two pipe sections are received; Figure 9 shows a schematic bottom view of an embodiment of a ceiling structure with a pipe system comprising a plurality of loops; Figures 10A, 10B and 10C show respectively a schematic cross-section of a part of an embodiment of a ceiling structure with mounting piece, a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of the mounting piece and a bottom of the mounting piece; and Figure 11 shows a schematic cross-section of a part of an embodiment of a ceiling structure with two mounting pieces. Detailed embodiments

[0052] An embodiment of a ceiling structure is shown schematically in Figure 1 in a partially installed form. The ceiling structure is intended for forming a lowered ceiling in a space. The ceiling structure comprises a pipe system (not shown in Figure 1), a plurality of carrier profiles 200, a plurality of ceiling profiles 300, one or more insulation structures 500 (of which Figure 1 shows one, although the skilled person will appreciate that a plurality of insulation structures 500 will typically be provided) and an air grille 600. One or more mounting pieces 700 (shown schematically in broken lines) can optionally be provided, which are described in more detail with reference to Figures 10A, 10B and 10C. A possible pipe system 100 is shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 9, and the skilled person will appreciate that a similar pipe system can be received in the ceiling profiles 300 of Figure 1.

[0053] The pipe system 100 has a plurality of pipe sections 110 extending substantially parallel to each other. Pipe system 100 is configured to transport a fluid, typically water, for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space. Pipe system 100 can be used to heat and / or to cool the space. The plurality of ceiling profiles 300 are coupled at a mutual distance to the carrier profiles 200. These ceiling profiles 300 are oriented transversely of the carrier profiles 200 and are configured to receive therein one or more pipe sections 110 of the pipe system 100. The ceiling profiles preferably have an open upper side.

[0054] The insulation structures 500 are formed as panels or mats and are provided above the one or more carrier profiles 200. A plurality of panels or mats 500 are typically arranged adjacently of each other in a plane substantially parallel to the ceiling for which the ceiling structure is intended. These insulation structures 500 are for instance formed as panels of rock wool, glass wool, mass-coloured polyester wool or recycled plastic, for instance PET, optionally encased by a film, for instance a polyethylene (PE) film. These panel-like insulation structures 500 typically have a thicknesses of between 5 and 50 mm, preferably between 10 and 40 mm, more preferably between 15 and 25 mm, and have lateral dimensions, particularly a length and a width, preferably lying respectively between 50 and 300 cm, and between 50 and 200 cm. In an advantageous embodiment the insulation structures 500 are formed by mats of insulating material, for instance rock wool, enclosed in a film. This film can have any desired colour. According to an alternative embodiment, the insulation structures 500 are formed as mass-coloured panels from an insulating material, and no encasement is provided. In both cases it is possible to achieve that the insulation structures 500 have the same colour as the ceiling profiles 300, this enhancing the aesthetics of the whole ceiling structure.

[0055] Figure 1 shows one single insulation structure 500 formed as a panel or mat and spanning a plurality of ceiling profiles 300 on an upper side. The skilled person will however appreciate that the one or more insulation structures 500 are preferably placed such that together they span the greater part of the ceiling profiles 300 on an upper side. This is particularly the case in the embodiment of Figure 4, which shows a ceiling structure in a schematic cross-section in the direction of a carrier profile 200.

[0056] The air grille 600 is configured to supply and / or extract air in the space and has a ventilation mouth 620. The air grille 600 is connectable through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures 500, and is placed relative to the insulation structures 500 and the carrier profiles 200 in a manner such that the ventilation mouth 620 debouches in a zone bounded by the lower surface of the panel-like insulation structures 500 on one side and a virtual plane defined by an upper side of the one or more carrier profiles 200 on the other. In the embodiment of Figure 4 the air grille 600 has a substantially funnel-shaped ventilation mouth 620 which is directed with the outer end having the greatest dimension downward. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 4 the air grille 600 is placed such that it protrudes partially through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures 500, wherein it protrudes both on an upper side and on an underside from the insulation structures 500.

[0057] Figures 2 and 3 shows a first and a second embodiment of the ceiling structure, in which the insulation structures and the air grille are not shown. The skilled person will appreciate that the insulation structures and the air grille as already illustrated in Figure 1, and as will be further illustrated with reference to Figures 4-7, can be integrated in similar manner in the ceiling structures as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0058] More specifically, Figures 2 and 3 illustrate two different embodiments of the ceiling profiles 300. In the illustrated embodiments the ceiling profiles 300 are suitable for receiving one single pipe section 110 in the embodiment of Figure 2, and two parallel pipe sections 110 in the embodiment of Figure 3, although the skilled person will appreciate that the ceiling profiles 300 can also be configured to receive more than two pipe sections 110.

[0059] In each of the shown embodiments the ceiling profiles 300 have a first side wall 311 and an opposite second side wall 312 which extend from a bottom 313. In the embodiment of Figure 3 this bottom is formed by a lower edge 313, the first and second side wall 311, 312 run obliquely upward from the bottom 313 at an angle, preferably lying between 40° and 48°, relative to a horizontal plane, and the ceiling profiles 300 have a substantially V-shaped cross-section. In this way an air channel, which narrows in upward direction and thus brings about a Venturi effect, is obtained between a second side wall 312 of a first ceiling profile 300 and a first side wall 311 of a second ceiling profile 300 lying adjacently thereof. In the embodiment of Figure 2 the ceiling profiles 300 do not have a V-shaped but rather a U-shaped cross-section, wherein the bottom 313 forms a straight lower wall which is substantially perpendicular to the first and second side wall 311, 312. In this embodiment the ceiling profiles 300 are also coupled at a mutual distance to the one or more carrier profiles 200, whereby an air channel is likewise obtained between two ceiling profiles 300.

[0060] The ventilation mouth 620 of the air grille 600 is preferably formed as a swirl diffuser. An embodiment of such a swirl diffuser is shown in figures 5 and 6. This diffuser comprises a central part 622 and a plurality of vanes 621 extending from the central part 622 in the direction of an outer frame 623. In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 the outer frame 623 is formed as a ring, although other embodiments, in which the outer frame 623 is for instance formed as a square or rectangular frame in which the vanes are placed, are also possible. The vanes 621 are inclined relative to a horizontal plane, in the sense that they are formed with blades which are oriented at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 each of the vanes 621 forms the same angle of between 10° and 80° relative to a horizontal plane. The swirl diffuser can for instance be manufactured from galvanized steel and / or aluminium.

[0061] The ceiling structure according to Figures 1 and 4 further comprises a support structure 510 for supporting the one or more insulation structures 500. This support structure 510 rests on the one or more carrier profiles 200, even though embodiments in which the support structure 510 rests for instance on several of the ceiling profiles 300 are also possible. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 4 the support structure 510 rests on the carrier profiles 200.

[0062] The support structure 510 comprises one or more insulation support profiles 520 which are oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles 200, as well as one or more spacers 530 which are arranged between an insulation support profile 520 and a carrier profile 200. The support structure 510 as shown in Figures 1 and 4 comprises for each insulation support profile 520 a plurality of spacers 530. The spacers 530 are here formed as a solid or hollow beam-shaped block, for instance manufactured from a metal, wood or a plastic, which is attached to the carrier profile 200. In other embodiments the spacers 530 support on at least one of the ceiling profiles 300. Each insulation support profile 520 is attached to an upper side of one or more spacers 530. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 4 the insulation support profiles 520 are formed as hollow, for instance U-shaped, profiles with an open upper side. Alternatively, the insulation support profiles 520 can also be formed as slats. Combining insulation support profiles 520 with spacers 530 reduces the material cost entailed in manufacture of the support structure 510 compared to embodiments of a support structure 510 without spacers 530.

[0063] In the embodiment of Figure 4 the air grille 600 comprises a housing 610 which protrudes through an opening in an insulation structure 500. When the insulation structure 500 is for instance a mat encased in a film, an opening can be made in the mat and in the film, which is then sealed, for instance taped, so as to connect to the housing 610 of the air grille 600. The housing 610 is formed with a ventilation mouth 620, and a connection opening 630 which is configured to be connected to an air guiding channel 660. In the embodiment of Figure 4 the air grille 600 is formed such that the ventilation mouth 620 is situated on or close to the underside of the housing 610 and that the connection opening 630 is situated on or close to the upper side of the housing 610, wherein the housing 610 is formed with a wall extending substantially in an upward direction and connecting the upper side to the underside. In the schematic cross-section of Figure 4 the housing 610 is substantially formed as a funnel, wherein the outer end defining the greatest surface area forms the ventilation mouth 620 and protrudes from the lower surface of the insulation structures 500 in a vertically downward direction, while the outer end covering the smallest surface area forms the connection opening 630 and protrudes from the upper surface of the insulation structures 500 in a vertically upward direction. As a result, the connection opening 630 is situated above the one or more insulation structures 500.

[0064] In the embodiment of Figure 4 the connection opening 630 of the air grille 600 is connected to an air guiding channel 660 consisting of a substantially tubular channel. Through this air guiding channel 660 air is then discharged from the air grille 600 to another space, typically an outside space, or supplied from such an other space to the air grille 600. The part of the air guiding channel 660 shown in Figure 4 is shielded wholly by the panel-like insulation structures 500, this enhancing the aesthetics of the whole ceiling structure.

[0065] In Figure 4 the housing 610 of the air grille 600 is substantially tubular. In the embodiment of Figure 4 the housing 610 is more specifically formed as a tube with the funnel-shaped ventilation mouth 620 at one outer end and a connection opening 630 at another outer end. In the embodiment of Figure 4 the connection opening 630 is substantially circular in cross-section. An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 7, in which the housing 610 is closed on an upper side and the connection opening 630 is provided in an upward wall of the housing 610. In such variants the air grille 600 will not have the simple funnel shape as shown in Figures 4 and 6, but a simple design of the connected air guiding channel 660, for instance as one single straight pipe, will on the other hand be possible. This air guiding channel 660 is then laterally connected to the air grille 600, as illustrated in Figure 7.

[0066] The air grille 600 is provided with legs 640 which are fastened in or onto one or more of the ceiling profiles 300, or in or onto at least one of the carrier profiles 200. Fastening of the legs 640 in or onto the ceiling profiles 300 is preferred, since a ceiling structure preferably has a large number of ceiling profiles 300, and the legs 640 are preferably such that they can be fastened at any desired location of a ceiling profile 300 in the longitudinal direction. Fastening of the legs 640 in or onto the carrier profiles 200 is likewise possible, but typically provides less flexibility in respect of fastening location. The legs 640 can be provided on the outer frame 623 of the swirl diffuser 620 as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 the air grille 600 is provided with two legs, although embodiments in which the air grille is provided with only one leg 640, which is then for instance provided at the position of the central part 622 of the swirl diffuser 620, or with more than two legs 640 are also possible. It is particularly advantageous to provide swirl diffusers 620 with an outer frame 623 formed as a square or rectangular surface with a circular recess with four legs 640, which can then preferably be situated at the position of the four corner points of the outer frame 623. In the embodiment of Figure 4 the air grille 600 is provided with two legs 640 which however lie one behind the other in the viewing direction, i.e. in a direction perpendicularly of the plane of the cross-section, respectively in front of and behind the plane of the cross-section. In this embodiment the two legs 640 are both fastened in the same ceiling profile 300 by means of a substantially dovetail-shaped wing portion 641 which is attached to the upper edge of the ceiling profile 300. More specifically, the legs 640 are provided with grooves to form a wing portion 641, and the first and second coupling flanges 321, 322 with which the ceiling profiles 300 are provided in this embodiment can engage behind the protruding parts of the substantially dovetail-shaped wing portions 641 in order to bring about a stable fastening of the legs 640 in the ceiling profiles 300 in this way. The overall length of the legs 640 preferably lies between 60 and 80 mm, while the length of the wing portion 641, which determines how deep the legs 640 are placed into the ceiling profiles 300, preferably lies between 15 and 25 mm.

[0067] According to a variant which is not illustrated the air grille 600 is further provided with a flow rate control valve 650, which is then typically provided in a lateral wall of the housing 610 close to the connection opening 630.

[0068] The height of the air grille 600, measured in a vertical direction, preferably lies between 60 and 100 mm, more preferably between 70 and 90 mm. The ventilation mouth 620 has a width, measured in a horizontal direction, which preferably lies between 15 and 40 cm, more preferably between 20 and 35 cm. The connection opening 630 has a width, measured in a horizontal direction, which preferably lies between 5 and 35 cm, more preferably between 10 and 25 cm.

[0069] The distance D1 between the ventilation mouth 620 of the air grille 600 and a virtual horizontal plane defined by an upper side of at least one of the ceiling profiles 300 preferably lies between 30 and 60 mm, more preferably between 40 and 50 mm. The distance D2 between the ventilation mouth 620 of the air grille 600 and a virtual horizontal plane defined by an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles 200 preferably lies between 10 and 30 mm, more preferably between 15 and 25 mm. The distance D1 corresponds here with the sum of the distance D2 and the height, as measured in a vertical direction, of the carrier profiles 200, which amounts to for instance 25 mm. The distances D1 and D2, which determine the height of the ventilation mouth 620 above the whole of ceiling profiles 300 and carrier profiles 200, enable the ceiling structure to allow a free circulation of air above the ceiling profiles 300, and between the space under and the space above the open lowered ceiling.

[0070] The distance D3 between the lower surface of the insulation structures 500 and a virtual horizontal plane defined by an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles 200 preferably lies between 30 and 70 mm, more preferably between 40 and 60 mm. As a result, the distance between the lower surface of the insulation structures 500 and a virtual horizontal plane defined by an upper side of at least one of the ceiling profiles 300, which corresponds with the sum of the distance D3 with the height of the carrier profiles 200 which amounts to for instance 25 mm, preferably lies between 55 and 95 mm, more preferably between 65 and 85 mm. The distance D3, which determines the height of the insulation structures 500 relative to the carrier profiles 200, and so the size of the zone between the insulation structures 500 and an upper side of the carrier profiles 200, makes this intermediate zone, from which the ventilation essentially takes place, sufficiently large without however compromising the insulating action of the insulation structures 500.

[0071] In the portion of the ceiling structure shown in Figure 4 the insulation structures 500 extend over the whole shown length of the shown carrier profile 200. This is because the row of ceiling profiles 300 attached to this carrier profile 200 likewise extends over substantially the whole shown length of this carrier profile 200 and, since the ceiling profiles 300 function as heat radiation surfaces, it is advantageous to shield each of the ceiling profiles 300 at least partially on an upper side with a panel-like insulation structure 500.

[0072] Both the ceiling profiles 300 shown in Figures 1 and 3, which have a substantially U-shaped cross-section, and the ceiling profiles 300 of Figure 3 with a substantially V-shaped cross-section have in a mounted state a certain width B, as seen in a horizontal direction, which is measured at the position of the open upper side of the ceiling profile 300 and corresponds with the maximum distance between the first side wall 311 and the second side wall 312 of the ceiling profile 300. In both shown embodiments this width B is such that a minimum distance between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300 is preferably greater than 10% of the width B, more preferably greater than 20% of the width B, but is preferably smaller than three times the width B. More specifically, in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 3 the width B preferably lies between 10 and 50 mm, more preferably between 20 and 40 mm, still more preferably between 25 and 35 mm, while the distance between two ceiling profiles 300 amounts to for instance 20 mm, so that this distance is thus most preferably greater than 50% of the width B. Since the first and second side walls 311, 312 of the ceiling profiles 300 have a substantially perpendicular position to the carrier profiles 200 in these embodiments, the value of this distance therefore depends not on the height at which the distance is measured, and no distinction need thus in fact be made between a minimum and maximum distance between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300. This in contrast to the embodiment of Figure 3, in which the minimum distance between two ceiling profiles 300, as measured at the position of the open upper side of these ceiling profiles 300, amounts to for instance 20 mm, while the maximum distance between two ceiling profiles 300, as measured between the lower edges 313 of two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300, amounts to for instance 100 mm. This maximum distance is preferably greater than 80% of the width B, which in this embodiment preferably lies between 50 mm and 110 mm, more preferably between 60 mm and 100 mm, still more preferably between 70 mm and 90 mm. Such widths make the ceiling profiles 300 of this first and second embodiment suitable for receiving respectively one and two pipe parts 110 with a diameter of between 10 and 20 mm, while the stated ratios of the width B to the minimum / maximum distance between two ceiling profiles 300 achieve that a sufficiently large air channel is provided between each pair of mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300. This latter enhances the heat exchange between the ambient air and the fluid flowing through the pipe system 100, and so the cooling and / or heating of the space. On the other hand, this air channel must not be too large either, since too great a distance between the ceiling profiles 300 results in the space cooling down and / or heating up too slowly.

[0073] In each of the shown embodiments the ceiling profiles 300 further have in a mounted state a height H, as seen in vertical direction, which preferably lies between 20 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm. Such a height guarantees that the ceiling profiles 300 provide space to one or more pipe sections 110 with a diameter of between 10 and 20 mm, as well as to any wings 220 of the carrier profiles 200 whereby they are attached to the ceiling profiles 300, and to the dovetail-shaped wings 641 forming the outer ends of the legs 640 of the air grille 600.

[0074] The pipe sections 110 which are received in a ceiling profile 300 preferably make contact with the walls of this ceiling profile 300, particularly with the lower wall 313 of the ceiling profile 300 in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 3, and with the first side wall 311 or second side wall 312 of the ceiling profile 300 in the embodiment of Figure 3. This contact facilitates the action of the ceiling profiles 300 as heat radiation surfaces.

[0075] In each of the shown embodiments use is made of symmetrical ceiling profiles 300, which results in an airflow distributed uniformly in the space.

[0076] The first and / or second side wall 311, 312 of a ceiling profile 300 can optionally be provided with perforations arranged distributed over the surface. This can improve the acoustic properties of the ceiling structure. Sound-insulating material can further optionally be provided above a number of ceiling profiles 300 in order to further improve the acoustics of the space. This sound-insulating material is preferably arranged in a manner such that a convective flow between and along ceiling profiles 300 can take place unimpeded and the air above the ceiling profiles 300 can be flushed. In a first embodiment sound insulation is provided by manufacturing the insulation structures 500 from material which has not only heat-insulating but also sound-insulating properties. In alternative embodiments which are not illustrated separate sound-insulating structures are provided, these preferably extending vertically above one or more of the ceiling profiles 300 in a manner such that they do not impede placing of the substantially horizontally extending insulation structures 500. These can for instance be vertically mounted panels. The sound-insulating material can optionally be partially incorporated in a ceiling profile 300. A ceiling profile 300 can thus as it were form a support for a sound insulation panel.

[0077] The insulation support profiles 520 extend substantially in the direction of and over substantially the whole length of the ceiling profiles 300. Since this direction however coincides with the viewing direction in Figure 4, and is thus perpendicular to the direction along which Figure 4 shows a cross-section, this can however not be established on the basis of this figure. The insulation support profiles 520 are further substantially U-shaped, with a straight lower wall and curved upright side walls. The insulation support profiles 520 are open on an upper side, and the side walls of these profiles are folded inward to form a substantially horizontal upper edge on either side of the insulation support profile 520. The insulation structures 500 rest substantially on these horizontal upper edges, while the lower wall of an insulation support profile 520 is connected by means of one or more spacers 530 to one or more carrier profiles 200. This design of the insulation support profiles 520 has the advantage of being particularly suitable for a simple and stepwise mounting of the ceiling structure as illustrated above, wherein the carrier profiles 200 are firstly attached to the ceiling, after which the step of attaching the pipe sections 100 and ceiling profiles 300 to an underside of the carrier profiles 200 and the step of arranging both the support structure 510 and the insulation structures 500 on an upper side of the carrier profiles 200 can then take place in any order. This final step then comprises of, successively, arranging the spacers 530 on the carrier profiles 520, subsequently arranging the insulation support profiles 520 on top of the spacers 530 by attaching the one or more insulation support profiles 520 to the one or more of the spacers 530 and preferably by attaching the lower wall of each of the one or more insulation support profiles 520 to the upper side of one or more of the spacers 530, and finally arranging the insulation structures 500 on top of the insulation support profiles 520. The lower wall of the insulation support profiles 520 is preferably flat in order to facilitate arranging of the insulation support profiles 520 above the carrier profiles 200 via the spacers 530, while the upright side walls of the insulation support profiles 520 ensure that the insulation structures 500 remain in place and do not shift in the case of wind displacements in the space. The upright side walls are preferably curved inward in order to obtain a stable insulation support profile 520.

[0078] In a mounted state the insulation support profiles 520 have a width b, as seen in a horizontal direction, and a height h, as seen in a vertical direction, which are such that the height h is smaller than 50% of the width b, preferably smaller than 30% of the width b. The width b preferably lies between 60 and 90 mm, while the height h preferably lies between 5 and 20 mm. The width b of the insulation support profiles 520 is particularly large compared to the width of the spacers 530, which amounts to for instance 20 to 40 mm, while the height h of the insulation support profiles 520 is limited compared to the height of the spacers 530, which amounts to for instance 10 to 40 mm. In a longitudinal direction, which coincides with the viewing direction in Figure 4, the length of the spacers 530 amounts to only a fraction, for instance less than 10%, of the length of the insulation support profiles 520. This choice of mutual ratios between the dimensions of the insulation support profiles 520 and the spacers 530 achieves that a strong support structure 510 is obtained with limited volumes, and therefore also limited costs, for the required materials.

[0079] The distance between two spacers 530 which are attached onto the same carrier profile 200 is selected in accordance with the lateral dimensions of the insulation structures 500, and is preferably smaller than the width and / or the length of the insulation structures 500 supporting on the insulation support profiles 520 attached to these spacers 530.

[0080] The carrier profiles 200 are provided with a pipe carrying structure 400 for carrying the pipe system 100, as shown in Figure 8 in a detail view of the embodiment of Figure 3. A similar pipe carrying structure 400 is shown in Figures 1 and 3 for a different arrangement of the ceiling profiles 300. More specifically, a plurality of carrier elements 410 which are couplable to the carrier profiles 200 are provided for the purpose of attaching the pipe sections 110 to carrier profiles 200. The carrier elements 410 are here configured to receive in each case two pipe sections 110, which are received together in one single ceiling profile 300 with V-shaped cross-section in the embodiment of Figures 2 and 5, and are each received separately in a ceiling profile 300 with U-shaped cross-section in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 3. The carrier element 410 is provided with two mounting arms 411, 412 which can be anchored in two corresponding holes in an upper side of the carrier profile 200. Carrier element 410 is provided on an underside with two cylindrical receiving parts 421, 422 for receiving therein in each case a pipe section 110. Instead of cylindrical receiving parts 421, 422, use can alternatively also be made of any other suitable carrying means, for instance hooks or clamping means of a different form. In the illustrated example the carrier elements 410 are separate elements which are couplable to the carrier profile 200, although the skilled person will appreciate that the carrier elements can also form an integral whole with the carrier profiles 200.

[0081] According to another variant, which is not illustrated, it is moreover also possible to provide the pipe carrying structure 400 separately of the carrier profiles 200.

[0082] The ceiling profiles 300 can preferably be coupled directly to carrier profiles 200. For this purpose the ceiling profile 300 can be provided at the top with a first and a second coupling flange 321, 322 which protrude inward from respectively the first and second side wall 311, 312 of the ceiling profile 300 and are intended to co-act with dovetail-shaped wings 220 which protrude downward from the carrier profile 200. The coupling flanges 321, 322 then bound an opening on an upper side of the ceiling profile 300 through which one or more pipe sections 110 are receivable. The coupling flanges 321, 322 are preferably formed as flat surfaces which are curved at the position of the point where they converge with respectively the first and second side wall 311, 312 of the ceiling profile 300 in order to connect to these side walls 311, 312.

[0083] Figure 9 illustrates schematically that the pipe system 100 can comprise one continuous pipe which is arranged in looping manner. In the simplified example of Figure 9 four loops L1, L2, L3, L4 can be distinguished. The fluid is fed through a first leg 1 of the first loop L1 to a second, parallel leg 1' of the first loop L1, and from there to the second loop L2 and so on. Each loop L1, L2, L3, L4 comprises two substantially parallel pipe sections 110 which are intended to be received in ceiling profiles 300, and two curved sections 120 which can be situated at an outer end of the ceiling structure in a longitudinal direction. The curved sections 120 of the loops L1, L2, L3, L4 thus overlap each other outside the ceiling profiles 300. Depending on the flexibility of the pipes, smaller or larger loops can be opted for. In the embodiment of Figure 9 every two adjacent pipe sections 110 belong to a different loop of the plurality of loops. Figure 9 shows an example with one continuous pipe, but the skilled person will appreciate that looping patterns are also possible, wherein a plurality of continuous pipes are combined with each other. Figure 9 also shows an embodiment in which exactly two parallel pipe sections 110 are arranged in each ceiling profile 300, in accordance with Figures 2 and 5, although, as already indicated above, embodiments in which only one pipe section or more than two pipe sections 110 are arranged in a ceiling profile 300 are also possible.

[0084] Figures 10A, 10B and 10C illustrate an embodiment of a ceiling structure according to a second aspect of the invention. The ceiling structure comprises a pipe system (not shown) with a plurality of pipe sections extending substantially parallel to each other, for instance as shown in Figure 4, wherein the pipe system is configured to transport a fluid for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space. The ceiling structure further comprises one or more carrier profiles 200 and a plurality of ceiling profiles 300 which are couplable at a mutual distance to the one or more carrier profiles, for instance as shown in and described above for Figure 4. The ceiling structure further comprises a mounting piece 700 for mounting a functional module (800), such as a sensor, signage (for instance a panel indicating an emergency exit), a sprinkler, an antenna, a camera, a lighting element and so on, in the ceiling structure. The ceiling profiles 300 are oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles 200, wherein a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles is configured to receive therein in each case one or more pipe sections of the pipe system.

[0085] The ceiling profiles 300 are provided at the top with a first and a second coupling flange 321, 322 which bound an opening through which one or more pipe sections 110 are receivable and which connect to respectively a first and second side wall 311, 312 of a ceiling profile 300. The one or more carrier profiles 200 are provided with downward protruding wings 220 which are configured to co-act with the first and second coupling flanges 321, 322 of a ceiling profile 300.

[0086] The mounting piece 700 is configured and dimensioned to be fixed between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300 of the plurality of ceiling profiles and the mounting piece 700 is provided with a first and second mounting coupling flange 721, 722 which are configured to co-act with respectively a first and second mutually adjacent wing 220 of the plurality of wings of a carrier profile 200, such that the mounting piece 700 is fixable to the carrier profile between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300.

[0087] The mounting piece 700 is preferably substantially U-shaped with a bottom 713 and a first and second upright side wall 711, 712 and the first and second mounting coupling flange 721, 722 connect to respectively the first and second upright side wall 711, 712 of the mounting piece 700. A functional module (not shown in Figure 10A, but see for instance 800 in Figure 11) can be attached to the bottom 713 of the mounting piece 700.

[0088] Preferably, the wings 220 are substantially dovetail-shaped and each coupling flange 321, 322 and each mounting coupling flange 721, 722 has a thickness such that they are both at least partially insertable into a recess 221, 222 formed by the substantially dovetail-shaped wings 220.

[0089] The length (Lm) of the mounting piece is preferably smaller than 30% of the length of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles, and is for instance between 7 and 20 cm. The height (Hm) of the mounting piece is preferably between 10 and 150% of the height (H) of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles, for instance between 70 and 120% of the height (H) of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles. Figure 11 illustrates another variant of a ceiling structure in which two mounting pieces 700, 700' with different height H, H' are snapped fixedly into the ceiling structure. Attached to each mounting piece 700, 700' is a respective functional module 800, 800'.

[0090] The plurality of ceiling profiles 300 preferably have in a mounted state a maximum width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, and wherein the minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is smaller than the width (B). The minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300 is preferably substantially equal to a maximum width (Bm) of the mounting piece without the mounting coupling flanges 721, 722.

[0091] A wall thickness of the mounting coupling piece 700 is preferably smaller than 1 mm. This will preferably allow the side walls 711, 712 to bend inward during mounting between the ceiling profiles and then spring back into the recesses 221, 222.

[0092] The mounting piece is preferably fixed between two pairs of wings 220, a first pair of wings 220 on a first longitudinal side of the carrier profile 200 and a second pair of wings (not visible in Figure 10A) on a second longitudinal side of the carrier profile 200.

[0093] The plurality of ceiling profiles 300 preferably have in a mounted state a width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, of between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, more preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm. The plurality of ceiling profiles 300 preferably have in a mounted state a height (H), as seen in a vertical direction, of between 20 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm.

Examples

second embodiment

[0057]Figures 2 and 3 shows a first and the ceiling structure, in which the insulation structures and the air grille are not shown. The skilled person will appreciate that the insulation structures and the air grille as already illustrated in Figure 1, and as will be further illustrated with reference to Figures 4-7, can be integrated in similar manner in the ceiling structures as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0058]More specifically, Figures 2 and 3 illustrate two different embodiments of the ceiling profiles 300. In the illustrated embodiments the ceiling profiles 300 are suitable for receiving one single pipe section 110 in the embodiment of Figure 2, and two parallel pipe sections 110 in the embodiment of Figure 3, although the skilled person will appreciate that the ceiling profiles 300 can also be configured to receive more than two pipe sections 110.

[0059]In each of the shown embodiments the ceiling profiles 300 have a first side wall 311 and an opposite second side wall 312 which...

first embodiment

[0076]The first and / or second side wall 311, 312 of a ceiling profile 300 can optionally be provided with perforations arranged distributed over the surface. This can improve the acoustic properties of the ceiling structure. Sound-insulating material can further optionally be provided above a number of ceiling profiles 300 in order to further improve the acoustics of the space. This sound-insulating material is preferably arranged in a manner such that a convective flow between and along ceiling profiles 300 can take place unimpeded and the air above the ceiling profiles 300 can be flushed. In a first embodiment sound insulation is provided by manufacturing the insulation structures 500 from material which has not only heat-insulating but also sound-insulating properties. In alternative embodiments which are not illustrated separate sound-insulating structures are provided, these preferably extending vertically above one or more of the ceiling profiles 300 in a manner such that they...

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a ceiling structure for a space, for instance a room in a building, and particularly a climate-controlling and ventilating ceiling structure in which a pipe system is received.Background

[0002] Climate-controlling ceiling structures for forming a lowered ceiling for cooling or heating a space are known. In known climate-controlling ceiling structures the lowered ceiling is generally formed by plates arranged on a support structure. These plates typically fit together well. The plates on the side of the lowered ceiling which is not visible are here provided with a pipe system through which a fluid is carried for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space, i.e. in order to cool or heat the space.

[0003] A drawback of such known climate-controlling ceiling structures is that each plate of the ceiling structure is provided with its own pipe section which must be connected to a pipe section of an adjacent plate. Many connectors are necessary for this purpose, which increases the cost price and complexity of the connecting. The large number of connections by means of connectors moreover entails an increased risk of leaks occurring. Finally, many existing climate-controlling ceiling structures can be improved in respect of their energy consumption.

[0004] European patent EP 2 420 749 B1 and European patent application EP 3 851 751 A1 in the name of applicant describe an improved ceiling structure which largely obviates the above stated problems. Both documents are based on a technique of night ventilation for cooling a building, which allows the heat capacity of the structure of the building to be utilized in the cooling. In this technique use is made of temperature differences occurring outside the building. It is generally warmer during the day than at night, so that the heat which is stored in the building during the day can be released at night by guiding the colder outside air through the building to cool the structure of the building. The building can thus have cooled sufficiently by morning to be gradually heated up again during the day. Since the heat capacity of the building is much greater than the heat capacity of air, the heating in a room of the building to be cooled will progress much more slowly during the day owing to the application of this technique of night ventilation, so that less energy is needed for cooling the space. Although the ceiling structures of EP 2 420 749 B1 and EP 3 851 751 A1 are already energy-efficient owing to this principle, they still leave room for further improvement in respect of energy efficiency.

[0005] The climate-controlling action of the above described ceiling structures is disrupted to a certain extent when windows, along which hot outside air is supplied, are opened during the day in the space to be cooled. In order to prevent this, such ceiling structures are generally provided in spaces which cannot be ventilated manually in that any windows present cannot be opened. In such spaces such an automated ventilation system is therefore essential in order to avoid excessive concentrations of exhaled CO 2 . Existing systems for ventilating a space are however less suitable to be combined with the described ceiling structures, since such systems will generally be mounted on the ceiling of a space and thereby limit the ceiling surface area available for the climate-controlling ceiling structure.Summary of the invention

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention has for its object to provide a ceiling structure whereby controlling the temperature in a space, and supplying oxygen-rich air and discharging oxygen-poor air in the space, can be further improved in an efficient manner.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a ceiling structure for a space, for instance a space of a building. The ceiling structure comprises a pipe system, one or more carrier profiles, a plurality of ceiling profiles, one or more insulation structures and an air grille. The pipe system comprises a plurality of pipe sections extending substantially parallel to each other and is configured to transport a fluid, typically water, for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space (heating and / or cooling). The plurality of ceiling profiles are couplable at a mutual distance to the one or more carrier profiles, wherein the ceiling profiles are oriented at an angle relative to the carrier profiles and are preferably oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles. A ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles is configured to receive therein in each case one or more pipe sections of the pipe system. The ceiling profile is preferably open at the top. The one or more insulation structures are plate-like and are provided above the one or more carrier profiles. The air grille comprises a ventilation mouth and is connectable through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures. The ventilation mouth debouches in a zone between the one or more insulation structures and an upper side of the carrier profiles. The air grille is configured to supply and / or extract air in the space.

[0008] Providing insulation structures above the one or more carrier profiles prevents heat or cold from escaping along an upper side of the ceiling structure. In this way the consumed energy is utilized even more efficiently to cool or heat the space, and the space is protected against external influencing factors such as undesired cooling or heating from above. Because the insulation structures are plate-like, they cover the ceiling structure at least partially on an upper side and, as such, delimit the space to be cooled or to be heated.

[0009] The air grille, which is configured to supply and / or extract air in the space, furthermore provides for an efficient automated ventilation. The air grille is particularly utilized to supply fresh air which is high in oxygen, and / or to discharge air with high concentrations of expiration gases such as CO 2 and low concentrations of oxygen. In the present invention the ventilation system is integrated in the ceiling structure, so that the ventilation system is prevented from taking up space which cannot then be utilized by the ceiling structure.

[0010] It is advantageous here to arrange the air grille in a manner such that it can make air circulate from a zone between the carrier profiles and the insulation structures. Because the ventilation mouth of the air grille debouches in a zone between the one or more insulation structures and an upper side of the carrier profiles, supply and / or extraction of air takes place from this intermediate zone, so that the supplied and / or discharged air is carried along at least several of the ceiling profiles in its circulation through the space. In this way the air above the ceiling profiles is in fact flushed. The ceiling profiles can here function in the manner of radiating bodies for the pipe sections received therein, wherein heat is exchanged between the fluid flowing through the pipe system on one hand and the surrounding air carried along the ceiling profiles on the other. Convection carries this air back into the space under the lowered ceiling. This convective flow is moreover stimulated by the supplementary supply or discharge of air through the air grille, and is not impeded by the insulation structures owing to the position of these insulation structures at a certain height above the ceiling profiles. Compared to existing systems, such a technique for controlling the temperature in a space provides additional comfort to the users of the space.

[0011] In order to prevent the placing of the air grille from conflicting with the placing of the insulation structures, an opening is provided in or between the one or more insulation structures through which the air grille is connectable, for instance to an air guiding channel for supplying oxygen-rich air and discharging oxygen-poor air. Providing the connectability of the air grille through such opening provides the option of concealing any air guiding channels at least partially in a space above the insulation structures, so that they only take up a limited amount of space in the zone between the insulation structures and the carrier profiles. This guarantees that a sufficiently large volume of air is present between the insulation structures and the carrier profiles to enable a convective airflow in this zone. The air grille can for instance be provided in a space under the one or more insulation structures, and can be connected to a channel protruding through said opening in or between the insulation structures and further extending substantially above the insulation structures. Alternatively, the air grille can also protrude partially through said opening in or between the insulation structures in a manner such that a portion of the air grille is situated above the insulation structures in a vertical direction, while another portion comprising the ventilation mouth is situated under the insulation structures in a vertical direction. In this case it is also possible to provide any air guiding channel to be connected substantially above the insulation structures.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment the ventilation mouth of the air grille is formed as a swirl diffuser. Such a swirl diffuser is characterized by a centred radial pattern of vanes surrounded by an outer frame which is for instance formed as a ring or a surface with circular recess, wherein the vanes are typically inclined relative to this outer frame. This swirl diffuser can for instance be manufactured from galvanized steel and / or aluminium. Swirl diffusers are preferred over alternatives such as line diffusers or slot diffusers because of their radially swirling blow-out or extraction pattern, characterized by supply or discharge of air in both a vertical direction (perpendicularly of the outer frame of the swirl diffuser) and a horizontal direction (parallel to this outer frame). This in contrast to line or slot diffusers, which are configured only to supply or discharge air in a direction perpendicularly of the diffuser surface. Compared to such linearly directed ventilation, multidirectional ventilation as obtained by means of swirl diffusers are generally experienced as more pleasant by users. Swirl diffusers are furthermore known for their high induction, which means that they are able to flush a large volume of air in a short amount of time, and, as a result, for their rapid mixing of air, particularly of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor and of cool and warm air. This latter makes swirl diffusers highly suitable for cooling or heating and ventilating a large space rapidly.

[0013] Swirl diffusers also benefit from the so-called Coanda effect, which consists of supplied or discharged air being entrained along nearby surfaces over great distances, also when they lie at an angle relative to the initial supply or discharge direction. This phenomenon is caused by areas of low pressure and vortices which result in the vicinity of the initial airflow, which then attract ambient air. This ambient air feeds the existing airflow and also adheres to the nearby surfaces, this creating an additional airflow along these surfaces. In the present invention the surfaces in question are formed by the outer frame of the swirl diffuser and by the lower surface of the plate-like insulation structures and the upper surfaces of the carrier profiles. The more inclined the vanes of the swirl diffuser are, the more such horizontal airflow is promoted. The supplied air thus spreads over a large surface area along these nearby surfaces before decreasing in speed and dropping downward in the space. In this way the air grille flushes not only the air immediately surrounding it, but in fact allows the whole space to be ventilated efficiently from one single point.

[0014] The ceiling structure preferably further comprises a support structure for supporting the one or more insulation structures, wherein the support structure rests on the one or more carrier profiles or on the ceiling profiles. This support structure preferably comprises one or more insulation support profiles which are oriented substantially transversely of the one or more carrier profiles. This is because, for the ventilation mouth of the air grille to debouch in a zone between the insulation structures and an upper side of the carrier profiles, it is required to mount the insulation structures at a certain height above the carrier profiles. It is precisely for this reason that it is not desirable to have the insulation structures rest directly on the carrier profiles, but a structure is preferably provided for the purpose of supporting the insulation structures at a certain height above the carrier profiles. In order to facilitate the mounting of the ceiling structure it is advantageous to integrate the support structure into the ceiling structure by having it rest on the one or more carrier profiles or on the ceiling profiles. Since the insulation structures are formed as a plate-like structure, it is advantageous to support them in a horizontal longitudinal or width direction by means of an insulation support profile. By orienting this insulation support profile substantially transversely of the carrier profiles a more stable support structure is obtained, wherein the carrier profiles also provide in a direction perpendicularly of the direction of the insulation support profiles providing the primary support a secondary support which can limit any sagging of an insulation structure in depth direction.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment the support structure further comprises one or more spacers which are arranged between an insulation support profile and a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles, and which support on a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles or on at least one of the ceiling profiles. A spacer is for instance formed as a block with limited dimensions compared to the insulation support profiles and the carrier profiles. The one or more spacers serve to create a certain distance between the carrier profiles and the insulation support profiles, such that sufficient space is left between the insulation structures and the carrier profiles to provide space for the ventilation mouth and optionally yet another portion of the air grille. In embodiments without spacers, in which the whole support structure consists of insulation support profiles, the insulation support profiles must be given a higher form, resulting in high material costs, while a combination of less high insulation support profiles and spacers extending mainly in a height direction and having limited dimensions in a horizontal longitudinal and width direction can result in a support with the same performance and with smaller material volumes needed.

[0016] The insulation support profiles preferably have a width b, as seen in a horizontal direction, and a height h, as seen in a vertical direction, which are such that the height h is smaller than 50% of the width b, preferably smaller than 30% of the width b. The width b preferably lies between 60 and 90 mm, while the height h preferably lies between 5 and 20 mm. The width b of the insulation support profiles is preferably greater than the width of the spacers, which amounts to for instance 20 to 30 mm, while the height h of the insulation support profiles is smaller than the height of the spacers, which amounts to for instance 20 to 100 mm.

[0017] The insulation structures are preferably formed as panels or mats. A plurality of panels or mats are typically arranged adjacently of each other in a plane substantially parallel to a plane in which the ceiling profiles extend. These insulation structures are for instance formed as panels or mats of rock wool, glass wool, mass-coloured polyester wool or recycled plastic, for instance PET, optionally encased by a film or foil. The plate-like insulation structures can also comprise a plurality of different layers which may or may not be adhered to each other. The plate-like insulation structures preferably have a thickness of between 5 and 50 mm, more preferably between 10 and 40 mm, still more preferably between 15 and 25 mm. The plate-like insulation structures preferably have lateral dimensions which make these insulation structures easy to manipulate and install. These panel-like insulation structures preferably have lateral dimensions, particularly a length and a width, lying respectively between 50 and 300 cm, more preferably between 50 and 200 cm.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment the air grille comprises a housing which protrudes through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures. This positioning of the housing achieves that the ventilation mouth debouches in said intermediate zone between the insulation structures and the carrier profiles, but simultaneously prevents the whole air grille from having to be received in this intermediate zone. This is because, if this intermediate zone had to provide space to the whole air grille, the insulation structures would inevitably have to be placed at great height above the carrier profiles, with an adverse effect on the insulating action.

[0019] The air grille preferably further comprises a connection opening which is configured to be connected to an air guiding channel. Through this channel air is then discharged from the air grille to another space, typically an outside space, or supplied from such an other space to the air grille. The pump which brings about the supply and / or discharge of air can be situated at a distance from the ceiling structure, for instance at or close to an outer end of this air guiding channel. One single pump can further be connected to a plurality of ceiling structures, which are situated at a mutual distance in the same or different spaces. The connection opening of the air grille is preferably situated above the one or more insulation structures. In embodiments with an air grille with a housing which protrudes through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures the connection opening is preferably situated particularly at or close to an outer end of the housing protruding above this opening. In this way any air guiding channel which is connected to the connection opening is visually concealed at least partially. This is because such a channel is then likewise situated above the one or more plate-like insulation structures and, as a result, is shielded at least partially by these insulation structures. This enhances the aesthetics of the whole ceiling structure.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment the housing of the air grille is substantially tubular and the connection opening of the air grille corresponds with an outer end of the tubular part of the housing, which is then typically situated on an upper side of the housing. Such embodiments are characterized by an air grille which can be manufactured in simple manner and which extends substantially in a vertical direction (height direction), wherein integral manufacture is possible. These do however have the drawback that any air guiding channels to be connected, which extend substantially in a horizontal rather than a vertical direction, must bend in order to bridge the transition to the substantially vertically extending air grille, wherein use must optionally be made of connectors.

[0021] In another exemplary embodiment the housing of the air grille is closed on an upper side and the connection opening is provided in a lateral wall of the housing. The more complex form of such a housing makes these air grilles more difficult to manufacture, but facilitates connection of classic tubular air guiding channels without connectors.

[0022] The air grille is preferably provided with legs which are fastened in or onto one or more of the ceiling profiles, or in or onto at least one of the carrier profiles. By supporting the air grille from below using such legs the air grille need not necessarily be attached directly to an insulation structure, but can in fact hang through an opening in or between the one or more of the insulation structures without making close contact with these insulation structures. These legs furthermore contribute to maintaining a certain height between the ventilation mouth of the air grille and a plane bordering on an upper side of the carrier profiles.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment the air grille is provided with a flow rate control valve. This allows the magnitude of the volume of air being supplied or discharged through the air grille per unit of time to be set precisely. In this way it is achieved that embodiments of the invention can be used for cooling and / or heating and / or ventilating spaces of different sizes, wherein larger spaces typically require a higher flow rate.

[0024] The distance between the ventilation mouth of the air grille and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the ceiling profiles preferably lies between 30 and 60 mm, more preferably between 40 and 50 mm. The distance between the ventilation mouth of the air grille and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles preferably lies between 10 and 30 mm, more preferably between 15 and 25 mm. This is because placing the ventilation mouth of the air grille at an adequate height above the ceiling profiles and the carrier profiles achieves that the air can circulate freely above the ceiling profiles and between the space under the open lowered ceiling and the space above the open lowered ceiling. In this way the air of the space to be cooled and / or heated comes into contact with the structure of the building in improved manner, and the heat capacity of the building structure itself can thus be utilized. The two distances furthermore facilitate flushing of air above and along the ceiling profiles, resulting in improved action of the ceiling profiles as radiating bodies for the pipe sections, through which a fluid flows, received therein, and a better heat exchange between this fluid and the air.

[0025] The distance between the lower surface of at least one of the insulation structures and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles preferably lies between 30 and 70 mm, more preferably between 40 and 60 mm. This is because this distance forms the height of the insulation structures relative to the carrier profiles, and thus determines the size of the zone between the insulation structures and an upper side of the carrier profiles. This height must on one hand be sufficiently great for the ventilation mouth to be able to debouch in this intermediate zone and the ventilation to take place essentially from this intermediate zone, but must on the other hand also remain sufficiently limited so as not to compromise the insulating action of the insulation structures.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment the one or more insulation structures extend over substantially the whole length of the one or more carrier profiles. In this way the ceiling structure is substantially covered on an upper side by the insulation structures, this enhancing the effect of the insulation structures delimiting the space for cooling or heating and optionally visually shielding any air guiding channels lying thereabove. It furthermore has a positive effect on the insulating action if the whole pipe system, and so each of the ceiling profiles, are shielded on an upper side by the insulation structures.

[0027] The ceiling profiles have in a mounted state a certain width, as seen in a horizontal direction, and the distance between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is preferably greater than 10% of this width, more preferably greater than 20% of the width, still more preferably greater than 50% of the width. In this way a sufficiently open lowered ceiling can be obtained, wherein sufficient space is provided between the successive ceiling profiles so that a convective and ventilating airflow could be maintained between each of the ceiling profiles, stimulated by the supply and discharge of air through the air grille.

[0028] The ceiling profiles have in a mounted state a width, as seen in a horizontal direction, which preferably lies between 10 mm and 50 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, still more preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm. This is because a ceiling structure which is sufficiently open and simultaneously provides space for a sufficiently large number of pipe sections can be obtained by limiting the width of the ceiling profiles, in combination with providing an adequate distance between adjacent ceiling profiles. The width of the ceiling profiles is such that one or more pipe sections can be arranged therein, wherein the pipe sections for instance have a diameter of between 10 and 20 mm.

[0029] The ceiling profiles have in a mounted state a height, as seen in a vertical direction, which preferably lies between 20 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm. Such heights allow the ceiling profiles to accommodate one or more pipe sections on one hand and, on the other, to camouflag a portion of the one or more carrier elements for carrying the one or more pipe sections. Such heights additionally guarantee that the pipe sections are surrounded by a sufficiently large radiation surface. The pipe sections are preferably mounted in the ceiling profiles such that they make contact with the ceiling profiles.

[0030] The ceiling profiles are preferably manufactured from a material with good thermal conductivity, more preferably from metal, for instance from steel, copper or aluminium.

[0031] The one or more insulation support profiles preferably extend substantially in the direction of and over substantially the whole length of the ceiling profiles. This is because, in order to fulfil their function as part of the support structure for the insulation structures, the insulation support profiles must extend in a longitudinal direction over a substantial part of the length of the insulation structures, and the preferred orientation of the insulation support profiles transversely of the carrier profiles, which are in turn preferably oriented transversely of the ceiling profiles, indicates the direction of the ceiling profiles as preferred direction for the insulation support profiles.

[0032] The insulation support profiles are further preferably substantially U-shaped, wherein the insulation structures support on the open upper side of the U-shape, and the insulation support profiles have in mounted state a certain width, as seen in a horizontal direction, and a certain height, as seen in a vertical direction. This height is preferably smaller than 50% of this width, more preferably smaller than 30% of this width. It is advantageous to opt for a width of the insulation support profiles which is not too small, since the contact points between the insulation support profiles and the insulation structures are situated on either side of the U-shaped profiles, at a mutual distance substantially corresponding with the width of the insulation support profiles, so that this width, together with the length of the insulation support profiles which preferably coincides substantially with the length of the ceiling profiles, determines the size of the surface of the insulation structures which is directly supported by the insulation support profiles. In other words, insulation support profiles which are sufficiently large in a width direction enhance the stability and supporting action of the support structure. The height of the insulation support profiles however contributes less to this supporting action, particularly in an embodiment with spacers, whereby this height is preferably limited compared to this width. U-shaped insulation support profiles are preferred as opposed to solid profiles, since they entail lower material costs.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment the carrier profiles are provided with a pipe carrying structure for carrying the pipe system. The pipe carrying structure preferably comprises a plurality of carrier elements which are couplable to the carrier profiles. Such carrier elements are provided with a receiving part, such as a clamping bracket or a hook in which a pipe section can be suspended. In this way the pipe sections of the pipe system can be coupled to the carrier profiles in simple manner, after which the ceiling profiles can be arranged over the pipe sections and can be coupled to the carrier profiles. Mounting of the ceiling structure thus in fact starts with a solid attachment of the carrier profiles to the ceiling, after which the step of attaching the pipe sections and ceiling profiles to an underside of the carrier profiles and the step of arranging the support structure and the insulation structures on an upper side of the carrier profiles can take place in any order. This makes mounting of the ceiling structure simple and not very time-consuming.

[0034] The one or more carrier profiles are preferably configured for direct coupling to the ceiling profiles. For this purpose the ceiling profile can be provided at the top with a first and second coupling flange which delimit an opening through which one or more pipe sections can be received in the ceiling profile. This first and second coupling flange connect to respectively a first and second side wall of a ceiling profile. The one or more carrier profiles can then be provided with downward protruding wings which are configured to co-act with the first and second coupling flanges. The wings can for instance be dovetail-shaped, such that the first and second coupling flanges can engage behind protruding parts of the dovetails.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment, the pipe system comprises a continuous pipe which is arranged in looping manner, such that a plurality of mutually partially overlapping loops is formed. Such loops can extend from one side of a space to another side of the space, and comprise straight sections lying in the ceiling profiles and arched sections close to the side walls of the space. The pipe sections of the pipe system are preferably sufficiently flexible to enable a continuous pipe to be placed in looping manner. In such a configuration two mutually adjacent pipe sections, which are for instance accommodated in mutually adjacent ceiling profiles or in the same ceiling profile, will typically belong to different loops of the plurality of loops. The advantage of arranging a continuous pipe in looping manner is, among other things, that the number of connectors can be limited. The placing can also take place in simple manner. After mounting of the carrier profiles the pipe system can be provided by arranging one continuous pipe or a small number of continuous pipes in looping manner against the carrier profiles, and such that pipe sections of the loops extend substantially parallel to each other. After this, the ceiling profiles can be arranged over the pipe sections, wherein the ceiling profiles are coupled to the carrier profiles.

[0036] In summary, the first invention relates to a ceiling structure according to any one of the following clauses: 1. Ceiling structure for a space, comprising: a pipe system (100) with a plurality of pipe sections (110) extending substantially parallel to each other, wherein the pipe system (100) is configured to transport a fluid for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space; one or more carrier profiles (200); and a plurality of ceiling profiles (300) which are couplable at a mutual distance to the one or more carrier profiles, wherein the ceiling profiles are oriented at an angle relative to the carrier profiles and are preferably oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles, wherein a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles is configured to receive therein in each case one or more pipe sections of the pipe system; one or more plate-like insulation structures (500) which are provided above the one or more carrier profiles; and an air grille (600) with a ventilation mouth (620), wherein the air grille is connectable through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures, the ventilation mouth debouches in a zone between the one or more insulation structures and an upper side of the one or more carrier profiles, and the air grille is configured to supply and / or extract air in the space. 2. The ceiling structure according to clause 1, wherein the ventilation mouth (620) of the air grille (600) is formed as a swirl diffuser. 3. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, further comprising a support structure (510) for supporting the one or more insulation structures (500), wherein the support structure rests on the one or more carrier profiles (200) or on the ceiling profiles (300). 4. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, wherein the support structure (510) comprises one or more insulation support profiles (520) which are oriented substantially transversely of the one or more carrier profiles (200). 5. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, wherein the support structure (510) further comprises one or more spacers (530) which are arranged between an insulation support profile (520) and a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles (200), and which support on a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles or on at least one of the ceiling profiles (300). 6. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the air grille (600) comprises a housing (610) which protrudes through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures (500). 7. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the air grille (600) comprises a connection opening (630) which is situated above the one or more insulation structures (500) and is configured to be connected to an air guiding channel (660). 8. The ceiling structure according to clauses 6 and 7, wherein the housing (610) of the air grille (600) is substantially tubular and the connection opening (630) of the air grille corresponds with an outer end of the tubular part of the housing. 9. The ceiling structure according to clauses 6 and 7, wherein the housing (610) of the air grille (600) is closed on an upper side and the connection opening (630) is provided in a lateral wall of the housing. 10. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the air grille (600) is provided with legs (640) which are fastened in or onto one or more of the ceiling profiles (300), or in or onto at least one of the carrier profiles (200). 11. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the air grille (600) is provided with a flow rate control valve (650). 12. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the distance (D1) between the ventilation mouth (620) of the air grille (600) and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the ceiling profiles (300) lies between 30 and 60 mm, preferably between 40 and 50 mm. 13. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the distance (D2) between the ventilation mouth (620) of the air grille (600) and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles (200) lies between 10 and 30 mm, preferably between 15 and 25 mm. 14. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the distance (D3) between the lower surface of at least one of the insulation structures (500) and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles (200) lies between 30 and 70 mm, preferably between 40 and 60 mm. 15. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the one or more insulation structures (500) extend over substantially the whole length of the one or more carrier profiles (200). 16. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, and wherein a minimum distance between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is greater than 10% of the width (B), preferably greater than 20% of the width (B), more preferably greater than 50% of the width (B). 17. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, of between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, more preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm. 18. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a height (H), as seen in vertical direction, of between 20 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm. 19. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the one or more insulation support profiles (520) extend substantially in the direction of and over substantially the whole length of the ceiling profiles (300). 20. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the one or more insulation support profiles (520) are substantially U-shaped and have in a mounted state a width (b), as seen in a horizontal direction, and a height (h), as seen in a vertical direction, wherein the height (h) is smaller than 50% of the width (b), preferably smaller than 30% of the width (b). 21. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the one or more carrier profiles (200) are provided with a pipe carrying structure (400) for carrying the pipe system (100). 22. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, wherein the pipe carrying structure (400) comprises a plurality of carrier elements (410) which are couplable to the one or more carrier profiles (200). 23. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the one or more carrier profiles (200) are configured for direct coupling to the ceiling profiles (300). 24. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the ceiling profiles (300) are provided at the top with a first and a second coupling flange (321, 322) which bound an opening through which one or more pipe sections (110) are receivable and which connect to respectively a first and second side wall (311, 312) of a ceiling profile; and wherein the one or more carrier profiles (200) are provided with downward protruding wings (220) which are configured to co-act with the first and second coupling flanges (321, 322). 25. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the pipe system (100) comprises a continuous pipe which is arranged in looping manner, such that a plurality of mutually partially overlapping loops (L1, L2, L3, L4) is formed, wherein two mutually adjacent pipe sections of the plurality of pipe sections (110) belong to different loops of the plurality of loops. 26. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the pipe sections (110) of the pipe system (100) are flexible.

[0037] The object of a second aspect of the invention is to provide a ceiling structure in which functional modules, such as sensors, signage, sprinklers and so on, can be added to the ceiling structure in simple and robust manner.

[0038] For this purpose a second aspect of the invention relates to a ceiling structure for a space comprising a pipe system, one or more carrier profiles, a plurality of ceiling profiles and at least one mounting piece for mounting one or more functional modules. The pipe system has a plurality of pipe sections which preferably extend substantially parallel to each other, wherein the pipe system is configured to transport a fluid for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space. The plurality of ceiling profiles are couplable at a mutual distance to the one or more carrier profiles. The at least one mounting piece (700) is configured to mount a functional module, such as a sensor, signage, a sprinkler, in the ceiling structure. The ceiling profiles are oriented at an angle relative to the carrier profiles and are preferably oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles. A ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles is configured to receive therein in each case one or more pipe sections of the pipe system. The ceiling profiles are provided at the top with a first and a second coupling flange which bound an opening through which one or more pipe sections are receivable and which connect to respectively a first and second side wall of a ceiling profile. The one or more carrier profiles are provided with downward protruding wings which are configured to co-act with the first and second coupling flanges. The wings are preferably formed integrally with the carrier profile, for instance by punching and / or cutting and / or folding. The mounting piece is configured and dimensioned to be fixed between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles of the plurality of ceiling profiles. The mounting piece is provided with a first and second mounting coupling flange which are configured to co-act with respectively a first and second mutually adjacent wing of the plurality of wings of a carrier profile of the plurality of carrier profiles, such that the mounting piece is fixable to the carrier profile between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles. The first and second wing lie adjacently of each other, as seen in a longitudinal direction of the carrier profile.

[0039] In this way a functional module can be attached to the mounting piece instead of to a ceiling profile. This is because the pipe sections are provided in the ceiling profiles, whereby attachment to the ceiling profiles is more difficult and entails the risk of the pipe sections being damaged.

[0040] The mounting piece is preferably formed such that it can be clamped between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles. The functional module can for instance first be attached to the mounting piece, after which the mounting piece with functional module can be secured in simple manner between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles.

[0041] The mounting piece is preferably substantially U-shaped with a bottom and a first and second upright side wall, wherein the first and second mounting coupling flange connect to respectively the first and second upright side wall of the mounting piece and protrude outward. In this way the functional module can be attached to the bottom of the mounting piece, wherein any lines to be connected, such as cables, can be carried through the bottom to a location above the ceiling structure. The first and second side wall preferably connect substantially to respectively a side wall of a first ceiling profile and a side wall of a second ceiling profile lying adjacently thereof. This provides additional stability and a good anchoring of the mounting piece.

[0042] Preferably, the wings are substantially dovetail-shaped and each coupling flange and each mounting coupling flange has a thickness such that they are both at least partially insertable into a recess formed by the substantially dovetail-shaped wing. The wall thickness of the coupling flange and the mounting coupling flange can for instance be smaller than 1 mm and the height of the recess can for instance be between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0043] The length of the mounting piece is preferably smaller than 30% of the length of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles. The length can for instance be between 75 and 200 mm. In this way the air circulation is not disrupted to any significant extent, and mounting pieces can be provided only where necessary.

[0044] A mounting piece is preferably fixed between two pairs of wings, a first pair of wings on a first longitudinal side of the carrier profile and a second pair of wings on a second longitudinal side of the carrier profile.

[0045] The height (Hm) of the mounting piece is preferably between 10 and 150% of the height (H) of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles, for instance between 70 and 120% of the height (H) of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles. The height of the mounting piece can for instance be substantially the same as the height of a ceiling profile. The height can for instance be chosen in accordance with the functional module to be mounted.

[0046] Preferably, the plurality of ceiling profiles have in a mounted state a maximum width, as seen in a horizontal direction, and a minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is smaller than the width (B).

[0047] A minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is preferably substantially equal to a maximum width (Bm) of the mounting piece without the mounting coupling flanges. In this way additional stability can be provided.

[0048] A wall thickness of the mounting coupling piece is preferably smaller than 1 mm. In this way the mounting piece is sufficiently flexible, and the side walls of the mounting piece can bend inward to some extent during placing and then spring back after the respective mounting coupling flanges have been arranged in the recess of the respective wings.

[0049] The skilled person will appreciate that the above described features of the first aspect of the invention can also be combined with the features of the second aspect of the invention.

[0050] In summary, the second invention relates to a ceiling structure according to any one of the following clauses: 1. Ceiling structure for a space, comprising: a pipe system (100) with a plurality of pipe sections (110) extending substantially parallel to each other, wherein the pipe system (100) is configured to transport a fluid for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space; one or more carrier profiles (200); a plurality of ceiling profiles (300) which are couplable at a mutual distance to the one or more carrier profiles, and at least one mounting piece (700) for mounting a functional module (800), such as a sensor, signage, a sprinkler, in the ceiling structure, wherein the ceiling profiles are oriented at an angle relative to the carrier profiles and are preferably oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles; wherein a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles is configured to receive therein in each case one or more pipe sections of the pipe system; wherein the ceiling profiles (300) are provided at the top with a first and a second coupling flange (321, 322) which bound an opening through which one or more pipe sections (110) are receivable and which connect to respectively a first and second side wall (311, 312) of a ceiling profile; and wherein the one or more carrier profiles (200) are provided with downward protruding wings (220) which are configured to co-act with the first and second coupling flanges (321, 322), wherein the mounting piece (700) is configured and dimensioned to be fixed between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles (300) of the plurality of ceiling profiles and wherein the mounting piece is provided with a first and second mounting coupling flange (721, 722) which are configured to co-act with respectively a first and second mutually adjacent wing (220) of the plurality of wings of a carrier profile of the plurality of carrier profiles, such that the mounting piece is fixable to the carrier profile between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles (300). 2. The ceiling structure according to clause 1, wherein the mounting piece (700) is substantially U-shaped with a bottom (713) and a first and second upright side wall (711, 712) and the first and second mounting coupling flange (721, 722) connect to respectively the first and second upright side wall (711, 712) of the mounting piece (700). 3. The ceiling structure according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the wings are substantially dovetail-shaped and each coupling flange (321, 322) and each mounting coupling flange (721, 722) has a thickness such that they are both at least partially insertable into a recess (221, 222) formed by the substantially dovetail-shaped wing. 4. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the length (Lm) of the mounting piece is smaller than 30% of the length of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles. 5. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the height (Hm) of the mounting piece is between 10 and 150% of the height (H) of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles, for instance between 70 and 120% of the height (H) of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles. 6. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a maximum width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, and wherein the minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is smaller than the width (B). 7. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein a minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is substantially equal to a maximum width (Bm) of the mounting piece without the mounting coupling flanges. 8. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein a wall thickness of the mounting coupling piece is smaller than 1 mm. 9. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the mounting piece is fixed between two pairs of wings, a first pair of wings on a first longitudinal side of the carrier profile and a second pair of wings on a second longitudinal side of the carrier profile. 10. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, of between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, more preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm. 11. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a height (H), as seen in vertical direction, of between 20 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm. 12. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the one or more carrier profiles (200) are provided with a pipe carrying structure (400) for carrying the pipe system (100). 13. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, wherein the pipe carrying structure (400) comprises a plurality of carrier elements (410) which are couplable to the one or more carrier profiles (200). 14. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the pipe system (100) comprises a continuous pipe which is arranged in looping manner, such that a plurality of mutually partially overlapping loops (L1, L2, L3, L4) is formed, wherein two mutually adjacent pipe sections of the plurality of pipe sections (110) belong to different loops of the plurality of loops. 15. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the pipe sections (110) of the pipe system (100) are flexible. 16. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein one or more plate-like insulation structures (500) are provided above the one or more carrier profiles. 17. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, further comprising a support structure (510) for supporting the one or more insulation structures (500), wherein the support structure rests on the one or more carrier profiles (200) or on the ceiling profiles (300). 18. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, wherein the support structure (510) comprises one or more insulation support profiles (520) which are oriented substantially transversely of the one or more carrier profiles (200). 19. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing clause, wherein the support structure (510) further comprises one or more spacers (530) which are arranged between an insulation support profile (520) and a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles (200), and which support on a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles or on at least one of the ceiling profiles (300). 20. The ceiling structure according to any one of the clauses 15-18, wherein the one or more insulation structures (500) extend over substantially the whole length of the one or more carrier profiles (200). 21. The ceiling structure according to any one of the clauses 15-19, further comprising an air grille (600) with a ventilation mouth (620), wherein the air grille is connectable through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures, the ventilation mouth debouches in a zone between the one or more insulation structures and an upper side of the one or more carrier profiles, and the air grille is configured to supply and / or extract air in the space. 22. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, and wherein a minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is greater than 10% of the width (B), preferably greater than 20% of the width (B), more preferably greater than 50% of the width (B). Brief description of the figures

[0051] The above stated and other advantageous features and objects of the invention will become more apparent, and the invention better understood, on the basis of the following detailed description when read in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a ceiling structure; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a ceiling structure in which the insulation structures and the air grille are not shown; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a ceiling structure in which the insulation structures and the air grille are not shown; Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of a ceiling structure in the direction of a carrier profile; Figure 5 shows a bottom view of a first embodiment of an air grille; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of an air grille according to Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an air grille; Figure 8 shows a perspective detail view of an embodiment of a carrier element in which two pipe sections are received; Figure 9 shows a schematic bottom view of an embodiment of a ceiling structure with a pipe system comprising a plurality of loops; Figures 10A, 10B and 10C show respectively a schematic cross-section of a part of an embodiment of a ceiling structure with mounting piece, a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of the mounting piece and a bottom of the mounting piece; and Figure 11 shows a schematic cross-section of a part of an embodiment of a ceiling structure with two mounting pieces. Detailed embodiments

[0052] An embodiment of a ceiling structure is shown schematically in Figure 1 in a partially installed form. The ceiling structure is intended for forming a lowered ceiling in a space. The ceiling structure comprises a pipe system (not shown in Figure 1), a plurality of carrier profiles 200, a plurality of ceiling profiles 300, one or more insulation structures 500 (of which Figure 1 shows one, although the skilled person will appreciate that a plurality of insulation structures 500 will typically be provided) and an air grille 600. One or more mounting pieces 700 (shown schematically in broken lines) can optionally be provided, which are described in more detail with reference to Figures 10A, 10B and 10C. A possible pipe system 100 is shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 9, and the skilled person will appreciate that a similar pipe system can be received in the ceiling profiles 300 of Figure 1.

[0053] The pipe system 100 has a plurality of pipe sections 110 extending substantially parallel to each other. Pipe system 100 is configured to transport a fluid, typically water, for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space. Pipe system 100 can be used to heat and / or to cool the space. The plurality of ceiling profiles 300 are coupled at a mutual distance to the carrier profiles 200. These ceiling profiles 300 are oriented transversely of the carrier profiles 200 and are configured to receive therein one or more pipe sections 110 of the pipe system 100. The ceiling profiles preferably have an open upper side.

[0054] The insulation structures 500 are formed as panels or mats and are provided above the one or more carrier profiles 200. A plurality of panels or mats 500 are typically arranged adjacently of each other in a plane substantially parallel to the ceiling for which the ceiling structure is intended. These insulation structures 500 are for instance formed as panels of rock wool, glass wool, mass-coloured polyester wool or recycled plastic, for instance PET, optionally encased by a film, for instance a polyethylene (PE) film. These panel-like insulation structures 500 typically have a thicknesses of between 5 and 50 mm, preferably between 10 and 40 mm, more preferably between 15 and 25 mm, and have lateral dimensions, particularly a length and a width, preferably lying respectively between 50 and 300 cm, and between 50 and 200 cm. In an advantageous embodiment the insulation structures 500 are formed by mats of insulating material, for instance rock wool, enclosed in a film. This film can have any desired colour. According to an alternative embodiment, the insulation structures 500 are formed as mass-coloured panels from an insulating material, and no encasement is provided. In both cases it is possible to achieve that the insulation structures 500 have the same colour as the ceiling profiles 300, this enhancing the aesthetics of the whole ceiling structure.

[0055] Figure 1 shows one single insulation structure 500 formed as a panel or mat and spanning a plurality of ceiling profiles 300 on an upper side. The skilled person will however appreciate that the one or more insulation structures 500 are preferably placed such that together they span the greater part of the ceiling profiles 300 on an upper side. This is particularly the case in the embodiment of Figure 4, which shows a ceiling structure in a schematic cross-section in the direction of a carrier profile 200.

[0056] The air grille 600 is configured to supply and / or extract air in the space and has a ventilation mouth 620. The air grille 600 is connectable through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures 500, and is placed relative to the insulation structures 500 and the carrier profiles 200 in a manner such that the ventilation mouth 620 debouches in a zone bounded by the lower surface of the panel-like insulation structures 500 on one side and a virtual plane defined by an upper side of the one or more carrier profiles 200 on the other. In the embodiment of Figure 4 the air grille 600 has a substantially funnel-shaped ventilation mouth 620 which is directed with the outer end having the greatest dimension downward. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 4 the air grille 600 is placed such that it protrudes partially through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures 500, wherein it protrudes both on an upper side and on an underside from the insulation structures 500.

[0057] Figures 2 and 3 shows a first and a second embodiment of the ceiling structure, in which the insulation structures and the air grille are not shown. The skilled person will appreciate that the insulation structures and the air grille as already illustrated in Figure 1, and as will be further illustrated with reference to Figures 4-7, can be integrated in similar manner in the ceiling structures as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0058] More specifically, Figures 2 and 3 illustrate two different embodiments of the ceiling profiles 300. In the illustrated embodiments the ceiling profiles 300 are suitable for receiving one single pipe section 110 in the embodiment of Figure 2, and two parallel pipe sections 110 in the embodiment of Figure 3, although the skilled person will appreciate that the ceiling profiles 300 can also be configured to receive more than two pipe sections 110.

[0059] In each of the shown embodiments the ceiling profiles 300 have a first side wall 311 and an opposite second side wall 312 which extend from a bottom 313. In the embodiment of Figure 3 this bottom is formed by a lower edge 313, the first and second side wall 311, 312 run obliquely upward from the bottom 313 at an angle, preferably lying between 40° and 48°, relative to a horizontal plane, and the ceiling profiles 300 have a substantially V-shaped cross-section. In this way an air channel, which narrows in upward direction and thus brings about a Venturi effect, is obtained between a second side wall 312 of a first ceiling profile 300 and a first side wall 311 of a second ceiling profile 300 lying adjacently thereof. In the embodiment of Figure 2 the ceiling profiles 300 do not have a V-shaped but rather a U-shaped cross-section, wherein the bottom 313 forms a straight lower wall which is substantially perpendicular to the first and second side wall 311, 312. In this embodiment the ceiling profiles 300 are also coupled at a mutual distance to the one or more carrier profiles 200, whereby an air channel is likewise obtained between two ceiling profiles 300.

[0060] The ventilation mouth 620 of the air grille 600 is preferably formed as a swirl diffuser. An embodiment of such a swirl diffuser is shown in figures 5 and 6. This diffuser comprises a central part 622 and a plurality of vanes 621 extending from the central part 622 in the direction of an outer frame 623. In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 the outer frame 623 is formed as a ring, although other embodiments, in which the outer frame 623 is for instance formed as a square or rectangular frame in which the vanes are placed, are also possible. The vanes 621 are inclined relative to a horizontal plane, in the sense that they are formed with blades which are oriented at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 each of the vanes 621 forms the same angle of between 10° and 80° relative to a horizontal plane. The swirl diffuser can for instance be manufactured from galvanized steel and / or aluminium.

[0061] The ceiling structure according to Figures 1 and 4 further comprises a support structure 510 for supporting the one or more insulation structures 500. This support structure 510 rests on the one or more carrier profiles 200, even though embodiments in which the support structure 510 rests for instance on several of the ceiling profiles 300 are also possible. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 4 the support structure 510 rests on the carrier profiles 200.

[0062] The support structure 510 comprises one or more insulation support profiles 520 which are oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles 200, as well as one or more spacers 530 which are arranged between an insulation support profile 520 and a carrier profile 200. The support structure 510 as shown in Figures 1 and 4 comprises for each insulation support profile 520 a plurality of spacers 530. The spacers 530 are here formed as a solid or hollow beam-shaped block, for instance manufactured from a metal, wood or a plastic, which is attached to the carrier profile 200. In other embodiments the spacers 530 support on at least one of the ceiling profiles 300. Each insulation support profile 520 is attached to an upper side of one or more spacers 530. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 4 the insulation support profiles 520 are formed as hollow, for instance U-shaped, profiles with an open upper side. Alternatively, the insulation support profiles 520 can also be formed as slats. Combining insulation support profiles 520 with spacers 530 reduces the material cost entailed in manufacture of the support structure 510 compared to embodiments of a support structure 510 without spacers 530.

[0063] In the embodiment of Figure 4 the air grille 600 comprises a housing 610 which protrudes through an opening in an insulation structure 500. When the insulation structure 500 is for instance a mat encased in a film, an opening can be made in the mat and in the film, which is then sealed, for instance taped, so as to connect to the housing 610 of the air grille 600. The housing 610 is formed with a ventilation mouth 620, and a connection opening 630 which is configured to be connected to an air guiding channel 660. In the embodiment of Figure 4 the air grille 600 is formed such that the ventilation mouth 620 is situated on or close to the underside of the housing 610 and that the connection opening 630 is situated on or close to the upper side of the housing 610, wherein the housing 610 is formed with a wall extending substantially in an upward direction and connecting the upper side to the underside. In the schematic cross-section of Figure 4 the housing 610 is substantially formed as a funnel, wherein the outer end defining the greatest surface area forms the ventilation mouth 620 and protrudes from the lower surface of the insulation structures 500 in a vertically downward direction, while the outer end covering the smallest surface area forms the connection opening 630 and protrudes from the upper surface of the insulation structures 500 in a vertically upward direction. As a result, the connection opening 630 is situated above the one or more insulation structures 500.

[0064] In the embodiment of Figure 4 the connection opening 630 of the air grille 600 is connected to an air guiding channel 660 consisting of a substantially tubular channel. Through this air guiding channel 660 air is then discharged from the air grille 600 to another space, typically an outside space, or supplied from such an other space to the air grille 600. The part of the air guiding channel 660 shown in Figure 4 is shielded wholly by the panel-like insulation structures 500, this enhancing the aesthetics of the whole ceiling structure.

[0065] In Figure 4 the housing 610 of the air grille 600 is substantially tubular. In the embodiment of Figure 4 the housing 610 is more specifically formed as a tube with the funnel-shaped ventilation mouth 620 at one outer end and a connection opening 630 at another outer end. In the embodiment of Figure 4 the connection opening 630 is substantially circular in cross-section. An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 7, in which the housing 610 is closed on an upper side and the connection opening 630 is provided in an upward wall of the housing 610. In such variants the air grille 600 will not have the simple funnel shape as shown in Figures 4 and 6, but a simple design of the connected air guiding channel 660, for instance as one single straight pipe, will on the other hand be possible. This air guiding channel 660 is then laterally connected to the air grille 600, as illustrated in Figure 7.

[0066] The air grille 600 is provided with legs 640 which are fastened in or onto one or more of the ceiling profiles 300, or in or onto at least one of the carrier profiles 200. Fastening of the legs 640 in or onto the ceiling profiles 300 is preferred, since a ceiling structure preferably has a large number of ceiling profiles 300, and the legs 640 are preferably such that they can be fastened at any desired location of a ceiling profile 300 in the longitudinal direction. Fastening of the legs 640 in or onto the carrier profiles 200 is likewise possible, but typically provides less flexibility in respect of fastening location. The legs 640 can be provided on the outer frame 623 of the swirl diffuser 620 as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 the air grille 600 is provided with two legs, although embodiments in which the air grille is provided with only one leg 640, which is then for instance provided at the position of the central part 622 of the swirl diffuser 620, or with more than two legs 640 are also possible. It is particularly advantageous to provide swirl diffusers 620 with an outer frame 623 formed as a square or rectangular surface with a circular recess with four legs 640, which can then preferably be situated at the position of the four corner points of the outer frame 623. In the embodiment of Figure 4 the air grille 600 is provided with two legs 640 which however lie one behind the other in the viewing direction, i.e. in a direction perpendicularly of the plane of the cross-section, respectively in front of and behind the plane of the cross-section. In this embodiment the two legs 640 are both fastened in the same ceiling profile 300 by means of a substantially dovetail-shaped wing portion 641 which is attached to the upper edge of the ceiling profile 300. More specifically, the legs 640 are provided with grooves to form a wing portion 641, and the first and second coupling flanges 321, 322 with which the ceiling profiles 300 are provided in this embodiment can engage behind the protruding parts of the substantially dovetail-shaped wing portions 641 in order to bring about a stable fastening of the legs 640 in the ceiling profiles 300 in this way. The overall length of the legs 640 preferably lies between 60 and 80 mm, while the length of the wing portion 641, which determines how deep the legs 640 are placed into the ceiling profiles 300, preferably lies between 15 and 25 mm.

[0067] According to a variant which is not illustrated the air grille 600 is further provided with a flow rate control valve 650, which is then typically provided in a lateral wall of the housing 610 close to the connection opening 630.

[0068] The height of the air grille 600, measured in a vertical direction, preferably lies between 60 and 100 mm, more preferably between 70 and 90 mm. The ventilation mouth 620 has a width, measured in a horizontal direction, which preferably lies between 15 and 40 cm, more preferably between 20 and 35 cm. The connection opening 630 has a width, measured in a horizontal direction, which preferably lies between 5 and 35 cm, more preferably between 10 and 25 cm.

[0069] The distance D1 between the ventilation mouth 620 of the air grille 600 and a virtual horizontal plane defined by an upper side of at least one of the ceiling profiles 300 preferably lies between 30 and 60 mm, more preferably between 40 and 50 mm. The distance D2 between the ventilation mouth 620 of the air grille 600 and a virtual horizontal plane defined by an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles 200 preferably lies between 10 and 30 mm, more preferably between 15 and 25 mm. The distance D1 corresponds here with the sum of the distance D2 and the height, as measured in a vertical direction, of the carrier profiles 200, which amounts to for instance 25 mm. The distances D1 and D2, which determine the height of the ventilation mouth 620 above the whole of ceiling profiles 300 and carrier profiles 200, enable the ceiling structure to allow a free circulation of air above the ceiling profiles 300, and between the space under and the space above the open lowered ceiling.

[0070] The distance D3 between the lower surface of the insulation structures 500 and a virtual horizontal plane defined by an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles 200 preferably lies between 30 and 70 mm, more preferably between 40 and 60 mm. As a result, the distance between the lower surface of the insulation structures 500 and a virtual horizontal plane defined by an upper side of at least one of the ceiling profiles 300, which corresponds with the sum of the distance D3 with the height of the carrier profiles 200 which amounts to for instance 25 mm, preferably lies between 55 and 95 mm, more preferably between 65 and 85 mm. The distance D3, which determines the height of the insulation structures 500 relative to the carrier profiles 200, and so the size of the zone between the insulation structures 500 and an upper side of the carrier profiles 200, makes this intermediate zone, from which the ventilation essentially takes place, sufficiently large without however compromising the insulating action of the insulation structures 500.

[0071] In the portion of the ceiling structure shown in Figure 4 the insulation structures 500 extend over the whole shown length of the shown carrier profile 200. This is because the row of ceiling profiles 300 attached to this carrier profile 200 likewise extends over substantially the whole shown length of this carrier profile 200 and, since the ceiling profiles 300 function as heat radiation surfaces, it is advantageous to shield each of the ceiling profiles 300 at least partially on an upper side with a panel-like insulation structure 500.

[0072] Both the ceiling profiles 300 shown in Figures 1 and 3, which have a substantially U-shaped cross-section, and the ceiling profiles 300 of Figure 3 with a substantially V-shaped cross-section have in a mounted state a certain width B, as seen in a horizontal direction, which is measured at the position of the open upper side of the ceiling profile 300 and corresponds with the maximum distance between the first side wall 311 and the second side wall 312 of the ceiling profile 300. In both shown embodiments this width B is such that a minimum distance between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300 is preferably greater than 10% of the width B, more preferably greater than 20% of the width B, but is preferably smaller than three times the width B. More specifically, in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 3 the width B preferably lies between 10 and 50 mm, more preferably between 20 and 40 mm, still more preferably between 25 and 35 mm, while the distance between two ceiling profiles 300 amounts to for instance 20 mm, so that this distance is thus most preferably greater than 50% of the width B. Since the first and second side walls 311, 312 of the ceiling profiles 300 have a substantially perpendicular position to the carrier profiles 200 in these embodiments, the value of this distance therefore depends not on the height at which the distance is measured, and no distinction need thus in fact be made between a minimum and maximum distance between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300. This in contrast to the embodiment of Figure 3, in which the minimum distance between two ceiling profiles 300, as measured at the position of the open upper side of these ceiling profiles 300, amounts to for instance 20 mm, while the maximum distance between two ceiling profiles 300, as measured between the lower edges 313 of two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300, amounts to for instance 100 mm. This maximum distance is preferably greater than 80% of the width B, which in this embodiment preferably lies between 50 mm and 110 mm, more preferably between 60 mm and 100 mm, still more preferably between 70 mm and 90 mm. Such widths make the ceiling profiles 300 of this first and second embodiment suitable for receiving respectively one and two pipe parts 110 with a diameter of between 10 and 20 mm, while the stated ratios of the width B to the minimum / maximum distance between two ceiling profiles 300 achieve that a sufficiently large air channel is provided between each pair of mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300. This latter enhances the heat exchange between the ambient air and the fluid flowing through the pipe system 100, and so the cooling and / or heating of the space. On the other hand, this air channel must not be too large either, since too great a distance between the ceiling profiles 300 results in the space cooling down and / or heating up too slowly.

[0073] In each of the shown embodiments the ceiling profiles 300 further have in a mounted state a height H, as seen in vertical direction, which preferably lies between 20 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm. Such a height guarantees that the ceiling profiles 300 provide space to one or more pipe sections 110 with a diameter of between 10 and 20 mm, as well as to any wings 220 of the carrier profiles 200 whereby they are attached to the ceiling profiles 300, and to the dovetail-shaped wings 641 forming the outer ends of the legs 640 of the air grille 600.

[0074] The pipe sections 110 which are received in a ceiling profile 300 preferably make contact with the walls of this ceiling profile 300, particularly with the lower wall 313 of the ceiling profile 300 in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 3, and with the first side wall 311 or second side wall 312 of the ceiling profile 300 in the embodiment of Figure 3. This contact facilitates the action of the ceiling profiles 300 as heat radiation surfaces.

[0075] In each of the shown embodiments use is made of symmetrical ceiling profiles 300, which results in an airflow distributed uniformly in the space.

[0076] The first and / or second side wall 311, 312 of a ceiling profile 300 can optionally be provided with perforations arranged distributed over the surface. This can improve the acoustic properties of the ceiling structure. Sound-insulating material can further optionally be provided above a number of ceiling profiles 300 in order to further improve the acoustics of the space. This sound-insulating material is preferably arranged in a manner such that a convective flow between and along ceiling profiles 300 can take place unimpeded and the air above the ceiling profiles 300 can be flushed. In a first embodiment sound insulation is provided by manufacturing the insulation structures 500 from material which has not only heat-insulating but also sound-insulating properties. In alternative embodiments which are not illustrated separate sound-insulating structures are provided, these preferably extending vertically above one or more of the ceiling profiles 300 in a manner such that they do not impede placing of the substantially horizontally extending insulation structures 500. These can for instance be vertically mounted panels. The sound-insulating material can optionally be partially incorporated in a ceiling profile 300. A ceiling profile 300 can thus as it were form a support for a sound insulation panel.

[0077] The insulation support profiles 520 extend substantially in the direction of and over substantially the whole length of the ceiling profiles 300. Since this direction however coincides with the viewing direction in Figure 4, and is thus perpendicular to the direction along which Figure 4 shows a cross-section, this can however not be established on the basis of this figure. The insulation support profiles 520 are further substantially U-shaped, with a straight lower wall and curved upright side walls. The insulation support profiles 520 are open on an upper side, and the side walls of these profiles are folded inward to form a substantially horizontal upper edge on either side of the insulation support profile 520. The insulation structures 500 rest substantially on these horizontal upper edges, while the lower wall of an insulation support profile 520 is connected by means of one or more spacers 530 to one or more carrier profiles 200. This design of the insulation support profiles 520 has the advantage of being particularly suitable for a simple and stepwise mounting of the ceiling structure as illustrated above, wherein the carrier profiles 200 are firstly attached to the ceiling, after which the step of attaching the pipe sections 100 and ceiling profiles 300 to an underside of the carrier profiles 200 and the step of arranging both the support structure 510 and the insulation structures 500 on an upper side of the carrier profiles 200 can then take place in any order. This final step then comprises of, successively, arranging the spacers 530 on the carrier profiles 520, subsequently arranging the insulation support profiles 520 on top of the spacers 530 by attaching the one or more insulation support profiles 520 to the one or more of the spacers 530 and preferably by attaching the lower wall of each of the one or more insulation support profiles 520 to the upper side of one or more of the spacers 530, and finally arranging the insulation structures 500 on top of the insulation support profiles 520. The lower wall of the insulation support profiles 520 is preferably flat in order to facilitate arranging of the insulation support profiles 520 above the carrier profiles 200 via the spacers 530, while the upright side walls of the insulation support profiles 520 ensure that the insulation structures 500 remain in place and do not shift in the case of wind displacements in the space. The upright side walls are preferably curved inward in order to obtain a stable insulation support profile 520.

[0078] In a mounted state the insulation support profiles 520 have a width b, as seen in a horizontal direction, and a height h, as seen in a vertical direction, which are such that the height h is smaller than 50% of the width b, preferably smaller than 30% of the width b. The width b preferably lies between 60 and 90 mm, while the height h preferably lies between 5 and 20 mm. The width b of the insulation support profiles 520 is particularly large compared to the width of the spacers 530, which amounts to for instance 20 to 40 mm, while the height h of the insulation support profiles 520 is limited compared to the height of the spacers 530, which amounts to for instance 10 to 40 mm. In a longitudinal direction, which coincides with the viewing direction in Figure 4, the length of the spacers 530 amounts to only a fraction, for instance less than 10%, of the length of the insulation support profiles 520. This choice of mutual ratios between the dimensions of the insulation support profiles 520 and the spacers 530 achieves that a strong support structure 510 is obtained with limited volumes, and therefore also limited costs, for the required materials.

[0079] The distance between two spacers 530 which are attached onto the same carrier profile 200 is selected in accordance with the lateral dimensions of the insulation structures 500, and is preferably smaller than the width and / or the length of the insulation structures 500 supporting on the insulation support profiles 520 attached to these spacers 530.

[0080] The carrier profiles 200 are provided with a pipe carrying structure 400 for carrying the pipe system 100, as shown in Figure 8 in a detail view of the embodiment of Figure 3. A similar pipe carrying structure 400 is shown in Figures 1 and 3 for a different arrangement of the ceiling profiles 300. More specifically, a plurality of carrier elements 410 which are couplable to the carrier profiles 200 are provided for the purpose of attaching the pipe sections 110 to carrier profiles 200. The carrier elements 410 are here configured to receive in each case two pipe sections 110, which are received together in one single ceiling profile 300 with V-shaped cross-section in the embodiment of Figures 2 and 5, and are each received separately in a ceiling profile 300 with U-shaped cross-section in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 3. The carrier element 410 is provided with two mounting arms 411, 412 which can be anchored in two corresponding holes in an upper side of the carrier profile 200. Carrier element 410 is provided on an underside with two cylindrical receiving parts 421, 422 for receiving therein in each case a pipe section 110. Instead of cylindrical receiving parts 421, 422, use can alternatively also be made of any other suitable carrying means, for instance hooks or clamping means of a different form. In the illustrated example the carrier elements 410 are separate elements which are couplable to the carrier profile 200, although the skilled person will appreciate that the carrier elements can also form an integral whole with the carrier profiles 200.

[0081] According to another variant, which is not illustrated, it is moreover also possible to provide the pipe carrying structure 400 separately of the carrier profiles 200.

[0082] The ceiling profiles 300 can preferably be coupled directly to carrier profiles 200. For this purpose the ceiling profile 300 can be provided at the top with a first and a second coupling flange 321, 322 which protrude inward from respectively the first and second side wall 311, 312 of the ceiling profile 300 and are intended to co-act with dovetail-shaped wings 220 which protrude downward from the carrier profile 200. The coupling flanges 321, 322 then bound an opening on an upper side of the ceiling profile 300 through which one or more pipe sections 110 are receivable. The coupling flanges 321, 322 are preferably formed as flat surfaces which are curved at the position of the point where they converge with respectively the first and second side wall 311, 312 of the ceiling profile 300 in order to connect to these side walls 311, 312.

[0083] Figure 9 illustrates schematically that the pipe system 100 can comprise one continuous pipe which is arranged in looping manner. In the simplified example of Figure 9 four loops L1, L2, L3, L4 can be distinguished. The fluid is fed through a first leg 1 of the first loop L1 to a second, parallel leg 1' of the first loop L1, and from there to the second loop L2 and so on. Each loop L1, L2, L3, L4 comprises two substantially parallel pipe sections 110 which are intended to be received in ceiling profiles 300, and two curved sections 120 which can be situated at an outer end of the ceiling structure in a longitudinal direction. The curved sections 120 of the loops L1, L2, L3, L4 thus overlap each other outside the ceiling profiles 300. Depending on the flexibility of the pipes, smaller or larger loops can be opted for. In the embodiment of Figure 9 every two adjacent pipe sections 110 belong to a different loop of the plurality of loops. Figure 9 shows an example with one continuous pipe, but the skilled person will appreciate that looping patterns are also possible, wherein a plurality of continuous pipes are combined with each other. Figure 9 also shows an embodiment in which exactly two parallel pipe sections 110 are arranged in each ceiling profile 300, in accordance with Figures 2 and 5, although, as already indicated above, embodiments in which only one pipe section or more than two pipe sections 110 are arranged in a ceiling profile 300 are also possible.

[0084] Figures 10A, 10B and 10C illustrate an embodiment of a ceiling structure according to a second aspect of the invention. The ceiling structure comprises a pipe system (not shown) with a plurality of pipe sections extending substantially parallel to each other, for instance as shown in Figure 4, wherein the pipe system is configured to transport a fluid for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space. The ceiling structure further comprises one or more carrier profiles 200 and a plurality of ceiling profiles 300 which are couplable at a mutual distance to the one or more carrier profiles, for instance as shown in and described above for Figure 4. The ceiling structure further comprises a mounting piece 700 for mounting a functional module (800), such as a sensor, signage (for instance a panel indicating an emergency exit), a sprinkler, an antenna, a camera, a lighting element and so on, in the ceiling structure. The ceiling profiles 300 are oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles 200, wherein a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles is configured to receive therein in each case one or more pipe sections of the pipe system.

[0085] The ceiling profiles 300 are provided at the top with a first and a second coupling flange 321, 322 which bound an opening through which one or more pipe sections 110 are receivable and which connect to respectively a first and second side wall 311, 312 of a ceiling profile 300. The one or more carrier profiles 200 are provided with downward protruding wings 220 which are configured to co-act with the first and second coupling flanges 321, 322 of a ceiling profile 300.

[0086] The mounting piece 700 is configured and dimensioned to be fixed between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300 of the plurality of ceiling profiles and the mounting piece 700 is provided with a first and second mounting coupling flange 721, 722 which are configured to co-act with respectively a first and second mutually adjacent wing 220 of the plurality of wings of a carrier profile 200, such that the mounting piece 700 is fixable to the carrier profile between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300.

[0087] The mounting piece 700 is preferably substantially U-shaped with a bottom 713 and a first and second upright side wall 711, 712 and the first and second mounting coupling flange 721, 722 connect to respectively the first and second upright side wall 711, 712 of the mounting piece 700. A functional module (not shown in Figure 10A, but see for instance 800 in Figure 11) can be attached to the bottom 713 of the mounting piece 700.

[0088] Preferably, the wings 220 are substantially dovetail-shaped and each coupling flange 321, 322 and each mounting coupling flange 721, 722 has a thickness such that they are both at least partially insertable into a recess 221, 222 formed by the substantially dovetail-shaped wings 220.

[0089] The length (Lm) of the mounting piece is preferably smaller than 30% of the length of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles, and is for instance between 7 and 20 cm. The height (Hm) of the mounting piece is preferably between 10 and 150% of the height (H) of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles, for instance between 70 and 120% of the height (H) of a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles. Figure 11 illustrates another variant of a ceiling structure in which two mounting pieces 700, 700' with different height H, H' are snapped fixedly into the ceiling structure. Attached to each mounting piece 700, 700' is a respective functional module 800, 800'.

[0090] The plurality of ceiling profiles 300 preferably have in a mounted state a maximum width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, and wherein the minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is smaller than the width (B). The minimum distance (d) between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles 300 is preferably substantially equal to a maximum width (Bm) of the mounting piece without the mounting coupling flanges 721, 722.

[0091] A wall thickness of the mounting coupling piece 700 is preferably smaller than 1 mm. This will preferably allow the side walls 711, 712 to bend inward during mounting between the ceiling profiles and then spring back into the recesses 221, 222.

[0092] The mounting piece is preferably fixed between two pairs of wings 220, a first pair of wings 220 on a first longitudinal side of the carrier profile 200 and a second pair of wings (not visible in Figure 10A) on a second longitudinal side of the carrier profile 200.

[0093] The plurality of ceiling profiles 300 preferably have in a mounted state a width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, of between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, more preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm. The plurality of ceiling profiles 300 preferably have in a mounted state a height (H), as seen in a vertical direction, of between 20 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm.

Examples

second embodiment

[0057]Figures 2 and 3 shows a first and the ceiling structure, in which the insulation structures and the air grille are not shown. The skilled person will appreciate that the insulation structures and the air grille as already illustrated in Figure 1, and as will be further illustrated with reference to Figures 4-7, can be integrated in similar manner in the ceiling structures as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0058]More specifically, Figures 2 and 3 illustrate two different embodiments of the ceiling profiles 300. In the illustrated embodiments the ceiling profiles 300 are suitable for receiving one single pipe section 110 in the embodiment of Figure 2, and two parallel pipe sections 110 in the embodiment of Figure 3, although the skilled person will appreciate that the ceiling profiles 300 can also be configured to receive more than two pipe sections 110.

[0059]In each of the shown embodiments the ceiling profiles 300 have a first side wall 311 and an opposite second side wall 312 which...

first embodiment

[0076]The first and / or second side wall 311, 312 of a ceiling profile 300 can optionally be provided with perforations arranged distributed over the surface. This can improve the acoustic properties of the ceiling structure. Sound-insulating material can further optionally be provided above a number of ceiling profiles 300 in order to further improve the acoustics of the space. This sound-insulating material is preferably arranged in a manner such that a convective flow between and along ceiling profiles 300 can take place unimpeded and the air above the ceiling profiles 300 can be flushed. In a first embodiment sound insulation is provided by manufacturing the insulation structures 500 from material which has not only heat-insulating but also sound-insulating properties. In alternative embodiments which are not illustrated separate sound-insulating structures are provided, these preferably extending vertically above one or more of the ceiling profiles 300 in a manner such that they...

Claims

1. Ceiling structure for a space, comprising: a pipe system (100) with a plurality of pipe sections (110) extending substantially parallel to each other, wherein the pipe system (100) is configured to transport a fluid for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space; one or more carrier profiles (200); and a plurality of ceiling profiles (300) which are couplable at a mutual distance to the one or more carrier profiles, wherein the ceiling profiles are oriented at an angle relative to the carrier profiles and are preferably oriented substantially transversely of the carrier profiles, wherein a ceiling profile of the plurality of ceiling profiles is configured to receive therein in each case one or more pipe sections of the pipe system; one or more plate-like insulation structures (500) which are provided above the one or more carrier profiles; and an air grille (600) with a ventilation mouth (620), wherein the air grille is connectable through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures, the ventilation mouth debouches in a zone between the one or more insulation structures and an upper side of the one or more carrier profiles, and the air grille is configured to supply and / or extract air in the space.

2. The ceiling structure according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation mouth (620) of the air grille (600) is formed as a swirl diffuser.

3. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a support structure (510) for supporting the one or more insulation structures (500), wherein the support structure rests on the one or more carrier profiles (200) or on the ceiling profiles (300).

4. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing claim, wherein the support structure (510) comprises one or more insulation support profiles (520) which are oriented substantially transversely of the one or more carrier profiles (200).

5. The ceiling structure according to the foregoing claim, wherein the support structure (510) further comprises one or more spacers (530) which are arranged between an insulation support profile (520) and a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles (200), and which support on a carrier profile of the one or more carrier profiles or on at least one of the ceiling profiles (300).

6. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the air grille (600) comprises a housing (610) which protrudes through an opening in or between the one or more insulation structures (500).

7. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the air grille (600) comprises a connection opening (630) which is situated above the one or more insulation structures (500) and is configured to be connected to an air guiding channel (660).

8. The ceiling structure according to claims 6 and 7, wherein the housing (610) of the air grille (600) is substantially tubular and the connection opening (630) of the air grille corresponds with an outer end of the tubular part of the housing; or wherein the housing (610) of the air grille (600) is closed on an upper side and the connection opening (630) is provided in a lateral wall of the housing.

9. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the air grille (600) is provided with legs (640) which are fastened in or onto one or more of the ceiling profiles (300), or in or onto at least one of the carrier profiles (200); and / or wherein the air grille (600) is provided with a flow rate control valve (650).

10. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the distance (D1) between the ventilation mouth (620) of the air grille (600) and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the ceiling profiles (300) lies between 30 and 60 mm, preferably between 40 and 50 mm; and / or wherein the distance (D2) between the ventilation mouth (620) of the air grille (600) and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles (200) lies between 10 and 30 mm, preferably between 15 and 25 mm; and / or wherein the distance (D3) between the lower surface of at least one of the insulation structures (500) and a horizontal plane bordering on an upper side of at least one of the carrier profiles (200) lies between 30 and 70 mm, preferably between 40 and 60 mm.

11. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the one or more insulation structures (500) extend over substantially the whole length of the one or more carrier profiles (200).

12. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, and wherein a minimum distance between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles is greater than 10% of the width (B), preferably greater than 20% of the width (B), more preferably greater than 50% of the width (B); and / or wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a width (B), as seen in a horizontal direction, of between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, more preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm; and / or wherein the plurality of ceiling profiles (300) have in a mounted state a height (H), as seen in vertical direction, of between 20 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm.

13. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the one or more insulation support profiles (520) extend substantially in the direction of and over substantially the whole length of the ceiling profiles (300).

14. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the one or more insulation support profiles (520) are substantially U-shaped and have in a mounted state a width (b), as seen in a horizontal direction, and a height (h), as seen in a vertical direction, wherein the height (h) is smaller than 50% of the width (b), preferably smaller than 30% of the width (b).

15. The ceiling structure according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the one or more carrier profiles (200) are provided with a pipe carrying structure (400) for carrying the pipe system (100); and / or wherein the pipe carrying structure (400) comprises a plurality of carrier elements (410) which are couplable to the one or more carrier profiles (200); and / or wherein the one or more carrier profiles (200) are configured for direct coupling to the ceiling profiles (300); and / or wherein the ceiling profiles (300) are provided at the top with a first and a second coupling flange (321, 322) which bound an opening through which one or more pipe sections (110) are receivable and which connect to respectively a first and second side wall (311, 312) of a ceiling profile; and wherein the one or more carrier profiles (200) are provided with downward protruding wings (220) which are configured to co-act with the first and second coupling flanges (321, 322); and / or wherein the pipe system (100) comprises a continuous pipe which is arranged in looping manner, such that a plurality of mutually partially overlapping loops (L1, L2, L3, L4) is formed, wherein two mutually adjacent pipe sections of the plurality of pipe sections (110) belong to different loops of the plurality of loops; and / or wherein the pipe sections (110) of the pipe system (100) are flexible.

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