HEATED SCREEN

Abstract

A heated partition, for use in the total or partial enclosure of wet spaces, such as showers or bathtubs, or in the total or partial enclosure of interior or exterior rooms, characterized in that it comprises at least a first outer sheet (3) and at least one heating element (5) attached to said first outer sheet (3), said heating element (5) being provided with electrical connection means (8) to an electrical power supply or the electrical network.

Description

Heated shower screen Sector of invention The present invention relates to a partition structure for separating rooms, particularly for the practical enclosure of shower or bath spaces, in which said enclosure is made by means of metal carpentry and functionally similar materials, such as PVC, and specifically preferably, aluminum extrusion. State of the art There are numerous enclosure screens for bathrooms or showers, whose function is to prevent splashes produced during use from leaving the water area and thus avoid the necessary cleaning of the place. EP 1599118 describes a partition which, in addition to the function described above, is also provided with lighting means, for which it has an electrical connection guide on the suspension rail. However, this party has not found in the state of the art a bath or shower screen that is provided with heating means, and thus provides the user with the possibility of being at a pleasant temperature, avoiding the placement of other heating means. The present invention proposes a heated screen that allows the shower or bath space to be provided with a pleasant temperature, especially when the ambient temperature is below the comfort threshold, and particularly the fact of using the surface of the screen as a radiant panel, allowing the emission of heat through its surface. Thus, unlike existing partitions in the state of the art, which are characterized by their structure, this invention provides a new and distinct function, using the elements that will be described below. Description of the invention A heated screen is described, which can be used in bathrooms or showers, or also, beyond its main purpose, as a fixed or mobile room divider panel. The partition will normally comprise the following elements: x At least one radiant panel; x At least one frame supporting at least one radiant panel; x Possibly a support frame for the partition, and particularly for the supporting frame; x Electrical connection means between the support frame or electrical socket and the carrier frame; In which the panel normally comprises: x A first outer sheet, facing the shower or bath; x Preferably also a second outer sheet, facing the bathroom or the corresponding room; and x A heating body, electrically connected to the power source through the carrier frame and consequently the support frame; this heating body will be located between the first outer sheet and the second outer sheet. The first and second outer layers can be made of the same or different materials. Generally, these will be glass panels or other transparent materials; however, other transparent or opaque materials can also be used, such as natural stones (e.g., marble), polymers (e.g., methacrylate), composites (e.g., Alucobond), or any other material suitable for use in a shower or bath enclosure that also protects the heating element. In a specific configuration, the panel consists of two layers of glass, preferably tempered and laminated, with the heating plate located between them. This configuration ensures the required safety and resistance of the shower enclosure. The heating plate, which is the device that produces and emits thermal radiation, is arranged, as mentioned, between the outer sheets, in particular between the tempered and laminated glass sheets. Preferably, the heating plate is placed above the glass sheets, so that it protrudes from them at the top. This offers several advantages over placing it flush with the sheets, as it optimizes heat distribution, facilitates its integration into the panel structure, avoids problems of different thermal expansion / contraction between sheets and the plate, and also facilitates the assembly of the panel assembly. The panel, or the entire partition assembly, may also include any of the following elements: x a temperature regulating thermostat x a touch control that allows the user to modify the setpoint temperature between a minimum and a maximum safe temperature Optionally, x may include lighting means, such as LED or fiber optic lighting, operating indicators, or a timer device that disconnects the panel after a certain time. Preferably, the plate temperature is set to 40°C, which allows for both user safety and high efficiency in heating the shower or bath environment; as indicated above, it can optionally be regulated. The heating plate is planned to be made of a laminated glass butyl sheet, which fulfills the following functions: x provides great security in the union between said plate and the glass sheets, so that a robust and resistant structure is formed; this configuration also allows the tempered and laminated glass sheets to be relatively thin, since the resistance will be of the whole and not of the individual sheets. x Aesthetic function, since the heating plate can be made in different colors and allows its structure to be hidden, leaving a clean, modern finish, discreetly integrating the heating. The support frame, as mentioned, provides a finished edge to the perimeter structure of the partition and increases the rigidity and stability of the panel assembly, even if the layers were to separate. Preferably, the support frame consists of a contoured aluminum U-shaped profile. Furthermore, this frame allows for wall mounting and attachment to the shower structure. The profile also serves as a cover for the passage of the electrical power cables for the heating plate. This profile houses and protects the cables, ensuring electrical safety by preventing direct contact with water. Furthermore, the cable connections to the heating plate are properly sealed in accordance with electrical safety regulations. This allows the installation of the screen to be carried out in a simple and professional manner without requiring specialized knowledge. All of this results in thermal comfort, with a warm environment inside the shower or bath, eliminating the unpleasant feeling of cold when entering and leaving. Furthermore, it should be noted that energy efficiency is increased, since heating the shower space is much more efficient; it can be more efficient than heating the entire bathroom. Another advantage to consider is that, due to the chromatic possibilities of the screen, both of the supporting frame and the panel, it allows it to be adapted to any decorative environment. Furthermore, the sandwich-type design and colored butyl conceal the heating elements, maintaining a sleek and minimalist appearance. Furthermore, the partition of the invention is safe. The use of tempered and laminated glass, along with the protection of the wiring, guarantees the user's safety. Furthermore, it is applicable to any type of shower screen, with customizable measurements, making its application very versatile. Brief description of the drawings In order to illustrate the explanation that follows, three sheets of drawings are attached to this descriptive report, in which five figures represent, by way of example and without limitation, the essence of the present invention, and in which the following can be seen: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a shower cabin with a fixed screen panel and a hinged screen panel, in a wet application of the screen; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a basic panel, according to an embodiment example with a first outer sheet, and a heating body; Figure 3 shows a schematic view of another example of a partition panel provided with a first outer sheet and a second outer sheet, as well as a heating body between both outer sheets; Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the example in Figure 3 provided with a decorative protective carrying frame with electrical connection means; and Figure 5 shows a schematic view of the example in Figure 3, in which the decorative protective carrier frame further comprises an inner channel for conducting electrical cables or other control elements. It should be noted that the multi-layered realization of figures 3 and 4 is also applicable to the realization of figure 2. In these figures we can see the following reference symbols: 1 shower cabin 2 radiant shower screen panels 3. First outer sheet of the partition panel 4. Second outer sheet of the partition panel 5 heating body 6 carrier frame, according to a first example of embodiment 7 carrier frame, according to a second example of implementation 8. Electrical connection of the heating element to the carrier frame 9 sheet of polymeric material, such as butyl, with or without color concealment 10 layers of glass Description of the preferred embodiments of the invention As can be seen in the figures, the heated partition of the invention consists of at least one partition panel (2) comprising a heating element (5) used to enclose the space of a shower cubicle (1) or bathtub. Within the scope of the invention, it could also be used in other spaces with or without contact with water. The partition panel (2) can be made up of one or more units, and in that case be sliding or hinged. It is equipped with an electrical connection (8) to a power source. The power source can be a low or very low voltage power supply, for example, 12V DC or >50V AC, or even a direct connection to the mains electricity supply. The connection between the power source and the heating body (5) is made via the carrier frame (6, 7). The partition panel (5) is preferably provided with a set of layers or sheets (3, 4, 5), normally glass or other material plates coated with a layer of polymeric material (9), such as butyl. A heating element (5) is positioned between each pair of outer layers (3, 4), which may occupy all or part of the surface. The heated partition is intended to consist of one or more panels, which may be fixed, hinged, or sliding, allowing for optimal adaptation to the space. Its use, in addition to being for humid spaces, such as total or partial enclosure of showers or bathtubs, can be extended to the separation of interior or even exterior spaces. Thus, the panel is made up of layers, for example, of glass (10), between which there is at least one layer with a sheet of polymeric material (9), and between which there is also the heating body (5).

Claims

1. A heated partition, for use in the total or partial enclosure of wet spaces, such as showers or bathtubs, or in the total or partial enclosure of interior or exterior rooms, characterized in that it comprises at least a first outer sheet (3) and at least one heating element (5) attached to said first outer sheet (3), said heating element (5) being provided with electrical connection means (8) to an electrical power supply or the electrical network.

2. A heated partition, according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating element is arranged between a pair of outer sheets, a first outer sheet (3) and a second outer sheet (4), forming a multi-layer sandwich.

3. A heated partition, according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the outer sheets (3, 4) includes a layer of a polymeric material. 4.Heated partition according to claim 3, characterized in that the polymeric material is butyl.

5. Heated partition according to any of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the polymeric material (9) is colored with a color suitable for concealing the heating element.

6. Heated partition according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the outer sheet(s) is / are formed by a set of plates joined together.

7. Heated partition according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first outer sheet and the second outer sheet are of the same material.Heated partition, according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first outer sheet and the second outer sheet are made of different materials.

9. Heated partition, according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the materials forming the first outer sheet and / or the second outer sheet are one or more of the following: - glass - a polymeric material - composites - natural or artificial stone.

10. Heated partition, according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further includes a support frame provided with means (8) for the electrical power supply cables.

11. Heated partition, according to claim 10, characterized in that it further includes a support frame for the support frame. 12.Heated partition, according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it further includes any of the following elements: - a thermostat for regulating the temperature - a touch control for regulating the setpoint temperature - lighting means - operating indicators.

13. Heated partition, according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it further includes an automatic shut-off timer device.