Heated floor panels for vehicles

Abstract

A floor panel 100 for a means of transport, in particular a train, ship or boat, comprises a metal plate 1, at least one heating cable 2, 3 adapted to generate heat when an electric current flows through it, and a net 4 with a plurality of meshes 41, said at least one heating cable 2, 3 being arranged between the net 4 and the metal plate 1, said at least one heating cable 2, 3 being in contact with the metal plate 1.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heated floor panel for a means of transport, in particular a train, a ship or a boat.

[0002] In particular, the heated floor panel is adapted to generate heat when an electric current flows through its components, which is adapted to be used to obtain a floor of a vehicle, for example a floor of a rail car or a floor of a ship. [Background technology]

[0003] The interior environment of a train is typically heated. The heating systems most commonly used for such purposes consist of a hot air blast that is introduced into the environment to be heated.

[0004] Recently, heating panels consisting of electrically operated heating elements have been designed to complement or replace such systems, for example to heat the floors of rail cars, but current heating panels have drawbacks.

[0005] One of the key points of current heating panels is the assembly of the heating element with the panel. In particular, in some cases, a special recess is first made in a part of the heating panel by machining by chip removal. Then, the heating element is inserted into the recess. However, this operation requires time, machines and manpower. As a result, the manufacturing process is long and complicated, and the manufacturing cost is high.

[0006] Additionally, a fastening means is required to keep the heating element restrained to the panel.

[0007] The fastening means is typically disposed between the heating element and the top of the panel and is adapted to spread the heat generated by the heating element.

[0008] Such an arrangement means that part of the heat generated by the heating element is absorbed by the fixing means, or nevertheless by elements interposed between the top of the panel and the heating element, thus resulting in an inefficient heat transfer.

[0009] The panel described in patent document 1 has the above-mentioned drawbacks. In fact, the heating elements are integrated into a layer of epoxy resin. A disadvantage is that the epoxy resin therefore necessarily limits the transfer of heat. A further drawback of the panel described in this document lies in the method of its acquisition. In fact, in particular, the epoxy resin must be poured into a mould in which the heating elements are located and subjected to heat and pressure. Thus, this process is relatively complex, technically time-consuming and requires the use of special equipment.

[0010] A further disadvantage of known heating panels is that if a heating element of the panel fails, the entire panel must be replaced or in any case complicated maintenance operations must be carried out.

[0011] A further drawback of known heating panels concerns the means of protection against electric shock, which at present are relatively ineffective and difficult to manufacture.

[0012] A further disadvantage is that when current flows through the heating element, undesirable electromagnetic interference is generated.

[0013] Thus, a need is felt for a heated floor panel that can overcome the drawbacks of known heating panels, particularly but not limited to those mentioned above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0234819A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] The object of the invention is to obtain an electric heated floor panel which, with respect to the state of the art, can be manufactured more simply and quickly.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to obtain a heated floor panel which also allows for optimized heat transfer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The present invention achieves at least one of these objects, as well as others which will become apparent in the light of the present description, by a floor panel for a means of transport, in particular a train, a ship or a boat, comprising a metal plate, at least one heating cable adapted to generate heat when an electric current flows through it, and a net or layer with a plurality of openings, in particular a mesh, said at least one heating cable being arranged between the net or layer and the metal plate.

[0018] The at least one heating cable is preferably and advantageously in contact, in particular directly, with the metal plate in order to optimize the transfer of heat, and in particular preferably in contact, in particular directly, with the net as well.

[0019] The invention also relates to a process for obtaining a floor panel, comprising at least - providing said at least one heating cable constrained in a net or layer, preferably sewn; - placing the net and said at least one heating cable in contact with a metal plate; - fixing, preferably by adhesive, a layer of material adapted in particular to limit the transmission of heat generated by at least one heating cable to a metal plate, Preferably, the process relates to a process in which the layer comprises a further plate, preferably made of metal, to which the layer is fixed, such that the layer is between the metal plate and the further plate.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this process can be quickly and easily carried out.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method for producing a heating system comprising the at least one heating cable and the net or layer with a plurality of openings, in particular a mesh, wherein the at least one heating cable is constrained, preferably sewn, to the net, preferably the net or layer comprises an adhesive side which is attached to the at least one heating cable, and / or preferably each opening of the net or layer has a dimension between 16 and 900 mm. 2 The component for a floor panel according to claim 17,

[0022] Advantageously, the openings or meshes of the net allow the passage of adhesive therethrough, so that a layer, for example a layer adapted to limit the transmission of heat generated by at least one heating cable (i.e. a layer of thermally insulating and preferably electrically insulating material), can be quickly and easily fixed to the metal plate by adhesive.

[0023] Advantageously, the mesh of the net also provides adequate space to ensure that the aforementioned layer adapted to limit heat transfer, namely the insulating layer, is fixed to the metal plate by means of an adhesive.

[0024] A further advantage is that the at least one heating cable is in contact with the metal plate and is immersed, in particular only partially immersed, in the adhesive which acts as thermal insulation means, thereby ensuring that most of the heat is transferred to the metal plate adapted to be stepped on.

[0025] Furthermore, advantageously, the at least one heating cable can be in contact, in particular direct contact, with the metal plate, so that the transfer of heat is optimized, in particular since no fixing means, such as adhesives or other elements, are provided between the at least one heating cable and the metal plate.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one heating cable is constrained to the net, in particular sewn in. Advantageously, this ensures that the at least one heating cable is already in the conformation selected according to the design.

[0027] To further facilitate the process, one side of the net is preferably adhesive, so that the components consisting of the net and at least one heating cable bound to one another can be glued to the metal plate, such components being already held in place before using the adhesive to fasten the insulating layer to the metal plate.

[0028] Preferably, two heating cables are provided, one of which can be used in the event of failure of the other heating cable.

[0029] Preferably, each heating cable consists of two different conductive wires (also called resistance wires) or a bundle of two different conductive wires therein.

[0030] In this way, especially when the two wires of each cable are electrically connected in series with each other, the following advantages are obtained: - the electromagnetic field generated by the heating cable can be significantly reduced. In fact, two different wires can be made to carry currents of equal strength and opposite direction, so that the resulting electromagnetic field is, for example, practically zero. -The resistance of the two wires is added, so a shorter length of cable can be obtained. The electrical connection for supplying the heating cable is made easier: two wires can for example be short-circuited at one end and powered by a generator connected to the other end, in particular the end opposite the short-circuited end.

[0031] Preferably, each heating wire comprises an element enveloping the two conductive wires, in particular a conductive shield. Advantageously, the conductive element can be connected to a ground wire and can furthermore act as a shield to avoid or limit electromagnetic interference and also as an element to protect against cutting or other mechanical damage.

[0032] Furthermore, the conductive element can advantageously be used to interrupt dispersion currents resulting from deterioration of the insulation of the heating cable, in particular the sheath. For example, the conductive element can be connected to a protection device, for example a differential, in particular a sensitive differential. When the conductive element is connected to such a differential, it is possible to detect potentially dangerous conditions in which the conductors of the heating cable deteriorate over time.

[0033] According to one aspect, the floor panel is particularly adapted to be stepped on, i.e. has suitable structural characteristics such that it can be stepped on without causing damage to the floor panel.

[0034] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the detailed description of illustrative, but non-exclusive, embodiments.

[0035] The dependent claims describe particular embodiments of the invention.

[0036] In describing the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a floor panel according to the present invention. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A shows an enlarged detail of FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the floor panel of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the floor panel of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a heating cable for a floor panel according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heating cable of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a particular example of a floor panel according to the invention.

[0038] The same or functionally equivalent elements will be labeled with the same reference numbers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] A floor panel 100 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0040] The floor panel 100 is adapted to obtain a floor for a means of transport, for example a floor for a rail car or a ship, in particular a floor for an interior environment of a ship, for example, several floor panels 100 may be provided side by side to obtain the floor.

[0041] The floor panel 100 comprises a metal plate 1, at least one heating cable 2, 3 adapted to generate heat when an electric current flows through it, and a net 4 with a plurality of openings or mesh 41, said at least one heating cable 2, 3 being arranged between the net 4 and the metal plate 1.

[0042] In particular, the metal plate 1 serves to transfer the heat generated by the at least one heating cable 2, 3 to the environment in which the panel 100 is installed. Preferably, the metal plate 1 is made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

[0043] The metal plate 1 can be covered by a covering layer (not shown), for example made of fabric or synthetic fibres, adapted to be stepped on.

[0044] In particular, the metal plate 1 comprises a face 11 (or side), also for descriptive purposes referred to as the upper face, and a face 12 (or side), also for descriptive purposes referred to as the lower face, which are opposite faces 11 and 12 and which are preferably substantially flat.

[0045] In particular, face 11 is adapted to be covered by said covering layer.

[0046] The plate 1 is suitable for being stepped on without breaking and is adapted to withstand impacts.

[0047] Preferably, the metal plate 1 has a thickness of 1 mm or more, for example, 1 to 20 mm, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 mm.

[0048] The thickness of the metal plate 1 corresponds substantially to the distance between the faces 11 and 12 .

[0049] Preferably, two heating cables 2, 3 are provided (as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3), however the floor panel 100 may be configured with only one heating cable or with more than two heating cables, for example two or three heating cables.

[0050] Preferably, the heating cables 2, 3 are equal or substantially equal to each other. Advantageously, by providing two heating cables 2, 3, the heating cable 2 can be used as the main heating cable and the other heating cable 3 as an auxiliary heating cable, which is activated in case of failure of the heating cable 2. This avoids the need to replace the entire floor panel in case of failure of only one of the heating cables 2, 3. It should be noted that, if a third heating cable is optionally provided, for example, two cables can be used to regulate the power supply and one cable can be used as an auxiliary.

[0051] Heating cable 2 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, with the understanding that such figures are also representative of heating cable 3.

[0052] Each heating cable 2, 3 is provided with a respective electrically insulating sheath 20. The sheath 20 is the outer sheath, i.e. the outermost part of the heating cables 2, 3.

[0053] Preferably, each heating cable 2, 3, in particular each sheath 20, has an outer diameter of 2 to 5 mm, for example 3 to 5 mm, so that the heating cables 2, 3 have suitable resistance to disconnection.

[0054] Inside the sheath 20 there is provided at least one electrically conductive wire 21, 22, in particular made of metal and adapted to generate heat when an electric current passes through it. Preferably, two electrically conductive wires 21, 22 are provided (as shown in Figures 4 and 5), but there may be only one or more than two electrically conductive wires.

[0055] It should be noted that each of the conductive wires 21, 22 may optionally form a respective bundle, for example a bundle in which the conductive wires 21, 22 are woven together. For example, a bundle of the conductive wires 21 and a bundle of the conductive wires 22 may be provided. The conductive wires 21 each include an electrically insulating sheath 210.

[0056] When a bundle of conductive wires 21 is provided, all wires of the bundle of conductive wires 21 are disposed within a sheath 210. Similarly, the conductive wires 22, or the bundle of conductive wires 22, are provided with respective sheaths 220.

[0057] An electrically conductive element 23, in particular made of metal, is preferably provided surrounding, in particular enveloping, the electrically conductive wires 21, 22. In particular, the electrically conductive element 23 is arranged between the sheath 20 and the two sheaths 210, 220 of the two electrically conductive wires 21, 22.

[0058] Preferably, there is further provided an electrically insulating sheath 203 which encases the two conductive wires 21, 22, in particular their sheaths 210, 220. In other words, the conductive wires 21, 22 including their sheaths 210, 220 are disposed inside the sheath 203.

[0059] The sheath 203 is disposed between the sheaths 210, 220 and the conductive element 23. In particular, the sheath 203 is internal to the conductive element 23. The sheath 203 is essentially a secondary, or supplemental, insulating element.

[0060] The conductive element 23 is adapted to be connected to a grounded power supply, i.e. to a grounded power line. Advantageously, the conductive element 23 is therefore adapted to act as a means of protection against electric shock. Furthermore, advantageously, the conductive element 23 acts as an element for shielding against electromagnetic interference. In particular, the conductive element 23 is adapted to confine electromagnetic waves that may be generated during the passage of electric current in the conductive wires 21, 22.

[0061] Moreover, advantageously, the conductive element 23 provides a physical or mechanical protection. For example, a sharp or pointed body that accidentally penetrates the sheath 20 can be blocked by the element 23. The element 23 can be electrically connected to the ground so that if a sharp or pointed body reaches the lead wires 21, 22, a protective means, for example a differential, is activated. In this way, a more resistant and electrically safer heating cable 2, 3 can be realized by the conductive element 23. Preferably, the conductive element 23 consists of or is formed by a plurality of conductive wires interwoven with each other.

[0062] As an illustrative and non-limiting example, the sheath can be made, for example, of a polymeric material.

[0063] Two heating cables 2 , 3 are arranged between the metal plate 1 and the net 4 .

[0064] Preferably, the two heating cables 2, 3 are parallel to each other. Preferably, the two heating cables 2, 3 are arranged in a coil, e.g., each heating cable 2, 3 consists of substantially straight sections connected to each other by respective bends.

[0065] The net 4 comprises a number of meshes, only some of which are shown in FIG. 1A with reference numeral 41. The meshes 41 are through openings, i.e. empty spaces. Preferably, the size, i.e. extension, of the meshes 41 is between 16 and 900 mm. 2 , for example, about 100 mm 2 By way of non-limiting example, the mesh may have an area of ​​4x4mm to 30x30mm (width x length). Advantageously, the mesh 41 is adapted to allow the passage of adhesive 50 (Figure 2), which will be described in more detail below.

[0066] The net 4 is essentially a layer, in particular a layer formed in a grid.

[0067] Preferably, the net 4 has a surface extension which substantially covers the entire area, or zone, occupied by the heating cables 2,3.

[0068] Preferably, the net 4 is made up of or formed by a plurality of first strips 40a (FIG. 1A) and a plurality of second strips 40b arranged to separate said plurality of meshes 41. Preferably, the strips 40a, 40b are substantially flat. Note that in FIG. 1A, only a portion of the first strips 40a and only a portion of the second strips 40b are indicated by reference numerals.

[0069] More specifically, preferably, the first strips 40a are arranged substantially parallel to each other with a space therebetween, the second strips 40b are arranged substantially parallel to each other with a space therebetween, and the first strips 40a and the second strips 40b are laterally intersecting, e.g., substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0070] Each mesh 41 is defined by two continuous first strips 40a and two continuous second strips 40b. The outer periphery of each mesh 41 is, for example, rectangular or square.

[0071] It will be clear that instead of the net 4 a layer can be provided with a number of openings 41 or holes. The openings or holes can for example be circular or of any other shape.

[0072] Preferably, the net 4 has a thickness of 0.05 to 2 mm, for example, a thickness of 0.2 to 0.5 mm.

[0073] The thickness of the net 4 corresponds substantially to the thickness of each of the strips 40a, 40b.

[0074] Preferably, the net 4 is made of an electrically insulating material. The net 4 is made of a material that can withstand high temperatures, for example, has a softening point of at least 150° C. at atmospheric pressure.

[0075] As an example, the net 4 is made of a composite material, for example a composite material made of glass fibers. Preferably, each strip 40a, 40b has a width of 4 to 30 mm. The length of each strip 40a, 40b is greater than the width, in particular much greater than the thickness of each strip 40a, 40b. Preferably, the width of each strip 40a, 40b is greater than the thickness of each strip 40a, 40b.

[0076] As a non-limiting example, the floor panel 100, and in particular the netting 4, has a rectangular shape or profile.

[0077] Advantageously, the floor panels, and in particular the netting, can also have more complex shapes or contours.

[0078] As a non-limiting example, note net 4' of floor panel 100' illustrated in FIG.

[0079] The net 4' can for example be obtained by cutting a net having a rectangular shape.

[0080] In particular, compared to a rectangular net, the net 4' includes incisions 44' and portions 43' having a curved contour, for example shaped like an arc of a circle.

[0081] The spatial distribution of the heating cables 2', 3' can be adapted as a function of the shape of the net 4'.

[0082] Preferably, the metal plate 1', the layer 5' and also the plate 6' have a profile similar or substantially similar to that of the net 4'.

[0083] It should be noted that apart from geometric differences, metal plate 1′, heating cables 2′, 3′, net 4′, layer 5′, and plate 6′ are equal or substantially equal to metal plate 1, heating cables 2, 3, net 4, layer 5, and plate 6.

[0084] The netting 4, 4', in general and in particular used as support for the heating cables 2, 2', 3, 3', allows to increase the versatility of the realization of a floor panel whose shape can be made according to the installation zone, without requiring the use of templates.

[0085] For example, it can be installed under the toilet of a railway car or ship.

[0086] Preferably, at least one side is adhesive, for example one side of the net 4. In particular, the adhesive side is the side facing the metal plate 1.

[0087] In particular, the surface of each strip 40a, 40b facing the metal plate 1 is adhesive.

[0088] Providing an adhesive surface on the net 4 makes the assembly process particularly easy.

[0089] The adhesive surface is attached, i.e. adheres, to both the two heating cables 2, 3 and the metal plate 1.

[0090] In particular, some parts of the net 4 are bonded to the heating cables 2, 3 and other parts are bonded to the metal plate 1 (Figure 2).

[0091] If no adhesive surface of the net 4 is provided (i.e. it may or may not be present), preferably the net 4 is nevertheless in direct contact with the metal plate 1 and the heating cables 2, 3.

[0092] The net 4 is flexible so as to be in contact with both the metal plate 1 and the heating cables 2, 3 interposed in several zones between the net 4 and the metal plate 1.

[0093] Preferably, the net 4 and the two heating cables 2, 3 are sewn together, for example by wire. Preferably, the net 4 and the two heating cables 2, 3 are sewn together at various points or zones. Advantageously, sewing the heating cables 2, 3 to the net 4 ensures that the heating cables 2, 3 are already in the conformation selected according to the design. The constraint by the stitching can be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the constraint by the adhesive surface.

[0094] As shown in figure 2, the heating cables 2, 3 are in contact, in particular direct contact, with the metal plate 1 and the net 4. In particular, the outer sheath 20 of the two heating cables 2, 3 (or, more generally, of at least one heating cable 2, 3) is in contact, in particular direct contact, with the metal plate 1 and the net 4. The transfer of heat from the heating cables 2, 3 to the metal plate 1 is thus optimized.

[0095] Preferably, the floor panel 100 also comprises a layer 5, i.e. a layer of material. In particular, the layer 5 is adapted to limit the transfer of heat generated by the heating cables 2, 3 so as to direct the heat towards the metal plate 1. In particular, the layer 5 is a layer of thermally insulating and preferably electrically insulating material. This layer 5 is itself a panel.

[0096] Advantageously, no channels are required to be obtained in the plate 1 and / or in the layer 5 in which the heating cables 2, 3 are accommodated. Thus, preferably, the face 12 of the plate 1 and / or the face 51 of the layer 5 facing the plate 1 can be substantially flat. Advantageously, in particular, said at least one heating cable 2, 3 is arranged between the layer 5 and the metal plate 1, in particular between the face 51 and the face 12. In particular, said at least one heating cable 2, 3 is not integrated in said layer 5. In other words, preferably, said at least one heating cable 2, 3 is completely outside the layer 5.

[0097] Advantageously, the space between the plate 1 and the layer 5 can be filled by an adhesive 50, which will be described in more detail. Preferably, the layer 5 has a thickness of between 5 and 50 mm, for example between 15 and 25 mm.

[0098] Preferably, layer 5 is made of a polymer or plastic material, preferably a polymer foam. For example, layer 5 can be made of polystyrene foam, which is thermally insulating and has optimal resistance to compression.

[0099] The net 4 is arranged between the layer 5 and the metal plate 1 .

[0100] The layer 5 is fixed to the metal plate 1, preferably by means of an adhesive 50.

[0101] Advantageously, the mesh 41 of the net 4 allows a fixation between the layer 5 and the metal plate 1 , in particular by means of an adhesive 50 .

[0102] The layer 5 is also fixed to the netting 4, preferably by means of said adhesive 50.

[0103] For example, the adhesive 50 can be of the one-component or two-component polymer type, among others. In general, the adhesive 50 is adapted to provide a structural bond. Preferably, the adhesive 50 is adapted to be mechanically activated by the application of pressure.

[0104] Advantageously, the adhesive 50 makes it possible to fix the layer 5 and the plate 1 to one another and also to adequately transfer the heat generated by the at least one heating element 2, 3 to the plate 1. In fact, the adhesive 50 is in effect a means making it possible to increase the thermal inertia or thermal insulation. Preferably, the at least one heating cable 2, 3 is preferably and advantageously substantially immersed or contained in the adhesive 50, except for the surface parts in contact, in particular in direct contact, with the metal plate 1. Preferably, the net 4 is also substantially immersed or contained in the adhesive 50.

[0105] In other words, preferably, the at least one heating cable 2, 3 is at least partially, preferably partially (in particular only partially), contained or immersed in the adhesive 50 and / or the net 4 is at least partially, e.g. partially (in particular only partially), contained or immersed in the adhesive 50.

[0106] Preferably, the adhesive 50 has a density (mass / volume) greater than the density of the layer 5 .

[0107] Preferably, in some zones of the floor panel 100, in particular in the mesh 41 where the at least one heating cable 2, 3 is not present, there is only adhesive 50 between the plate 1 and the layer 5. In other words, in some zones the layer 5 is fixed directly to the plate 1 by the adhesive 50.

[0108] Preferably, the floor panel 100 further comprises a plate 6, preferably made of metal, preferably made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy. Preferably, the plate 6 has a thickness of 0.5 to 5 mm, for example 1 to 2 mm.

[0109] The layer 5 is arranged between the metal plate 1 and said further plate 6. Preferably, the layer 5 is in contact with the plate 6. In particular, the layer 5 and the plate 6 are fixed to one another.

[0110] The floor panel 100, which comprises the metal plate 1, the one or more heating cables 2, 3, the net 4, the layer 5, and preferably also the plate 6, is particularly adapted to be stepped on, i.e. has sufficient structural properties to be stepped on without causing damage to the floor panel 100.

[0111] Preferably, the floor panel 100 has a substantially rectangular shape, but can have other shapes, for example as shown in Figure 6. Preferably, the floor panel 100 has a width of 0.25 to 10 m. 2 For example, the floor panel 100 may have a surface extension of 500 mm x 500 mm, or 2000 mm x 5000 mm.

[0112] An example of a process for obtaining a floor panel 100 according to the invention comprises the following steps: - providing said at least one heating cable 2, 3, preferably sewn, constrained in a net 4; - placing the net 4 and said at least one heating cable 2, 3 in contact with a metal plate 1; - fixing a layer of material 5 to the metal plate 1, preferably by means of an adhesive 50;

[0113] Preferably, layer 5 comprises plate 6 and is fixed to metal plate 1 such that layer 5 is between metal plate 1 and plate 6 .

[0114] Preferably, two heating cables 2, 3 are provided, which are constrained to the net 4, in particular sewn thereto.

[0115] This process is particularly quick and easy to carry out.

[0116] Preferably, the component consisting of at least one heating cable 2, 3, for example two heating cables 2, 3, and the net 4 is a preassembled component. Furthermore, preferably, the layer 5 and the plate 6 also form a preassembled component.

[0117] Advantageously, the adhesive 50 can pass through the mesh 41, i.e. the openings, of the net 4, so that the layer 5 and the plate 1 can be fixed to one another by the adhesive 50. It is clear that when the layer 5 is fixed to the metal plate 1 by the adhesive 50, the components consisting of the heating cables 2, 3 and the net 4 are also fixed in place.

[0118] To further facilitate the process, preferably, as mentioned above, one side of the net 4 is adhesive. In this way, the components consisting of the net 4 and the heating cables 2, 3 can be attached to the metal plate 1, such components being already held in place prior to the use of the adhesive 50 which secures the layer 5 to the metal plate 1.

[0119] In particular, in the light of this specification, it can be seen that by providing a component consisting of at least one heating cable 2, 3 bound to a net 4, preferably sewn thereto, a heated floor panel can be quickly and easily obtained, potentially having characteristics different from those previously described.

Claims

1. A floor panel (100) for a means of transport, in particular a train, ship or boat, comprising: A metal plate (1); at least one heating cable (2, 3) adapted to generate heat when an electric current flows through it; a net (4) with a number of openings (41), in particular a mesh, said at least one heating cable (2, 3) being arranged between the net (4) and the metal plate (1); said at least one heating cable (2, 3) being in direct contact with the metal plate (1); The metal plate (1) is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, The floor panel (100) comprises a layer (5) adapted in particular to limit the transfer of heat generated by at least one heating cable (2, 3), The net (4) is disposed between the layer (5) and the metal plate (1); The layer (5) is fixed to the metal plate (1) by an adhesive (50), the at least one heating cable (2, 3) is contained in the adhesive (50) except for a surface portion of the at least one heating cable (2, 3) that is in contact with the metal plate (1); Floor panel (100).

2. A floor panel (100) as described in claim 1, wherein the net (4) is at least partially, in particular only partially, contained in the adhesive (50).

3. 3. A floor panel (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one heating cable (2, 3) is constrained in a net (4), preferably the at least one heating cable (2, 3) is sewn to the net (4).

4. The floor panel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a net (4) is provided with an adhesive surface which is attached to said at least one heating cable (2, 3) and to the metal plate (1).

5. The size of each opening (41) of the net (4), in particular each mesh, is 16 to 900 mm. ２ The floor panel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

6. A floor panel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a further plate (6), said layer (5) being arranged between the metal plate (1) and said further plate (6).

7. 7. A floor panel (100) according to claim 6, wherein said layer (5) is in contact with said further plate (6).

8. The at least one heating cable (2, 3) A floor panel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an electrically insulating first sheath (20) or outer sheath, in whose interior there is provided at least one electrically conductive wire (21, 22) adapted to generate heat when an electric current flows through it.

9. 9. Floor panel (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first sheath (20) is in contact, in particular in direct contact, with the metal plate (1).

10. 10. Floor panel (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first sheath (20) is in contact, in particular in direct contact, with the net (4).

11. A floor panel (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein inside the first sheath (20) there is provided a conductive element (23) adapted to be connected to a ground power source.

12. A floor panel (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, comprising two electrically conductive wires (21, 22) each adapted to generate heat when an electric current passes through it.

13. A floor panel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two or more heating cables (2, 3), each adapted to generate heat when an electric current flows through it.

14. A method for obtaining a floor panel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of: - providing said at least one heating cable (2, 3) constrained, preferably sewn, in said plurality of openings (41), in particular in a net (4) with a mesh; - placing a net (4) and said at least one heating cable (2, 3) in contact with a plate (1); A method comprising:

15. 15. The method of claim 14, - fixing, by means of an adhesive (50), a layer (5) adapted to limit the transfer of heat generated by at least one heating cable (2, 3) to the metal plate (1), The method, wherein said layer (5) comprises a further plate (6), and said layer (5) is fixed to the metal plate (1) such that said layer (5) is between said metal plate (1) and said further plate (6).

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