Hot and / or cold maintenance system

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermostat module, designed to be associated with other, identical modules, wherein each module operates completely independently of its neighbour. All of the modules are intended to be embedded under a finishing surface where the objects to be thermostated are placed. The invention consists of a set of at least two thermostatically controlled modules positioned side by side, wherein each thermostat module comprises a thermal diffusion plate (2), a Peltier module (4) attached directly under the thermal diffusion plate (2), and a detector (2, 5, 7; 25) for detecting the presence of an object on the thermostat module, wherein the set is characterised in that the thermal diffusion plates of each module are not in contact with one another and are attached under a finishing surface, and wherein each module is arranged so as to be used independently of the others in cooling mode or in heating mode.

Description

[0001] Hot and / or cold keeping system

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a set of at least two thermostat modules juxtaposed side by side, each thermostat module comprising: a thermal diffusion plate made of thermally conductive material; a Peltier module fixed directly under the thermal diffusion plate and covering part of the surface of this plate; and

[0004] Description of the state of the art

[0005] An assembly as described above is known from US2017 / 0176096. The known assembly comprises several thermostat modules juxtaposed side by side and is used to cool drinks. In the known assembly, each thermostat module is only activated if an object has been placed on the module.

[0006] There are also food cooling or heating plate systems, which can be used, for example, to keep food cool in a retailer's display or to keep dishes warm in a restaurant buffet. These plates work as a unit and are activated using an on / off button. The temperature can optionally be adjusted using a potentiometer.

[0007] It is known to use the Peltier effect in this type of systems. Peltier thermoelectric modules are in fact very compact, light and silent, energy-saving and do not require refrigerant liquid which is harmful to the environment.

[0008] These plate systems can generally operate in either heating or cooling mode, with the Peltier modules arranged to operate in parallel. There are devices where heating and cooling elements are installed side by side, as described in DE202005004926U1. Each element is pre-programmed to either heat or cool, in a machine dispensing hot and cold drinks, for example. The coolant circulates between the heating element and the cooling element in a closed circuit.

[0009] One problem with the known set of US2017 / 0176096 is that it can only be used to cool drinks. When something needs to be both cooled and heated, as is the case in DE202005004926U1, separate means must be used.

[0010] The applicant therefore considered it useful to develop a set of at least two thermostat modules juxtaposed side by side offering great flexibility and being very energy-efficient while making it possible to simultaneously cool one thing and heat another thing using the same set.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a set of at least two thermostat modules, in which the thermal diffusion plates of each module are not in contact with each other and are fixed under a finishing surface, each module being arranged to be used independently of the others in cooling mode or in heating mode.

[0013] The set of modules are intended to be embedded under a finishing surface where the objects to be thermostated are placed. The invention consists of a set of at least two thermostat modules juxtaposed side by side, each thermostat module comprising:

[0014] A thermal diffusion plate made of thermally conductive material, and

[0015] A Peltier module fixed directly under the thermal diffusion plate and covering part of the surface of this plate, characterized in that the thermal diffusion plates of each module are not in contact with each other and are fixed under a finishing surface, each module being arranged to be used independently of the others in cooling mode or in heating mode.

[0016] A thermostat module is a module for maintaining a temperature around a set temperature. In the context of the invention, synonyms for thermostat module may be "module for keeping cold or hot" or "heating or cooling module". However, this is not a heating plate for the kitchen such as ceramic hobs or induction hobs, nor a cooling element such as an ice cream maker, but rather a module intended to keep cool or hot an object placed on this module which already has a temperature substantially similar to or close to the set temperature of the module.

[0017] The invention here lies in the fact that although a finishing surface covers all the thermostat modules, each module operates independently of the others in cooling mode or in heating mode because the thermal diffusion plates of each module are not in contact with each other. It is not necessary to switch on all the modules under the finishing surface, only certain zones can be active depending on the needs. It is also possible that on the finishing surface, certain zones are active in keep warm mode while other zones are active in keep cold mode. The set of modules of the invention allows a flexibility never before achieved.

[0018] To ensure that the Peltier module activates at the right time, the Peltier module can include an object presence detector. If necessary, the Peltier module and the presence detector are connected to a processor that manages the conditions for this activation. Each thermostat module can have its own processor, or a processor can be shared between several modules.

[0019] Each module of the invention may include additional features, all converging towards minimizing energy consumption.

[0020] The heat diffusion plate is made of a thermally conductive material, such as aluminum and / or copper-based materials. Preferably, the heat diffusion plate is made of aluminum or copper.

[0021] The thermal diffusion plate preferably has a thickness of between 2 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 10 mm, more preferably around 5 mm.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the Peltier module fixed directly under the thermal diffusion plate only covers part of the surface of this plate, the other part is covered with a layer of electrical insulation, under which is placed an electromagnetic barrier layer, the processor is connected to the Peltier module, to the thermal diffusion plate and to the electromagnetic barrier layer, the thermal diffusion plate and the electromagnetic barrier then form the sensor for detecting the presence of an object on the thermostat module (capacitive sensor). The Peltier module is arranged to activate when an object is detected by this capacitive sensor. This type of sensor, well known to those skilled in the art, allows the detection of any type of object, whatever its nature (metallic or non-metallic).This implementation therefore gives the thermal diffusion plate a dual function, that of thermal diffusion between the Peltier module and the surface to be thermostated as well as the function of electrode of the capacitive detector of the presence of object j and .

[0023] The electromagnetic barrier layer is preferably made of a conductive material such as aluminum. It has a thickness preferably between 0.5 and 5 mm, preferably between 1 and 3 mm and more preferably around 2 mm.

[0024] The electrical insulating layer physically separates the thermal diffusion plate and the electrical barrier layer. This electrical insulator may also have thermal insulation properties.

[0025] Preferably, the combined electromagnetic barrier layer and electrical insulation layer have the same thickness as the Peltier module. The assembly preferably covers the entire lower surface of the diffusion plate, or even extends beyond the surface of the diffusion plate.

[0026] In the absence of an electromagnetic barrier layer and the electrical insulation layer (another type of presence sensor), the Peltier module can be surrounded by a thermal insulation layer.

[0027] The electrical connections between the various elements of the module, including the processor, may include the insertion of various components as well known to a person skilled in the art. For example, the object detection sensitivity of the capacitive sensor may advantageously be adjusted by inserting a suitable resistor between the diffusion plate and the processor. Such a resistor is preferably metallic, and not carbon. Ground connections may also be provided.

[0028] A power supply is obviously provided with the appropriate transformers.

[0029] While it is particularly advantageous to use the thermal diffusion plate as the electrode of a capacitive sensor, other types of object detection sensors can alternatively be used. For example, a separate antenna from the diffusion plate can be implemented, such as an electrical cable or a copper coil. Alternatively, if the module is placed under a transparent cover plate, an optical sensor could also be considered. Another alternative may be a piezoelectric sensor.

[0030] The Peltier module used in the thermostat module of the invention can be any commercially available Peltier module. There are a multitude of dimensions and power ratings available. The choice will be made according to the type of use envisaged for the thermostat module, its surface area, etc. Peltier modules are generally very thin components, a few mm thick, and square in shape with a side of a few cm.

[0031] Preferably, a heat exchanger is installed under the Peltier module. This exchanger allows the heat generated by the Peltier module to be removed at the interface between the Peltier module and the exchanger to ensure the proper functioning of this module.

[0032] The exchanger is preferably crossed by a fluid circuit, for example a circuit in which air or a liquid circulates. For ecological reasons, but also for efficiency reasons, the exchanger can be crossed by a water circuit (pure or distilled).

[0033] The heat exchanger does not usually cover the entire surface area under the layer formed by the combined electromagnetic barrier layer and electrical insulation layer and the Peltier module. A thermal insulator preferably completes this surface. The thermal insulator is, for example, a honeycomb or micro-cellular mold such as polyurethane foam or melamine foam, or any other suitable insulator.

[0034] The thickness of the layer comprising the exchanger and the thermal insulation is for example between 5 and 60 mm, preferably between 10 and 50 mm, more preferably between 15 and 30 mm.

[0035] It may be advantageous to integrate a thermal probe into the thermostat module of the invention. Preferably, the thermal probe is in or at the level of the thermal diffusion plate. This thermal probe is connected to the processor in order to provide the module with temperature information allowing, for example, the modulation of the activity of the Peltier module, or the flow of fluid in the heat exchanger, or even the detection of the temperature of the detected object. The surface area of ​​the thermostat module of the invention is determined by the largest layer that composes it.

[0036] Preferably, the surface area of ​​the thermal diffusion plate is smaller than the surface area of ​​the thermostat module. This means that there is at least one layer in the device that is wider than the thermal diffusion plate. This has several advantages. First, when juxtaposing two or more thermostat modules, they can touch each other, but the diffusion plates do not touch, an empty space is created at this level, allowing two juxtaposed modules to operate in different modes (one in cold mode, one in hot mode), without loss of efficiency at the edges.

[0037] Then, the diffusion plate being the upper layer of the module, this difference in surface makes it possible to form a “step” on a lower layer, on which indicator lights (for example LEDs) can be arranged, useful for indicating to the user, for example, which module(s) are working, or in which mode they are working (hot / cold).

[0038] The elements of the module are preferably optimized in thickness for minimal bulk. The module of the invention is in fact intended to be placed directly under a finishing surface, which can be for example stainless steel, polished or frosted glass, stone, composite material, etc. as used for example for kitchen worktops. It is therefore useful that it does not clutter the space under this finishing surface.

[0039] The thermostat module of the invention can have any shape (in its horizontal section). It can be round, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape. For the juxtaposition of modules, a square, rectangular or hexagonal shape can advantageously allow space to be optimized.

[0040] The invention relates to a set of at least two juxtaposed thermostat modules of the invention. This set forms a plate comprising at least two thermostatically controlled zones.

[0041] The modules in the set operate independently, each module having its own processor and means of detecting the presence of an object.

[0042] The power supply can be shared between the modules, and preferably, a single transformer is installed upstream of all the modules.

[0043] The fluid passing through each exchanger also passes through a dissipator.

[0044] Each exchanger can be associated with a single heat sink or a limited number of heat sinks can be provided for all the modules.

[0045] The fluid circuit passing through each exchanger can be shared, that is to say that the fluid passing through each exchanger can be centralized in a single main circuit which passes through a heat sink. The heat sink can be remote for practical installation reasons, it can be placed where it is the most discreet or the most practical or the best ventilated for example. Typically, a heat sink can include a fan.

[0046] The heat sink may include a radiator and / or a pump to modulate the circulation speed of the fluid in the circuit. This can be useful when the Peltier module is in "hot" mode, resulting in cooling of the fluid in the exchanger. Depending on the nature of the fluid, it may be necessary to heat it and / or keep it circulating to prevent it from freezing.

[0047] The exchangers under each Peltier module have their fluid circuits arranged in parallel to each other so that the fluid temperature leaving one thermostat module does not influence the operation of another module.

[0048] To ensure that each thermostat module in the set can be used independently of the others in cooling or heating mode, the heat diffusion plates of each thermostat module are not in contact with each other to create a vacuum as a means of insulation. In this way, each thermostat module can be used independently of the operating mode of its neighboring module.

[0049] The empty space between each module is, however, a potential source of contamination and damage to the various components of the thermostat modules. Unwanted external substances, such as water or food, may infiltrate between the thermostat modules and contaminate or even damage them.

[0050] To overcome this problem of potential infiltration, the set of at least two juxtaposed thermostat modules of the invention is fixed under a finishing surface, as close as possible to this surface, for example glued under the finishing surface, using double-sided adhesive or any other means. The finishing surface thus prevents any risk of infiltration through the empty spaces. In addition, the finishing surface makes it possible to obtain a completely homogeneous surface on which it is possible to use different zones simultaneously, some in heating mode and others in cooling mode independently. A first zone can, for example, maintain the low temperature of a beverage while a second zone maintains the high temperature of a food dish. The finishing surface prevents any harmful infiltration of the beverage and / or food towards the thermostat modules.

[0051] When the finishing surface is made of electrically conductive material, it may be provided that a thin layer of electrical insulation is inserted between the diffusion plates of the thermostat modules and the finishing surface. This layer of electrical insulation is preferably thermally conductive.

[0052] Detailed description of the invention

[0053] The invention will now be explained in more detail, with the aid of the attached drawings, in which:

[0054] Figure 1 is a diagram of a module according to the invention;

[0055] Figure 2 is a diagram of another module according to the invention;

[0056] Figure 3 is a diagram of a set of two modules juxtaposed and fixed under a finishing surface;

[0057] Figure 4 is a bottom view of an assembly according to the invention illustrating the fluid circuit:

[0058] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plate integrating a set of thermostat modules according to the invention, and

[0059] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a piece of furniture incorporating a set of thermostat modules according to the invention.

[0060] Referring to Figure 1, a thermostat module 1 according to the invention comprises a thermal diffusion plate 2 made of thermally conductive material, for example here made of aluminum. Under this plate, here in the center of this plate, is fixed (glued) a Peltier module 3, which covers part of the surface of the diffusion plate. A processor 4 is connected to the Peltier module.

[0061] A detector of the presence of an object on the thermostat module is here composed of the thermal diffusion plate 2 and an electromagnetic barrier layer 5, here a thin layer of aluminum, a layer of electrical insulation 6 being interposed between the two. These two layers 5 and 6 are arranged around the Peltier module 3. The thermal diffusion plate 2 is connected to the processor 4, a resistor 7 is inserted between the diffusion plate and the processor. The electromagnetic barrier is connected to the ground 8. The assembly forms a capacitive sensor for detecting the presence of an object on the thermostat module 1.

[0062] The processor is programmed so that the Peltier module is only activated when an object is detected by the capacitive sensor (the presence of an object induces a variation in the electric field above the diffusion plate which results in a variation in the current received and analyzed as such by the processor).

[0063] A temperature probe 9, inserted into the diffusion plate 2 and connected to the processor 4 is implemented here.

[0064] Below the Peltier module, a heat exchanger 11 is installed to remove the heat generated by the Peltier module at the interface between the Peltier module and ensure the proper functioning of this module.

[0065] The exchanger is crossed by a liquid circuit, for example a water circuit, which circulates in the channels 12. The exchanger 11 is here placed exactly under the Peltier module, and a thermal insulation layer 13 is placed under the electromagnetic barrier layer. The exchanger is surrounded laterally by a layer of insulation 13, for example a cellular or micro-cellular foam such as polyurethane foam or melamine foam, or any other suitable insulation.

[0066] The electromagnetic barrier layer 5 and the electrical insulation layer 6 combined here have the same thickness as the Peltier module. All of these layers and the Peltier module cover a surface area greater than the surface area of ​​the diffusion plate 2, and therefore extend beyond the plate 2 forming a rim 10 on the surface of the insulating layer 6 next to the diffusion plate 2.

[0067] This edge 10 can advantageously be used to install one or more LEDs, which could be connected and controlled by the processor. For example, a blue LED could be lit when the Peltier module is operating in cooling mode, and a red LED when the Peltier module is operating in heating mode. Or simply an LED can be lit to show that the thermostat module is operating. Any other lighting mode can be envisaged.

[0068] By way of illustration, but in a non-limiting manner, the plate 2 is for example a square plate with a side of 12 cm and a thickness of 1 cm. The Peltier module is for example a module of 4 cm by 4 cm, with a thickness of 4 mm. The insulating layer between the diffusion plate and the electromagnetic barrier is for example 2 mm thick and the electromagnetic barrier is for example also 2 mm thick. The thickness of the layer comprising the exchanger and the thermal insulator is for example 2 cm. With reference to FIG. 2, in the case where the object presence detector is not a capacitive detector as described above, the electromagnetic barrier layer has no reason to exist and an insulating layer 26 having a greater thickness, i.e. the same thickness as the Peltier module can be used. The rim 10 can then also or alternatively serve as a support for an object presence detector, for example an optical sensor 25.

[0069] Alternatively, the object presence detector could be a simple wire passing over the diffusion plate, insulated from this plate by an electrical insulator, and connected to the processor.

[0070] The modules of the invention are intended to be juxtaposed and placed under a finishing surface.

[0071] Figure 3 illustrates two identical modules 31 and 32 juxtaposed side by side (the electrical connections and processors of each module are not illustrated for reasons of clarity) and glued under a finishing plate 33 using adhesives 34 to form an assembly 300. Thus juxtaposed, the insulating layers 6 and 13 of the adjacent modules are in contact with each other, as is the electromagnetic barrier 5. The diffusion plates 2 are not in contact, a vacuum 35 for air circulation is present between the diffusion plates. This vacuum makes it possible to minimize energy losses between the modules, especially when, for example, the module 31 operates in cold mode and the module 32 operates in hot mode. The finishing plate 33 is a continuous plate covering all the modules. The juxtaposition of two plates illustrated here can be extended to the juxtaposition of multiple plates, in a two-dimensional network.

[0072] If each thermostat module has its own Peltier module, associated with an exchanger, the fluid circuit passing through each exchanger is shared between the modules.

[0073] Referring to Figure 4, six thermostat modules 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46, seen here from below, each comprise a Peltier module under which are fixed exchangers, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450 and 460 respectively, which are each crossed by a fluid, for example a liquid, which flows through them from an inlet, 417, 427, 437, 447, 457, 467 respectively, to an outlet 418, 428, 438, 448, 458 and 468 respectively. These circuits are connected in parallel to a fluid inlet circuit 47 and a fluid outlet circuit 48 forming a loop and joining a dissipator 50.

[0074] The heat sink can be moved for practical installation reasons; it can be placed where it is most discreet, most practical, or best ventilated, for example.

[0075] Each circuit can be equipped with a flow control valve at each Peltier module, a valve which can be managed by the processor and be more or less open, for example, depending on the data measured by a temperature probe at each thermostat module.

[0076] Figure 5 illustrates a plate 500 in which the six thermostat modules illustrated in figure 4 are integrated. The heat sink 50 is here remote from the plate, the fluid circulation pipes 47 and 48 extend between the heat sink and the plate.

[0077] The fluid circulation circuit is preferably very thin under the modules so as to minimize the thickness of the plate. For example, the set of thermostat modules, the finishing plate and the fluid circuits preferably have a thickness of less than 5 cm, preferably less than 4 cm, preferably less than 3 cm, and even more preferably less than 2.5 cm.

[0078] A plate can contain a very large number of thermostat modules according to the invention, for example up to 50 modules, up to 100 modules, or even more depending on the applications.

[0079] The plate can be integrated into furniture elements, such as kitchen units.

[0080] As illustrated in Figure 6, a plate 600 comprising a set of fifteen thermostat modules can be integrated into the worktop of kitchen furniture, or under the worktop (the worktop is then the finishing surface). Here, the integrated plate has fifteen modules which can be used all or partially, each one being able to be used independently of the others in cold mode or in hot mode. The heat sink is here arranged at a distance from the plate, behind a ventilation grille 60 installed in the plinth of the furniture.

[0081] Generally, the processor can be connected to a touch screen or a control box, or it can be in wireless communication with a remote control or an application for managing and / or controlling the plate.

[0082] Several operating modes can be envisaged. In a first mode, a user can define which thermostat modules operate in which mode. For example, he can group several modules and associate them with an operating mode (heat or cold) to form a sub-zone. When the module detects the presence of an object, it will trigger according to the predefined mode. In another operating mode, it can be provided that, in addition to detecting the presence of an object, each module detects the temperature of this object, for example using a temperature probe. Since the module is intended to maintain the temperature of the object, it will activate in cold mode or in hot mode depending on the detected temperature.

[0083] The temperature that each module must reach can be predefined, or limited, or a maximum value can be selected. These are programming options that are obvious to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Set of at least two thermostat modules juxtaposed side by side, each thermostat module comprising: a thermal diffusion plate (2) made of thermally conductive material; and a Peltier module (4) fixed directly under the thermal diffusion plate (2) and covering part of the surface of this plate; characterized in that the thermal diffusion plates of each thermostat module are not in contact with each other and are fixed under a finishing surface, each thermostat module being arranged to be used independently of the others in cooling mode or in heating mode.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, in which the thermal diffusion plate is made of aluminum and / or copper-based material, preferably aluminum or copper.

3. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the finishing surface is made of stainless steel, polished or frosted glass, stone or composite material.

4. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which each thermostat module comprises a heat exchanger (410, 420, 430, 44, 450, 460) crossed by a fluid circuit (417, 418, 427, 428, 437, 438, 447, 448, 457, 458, 467, 468) installed under the Peltier module, each fluid circuit converging towards a main circuit (47, 48) which passes through a dissipator (50).

5. Assembly according to claim 4, in which the exchangers under each Peltier module have their fluid circuits arranged in parallel to each other.

6. Assembly according to one of claims 4 and 5, in which the dissipator comprises a radiator and / or a pump.

7. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which each thermostat module comprises a detector (2, 5, 7; 25) of the presence of an object, each Peltier module being arranged to activate when the presence of an object above its thermal diffusion plate (2) is detected by its object detector.

8. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which each Peltier module and each object presence detector are connected to a processor which manages the conditions of this activation.

9. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the part of the surface of each thermal diffusion plate not covered by the Peltier module is covered with a layer of electrical insulation, under which is placed an electromagnetic barrier layer, to form a capacitive sensor for detecting the presence of an object on the thermostat module.

10. Assembly according to claims 8 and 9, in which the processor is connected to the thermal diffusion plate and to the electromagnetic barrier layer.

11. Assembly according to one of claims 9 and 10, in which the electromagnetic barrier layer is preferably made of conductive material such as, for example, aluminum.

12. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the surface area of the thermal diffusion plate is less than the surface area of the thermostat module.

13. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which a thin layer of electrical insulation is placed between the diffusion plates of the thermostat modules and the finishing surface.

14. Thermostat module intended to be part of an assembly according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises: a thermal diffusion plate (2) made of thermally conductive material; and a Peltier module (4) fixed directly under the thermal diffusion plate (2) and covering part of the surface of this plate; 15. Thermostat module according to claim 14, comprising a detector (2, 5, 7; 25) of the presence of an object on the thermostat module, said Peltier module being arranged to activate when the presence of an object above its thermal diffusion plate (2) is detected by its object detector.

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