Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02729144 2011-01-25
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DEVICE FOR HOLDING A PIPE IN A GROOVE OF A TEMPERATURE CONTROL
SYSTEM INTEGRATED IN A SURFACE AND METHOD THERE FOR.
Field of the invention
The present invention is directed to a device and a method for holding a pipe
in a
groove of a temperature control system and for forming a thermal connection
between
the surface and the pipe. More particularly the invention is directed to a
device and a
method for fixing a pipe of a floor heating system and for diffusing to the
exterior of the
surface the flow of heat circulating in the pipe.
Background art
WO 00/37857 discloses a floating heating floor system with sound-insulating
advantages. This system is characterised by a plurality of superimposed sheets
of
homogeneous, binder-free, highly refined wood pulp or other fibrous material
having a
supply and distribution system for warm water heat incorporated therein. In a
preferred
embodiment, the system comprises three superimposed sheets of such material
where
grooves are made in the top sheet for receiving the water piping. Elongate
heat
distribution sheets are placed in the grooves before receiving the water
piping. The
cross-sectional shape of these sheets comprise a central section shaped as a
sharp-
edged U and two lateral flat sections connected to the upper branches of the
U,
respectively. The U shaped central section corresponds approximately to the
groove
and can receive the water piping for conducting and diffusing the heat thereof
up to the
upper surface. This arrangement does not provide an optimal heat transfer
since the
pipe contacts the distribution sheet punctually or linearly, i.e. only on a
reduced surface
of the pipe. Additionally, this arrangement does not provide any fastening
means of the
pipe. The mounting of the pipe in the groove on a longer distance can become
awkward
in the absence of fastening means, in particular when the pipe is made of
relatively rigid
material which is often the case.
EP 0 041 653 discloses a heat exchanger element for a floor heating system as
illustrated in figure 1. A carrying sheet of metal I with a half-rounded
recess or groove 2
for the pipe 13 is pressed. The pipe 13 can be positioned in the recess 2 and
the two
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edges or corners 4 between the recess 2 and the two lateral plane sections are
pressed
together in order to "close" the recess. This achieves a close contact of the
sheet 1 with
a major part of the outer surface of the pipe 13. The two lateral sections can
be held in
position for ensuring a close contact between the pipe and the metal sheet of
the
exchanger by clinching a zigzag wire thereto. This arrangement provides a very
good
heat transfer between the pipe and the diffuser but requires a special tooling
and is
therefore not particularly adapted for on-site application as is usually
required for floor
heating systems. Additionally, this arrangement does not provide any solution
for the
fixation of the heat exchangers or diffusers to the floor.
SE 468 057 discloses also a floor heating system comprising panels made of
fibrous
material and provided with spaced parallel grooves for placing a piping system
therein,
as is illustrated in figure 2. The panels 1', 1", 1... are generally covered
and held
together by an aluminium sheet 2 with recesses or grooves 3, 3' extending in
the
regular spaces between the elements constituting the panel. The cross-section
of these
recesses or grooves 3, 3' is shaped like an omega. They are dimensioned so
that the
pipe snaps into the recess when pressed therein, thereby ensuring an optimum
contact
between the aluminium sheet and the pipe. This arrangement has nevertheless
the
drawback that it is rather expensive and not particularly easy to install in
rooms with an
irregular shape. Indeed, the application of this solution requires the
purchase of the
panels which are rather expensive and additionally, the mounting of such
prefabricated
panels is rather cumbersome at areas of the rooms where the pipe must describe
a
curve.
The European Union Directive 2002/91/EC on the Energy Performance of Buildings
has
for objective to promote the energy performance of buildings within the
European
Community taking into account outdoor climatic and local conditions as well as
indoor
climate requirements and cost-effectiveness. Implementation of the Directive's
requirements will contribute to the EU's carbon emission reduction targets as
set out in
the Kyoto Protocol (8% reduction between 1990 and 2012) and the Energy Policy
for
Europe (20% reduction by 2020).
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There is therefore a general need for an improved system for rendering the
mounting of
such piping for temperature control system, typically floor heating systems,
easier, in
particular for rooms with an irregular shape (e.g. many corners), cheaper and
providing
still an optimum heat transfer. This is particular true for floor heating
systems where
there is a need for reducing (increasing) the water temperature in order to
optimise the
global efficiency of the heating (cooling) system.
Definition
The expression "omega shape" or "shape of (an) omega" refers to the general
shape of
an omega 0, i.e. an opened substantially rounded central section with two
aligned
lateral sections, one at each end of the central section, where the opened
substantially
rounded central section is more than half-rounded so that its opening is
narrower than
the width of the rounded portion.
Disclosure of the invention
The problem of the invention is to solve the aforementioned problems by
providing a
device for holding a pipe in a corresponding groove of a temperature control
system
integrated in a surface, and for forming a thermal connection between the
surface and
the pipe, the device comprising a sheet of metallic material with a
longitudinal axis, the
cross-section of the device comprising a central section for receiving the
pipe and a
lateral section at each one of two opposite sides of the central section, the
lateral
sections being designed for coming into contact with the surface at each side
of the
groove, respectively, when holding the pipe, wherein the central section is
resilient such
that it can be inserted by deformation in the groove having a cross-section
tapering
towards the surfaced and expand back in the groove so that the device takes
the shape
of an omega.
Such a device is very cheap to produce, is very easy to install in the grooves
and allows
a simplified and easy mounting of the pipe while providing an excellent
thermal
efficiency by the optimal contact with the piping. Indeed, the use of
resilient material for
the holding device avoids the use of a heaving tooling for bringing it in
close contact
with the pipe. After insertion of the device in the groove, it can expand back
in the
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specially shaped groove to be securely fastened there in by the omega shape
and still
provides an optimal contact with the pipe.
The holding device is shaped so that it fulfils the following requirements:
- The holding device can be easily introduced in a groove formed by two
parallel
planks preferably with a trapezoid cross-section (for example with an angle of
750) and remain positioned therein.
- The pipe can be easily inserted by snapping in the holding device.
- After insertion, the pipe remains positioned in the groove in close contact
with the
holding device for providing an optimal heat transfer, its upper surface
aligning
with the top surface of the planks.
- The holding devices are elongated items which can be superposed for
facilitating
the transportation, the handling and the storage.
Preferably, each of the lateral sections of the holding device is angled about
a corner,
respectively, with regard to the central section, and the radius of curvature
of the comer
is small enough to prevent any sliding movement of the lateral section when
the device
is loaded, preferably equal to or less than 1 mm.
This provides a very stable positioning of the device and a good fixation of
the pipe,
even if this latter is subject to a vertical load as the case could be if the
pipe slightly
protrudes from the surface due to some inaccuracies inherent of such a
mounting
operation.
The holding device is preferably made of a single sheet of metallic material
and each
of the lateral sections is made by folding an end section of the sheet.
The metallic material is preferably aluminium for its good thermal
conductivity and low
emissivity . The sheet has typically a gauge ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 mm,
preferably
about 0.5 mm. Alternative material to the usual metallic material fulfilling
these
requirements could also be envisaged, like for example a polymer sheet
reinforced with
metallic fibres.
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Preferably, the angle at the comer between each of the lateral sections and
the central
section is less than 90 , preferably less than 800, more preferably about 75 .
Preferably, the central section is generally elongate, preferably
substantially straight,
and able to be bent when pushed into the groove, the lateral sections coming
then into
5 contact with the surface at each side, respectively, of the groove.
Preferably, the central section is essentially half-rounded and resilient such
that the half-
rounded central section can be inserted into the groove, where the upper
section of the
groove is slightly narrower than the width of the central section, and can
expand back in
the groove so that the device takes the shape of an omega.
The above mentioned measures permit a cheap manufacturing of the device. Such
a
device is generally elongate along a longitudinal axis and has a reduced
thickness of
the metallic sheet. The shapes disclosed here above allow a series of devices
to be
easily superposed for the transport and storage.
The invention provides also a method for holding a pipe of a temperature
control system
integrated in a surface, and for forming a thermal connection between the
surface and
the pipe, the method comprising the following steps:
- providing a groove in the surface;
- positioning at least one holding device with a longitudinal axis in the
groove, the
cross-section of the device comprising a central section for receiving the
pipe in
the groove and a lateral section at each one of two opposite sides of the
central
section, the lateral sections coming into contact with the surface at each
side of
the groove, respectively, when the holding device is positioned in the groove;
- positioning the pipe in the at least one holding device;
wherein
the groove has a cross-section tapering towards the surface, preferably a
trapezoidal
cross-section;
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the at least one holding device is resilient and dimensioned such that it is
inserted in the
groove by deformation and expands back in the groove after insertion to take
the shape
of an omega;
the width of the groove at the surface level is dimensioned so that the width
of the
opening of the holding device at the surface level is slightly less than the
outside
diameter of the pipe such that the positioning step of the pipe requires to
exert a
pressure on the pipe towards the groove so that the pipe snaps into the at
least one
holding device.
Preferably, the positioning step of the at least one holding device in the
groove
comprises:
- positioning the at least one holding device, the central section of which
being
generally elongate, preferably substantially straight, and each of the lateral
sections of which being angled about a corner, respectively, with regard to
the
central section, over the groove such that the extremity of each of the
lateral
sections is in contact with the surface at each side of the groove,
respectively;
- exerting a force on the central portion towards the groove such that the
central
section is bent and inserted into the groove and the lateral sections come
into
contact with the surface at each border of the groove.
Preferably, the force is exerted by a finger or foot push. The fact that the
required force
can be exerted by a normal human being renders the mounting very easy.
Preferably, the positioning step of the at least one holding device in the
groove
comprises:
- positioning the at least one holding device, the central section of which
being
half-rounder, over the groove such that the half-rounded section slightly
penetrates the groove;
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- exerting a force on the central portion, preferably on the inside of the
half-
rounded section, towards the groove such that the central section gets
narrower,
penetrates and then expands back in the groove.
Preferably, the step of providing a groove in the surface comprises:
- providing and positioning on a floor a first plank with a first top face
forming the
surface and a first side face inclined with regard to a plane perpendicular to
the
first top face, the first side face and the first top face intersecting at a
first edge
for forming an angle of less than 90 ;
- providing on the floor a second plank with a second top face forming the
surface
and a second side face inclined with regard to a plane perpendicular to the
second top face, the second side face and the second top face intersecting at
a
second edge for forming an angle of less than 90 ,
- positioning the second plank relative to the first plank such that the first
edge and
the second edge face each other and are parallel for forming the groove.
Preferably, the positioning step of the second plank relative to the first
plank is made by
means of an elongate spacer or at least two distant shorter spacers positioned
against
the first edge and against which the second plank is then positioned.
Preferably, the planks are fastened to the floor by screwing, gluing or
nailing means
(pneumatic or electric) means, after having been positioned.
Preferably, the holding device is dimensioned such that the holding device
contacts the
pipe on at least half of its periphery.
Preferably, the holding device and the groove are dimensioned depending on the
size of
the pipe such that the pipe positioned in the groove is distant from the base
of the
groove, in order to prevent the pipe from carrying any vertical load and to
reduce
downward heat transfers. This distance is typically in the order of the
millimetre, e. g.
about 1 mm.
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Brief description of the drawings
Figure 1 corresponds to two cross sectional views of a diffuser known from the
prior art
(EP 0 041 653).
Figure 2 corresponds to a cross sectional views of a floor heating known from
the prior
art (SE 468 057).
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a floor heating system involving a
fixation holding
device according to the invention.
Figure 4 is top view of a section of metallic grid as in applied in the system
of figure 3.
Figure 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the pipe and the holding device
of the
system of figure 3.
Figures 6(a), 6(b), 7(a)-7(c), 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate a first embodiment of
the fixation
holding device.
Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are cross-sectional views illustrating the steps for
manufacturing
the fixation holding device.
Figures 7(a)-7(c) are cross-sectional views illustrating the different steps
for inserting
the fixation holding device into a corresponding groove.
Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are cross-sectional views illustrating the steps for
placing the pipe
into the groove.
Figures 9(a)-9(d) illustrate a second embodiment of the fixation holding
device.
Figure 9(a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of the fixation
holding device
and its positioning in front of the groove before insertion.
Figure 9(b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fixation holding device
positioned in
the groove and shaped like an omega.
Figure 9(c) is a cross-sectional view illustrating the positioning of the pipe
in front of the
groove before insertion.
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Figure 9(d) is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fixation holding device
positioned in
the groove and shaped like an omega.
Figures 10(a)-10(d) are top views of the floor surface of a room illustrating
the principle
of mounting the temperature control system.
Figures 11(a)-11 (d) are top views of the floor surface of a room according to
figures
10(a)-10(d) illustrating the general layout of the planks and the piping of
the temperature
control system.
Figures 12(a)-12(d) are top views of a temperature control system placed on a
surface
having an irregular shape. These figures illustrate the general layout of the
planks and
the piping and details of the mounted system in the corners of the surface.
Figure 13 is a top view of a temperature control system arrangement on a
surface
similar to figure 12(a) where the distances between the parallel sections of
the piping
are different depending on the border of the surface the piping is parallel
to.
Figures 14 (a) and 14 (b) show the difference in temperature distribution
between a
serpentine (zigzag) and a double spiral configuration of the piping.
Figure 15 is a section of a plan view of the piping of a temperature control
system
where the possibility of having different radii of curvature is illustrated.
Figures 16 (a)-16(e) illustrate the principle of mounting the temperature
control system
similarly to figures 10(a)-10(d) but with the use of prefabricated elements.
Detailed description of embodiments
The floor heating system covered with tiles illustrated in figure 3 is mounted
on a
thermally insulated screed or floor 1. This latter can comprise a layer of
thermally
insulated mortar on a mechanically stable slab or it can also comprise one or
more
wood or fibrous layers assembled on the slab. Other usual or known
alternatives for
obtaining a thermally insulated floor are also encompassed in this disclosure.
A series
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of elongated planks 2 are fastened to the screed 1. Each plank 2 is elongate
along a
longitudinal axis and has two opposite faces parallel to the longitudinal axis
parallel to
each other and chamfered or, differently said, inclined so as to form an angle
less than
90 with the top surface. The parallel planks used have the same width. The
thickness
5 of these planks must be approximately constant and be at least the diameter
of the pipe
or conduit 4 to be between the planks, preferably slightly more than the
diameter as is
illustrated in figure 3. The planks are positioned successively parallel to
each other and
distant, respectively, of about the diameter of the pipe. This arrangement
forms a series
of grooves having a trapezoid cross-section, the width of the groove tapering
to the top
10 surface of the planks. Alternative shapes, like a cylindrical shape, could
be considered
for the groove as long as it tapers to the top surface. The depth of the
groove equals the
thickness of the planks. A fixation holding device 3 made of conductive and
low
emissivity material, like aluminium, is used for holding and fixing the pipe
in the groove.
It serves also for diffusing the heat transported by the pipe 4. The holding
device 3 has
a general omega shape when placed in the groove. This omega shape defined by
the
groove with its trapezoidal cross-section and has for effect that the pipe is
trapped in the
groove and in close contact with the holding device. The lateral sections or
wings of the
holding device are in contact with the top surfaces of the planks and diffuse
the heat
upwardly and horizontally in an optimized manner. A grid-shaped metallic sheet
5 is
positioned on top of the planks in contact with the upper section of the pipe
diameter
and the lateral sections or wings of the holding devices 3. Optionally, the
grid-shaped
metallic sheet is fastened to the floor, preferably by means of staples or
nails. Cement
glue (not represented) is used for mounting the tiles 6 on the metallic sheet
5. The
meshes of the grid-shaped metallic sheet are filled with the glue so that the
glue can
contact the top surfaces of the planks directly, thereby enabling a correct
anchoring of
the tiles to the floor. The tiles 6 are in direct contact with some sections
of the metallic
sheet or at least very close thereto and the metallic sheet is drown in the
glue layer
thereby forming a thermal bridge from the diffuser and the pipes directly to
the lower
surface of the tiles 6.
Figure 4 illustrates a section of a typical grid-shaped metallic sheet that
can be used in
the arrangement of figure 3. This is a spread out metallic sheet as is
available on the
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market for different purposes. Any different type of metallic sheet can be
used as long
as it is grid-shaped, i.e. with meshes or holes or apertures, allowing the
cement glue to
come into contact with the top surface of the planks.
The details of the mounting of the pipe in the groove by means of the holding
device are
illustrated in figure 5. The holding device 3 comprises, when inserted in the
groove, a
half-rounded central section 33 and two lateral sections 31 and 32, one at
each side of
the central section 33. The lateral section 31 and 32 are relatively flat and
form an angle
with the central section at the comer 34 and 35, respectively. At least the
central section
of the holding device must be resilient enough to be able to be deformed when
inserted
in the groove and to expand back in the trapezoidal cross-section of the
groove, against
the side faces of the planks forming the groove, in order to take an omega
shape.
When placed in the groove, the holding device conforms to the planks, i.e. the
flat
lateral sections are in contact with the top surfaces of the planks, the
corners 34 and 35
mate with the corresponding edges of the planks at the intersection of the top
surfaces
and lateral surfaces of the planks, respectively, and the substantially flat
portions of
central section starting from the corners 34 and 35, respectively, are in
contact with the
corresponding side surfaces of the planks. The radius of curvature of the
corners 34 an
35 are small enough, i.e. about 1 mm or less, so that they properly mate with
the
corresponding edges of the planks and also so that they avoid any sliding
movement of
the lateral sections 31 and 32 along the top surfaces of the planks when the
holding
device is loaded, for example when an unusual force is applied downwardly to
the pipe.
The half-rounded portion of the central section is distant from the bottom of
the groove
in order to create an air gap and achieve an optimal thermal insulation with
the screed
or floor on which the system is mounted. The low emissivity characteristic of
the
material of the holding device reduces also the heat radiation downwardly
toward the
screed or floor on which the system is mounted. The width of the groove at the
top
surface level of the planks is about the outer diameter of the pipe 4, so that
the
thickness of the sheet of the holding device 3 at the corners 34 and 35 reduce
the
opening of the groove to a width that is slightly less than the outer diameter
of the pipe.
The width of the groove can be determined differently depending on the
thickness of the
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sheet of the holding device and the shape and angle of the corners 34 and 35
and the
stiffness of the material of the planks. The corners of the holding device
could indeed
not fully mate with the corresponding edges of the planks and thereby define
the
reduced entrance width of the groove. Alternatively, the thickness of the
sheet could be
increased and a relatively flexible material could be selected for the planks
or vice-
versa. Important is to achieve thanks to the omega shaped holding device a
reduced
entrance width of the groove so that the pipe needs then to be pushed into the
groove
for snapping there into. The pipe is in close contact with the holding device
along a
major part of its periphery. About one fourth of the pipe periphery is not in
direct contact
with the holding device but this periphery portion is at the top of the pipe
and will be in
contact, at least partially, with the grid-shaped metallic sheet 5 and with
the glue in the
case of tile flooring.
It shall be mentioned that alternative floorings are possible with the above
mentioned
concept. Indeed, parquet flooring can also be glued similarly to the tile
flooring, with or
without the meshed metallic sheet depending, e. g. on the admissible thickness
of the
glue layer. Parquet flooring can also be placed directly on the diffuser
either by means
of nails or simply floating.
The holding device 3 is generally an elongate member with a longitudinal axis
parallel or
corresponding to the axis of the piping when this latter is placed in the
groove by means
of the holding device. The holding device is preferably symmetrical about its
longitudinal
axis. In a preferred embodiment, the holding device is made of a single strip
of metallic
material, preferably steel or aluminium, i.e. a good, light, easy to handle
and cheap heat
conductor. The metallic sheet of the holding device has typically a gauge
ranging from
0.3 to 0.5 mm, with a preferably gauge of about 0.5 mm. The strip of metallic
material
can be grid-shaped with meshes or with a series of holes or apertures. In that
case, it
can be renounced to place the spread out metallic sheet 5 as in figure 3, when
the
lateral sections 31 and 32 cover a major portion of the top surfaces of planks
2. In that
situation, the cement glue for the tiles would be able to flow through the
meshes, holes
or apertures and contact directly the planks for a satisfactory fixation of
the thereby
glued flooring.
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13
A first preferred embodiment of the fixation holding device is illustrated in
figures 6(a),
6(b), 7(a)-7(d) and 8(a) and 8(b). Figure 6(a) shows a cross-sectional view a
strip of
resilient metallic material for manufacturing the holding device as
illustrated in figure
6(b). The strip 3' is bent at its two ends along an axis parallel to the
longitudinal axis of
the strip (perpendicular to the plane of the view), respectively, in order to
achieve the
shape of figure 6(b). This shape comprises a central section 33' and two
lateral sections
or wings 31' and 32'. The lateral sections are generally planar whereas the
central
section can be substantially straight or slightly curved. The lateral sections
are bent
about the corners 34' and 35' to form an angle with the central section which
is about
90 or less. In figure 6(b), the angle is less than 90 , i.e. about 80 . The
holding device
3' as illustrated in figure 6(b) is ready to be applied and inserted into a
groove.
This action is illustrated in figures 7(a)-7(c). The holding device 3' is
positioned
symmetrically about the groove between the planks 2 so that the extremity of
each
lateral section 31' and 32', respectively, is in contact with the top surface
of the planks,
at each side of the groove, respectively, as illustrated in figure 7(a). The
angle a of the
planks is typically about 75 . An effort is exerted on the central section 33'
downwardly
in front of the groove. It results that the central section bends towards the
groove as is
illustrated in figure 7(b) and is inserted therein as is illustrated in figure
7(c). The central
section needs to be resilient and flexible enough to allow it to be inserted
into the
groove without kinking the metallic sheet and without requiring a too high
effort. The
effort is typically exerted by a finger or foot pressure but could also be
exerted by
means of a tool. Upon insertion, the holding device is designed in connection
with the
size of the groove such that the central section of the holding device expands
in the
groove, the corners 31' and 32' come into contact with the corresponding edges
of the
planks, respectively, and the lateral sections are in contact with the
corresponding
portions of the top surfaces of the planks, respectively. The slight expansion
process of
the central section in the groove permits the holding device to take the shape
of an
omega and to nicely mate with the planks.
Figure 8(a) shows the positioning step of the pipe in front of the opening of
the groove.
As can be seen on the figure, the outer diameter of the pipe is slightly
higher than the
CA 02729144 2011-01-25
14
opening of the groove at the top surface level of the planks. The geometrical
clamping
ratio, i.e. the ratio of the difference the outer diameter of the pipe and the
width of the
opening with the width of the opening, is about a few percents, typically 4-
7%, more
particularly about 6%, and depends mainly on the rigidity of the pipe, the
size of the pipe
and the material of the planks and the angle a between the lateral face and
the top face
of the planks. Upon exerting the effort according to the arrow in figure 8(a),
the pipe
penetrates and snaps into the groove. The pipes is thereby clamped in the
groove,
positioned in a stable fashion, kept distant from the upper surface of the
screed or floor
on which the system is mounted and has a major part of its periphery in close
contact
with the metallic sheet of the holding device serving as diffuser. The
diameter of the
piping typically ranges from 12 to 25 mm in accordance with the pipes
available on the
market. The piping is typically made of material with heat exchange
capacities, like
some plastics, e.g. polybutylene, or copper or any other usual material. In
the case of a
pipe with a diameter of 16 mm, a metallic sheet of the holding device with a
gauge of
0.5 mm and planks with a thickness of 18 mm, the distance between the bottom
of the
groove and the lowest point of the holding device is of about 1 mm (the pipe
aligning
with the top surface of the planks).
A second preferred embodiment of the fixation holding device is illustrated in
figures
9(a)-9(d). A preformed fixation holding device 3" is used and positioned in
front of the
groove between the planks as illustrated in figure 9(a). The angle between the
side face
and the top face of the planks is typically 75 . It comprises a substantially
half-rounded
central section 33" serving as a cradle for the pipe, two straight sections
36", 37" and
two lateral flat sections or wings 31", 32", one of each at each end,
respectively. The
angle between each straight section 36'737" and the corresponding lateral
section
31 "/32" is less than 90 , preferably about 75 . This angle could however be
also about
90 . The rounded portion of the central section is positioned in the opening
of the
groove. The central section 33" of the holding device 3" is wider than the
opening of the
groove so that a vertical downward effort is necessary to force it into the
groove (see
arrow in figure 9(a)). Upon exertion of this effort, the half-rounded central
section gets
deformed and narrowed in order to be able to penetrate the groove. Upon
insertion, the
central section 33" expands back in the widening section of the groove and
takes the
CA 02729144 2011-01-25
shape of an omega. It is thereby in place similarly to the previous
embodiment, more
particularly as illustrated in figure 7(c). The flat lateral section 31" and
32" are in close
contact with the top surfaces of the planks, the corners 34" and 35" mate with
the
corresponding edges of the planks, the straight portions of the central
section are in
5 contact with the lateral faces of the planks, respectively.
The procedure for the insertion of the pipe 4 into the groove is similar as
for the
previous embodiment, namely that the pipe is positioned in front of the
opening and a
vertical downward effort is exerted on the pipe to make it pass through the
narrowed
opening and snap into the central section of the holding device in the groove.
The pipe
10 is then similarly held, positioned, fixed in the groove and at major part
of its periphery is
in close contact with the metallic sheet of the holding device for diffusing
its heat to the
upper surface. The central section of the holding device requires it to be
resilient
enough to take the shape of an omega after insertion into the groove. The
initial shape
of the holding device can depart from the shape illustrated in figure 9(a).
Indeed, the
15 central section can be less than half-rounded so that the lateral section
would not be in
the same plane but rather be in planes which intersect above the central
section.
Additionally, the angle between the lateral section and the adjacent straight
portion must
not necessarily be less than 90 but can be also of about 90 .
In both embodiments and also more generally, any lubricant like water with
soap can be
spread along the groove for facilitating the insertion of the holding device
or holding
device into groove. The same applies for the insertion of the pipe in the
holding device.
The use of water as basis is convenient for it is cheap and evaporates
rapidly. It does
not hinder an optimal thermal conductivity between the different elements.
More generally speaking, the shape of the holding device has to be so that it
fulfils the
following requirements:
- The holding device can be easily introduced in a groove formed by two
parallel
planks preferably with a trapezoid cross-section (for example with an angle of
75 ) and remain positioned therein.
- The pipe can be easily inserted by snapping in the holding device.
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- After insertion, the pipe remains positioned in the groove in close contact
with the
holding device for providing an optimal heat transfer, its upper surface
aligning
with the top surface of the planks.
- The holding devices are elongated items which can be superposed for
facilitating
the transportation, the handling and the storage.
The pipe is arranged according to a layout as illustrated in figures 10(a)-
10(d) and
11(a)-11(d). A double corridor is formed by the spaces left between the planks
and the
pipe is introduced into this double corridor. A first series of planks is
fixed along the
sides of the room as is illustrated in figure 10(a). A second series of planks
is then
loosely placed parallel to the first series of planks and at a reduced
distance as is
illustrated in figure 10(b). At a corner, the two planks forming the corner
will be moved to
the corner by sliding parallel or against the corresponding previous plank
until both
planks contact each other. This step is for accommodating a free space at the
corner for
the pipe. This is illustrated in figure 10(c) whereas this figure shows a
section of pipe in
the corner for illustrative purposes only. The loosely positioned planks are
then spaced
from the corresponding previous planks by means of a spacer for forming the
groove
receiving the pipe as is illustrated in figure 10(d). The planks are then
fixed to the floor.
The same procedure is followed for the successive planks thereby forming a
double
spiral with the grooves, i.e. from the periphery to the centre until no more
room is
available at the centre. Figure 11(a) illustrates at the left side the double
corridor or the
two parallel grooves, one for the inlet and the other for the outlet. Figure
11(b) illustrates
the double spiral starting from the lower left corner. Figure 11(c)
illustrates the situation
where not enough space is left for continuing the described procedure. Figure
11(d)
illustrates the finished layout where the pipe has been inserted in the double
spiral. The
grooves are first filled with the holding devices and the thereby formed
grooves are filled
by the pipe starting at the perimeter (lower left corner in figure 11(d)) from
the start of
the spiral until the centre and then back to the start of the spiral at the
perimeter in order
to form one loop with an inlet and an outlet as is illustrated in figure
11(d). The spaces
left in the corners and in the middle can be filled with material, either cut
to size or in a
granular form.
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17
This procedure is valid irrespective of the geometry of the room. Indeed,
figures 12(a)-
12(d) illustrate this matter of fact. Figure 12(a) illustrates the final
layout in a room with a
very complex shape whereas figures 12(b)-12(d) illustrate details of the
corner regions
of the layout of figure 12(a).
It is possible to imbricate 2 or more pipe loops in each other in a spiral
configuration - In
this case, the length of each circuit can be divided by 2 or more. Not only
will this allow
reducing circulating pump consumption, but also, because the water cycling
time will be
reduced, its average temperature will be higher or lower (if this is a cooling
system) for a
given input temperature, thus improving global heating or cooling (if this is
a cooling
system) system efficiency. The length of the circuits being equal (within half
a meter) it
insures good balancing. It must be emphasized that inlet and outlet points can
be
chosen on any spot along the perimeter and that they are always close together
to
facilitate the connections with the fluid supply system.
The distance between the pipes (stride) can be changed even within the same
spiral
circuit in order to adapt the power to the local heat losses. In the example
of figure 13 ,
twice as much pipe density is foreseen along the windows, compared to other
walls.
A double spiral configuration that is adopted in such a system has significant
advantages as opposed to the serpentine (zigzag) configuration. Figure 14 (a)
shows a
serpentine layout (zigzag) whereas figure 14(b) shows a comparable spiral
layout.
Comparative measures for given conditions have shown a temperature loss of 4 C
between the left side and the right side in figure 14(a) for the zigzag
layout, resulting in
an average temperature of 26 C for the serpentine configuration as the maximum
legal
floor temperature is limited whereas the spiral layout achieves a nearly
constant
temperature of 28 C at least on the inlet portion of the looped piping, i.e.
from the lower
left side until the centre. For cooling applications, the minimum surface
temperature is
also limited to avoid condensation. Everything else being equal, the
advantages of the
spiral layout are that:
there are 30 % less bends (and no 180 ) which facilitates the installation and
reduces pressure losses in the pipe; and
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- the maximum authorized power can be 30% higher.
When using a spiral circuit imbricated or not in another spiral circuit,and as
illustrated in
figure 15 , the radius of curvature of the pipes (150 mm for example) can be
large
compared to the distance between the pipes (30 mm for example) allowing a high
output power, even in the corners. This is another advantage compared to a
serpentine
(zig-zag) layout and no complicated pipe configurations are necessary.
Endly a heating system installation can also be foreseen with prefabricated
elements
as illustrated in figures 16 (a)-1 6(e).
Prefabricated angle pieces 11 are fixed on the isolated screed or floor on
three corners
of the room as illustrated in figure 16(a).
Between the angle pieces, prefabricated planks 12 are cut to size and fixed
along the
room perimeter as illustrate in figure 16(b).
Prefabricated internal angle pieces 13 and planks are fixed along the
perimeter,
respecting the necessary space that will accommodate the holding device and
the pipe,
as illustrated in figure 16(c).
Internal angle pieces and planks are fixed in the same manner creating the
corridor
towards the room centre until there is no more room to put any more angle
piece as
illustrated in figures 16(d) and 16(e).
The pipe holding device and the pipe are then laid down in the so created
double spiral
groove as is shown in figure 16(e).
There is therefore also provided a method for placing a temperature control
system in a
surface like a floor heating system comprising the following steps:
a) providing a layer of heat insulating material on the surface where the
layer
comprises at least one groove for receiving a piping;
b) placing at least one heat diffuser in the at least one groove;
c) placing the piping in the at least one groove;
wherein step a) comprises placing on the surface a series of elongate planks
in a row
starting along the perimeter of the surface and running like a spiral on the
surface until a
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19
substantially central area of the surface, where the adjacent planks are
arranged in
parallel and spaced by a predetermined distance in order to form at least one
groove
shaped as a spiral.
Preferably, the planks are placed such as to form a double spirally-shaped
groove.
Preferably, step a) further comprises:
i. placing a first row of elongate planks along the perimeter of the surface;
ii. placing a second and subsequent rows of elongate planks parallel to the
previous row and spaced there from at the predetermined distance in order to
form with the spaces between the planks the at least one groove shaped as a
spiral.
Preferably, step i further comprises leaving free of plank at least a section
of the
perimeter adjacent a corner of the surface for arranging an inlet and an
outlet of the
piping and step ii further comprises leaving some space free for the piping at
the
junctions of the planks at the corners of the surface, optionally by abutting
the corner of
a plank with the corresponding corner of the adjacent plank, the two plank
generally
forming an angle at a corner of the surface.
The second and subsequent rows of step ii can be double rows in order to
achieve a
double spirally-shaped groove.
The method can comprise the further step:
d) placing a grid-shaped metallic sheet, preferably a spread out metallic
sheet,
covering the piping and the at least one diffuser;
e) applying tiles by means of a glue, preferably a cement glue, between the
tiles
and the planks, the glue penetrating the meshes or opening of the metallic
sheet
and contacting the planks.
The presence of the metallic sheet provides an optimal thermal contact between
the
diffusers (and also the piping) and the lower surface of the tiles. The
presence of the
metallic sheet embedded in the glue has the additional advantage of
reinforcing the glue
layer and thereby provides improved mechanical characteristics of the
flooring.
CA 02729144 2011-01-25
The holding device or holding device and the corresponding method can be
applied to
the method described just here above.
