Patent Description:
In particular, the heating floor panel is adapted to generate heat when a component thereof is crossed by electric current, and it is adapted to be used for obtaining the floor of transport means, for example, the floor of a railway carriage or the floor of a ship.

Indoor environments of trains are typically heated. The most commonly used heating systems for such purpose comprise the outflow of hot air, which is introduced into the environment to be heated.

As a complement, or alternative to such systems, recently, heating panels are also being designed comprising a heating element of the electric type. Heating panels can be used, for example, to obtain the floors of railway carriages. However, heating panels at the state of the art have drawbacks.

One critical aspect of the current heating panels regards the assembly of the heating element with the panel. In particular, in some cases, first, a special recess is obtained in a part of the heating panel by means of a processing by chip removal. Then, the heating element is inserted into the recess. However, this operation requires time, machinery and staff to implement it. Consequently, the production process is long and complex, so production costs are elevated.

Furthermore, fastening means must be comprised to ensure that the heating element stays constrained to the panel.

The fastening means are typically interposed between the heating element and the upper part of the panel, adapted to spread the heat produced by the heating element.

Such arrangement implies that a part of the heat produced by the heating element is absorbed by the fastening means, or nonetheless by an element interposed between the upper part of the panel and the heating element. Thus, the efficiency of the heat transmission is reduced.

The panel described in <CIT> has the aforesaid drawbacks. Indeed, the heating element is incorporated in a layer of epoxy resin. Therefore, disadvantageously, the epoxy resin inevitably limits the transmission of heat. A further drawback of the panel described in such document comes from the way in which it must be obtained. Indeed, in particular, the epoxy resin must be poured into a mold, where the heating element is arranged, and it must be subjected to heat and pressure. Thus, the process is relatively complex and requires rather lengthy technical times, as well as the use of special instruments.

A further drawback of the known heating panels consists of the need to have to replace the entire panel, or in any case, to have to carry out complex operations of maintenance, in the event of a fault of the heating element of the panel.

A further drawback of known heating panels concerns the means of protection from electrical shock, which are currently relatively ineffective and difficult to produce.

Furthermore, disadvantageously, when the electric current crosses the heating element, undesired electromagnetic interference is generated.

Thus, the need is felt for a heating floor panel, which allows the drawbacks of the known heating panels to be overcome, in particular, but not only, those described previously.

It is an object of the present invention to obtain a heating floor panel of the electric type, which can be produced more easily and more quickly with respect to the state of the art.

It is another object of the present invention to obtain a heating floor panel, which also allows optimization of the transmission of heat.

The present invention achieves at least one of such objects, as well as other objects, which will be apparent in the light of the present description, by means of a floor panel for transport means according to claim <NUM>.

Said at least one heating cable is advantageously in contact, in particular directly in contact, with the metal plate, so as to optimize the transmission of heat. In particular, preferably, said at least one heating cable is also in contact, in particular directly in contact, with the net.

The invention also relates to a process, according to claim <NUM>, for obtaining a floor panel, comprising at least the steps of:.

preferably, wherein said layer is provided with a further plate, preferably made of metal, and wherein the layer is fixed to the metal plate so that the layer is between the metal plate and said further plate.

An person skilled in the art is capable of acknowledging that the process may be carried out quickly and easily.

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

Advantageously, the meshes of the net also provide an adequate space to ensure that the aforesaid layer adapted to limit the heat transmission, or insulating layer, can be fixed to the metal plate by means of the adhesive.

A further advantage comes from the fact that said at least one heating cable can come into contact with the metal plate, and be immersed, in particular only partially immersed, in the adhesive, which acts as a thermal insulating means, to ensure that most of the heat is transmitted to the metal plate, which is adapted to be stepped on.

Furthermore, advantageously, since said at least one heating cable can come into contact, in particular directly in contact, with the metal plate, the transmission of heat is optimized, in particular because fixing means, such as the adhesive, or other elements, interposed between said at least one heating cable and the metal plate, are not provided.

Preferably, said at least one heating cable is constrained, in particular sewn, to the net. Advantageously, this guarantees that said at least one heating cable is already in the conformation chosen in accordance with the design.

To further facilitate the process, one side of the net is preferably adhesive. In this way, a component comprising the net and at least one heating cable constrained to each other can adhere to the metal plate, and such component is already held in position before using the adhesive with which the insulating layer is fixed to the metal plate.

Preferably, there are provided two heating cables, so that one of the heating cables can be used in the event of a fault of the other heating cable.

Preferably, each heating cable comprises therein two different electrically conductive wires (also called resistance wires) or two different bundles of electrically conductive wires.

In this way, the following advantages can be obtained, in particular, when the two wires of each cable are electrically connected in series to each other:.

Preferably, each heating wire comprises an element, in particular, an electrically conductive shield, which envelops the two conductive wires. Advantageously, the electrically conductive element can be connected to the ground line and furthermore, it can act as a shield to avoid or limit electromagnetic interference, as well as an element for protecting from cuts or other mechanical damage.

Furthermore, advantageously, the electrically conductive element can be used to intercept dispersed currents deriving from the degradation of the insulators, in particular, of the sheath/s, of the heating cable. For example, the electrically conductive element can be connected to a protective device, for example, a differential, in particular a high-sensitivity differential. When the electrically conductive element is connected to such differential, it is possible to detect the potentially dangerous conditions in which the conductors of the heating cables deteriorate over time.

According to an aspect, the floor panel is particularly adapted to be stepped on, i.e. it has adequate structural characteristics so as to be stepped on without causing the floor panel to break.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent in the light of the detailed description of illustrative, but non-exclusive embodiments.

The dependent claims describe particular embodiments of the invention.

In the description of the invention, reference is made to the attached drawings, which are provided by way of a non-limiting example, wherein:.

The same elements, or functionally equivalent elements, have the same reference numeral.

A floor panel <NUM> according to the invention is described with reference to the Figures.

The floor panel <NUM> is configured to obtain the floor of a transport means, such as, for example, the floor of a railway carriage or the floor of a ship, in particular, of an indoor environment of a ship. For example, in order to obtain the floor, a plurality of floor panels <NUM> can be provided, set side by side.

The floor panel <NUM> comprises a metal plate <NUM>; at least one heating cable <NUM>, <NUM> adapted to generate heat when it is crossed by electric current, a net <NUM> provided with a plurality of openings or meshes <NUM>; wherein said at least one heating cable <NUM>, <NUM> is arranged between the net <NUM> and the metal plate <NUM>.

In particular, the metal plate <NUM> serves to transmit, to the environment where the panel <NUM> is installed, the heat generated by the at least one heating cable <NUM>, <NUM>. Preferably, the metal plate <NUM> is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

The metal plate <NUM> can be covered, for example, by a covering layer (not shown), for example, made of a fabric or synthetic, adapted to be stepped on.

In particular, the metal plate <NUM> comprises a face <NUM> (or side), also called upper face for descriptive purposes, and a face <NUM> (or side), also called lower face for descriptive purposed. The face <NUM> and the face <NUM> are opposite to each other and they are preferably substantially flat.

In particular, the face <NUM> is adapted to be covered by said covering layer.

The plate <NUM> is suitable to be stepped on without breaking, and it is adapted to withstand impacts.

Preferably, the metal plate <NUM> has a thickness greater than, or equal to <NUM>, for example, from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The thickness of the metal plate <NUM> substantially corresponds to the distance between the face <NUM> and the face <NUM>.

Preferably, two heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> are provided (as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>), although the floor panel <NUM> can comprise only one heating cable or two or more heating cables, for example, two or three heating cables.

Preferably, the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> are equal, or substantially equal to each other. Advantageously, providing two heating cables <NUM>, <NUM>, the heating cable <NUM> can be used as the main heating cable and the other heating cable <NUM> can be used as an auxiliary heating cable, which is put into operation in the event of a malfunctioning of the heating cable <NUM>. Thus, this avoids the entire floor panel having to be replaced in the event of a malfunctioning of only one of the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM>. When a third heating cable is optionally provided, for example, two cables can be used to modulate the power supplied, and one cable can be used as an auxiliary.

The heating cable <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, on the understanding that such Figures are also representative of the heating cable <NUM>.

Each heating cable <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a respective electrically insulating sheath <NUM>. The sheath <NUM> is an external sheath, i.e. it is the outermost part of the heating cable <NUM>, <NUM>.

Preferably, each heating cable <NUM>, <NUM>, in particular, each sheath <NUM>, has an external diameter from <NUM> to <NUM>, for example, from <NUM> to <NUM>, so that the heating cable <NUM>, <NUM> has an adequate resistance to breaking.

Inside the sheath <NUM>, there is provided at least one electrically conductive wire <NUM>, <NUM>, in particular made of metal, adapted to generate heat when it is crossed by electric current. Preferably, two electrically conductive wires <NUM>, <NUM> are provided (as shown in <FIG>), although only one electrically conductive wire may be provided, or two or more electrically conductive wires.

Note that each of the electrically conductive wires <NUM>, <NUM> can optionally form a respective bundle, for example, an interwoven bundle of conductive wires <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, a bundle of conductive wires <NUM> and a bundle of conductive wires <NUM> may be provided. The conductive wire <NUM> is provided with a respective electrically insulating sheath <NUM>.

When a bundle of conductive wires <NUM> is provided, all of the wires of the bundle of conductive wires <NUM> are arranged in the sheath <NUM>. Similarly, the conductive wire <NUM>, or the bundle of conductive wires <NUM>, is provided with a respective sheath <NUM>. Preferably, an electrically conductive element <NUM> is provided, in particular made of metal, surrounding, in particular, enveloping the conductive wires <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, the conductive element <NUM> is arranged between the sheath <NUM> and the two sheaths <NUM>, <NUM> of the two conductive wires <NUM>, <NUM>.

Preferably, a further electrically insulating sheath <NUM> is provided, which envelops the two conductive wires <NUM>, <NUM>, in particular the sheaths <NUM>, <NUM> thereof. In other words, the conductive wires <NUM>, <NUM>, comprising the sheaths <NUM>, <NUM> thereof, are arranged inside the sheath <NUM>.

The sheath <NUM> is arranged between the sheaths <NUM>, <NUM> and the conductive element <NUM>. In particular, the sheath <NUM> is inside the conductive element <NUM>. The sheath <NUM> is substantially a secondary, or supplementary insulating element.

The conductive element <NUM> is adapted to be connected to the ground power supply, or ground power line. Thus, advantageously, the conductive element <NUM> is adapted to serve as a means of protection from electric shocks. Furthermore, advantageously, the conductive element <NUM> serves as an element for shielding against electromagnetic interference. In particular, the conductive element <NUM> is adapted to confine the electromagnetic waves, which may be generated during the passage of electric current in the conductive wires <NUM>, <NUM>.

Furthermore, advantageously, the conductive element <NUM> provides a physical or mechanical protection. For example, a sharp or pointed body, which accidentally penetrates the sheath <NUM>, can be blocked by the element <NUM>. Since the element <NUM> can be placed electrically on the ground, if the hypothetical sharp or pointed body were to reach the lead wires <NUM>, <NUM>, the protective means, for example, a differential, would be triggered. Thus, the conductive element <NUM> allows for a more resistant and electrically safer heating cable <NUM>, <NUM>. Preferably, the conductive element <NUM> comprises or is formed by a plurality of electrically conductive wires, which are mutually interwoven.

By way of an illustrative and non-limiting example, the aforesaid sheaths can be made, for example, of a polymer material.

The two heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged between the metal plate <NUM> and the net <NUM>. Preferably, the two heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> are parallel to each other. Preferably, the two heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged as a coil. For example, each heating cable <NUM>, <NUM> comprises substantially rectilinear sections connected to one another by a respective curved section.

The net <NUM> is provided with a plurality of meshes, only some of which are indicated in <FIG> with reference <NUM>. The meshes <NUM> are through openings, i.e. empty spaces. Preferably, the dimensions, or extension of the mesh <NUM> are from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, for example, about <NUM><NUM>. By way of a non-limiting example, the meshes can have an area from 4x4 mm to 30x30 mm (width x length). Advantageously, the meshes <NUM> are adapted to allow the passage of an adhesive <NUM> (<FIG>), which will be described in further detail.

The net <NUM> is substantially a layer, in particular, a layer shaped as a grid.

Preferably, the net <NUM> has a surface extension, which substantially covers the whole area, or zone occupied by the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM>.

Preferably, the net <NUM> comprises, or is formed by a plurality of first strips 40a (<FIG>) and a plurality of second strips 40b arranged so as to delimit said plurality of meshes <NUM>. Preferably, the strips 40a, 40b are substantially flat. Note that only some of the first strips 40a and only some of the second strips 40b are indicated with a reference numeral in <FIG>.

More specifically, preferably, the first strips 40a are spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another. The second strips 40b are spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another. The first strips 40a and the second strips 40b are transversal, for example, substantially orthogonal to one another.

Each mesh <NUM> is delimited by two first strips 40a consecutive to each other, and by two second strips 40b consecutive to each other. The perimeter of each mesh <NUM> is, for example, rectangular or square.

It should be clear that instead of the net <NUM>, a layer can be provided, provided with a plurality of openings <NUM> or holes. The openings or holes can be, for example, round or another shape.

Preferably, the net <NUM> has a thickness from <NUM> to <NUM>, for example, from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The thickness of the net <NUM> substantially corresponds to the thickness of each strip 40a, 40b.

Preferably, the net <NUM> is made of an electrically insulating material. The net <NUM> is capable of withstanding elevated temperatures, for example, it is made of a material having a softening point, which is at least greater than <NUM> at atmospheric pressure.

By way of example, the net <NUM> is made of a composite material, for example, a composite comprising glass fibers.

Preferably, each strip 40a, 40b has a width from <NUM> to <NUM>. The length of each strip 40a, 40b is greater, in particular, much greater, than the width and with respect to 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.

By way of a non-limiting example, the floor panel <NUM>, in particular, the net <NUM> has a rectangular shape or outline.

Advantageously, the floor panel, in particular the net, can also have more complex shapes or outlines.

By way of a non-limiting example, note the net <NUM>' of a floor panel <NUM>' illustrated in <FIG>.

The net <NUM>' can be obtained, for example, by cutting a net with a rectangular shape. In particular, if compared with a rectangular net, the net <NUM>' comprises an incision <NUM>' and a portion <NUM>' with a curved outline, for example, shaped as an arc of a circle. The spatial distribution of the heating cables <NUM>', <NUM>' can be adapted as a function of the shape of the net <NUM>'.

Preferably, the metal plate <NUM>', the layer <NUM>' and the plate <NUM>' also have a profile, which is similar, or substantially similar to that of the net <NUM>'.

Note that, apart from geometric differences, the metal plate <NUM>', the heating cables <NUM>', <NUM>', the net <NUM>', the layer <NUM>' and the plate <NUM>' are equal, or substantially equal to the metal plate <NUM>, the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM>, the net <NUM>, the layer <NUM> and the plate <NUM>.

In general, the net <NUM>, <NUM>', which is used, in particular, as a support for the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>', allows elevated realization versatility of the floor panels, whose shape can be made depending on the zone of installation, without requiring the use of templates.

The floor panel can be installed, for example, in a lower zone of the toilet of a railway carriage or of a ship.

Preferably, at least one side, for example, one side of the net <NUM> is adhesive. In particular, the adhesive side is the side facing the metal plate <NUM>.

In particular, a face of each strip 40a, 40b facing the metal plate <NUM> is adhesive.

By providing an adhesive side of the net <NUM>, the assembly operation is particularly facilitated.

The adhesive side is attached, i.e. adheres both to the two heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> and to the metal plate <NUM>.

In particular, some portions of the net <NUM> adhere to the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> and other portions adhere to the metal plate <NUM> (<FIG>).

If the adhesive side of the net <NUM> is not provided (i.e. with or without the adhesive side), preferably, the net <NUM> is nonetheless directly in contact with the metal plate <NUM> and with the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM>.

The net <NUM> is flexible, so as to be in contact both with the metal plate <NUM> and with the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> interposed in some zones between the net <NUM> and the metal plate <NUM>.

Preferably, the net <NUM> and the two heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> are sewn to each other, for example, by means of wires. Preferably, the net <NUM> and the two heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> are sewn to each other in various points or zones. Advantageously, by sewing the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> to the net <NUM>, it is guaranteed that the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> are already in the conformation chosen in accordance with the design. The constraint provided by the sewing can be provided additionally or alternatively to the constraint provided by the adhesive side.

As can be noted in <FIG>, the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> are in contact, in particular directly in contact, with the metal plate <NUM> and with the net <NUM>. In particular, the external sheath <NUM> of the two heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> (or more generally, of the at least one heating cable <NUM>, <NUM>) is in contact, in particular directly in contact, with the metal plate <NUM> and with the net <NUM>. Thus, the transmission of heat from the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> to the metal plate <NUM> is optimized.

Preferably, the floor panel <NUM> also comprises a layer <NUM>, or a layer of material. In particular, the layer <NUM> is adapted to limit the transmission of heat produced by the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM>, so as to direct the heat towards the metal plate <NUM>. In particular, the layer <NUM> is a layer of thermally insulating and preferably, electrically insulating material. The layer <NUM> is a panel in itself.

Advantageously, channels obtained in the plate <NUM> and/or in the layer <NUM> where the heating cables <NUM>,<NUM> are accommodated, are not necessary. Thus, preferably, the face <NUM> of the plate <NUM> and/or the face <NUM> of the layer <NUM> facing the plate <NUM> can be substantially flat. Advantageously, in particular, said at least one heating cable <NUM>, <NUM> is arranged between the layer <NUM> and the metal plate <NUM>, in particular, between the face <NUM> and the face <NUM>. In particular, said at least one heating cable <NUM>, <NUM> is not incorporated in the layer <NUM>. In other words, preferably, said at least one heating cable <NUM>, <NUM> is completely external to the layer <NUM>.

Advantageously, the space between the plate <NUM> and the layer <NUM> can be filled by an adhesive <NUM>, which will be described in further detail. Preferably, the layer <NUM> has a thickness from <NUM> to <NUM>, for example, from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Preferably, the layer <NUM> is made of a polymer or plastic material, preferably of a polymer foam. For example, the layer <NUM> can be made of a polystyrene foam, which is thermally insulating and has an optimum resistance to compression.

The net <NUM> is arranged between the layer <NUM> and the metal plate <NUM>.

The layer <NUM> is fixed to the metal plate <NUM>, preferably by means of an adhesive <NUM>.

Advantageously, the meshes <NUM> of the net <NUM> allow the fixing, in particular, by means of the adhesive <NUM>, between the layer <NUM> and the metal plate <NUM>.

The layer <NUM> is also fixed to the net <NUM>, preferably by means of said adhesive <NUM>.

The adhesive <NUM> for example, can be of the polymer type, in particular mono-component or bi-component. In general, the adhesive <NUM> is adapted to realize a structural bonding. Preferably, the adhesive <NUM> is adapted to be mechanically activated, with application of a pressure.

Advantageously, the adhesive <NUM> allows the layer <NUM> and the plate <NUM> to be fixed to each other, and it also allows the heat produced by the at least one heating element <NUM>,<NUM> to be adequately transmitted to the plate <NUM>. In fact, the adhesive <NUM> is substantially a means which allows the thermal inertia or insulation to be increased. Preferably, the at least one heating cable <NUM>, <NUM> is substantially immersed or included in the adhesive <NUM>, advantageously except for a surface portion, which is in contact, in particular directly in contact, with the metal plate <NUM>. Preferably, the net <NUM> is also substantially immersed or included in the adhesive <NUM>.

In other words, preferably, said at least one heating cable <NUM>, <NUM> is at least partially, preferably partially (in particular, only partially), included or immersed in said adhesive <NUM> and/or said net <NUM> is at least partially, for example, partially (in particular, only partially), included or immersed in said adhesive <NUM>.

Preferably, the adhesive <NUM> has a density (mass/volume) greater than the density of the layer <NUM>.

Preferably, in some zones of the floor panel <NUM>, in particular at the meshes <NUM> where the at least one heating cable <NUM>, <NUM> is not present, between the plate <NUM> and the layer <NUM>, only the adhesive <NUM> is present. In other words, in some zones, the layer <NUM> is fixed directly to the plate <NUM> by means of the adhesive <NUM>.

Preferably, the floor panel <NUM> comprises a further plate <NUM> preferably made of metal, preferably made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. Preferably, the plate <NUM> has a thickness from <NUM> to <NUM>, for example, from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The layer <NUM> is arranged between the metal plate <NUM> and said further plate <NUM>. Preferably, the layer <NUM> is in contact with the plate <NUM>. In particular, the layer <NUM> and the plate <NUM> are fixed to each other.

The floor panel <NUM>, which comprises the metal plate <NUM>, the one or more heating cables <NUM>, <NUM>, the net <NUM>, the layer <NUM> and preferably also the plate <NUM>, is particularly adapted to be stepped on, i.e., it has adequate structural characteristics to be stepped on without causing the floor panel <NUM> to break.

Preferably, the floor panel <NUM> has a substantially rectangular shape, although it can also have other shapes, as shown, for example, in <FIG>. Preferably, the floor panel <NUM> has a surface extension (width x length) from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. For example, the floor panel <NUM> can have a surface extension of <NUM> x <NUM> or of <NUM> x <NUM>.

An example of a process for obtaining a floor panel <NUM> according to the invention comprises the steps of:.

Preferably, the layer <NUM> is provided with the plate <NUM>, and the layer <NUM> is fixed to the metal plate <NUM> so that the layer <NUM> is between the metal plate <NUM> and the plate <NUM>.

Preferably, two heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> are provided, which are constrained, in particular sewn, to the net <NUM>.

The process can be carried out particularly quickly and easily.

Preferably, the component comprising at least one heating cable <NUM>, <NUM>, for example, two heating cables <NUM>, <NUM>, and the net <NUM> is a pre-assembled component. Furthermore, preferably, the layer <NUM> and the plate <NUM> also form a pre-assembled component.

Advantageously, the adhesive <NUM> can pass through the meshes <NUM>, or openings, of the net <NUM>, so that the layer <NUM> and the plate <NUM> can be fixed to each other by means of the adhesive <NUM>. It is evident that the component comprising the heating cables <NUM>, <NUM> and the net <NUM> is also fixed in position when the layer <NUM> is fixed to the metal plate <NUM> by means of the adhesive <NUM>.

To further facilitate the process, preferably, one side of the net <NUM> is adhesive, as described previously. In this way, the component comprising the net <NUM> and the heating cables <NUM>,<NUM> can adhere to the metal plate <NUM>, and such component is already held in position before using the adhesive <NUM>, which fixes the layer <NUM> to the metal plate <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A floor panel (<NUM>) for transport means, in particular for trains, ships or boats, the floor panel (<NUM>) comprising
a metal plate (<NUM>);
at least one heating cable (<NUM>, <NUM>) adapted to generate heat when it is crossed by electric current;
a net (<NUM>), provided with a plurality of openings (<NUM>), in particular meshes;
wherein said at least one heating cable (<NUM>, <NUM>) is arranged between the net (<NUM>) and the metal plate (<NUM>);
characterized in that said at least one heating cable (<NUM>, <NUM>) is in contact with the metal plate (<NUM>).