AU2013203220A1 - Louvre arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 A louvre assembly with a frame; louvre blades supported in the frame; and a link arm coupled to the blades to open and close the blades; wherein the arm includes a cover section overlying the frame; the blades have a centre pivot at each end and an associated coupling connecting the blades into the frame, each coupling providing a moveable pivot connection with the frame; and wherein the cover section is arranged so as to inhibit ingress of material between the coupling and the frame. @

Description

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 LOUVRE ARRANGEMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a louvre assembly. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A louvre window consists of a window frame formed of a head and a sill with two side sections in the form of mullions. Louvres are pivotally mounted between the mullions and are moved between an open and closed position by an actuating rod that is housed inside a vertical recess, inside a closed fame of the mullion. The rod is connected to an operating lever that can be gripped externally of the frame and moved up and down to effect corresponding pivotal movement of the louvres between the open and closed positions. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0003] It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative louvre assembly. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a louvre assembly with: a frame; louvre blades supported in the frame; and a link arm coupled to the blades to open and close the blades; wherein the arm includes a cover section overlying the frame; the blades have a centre pivot at each end and an associated coupling connecting the blades into the frame, each coupling providing a moveable pivot connection with the frame; and wherein the cover section is arranged so as to inhibit ingress of material between the coupling and the frame.

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 -2 [0005] Preferably, a seal is provided to extend lengthwise of the arm, between the cover section and the frame. [0006] Preferably, the arm includes an elongate side flange that extends lengthwise of the arm, along a front face of the frame. Preferably, a second seal is provided between the flange and the front face. [0007] Preferably, the arm establishes a seal with the frame when the blades are in both open and closed positions. [0008] Preferably, the frame has arcuate guide slots to receive the respective couplings. [0009] Preferably, the arm operates in a recessed side of the frame. [0010] Preferably, the blades are arranged to overlap when in the closed condition and seals are provided on adjacent blades, along abutting edges so as to form a seal when the blades are in the closed condition. [0011] Preferably, the assembly includes two link arms connected toward opposite ends of the blades, each arm being arranged to seal against an associated adjacent side of the frame. [0012] Preferably, a crossbar is mounted between ends of one of the louvres and is coupled to the link arms such that movement of the crossbar results in corresponding movement of the arms to thereby open and close the blades as a result. [0013] Preferably, the crossbar is coupled to an actuator that serves to hold the blades in a closed position under normal operating conditions. [0014] Preferably, the assembly includes one of more return springs to bias the bar and arms toward an open position to provide a failsafe open condition in the event of power loss to the actuator.

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 -3 [0015] In another aspect, there is provided a methane abatement system including a conduit for directing gas from a mine to a burner, the conduit including a louvre assembly, as described above, to control air flow into the conduit. [0016] Preferably, the assembly is operable to move between an open and closed position to modulate a methane/air mix delivered to the burner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a exploded view of a louvre assembly; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the assembly; Figure 3 is front view of the assembly, showing louvres in an open position; Figure 4 is a section view taken along the line A-A in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a section view taken along the line B-B in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a rear view of the assembly; Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the assembly; Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the assembly; Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a corner of the assembly, taken from Figure 7, with the louvres in an open position; Figure 10 shows the same view of Figure 9, of an enlarged view of the corner of the assembly, taken from Figure 15, with the louvres in a closed position; Figure 11 is a front view of the assembly, with the louvres in the closed position; Figure 12 is a section view along the line C-C in Figure 11; Figure 13 is a section view along the line D-D in Figure 11; Figure 14 is a rear view of the assembly; Figure 15 is a perspective rear view of the assembly; Figure 16 is a perspective front view of the assembly; and Figure 17 is a diagrammatic illustration of a methane abatement system.

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 -4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0018] Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a louvre assembly 1 includes a frame 9, comprising a head 2, with a head stiffener 3, a sill 4 that is formed of an inner sill 5 and an outer sill 6, and sides 7 in the form of mullions 8 that extend between the head 2 and sill 4. [0019] Louvres 10 are supported between the mullions 8. The louvres 10 are in the form of blades 11, with up-turned ends 12. The ends have a centre pivot 13, about which the blade rotates, and a secondary pivot point 14. [0020] The centre pivot 13 and moveable pivot point 14 both rotate about a respective axle 15 that is adapted to rotate in an inner bush 16 and outer bush 17 that are in turn mounted in an associated hole 18 and guide slot 19 formed in the mullions 8. [0021] The axle 15 and bushes 16, 17 associated with the centre pivot 13 serve to connect the centre pivot 13 directly to the frame 9. The axle 15 and bushes 16, 17 associated with pivot point 14 define a coupling 29, for moveable connection within the guide slot 19 formed in the mullion 8. [0022] Link arms 20 are connected to the ends 12 of each blade 11 via the couplings 29. Each arm 20 has a series of openings 21 through which the associated axles 15 pass so that upward and downward movement of the arm 20 causes the louvre blades 11 to rotate about the centre pivots 13. The arms 20 have a cover section 22 that sits over the mullion 8, in a recessed part 23 of the side 7 of the frame 9, in close overlapping relation. [0023] A flange 24 extends the length of the arm 20 to abut a front face 25 of the frame 9. Seals 26 are provided on the flange on either side of the cover section to ensure a reliable weather seal between the arm 20 and the frame 9. [0024] Further seals 26 are provided along the sill 4 and also along a lip edge 27 of each louvre 10 so that the entire assembly 1 is sealed when the louvres 10 are closed.

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 -5 [0025] Figures 1 and 2 also show an actuator 30, in the form of a cylinder 31, connected between an upper mount 32, that is fitted to the head 2, and a lower mount 33 that is fastened to a crossbar 34. The cross bar 34 bridges between projections 35 that extend from a louvre 10. [0026] In order to move all the louvres from the open position shown to a closed position, the actuator 30 is activated to drive the crossbar downwardly. The downward movement of the crossbar 34 causes the louvre 10 to pivot about the associated centre pivot 13 and all the louvre blades 11 pivot in unison as a result of being linked together by the arms 20. [0027] Return springs 36 are connected between the crossbar 34 and the upper mount 32 to hold the louvres 10 in an open configuration and provide an open fail position, in the event power or line pressure to the actuator is inadvertently lost. Two return springs 36 are provided for redundancy, in the event one of the springs failed. Although springs are described, any other form of suitable biasing means may instead be used, as required. [0028] By way of further explanation of the various features described above, the head 2 essentially provides a structural upper member which is flashed in an opening (not shown), in which the assembly 1 is mounted. The head 2 provides structural connection for the actuator 30 and provides a sealing surface for water/ingress control as well as providing a connection point for installation. [0029] The head stiffener 3 provides a structural stiffening function for mechanical mountings as well as supporting a blade seal 26 for the upper most louvre 10. [0030] The outer sill 6 provides a lower structural member which is flashed to the opening (not shown). The outer sill 6 serves to connect the side mullions 8. The inner sill 5 also provides a structural lower member and a connection to the mullions 8 and outer sill 6, whilst also controlling water ingress. [0031] The mullions 8 provide structural vertical sides for the assembly 1, to interconnect the head 2 and sill 3. The mullions 8 provide pivot support for each of the blades 11 and limit the rotational movement of the blades 11 by way of the C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 -6 couplings 29 being allowed only limited arcuate movement along the respective guide slots 19. The mullions 8 also provide a surface on which the seals 26 of the link arms 20 act to seal against the frame 9. [0032] The link arms 20 are connected to each of the louvres 10 and thereby control the phase angle or angular position of each blade 11, to ensure the same angular position is achieved. More particularly, the position of the arms 20 determines the corresponding positioning of the couplings 29 relative to the guide slots 19. That in turn controls the angular position of the blades 11 as a result of the blades 11 rotating about the centre pivots 13, so as to control flow through the assembly 1, by modulating the opening between the blades 11 as desired. [0033] The crossbar 34 is connected to a blade 11 via the projections 35, which thereby allows for the interconnection to all the other blades 11 via the link arms 20. As such, the actuator works through this connection in order to rotate the blades 11 and control the rotational angle. [0034] To allow smooth rotation of the blades 11, the axles 15 are preferably fixed to the respective ends 12 of each blade to define the rotational axes of the centre pivot 13 and pivot point 14. The axles 15 are received in the inner bush 16 and outer bush 17, which form bearings for the smooth and efficient rotation of the axles 15. The outer bush 17 associated the centre pivot is fixed in the mullion 8 and the bush 17 associated with the coupling 29 is arranged to slide along the respective guide slot 19, to facilitate smooth movement and rotation of the blades 11. [0035] The seals 26 are in the form of strip seals that are designed to resist ingress of particulate matter and inhibit significant gaseous flow when the louvres are in a closed position. [0036] The upper and lower mounts 32, 33 provide pivoted connection for the actuator 30 and return springs 36 to the head 2 and crossbar 34, respectively. In the fail safe position, the return springs 36 act on the lower mount 33 to lift the crossbar upward so that the louvres are in an open position. The actuator 30 is used to drive the lower mount 33 downwardly, against the bias of the return springs 36, to modulate the blades 11 between the open and closed positions. The actuator cylinder C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 -7 31 is preferably a pneumatic cylinder and to maintain operation of the actuator 30, redundancy air pressure may be provided to the opposing port to ensure proper operation and cleanliness of actuator seals. [0037] Lastly, the frame 9 is also provided with corners 37 to connect the head 2 (including the head stiffener 3) and the sill 3 to the side mullions 8. The corners 37 provided structural integrity to the entire frame of the assembly 1. [0038] Referring now to Figures 3 to 9, the assembly 1 is shown with the louvres 10 in an open position. [0039] In particular, Figure 3 shows a front view of the assembly 1, in which the return springs 36 are holding the crossbar 34 in an elevated position so that louvres are all substantially horizontal, to allow maximum gas flow through the assembly 1. [0040] Figure 4 shows the orientation of the ends 12 of each of the blades 11 and the positioning of the couplings 29, located toward the top of each respective guide slot 19. [0041] Figure 5 illustrates the profile of the blades 11. The upturned lip edge 27 of each blade is provided with a strip seal 26 that is arranged for sealing abutment with a corresponding edge 38 of an adjacent blade 11. [0042] Figure 6 illustrates a rear view of the assembly 1. As can be seen, none of the working components of the assembly 1, such as the actuator 30, return springs 36 or arms 20, are present on the rear side of the assembly. [0043] Figure 7 shows a rear perspective view of the assembly, further illustrating that none of the working components of the assembly 1 are present on the rear side of the assembly. In addition, the connection of louvres 10 to the side mullion 8 is also hidden from view, as a result of the end 12 of each louvre 10 being in close abutting relation with the mullion 8 and the associated axle 15 being received in the inner and outer bush mounted directly in the mullion. [0044] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the assembly 1, the same as Figure 2, C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 and illustrates the connection of the coupling 29 of each blade with the mullion 8 is also hidden. This is as a result of the couplings 29 being connected via axles that pass through the cover section 22 of the arm 20 that overlies the mullion 8. [0045] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a corner of the assembly 1 shown in Figure 7. This view clearly illustrates the inner and outer bush 16, 17 supporting an axle 15 that connects the centre pivot 13 with the mullion 8. The drawing also shows an inner and outer bush 16, 17 supporting an axle 15 of the coupling 29, at the top of the arcuate guide slot 19, which serves to connect the coupling 29 with the mullion 8. These connections are sealed from the louvre side of the mullion 8. [0046] Turning now to Figures 10 to 16, the assembly 1 is shown with the louvres in a closed position. [0047] Figure 10 is an identical view to that of Figure 9, except the louvres are now in a fully closed position so that the associated couplings 29 have tracked down to the lower end of the respective arcuate guide slot 19. [0048] Figure 11 shows the actuator 30 in an extended condition, against the bias of the return springs 36 whereby the crossbar is forced downwardly to that the lower louvre is closed against the sill 4 and the other louvres 10 are likewise brought into a closed configuration. [0049] Figure 12 shows the coupling 29 of each of the blades 11 is now in the lower end of the guide slot 19 such that the ends 12 have pivoted about the centre pivot 13 from the horizontal configuration shown in Figure 4, to a vertical orientation. [0050] Figure 13 shows the profile of the blades 11 in the closed position. All of the blades are substantially vertical, with the upturned lip edge 27 of each blade in sealing abutment with a corresponding edge 38 of an adjacent blade. The lowermost blade is in sealing abutment with the sill 4 and the uppermost blade is sealed against a blade seal 39 supported by the head stiffener 3. [0051] Figures 14 and 15 illustrate rear views of the assembly 1. When all the louvres 10 are closed the connections of the blades 11 with the mullions 8 are hidden C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 -9 from view and sealed so that no flow is permitted through the assembly 1. A top corner section of the assembly 1, which clearly shows the positioning of the coupling in a lower part of the guide slot 19, is expanded in Figure 10, described above. [0052] Figure 16 shows a front perspective view of the assembly 1, which again illustrates the connection of the blade couplings 29 with the mullion 8 is sealed from view, behind the cover section 22 of the link arm 20. [0053] Referring now to Figure 17, typically a gaseous (or volatile mixture or mixture ratio) abatement system 40 is shown as including a conduit 41 for feeding gaseous flow 42 typically (but not restricted to) from a mine (not shown), through the conduit 41 to a burner (exit or treatment system) 44. To prevent undesirable conditions at 44 and have desirable control of substance mixture, various protection mechanisms are provided. One such mechanism is a fire curtain 45 that restricts the gas flow though the system 40 or evacuates the flow from the system 40. Another mechanism is a series of vents 46 in the roof of the system 40 that allows the substance mixture to be dumped to atmosphere. [0054] Yet another mechanism is the use of one or more louvre assemblies 1, as described above, that may be installed in a side wall 47 of the conduit, to modulate the air mix in the gas flow through the system 40 to thereby vary the methane/air mix delivered to the burner 44, as required. [0055] The assemblies 1 are mounted with the working components facing outwardly of the conduit 41. As such, all the components such as the actuator 30, arms 20 and springs 36 can be monitored and maintained externally of the system 40. Having those components mounted externally of the side mullions 8 also provides for easy inspection. Also, since the connections of the louvres 10 to the sides 7 of the assemblies are sealed, the operation of the louvres between a closed and open position is free from obstruction that might otherwise result from ingress of foreign material that could foul the connections of the louvres 10 and the frame 9 and prevent normal operation of the assembly 1. [0056] In the event of a catastrophic failure in the system 40, the various protection mechanisms are designed to fail in a manner to stop gas flow to the burner 44. The C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 -10 curtain 45 is designed to fail close. The vents 46 are designed to fail open and the louvres 10 are also designed to fail open under action of the return springs 36. It should be noted, however, that if required, the assembly 1 may instead be designed to operate to fail close instead, depending on operational requirements. [0057] The frame 9 and louvres 10 are preferably of a metal construction (such as galvanised steel, aluminium, stainless steel or zincalume) and may be finished in Colorbond, anodised or powder coated finishes, or other typical roofing or walling material. Since the louvre assembly 1 is intended to operate in a gaseous and potentially volatile environment, it is important that any metal-on-metal contact or static charge build-up be avoided. For that purpose, the bushes 15, 16 associated with each of the centre pivot 13 and coupling 19 preferably form Teflon (or other anti-static material) insulators between the louvres 10 and associated mullions 8. The seals 26 likewise prevent any metal-on-metal contact between the components of the assembly 1. As a result, the louvre assembly 1 is ideal for use in the gaseous abatement system 40 and is also suitable for use in any other ventilation application where spark resistance is required. [0058] The invention has been described by way of non-limiting example only and many modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described.

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 - 11 LIST OF PARTS 1. Louvre assembly 2. Head 3. Head stiffener 4. Sill 5. Inner sill 6. Outer sill 7. Sides 8. Mullions 9. Frame 10. Louvres 11. Blades 12. Ends 13. Centre pivot 14. Pivot point 15. Axle 16. Inner bush 17. Outer bush 18. Hole 19. Guide slot 20. Linkage arms 21. Openings 22. Cover section 23. Recessed part 24. Flange 25. Front 26. Seals 27. Lip edge 28. 29. Coupling 30. Actuator 31. Cylinder 32. Upper mount 33. Lower mount C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 - 12 34. Crossbar 35. Projections 36. Return springs 37. Corners 38. Edge 39. Blade seal 40. System 41. Conduit 42. Gas flow 43. 44. Burner 45. Curtain 46. Vents 47. Side wall

Claims (14)

1. A louvre assembly with: a frame; louvre blades supported in the frame; and a link arm coupled to the blades to open and close the blades; wherein the arm includes a cover section overlying the frame; the blades have a centre pivot at each end and an associated coupling connecting the blades into the frame, each coupling providing a moveable pivot connection with the frame; and wherein the cover section is arranged so as to inhibit ingress of material between the coupling and the frame.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal is provided to extend lengthwise of the arm, between the cover section and the frame.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the arm includes an elongate side flange that extends lengthwise of the arm, along a front face of the frame.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein a second seal is provided between the flange and the front face.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the arm establishes a seal with the frame when the blades are in both open and closed positions.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame has arcuate guide slots to receive the respective couplings.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the arm operates in a recessed side of the frame.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the blades are arranged to overlap when in the closed condition and seals are provided on adjacent blades, along abutting edges so as to form a seal when the blades are in the closed condition. C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5057234_I.DOC-9/04/2013 - 14

9. The assembly of claim 1, with two link arms connected toward opposite ends of the blades, each arm being arranged to seal against an associated adjacent side of the frame.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein, a crossbar is mounted between ends of one of the louvres and is coupled to the link arms such that movement of the crossbar results in corresponding movement of the arms to thereby open and close the blades as a result.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the crossbar is coupled to an actuator that serves to hold the blades in a closed position under normal operating conditions.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the assembly includes one of more return springs to bias the bar and arms toward an open position to provide a failsafe open condition in the event of power loss to the actuator.

13. A gaseous abatement system including a conduit for directing gas from a mine to a burner, the conduit including a louvre assembly, as described above, to control air flow into the conduit.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the assembly is operable to move between an open and closed position to modulate a methane/air mix delivered to the burner.