CA1107594A - Damper assembly - Google Patents
Damper assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA1107594A CA1107594A CA328,161A CA328161A CA1107594A CA 1107594 A CA1107594 A CA 1107594A CA 328161 A CA328161 A CA 328161A CA 1107594 A CA1107594 A CA 1107594A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- outlet
- damper
- assembly
- forming member
- tube
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Air Supply (AREA)
Abstract
DAMPER ASSEMBLY
(Abstract of the Disclosure) A damper assembly for association with the draft hood of a fuel fired heating appliance to control flow of exhaust gases through both the flue tube and the vent pipe. The assembly comprises a pair of damper members shaped to conform to the cross-section of the inlets and outlets of the draft hood. The damper members are spaced apart a distance equal to the distance between the inlet and outlet and carried from a single mounting shaft which extends transversely into the draft hood generally midway between the inlet and outlet openings. Suitable power means are provided to rotate the damper members from a first position in which they are in alignment with the inlet and outlet openings to a second position wherein they are out of alignment and permit free flow of exhaust gases.
(Abstract of the Disclosure) A damper assembly for association with the draft hood of a fuel fired heating appliance to control flow of exhaust gases through both the flue tube and the vent pipe. The assembly comprises a pair of damper members shaped to conform to the cross-section of the inlets and outlets of the draft hood. The damper members are spaced apart a distance equal to the distance between the inlet and outlet and carried from a single mounting shaft which extends transversely into the draft hood generally midway between the inlet and outlet openings. Suitable power means are provided to rotate the damper members from a first position in which they are in alignment with the inlet and outlet openings to a second position wherein they are out of alignment and permit free flow of exhaust gases.
Description
11~)75~4 BAC~GROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently tllere is substantial interest in simulta-neously controlling the flow of exhaust gases and buildlng air through both the flue tube and the vent pipe of fucl fired heating appliances such as gas fired water heaters.
The reason for this interest is that substantial energy losses ta~e place by the flow of building air through the appliance's flue tube and exhaust hood during periods in which the appliance burner is not firing. This air flow not only cools the interior and contents of the appliance but causes heated building air to escape to the exterior of the building.
Many different damper arrangements have been proposed to control this flow. Typically, these prior damper assem-blies have required substantial redesign of the appliance's draft hood and have entailed somewhat complicated mounting -~ arrangements. Additionally, in order to achieve the proper flo~ through and around these assemblies it has generally been necessary to substantially increase the size of the draft hood portion of the appliance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a damper assembly which is extremely simple in construction and does not require major redesign or size increases in the draft hood. Addi-tionally, the assembly is such that the flow through the draft hood is unimpeded wllen the dampers are moved to their open position. In particular, this assembly comprises a pair of damper elements shaped to conform gen-erally to the inlet and outlet openings of the draft hood.
. ~ .
5!~4 The damper elements arc spaced apart a distance equal to thc distance between the draft hood inlet and outlet openings. Additionally, they are mounted from a rotatable shaft which extends transversely into the draft hood at a point generally mid-way between the inlet and outlet open-ings. The draft hood assembly itself is sized so that the damper members can be rotated from a first position in which they are in alignment with; and generally blocking, the in-let and outlet openings,to a second position in which they are located laterally on opposite sides of the flow path through the draft hood.
Because of this arrangement, the flow through the draft hood is unimpeded since the damper members are moved completely out of the flow path. Addi-tionally, the normal functioning of the draft hood is not significantly affected because when the dampers are in the :~ .
open position flow can take place freely through the lateral ` openings.
Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is the provision of a simplified damper assembly for controlling flow through the inlet and outlet openings of a draft hood.
Yet another object of the invention is the provision of a damper assembly of the type described which does not require any major redesign or changes in the typical draft hood construction.
A still further object is the provision of a double damper assembly in which both dampers are commonly mounted and movable from an open to a close position by a simple rotary motion.
75~4 BRIEF DESCRIPTIO;~I OF THE DRAI~INGS
The above and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the followin~ description when read in con-junction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a side view, somewhat diagrammatic,of a typical fuel fired water heater incorporating a draft hood and damper assembly formed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject invention;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2; and, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3 and showing a drive connection between the actuator and the damper mounting shaft.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring more particularly to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred em-bodiment at the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting same, Fig. 1 shows, in somewhat diagrammatic form, a typical fuel-fired water heater incorporating a draft hood and damper assembly formed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention. As should be appreciated, the details of the water heater form no particular part of the invention and have been illustrated merely to show one envir-onment in wllich the invention can operate. Obviously, the invention could be used with many different types of fuel-fired heating appliances or devices of the type incorporating or requiring a draft hood. Merely for bac~ground, it should be noted that the water heater illustrated comprises a ~75~4 vertically extcnded tan~ 10 having a centrally positioned exhaust gas flue tube 12 and a diagrammatically illustrated burner 14 fired wit]l natural gas or the like. Suitable water inlet supply and discharge lines 16 and 18 are illus-trated. It should be appreciated that suitable temperature controls and burner safety devices, not shown, would normally be included.
~` Mounted at the upper end of the flue tube 12 is a draft hood and damper assembly 20 formed in accordance with a pre-ferred e~bodiment of the invention and arranged to function to block flow through the flue tube 12 and the vent pipe 22 during periods when the damper is not firing.
The preferred construction of the draft hood and damper assembly 20 is best seen in Figs. 2 and 3. -Referring, in - 15 particular, to Fig. 2 it will be seen that assembly 20 com-prises a first hood forming member 24 having a skirt of gen-erally truncated conical shape 26 and an upper tubular portion 28 and a downdraft splitter plate 28a adapted to be received within the lower end of the vent pipe 22. The tube portion 28 defines the outlet from the hood assembly 20. As shown, the flared skirt portion 26, is open at its lower end 30 and axially aligned with a short tubular section 32 which is received by the upper end of the flue pipe 12 - which is positioned suitably by slip-on stop 33. Tubular member 32 defines the inlet for the draft hood assembly 20 and the outlet for the flue tube.
In the embodiment under construction, the hood portion 24 and the tubular portion 32 are maintained in a desired spaced relationship and formed as a unitary assembly by ~C)7594 suitable support or leg mcmbers 34. As will become apparent hereafter, thc portions 24 and 32 could be separate or inte-grally formed on the vent pipe 22 and the flue tube 32 respectively. The dampcr assembly for simultaneously closing both the exit from the hood assembly and the inlet thereto ~` comprises a pair of damper elements or members 36, 38, re-spectively. In the embodiment shown the members 36, 38 are formed from any heat and corrosion resistant suitable material - such as sheet metal and have a configuration adapted to closely conform to the circular shape of the tube sections 28, 32, respectively. As shown, the members 36, 38 are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the spacing of the inlet and out-let portions of the assembly. They are connected in this spaced relationship by a bracket member 40 which is suitably joined to each of the members 36, 38 along a peripheral edge portion thereof.
The damper members are supported from a shaft 42 which extends transversely into the hood assembly and is suitably joined to the bracket member 40 generally at its midpoint as best shown in Fig. 3. With the arrangement thus far described, the damper members 36, 38 can be moved from the solid line posi-tion of Fig. 2 to the solid line position of Fig. 3 by a qO
degree rotation of shaft 42. While in the solid line position of Fig. 2, the damper 38 prevents the flow of appliance warmed air through the flue tube 12. Similarly, the damper member 36 prevents building air from passing up the vent tube 22. This arrangement prevents cooling of the water in the tank 12 as well as preventing loss of heated building air up the vent tube or pipe 22.
13L~375~
It should be noted that while in the solid line open position of ~ig. 3 thc damper mcmbers offer no impedence to flow from the flue tube 12 to the vent tube ~2.
Additionally, their position offers substantially no resistance to down-draft flow outwardly under the hood portion 26. Con-sequently, this extremely simple damper arrangement offers the described advantages with substantially no change in the func-tioning of the draft hood.
Many different types of operating or actuating assemblies could be used for rotating the damper members between the two described positions. In the subject embodiment, however, the shaft 42 is supported from a generally U-shaped bracket 46 which is carried on the underside of a support plate 48. As shown, the support plate 48 has a leg portion 50 which is suitably connected to the skirt portion 26 of the first hood member 24. The shaft 42 is suitably supported in bearings 52 for free rotation relative to the bracket 46.
Selective rotation of the shaft 42 and the damper elements 38 and 36, could be achieved with many types of power actuators either fluid, electric, or the llke. In the subject embodiment, the actuator comprises a diaphram-type fluid motor 56 which is carried on the upper surface of the support plate 48 and has a downwardly extending output shaft 58. Suitable actuating or control fluid is supplied to the upper half of the diaphram motor 56 through lines 60.
As best shown in Fig. 4, the output shaft 58 o the dia-phram type motor 56 is pivotally connected to a link 61 which is in turn pivoted to the outer end of a small crank arm 62 ~107S~4 positivcly joined to thc shaft 42. Upon supply of actuating fluid to the motor 56 the output shaft 58 is moved downwardly driving the shaft 42 through a 90 degree rotation as required for movemcnt of the dampers between their two positions.
The invention has been described in substantial detail with reference to a preferred embodiment. Obviously, modi-fications and alterations of the preferred embodiment will occur to others by a reading and understanding of this speci-fication. It is my intention to include all such modifications and alterations as part of my invention insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.
' ~.
.
"
~ ' .
.
,
Currently tllere is substantial interest in simulta-neously controlling the flow of exhaust gases and buildlng air through both the flue tube and the vent pipe of fucl fired heating appliances such as gas fired water heaters.
The reason for this interest is that substantial energy losses ta~e place by the flow of building air through the appliance's flue tube and exhaust hood during periods in which the appliance burner is not firing. This air flow not only cools the interior and contents of the appliance but causes heated building air to escape to the exterior of the building.
Many different damper arrangements have been proposed to control this flow. Typically, these prior damper assem-blies have required substantial redesign of the appliance's draft hood and have entailed somewhat complicated mounting -~ arrangements. Additionally, in order to achieve the proper flo~ through and around these assemblies it has generally been necessary to substantially increase the size of the draft hood portion of the appliance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a damper assembly which is extremely simple in construction and does not require major redesign or size increases in the draft hood. Addi-tionally, the assembly is such that the flow through the draft hood is unimpeded wllen the dampers are moved to their open position. In particular, this assembly comprises a pair of damper elements shaped to conform gen-erally to the inlet and outlet openings of the draft hood.
. ~ .
5!~4 The damper elements arc spaced apart a distance equal to thc distance between the draft hood inlet and outlet openings. Additionally, they are mounted from a rotatable shaft which extends transversely into the draft hood at a point generally mid-way between the inlet and outlet open-ings. The draft hood assembly itself is sized so that the damper members can be rotated from a first position in which they are in alignment with; and generally blocking, the in-let and outlet openings,to a second position in which they are located laterally on opposite sides of the flow path through the draft hood.
Because of this arrangement, the flow through the draft hood is unimpeded since the damper members are moved completely out of the flow path. Addi-tionally, the normal functioning of the draft hood is not significantly affected because when the dampers are in the :~ .
open position flow can take place freely through the lateral ` openings.
Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is the provision of a simplified damper assembly for controlling flow through the inlet and outlet openings of a draft hood.
Yet another object of the invention is the provision of a damper assembly of the type described which does not require any major redesign or changes in the typical draft hood construction.
A still further object is the provision of a double damper assembly in which both dampers are commonly mounted and movable from an open to a close position by a simple rotary motion.
75~4 BRIEF DESCRIPTIO;~I OF THE DRAI~INGS
The above and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the followin~ description when read in con-junction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a side view, somewhat diagrammatic,of a typical fuel fired water heater incorporating a draft hood and damper assembly formed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject invention;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2; and, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3 and showing a drive connection between the actuator and the damper mounting shaft.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring more particularly to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred em-bodiment at the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting same, Fig. 1 shows, in somewhat diagrammatic form, a typical fuel-fired water heater incorporating a draft hood and damper assembly formed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention. As should be appreciated, the details of the water heater form no particular part of the invention and have been illustrated merely to show one envir-onment in wllich the invention can operate. Obviously, the invention could be used with many different types of fuel-fired heating appliances or devices of the type incorporating or requiring a draft hood. Merely for bac~ground, it should be noted that the water heater illustrated comprises a ~75~4 vertically extcnded tan~ 10 having a centrally positioned exhaust gas flue tube 12 and a diagrammatically illustrated burner 14 fired wit]l natural gas or the like. Suitable water inlet supply and discharge lines 16 and 18 are illus-trated. It should be appreciated that suitable temperature controls and burner safety devices, not shown, would normally be included.
~` Mounted at the upper end of the flue tube 12 is a draft hood and damper assembly 20 formed in accordance with a pre-ferred e~bodiment of the invention and arranged to function to block flow through the flue tube 12 and the vent pipe 22 during periods when the damper is not firing.
The preferred construction of the draft hood and damper assembly 20 is best seen in Figs. 2 and 3. -Referring, in - 15 particular, to Fig. 2 it will be seen that assembly 20 com-prises a first hood forming member 24 having a skirt of gen-erally truncated conical shape 26 and an upper tubular portion 28 and a downdraft splitter plate 28a adapted to be received within the lower end of the vent pipe 22. The tube portion 28 defines the outlet from the hood assembly 20. As shown, the flared skirt portion 26, is open at its lower end 30 and axially aligned with a short tubular section 32 which is received by the upper end of the flue pipe 12 - which is positioned suitably by slip-on stop 33. Tubular member 32 defines the inlet for the draft hood assembly 20 and the outlet for the flue tube.
In the embodiment under construction, the hood portion 24 and the tubular portion 32 are maintained in a desired spaced relationship and formed as a unitary assembly by ~C)7594 suitable support or leg mcmbers 34. As will become apparent hereafter, thc portions 24 and 32 could be separate or inte-grally formed on the vent pipe 22 and the flue tube 32 respectively. The dampcr assembly for simultaneously closing both the exit from the hood assembly and the inlet thereto ~` comprises a pair of damper elements or members 36, 38, re-spectively. In the embodiment shown the members 36, 38 are formed from any heat and corrosion resistant suitable material - such as sheet metal and have a configuration adapted to closely conform to the circular shape of the tube sections 28, 32, respectively. As shown, the members 36, 38 are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the spacing of the inlet and out-let portions of the assembly. They are connected in this spaced relationship by a bracket member 40 which is suitably joined to each of the members 36, 38 along a peripheral edge portion thereof.
The damper members are supported from a shaft 42 which extends transversely into the hood assembly and is suitably joined to the bracket member 40 generally at its midpoint as best shown in Fig. 3. With the arrangement thus far described, the damper members 36, 38 can be moved from the solid line posi-tion of Fig. 2 to the solid line position of Fig. 3 by a qO
degree rotation of shaft 42. While in the solid line position of Fig. 2, the damper 38 prevents the flow of appliance warmed air through the flue tube 12. Similarly, the damper member 36 prevents building air from passing up the vent tube 22. This arrangement prevents cooling of the water in the tank 12 as well as preventing loss of heated building air up the vent tube or pipe 22.
13L~375~
It should be noted that while in the solid line open position of ~ig. 3 thc damper mcmbers offer no impedence to flow from the flue tube 12 to the vent tube ~2.
Additionally, their position offers substantially no resistance to down-draft flow outwardly under the hood portion 26. Con-sequently, this extremely simple damper arrangement offers the described advantages with substantially no change in the func-tioning of the draft hood.
Many different types of operating or actuating assemblies could be used for rotating the damper members between the two described positions. In the subject embodiment, however, the shaft 42 is supported from a generally U-shaped bracket 46 which is carried on the underside of a support plate 48. As shown, the support plate 48 has a leg portion 50 which is suitably connected to the skirt portion 26 of the first hood member 24. The shaft 42 is suitably supported in bearings 52 for free rotation relative to the bracket 46.
Selective rotation of the shaft 42 and the damper elements 38 and 36, could be achieved with many types of power actuators either fluid, electric, or the llke. In the subject embodiment, the actuator comprises a diaphram-type fluid motor 56 which is carried on the upper surface of the support plate 48 and has a downwardly extending output shaft 58. Suitable actuating or control fluid is supplied to the upper half of the diaphram motor 56 through lines 60.
As best shown in Fig. 4, the output shaft 58 o the dia-phram type motor 56 is pivotally connected to a link 61 which is in turn pivoted to the outer end of a small crank arm 62 ~107S~4 positivcly joined to thc shaft 42. Upon supply of actuating fluid to the motor 56 the output shaft 58 is moved downwardly driving the shaft 42 through a 90 degree rotation as required for movemcnt of the dampers between their two positions.
The invention has been described in substantial detail with reference to a preferred embodiment. Obviously, modi-fications and alterations of the preferred embodiment will occur to others by a reading and understanding of this speci-fication. It is my intention to include all such modifications and alterations as part of my invention insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.
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Claims (6)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A damper assembly for use on a fuel fired heating apparatus of the type having a flue tube outlet aligned with a vent tube inlet spaced therefrom, said assembly including a flared draft hood forming member having an outlet end adapted to be connected to said vent tube inlet and a larger diameter inlet end adapted to be positioned in alignment with the outlet of said flue tube to receive exhaust gas coming therefrom; a first damper member having a configuration and size to conform to the outlet of said draft hood forming member; a second damper member having a configuration and size to conform to the outlet of said flue tube; rotatable shaft means extending in a direction transverse to the outlet of said draft hood member; mounting means connecting said first and second damper members to said shaft means in space apart relationship on opposite sides thereof; and actuating means for selectively rotating said shaft means from a first position wherein said first and second damper members are in position to respectively prevent flow through the outlet of said hood forming member and the outlet from said flue tube to a second position wherein said damper members are spaced laterally of the outlet from said hood forming member and the outlet from said flue tube.
2. The assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said actuator is a fluid motor carried by said draft hood forming member.
3. The assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said damper forming members are generally circular.
4. The assembly as defined in claim 3 including a tube section spaced from and aligned with the larger diameter end of said hood forming member and defining the outlet of the flue tube.
5. The assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein said tube section is connected with said hood forming by a plurality of support elements.
6. The assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said shaft means is carried by said hood forming member at a location generally midway between the outlet from said hood forming member and said tube section.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA328,161A CA1107594A (en) | 1979-05-23 | 1979-05-23 | Damper assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA328,161A CA1107594A (en) | 1979-05-23 | 1979-05-23 | Damper assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1107594A true CA1107594A (en) | 1981-08-25 |
Family
ID=4114271
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA328,161A Expired CA1107594A (en) | 1979-05-23 | 1979-05-23 | Damper assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1107594A (en) |
-
1979
- 1979-05-23 CA CA328,161A patent/CA1107594A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |