DK1701107T3 - Connecting element to a ventilation duct system and device and methods therefor - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a connecting element for a ventilation duct system, said connecting element comprising a first end being adapted for connection to a panel element and a sealing device, said panel element comprising an opening with an inner edge. The invention further relates to a ventilation duct assembly and methods for connecting a panel element to a ventilation duct system.

Background Art [0002] In the field of ventilation duct systems, connecting of different elements is an often performed operation. The elements concerned are typically various pipes or ducts, but can also be, for instance, panels or similar elements forming the outlet of the ventilation system and which are typically integrated into a ceiling or wall of a room.

[0003] A common method of connecting ventilation duct elements is by welding. The elements can either be welded together by the manufacturer or the welding can be performed in connection with the installation of the elements. In both cases, welding is a time-consuming process, which furthermore requires a highly skilled welder. This is especially so when the welding has to be performed in confined spaces or awkward working positions, which may often be the case when installing ventilation systems in buildings. In such cases, it may even require two people to perform the installation, thus considerably raising the cost of the procedure.

[0004] A known connecting device concerns the connecting of a sleeve to a plate by fitting an opening in the plate around the sleeve and subsequently mechanically fastening the plate by squeezing a compressible part, typically a rubber element, with a slidable compression ring. The slidable ring has to be adjusted by turning screws arranged in the ring. Thus, the mounting requires the turning of a number of screws while at the same time holding the plate in place. This procedure may be difficult, possibly requiring the coordinated efforts of two people, and is certainly time consuming. These factors all contribute to raising the cost of installation of the ventilation duct system.

[0005] However one chooses to couple elements of a ventilation duct system, it is essential to obtain a result that satisfies a number of requirements. Firstly, the final installation has to be safely mounted, with no risk of the individual elements coming apart in use of the system. Secondly, the system has to be well sealed to prevent undesirable leakage of air through gaps in the system. In addition to these basic requirements, desirable features of ventilation duct systems include few movable parts for the purpose of reducing maintenance and limiting noise from the system and a technical solution allowing easy dismantling and repair of the system.

[0006] Since ventilation duct systems are usually manufactured in a location other than the place of installation, it is desirable to achieve a system with few and easily transportable separate parts. It may thus be advantageous to assemble some of the components at the installation site to avoid transportation of large and unhandy assembled units. Such on-site assembly further increases the demands for easy assembly in order to minimize the skill requirements of the installation crew.

[0007] The above-mentioned known assembly methods and devices have a number of shortcomings. Welding of elements during the installation is time-consuming and requires a skilled welder. Furthermore, there is a significant risk of improper assembly, especially if the welding has to be performed in confined spaces or if no properly skilled welders are available at the site. There is also a considerable risk of damaging the ventilation duct elements during welding. For instance, surface treatments such as paints or anti-corrosive layers may be damaged or destroyed during welding, possibly leading to corrosion and decreased durability of the elements. Elements which have been welded by the manufacturer prior to delivery can be used, but are often large and bulky and thus difficult and expensive to transport. Finally, welding has the intrinsic problem of difficult dismantling, thus making repairs and adjustments difficult.

[0008] Assembling elements together by screwing shares many disadvantages with the welding method. Thus, the method is time-consuming, difficult to perform in confined spaces and may easily lead to improper assembly. Furthermore, this method employs a large number of loose parts, namely fastening elements, such as screws, which are undesirable in a ventilation duct system due to the risk of their coming loose and of noise from improperly tightened screws. Obviously there is also a significant risk of dropping the screws during installation, and thus extra difficulties for the installation crew. Also, ventilation duct systems assembled with screws will often have the ends of screws projecting into or out from the ventilation duct. Such screw ends can obstruct cleaning, possibly tearing up and damaging cleaning equipment, and may even cause injury to the people cleaning or performing maintenance of the ventilation duct. Finally, it is important to note that the mentioned known devices for assembly all require tools, thus making installation practically impossible if the proper tools are missing.

[0009] Based on the above-mentioned disadvantages of prior art, there is a need to provide a new device for assembly of ventilation duct elements, which can be installed in a simple yet safe and effective manner by a single person.

[0010] There is also a need to provide a device of the kind mentioned, which can be assembled by workers unskilled in the field of ventilation and preferably without requiring tools of any kind.

[0011] There is furthermore a need to provide a device of the kind mentioned, which easily may be dismantled for repair or adjustment.

[0012] There is moreover a need to provide a device of the kind mentioned, which is easy to transport, has few loose parts, and complies with the many requirements of ventilation duct systems, such as being airtight, noiseless and durable US-A-3998480 discloses a connecting element with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Summary of the Invention [0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a connecting element for a ventilation duct system, which solves the above-mentioned disadvantages and problems of the prior art, in particular to get a better sealing to prevent leakage between the seal ring and the panel element.

[0014] The above object, together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will become evident from the below description, are accomplished by a solution in accordance with the claims 1-12.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0015] The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which, for the purpose of illustration, show some non-limiting embodiments and in which

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the connecting element without either sealing device or panel element mounted,

Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a part of the connecting device with a sealing device and a panel element illustrated in mounted position,

Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a part of the connecting device with a sealing device and a panel element illustrated in mounted position,

Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a part of the connecting device with an H-profile sealing device and a panel element illustrated in mounted position, and

Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of a part of the connecting device with an S-profile sealing device and a panel element illustrated in mounted position.

[0016] All figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show only parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested.

Detailed Description of the Invention [0017] A connecting element 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in perspective view in Fig. 1. The connecting element 1 comprises an outer surface 2, a first projection in the form of a flange 3, a second projection in the form of a bead 4 and a groove 5 between the flange 3 and the bead 4.

[0018] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the connecting element 1 has a first end 9 for receiving the panel element 6, and a second end 10 for connection to the ventilation duct system (not shown). The first end 9 adapted to receive the panel element 6 comprises a flange 3 and a bead 4. By the flange 3 and bead 4 being comprised in the end 9 is meant that the flange 3 and bead 4 are closer to said first end 9 than to said second end 10. The present invention is not limited to the positioning of the flange 3 and bead 4 according to the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1. For instance, the flange 3 and bead 4 may be positioned with the flange 3 closer to said second end 10 than the bead 4, that is, the opposite of what is illustrated in Fig. 1. According to the invention, a groove 5 is formed between the flange 3 and the bead 4. A sealing device 8 may be mounted in the groove 5 to hold the panel element 6 in place, the inner edge 7 of said panel element 6 resting on the flange 3. Although the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Fig. 1 comprises a flange 3, a bead 4 and a groove 5, these are all optional features of the present invention, and may be excluded or only included in part. Moreover, it is within the inventive idea that the connecting element comprises two flanges or two beads. Furthermore, the size and individual spacing of these optional features may vary according to the different demands posed by different ventilation systems and users. The second end 10 illustrated in Fig. 1 comprises sealing lips 11 and a stop bead 12. These features are common in the field of connecting ventilation duct elements, and allows easy coupling of the second end 10 of the connecting element 1 to a ventilation duct system. However, the second end 10 may be shaped in any way advantageous for the interaction with a ventilation duct system, and may comprise other and more features than those illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0019] Advantageously, the connecting element 1 may be made of metal, plastic, fibre or any other material suitable for ventilation ducts. The important aspect in relation to choice of material is that the material is durable and may be made into a connecting element 1 according to the present invention. Use of other materials, which satisfy these demands, lies within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the connecting element 1 may be made of a lightweight metal or a combination of lightweight materials, such as aluminium, brass or copper. In addition to being easy to handle and transport, lightweight materials are typically easy to shape, and may thus facilitate the manufacture of the connecting element 1. This is particularly advantageous when making a connecting element 1 from sheet metal, and especially so when the connecting element 1 has to comprise features such as the flange 3 and/or the bead 4.

[0020] Advantageously, the connecting element 1 may be manufactured in one piece, for instance from sheet metal. Typically such manufacture is accomplished by forming sheet metal into the desired shape. Such manufacture is inexpensive and quick, and furthermore allows the formation of optional features, such as the flange 3 and/or the bead 4 if these are required.

[0021] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, a connecting element 1 is shown as being cylindrical in shape. However, according to the present invention, the connecting element 1 may preferably be in the shape of an essentially cylindrical or rectangular duct. Typically, the dimensions and shape of the connecting element 1 will be adjusted to the ventilation duct system in which it is to be used.

[0022] A sectional view of a connecting element 1 in mounted position is shown schematically in Fig. 2. The mounted connecting element 1 comprises an outer surface 2, a first projection in the form of a flange 3, a second projection in the form of a bead 4, a groove 5, a panel element 6, an inner edge 7 of the panel element 6 and a sealing device 8, here schematically shown as being slightly elastic. The panel element 6 illustrated in Fig. 2 has an opening fitted around the connecting element 1 and allowing the inner edge 7 of the panel element to rest on the flange 3. The dimensions and shape of such an opening in a panel element 6 may be such as to fit a particular connecting element 1, or optionally possibly even a range of connecting elements 1. In regard to the preferred embodiments of a connecting element 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the opening in the panel element 6 may advantageously be such so that the diameter of the opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting element 1 at the flange 3 and larger than the outer diameter of the connecting element 1 at the bead 4. In this manner, the panel element 6 may easily be placed around the connecting element 1, with the inner edge 7 of the panel element 6 resting on the flange 3. In another preferred embodiment according to the invention, it may be the other way round, whereby the diameter of the flange 3 is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the panel element and the diameter of the bead 4 is larger.

[0023] When mounting a connecting element 1 of the type illustrated in Fig. 2, an opening, typically in the centre of the panel element 6, is placed around the connecting element 1 with the inner edge 7 of the panel element 6 in contact with the flange 3 of the connecting element 1. Subsequently, the sealing device 8 is placed in the groove 5. Thus, when mounted, the inner edge 7 of the panel element 6 is positioned between the flange 3 of the connecting element 1 and the sealing device 8. The panel element 6 is thereby held in place by a pressure exerted by the sealing device 8, which itself is held in place by the bead 4 on the one side and the inner edge 7 of the panel element 6 on the other side.

[0024] Advantageously, the sealing device 8 according to the present invention may be made of an elastic material, such as rubber or plastic. In addition to being easy to mount and, if necessary, remove, an elastic sealing device 8 may, as illustrated in Fig. 2, adjust to the surrounding materials, such as a bead 4 and a panel element 6. In adjusting to these materials, the elastic sealing device 8 will exert pressure on the materials, in this embodiment the bead 4 and the panel element 6, and will thus fixate the panel element 6 in place by pressing it towards the flange 3. In another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in Fig. 3, the panel element 6 may be arranged on the other side of the sealing device 8, so that the panel element 6 is fixated between the sealing device 8 and the bead 4. Preferably, an elastic sealing device 8 may have a cross-sectional diameter which exceeds the spatial dimensions of the groove 5 in which it is to be placed. In this manner, the elastic sealing device 8 will be squeezed together when it is placed in the groove 5 and in contact with the inner edge 7 of the panel element 6, and will thus exert pressure on the panel element 6 and thereby hold it securely in place.

[0025] Advantageously, the sealing device 8 may be in the form of an O-ring. Especially an elastic O-ring would be preferable for easy mounting and secure fastening of the sealing device 8. However, the sealing device 8 according to the present invention may also be in the form of an S-profile or H-profile ring. Both types of rings may serve the purposes of sealing and fixating and are easy to mount. Embodiments of the present invention utilising Hand S-profile rings are illustrated in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, respectively.

[0026] Although the invention above has been described in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be evident for a person skilled in the art, that several modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description • US3998480A [0012]

Claims (12)

A connector for a ventilation duct system, said connector comprising a first end (9), a first protrusion (3), a groove (5) and a sealing device (8), said first protrusion (3) being substantially disposed at the first end (9) and extending completely or partially around an outer surface (2) of the connecting element (1), which first projection (3) together with the outer surface (2) forms an angle of approx. 90 degrees, which groove (5) is arranged adjacent to the first projection (3) of the connecting element (1), and in which groove (5) is arranged a sealing device (8), which sealing device (8) is supported directly or indirectly by the first projection (3), characterized by a second projection (4), such as a ball, is spaced at a predetermined distance from the first projection (3) of the connecting element (1), the groove (5) being thereby formed between the first projection ( 3) and the second projection (4). The connecting element (1) of claim 1, wherein the first projection (3) is a flange. A connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second projection (4) extends along the circumference in whole or in part around the outer surface (2) of the connector (1). The connecting element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (1) is made of a piece of, for example, sheet metal. The connecting element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (1) is in the form of a substantially cylindrical or rectangular channel. A connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing device (8) is made of an elastic material such as rubber. Connecting element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing device (8) is in the form of an O-ring, an S-profile ring or an H-profile ring. A ventilation duct device for use at an outlet of a ventilation duct system, wherein the device comprises a connecting element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, a sealing device (8) and a panel element (6) having an opening with an inner edge (7). , characterized in that the sealing device (8) in a mounted position is adapted to fix the panel element (6) with respect to the connecting element (1), so that the panel element (6) is held in a safe position and substantially prevents an air flow between the inner edge (7) of the panel member (6) and the connecting member (1). A method of connecting a panel element (6) to a ventilation duct system by means of a connecting element (1) having a first end according to any one of claims 1-7, the method comprising the following steps: - positioning the panel element (6) positioning a sealing device (8) in connection with the panel element (6) such that the panel element (6) is held in a safe position relative to the connecting element (1), and substantially prevents an air flow between a inner edge (7) of the panel element (6) and the connecting element (1), and - mounting the connecting element (1) with respect to the ventilation duct system, where the sealing device (8) is located in a groove (5) defined between a first projection (3) and a second projection (4) disposed at the first end (9) of the connecting device (1). The method of claim 9, wherein the panel member is located on the connector at the end opposite the first end of the connector. A method of connecting a panel element (6) to a ventilation duct system by means of a connecting element (1) having a first end according to one of claims 1-7, the method comprising the following steps: - mounting the connecting element with respect to the ventilation duct system, - positioning the panel member on the connector member, and - positioning a sealing device in connection with the panel member so that the panel member is held in a safe position relative to the connector member, substantially preventing an air flow between an inner edge of the panel member and the connector member, wherein the sealing device (8) is arranged in a groove (5) defined between a first projection (3) and a second projection (4) arranged at the first end (9) of the connecting device (1). The method of claim 11, wherein the panel member is located on the connector at the first end of the connector.