EP0794278B1 - A piece of furniture with ventilation - Google Patents

Abstract

A pieces of steel furniture, e.g. a wardrobe, has a pedestal (12) and a housing (18) and features ventilation openings (30,40) in the top part of at least one wall. The sum total of the cross-sections of all bottom openings (30,32,52) is greater than the clear cross-section of the wardrobe interior. This cross section is greater than the sum total of the clear cross sections in the head section (18) which, in turn, are greater than the cross section of the outflow opening (40).

Description

The invention relates to a ventilated furniture according to the preamble of Claim 1.

For the storage of various objects, it can be important that in an air exchange in a closable and generally closed container takes place. For furniture this is e.g. useful for hanging clothes or even necessary. Conventional ventilated furniture, however, leaves in this regard often a lot to be desired. This applies in particular to steel furniture such as cloakroom or lockers and the like.

A wardrobe according to DE 8 600 248 U1 has in addition to a lower air supply opening in the upper area a breakthrough with a blower, which is fine can not be used everywhere for reasons of noise; also stands the energy requirement is usually not reasonable in relation to the desired effect. In the case of special cabinets with forced convection, the head section is vented more often, a perforated spiral duct in the cabinet or a ventilation duct is used. It has also been suggested about one in a row of closets Integrated fan module to blow air in from below and a perforated one at the top Vacuum pipe. In general, however, there was hardly any uniform ventilation respected. The use of standard poppet valves, rotary valves or more simply Stuffers in the perforated spiral duct only allow limited air regulation.

Attempts have also been made to provide "natural" ventilation through slits Reach shape that is traditionally in groups on the lower and upper Front, but also in the floor area and above or next to cabinet doors were. Frontal openings alone, e.g. described in DE 9 012 537 U1, can usually no air flow in the near wall Areas. Also where there is an air supply through floor openings is striven for, for example according to DE 9 012 536 U1 or DE 9 014 770 U1 contrary to the information given there, the ventilation achieved is by no means optimal. In front everything changes in cabinet contents, its condition and the respective flow obstacles or conditions generally not sufficiently taken into account, although in some cases they are already relatively large Air inlet openings in the form of heavily perforated foot sections or through Training of the foot part has provided as a bar or grate floor.

According to DE 41 25 138 A1, a system is provided for installation in cupboard furniture, which has a suction fan arranged on the bottom. Here comes up entering air through a combined activated carbon and dust filter into the Clothes compartment; from there it is blown out laterally at the bottom after renewed filtering. The flow resistances inside the cabinet are remarkable; Consequently either the air flow is low or it becomes a powerful fan with a correspondingly large amount of noise, what the possible uses severely constricting. The effort is even greater with a laundry drying cabinet according to EP 0 556 907 B1, which has a sealed drying chamber Dehumidification refrigeration system and recirculation fan disclosed, but the flow control in the area of the goods to be dried is not taken into account either its arrangement and condition.

It is an important aim of the invention to remedy the situation and with the most economical possible Means to achieve a significant improvement in furniture ventilation. In particular, new, ventilated furniture should be perfectly stored ensure objects inside, dust and - turbulence should be largely excluded.

Main features of the invention are set out in claim 1. Configurations are specified in claims 2 to 19.

For furniture, especially ventilated steel furniture such as cloakroom or Locker cabinets and the like with floor, walls and front or door and headboard, at least one in or near the floor and in the upper area Wall or the head part ventilation openings are present, the invention provides according to claim 1, that the sum of the cross sections (1 + 2 + 3) of all lower, openings near the ground are larger than the free cross section (4 + 5) of the Interior of the furniture that this is larger than the sum of the free cross-sections (5 + 6) in the head part and that the latter is larger than the cross section of the outflow opening (see Figs. 3 and 4). Thanks to this basic measure can also be used in furniture the indoor air convection, which is generally due to the temperature and Density difference between the air layers near the floor and higher. In a very simple way, this is the case with conventional designs structural pressure drop switched off or at least largely reduced. The result is a significantly improved air circulation with the advantage that even textiles hanging wet in the closet, such as rain-soaked clothes, can dry wet hand or bath towels etc. within a reasonable period of time, which, even without the use of a fan, is considerable compared to previous conditions is shortened.

It contributes positively to both the appearance and the ventilation effect at, if according to claim 2 - except in or near the ground - lower and Upper ventilation openings only in the rear wall and on or next to these spacers are in place by which a minimum distance to one of the The rear wall, if necessary, is provided with an opposing vertical surface. This not only opens up the possibility of an attractive design, especially the Fronts, but favors air circulation especially in the conventionally neglected rear cabinet parts. The spacers can be over the Furniture height distributed and as continuous strips or as individual elements be trained.

According to claim 3 are arranged transversely to the walls flat bodies such as floors, Hat racks and the like designed as perforated panels or perforated sheets. Hereby it is ensured that the flow resistance inside the furniture is minimized.

The chimney effect of convection therefore remains even when the cupboard is heavily filled largely preserved.

An important further development of the invention, for which independent protection applies is made loudly with furniture with a base supported on feet Claim 4 in that the bottom of a large openwork Main surface has raised platform and that between the base surface and Pedestal area, in particular, there is free space on all sides, which is the free Strongly promote air flow inside the cabinet. This allows large entry cross-sections in the area near the floor without slits or other on the front Openings would have to be made.

It is very useful to have the platform according to claim 5 in a central area to be arranged between the walls or the front or door so that the of air flowing in at the bottom is distributed on all sides. Not just the floor, but also the platform surface itself can be perforated according to claim 6, preferably including a shoe shell made or held by her. Water can drip off wet shoes, and so can The platform area next to it also contributes to the circulation.

In this context, the feature of claim 7 is particularly advantageous. whereupon transverse flat bodies located above the floor form at least one Wall or front or door have a free space that is not occupied and as a result is constantly available for high-flow air. Preferably is in accordance with claim 8 an upper shelf compared to the depth of the furniture and provided with a storage tray, which in many cases for ease of use is very pleasant. In the bowl you can e.g. temporarily not needed Small parts such as watches, rings, money and the like. put what in sports changing rooms very often is desired.

At least one upper shelf can consist of plastic or be designed as a plastic composite body, which high scratch resistance and good cleaning options are guaranteed.

Independent protection is also claimed for the measure of claim 10, according to which the ventilation openings and / or the transverse flat bodies have a degree of perforation and free space share of at least 50% - based on transverse areas or compartment volumes. Hence the ratio of material-free Cross-section optimized for the sum of all existing material cross-sections. The Convection breakthroughs can be made thanks to the sufficient strength of the remaining ones Make the material bars very large. Such a dimension is for maximum air intake and passage of great advantage, especially in Regarding drying options.

If, according to claim 11, the front or door is completely hole-free, to the floor However, towards a gap, a further inflow opening is known per se Way provided. There are no visible ones in the front or door area Breakthroughs required, which are often perceived as unattractive with conventional furniture and also e.g. can be blocked by objects placed in front of it. If additional outflow openings are required, they are in accordance with Claim 12 moved to the rear wall, especially on or next to its outer edges.

An important embodiment of the invention according to claim 13 is that assigned to the upstream ventilation openings shafts, ducts or the like are sealed to the floor or the area of the rear wall near the floor connect. You can z. B. filtered air inside the cabinet insert, i.e. prevent the ingress of dust or other contaminants. The ducted air supply also contributes to further improvement the flow conditions at.

In independent claim 14 it is provided that the rear wall in the area at least one ventilation opening has a plug receptacle for a knee socket. This inevitably acts as a spacer, but serves as the first Line for redirecting supply air and exhaust air. It can also cause a Forced ventilation can be installed more easily, which is faster and / or more uniform Air circulation contributes significantly. Either on the floor or on Head section air is sucked out or vice versa a gaseous medium can be introduced. The components used outside the furniture are used exclusively for Airflow. Assembly is effortless.

The development of claim 15 is that a knee support in the area the head part can be connected to an on-site extraction system. Thanks to the modular Retrofitting existing furniture is also possible without any problems.

In another variant, the furniture is with a dryer connected or connectable. This ensures regardless of room temperature and -Humidity for best drying of the furniture contents in the shortest possible time.

Such a dryer can be specified on site, but the invention provides according to claim 17 also before that to the headboard and bottom knee sockets a circulating air duct provided with a fan can be connected. This gives the furniture or a row of cupboards a possibly retrofittable Forced ventilation that ensures even air flow. According to the claim 18 a heater may be present in or on the dryer, preferably is adjustable so that the heating power and air circulation temperature the respective Needs can be optimally adapted.

The further training according to claim 19 is particularly advantageous, according to which Exhaust air outlets of grouped cabinet compartments connected to each other or connectable exhaust pipes can be connected in such an arrangement and dimensioning are that different pipe cross-sections ensure uniform entund Cause ventilation.

Fig. 1

eine schematisierte Schrägansicht eines belüfteten Schranks,

Fig. 2

eine Schrägansicht eines bodenseitigen Podests,

Fig. 3 und 4

je eine schematisierte Schnittansicht der Strömungs-Verhältnisse in einem leeren bzw. vollen Schrank,

Fig. 5 bis 7

je eine schematisierte Schrägansicht unterschiedlicher Bauformen,

Fig. 8A

eine Vorderansicht eines Anschlußstutzens,

Fig. 8B

eine Schnittansicht entsprechend der Linie B-B in Fig. 8A und

Fig. 9

ein Vergleichs-Diagramm von Trocknungsabläufen.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention result from the wording of the claims and from the following explanation of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. In it show:

Fig. 1

a schematic oblique view of a ventilated cabinet,

Fig. 2

an oblique view of a base-side platform,

3 and 4

each a schematic sectional view of the flow conditions in an empty or full cabinet,

5 to 7

each a schematic oblique view of different designs,

Figure 8A

a front view of a connecting piece,

Figure 8B

a sectional view along the line BB in Fig. 8A and

Fig. 9

a comparison diagram of drying processes.

1 shows a cabinet or locker, generally designated 10, which has a base 12 on feet 14 and an attachment 16 with a head part 18. The the left half is drawn transparently, so to speak, while the right side shows the cabinet 10 closed with a front or door 20 opaque.

There is a base 22 on the base 12, on the rear a rear wall 24 and one side wall 26 connects to each side. Inflow openings are only in the rear wall 30 and outlets 40 attached while the front or door 20 continuously closed, i.e. is free of such openings. In the upper area between the walls 24, 26 an insert 28 is arranged, which on Rails 46 is arranged displaceably in the depth direction and in the main part of it Surface openings 44 and a tray 48 has.

As can be seen particularly clearly from FIG. 2, the bottom 22 has a large area Bottom opening 32, above which a platform 34 is located. It can be as Shoe shell to be formed and is supported by webs 36 on the border the bottom opening 32. Are between the webs 36 and the surfaces 22, 34 large lower free spaces 50 available. The main surface of the bottom 22 is with Openings 38 provided. The platform surface 34 can also be perforated.

The flow conditions of the cabinet ventilation are schematic in FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrated. The entire inner volume is in the empty cupboard (Fig. 3) available for the flow. One between door 20 and base 12 The existing gap 52 forms a relatively small inflow cross section 1. In contrast, the cross section of the inflow opening 2, namely the bottom opening, is large 32. The lower ventilation opening corresponding to the conventional designs 30 provides a supplementary inflow cross section 3. The dimensioning is chosen so that the sum of the inflow cross sections 1 + 2 + 3 is larger than that Cross-sectional area of the interior of the cabinet is made up of cross sections 4 and 5 composed.

On the downstream side, the insert board 28 forms an obstacle to flow, but there are Openings 44 and an upper free space provided towards the front 20 54 dimensioned so that thanks to a degree of perforation of more than 50% good Air flow is guaranteed. The flow cross section 5 of the free space 54 as well complete the total cross section 6 of the openings 44 of the flange 28 to the sum of the outflow cross sections at the head, which is larger than that Cross section 7 of the outflow openings 40. This results in the addition in FIG. 3 the cabinet 10 schematically shown chimney effect.

Entsprechendes gilt gemäß Fig. 4 auch bei normal gefülltem Schrank, wenn also z.B Gegenstände wie ein Hut H auf dem Bord 28 abgelegt und darunter Kleidungsstücke K aufgehängt sowie auf dem Podest 30 Schuhe S abgestellt sind. Durch diese Beladung vermindert sich der freie Querschnitt im unteren Schrankraum um die Beladungsfläche A₁ und im mittleren bzw. oberen Schrankbereich um die Beladungsfläche A₂. Dessenungeachtet ist immer noch einströmseitig ein Überschuß an freien Querschnitten gegeben, und im Inneren sind die Freiräume bzw. Perforationsgrade so groß, daß eine ausreichende Belüftung gewährleistet ist, weil die Kaminwirkung weiterbesteht. Durch Vergleich von Fig. 4 mit Fig. 3 erkennt man, daß die Schrankbeladung zwar die freien Querschnitte im Schrankinneren grundsätzlich mindert, jedoch nur in solchem Mindestmaß, daß die Strömungswiderstände und die dadurch bedingten Druckverluste die freie Konvektion nicht in Frage stellen. Infolgedessen ergibt sich auch im beladenen Schrank 10 eine Kaminwirkung wie in Fig. 4 veranschaulicht.The following cross-sections should be mentioned as an example of the conditions in a furniture version:

The same applies according to FIG. 4 even in the case of a normally filled cabinet, for example if objects such as a hat H are placed on the board 28 and items of clothing K are hung underneath and shoes S are placed on the pedestal 30. This loading reduces the free cross section in the lower cabinet space by the loading area A ₁ and in the middle or upper cabinet area by the loading area A ₂ . Regardless of this, there is still an excess of free cross sections on the inflow side, and the free spaces or degrees of perforation inside are so large that adequate ventilation is ensured because the chimney effect continues. By comparing Fig. 4 with Fig. 3 it can be seen that the loading of the cabinet generally reduces the free cross-sections in the interior of the cabinet, but only to such a minimum that the flow resistance and the pressure losses resulting from this do not call free convection into question. As a result, there is also a chimney effect in the loaded cabinet 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The results based on this are shown in practical measurement results, as shown in the diagram of FIG. 9. Based on a relative humidity drying processes over a period of 9 hours are based on 50% compared with an initial water content of 100 g. Conventional ventilation results with simple convection are the rearmost Curve a (dark) plotted. The brightly colored curve b in front shows the Measurement results with conventional forced ventilation. The middle curve c (dark) leaves an improved by applying some features of the invention Detect drying. Another curve d, from which the drying process results with forced ventilation according to the invention. The The foremost curve e (dark) illustrates the measurement results for the invention optimized ventilation.

It can be seen that with the convective ventilation according to curve c after approx. 4 hours about three times better drying than with conventional constructions is reached. With ventilation numbers N according to Prof. Geropp, this is expressed in such a way that a conventional ventilation number range N = 15 ... 20 ventilation numbers according to the invention face each other in the range N = 53 ... 55. In the air recirculation process - As can be seen from curve e - complete drying was achieved after just 2 hours.

Further embodiments are shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. Schematic are furniture 10 of a similar basic structure in a transparent oblique view, however different equipment shown. Similar elements are included with the same reference numbers as before.

The cabinet 10 shown in Fig. 5 stands with its base 12 on feet 14 and is provided in this floor area with channels L or shafts which the Channel supply air at the inlet openings 30. The rear wall 24 has additional ones Outflow openings 41, in particular in a linear arrangement near the Outer edges. A channel again connects to the upper outflow openings 40 L an. Arrows illustrate the flow directions.

The furniture 10 according to FIG. 6 is designed similarly. However, it has 18 in the head part the rear wall 24 a plug-in receptacle 56 for a knee socket 58, which at the same time can act as a spacer 42. An exhaust air knee connects to a pipe transition 66 68 to the flow connection with an on-site suction system enables.

The construction of the knee support 58 is illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. One sees, that it delimits an exhaust air passage 60 with a flat edge 62. With a trailing edge 64 the pipe transition 66, which bends at a right angle, closes to the front, d. H. away from the rear wall 24. The flat edge 62 can be inserted into the plug 56 introduced and therein z. B. by means of mushroom heads in a known manner become. A sealed press fit is preferred.

In the example of FIG. 7, in addition to the exhaust air knee arrangement 58/68 is in the floor area a supply air knee 78 is provided which is in a lower plug receptacle 76 Can be fastened in a non-positive and / or positive manner and can be connected to a supply air duct 74 is. This connects to a blower 72, from the head part 18 via the exhaust air knee 68 and a recirculation duct 70 the air discharged from the interior of the cabinet is fed. Such circulating air equipment can therefore be simple can also be retrofitted to existing furniture 10.

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments shown. Man recognizes, however, that a ventilated piece of furniture with a base 12 and an attachment 16 consisting of floor 22, walls 24, 26 and front or door 20 and headboard 18 ventilation openings such that the sum of the cross sections 1 + 2 + 3 of all lower openings 30, 32, 52 near the floor is larger than the free one Cross section 4 of the interior of the furniture that this is greater than the sum of the free Cross sections 5 + 6 in the head part 18 and that the latter is larger than the cross section 7 the outflow opening 40. Ventilation openings 30, 40 are only below and above in the Rear wall 24 arranged. Spacers 42 admit a minimum distance a vertical surface. Cross-flat body such as floor 22, parcel shelves 28 and the like. are perforated panels, perforated sheets, grids and the like. educated. The floor 22 has a large breakthrough with raised platform 34. Between this and the floor main area has free spaces 50 on all sides. On upper plastic shelf 28 is shortened compared to the depth of furniture t and with a Storage tray 48 provided. The ventilation openings 30, 40 and / or above the The base 12 of the transverse flat bodies 22, 28 have a degree of perforation and free space share of at least 50%. The completely hole-free front or door 20 has a gap 52 toward base 12.

The rear wall 24 can have additional outflow openings 41, in particular along its outer edges, and it can be in the area of at least one ventilation opening 40; 30 a plug receptacle 56 or 76 for a knee socket 58 or 78 have a connection to an on-site extraction system and / or to a Air supply 70, 72 allowed. Can also use the upstream ventilation openings 30 shafts, channels L or the like can be assigned, which seals to the floor 22 or connect the bottom wall area of the rear wall 24. So it is without further possible, as required. B. ozone-enriched or with disinfectants introduce mixed air and blow it through. The furniture 10 is also with can be connected to a dryer T, in particular by attaching it to the headboard and bottom side Knee connectors 58 and 78, a circulating air duct 70 provided with a blower 72, 74 can be connected. A heating device can be present in or on the dryer T. his.

Significant advantages of the invention are based on the fact that the flow is favorable rapid and even ventilation is achieved. Because the individual components form the components of a modular system, can also meet higher requirements starting from a basic cabinet satisfactory (re) mountable additives in an extremely economical manner become. Different compartment widths from e.g. Are 300 mm and 400 mm easily realized. External assemblies do not need static ones To absorb loads since they only serve to guide the air. So far Forced ventilation is provided, no actuators or shut-off devices are required.

All arising from the claims, the description and the drawing Features and benefits, including design details and spatial arrangements can be used both individually and in the most varied of ways Combinations be essential to the invention.

Reference list

A ₁ , A ₂

Loading areas

H

cap

K

clothes

L

Channels / shafts

S

Shoes

t

depth

T

dryer

1 ... 7

cross-section

10th

Cupboard / locker

12th

base

14

Feet

16

Essay

18th

Headboard

20th

Front / door

22

ground

24th

Back wall

26

side walls

28

Insert board

30th

Inflow openings

32

Floor openings

34

Pedestal / shoe shell

36

Walkways

38

Breakthroughs

40.41

Outflow openings

42

Spacers

44

Breakthroughs

46

rails

48

Storage tray

50

lower free spaces

52

gap

54

upper free spaces

56

Socket

58

Knee support

60

Exhaust vent

62

Flat rim

64

Trailing edge

66

Pipe transition

68

Exhaust knee

70

Recirculation duct

72

fan

74

Supply air duct

76

Socket

78

Supply air knee

Claims (19)

1. A piece of furniture with ventilation, in particular steel furniture such as wardrobes or lockers and the like, having a base (12) and an upper part (16) which comprises a bottom (22), walls (24, 26) as well as a front or door (20) and a top (18), ventilation openings (30, 40) being provided in or near the bottom (22) as well as in the upper area of at least one wall or of the top (18), wherein the sum of the cross-sections (1 + 2 + 3) of all lower openings near the bottom (30, 32, 52) is dimensioned larger than the free cross-section (4) of the furniture interior, wherein this cross-section is larger than the sum of the free cross-sections (5 + 6) in the top (18) and wherein the latter cross-section is larger than the cross-section (7) of the outlet opening (40).
2. Furniture according to claim 1 wherein - apart from the openings in or near the bottom (22) - lower and upper ventilation openings (30, 40) are provided only in the rear wall (24) and wherein spacers (42) are arranged on or adjacent to this wall, so as to determine a minimum distance from a possible vertical surface opposite the rear wall (24).
3. Furniture according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein flat bodies arranged transversely to the walls (24, 26), such as shelves (22), hat racks (28) and the like, are designed as perforated panels, perforated metal sheets, grates and the like.
4. Furniture in particular according to claim 3 with a base (12) supported by feet (14), whe rein the bottom (22) has a platform (34) raised above its extensively perforated main surface and wherein free spaces (50) exist especially on all sides between the main surface of the bottom (22) and the platform surface (34).
5. Furniture according to claim 4 wherein the platform (34) is arranged in a central area between the walls (24, 25) and the front or door (20) respectively.
6. Furniture according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the platform surface (34) and/or a shoe tray formed or supported by it is perforated.
7. Furniture according to any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein transverse flat bodies (28) located above the bottom (22) have a free space (54) toward at least one wall or the front or door (20) respectively.
8. Furniture according to claim 7 wherein an upper shelf (28) is shorter than the furniture depth (t) and is provided with a depositing tray (48).
9. Furniture according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the transverse flat bodies, but at least one upper shelf (28), consist of plastic material or are designed as composite plastic bodies.
10. Furniture according to any one of claims 3 to 9 wherein the ventilation openings (30, 40) and/or the transverse flat bodies (22, 28) have a degree of perforation and a portion of free space of at least 50 %.
11. Furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the front or door (20) respectively is unperforated throughout but is seperated from the base (12) a gap (52).
12. Furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the rear wall (24) has additional outlet openings (41), especially on or near its outer edges.
13. Furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein shafts, ducts (L) or the like, which sealingly border the bottom (22) or the area of the rear wall (24) near the bottom, are associated to ventilation inlet openings (30).
14. Furniture in particular to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the rear wall (24) has, in the area of at least one ventilation opening (40; 30), a socket (56 and 76 respectively) for receiving a knee pipe (58 and 78 respectively).
15. Furniture according to claims 13 and 14 wherein a knee pipe (58) is connectable to an existing exhaust plant in the area of the top (18).
16. Furniture at least according to claim 14 characterized in that it is connected or connectable to a drier (T).
17. Furniture at least according to claim 16 wherein a circulation duct (70, 74) provided with a fan (72) is connectable to the knee pipes (58 and 78, respectively) at the top and bottom.
18. Furniture according to claim 16 or claim 17 wherein a heating device is provided in or on the drier (T).
19. Furniture according to any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein exhaust pipes (66, 70) which are interconnected or interconnectable are adapted for to the outlet openings (60) of wardrobe compartment groups (10) in such configuration and size that different pipe cross-sections will ensure uniform ventilation.

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