EP3885658A1 - Operating theatre ceiling diffuser - Google Patents

Operating theatre ceiling diffuser Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3885658A1
EP3885658A1 EP21164181.6A EP21164181A EP3885658A1 EP 3885658 A1 EP3885658 A1 EP 3885658A1 EP 21164181 A EP21164181 A EP 21164181A EP 3885658 A1 EP3885658 A1 EP 3885658A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
frame
operating theatre
filter
sterile room
ceiling diffuser
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP21164181.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Fausto BERTELLI
William BERLUSCONI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NICFA S.R.L.
Original Assignee
BB Impianti Srl
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BB Impianti Srl filed Critical BB Impianti Srl
Publication of EP3885658A1 publication Critical patent/EP3885658A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0007Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
    • F24F1/0043Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements
    • F24F1/0047Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements mounted in the ceiling or at the ceiling
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61GTRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G13/00Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
    • A61G13/10Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G13/108Means providing sterile air at a surgical operation table or area
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0007Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
    • F24F1/0071Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units with means for purifying supplied air
    • F24F1/0073Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units with means for purifying supplied air characterised by the mounting or arrangement of filters
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/20Casings or covers
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/16Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by purification, e.g. by filtering; by sterilisation; by ozonisation
    • F24F3/167Clean rooms, i.e. enclosed spaces in which a uniform flow of filtered air is distributed
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/90Cleaning of purification apparatus
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2221/00Details or features not otherwise provided for
    • F24F2221/36Modules, e.g. for an easy mounting or transport

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an operating theatre ceiling diffuser.
  • An operating theatre, or other rooms in which particular air treatment must be ensured features constructions applied to the ceiling which are designed to appropriately filter and circulate the air within the internal environment and, possibly, supplement it with 'fresh' air taken from an external environment.
  • each diffuser is therefore essentially custom designed and built for a particular need.
  • the operating theatre environment can be subject to extreme conditions, within which parts of the diffuser may be soiled by spurts of biological material.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a diffuser which is improved compared with the prior art.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a diffuser which will make ordinary maintenance, i.e. filter replacement, simpler, faster, and more effective than with commonly known diffusers.
  • the diffuser according to the invention is modular and easily adaptable to various installation requirements.
  • a further advantage of the invention is that it makes cleaning operations simpler and faster.
  • reference number 1 is used to denote, as a whole, an operating room or sterile room ceiling diffuser.
  • the operating theatre or sterile room diffuser 1 comprises a structure 3 configured to be fastened (integrated into) to a ceiling 2 ( Fig. 4 ) in a controlled environment, such as a sterile room, an operating theatre, dental surgery rooms, ISO 7/5/4 operating theatres, clean rooms, veterinary operating theatres, intensive and sub-intensive care rooms, testing laboratories etc.
  • a controlled environment such as a sterile room, an operating theatre, dental surgery rooms, ISO 7/5/4 operating theatres, clean rooms, veterinary operating theatres, intensive and sub-intensive care rooms, testing laboratories etc.
  • the structure 3 defines at least a first intake duct 5A for air AI taken from inside the controlled environment (taken directly, therefore, from the operating theatre, for example) and a treatment compartment 7 which communicates, through at least one absolute filter 8, with the environment controlled.
  • the term 'absolute filter' means an HEPA filter, for example of the type with a peripheral frame made of extruded aluminium section bars and a filter media made of high-quality and moisture-resistant pleated fibreglass paper.
  • the structure 3 comprises at least a first blower 6A, which draws air from the first return duct 5A and conveys it through the treatment compartment 7 and the absolute filter 8, to an outlet 9 leading into the controlled environment.
  • the structure 3 comprises a frame 10 and a counterframe 11; the frame 10 is supported by actuators 12 configured to move the frame 10 from a first position, in which the frame 10 is away from the counterframe 11 for a procedure to replace the at least one absolute filter 8, to a second position, in which the frame 10 is near the counterframe 11.
  • the frame 10 features at least one seat S, configured to house at least one absolute filter 8.
  • the frame 10 when the frame 10 is close to the counterframe 11, it sandwiches at least one absolute filter 8 between the frame 10 and the counterframe 11.
  • the actuators 12 which support the frame 10 may be of the electromechanical kind with a gear motor coupled to a worm screw.
  • actuator 12 One example of an actuator 12 that may be used is the TiMOTION TA series with a compact linear design with advantageously low noise levels, a 600 mm stroke, and a load of approximately 3500N (push/ pull).
  • the actuator may feature a control system that controls up to four actuators at the same time.
  • sealing elements 30 may be provided between the at least one absolute filter 8 and the frame 10 and/ or the counterframe 11.
  • the air-tightness elements are essentially seals applied to a non-filtering surface of the absolute filter 8.
  • the seals 30 may be applied directly to the frame 10 and/or to the counterframe 11, so as to render the absolute filters air-tight. This way, the pressurised air present in the compartment 7 cannot flow into the controlled environment except through the filtering surface of the absolute filters.
  • Figure 1 shows that the frame 10 may be formed of two or more independent parts 10A, 10B, each of the two parts being supported by at least two actuators 12, preferably four.
  • Each part of the frame can preferably support eight absolute filters 8, arranged in two groups of four, making a total of sixteen absolute filters.
  • the frame can also be unique.
  • the number of absolute filters can vary in size and quantity depending on the diffuser.
  • the frame 10 comprises an independent housing for each absolute filter 8.
  • the frame comprises as many independent seats S as there are absolute filters 8 supported by the frame.
  • the seats S may have a perimeter shape corresponding to the perimeter shape of the said absolute filters 8.
  • each seat S may be associated with an indicator showing the type (i.e. size) of absolute filter which can be housed. This greatly simplifies the positioning of the absolute filters 8.
  • the treatment compartment 7 includes at least one inlet 4 for external air AE to the controlled environment, and/or through which the external air AE is supplied under pressure to the treatment compartment 7.
  • the external air AE may be taken from a centralised air conditioning system in the building where the controlled environment is located.
  • the structure 3 may have an essentially quadrilateral form, preferably being square.
  • the structure may have any polygonal shape, but also a 'curved', circular, or elliptical shape.
  • the structure 3 can define four return ducts 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, each one being coupled to a respective blower 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D; the blowers 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D can convey the air drawn from the relative intake duct into the treatment compartment 7.
  • each impeller may be coupled, at the inlet thereof, with a filter 15 and optionally with a prefilter 16.
  • Suitable filters may be CMV F7 and G4 types (for controlled mechanical ventilation).
  • the air filter for CMV may be produced with a large filtering surface which his compatible with ISO 16890 controlled mechanical ventilation systems in efficiency class EN 779.
  • a second blower 6B may be provided which draws from the first return duct 5A and conveys the air AI to the treatment compartment 7.
  • This configuration demonstrates the effective flexibility of the system, which is essentially modular and can be adapted to different needs.
  • Another configuration can feature only one blower, or two, three, etc..
  • One preferred configuration of the invention features the frame 10 supporting at least one sheet 13, on a face opposite where the at least one absolute filter 8 is positioned.
  • the sheet may advantageously be fastened to the frame 10 by means of a magnetic coupling, but preferably by means of a plurality of magnets (for example six per sheet 13) which support it in a stable manner.
  • the frame 10 may be made of ferromagnetic material and the magnets may be coupled with a frame 13A (for example, made of plastic) which supports the sheets 13 around the perimeter thereof (see Figure 5A ).
  • a frame 13A for example, made of plastic
  • the frame 13A for the sheets 13 may feature ferromagnetic parts and the magnets 14B may be coupled with the frame 10.
  • the sheets 13 protect at least the filtering part of the absolute filters 8 against spurts of biological material which could soil them.
  • Washing or replacing the sheets 13 is particularly quick, due to both the magnetic fastening system and the fact that by lowering the frame 10 they are immediately and easily accessible, without even needing a ladder.
  • the frame 10 can support at least one lighting device 14, preferably arranged on the perimeter of the said frame 10.
  • the lighting device 14 may be a LED type and, also in this case, maintenance thereof is very quick and is performed, again, by lowering the frame 10 as shown in the left-hand side of Figure 4 .
  • Figure 4 shows a possible external configuration of the return duct(s) 5A, which can communicate with the controlled environment through at least one return grid 18.
  • the intake grid can preferably be tilted by an angle ⁇ of between 15° and 45° degrees, preferably 30°, with respect to a horizontal plane A. This is intended to optimise the fluid dynamics of the intake air flow AI, while also reducing the noise level thereof.
  • the structure may comprise a tube 40 which runs from the structure 3 downwards ( Figure 3 ).
  • the tube 40 may be used for anchoring, for example, a surgical lamp.
  • the housing is contained inside the diffuser's mixing chamber and is anchored independently to the floor; it is not, therefore, in communication with the "clean" part 7, as it is separated with a special casing.
  • the frame 10 which supports the absolute filters is configured with a conformation that ensures it encloses the tube 40, increasing the filtering surface by 6 to 8 % with respect to conventional diffusers.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)
  • Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)
  • Ventilation (AREA)
  • Vehicle Interior And Exterior Ornaments, Soundproofing, And Insulation (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
  • Diaphragms For Electromechanical Transducers (AREA)

Abstract

A diffuser (1) for mounting on the ceiling (2) comprising a structure (3) which defines at least one first return duct (5A), for air (AI) taken from a controlled environment, and a treatment compartment (7) communicating, through at least one absolute filter (8), with the controlled environment, the said structure (3) comprising at least a first blower (6A) which draws air from the first return duct (5A) and conveys it, through the treatment compartment (7) and the absolute filter (8), into the controlled environment; the structure (3) comprises a frame (10) and a counterframe (11), the frame (10) being supported by actuators (12) configured to move the frame (10) from a first position, in which the frame (10) is away from the counterframe (11) for a procedure to replace the at least one absolute filter (8), to a second position, in which the frame (10) is near the counterframe (11), the frame (10) comprising at least one seat (S) housing the said at least one absolute filter (8).

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to an operating theatre ceiling diffuser.
  • BACKGROUND ART
  • An operating theatre, or other rooms in which particular air treatment must be ensured, features constructions applied to the ceiling which are designed to appropriately filter and circulate the air within the internal environment and, possibly, supplement it with 'fresh' air taken from an external environment.
  • At the moment, the commonly known types of diffusers are made in an essentially 'artisanal' manner.
  • Therefore, ordinary maintenance - which involves, for example, regular replacement of the filters - is laborious.
  • Furthermore, the commonly known constructions are not modular and are designed and built according to different ventilation and circulation needs. Each diffuser is therefore essentially custom designed and built for a particular need.
  • Furthermore, but not finally, the operating theatre environment can be subject to extreme conditions, within which parts of the diffuser may be soiled by spurts of biological material.
  • Cleaning these parts is laborious and often ineffective.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The object of the present invention is to provide a diffuser which is improved compared with the prior art.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a diffuser which will make ordinary maintenance, i.e. filter replacement, simpler, faster, and more effective than with commonly known diffusers.
  • This and other objects are achieved by means of a diffuser produced according to the claims appended hereto.
  • Advantageously, the diffuser according to the invention is modular and easily adaptable to various installation requirements.
  • A further advantage of the invention is that it makes cleaning operations simpler and faster.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
  • Further features and advantages of the innovation will become clearer in the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the device, illustrated - by way of a non-limiting example - in the drawings annexed hereto, in which:
    • Figure 1 is a simplified top-down plan view of a diffuser according to the present invention;
    • Figure 2 is a partial plan view of a variant of the diffuser in Figure 1;
    • Figure 3 is a simplified section view along the line III-III in Figure 1, taken of the diffuser in an operational configuration;
    • Figure 4 is the section view in Figure 3, taken of the diffuser in a maintenance configuration;
    • Figure 4A is an enlarged view of the part circled in Figure 4;
    • Figure 5 is a simplified section view along the line V-V in Figure 1, taken of the diffuser in an operational configuration;
    • Figure 5A is an enlarged view of the part circled in Figure 5; and
    • Figure 6 is the section view in Figure 5, in a maintenance configuration.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • With reference to the figures stated, reference number 1 is used to denote, as a whole, an operating room or sterile room ceiling diffuser.
  • The operating theatre or sterile room diffuser 1 comprises a structure 3 configured to be fastened (integrated into) to a ceiling 2 (Fig. 4) in a controlled environment, such as a sterile room, an operating theatre, dental surgery rooms, ISO 7/5/4 operating theatres, clean rooms, veterinary operating theatres, intensive and sub-intensive care rooms, testing laboratories etc.
  • The structure 3 defines at least a first intake duct 5A for air AI taken from inside the controlled environment (taken directly, therefore, from the operating theatre, for example) and a treatment compartment 7 which communicates, through at least one absolute filter 8, with the environment controlled.
  • In this text, the term 'absolute filter' means an HEPA filter, for example of the type with a peripheral frame made of extruded aluminium section bars and a filter media made of high-quality and moisture-resistant pleated fibreglass paper.
  • The structure 3 comprises at least a first blower 6A, which draws air from the first return duct 5A and conveys it through the treatment compartment 7 and the absolute filter 8, to an outlet 9 leading into the controlled environment.
  • According to the invention, the structure 3 comprises a frame 10 and a counterframe 11; the frame 10 is supported by actuators 12 configured to move the frame 10 from a first position, in which the frame 10 is away from the counterframe 11 for a procedure to replace the at least one absolute filter 8, to a second position, in which the frame 10 is near the counterframe 11.
  • The frame 10 features at least one seat S, configured to house at least one absolute filter 8.
  • Advantageously when the frame 10 is close to the counterframe 11, it sandwiches at least one absolute filter 8 between the frame 10 and the counterframe 11.
  • The actuators 12 which support the frame 10 may be of the electromechanical kind with a gear motor coupled to a worm screw.
  • One example of an actuator 12 that may be used is the TiMOTION TA series with a compact linear design with advantageously low noise levels, a 600 mm stroke, and a load of approximately 3500N (push/ pull). The actuator may feature a control system that controls up to four actuators at the same time.
  • In order to limit or prevent air leaks, and therefore ensure effective air filtration by the absolute filters 8, sealing elements 30 may be provided between the at least one absolute filter 8 and the frame 10 and/ or the counterframe 11.
  • In the configuration illustrated in Figure 4A, the air-tightness elements are essentially seals applied to a non-filtering surface of the absolute filter 8.
  • Alternatively, or preferably, the seals 30 may be applied directly to the frame 10 and/or to the counterframe 11, so as to render the absolute filters air-tight. This way, the pressurised air present in the compartment 7 cannot flow into the controlled environment except through the filtering surface of the absolute filters.
  • Figure 1 shows that the frame 10 may be formed of two or more independent parts 10A, 10B, each of the two parts being supported by at least two actuators 12, preferably four.
  • Each part of the frame can preferably support eight absolute filters 8, arranged in two groups of four, making a total of sixteen absolute filters.
  • Obviously, in certain specific applications, the frame can also be unique.
  • In any case, the number of absolute filters can vary in size and quantity depending on the diffuser.
  • Advantageously, the frame 10 comprises an independent housing for each absolute filter 8. In other words, the frame comprises as many independent seats S as there are absolute filters 8 supported by the frame. The seats S may have a perimeter shape corresponding to the perimeter shape of the said absolute filters 8.
  • This way, it is very easy to correctly position the absolute filters 8 during the replacement or installation thereof, with the frame 10 lowered. One simply has to place the filter which is the same as the filter in the said seat 8 in the seat S.
  • Advantageously, each seat S may be associated with an indicator showing the type (i.e. size) of absolute filter which can be housed. This greatly simplifies the positioning of the absolute filters 8.
  • According to a possible configuration, the treatment compartment 7 includes at least one inlet 4 for external air AE to the controlled environment, and/or through which the external air AE is supplied under pressure to the treatment compartment 7.
  • For example, the external air AE may be taken from a centralised air conditioning system in the building where the controlled environment is located.
  • As can be seen in Figure 1, the structure 3 may have an essentially quadrilateral form, preferably being square.
  • Advantageously, the structure may have any polygonal shape, but also a 'curved', circular, or elliptical shape.
  • In the example in Figure 1, the structure 3 can define four return ducts 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, each one being coupled to a respective blower 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D; the blowers 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D can convey the air drawn from the relative intake duct into the treatment compartment 7.
  • Obviously, each impeller may be coupled, at the inlet thereof, with a filter 15 and optionally with a prefilter 16.
  • Suitable filters may be CMV F7 and G4 types (for controlled mechanical ventilation). The air filter for CMV may be produced with a large filtering surface which his compatible with ISO 16890 controlled mechanical ventilation systems in efficiency class EN 779.
  • In a different configuration of the diffuser, for example the one partially shown in Figure 2, a second blower 6B may be provided which draws from the first return duct 5A and conveys the air AI to the treatment compartment 7.
  • This configuration demonstrates the effective flexibility of the system, which is essentially modular and can be adapted to different needs.
  • Another configuration, not shown, can feature only one blower, or two, three, etc..
  • Obviously, while maintaining the configuration of the structure shown in Figure 1, some dividers must be featured, which can be positioned so as to cut off the unused return ducts.
  • One preferred configuration of the invention features the frame 10 supporting at least one sheet 13, on a face opposite where the at least one absolute filter 8 is positioned.
  • The sheet may advantageously be fastened to the frame 10 by means of a magnetic coupling, but preferably by means of a plurality of magnets (for example six per sheet 13) which support it in a stable manner.
  • For example, the frame 10 may be made of ferromagnetic material and the magnets may be coupled with a frame 13A (for example, made of plastic) which supports the sheets 13 around the perimeter thereof (see Figure 5A).
  • Alternatively, the frame 13A for the sheets 13 may feature ferromagnetic parts and the magnets 14B may be coupled with the frame 10.
  • During use, the sheets 13 protect at least the filtering part of the absolute filters 8 against spurts of biological material which could soil them.
  • Washing or replacing the sheets 13 is particularly quick, due to both the magnetic fastening system and the fact that by lowering the frame 10 they are immediately and easily accessible, without even needing a ladder.
  • Advantageously, the frame 10 can support at least one lighting device 14, preferably arranged on the perimeter of the said frame 10.
  • The lighting device 14 may be a LED type and, also in this case, maintenance thereof is very quick and is performed, again, by lowering the frame 10 as shown in the left-hand side of Figure 4.
  • Figure 4 shows a possible external configuration of the return duct(s) 5A, which can communicate with the controlled environment through at least one return grid 18.
  • The intake grid can preferably be tilted by an angle α of between 15° and 45° degrees, preferably 30°, with respect to a horizontal plane A. This is intended to optimise the fluid dynamics of the intake air flow AI, while also reducing the noise level thereof.
  • As can be seen in Figure 1 and Figure 3, the structure may comprise a tube 40 which runs from the structure 3 downwards (Figure 3).
  • The tube 40 may be used for anchoring, for example, a surgical lamp. The housing is contained inside the diffuser's mixing chamber and is anchored independently to the floor; it is not, therefore, in communication with the "clean" part 7, as it is separated with a special casing.
  • The presence of the casing housing the tube 40 and the arrangement of filters all around it offers the advantage of a greater filtering surface.
  • Indeed, the frame 10 which supports the absolute filters is configured with a conformation that ensures it encloses the tube 40, increasing the filtering surface by 6 to 8 % with respect to conventional diffusers.
  • Various embodiments of the innovation have been disclosed herein, but further embodiments may also be conceived using the same innovative concept.

Claims (11)

  1. Operating theatre or sterile room ceiling diffuser (1) comprising a structure (3) which defines at least a first intake duct (5A) of air (AI) taken from a controlled environment and a treatment compartment (7) communicating through at least one absolute filter (8) with the controlled environment, the structure (3) comprising at least a first blower (6A) which draws air from the first intake duct (5A) and carries it through the treatment compartment (7) and the absolute filter (8) in the controlled environment, characterized in that the structure (3) comprises a frame (10) and a counterframe (11), the frame (10) being supported by actuators (12) configured to move the frame (10) from a first position in which the frame (10) is distant from the counterframe (11) for a replacement of the at least one absolute filter (8) and a second position in which the frame (10) is close to the counterframe (11), the frame (10) comprising at least one seat (S) to house said at least one absolute filter (8).
  2. Operating theatre or sterile room ceiling diffuser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one absolute filter (8) is sandwiched between the frame (10) and the counterframe (11) when the frame (10) is close to the counterframe (11).
  3. Operating theatre or sterile room ceiling diffuser (1) according to claim 1, wherein sealing elements are provided between the at least one absolute filter (8) and the frame (10) and/or the counterframe (11).
  4. Operating theatre ceiling diffuser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the treatment compartment (7) comprises at least one inlet (4) of external air (AE) from the controlled environment, and/or in which the external air (AE) is supplied in pressure to the treatment compartment (7).
  5. Operating theatre or sterile room ceiling diffuser (1) according to claim 1, wherein a second blower is provided which draws air (AI) from the first intake duct (5A) and conveys the air (AI) to the treatment compartment.
  6. Operating theatre or sterile room ceiling diffuser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (10) supports, on a face opposite to that where the at least one absolute filter (8) is positioned, at least one sheet (13) secured to the frame (10) by at least one magnet (14A).
  7. Operating theatre or sterile room ceiling diffuser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (10) supports at least one lighting device (14), preferably arranged on the perimeter of the frame (10).
  8. Operating theatre or sterile room ceiling diffuser (1) according to claim 1, wherein between the intake duct (5) and an inlet of the blower (6) there is a filter (15) and optionally a pre-filter (16).
  9. Operating theatre or sterile room ceiling diffuser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one intake duct (5A) communicates with the environment controlled by at least one return grid (18), the return grid being preferably inclined by an angle (α) comprised between 15 and 45 degrees, preferably 30 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane (A).
  10. Operating theatre or sterile room ceiling diffuser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the structure (3) has a substantially quadrilateral shape, preferably square, and defines four intake ducts (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) each associated with its own blower (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D), the blowers (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D) conveying the air drawn by the intake ducts into the treatment compartment (7), each blower being possibly associated, at the intake, with a filter (15) and optionally to a pre-filter (16).
  11. Operating theatre or sterile room ceiling diffuser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (10) is formed by at least two independent parts (10A, 10B), each of the two parts being supported by at least two actuators (12), preferably four, each part of the frame preferably supporting eight absolute filters arranged in two groups of four.
EP21164181.6A 2020-03-26 2021-03-23 Operating theatre ceiling diffuser Pending EP3885658A1 (en)

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IT102020000006391A IT202000006391A1 (en) 2020-03-26 2020-03-26 Ceiling speaker

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EP3885658A1 true EP3885658A1 (en) 2021-09-29

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1555564A (en) * 1977-03-25 1979-11-14 Howorth Air Eng Ltd Clean air zone
JPH0921545A (en) * 1995-07-04 1997-01-21 Konami Kk Air conditioner embedded in ceiling
JP2003194394A (en) * 2001-12-28 2003-07-09 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Flush ceiling embedded air conditioner
JP2004354011A (en) * 2003-05-30 2004-12-16 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Ceiling-buried air conditioner
JP2007225171A (en) * 2006-02-22 2007-09-06 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Indoor unit and air conditioner
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JP2009068830A (en) * 2007-08-22 2009-04-02 Daikin Ind Ltd Indoor unit of air conditioner

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1555564A (en) * 1977-03-25 1979-11-14 Howorth Air Eng Ltd Clean air zone
JPH0921545A (en) * 1995-07-04 1997-01-21 Konami Kk Air conditioner embedded in ceiling
JP2003194394A (en) * 2001-12-28 2003-07-09 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Flush ceiling embedded air conditioner
JP2004354011A (en) * 2003-05-30 2004-12-16 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Ceiling-buried air conditioner
JP2007225171A (en) * 2006-02-22 2007-09-06 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Indoor unit and air conditioner
EP2023054A1 (en) * 2006-05-15 2009-02-11 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Air-conditioning system
JP2009068830A (en) * 2007-08-22 2009-04-02 Daikin Ind Ltd Indoor unit of air conditioner

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