EP4253858A1

EP4253858A1 - Door or window ventilation assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4253858A1
Application number: EP23163139.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Darius Rahimi
Original assignee: Zehnder Group International AG
Current assignee: Zehnder Group International AG
Priority date: 2022-03-31
Filing date: 2023-03-21
Publication date: 2023-10-04

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an indoor airflow control unit (1) for a door or window ventilation assembly having a unit housing and a lid structure. Furthermore, an outdoor air collection unit (3) for a door or window ventilation assembly and a door or window ventilation assembly is disclosed.

Description

Field of disclosure

The present invention lies in the field of building ventilation, in particular window and/or door ventilation assemblies and relates to an indoor airflow control unit for a door or window ventilation assembly, an outdoor water deflector guard for a door or window ventilation assembly, a door or window ventilation assembly and the use of an outdoor water deflector guard together with the indoor airflow control unit in a door or window ventilation assembly.

Background, prior art

Window and/or door ventilation assemblies are known for efficiently providing additional ventilation to a building via the window or door frame. Such a frame, or also the door/window itself may either comprise factory built-in through holes or alternatively, such holes may be drilled retroactively into the frame. A window or door ventilation assembly typically consists of two main parts, an indoor unit being attached on the interior facing side of the window or door and an outdoor unit being attached on the outside of the building facing the outer environment. Fresh air can then flow from the outside via the outdoor unit through the holes in the window or door frame and then be provided to the interior of the building via the indoor unit. However, in prior art assemblies, airflow control is often insufficient, unreliable and/or requires elaborated mechanisms, including many different single parts or even drive units. Furthermore, many prior art devices do not sufficiently prevent water, such as rain water, from entering the interior of a building.

Summary of disclosure

It is therefore a general object of the invention to advance the state of the art in the field of window and/or door ventilation assemblies and preferably to overcome one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art fully or partly. In advantageous embodiments, an indoor airflow control unit is provided which allows to accurately control the airflow through a window or door ventilation assembly, preferably in a reliable and efficient manner. Particularly, an indoor airflow control unit is provided which does not require electrical devices or other types of drive units. In further advantageous embodiments, an indoor airflow control unit is provided which allows the user to select a large variety of different airflows, in particular in a reliable manner, that is, without undesired airflow adjustments due to external influences, such as the wind. In further advantageous embodiments, an outdoor air collection unit is provided which efficiently allows to prevent water from entering the interior of the building.
The general object is achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims and the overall disclosure.
A first aspect of the invention relates to an indoor airflow control unit for a door or a window ventilation assembly. It is understood that the term "indoor" means that such a unit is envisioned or configured to be installed on the inside of a building facing the interior of the building. The indoor airflow control unit comprises a unit housing, which defines a housing chamber. Furthermore, the unit housing defines a first airflow opening and a therefrom separated second airflow opening. The first airflow opening is configured for allowing the exchange, i.e. for exchanging, airflow between the housing chamber and the environment outside of the unit housing, that is, an outside unit housing environment. The second airflow opening is arranged at a back side of the unit housing and is configured for allowing the exchange, i.e. for exchanging, airflow between the housing chamber and the environment outside of the unit housing. The back side of the unit housing is the side which is configured to be mounted to the window or door. In the mounted state, the back side therefore faces the window or door and enables fluid communication between the holes or openings in the window or door and the housing chamber. Typically, the back side of the unit housing may be planar, which allows to easily mount the unit housing to the window or door. Additionally, the indoor airflow control unit comprises a lid structure which is configured for opening and closing the first airflow opening by rotatably moving the lid structure between an open position and a closed position. It is understood that such a rotational movement as described herein relates to a rotational movement of the lid structure, in particular roller structure, with respect to the unit housing. In the open position, e.g. any open position, airflow can flow through the first airflow opening of the unit housing and in the closed position airflow is prevented by the lid structure from flowing through the first airflow opening and therefore in the mounted state into the interior of the building. In some preferred embodiments, the lid structure is further configured to be positioned in more than two positions, in particular two fixed positions, by rotatably moving the lid structure with respect to the unit housing. A fixed position is a position into which the lid structure can be moved and in which it then remains by itself. Therefore, in a fixed position, the lid structure does not rotatably move if it is exposed to a force below a threshold force. The threshold force is typically selected such that the lid structure does no move from a fixed position under the influence of the gravitational force. However, if the lid structure is exposed to a force being greater than the threshold force, for example by a user pulling or pushing the lid structure manually, then the lid structure can be moved from the corresponding fixed position. The user can thus select from more than 2 positions, which allows to adjust the airflow more accurately and to adjust the better to the individual needs. This threshold force may for example be higher than 1 N, in particular higher than 3 N, preferably between 1 N and 20 N, in particular between 1 N and 10 N, in particular between 3 N and 8 N, more particular 5 N.
In some embodiments, the lid structure is configured to be positioned in more than 3, preferably more than 5, more preferably more than 8, more preferably more than 10, more preferably more than 12, more preferably more than 15, positions, in particular fixed positions. This allows the user to accurately select the desired airflow and thus increases the controllability of the unit.
In some embodiments, the lid structure is configured such that when it rotatably moves from the open position, e.g. any open position, such as a completely open position or any open position between the closed position and the completely open position, towards the closed position, the lid structure increasingly covers the first airflow opening. Thereby, the total open area of the first airflow opening is decreased. The open area of the first airflow opening refers to the area through which airflow can flow from the housing chamber to the environment outside the unit housing. It is understood that in the completely open position, the open area of the first airflow opening reaches its maximum. In particular, the lid structure does in the completely open position not block any portion of the first airflow opening. The open area of the first airflow opening refers to the area through which airflow can flow from the housing chamber to the environment outside the unit housing. Typically, the open area may be defined by the position of the lid structure. For example, in the completely open position, the open area of the first airflow opening reaches its maximum, because the lid structure does not block any portion of the first airflow opening. In the closed position, the lid structure may generally completely cover, e.g. block, the first airflow opening. In any open position between the closed position and the completely open position, the lid structure may partially cover, respectively block, the first airflow opening. In such positions, the open area is therefore decreased as compared to the completely open position.
In some embodiments, the lid structure is configured such that when it rotatably moves from the open position, e.g. any open position such as a completely open position, towards the closed position, the total open area of the first airflow opening decreases.
In some embodiments, the lid structure is configured such that it can be moved in front of the first airflow opening when it is rotatably moved from the open position to the closed position. In the mounted state, the lid structure is therefore arranged upstream of the first airflow opening, i.e. airflow coming from the housing chamber and/or the second airflow opening first passes the lid structure and then passes first airflow opening before it reaches the interior of the building. In particular, the lid structure is configured such that it is in all positions in which it can rotatably be moved, arranged in front, respectively upstream of the first airflow opening. That is, the lid structure may at least be partially or fully arranged inside the housing chamber.
In some embodiments, the lid structure is configured to be infinitely, respectively continuously, variable into positions, in particular fixed positions, between the open position and the closed position, by rotatably moving the lid structure with respect to the unit housing. This allows to accurately control the airflow and to adjust the airflow in infinitely small intervals.
In certain embodiments, the total open area of the first airflow opening in any specific open position in particular fixed position, is different from the total open area of the first airflow opening in any other position, in particular fixed position. For example, in the completely open position, the open area of the first airflow opening reaches its maximum, because the lid structure does not block any portion of the first airflow opening. In the closed position, the lid structure may generally completely cover, e.g. block, the first airflow opening. In any open position between the closed position and the completely open position, the lid structure may partially cover, respectively block, the first airflow opening. In such positions, the open area is therefore decreased as compared to the completely open position and is particularly continuously decreased when the lid structure is rotatably moved towards the closed position.
In some embodiments, the lid structure is configured to be manually positioned in more than two fixed positions. A purely manual operation simplifies the overall design and further allows to build the indoor airflow control unit in a space saving manner. Typically, the indoor airflow control unit does in some embodiments not contain a drive unit and/or any electric means for rotatably moving the lid structure. However, in certain embodiments, it may be possible that the indoor airflow control unit further comprises a drive unit, such as a motor, configured for rotatably moving the lid structure between the open position and the closed position. Particularly, the indoor airflow control unit may then also comprise a control unit, such as a circuit or a microprocessor to control the drive unit.
In some embodiments, the lid structure is a single piece element. Therefore, the indoor air flow control unit requires only two different elements, namely the unit housing and the lid structure.
In some embodiments, the unit housing and/or the lid structure are made of a polymeric material, in particular a synthetic polymeric material.
In some embodiments, the lid structure comprises one or more, in particular 2, protruding gripping noses. The gripping noses may in particular penetrate through the first airflow opening, thereby serving as stoppers by contacting the unit housing and preventing further rotation in one direction of the lid structure.
In some embodiments, the lid structure comprises, in particular is, a roller structure. In certain embodiments, the housing chamber is a roller chamber accommodating the roller structure.
The roller structure may be rotatably mounted inside the housing chamber, respectively the roller chamber. The roller structure may further be rotatably movable between the open position, i.e. an open position, in which airflow can flow through the first airflow opening and the closed position in which the roller structure prevents airflow from flowing through the first airflow opening. The roller structure may particularly be manually rotatably movable between the open position, i.e. any open position, and the closed position. Such roller structure allows an easy and reliable adjustment of the airflow.
In some embodiments, the roller structure is configured such that it further prevents partially or fully in the closed position airflow from flowing through the second airflow opening. Thus, the roller structure is designed in a way that it can concomitantly close the first airflow opening and also the second airflow opening. Preferably, the roller structure may in general be arranged between the first airflow opening and the second air flow opening.
In certain embodiments, the roller structure is configured such that it can be moved behind the second airflow opening when it is rotatably moved from the open position, i.e. any open position, to the closed position. In the mounted state, the roller structure is therefore arranged downstream of the second airflow opening, i.e. airflow coming from outside the building through the window or door, first passes the second airflow opening, then passes the roller structure and then the first airflow opening before it reaches the interior of the building. In particular, the roller structure is configured such that it is in all positions in which it can rotatably be moved, arranged behind, respectively downstream of the second airflow opening.
In some embodiments, the roller structure defines, respectively comprises, one or more airflow ducts. Each airflow duct has an airflow duct inlet and an airflow duct outlet. Furthermore, the one or more airflow ducts are configured to provide in the open position, e.g. in any open position, a fluid connection between the first airflow opening and the second airflow opening defined by the unit housing. Typically, the roller structure defines the one or more airflow ducts such that they penetrate through the roller structure.
In some embodiments, the roller structure is configured such that rotatably moving the roller structure from the closed position towards the open position, i.e. any open position, results in increasing an open area of the first airflow opening and optionally concomitantly in increasing an open area of the second airflow opening, in particular by the same ratio. This means that rotatably moving the roller structure around its rotational axis by a specific angle α results in an increase of the total open area of the first airflow opening of X% and concomitantly in an increase of the total open area of the second airflow opening by also X%.
In some embodiments, the roller structure is configured such that rotatably moving the roller structure towards the closed position results in decreasing an open area of the first airflow opening and optionally concomitantly in decreasing an open area of the second airflow opening, in particular by the same ratio. This means that rotatably moving the roller structure around its rotational axis by a specific angle -α results in a decrease of the total open area of the first airflow opening of Y% and concomitantly in a decrease of the total open area of the second airflow opening by also Y%.
In some embodiments, the roller structure comprises a cylinder shape, in particular a rounded cylinder shape such as a circular or elliptic cylinder shape, having one or more airflow ducts penetrating through the cylinder shape, in particular the cylinder surface shell. It is understood that the surface shell of a cylinder is the curved surface defined by the cylinder, respectively the cylinder jacket. In embodiments, in which the cylinder surface shell is penetrated by one or more airflow ducts, the cylinder shell may be considered as comprising, respectively defining, one or more airflow duct inlets and/or outlets. The airflow ducts are typically configured for enabling airflow flowing through the roller structure, e.g. from one position on the cylinder surface through the center of the cylinder shape to another position on the cylinder surface.
As mentioned above, in some embodiments, each airflow duct of the roller structure may comprise at least two, preferably only two, airflow duct inlets and/or outlets.
The one or more airflow ducts may be configured for providing in any open position of the roller structure a fluidic connection between the second airflow opening of the unit housing and the first airflow opening of the unit housing. Thus, airflow can in any open position flow from the outside through the second airflow opening then through the roller structure via the one or more airflow ducts and then through the first airflow opening into the interior of a building.
In some embodiments, the roller structure comprises two cylinder shell portions, in particular only two cylinder shell portions, which are spaced apart from each other to define a first slot as the airflow duct inlet of the airflow duct, respectively as one of the airflow duct inlets, and a therefrom separated second slot as an airflow duct outlet of the airflow duct, respectively as one of the airflow duct outlets. Therefore, the first slot may be considered as an airflow duct inlet and the second slot may be considered as and airflow duct outlet. The two cylinder shell portions may be a first cylinder shell portion and a second cylinder shell portion. The surface area of the first and second cylinder shell portions may be the same or equal. For example, the first cylinder shell portion may have a larger or smaller surface area then the second cylinder shell portion. Such a roller structure provides for a simple setup for controlling airflow and can further be produced in a space saving manner.
In some embodiments, the roller structure comprises spacer structures. These spacer structures at least partially delimit, respectively define, the one or more airflow ducts. Preferably, the spacer structures are arranged between the two cylinder shells as described in the embodiments above. Thus, the spacer structures may define the gap size of a gap between the two cylinder shells. Such spacer structures may on the one hand enable to control and direct the airflow and on the other hand increase the rigidity of the roller structure. In certain embodiments, the spacer structures may be disks. Preferably, each spacer structure connects the two cylinder shell portions. Particularly, each spacer structure may be directly connected to the two cylinder shell portions.
The roller structure may typically be mounted such to the unit housing that it defines a rotational axis around which it is rotated when it is moved between the closed position and the open position or between different open positions. Preferably, the rotational axis is transversally, in particular perpendicularly, arranged with respect to an airflow flowing from the second airflow opening to the first airflow opening. The rotational axis may extend in parallel to the first airflow opening and/or the second airflow opening.
In some embodiments, the roller structure comprises at each along its rotational axis oppositely arranged end portions a pivoting pin element, such as a trunnion, by which it is rotatably mounted to the unit housing. The pivoting pin element may preferably protrude from a cylindrical main body of the roller structure. The unit housing may in some embodiments comprise two retaining structures, such as a recess or a notch, which each correspond to the pivoting pin elements, i.e. which are each configured for retaining one of the pivoting pin elements, thereby rotatably mounting the roller structure to the unit housing.
In some embodiments, the lid structure, and in particular the roller structure, comprises a securing mechanism, which is configured for securing a specific position of the lid structure, respectively of the roller structure, with respect to the unit housing, preferably by frictional lock and/or form lock. In certain embodiments, the roller structure comprises at each, along its rotational axis oppositely arranged, end portions such a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism may comprise a friction layer, such as a layer made of an elastomeric polymer, in particular rubber. Furthermore, the securing mechanism may alternatively or additionally, comprise a plurality of projections, in particular elastic projections, and the unit housing may contain corresponding notches in which these projections can engage. As the skilled person understands, it is also possible that the plurality of projections, in particular elastic projections, are arranged on the unit housing facing the roller structure, particularly the end portions of the roller structure, and the corresponding notches may be arranged at the end portions of the roller structure. In both cases, the projections and the notches are configured such that at least some of the projections can engage with at least some of the notches, thereby forming a form-locking connection. As already mentioned above such a form-locking connection and/or a frictional locking connection may be a fixed connection when exposed to a force below a threshold force. However, when this force exceeds the threshold force, the connection is released and the roller structure may be rotated. This threshold force may for example be higher than 1 N, in particular higher than 3 N, preferably between 1 N and 20 Nm in particular between 1 N and 10 N, in particular between 3 N and 8 N, more particular 5 N.
A second aspect of the invention relates to an outdoor air collection unit for a door or window ventilation assembly. Such a door or window ventilation assembly may comprise the indoor airflow control unit according to any embodiments as described herein, in particular with respect to the first aspect of the invention. The outdoor air collection unit comprises an air collection unit housing defining an air collection unit inlet and an air collection unit outlet. In addition, the air collection unit housing comprises a continuous roof structure. A continuous roof structure is a roof structure which does not comprise holes or openings, respectively is configured such that water cannot pass it. The continuous roof structure therefore shields the interior, and in particular the air collection unit inlet, from rain. The outdoor air collection unit further comprises a slot grating being arranged between the air collection unit inlet and the air collection unit outlet.
Typically, the continuous roof structure is arranged opposite of the air collection unit inlet.
In certain embodiments, the air collection unit inlet and the air collection unit outlet are inclined to each other. In particular, the air collection unit inlet and the air collection unit outlet may be essentially perpendicularly arranged to each other. The air collection unit inlet may typically be arranged in an inlet plane, e.g. only in the inlet plane and/or the air collection unit outlet may typically be arranged in an outlet plane, e.g. only in the outlet plane. The inlet plane and the outlet plane may be arranged essentially perpendicularly to each other. Such an arrangement prevents that rain enters in the mounted state the interior of the building, as the continuous roof structure provides for a reliable rain protection. It is understood that in a mounted state, the outdoor air collection unit is arranged on the outside of a window or door of a building facing the outside environment. The air collection unit outlet typically faces the window or door of the building. Thus, airflow can enter the outdoor air collection unit via the air collection inlet, pass the slot grating and be expelled through a hole or opening in the window or door, respectively the frame, to the interior of the building, particularly via the indoor airflow control unit as described in the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.
In some embodiments, the slot grating comprises, particularly consists of, a plurality of parallel extending slots. Typically, the slots are defined, respectively delimited, by a plurality of struts extending in parallel to each other. In particular, the slots are only defined, respectively only delimited, by a plurality of struts extending in parallel to each other.
In some embodiments, the air collection unit inlet is arranged in an inlet plane, e.g. as described above, and the slot grating defines an angle of 30° to 65°, in particular 40° to 55°, with this inlet plane. It has been found that such an angled slot grating efficiently prevents rain from entering the interior of the building, in particular also under heavy weather conditions, such as heavy rain and/or storm.
A third aspect of the invention relates to a door or window ventilation assembly, which comprises the indoor airflow control unit according to any of the embodiments as described herein, in particular with respect to the first aspect of the invention, and an outdoor air collection unit, in particular an outdoor air collection unit according to any of the embodiments described herein, preferably as described for the second aspect of the invention.
In some embodiments, the door or window ventilation assembly also comprises a window or a door, particularly a window frame or a door frame, having one or more through-going, i.e. penetrating, holes or openings. The window or door is preferably arranged between the indoor airflow control unit and the outdoor air collection unit. The second airflow opening of the indoor airflow control unit is typically facing the window or door and the air collection unit outlet of the outdoor air collection unit also faces the window or door.
Mounting the indoor airflow control unit and/or the outdoor air collection unit to the window or door may be achieved by form-locking, force-locking and/or bonding connections. For example, mounting may be achieved by clips being inserted into the holes or opening of the window or door under and engaging with the window or door in a force locking and/or form locking connection.
A fourth aspect of the invention relates to the use of an outdoor air collection unit, in particular an outdoor air collection unit as described herein, e.g. with respect to the second aspect of the invention, together with the indoor airflow control unit according to any of the embodiments as described herein, in particular with respect to the first aspect of the invention, in particular in a door or window assembly.

Brief description of the figures

The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing:

Fig. 1: a perspective view on an indoor control unit according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the lid structure is in a closed position;
Fig. 2: a perspective view on the back side of the indoor control unit of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3: a front view on a housing of an indoor control unit according to an embodiment of the invention, where the lid structure is removed;
Fig. 4: a perspective view on a roller structure of an indoor control unit according to an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 5: a perspective view on an indoor control unit according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the roller structure is in an open position;
Fig. 6: a perspective view on an indoor control unit according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the roller structure is in the completely open position;
Fig. 7: a door or window ventilation assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 8: an exploded view of the door or window ventilation assembly shown in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9: a view on an end portion of a roller structure of an indoor control unit according to another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 10: a perspective view on an outdoor air collection unit according to an embodiment of the invention as it can be used in a door or window ventilation assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 11: another perspective view on the outdoor air collection unit of Fig. 10.

Exemplary embodiments

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show indoor airflow control unit 1 as it can be used in a door or window ventilation assembly. Indoor airflow control unit 1 comprises unit housing 11, which defines, respectively delimits, a housing chamber and further defines a first airflow opening (not referenced, see Fig. 3) and on the back side, which is shown in Fig. 2, it further defines second airflow opening 112 being separated from the first airflow opening. The first and second airflow opening 112 are typically in fluid communication with each other. Besides unit housing 11, indoor airflow control unit 1 further comprises lid structure 2 which in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is in a closed position. The lid structure is arranged in front, i.e. upstream of the first airflow opening. As can be seen, in the closed position, the first airflow opening is completely closed by lid structure 2, thereby airflow flowing through indoor airflow control unit 1 via the first airflow opening is prevented. Lid structure 2 further defines, respectively comprises in this or in any other embodiment described herein, one or more, particularly two, protruding gripping noses 27, 28 which simplify manually rotatably moving the lid structure with respect to the unit housing 11 between an open position in which airflow can flow through the first airflow opening and the closed position shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 shows only unit housing 11, while the lid structure shown in Fig. 1 and 2 has been removed. Unit housing 11 is shown from its front side being oppositely arranged to the back side being visible in Fig. 2. As can be seen, unit housing 11 defines, respectively delimits first airflow opening 111, which is in fluid communication with second airflow opening 112 on the back side of the unit housing. The first airflow opening 111 in some embodiments be sectioned into multiple sections, e.g. in two sections as shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 4 shows only roller structure 20 which can be used in some embodiments as lid structure in an indoor airflow control unit. Roller structure 20 comprises an elongated cylinder shape, which is penetrated by six airflow ducts 21, 22 (only two ducts are referenced for clarity purposes). The cylinder shape is generally defined by two cylinder shell portions 23 and 24 which are oppositely arranged to each other and are further spaced apart from each other forming a first slot which forms an airflow duct inlet for the airflow ducts 21 and 22 and an oppositely arranged second slot forming an airflow duct outlet of airflow ducts 21, 22. Roller structure 20 is configured such that it can be rotatably mounted inside the unit housing, such as shown in Fig. 5. Furthermore, first cylinder shell portion 24 may be configured such, in particular dimensioned such, that it can completely close first airflow inlet 111 of unit housing 11. Furthermore, in this or any other embodiment, roller structure 20 may be configured such that it further prevents in the closed position airflow from flowing through the second airflow opening 112. This can be achieved by second cylinder shell portion 23, which may in this or any other embodiment as described herein be configured such, in particular dimensioned such, that it can completely close second airflow inlet 112 of unit housing 11 or at least the opening or holes in a window or door, respectively a window or door frame, in a door or window ventilation assembly according to the invention. At each of its two along its rotational axis opposing end portions, roller structure 20 further comprises a pivoting pin element 27 protruding from a main cylinder body of roller structure 20 along the axis of rotation. As it is seen in Fig. 5, these pivoting pin elements 27, e.g. trunnions, allow to rotatably mount roller structure 20 inside the housing chamber. Furthermore, roller structure 20 comprises a plurality of spacer structures 25 and 26 (only two spacer structures are referenced for clarity purposes), which are arranged between first cylinder shell portion 24 and second cylinder shell portion 23. Furthermore, the spacer structures partially define, respectively delimit, the airflow ducts through roller structure 20. For example, spacer structure 25 and 26 partially delimit airflow duct 22 being arranged between these two spacer structures. As can be seen, the spacer structures are in this embodiment all spacer disks.
Fig. 5 shows an indoor airflow unit 1 according to another embodiment, in which a roller structure 20, such as roller structure 20 shown in Fig. 4, is used as lid structure. Roller structure 20 is rotatably mounted to unit housing such that it can be rotatably moved between an open position and the closed position, such as the closed position shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 5, the roller structure 20 is currently in one of the possible open positions, which is between the closed position and the completely open position (cf. Fig. 6). Roller structure 20, in particular the first cylinder shell portion 24, partially covers first airflow opening 111 and leaves another part of airflow opening 111 open, such that airflow can flow through the first airflow opening, i.e. between the housing chamber and the outside environment.
Fig. 6 shows the indoor airflow unit 1 of Fig. 5, however roller structure 20 is now in the completely open position, in which the total open area of the first airflow opening is at its maximum. Gripping noses 27 and 28 of roller structure 20 may in this or any other embodiment as described herein define the completely open position, i.e. the position at which the total open area of first airflow opening 111 has its maximum. As gripping noses 27 and 28 are protruding, they serve as stoppers by contacting the unit housing and preventing further rotation in one direction of the roller structure.
Fig. 7 shows a view onto a door or window ventilation assembly 100 which consists of three elements, namely a window or door 4, in particular a window or door frame, being sandwiched between an outdoor air collection unit 3 which whose housing may comprise continuous roof structure 311, and indoor airflow control unit 1 according to any of the embodiments described herein. It is understood that in interior of the building having such a door or window ventilation assembly 100 is on the side of indoor airflow control unit 1 and the outdoor environment of the building is arranged on the side of outdoor air collection unit 3. In the embodiment shown, the viewer views onto a door or window ventilation assembly 100 from the roof of a building, i.e. towards the ground.
Fig. 8 depicts an exploded view of door or window ventilation assembly 100 of Fig. 7. As can be seen, window or door frame 4 may comprise through holes or openings 41 and 42, which penetrate window or door frame 4 and which allow to exchange airflow between outdoor air collection unit 3 and indoor airflow control unit 1. If indoor airflow control unit 1 contains a roller structure having a first and second cylinder shell portions, the second cylinder shell portion (see Fig. 4) may in this or any other embodiment as described herein, be configured such, respectively dimensions such, that it can in the closed position of the roller structure completely close through holes or openings 41 and 42.
Fig. 9 shows a view onto an end portion of a roller structure 20 as it can be used in some embodiments of an indoor airflow control unit described herein. Roller structure 20 comprises securing mechanism 29, which in this embodiment comprises a plurality of projections, in particular elastic projections, which may engage with corresponding notches of the unit housing of an indoor airflow control unit. Furthermore, the securing mechanism 29 may comprise a friction layer made of an elastomeric polymer which provides a frictional lock between the roller structure and the unit housing of an indoor airflow control unit.
Fig. 10 and 11 show an outdoor air collection unit 3 as it can be used in a door or window ventilation assembly, in particular a door or window ventilation assembly 100 as shown in Fig. 7 and 8. Outdoor air collection unit 3 comprises air collection unit housing 31, which defines an air collection unit inlet 32 and an air collection unit outlet 33. The air collection unit housing 31 further comprises a continuous roof structure (not referenced in Fig. 10, see Fig. 7 reference sign 311). Additionally, outdoor air collection unit 3 comprises slot grating 34, which is arranged between air collection unit inlet 32 and air collection unit outlet 33, which means that airflow passing through outdoor air collection unit 3 from air collection unit inlet 32 first passes air collection unit inlet 32, then slot grating 34 and only then air collection unit outlet 33. Both air collection unit inlet 32 and air collection unit outlet 33 are arranged in an even plane, i.e. they are planar. Those two planes are essentially perpendicularly arranged to each other, which effects a 90° turn of the airflow. Slot grating 34 consists of a plurality of parallel extending slots 351, 352 (only two slots are referenced for clarity purposes). These slots are delimited by parallel extending struts 361, 362 (only two struts are referenced for clarity purposes). As can be seen from Fig. 11, the even inlet plane in which air collection unit inlet 32 is arranged form an angle of between 30° to 65°, in particular of 40° to 55° with the slot grating.

List of Reference Signs

1: indoor airflow control unit
11: unit housing
100: door or window ventilation assembly
111: first airflow opening
112: second airflow opening
2: lid structure
20: roller structure
21, 22: airflow duct
23: first cylinder shell portion
24: second cylinder shell portion
25, 26: spacer structure
27: pivoting pin element
28, 29: gripping noses
3: outdoor air collection unit
31: air collection unit housing
311: continuous roof structure
32: air collection unit inlet
33: air collection unit outlet
34: slot grating
351, 352: slot
361, 362: strut

Claims

An indoor airflow control unit (1) for a door or window ventilation assembly, the indoor airflow control unit (1) comprising:
a. a unit housing (11) defining a housing chamber, the unit housing (11) further defining:
i. a first airflow opening (111) being configured for exchanging airflow between the housing chamber and the environment outside of the unit housing (11); and

ii. a second airflow opening (112) being arranged at a back side of the unit housing (11) and being configured for exchanging airflow between the housing chamber and the environment outside of the unit housing (11);

b. a lid structure (2) being configured for opening and closing the first airflow opening (111) by rotatably moving the lid structure (2) between an open position in which airflow can flow through the first airflow opening (111) and a closed position in which airflow is prevented from flowing through the first airflow opening (111), wherein the lid structure (2) is configured to be positioned in more than two positions, in particular two fixed positions.
The indoor airflow control unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lid structure (2) is configured to be infinitely variable into positions, in particular fixed positions, between the open position and the closed position.
The indoor airflow control unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the lid structure (2) is configured to be manually positioned in more than two fixed positions.
The indoor airflow control unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lid structure (2) comprises a roller structure (20), the roller structure (20) being rotatably mounted inside the housing chamber and being rotatably movable between the open position in which airflow can flow through the first airflow opening (111) and the closed position in which the roller structure prevents airflow from flowing through the first airflow opening (111), wherein preferably the roller structure (20) is configured such that it further prevents in the closed position airflow partially or fully from flowing through the second airflow opening (112).
The indoor airflow control unit (1) according to claim 4, wherein the roller structure (20) defines one or more airflow ducts (21, 22), wherein each airflow duct (21, 22) has an airflow duct inlet and an airflow duct outlet, and wherein the one or more airflow ducts (21, 22) are configured to provide in the open position a fluid connection between the first airflow opening (111) and the second airflow opening (112).
The indoor airflow control unit (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the roller structure (20) is configured such that rotatably moving the roller structure (20) from the closed position towards the open position results in increasing an open area of the first airflow opening (111) and optionally concomitantly in increasing an open area of the second airflow opening (112); and/or wherein the roller structure (20) is configured such that rotatably moving the roller structure towards the closed position results in decreasing an open area of the first airflow opening (111) and optionally concomitantly in decreasing an open area of the second airflow opening (112).
The indoor airflow control unit (1) according to any of claim 5 or 6, wherein the roller structure (20) comprises a cylinder shape, wherein the one or more airflow ducts (21, 22) penetrate through the cylinder shape, in particular the cylinder surface shell, wherein preferably the one or more airflow ducts (21, 22) are configured such that in the open position, in particular in all positions except the closed position, airflow can flow from the second airflow opening (112) to the first airflow opening (111) and preferably through the first airflow opening (111) .
The indoor airflow control unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein the roller structure (20) comprises two cylinder shell portions (23, 24) which are spaced apart from each other to define a first slot as the airflow duct inlet of the airflow duct (21, 22) and a second slot as the airflow duct outlet of the airflow duct (21, 22).
The indoor airflow control unit (1) according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the roller structure (20) comprises spacer structures (25, 26), which at least partially delimit the one or more airflow ducts (21, 22), wherein preferably the spacer structures (25, 26) are arranged between the two cylinder shell portions (23, 24).
The indoor airflow control unit (1) according to any of claims 4 to 9, wherein the roller structure (20) comprises at each, along its rotational axis oppositely arranged, end portions a pivoting pin element (27), such as a trunnion, by which it is rotatably mounted to the unit housing (11).
The indoor airflow control unit (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the lid structure (2), in particular the roller structure (20), comprises a securing mechanism (29) configured for securing a specific position of the lid structure (2), in particular of the roller structure (20), with respect to the unit housing (11), in particular by frictional lock and/or form lock.
An outdoor air collection unit (3) for a door or window ventilation assembly, the door or window ventilation assembly comprising the indoor airflow control unit according to any of the previous claims, wherein the outdoor air collection unit (3) comprises:
a. an air collection unit housing (31) defining an air collection unit inlet (32) and an air collection unit outlet (33), wherein the air collection unit housing (31) comprises a continuous roof structure (311);

b. a slot grating (34) being arranged between the air collection unit inlet (32) and the air collection unit outlet (33).
The outdoor air collection unit (3) according to claim 12, wherein the slot grating (34) comprises a plurality of parallel extending slots (351, 352).
The outdoor air collection unit (3) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the air collection unit inlet is arranged in an inlet plane and wherein the slot grating defines an angle of 30° to 65°, in particular 40° to 55°, with the inlet plane.
A door or window ventilation assembly (100) comprising the indoor airflow control unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11 and an outdoor air collection unit (3), in particular an outdoor air collection unit according to any of claims 12 to 14.
Use of an outdoor air collection unit (3), in particular an outdoor air collection unit (3) according to any of claims 12 to 14, together with the indoor airflow control unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11 in a door or window ventilation assembly (100).