EP4341618A1

EP4341618A1 - An air valve with improved ventilation

Info

Publication number: EP4341618A1
Application number: EP22729582.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thibault Louis Renson
Original assignee: Prado Europe BV
Current assignee: Prado Europe BV
Priority date: 2021-05-18
Filing date: 2022-05-18
Publication date: 2024-03-27
Also published as: WO2022243351A1; BE1029412A1; BE1029412B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air valve (1) for ventilation of rooms in a building. Said valve (1) is suitable to be installed and connected to an air duct (2) via a ventilation duct opening (3) in a surface of said room (4). The valve comprises a distal end (5) and a proximal end (6), wherein said distal end (5) is closer to the air duct (2) than the proximal end (6). The valve (1) further comprises an inner baffle element (7) located at a radially inside position. The valve (1) further comprises an outer baffle element (8) located at a radially outside position and surrounding said inner baffle element (7). An airflow space (9) is defined between said inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8). The diameter of said outer baffle element (8) decreases continuously from a first maximum predetermined value at said distal end (5) to a first minimum predetermined value at an intermediate position (11) between said distal end (5) and said proximal end (6). The diameter of said inner baffle element (7) increases continuously from a second minimum predetermined value (12) at said distal end (5) to a second maximum predetermined value at said proximal end (6). Said inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8) are defined by a fluent and continuous curve (14) between said distal and proximal ends (5, 6).

Description

AN Al R VALVE W I TH I MPROVED VENTI LATI ON

Field of the I nvention

The present invention relates to an air valve for ventilation of rooms in a building. I n particular, the present invention relates to an air valve suitable to be installed in a ventilation duct opening in a wall or ceiling.

Background

Nowadays there is an enormous variety of air valves designed to fit in a ceiling or a wall of a room . Said valves supply fresh air from an air duct to the room , or exhaust air from the room to the air duct, wherein the air duct provides passages for exchange, ventilation, circulation, and/or movement of air. This helps for example in getting rid of humidity in the air. Some valves comprise flow adj ustment mechanisms. Such mechanisms allow the flow of air through the valve to be controlled. The valve may comprise a cover for providing a more aesthetically pleasing view of a user.

A problem that exists in the current valves is that one part of the valve, for example the central part of the valve, is normally sticking out of the surface (e.g. ceiling) , which is not aesthetically pleasing. This is also a problem because dust and insects may easily go inside said valve. This is also a problem since doors or closet doors that are extending to the level (e.g. height) of the ceiling (e.g. having a height that is close to the height of the ceiling) would be hindered by such a valve.

Another problem is that existing valves that do not stick out of the surface (e.g. ceiling) have a perpendicular flow of air that compromises the comfort of the user in vicinity of said valve.

Another problem is that some valves need to be placed at an edge or at a corner of a room , since the perpendicular flow of air (with respect to the surface) would compromise the comfort of the user in the vicinity of said valve.

Another problem is that some valves are noisy, due to their design, for example by providing a non-smooth path for the air to pass through the valve. KR 200 322 908 describes an air conditioner diffuser using a venturi tube and a shape memory alloy coil. The diffuser can change the flow rate and direction of air according to the temperature of the discharged air. The diffuser has as disadvantage that it will still create in certain conditions a perpendicular flow of air.

EP 3 006 854 discloses an apparatus to supply air in a vertical air-conditioner. The apparatus is intended to obtain mildness of the air exhausted from the air- conditioner. The apparatus has also as disadvantage that a perpendicular flow of air is created.

US 2 684 024 describes an air outlet device for a ventilating apparatus. The air outlet device has a goal to achieve a good m ixture of supply air and recirculated air. The air outlet device has as disadvantage that the air flow exiting the ventilating apparatus is not parallel to the ceiling, causing discomfort of the user in the vicinity of the air outlet device.

The present invention aims to resolve at least some of the problems mentioned above.

Sum m ary of the I nvention

I n a first aspect, the present invention relates to an air valve for ventilation of rooms in a building, according to claim 1 . Preferred embodiments of the air valve are provided in claims 2 to 15.

The valve is suitable to be installed and connected to an air duct via a ventilation duct opening in a surface (e.g. wall, ceiling, or ground) of said rooms. The valve comprises a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end is closer to the air duct than the proximal end. The valve further comprises an inner baffle element located at a radially inside position and an outer baffle element located at a radially outside position and surrounding said inner baffle element. An airflow space is defined between said inner and outer baffle elements. The diameter of said outer baffle element decreases continuously from a first maximum predeterm ined value at said distal end to a first minim um predetermined value at an intermediate position between said distal end and said proximal end. The diameter of said inner baffle element increases continuously from a second minimum predeterm ined value at said distal end to a second maxim um predetermined value at said proximal end. The valve is characterized in that said inner and outer baffle elements are defined by a fluent and continuous curve between said distal and proximal ends. Said curve may be sem i-circular or elliptical.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that an improved valve is obtained. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the air flowing out of the valve is in a direction substantially parallel to the surface (e.g. ceiling) . It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the valve may be placed anywhere in a room e.g. in the middle of the room , without compromising the comfort zone of the user. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the need to place the valve at the edge or corner of the room is avoided. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the continuous curve guides the airflow from the air duct to the room . It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the continuous curve allows smooth flow of the air, and m inim izes the chances of creating random and unorganized air swirls in the valve. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the noise of the air flowing out of the valve is m inim ized. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that no sharp angles are present in the way of air flowing out of the valve, and therefore dust is not accumulated on certain parts, and therefore m inimal cleaning and maintenance is needed, and therefore a long life valve is obtained. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the time and resources required to maintain the valve are reduced. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that an efficient and compact valve is obtained.

The diameter of said outer baffle element increases continuously from the first m inimum predeterm ined value at said intermediate position to a third maximum predetermined value at said proximal end. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a smooth airflow everywhere in the valve is obtained. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the chances of creating random and unorganized air swirls anywhere in the valve are m inim ized.

The first minimum predetermined value is smaller than the second maximum predetermined value. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that airflow perpendicular to the surface is prevented. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that air flowing out of the valve is in a direction substantially parallel to the surface. The outer and inner baffle elements may not extend beyond the ventilation duct opening. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that less dust enters said valve, and less dust is accumulated therein, therefore reducing the need for occasional cleaning. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the valve is protected from weather conditions, dust, rust, and oxidation. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the valve is not sticking out of the surface. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that an aesthetically appealing valve is obtained. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a valve is obtained, which valve does not hinder or limit the freedom of movement of doors or closet doors or the like when such doors or closet doors are extending to the level of the surface. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that it is more difficult for insects to enter the valve. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that airflow substantially parallel to the surface is still possible to achieve without having the inner baffle element sticking out of the surface.

The airflow space is narrower at the proximal end. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the air flowing out of the valve has a good level of directionality.

The inner baffle element is adapted to adjust the position of flow regulating means of the valve via axial rotation of said inner baffle element, wherein said position is configured to adjust the size of said airflow space. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a manually adjustable valve is obtained, wherein the flow or pressure of air flowing through said valve is manually regulated. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a minimal amount of force is needed to adjust the valve. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that it is easy, quick, and effortless to adjust the valve.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for ventilation of rooms in a building, according to claim 16. Preferred embodiments of the method are provided in claims 17 to 18.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to use according to claim 19 of an air valve according to the first aspect of the present invention and/or a method according to the second aspect of the present invention, for ventilation of rooms in a building. Further advantages of the invention and in particular of preferred embodiments, are disclosed in the detailed description below.

Description of the figures

Fig. 1 - 6 show an air valve (1) for ventilation of rooms in a building, in different positions and orientations, according to embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a bottom view of an air valve (1), according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a three-dimensional view of an air valve (1 ), according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of an air valve (1) in a closed position, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of an air valve (1) in an opened position, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows a simulation of an air valve (1) having desired ratios of inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8), according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows a simulation of an air valve (1) having undesired ratios of inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8), according to embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the invention

The present invention relates to an air valve for ventilation of rooms in a building.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings: "A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a contaminant" refers to one or more than one contam inant.

"Comprise," "comprising," and "comprises" and “comprised of” as used herein are synonymous with “include”, “including”, “includes” or “contain”, “containing”, “contains” and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between sim ilar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

I n a first aspect, the present invention relates to an air valve for ventilation of rooms in a building. The said valve is suitable to be installed and connected to an air duct via a ventilation duct opening in a surface of said room (e.g. wall, ceiling, or ground) of said rooms. The valve comprises a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end is closer to the air duct than the proximal end. The valve further comprises an inner baffle element located at a radially inside position. The valve further comprises an outer baffle element located at a radially outside position and surrounding said inner baffle element. An airflow space is defined between said inner and outer baffle elements e.g. wherein air is flowing. The diameter of said outer baffle element decreases continuously from a first maxim um predetermined value at said distal end to a first m inim um predetermined value at an intermediate position between said distal end and said proximal end. The diameter of said inner baffle element increases continuously from a second minimum predeterm ined value at said distal end (e.g. or close to said distal end) to a second maximum predeterm ined value at said proximal end. The diameter of the outer baffle element and the inner baffle element are measured at an interface of said baffle elements with the airflow space. The valve is characterized in that said inner and outer baffle elements are defined by a fluent and continuous curve between said distal and proximal ends.

The meaning of “the diameter of said outer baffle element decreases continuously from a first maxim um predeterm ined value at said distal end to a first m inim um predeterm ined value at an intermediate position between said distal end and said proximal end” is that the diameter keeps decreasing when going from said distal end to said intermediate position, for example the diameter does not increase at any position when going from said distal end to said intermediate position. The same meaning applies for “increases continuously.”

I n a preferred embodiment, said curve may be semi-circular or elliptical. Said curve is smooth and over a sufficiently long length, such that the radius of curvature is not too low. For example, the radius of curvature may be at least 10 mm , preferably at least 20 m m , more preferably at least 30 mm , even more preferably at least 40 mm , and again more preferably at least 50 m m , and most preferably at least 60 m m . A very low radius of curvature would create air swirls, for example random and unorganized airflow within the valve, which is not desirable since it reduces the efficiency of said valve.

I n a preferred embodiment, the valve is preferably mountable in or on a ceiling. For example, the outer baffle element is connected to inner walls of the air duct, wherein the inner baffle element is connected and supported by said outer baffle element. Alternatively however, the valve may also be mounted in or on a wall, in or on a ground, or different kind of surfaces.

I n a preferred embodiment, the curve is beneficial in guiding the flow of air, such that it flows in a direction substantially parallel to the surface. This is also based on the Coanda effect, wherein airflow has the tendency to stay attached to a nearby surface. For example, the inner and outer baffle elements around the proximal end are inclined towards the surface, for example to have an angle of less than 20° with the surface, preferably less than 10°, so as to direct the airflow in a direction substantially parallel to the surface. This means the comfort of a user sitting below the valve is not comprom ised e.g. by air flowing directly at said user being below said valve. Said curve is also without sharp angles, preferably everywhere on the inner and outer baffle elements, which facilitates in smooth airflow and prevents accum ulation of air particles on such sharp angles. This also elim inates any noise that is caused by such sharp angles. For example, in case of non-curvy baffle elements or those comprising edges, which create air vortices that are noisy. As a result, the air flowing out of the valve (e.g. towards the room) may have an angle less than 40° with respect to the surface, preferably less than 30°, more preferably less than 20°, even more preferably less than 10°, and again more preferably less than 5°, and yet more preferably less than 2°, and most preferably less than 1 °.

I n a preferred embodiment, the air duct may preferably be circular or semi-circular. As a result, the outer and inner baffle elements are also circularly or semi-circularly shaped, for example circular in the same plane as the air duct, for example circular around an axis parallel to the air duct (e.g. parallel to the direction of airflow) , or circular around an axis perpendicular to the surface, for example said axes passing through the center of the circle of said elements. Flowever, the air duct may also be shaped otherwise, such as for example rectangularly shaped, wherein the inner and outer baffle elements are shaped rectangularly accordingly.

I n a preferred embodiment, the outer and inner elements may be sym metrical. For example, said elements are sym metrical around an axis passing through the center of said air duct. For example, in case of a circular air duct. The outer and inner baffle elements may also be symmetrical around a plane, for example in case of a rectangular air duct, wherein a plane is cutting said air duct in two identical parts.

I n a preferred embodiment, the diameter of said outer baffle element may increase continuously from the first m inim um predeterm ined value at said intermediate position to a third maxim um predeterm ined value at said proximal end. For example, the diameter of said outer baffle element decreases continuously between one end of the valve (referred to earlier as the distal end) , and a point located at half of the valve between the two ends of the valve (referred to earlier as the intermediate position) in the longitudinal direction along the air duct, and then increases continuously between said point located at half of the valve and the other end of the valve (referred to earlier as the proximal end) in the longitudinal direction along the air duct.

I n a preferred embodiment, the first and the third maximum predeterm ined values may be equal or different. Preferably, the third maxim um predeterm ined value is less than 25% larger than the first maxim um predetermined value, preferably less than 20% , more preferably less than 15% . I n a preferred em bodim ent, the first m inim um predeterm ined value m ay be sm aller than the second m axim um predeterm ined value. For exam ple, the ratio between the diam eter of said outer baffle elem ent at said interm ediate position to the diam eter of said inner baffle elem ent at said proxim al end is equal to or less than 1 , preferably less than 0.9, more preferably less than 0.8, most preferably less than 0.7. This is done such that airflow com ing from the air duct in a direction parallel to the air duct and perpendicular to the surface is prevented from exiting the valve in said direction . I n other words, the airflow is directed by the curve of the inner baffle element at the proxim al end. Said curve at the inner baffle elem ent at the distal end, but also the overall curve in other parts of the inner and outer baffle elem ent, is such that the air flowing out of the valve is in a direction substantially parallel to the surface. This m eans the comfort of a user sitting below the valve is not comprom ised e.g. by air flowing directly at said. Nevertheless, the first m inim um predeterm ined value may be at most 1 0% larger than the second m axim um predeterm ined value, preferably at most 5% larger, preferably at most 2% larger.

I n a preferred em bodiment, said outer and inner baffle elem ents m ay not extend beyond the ventilation duct opening e.g . do not extend beyond the surface (e.g. ceiling) . For exam ple, the outer and inner baffle elem ents are equally term inated beyond the ventilation duct opening e.g. towards the room . This means that a straight line parallel to and touching the surface is cutting and term inating the inner and outer baffle elements, such that they are both term inated equally beyond the ventilation duct opening, e.g. in the sam e height level as the surface, e.g. neither the inner nor the outer baffle elem ents are sticking out of the air duct opening, e.g. the proxim al end is at the level of the surface (e.g. ceiling) . For example, the ventilation duct opening is defined on the sam e height level as the surface.

The inventors have unexpectedly found that directing the airflow in such substantially parallel direction is possible even when said inner baffle elem ent is not sticking out of the surface as is mostly used in the prior art. This is also aesthetically appealing. This also has advantages in lim iting the amount of dust and/or insects entering the valve, since the more the inner baffle element is sticking out, the more chances of insects and dust to enter the valve. This in turn reduces the occasional cleaning needed. This also prolongs the lifetim e of the valve due to protecting it more from weather conditions, dust, rust, and oxidation. This also is aesthetically appealing, since the valve is not sticking out of the e.g . ceiling. This is also advantageous since such a valve does not hinder or lim it the freedom of movem ent of doors or closet doors or the like when such doors or closet doors are extending to the level (e.g. height) of the surface (e.g. ceiling). In other words, the valve may be placed anywhere without compromising the freedom of movement of doors or closet doors or any other similar objects that are nearby and that are extending to the level of the surface (e.g. ceiling) , e.g. touching or almost touching said surface (e.g. ceiling).

I n a preferred embodiment, the airflow may be unidirectional, either from the air duct to the room or from the room to the air duct e.g. with the option of switching the air flow by the user. The airflow is preferably unidirectional from said air duct to said room e.g. supplying fresh air from said air duct to said room. However, the user may in both cases place the valve anywhere in the room , and even sit below the valve, without noticing a difference between airflow from the air duct to the room and airflow from the room to the air duct.

In a preferred embodiment, the airflow space may be narrower at the proximal end (closer to the room) than at the distal end, preferably at least 5% narrower, more preferably at least 10% narrower, most preferably at least 15% narrower. For example, the outer baffle element widens close to the proximal end, and similarly the inner baffle element also widens. However, said widening occurs at different widening rates, such that the airflow space is gradually reduced (the inner baffle element widens faster). For example, the airflow space is tapered down towards to the proximal end. For example, the airflow space tapers down by at least 5% , preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15% , most preferably at least 20%. This improves the directionality of the airflow and squeezes said air, allowing the direction of the airflow to be mainly dependent on the curve of the inner and outer baffle elements.

I n a preferred embodiment, the ratio between the diameter of the outer baffle element at the intermediate position between said distal end and proximal end, to the diameter of the outer baffle element at the proximal end, may be between 1 : 1 .1 and 1 :4, preferably between 1 : 1 .5 and 1 :3. The diameter of said air duct is preferably substantially equal or similar to the diameter of the outer baffle element at said distal end and/or said proximal end.

I n a preferred embodiment, the ratio between the diameter of the outer baffle element at the intermediate position between said distal end and proximal end, to the diameter of the outer baffle element at said distal end, may be between 1 :1.1 and 1:4, preferably between 1:1.5 and 1: 3.

In a preferred embodiment, the ratio between the diameter of the inner baffle element at the distal end, to the diameter of the inner baffle element at the proximal end is between 1 :2 and 1:16, preferably between 1 :4 and 1:10.

In a preferred embodiment, the ratio between the diameter of the outer baffle element at the intermediate position between said distal end and proximal end, to the diameter of the inner baffle element at the distal end, may be between 1 :0.5 and 1 : 0.0625, preferably between 1 :0.25 and 1 :0.10.

In an embodiment, the ratio between the diameter of the outer baffle element at the intermediate position between said distal end and proximal end, to the diameter of the inner baffle element at the proximal end, may be between 1:1.1 and 1 :0.7, preferably between 1:1.05 and 1:0.9 and more preferably between 1 :1.02 and 1 :1.

In a preferred embodiment, the ratio between the diameter of the outer baffle element at the intermediate position between said distal end and proximal end, to the diameter of said air duct, may be between 1 :4 and 1 :1.1, preferably between 1 :3 and 1:1.5.

I n a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the outer baffle element may be between 40 and 80 mm at the intermediate position between said distal end and proximal end, preferably between 50 and 70 mm, more preferably around 61 mm. The diameter of the outer baffle element may be between 80 and 120 mm at the proximal end, preferably between 90 and 110 mm, more preferably around 107 mm. The diameter of the outer baffle element may be between 80 and 120 mm at said distal end, preferably between 90 and 110 mm, more preferably around 107 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the said air duct may be between 60 and 200 mm , preferably between 80 and 160 mm, depending on the amount of ventilation required. Preferred values are 80 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm and 160 mm. The dimensions of the valve are arranged according to the dimensions of the air duct, for example such that the effects and advantages of the present invention are obtained regardless of the exact dimensions, for example such that the effects and advantages of the present invention are obtained based on the ratios disclosed herein. I n a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the inner baffle element may be between 5 and 20 m m at the distal end, preferably around 10 mm . The diameter of the inner baffle element may be between 40 and 80 mm at the proximal end, preferably between 50 and 70 m m , more preferably around 64 m m . The inner baffle element stops at said distal end.

I n a preferred embodiment, the area of the airflow space is between 2000 and 8000 m m², more preferably between 3000 and 7000 mm², measured across a plane parallel to the surface (e.g. the ceiling) at any height. The airflow space is preferably around 3000 m m² at the proximal end, and around 6000 m m² at the distal end. The area of the air duct is between 7000 and 10000 mm². I n a preferred embodiment, the ratio between the area of the airflow space and the air duct is between 20% and 80% , preferably between 30% and 70% , most preferably around 50% .

I n a preferred embodiment, the valve is between 40 and 100 mm long, measured in the longitudinal direction between the proximal end (e.g. the edge of the inner or outer baffle elements or the edge of the surface) and the distal end. The valve is preferably between 50 and 90 mm long, more preferably around 60 and 80 mm , most preferably around 70 mm .

I n a preferred embodiment, the airflow space (defined between the inner and outer baffle elements) may be between 10 and 40 mm at the proximal end, preferably between 15 and 30 m m , more preferably around 21 .8 m m . The airflow space may be between 10 and 40 mm at the distal end, preferably between 15 and 30 m m , more preferably around 24 m m .

I n a preferred embodiment, said inner baffle element is adapted to adjust the position of flow regulating means of the valve via axial rotation of said inner baffle element. For example, rotation of said inner baffle element around its central axis. Preferably, the inner and outer baffle elements do not move between said distal and proximal ends. For example, the rotation of the inner baffle element does not move said element between said distal and proximal ends e.g. does not change the vertical position along the longitudinal direction of the valve e.g. such that the inner baffle element is never at a position beyond the opening (i.e. or beyond the surface) . Said rotation may be in discrete or in continuous steps. Preferably, the flow regulating means are at or closer to the distal end than to the proximal end. Maximal air flow is achieved when the regulating means is closer to said distal end, and m inimal air flow is achieved when the regulating means is further from said distal end. For example, since the flow regulating means in such a position would minimize or maxim ize the air flow. The position of the flow regulating means is adj usted along the longitudinal direction of the valve e.g. in the direction of a line passing through the distal and proximal ends e.g. vertically with respect to the surface. The outer baffle element is preferably stationary. Furthermore, the inner baffle element preferably does not tilt with respect to the surface.

I n a preferred embodiment, the position of the flow regulating means of the valve is configured to adjust the size of said airflow space between the flow regulating means (16) and the inner and outer baffle elements (6, 7) . For example, the flow regulating means are blocking elements that are moved to partially block or unblock the airflow space (e.g. lim it the airflow space) . The air flow in the valve is determined by the narrowest airflow space throughout the valve (e.g. the portion of the valve with the narrowest width for air to pass through) . For example, if the flow regulating means are positioned close to the distal end, the flow is determined by the airflow space at the proximal end (i.e. since it is narrower) . Flowever, if the flow regulating means are positioned close to the intermediate position, the flow is determ ined by the airflow space at the intermediate position, which is narrower (or at most equal) than the airflow space at the proximal end.

I n a preferred embodiment, adjusting said flow regulating means may be done using m inimal amount of force, quickly and easily. For example, adjusting said flow regulating means allows to switch the operation of the valve between an open configuration (e.g. m inimum or no air flowing) and a closed configuration (e.g. maxim um air flowing) .

I n a preferred embodiment, the valve comprises removable locking means adapted to prevent further adjustment of the position of the flow regulating means. For example, by preventing the rotation of the said inner baffle element around its central axis. For example, the locking means may be manually activated or deactivated.

I n a preferred embodiment, the flow regulating means are blocking elements, for example with a rectangular or semi-circular cross section. Said means are between said inner and outer baffle elements, wherein said means determ ine the amount of airflow through the valve. For example, said blocking elements are between 2 and 40 mm wide, preferably between 5 and 30 mm , more preferably between 10 and 20 mm, most preferably around 12 mm . For example, said blocking elements are between 2 and 40 mm thick, preferably between 5 and 20 mm , more preferably around 8 mm .

I n a preferred embodiment, the inner and outer baffle elements, as well as the flow regulating means, are all connected to one housing structure, which is then connected to inner walls of the air duct.

I n a preferred embodiment, the valve further comprises visual indications, corresponding to the axial position of the flow regulating means, on the side that is arranged to face towards a room of the house when the valve is retained in the air duct.

I n a preferred embodiment, said inner baffle element may comprise an electrical body. For example, said body may be at the center of said element. The electrical body may be configured as a luminaire body that is adapted to receive and connect to a light source, e.g. an LED, to provide illumination. Said body may alternatively be a smoke detector, or a motion detector, or a camera, or a speaker, or a microphone, or the like. In another preferred embodiment, the electrical body is a temperature sensor, or a volatile organic compounds (VOC) sensor, or a smoke detector, or a moisture detector, or a motion detector (e.g. radar or infrared sensor e.g. I R or PI R). For example, the moisture detector is advantageous in detecting the moisture in the air, which may be used to further regulate the ventilation.

I n a preferred embodiment, inner parts of the valve (e.g. the flow regulating means) are configured to be invisible, due to the lack of light reflecting from said parts. For example, by having a narrow airflow space at the proximal end of the valve. For example, the smallest distance (e.g. gap) between the inner and outer baffle elements at said proximal end may be at most 50 mm , preferably at most 40 mm , more preferably at most 30 mm , most preferably at most 20 mm . This can also be achieved by adjusting the height of the valve (e.g. the distance between the distal and the proximal ends) to be at least 30 mm , preferably at least 40 mm, more preferably at least 50 mm, so as to hide the inner parts of the valve.

I n a preferred embodiment, inner parts of the valve, for example the inner baffle element and/or the outer baffle element may be removable. This is advantageous for enabling easy cleaning of the air duct. Said parts may be placed back after cleaning. I n a preferred embodiment, the valve is adapted for easy cleaning, even without disassembling and removing the inner parts of the valve. This is enabled since the airflow space at the proximal end allows for a cleaning brush to be inserted in said airflow space so as to clean the surfaces of the inner and outer baffle elements. This is preferably possible whether the valve is open and or closed e.g. the gap is always bigger than zero.

I n a preferred embodiment, a discharge flow between 10 and 100 m³/h is achieved. Preferably, between 25 m³/h and 50 m³/h.

I n an embodiment the air valve comprises a fixing body for invisible installation on a surface, e.g. a wall or ceiling. The fixing body is cylindrical. The fixing body comprises at the distal end of the air valve a sealing for forming an airtight joint between the fixing body and the air duct. The inner baffle element and the outer baffle element are preferably detachable installed in the fixing body. The fixing body comprises at the proximal end of the air valve a flange. The flange comprises preferably holes for attaching the flange of the fixing body to the surface. The flange has a thickness of at most 2 m m , preferably at most 1 .7 m m , more preferably at most 1 .5 m m . This allows to cover the flange of the fixing body with plaster for invisible installation of the fixing body. The ventilation duct opening is in this case at the level of the surface, e.g. the wall or the ceiling.

I n an alternative embodiment the air valve comprises a circular rim for visible installation on a surface, e.g. a wall or ceiling. The rim has an outer diameter bigger than the diameter of the air duct. The rim is advantageous for hiding for instance screws used for attaching the air valve to the surface. The rim can be a separate part of the air valve or can be an extension of the outer baffle element. The ventilation duct opening is in this case at the level of the rim .

I n a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for ventilation of rooms in a building using an air valve in an air duct, wherein the valve has a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end is closer to the air duct than the proximal end, the method comprises the steps of: placing an inner baffle element at a radially inside position, placing an outer baffle element at a radially outside position, wherein said outer baffle element surrounds the inner baffle element, defining an airflow space between said inner and outer baffle elements, adapting the diameter of said outer baffle element to decrease continuously from a first maximum predetermined value at said distal end to a first m inim um predeterm ined value at an intermediate position between said distal end and said proximal end, adapting the diameter of said inner baffle element to increase continuously from a second minimum predetermined value at said distal end to a second maximum predeterm ined value at said proximal end, characterized in that the method comprises the step of: defining the inner and outer baffle elements by a fluent and continuous curve between said distal and proximal end.

I n a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the step of adapting the curve to be semi-circular.

I n a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the step of adapting the first m inim um predeterm ined value to be smaller than the second maximum predeterm ined value.

I n a third aspect, the present invention relates to a use of an air valve according to the first aspect and/or a method according the second aspect for ventilation of rooms in a building.

Further characteristics and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the figure. It should be noted that the invention is not restricted to the specific embodiment shown in the figure, but is only limited by the claims.

Fig. 1 - 6 show an air valve (1 ) for ventilation of rooms in a building. The valve (1 ) is suitable to be installed in a ventilation duct opening in a surface of said room (4). The valve (1 ) comprises a distal end (5) and a proximal end (6) , wherein the distal end (5) is closer to the air duct (2) than the proximal end (6) .

Fig. 1 shows a bottom view of the air valve (1 ) , wherein a bottom view of the inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8) are visible. Fig. 2 shows a three dimensions view of the air valve (1 ) , wherein the distal end proximal ends (5, 6) , and the airflows space (9) are visible.

The valve (1 ) further comprises an inner baffle element (7) located at a radially inside position. The valve (1 ) further comprises an outer baffle element (8) located at a radially outside position and surrounding said inner baffle element (7) . An airflow space (9) is defined between said inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8) .

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the air valve (1 ) . Fig. 3 shows that the diameter of said outer baffle element (8) decreases continuously from a first maxim um predetermined value at said distal end (5) to a first m inim um predeterm ined value at an intermediate position (12) between said distal end (5) and said proximal end (6) . It is also shown that the diameter of said inner baffle element (7) increases continuously from a second minim um predeterm ined value at said distal end (5) to a second maximum predeterm ined value at said proximal end (6) .

The inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8) are defined by a fluent and continuous curve (15) between said distal and proximal ends (5, 6) . I n this example, said curve (15) is sem i-circular.

The diameter of said outer baffle element (8) increases continuously from the first m inimum predeterm in ed value at said intermediate position (12) to a third maximum predetermined value at said proximal end (6) .

The first minimum predetermined value is smaller than the second maximum predeterm ined value.

The outer and inner baffle elements (7, 8) do not extend beyond the ventilation duct opening.

The airflow is unidirectional, either from the air duct (2) to the room (4) or from the room (4) to the air duct (2) . Preferably, the airflow is unidirectional from said air duct (2) to said room (4) .

The airflow space (9) is narrower at the proximal end (6) than at the distal end (5) , preferably at least 5% narrower, more preferably at least 10% narrower. The diameter of the outer baffle element (8) is around 61 mm at the intermediate position (12), around 107 mm at the proximal end (6), and around 107 mm at the distal end (5), and/or wherein the diameter of the inner baffle element (7) is around 10 mm at the distal end (5), and around 64 mm at the proximal end (6).

The inner baffle element (7) is adapted to adjust the position of flow regulating means (16) of the valve (1 ). This is done via axial rotation of said inner baffle element (7). The position of the flow regulating means (16) is configured to adjust the size of said airflow space (9). In Fig. 3, the valve is in a closed position, while Fig. 4 shows said valve (1) in a closed position. In Fig. 3, the flow regulating means (16) are blocking the airflow through the valve (1 ) e.g. the flow regulating means (16) are in the airflow space (9). For example, the flow regulating means (16) is a desk-like or cylindrical- like or doughnut-like structure, that is able to move between the position in Fig. 3 and the position in Fig. 4 by rotating the inner baffle element (7) within a predetermined range.

In Fig. 5 - 6, shows a simulation of a valve (1) in an open position. In Fig. 5, the valve (1) has desired ratios of inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8), according to embodiments of the present invention. In Fig. 6, the ratios are altered to undesired ratios.

In Fig. 5, the airflow (following the direction of the arrows) exits the valve (1) in a direction substantially parallel to the surface (18). On the other hand, the airflow in Fig. 6 is perpendicular to the surface (18). Therefore, a user sitting below such a valve would feel the airflow, which is not desired and is prevented by the present invention.

In Fig. 5, the diameter of the inner baffle element (7) at said proximal end (6) is larger than the diameter of the outer baffle element (8) at said intermediate position (12), unlike in Fig. 6. This difference is important in obtaining such substantially parallel airflow, since otherwise the airflow would not be directed by the curve (15) (i.e. air would flow directly from the air duct to the room without having the chance to be directed by the curve (15)). It is also important that said curve (15) does not have sharp angles, which may result in random and unorganized air swirls. The preceding description gives details of certain embodiments of the present invention. It will, however, be clear that no matter how detailed the above turns out to be in text, the invention may be applied in many ways. It should be noted that the use of certain term inology when describing certain characteristics or aspects of the invention should not be interpreted as implying that the term inology herein is defined again to be restricted to specific characteristics or aspects of the invention to which this terminology is coupled.

List of reference signs

1 . Air valve

2. Air duct

4. Room

5. Distal End

6. Proxim al End

7. I nner baffle element

8. Outer baffle elem ent

9. Airflow space

12. I nterm ediate position

15. Fluent and continuous curve

16. Flow regulating means

18. Surface

Claims

Claim s

1 . An air valve (1 ) for ventilation of rooms in a building, wherein said valve (1 ) is suitable to be installed and connected to an air duct (2) via a ventilation duct opening in a surface of said room (4) , wherein the valve (1 ) comprises a distal end (5) and a proximal end (6) , wherein said distal end (5) is closer to the air duct (2) than the proximal end (6) , said valve (1 ) further comprises: an inner baffle element (7) located at a radially inside position and an outer baffle element (8) located at a radially outside position and surrounding said inner baffle element (7) , wherein an airflow space (9) is defined between said inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8) , wherein the diameter of said outer baffle element (8) decreases continuously from a first maximum predetermined value at said distal end (5) to a first m inim um predetermined value at an intermediate position (12) between said distal end (5) and said proximal end (6) , and wherein the diameter of said inner baffle element (7) increases continuously from a second m inim um predeterm ined value at said distal end (5) to a second maxim um predetermined value at said proximal end (6) , characterized in that said inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8) are defined by a fluent and continuous curve (15) between said distal and proximal ends (5, 6) .

2. An air valve (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said curve (15) is sem i-circular or elliptical.

3. An air valve ( 1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the diameter of said outer baffle element (8) increases continuously from the first m inim um predeterm ined value at said intermediate position (12) to a third maximum predeterm ined value at said proximal end (6) .

4. An air valve (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the third maxim um predeterm ined value is less than 15% larger than the first maxim um predeterm ined values are different.

5. An air valve (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first m inimum predeterm ined value is smaller than the second maximum predeterm ined value.

6. An air valve (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8) do not extend beyond the ventilation duct opening, for example do not extend beyond the surface, wherein the surface is for example a ceiling.

7. An air valve (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the airflow is unidirectional, either from the air duct (2) to the room (4) or from the room (4) to the air duct (2) , preferably unidirectional from said air duct (2) to said room (4) .

8. An air valve (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the airflow space (9) is narrower at the proximal end (6) than at the distal end (5) , preferably at least 5% narrower, more preferably at least 10% narrower.

9. An air valve (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the ratio between the diameter of the outer baffle element (8) at the intermediate position (12) to that at the proximal end (6) to that at the distal end (5) is between 1 : 1 .1 : 1 .1 and 1 :4:4, preferably between 1 : 1 .5: 1 .5 and 1 :3:3 and/or wherein the ratio of the diameter of the inner baffle element (7) at the distal end (5) to that at the proximal end (6) is between 1 :2 and 1 : 16, preferably between 1 :4 and 1 : 10.

10. An air valve (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said inner baffle element (7) is adapted to adjust the position of flow regulating means

(16) of the valve (1 ) via axial rotation of said inner baffle element (7) , wherein said position is configured to adjust the size of said airflow space (9) between the flow regulating means (16) and the inner and outer baffle elements (6, 7) .

1 1 . An air valve according to any of the previous claims, wherein the inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8) do not move between said distal and proximal ends (5, 6) , and/or wherein the inner baffle element (7) does not tilt with respect to the surface.

12. An air valve according to claim 10, wherein the flow regulating means are closer to the distal end than to the proximal end, preferably wherein maximal air flow is achieved when the regulating means is closer to said distal end.

13. An air valve (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said inner baffle element (7) comprises an electrical body.

14. An air valve (1 ) according to claim 13, wherein the electrical body is configured as a luminaire body that is adapted to receive and connect to a light source, e.g. an LED, to provide illum ination.

15. An air valve (1 ) according to claim 13, wherein the electrical body is a temperature sensor, or a volatile organic compounds sensor, or a smoke detector, or a moisture detector, or a motion detector.

16. Method for ventilation of rooms in a building using an air valve (1 ) in an air duct (2) , wherein the valve (1 ) has a distal end (5) and a proximal end (6) , wherein said distal end (5) is closer to the air duct (2) than the proximal end (6) , the method comprises the steps of:

- placing an inner baffle element (7) at a radially inside position,

- placing an outer baffle element (8) at a radially outside position, wherein said outer baffle element (8) surrounds the inner baffle element (7) ,

- defining an airflow space (9) between said inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8) ,

- adapting the diameter of said outer baffle element (8) to decrease continuously from a first maximum predetermined value at said distal end

(5) to a first minim um predeterm ined value at an intermediate position (12) between said distal end (5) and said proximal end (6) ,

- adapting the diameter of said inner baffle element (7) to increase continuously from a second m inim um predeterm ined value at said distal end (5) to a second maxim um predeterm ined value at said proximal end

(6) , characterized in that the method comprises the step of:

- defining the inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8) by a fluent and continuous curve (15) between said distal and proximal end (5, 6) .

17. Method according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises the step of adapting the curve (15) to be sem i-circular.

18. Method according to claim 15 to 16, wherein the method further comprises the step of adapting the first m inim um predetermined value to be smaller than the second maxim um predeterm ined value .

19. Use of an air valve (1 ) according to any of the previous claims 1 to 15 and/or a method according to any of the previous claims 16 to 18 for ventilation of rooms in a building.