ES2281304A1 - Self-contained mechanical window-opening and -closing system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-contained mechanical system for opening and closing windows when the temperature inside a room rises above or falls below a pre-determined set temperature. The invention is based on the use of: a bimetal spring-type actuator sensor which actuates a first shaft, a first gear transmission for actuating a second shaft, a Geneva mechanism which is actuated by the secondary shaft and which imparts movement to a third shaft when the temperature rises above or falls below the set temperature and a second gear transmission for actuating the shaft of the window. The invention also includes auxiliary systems for varying the set temperature and voluntarily disconnecting the system. The invention is designed to open windows as the temperature rises and to close windows as the temperature drops, but an additional actuation reversal system is provided for closing windows as the temperature rises.

Description

Autonomous mechanical system for opening and closing of windows.

Technical sector

The invention falls within the technical sector of the facilities in buildings. More specifically in relation to thermal insulation and energy control in buildings.

State of the art

Conventional opening and closing systems automatic, both windows and doors, are based on the use of timers, teleoperation or sensors (usually of temperature in the case of windows and position in the case of the doors) in combination with some type of engine, which is activated thanks to an additional control element depending on the information received by the sensor. It is necessary therefore the connection to the mains or some kind of power based on own generators or batteries. Patents have been found on these systems as "WO 200600432 - Control device and method for controlling an adjusting device of a motor vehicle "," EP 1552973 - Control unit for a regulating device in a vehicle, specially for a window opener "," CN 2656579Y - Automatic window opener with timer "," JP 2003324498 - Radio transmitting-receiving system and opening / closing mechanism for opening of building "or" CN 1523193 - Heat-proof, acoustic insulation, durable multi-layer glass multifunctional window and power-driven window opener ".

Integral home automation systems also propose the use of central processing units, which receive information of temperature sensors distributed throughout the house and in function of the same, they send performance signals to the different engines that control doors and windows. Systems stand out commercials such as the "Visiomatic Home System", the products of the company "Smart Homes" and the drivers of "Siemens AG ". However, these systems are complex, with high purchase and installation prices and do not contribute to savings Energy in buildings. Other systems such as window regulators "automatic" of motor vehicles or doors "automatic" garage, require at least one activation initial switch, which in turn drives an electric motor to raise / lower the window completely. There are patents on these ideas as "JP 2005278581 - Greenhouse ceiling ventilation window excellent in ventilation efficiency "," CN 1689396 - Pneumatic window-opening mechanism of greenhouse "," US Patent 5966871 - Actuator for pivotable quarter window "," US Patent 4918865 - Window Opener "," US Patent 4995195 - Automatic Rear Window "or" CN 1207448 - Swing arm automatic opening device for door or window ".

Some commercial products propose opening automatic based on the use of cylindrical actuators (solid or gel fillers) that expand with temperature increases. Between they highlight the "Juliana Window Opener Ventomax", the "Juliana Univent Solar Vent Opener", the "Hoklartherm - Unitherm "and the" Hoklartherm - Duotherm ". However, at be based on the use of the expansion coefficient thermal, the opening achieved is only a few millimeters and gradual.

Taking energy savings into consideration in buildings and the optimization of the number of components of a system Automatic opening, the possibility of use an active or "intelligent" material, capable of performing simultaneously the work of sensor and actuator, to cause the total opening and closing of the associated window.

Active materials, "smart" or multifunctionals are able to respond reversibly and controllable against different external physical or chemical stimuli, modifying some of its properties. Because of its sensitivity or acting, these materials can be used for design and development of sensors, actuators and multifunctional systems. Be present in different natures, inorganic, metallic and organic, being sensitive to a wide variety of phenomena Physical and chemical Currently its importance lies in the new needs in technologies such as microelectronics and nanoelectronics, as well as the possibility of developing structures, materials and products with predefined active properties and functions combined.

In the case of the use of an active material such as sensor-actuator for opening and closing automatic window for thermal control in buildings, is it is necessary to use a material with thermomechanical coupling, able to experience appreciable dimensional changes in response to thermal stimuli.

Regarding the use of active materials in window opening, a patent "US Patent 4899543 - Pre-tensioned shape memory actuator" has been found, which describes the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) of the Cu-Zn-Al type and Ni-Ti, capable of responding to thermal stimuli with dimensional changes. However, the need for reversibility (both opening and closing) and repeatability (thousands of cycles), leads to the use of alloys with deformations of less than 1% and fragile, so it has not been technically feasible to commercialize said patent. On the other hand, systems based on the use of shape memory alloys have an opening temperature.
ra and other fixed closure, which would greatly limit its application, if they were technically feasible.

As a possibility to modify the temperature of opening or closing a window operated by device based on an SMA, the "US Patent 5816306 - Shape memory alloy actuator "proposes an alloy spring with shape memory heated by Joule effect, depending on the instructions of a controller. Nor have commercial products been found based on this idea, which on the other hand does not contribute to the energy efficiency in buildings.

It is proposed in this invention the use of a bimetallic spring type sensor-actuator element, in combination with an optimized transmission mechanism of movement, for automatic opening / closing of all types of windows The mechanism connected to the bimetallic actuator allows transform the variation of said actuator progressively into rapid opening / closing, in a reduced temperature environment setpoint (around 2 to 3ºC of temperature variation between total opening and closing). It also stands out for total independence of power systems, with the associated energy savings. So It also has several auxiliary systems that allow regulating the opening / closing temperature, disconnect the actuator or Invest your performance.

The use of bimetals as actuators in heat transmission applications has been patented "US Patent 6039262 - Passive bimetallic actuator for heat transfer ", which proposes the use of bimetals for opening gates or valves, however it is not accompanied by any additional mechanism that allows quick and complete opening / closing when crossing a certain setpoint temperature. Nor does it have of auxiliary mechanisms of disconnection, investment of action or modification of opening / closing temperature.

The proposed invention " Autonomous mechanical system for opening and closing windows ", with all its additional elements and systems, is described in detail below.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention relates to a system autonomous mechanic for opening and closing windows, comprising (Figure 1):

?

Axis 1 or motor axis, in which they go mounted: a) a bimetallic spring with a fixed end that makes the sensor / actuator function and serves as the motor element of the system, b) a cogwheel responsible for multiplying the rotation of the spring bimetallic when transmitting the movement to the second axis.

?

Axis 2, on which they are mounted: a) a cogwheel driven by the cogwheel of the first axle, b) a pivot or motor element of the Maltese Cross mechanism that is ensures that the window is opened in an environment setpoint temperature reduced.

?

Axis 3, on which they are mounted: a) the Maltese Cross (exit element of the Cross mechanism of Malta), b) a cogwheel responsible for transmitting the rotation of the third axis to the axis of the window.

?

Axis 4 or axis of the window, in the which are mounted a) a gear wheel driven by the wheel of the third axis, b) the window whose opening / closing is desired.

The principle of operation of the mechanism of Motion transmission is explained below:

The system transmits movement from Axis 1 (or motor axis) to Axis 4 (or window axis).

Let's call T_ {i} and T_ {S} at temperatures expected in the room and T_ {c} at the setpoint temperature whose overcoming orders the opening of the window (and closing when the room temperature drops below it).

Axis made in Axis 1 acts on bimetal that causes in the Axis 1 a turn of? when passing from T_ {c} to T_ {i}, and from +? When passing from T_ {c} to T_ {s}.

Between Axis 1 and Axis 2 is a gear transmission that converts the turn of (- \ betaº / + \ betaº) on Axis 1 in a turn of (-? / /?) on Axis 2.

Between Axis 2 and Axis 3 is a Maltese Transmission or Cross Mechanism. The element or pivot The engine of this transmission is mounted on Axis 2. Said Axis 2 rotates α while the room temperature passes from T_ {i} to T_ {c}, staying at rest for all that time the Axis 3, which has the Maltese Cross mounted (being therefore the window closed). When the temperature T_ {c} is exceeded, for a very small increase in temperature, the Maltese Cross and with it the Axis 3 in which it is mounted, has a rapid turn of 90 ° (leading to the rapid opening of the window, see Figure 2).

Likewise, while the temperature passes from T_ {c} to T_ {s}, Axis 2 rotates? While the Cross of Malta and with it the Axis 3 remains at rest (and the window remains open) For a decrease in temperature a reverse process with the closing of the window when going through the setpoint temperature T_ {c} (Figure 2). Between Axis 3 and Axis 4 of the window has a gear transmission that transforms the 90 ° rotation of Axis 3 into the desired rotation for the Axis 4 of the window.

Both the reduction rates of the various gear pairs, such as the number of arms of the Cross of Malta, can be modified to adapt the degree of opening of the window depending on the angle of rotation of the bimetallic actuator.

As an alternative to the drive through a bimetallic torsion spring bimetallic plates can be used, that flecten with temperature changes, together with a mechanism of transformation of linear movement in circular, connecting rod type - crank or similar.

Linear actuators can also be used cylindrical or parallelepipedic (both solid and filled with fluid) whose coefficient of thermal expansion produces linear displacements in response to temperature changes. Joining said linear actuators to a transformation mechanism linear circular motion type crank-crank or similar, you can replace the bimetallic spring that acts as a sensor-actuator in The proposed invention. A spring must also be available additional that provides the return of the actuator (and the consequent window closing) when the temperature drops.

Likewise, the Maltese cross transmission can be replaced by a cam-follower cam mechanism, with the cam fixed to Axis 2 and the cam follower acting on Axis 3. Said cam presents a section increase in the position associated with the setpoint temperature T_ {c}, which results in the rapid opening of the window when the temperature of the
local above T_ {c}. When the temperature drops, the reverse process occurs with the consequent closing of the window.

Arranging a mechanism similar to that of a box of changes associated with any of the transmissions between axles, two mechanisms can be obtained that increase the versatility of the proposed invention, the "voluntary disconnection mechanism of system "and the" mechanism of action investment ":

Voluntary system disconnection mechanism

The system is disconnected by placing the lever of changes in the "neutral" position, in which there is no transmission between Axis 1 and Axis 2.

Performance Investment Mechanism

The system can be reversed by placing the lever  of changes in the investment position, which produces the introduction of an additional sprocket in the transmission between Axis 1 and Axis 2, which is responsible for reversing the direction of rotation.

Setpoint temperature variation mechanism

Consisting of coupling a torsion spring additional to the bimetallic spring, both in series and in parallel, to modify your initial equilibrium position, to do so increase or decrease the change temperature. Once calibrated, said new spring has a key (similar to the rope of a clock) and an indicator of the number of turns the key should turn for each setpoint temperature.

The invention is detailed in the following sections by means of an embodiment thereof and with the help of figures.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1.- Schematic representation of the main elements of the invention. Show a view transversal of the different elements, transmissions and axes that make up the autonomous mechanical system for opening windows object of this invention.

1.- Axis 1.

2.- Bimetal spring.

3.- Gear transmission.

4.- Axis 2.

5.- Motor element of the Maltese Cross.

6.- Maltese cross.

7.- Axis 3.

8.- Transmission by gears.

9.- Axis 4.

10.- Window.

11.- Window opening.

Figure 2.- Position of the second axis actuator depending on the temperature. The change of position is represented of the actuator pivot on the Maltese Cross for the range of working temperatures

Exposure of at least one embodiment of the invention

The present invention is further illustrated. by the following embodiment, which is not intended to be limiting its scope.

The element of the invention that presents a greatest manufacturing difficulty is the bimetallic sensor-actuator. The bimetals are formed by vacuum welding of two sheets of materials Very different expansion coefficient. These sheets have been previously obtained by hot rolling of metals of departure.

In the case of metal couples with difficult weldability, (titanium with steel, zirconium with steel, aluminum with steel and others), the method of "Vacuum hot rolling" or vacuum hot rolled. You can get so much bimetals like trimetals superimposing layers of various metals

In all these hot processes, the operation in an inert atmosphere or in a vacuum chamber is necessary to prevent oxidation of different metals and inclusions of impurities

Once the bimetallic sheet is obtained, you can cut with precision, using both machine tools and laser cutting and subsequently cold deforming to get "U" shapes or the torsion spring used in the invention proposal.

The bimetallic spring is then fixed by a End to Axis 1, by welding, snap fit, adhesives or any type of joint shape. The other end is Leave anchored on the wall or in the window frame. The cogwheel on the other end of Axis 1.

In Axis 2 both the secondary wheel are mounted of the transmission by gears between axes 1 and 2, as well as the actuator of the Maltese Cross mechanism. Lace can be used to pressure, adhesives, keys or any other type of joint shape.

On Axis 3 the Maltese Cross is mounted and the wheel primary gear transmission between axes 3 and 4, of forms similar to those explained above.

On the Axis 4 or axis of the window, the secondary gear transmission wheel between axles 3 and 4, in ways similar to those explained above.

To place and set the relative positions of the different axes that make up the complete mechanical system, are they can use two housings made in foundry that have housings for the different bearings that will support said axes The housings are closed by means of bolted joints and The device is ready for operation.

Claims (6)

1. Autonomous mechanical system for opening and window closure, comprising:

?

axis 1 or motor axis, in which they go mounted: a) a bimetallic spring with a fixed end that makes the sensor / actuator function and serves as the motor element of the system, b) a cogwheel responsible for multiplying the rotation of the spring bimetallic when transmitting the movement to the second axis,

?

axis 2, on which they are mounted: a) a cogwheel driven by the cogwheel of the first axle, b) a pivot or motor element of the Maltese Cross mechanism that is ensures that the window is opened in an environment reduced setpoint temperature,

?

axis 3, on which they are mounted: a) the Maltese Cross (exit element of the Cross mechanism of Malta), b) a cogwheel responsible for transmitting the rotation of the third axis to the window axis and a

?

axis 4 or axis of the window, in the which are mounted a) a gear wheel driven by the wheel of the third axis, b) the window whose opening / closing is desired.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein attach a gearbox to any of the transmissions between axes that allow both the inversion of the movement and the system disconnection 3. System according to claims 1 and 2, in the that an additional torsion spring is coupled to the bimetallic sensor-actuator, to be able to modify the setpoint temperature at which the opening / closing of window. 4. System according to claims 1 to 3, in the that the bimetallic sensor-actuator shaped torsion spring replaced by bimetallic plates, attached to a mechanism of transformation of linear linear movement, type gear crank. 5. System according to claims 1 to 4, in the that the bimetallic sensor-actuator is replaced by linear cylindrical or parallelepiped actuators (both solid as fluid fillers) and that attached to a mechanism of transformation of linear movement in circular, connecting rod type - crank, produce the desired performance, being able to arrange also of an additional spring that provides the return of the actuator (and the consequent closing of the window) when the temperature. 6. System according to claims 1 to 5, in the that the Maltese cross transmission can be replaced by a cam mechanism - cam follower, to transmit movement from Axis 2 to Axis 3.