GB1568957A

GB1568957A - Ventilating device

Info

Publication number: GB1568957A
Application number: GB30067/75A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Downing J W A
Current assignee: Downing J W A
Priority date: 1976-10-18
Filing date: 1976-10-18
Publication date: 1980-06-11

Description

(54) VENTILATING DEVICE (71) 1, JOHN WILLIAM ANTHONY DOWNING, a British subject, of Walnut Tree Farm, Chediston, Nr. Halesworth, Suffolk, do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to a ventilation device.

The ventilation device is particularly suitable for use in intensive pig units in which there are often considerable problems in ensuring that correct air flow patterns are achieved.

One of the problems involved in rearing pigs in intensive pig units stems from the fact that, for best results, the individual pigs should be maintained in a relatively constant temperature environment, which is dependent on age and size of the pig. Pigs cannot readily stand sudden changes of temperature and can also be upset by sudden changes in the direction of air flow.

In one form of intensive pig unit, a number of pigs are housed in pens in a suitable building. The pens are situated on either side of a feeding passage and each of the pens is completely separated from adjacent pens by full height partitions.

In this way each pig or group of pigs is housed substantially in its own individual environment. Ventilators are provided in the outside walls of each pen and air is drawn through these ventilators by means of fans situated in the ridge of the building so that the air passes up the inside of the sloping roof and out over a continuous baffle board over the feeding passage.

The use of individual pens for each pig or group of pigs has great advantage that each pig or each group is uncontaminated and uninfluenced by the pigs in adjacent pens. However, the fact that each pig or group of pigs has its own environment makes the design of the ventilation device very important since, in fact, the ventilation device provides virtually a complete control of the pig's environment.

It is to be noted that the ventilation device of the invention, while specifically designed for use in such intensive pig units, can also be used in other applications where control of the airflow is desirable, whether this relates to piggeries, other animal housings, greenhouses or other non-related applications.

The invention seeks to provide a ventilation device which will permit a full control of the airflow therethrough without the necessity of providing very complicated and thus expensive constructions.

According to the invention, there is provided a ventilating device comprising a framework surrounding an air passage therethrough, a pivotable flap pivoted horizontally at points spaced from its upper and lower edges and movable between a first position in which it closes the air passage of the device or provides for a minimum air flow through the passage and a second position in which it provides for maximum airflow through the passage and an airflow dividing member for dividing the outflow of air from the air passage into two, the airflow dividing member having an end adjacent the air outflow side of the framework and extending outwardly therefrom, the ventilation device being so arranged that the airflow proceeding through the air passage is controllable by the flap with respect to the air flow distribution between the upper end lower sides of the airflow divider dividing member.

Further according to the invention, there is provided a ventilated live-stock pen comprising a sloping ceiling sloping upward towards a centre ridge, a ventilation device mounted in an exterior wall adjacent an outer edge of the ceiling and including a framework surrounding an air passage and a flap horizontally pivotable in horizontal pivots, spaced from its upper and lower edges, and arranged so that the flap is movable between a first position in which it closes the air passage of the ventilating device, or provides a minimum of airflow through the passage, and a second position in which it provides for maximum airflow through the passage and an outflow dividing member extending from adjacent an upper region of the ventilating device framework for a predetermined distance in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the ceiling the ventilating device being arranged such that as the flap opens, air from the exterior of the pen is guided by the flap substantially totally along the passage formed between the ceiling and the dividing member and after the flap has opened to a predetermined extent, there is an increasing provision for division of the airflow between the passage between the ceiling and the dividing member and the area below the dividing member.

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of one form of ventilation unit for a ventilation device in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view of a ventilation device in accordance with the invention incorporating the ventilation unit of Figure 1, showing it installed in a building, provided with a flow divider, and indicating the substantially closed or minimum position; Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 but showing the ventilation device in a changeover position; Figure 4 is a view similar to Figures 2 and 3, showing the flap in a fully open position; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2, but showing a ventilating unit having a skirt in an intermediate position and with the flow divider omitted; Figure 6, 7 and 8 are views similar to Figure 5, but showing modified flap arrangements, and Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 5, but showing the flap arrangement of Figure 6 incorporated with a modified form of flow divider.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown an exploded view of one form of ventilation unit for incorporation in a ventilating device. This device comprises a frame or framework generally indicated at 1, and including the two side members 2 and 3, and upper member 4, a bottom meber 5 and a flapstop member 6. Each of the two side members 2 and 3 is provided with a downwarlly sloping slot 7 to receive pivot pins 8 on a ventilating flap 9 which controls the passage of air through the device.

The flap 9 suitably includes a framework 10 carrying the pivot pins 8 and an inner portion 11 which may be of any suitable material and may be transparent, translucent or opaque as desired. Furthermore the material used may have heat insulating properties.

Actuation of the flap may be carried out by any suitable linkage and is here shown to be operated by a temperature sensitive actuator 13 attached by a bracket to the flap 9 and adapted to be attached by a stationary member 15 to any suitable part of a building structure. The temperature sensitive actuator suitably includes a piston and cylinder arrangement, in which the cylinder is filled with a temperature sensitive material, the piston being connected by its rod to linkage controlling an actuation arm to which the bracket is attached. This type of actuator is well known and there are a number of these on the market.

As an alternative, a hand-operated linkage can be provided or a remote controlled motor drive could be used.

Figure 2 shows the ventilation unit of Figure 1 assembled and mounted on the wall of a building, for example a pig intensive unit. The building suitably comprises insulated walls 20, a sloping ridgetype roof 21 provided with an insulated inner ceiling 22. The ventilation unit frame 1 is mounted in a suitable aperture in the wall 20 and may be provided with a wind baffle 23, hung from the edge 21a of the roof 21 by any suitable device (not shown) to prevent direct access of wind to the ventilation device. Access of air to the ventilation device can be obtained either over or under the baffle or both as shown by the arrows.

Extending from adjacent the upper part of the frame 1 there is provided an airflow divider or dividing member 24 which.

in the form shown. extends substantially parallel to the insulated inner ceiling 22 so as to form a short passage 25 therealong. The divider 24 extends the whole width of the frame 1. On the end of the flow divider there is provided a pivotable flap 26 which can pivot from a position (indicated in broken lines at 26a) substantially parallel to the air flow divider 24 to a position (indicated in broken lines at 26b) in which it is arranged at an acute angle thereto. The full lines indicate an intermediate position. This arrangement provides for possible airflow in varying pro Dortions between two possible flow paths.

This will be explained in greater detail hereafter. The airflow divider is preferably suspended from the inner ceiling 22 but may also be attached to the frame 1.

Where the building is a pig intensive unlit, it may be provided along both sides with a row of pens for individual pigs, adjacent pens being separated by a full height partition with a central free passage between two rows. In this way each pig is provided with substantially its own environment, and for this purpose each pen is provided with its own ventilation device as described above. Two or more ventilation devices may be used, for example, side by side depending upon the air through-flow required.

While the air is allowed in, through the ventilating devices, the air is kept in motion through the pens by the provision of extractor fans which are situated in the roof ridge area.

Figure 2 shows the flap 9 in its minimum opening condition, in which the bottom of the flap is positioned against the stop 6 and small amounts of air can enter between the flap 9 and the upper member 4 of the frame as indicated by the arrow 27. From this it will be seen that the air being admitted can only flow above the airflow divider 24, along the ceiling to be relatively directly withdrawn by the central ridge fans. This position provides for minimum ventilation requirements and will normally be used in cold winter conditions. As the weather improves or the temperature within the pen increases, the flap 9 is pivoted clockwise and in so doing will pass through the position shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 shows the flap 9 in a partially open position in which the major amounts of air can still pass between the airflow divider 24 and the ceiling 22, a little air being taken in under the flap so as to pass along below the airflow divider 24 and down into the pen.

After this position, the flap 9 can be pivoted still further clockwise until it takes up a substantially horizontal position (Figure 4) in which the majority of the airflow passes substantially below the airflow divider 24 and is so directed down into the pen while only a relatively small proportion passes up the passage 25 between the airflow divider 24 and insulating ceiling 22 to be extracted virtually immediately by the ridge extractor fans.

If desired, further pivoting of the flap can be undertaken which will provide for almost total airflow down into the pen if the flap is rotated to its maximum extent.

As can be seen from the foregoing, the ventilation device provides a range of settings and types of airflow which can be used depending upon the temperature conditions inside the building and the appropriate opening state of the flap can be set automatically if the temperature sensitive actuator 13, 15 is used.

In a particular example of a pig intensive unit, it was found suitable to use an airflow divider 24 which was of approximately two foot in width, i.e. from the end adjacent to the ventilation device frame 1 to the flap end, the flap end being provided with a six inch flap. Adequate flow for the upper airflow could be provided by having a gap of approximately 2 inches between the flow divider element and the top of the frame, the flow divider 24 being spaced approximately 5 inches from the ceiling.

While in the intensive pig unit a certain minimum of ventilation is always required, in other circumstances a complete closure of the ventilation device might be required and this can be achieved by extending the top member 4 of the frame towards the inner side of the ventilation device and if required by the provision of a stop arrangement thereon corresponding to the lower stop 6.

Figures 5 to 9 show modifications of the ventilating unit shown in Figures 1 to 4 the flow divider 24 being omitted for clarity in Figures 5 to 8.

Figure 5 shows the provision of a skirt 30 at the bottom end of the flap 9 which enables all the air to be directed over the outer face of the flag and thus controls the air to pass totally above the air divider 24 and in any event prevents air from entering under the flap 9 during the initial stages of opening of the ventilation device.

Figure 6 shows the provision of an additional stop 31 at the opposite end of the bottom member 5 to the stop 6. This additional stop 31 provides for an increased angle of the flap 9 before air flows underneath the flap. By suitable selection of the stop 31, the angular position of the flap 9 for the beginning of airflow therebeneath can be varied to suit any particular application.

Figure 7 shows a provision of an extra flap 33 on the upper edge of the flap 9; as can be seen this flan is separately adjustable but can be linked bv a linkage (not shown) to the actuating mechanism of the main flap 9 to provide a smooth application of inlet air to the lower parts of the pen housing the pig. In this way, possible shock to the pig of a sudden application of a cool draught can be avoided. Alternatively, the additional flap 33 may be preset so as to provide a single desired position in relation to the main flap 9.

Figure 8 shows a flap 9 which is of concave form on its inner side as indicated at 34. This provides for a greater degree of deflection for the incoming airflow and can have substantially the same effect as the flaD 33 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 shows a variation of the arrangement shown in Figure 1, while incorporating the dual stop arrangement and the skirt. In this case, instead of a fixed airflow divider 24 set at a particular angle, a pivotal airflow divider 36 is suspended pivotally from the ceiling 22 by supports, one of which is shown at 37. Variation of the angle of this divider 36 can be carried out independently of the main flap 9 or the two can be connected by a suitable linkage to act together. Again the divider 36 can be preset to have a fixed position as required by particular application in a similar way to the divider 24 of Figure 1.

It is to be understood that various modifications can be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For example the flap 9 may have its pivot pins 8 fitted with washers and wing nuts so that the flap can be locked in any desired position. With this arrangement, no operating linkage is necessary.

Any of the parts of the various embodiments may be included in other embodiments or replace parts of other em bodiments where suitable. Thus, for example, the curve flap of Figure 8 could be provided with the additional flap of Figure 7 or the skirt 30 which is provided on the flap of Figure 8 could be omitted.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that while the arrangements of Figures 1 and 2 provide the preferred results, the air divider 24 may, in some circumstances, be made pivotable about any suitable axis along its length and the flap 26 at the end of the divider 24 may be omitted or may be set at a fixed angle. Furthermore, while the divider has been shown parallel to the ceiling 22, it can be set or constructed at any desired angle which is suitable to the building structure provided and to what ever circulatory system, if any, in the way of pumps or fans, is used.

The pivot points on the flap can be varied so that the flap is biassed either towards the open or closed position as a result of the movement of its centre of gravity. Different pivoting arrangements could be provided instead of the pin and slot arrangement shown.

The skirt 30 provided on the flap 9 could either be flexible as shown or could be in the form of a rigid pivotable flap.

With automatic actuation, the additional flaps, where provided, could be actuated by the same actuator as the main flap or they could have separate actuators. With a number of adjacent ventilation devices, these could be coupled together and operated by a single actuator. Instead of the tempe rature sensitive actuator,- a motor drive, suitably remote controlled, could be used.

While the invention has been described mainly for intensive pig units, it is to be understood that the ventilation devices could be used for any other desired installation purpose such as in other animal housings, greenhouses or entirely different applications requiring the control of ventilation.

The ventilation devices could be provided for original installations or could be used to replace existing devices of a different type.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. A ventilating device comprising a framework surrounding an air passage therethrough, a pivotable flap pivoted horizontally at points spaced from its upper and lower edges and movable between a first position in which it closes the air passage of the device or provides for a minimum air flow through the passage and a second position in which it provides for maximum airflow through the passage and an airflow dividing member for dividing the outflow of air from the air passage into two, the airflow dividing member having an end adjacent the air outflow side of the framework and extending outwardly there from, the ventilation device being so arranged that the airflow proceeding through the air passage is controllable by the flap with respect to the air flow distribution between the upper and lower sides of the airflow dividing member.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the airflow dividing member ex tends from adjacent the air outflow side of the framework for a predetermined distance substantially in the direction of air flow.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the airflow dividing member is pro vided with a divider flap at its outer end for directing the flow of air proceeding on one side of the airflow dividing member.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the divider flap is adjustable be tween a position in a line with the airflow dividing member through a position at right angles to the dividing member to a position making an acute angle therewith.

5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the flap is curved to direct air passing beneath it down wardly.

6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the flap is pro vided with means for preventing air from flowing around both sides of the flap until the flap has been opened to a predetermined extent.

7. A device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the means for preventing air from flowing around both sides of the flap com prises a skirt provided at the lower end of the flap.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein an operating linkage is provided enabling remote control

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Claims

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arrangement shown in Figure 1, while incorporating the dual stop arrangement and the skirt. In this case, instead of a fixed airflow divider 24 set at a particular angle, a pivotal airflow divider 36 is suspended pivotally from the ceiling 22 by supports, one of which is shown at 37. Variation of the angle of this divider 36 can be carried out independently of the main flap 9 or the two can be connected by a suitable linkage to act together. Again the divider 36 can be preset to have a fixed position as required by particular application in a similar way to the divider 24 of Figure 1.

It is to be understood that various modifications can be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For example the flap 9 may have its pivot pins 8 fitted with washers and wing nuts so that the flap can be locked in any desired position. With this arrangement, no operating linkage is necessary.

Any of the parts of the various embodiments may be included in other embodiments or replace parts of other em bodiments where suitable. Thus, for example, the curve flap of Figure 8 could be provided with the additional flap of Figure 7 or the skirt 30 which is provided on the flap of Figure 8 could be omitted.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that while the arrangements of Figures 1 and 2 provide the preferred results, the air divider

24 may, in some circumstances, be made pivotable about any suitable axis along its length and the flap 26 at the end of the divider 24 may be omitted or may be set at a fixed angle. Furthermore, while the divider has been shown parallel to the ceiling 22, it can be set or constructed at any desired angle which is suitable to the building structure provided and to what ever circulatory system, if any, in the way of pumps or fans, is used.

The pivot points on the flap can be varied so that the flap is biassed either towards the open or closed position as a result of the movement of its centre of gravity. Different pivoting arrangements could be provided instead of the pin and slot arrangement shown.

The skirt 30 provided on the flap 9 could either be flexible as shown or could be in the form of a rigid pivotable flap.

With automatic actuation, the additional flaps, where provided, could be actuated by the same actuator as the main flap or they could have separate actuators. With a number of adjacent ventilation devices, these could be coupled together and operated by a single actuator. Instead of the tempe rature sensitive actuator,- a motor drive, suitably remote controlled, could be used.

While the invention has been described mainly for intensive pig units, it is to be understood that the ventilation devices could be used for any other desired installation purpose such as in other animal housings, greenhouses or entirely different applications requiring the control of ventilation.

The ventilation devices could be provided for original installations or could be used to replace existing devices of a different type.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. A ventilating device comprising a framework surrounding an air passage therethrough, a pivotable flap pivoted horizontally at points spaced from its upper and lower edges and movable between a first position in which it closes the air passage of the device or provides for a minimum air flow through the passage and a second position in which it provides for maximum airflow through the passage and an airflow dividing member for dividing the outflow of air from the air passage into two, the airflow dividing member having an end adjacent the air outflow side of the framework and extending outwardly there from, the ventilation device being so arranged that the airflow proceeding through the air passage is controllable by the flap with respect to the air flow distribution between the upper and lower sides of the airflow dividing member.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the airflow dividing member ex tends from adjacent the air outflow side of the framework for a predetermined distance substantially in the direction of air flow.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the airflow dividing member is pro vided with a divider flap at its outer end for directing the flow of air proceeding on one side of the airflow dividing member.
4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the divider flap is adjustable be tween a position in a line with the airflow dividing member through a position at right angles to the dividing member to a position making an acute angle therewith.
5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the flap is curved to direct air passing beneath it down wardly.
6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the flap is pro vided with means for preventing air from flowing around both sides of the flap until the flap has been opened to a predetermined extent.
7. A device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the means for preventing air from flowing around both sides of the flap com prises a skirt provided at the lower end of the flap.
8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein an operating linkage is provided enabling remote control

of the flap to be carried out.
9. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the operation of the flap is controlled automatically by a temperature sensitive actuator.
10. A device as claimed in any one of the Claims 1 to 8, wherein the flap is operated by a remote control motor.
11. A ventilated live-stock pen comprising a sloping ceiling sloping upward towards a centre ridge. a ventilation device mounted in an exterior wall adjacent an outer edge of the ceiling and including a framework surrounding an air passage and a flap horizontally pivotable in horizontal pivots spaced from its upper and lower edges, and arranged so that the flap is movable between a first position in which it closes the air passage of the ventilating device or provides a minimum of airflow through the passage, and a second position in which it provides for maximum airflow through the passage and an outflow dividing member extending from adjacent an upper region of the ventilating device framework for a predetermined distance in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the ceiling, the ventilating device being arranged such that as the flap opens, air from the exterior of the pen is guided by the flap substantially totally along the passage formed between the ceiling and the dividing member and after the flap has opened to a predetermined-extent, there is an increasing provision for division of the airflow between the passage between the ceiling and the dividing member and the area below the dividing member.
12. A live-stock pen as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the dividing member has at its outer end a flap member which is movable in order to guide the air flowing on the lower side of the dividing member into predetermined positions in the pen and so enable variation of the ventilation in dependence on the animals in the pen.
13. A ventilating device substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.
14. A live-stock pen substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.