GB2442141A - Thermally insulating, multi-bladed damper device - Google Patents
Thermally insulating, multi-bladed damper device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2442141A GB2442141A GB0718547A GB0718547A GB2442141A GB 2442141 A GB2442141 A GB 2442141A GB 0718547 A GB0718547 A GB 0718547A GB 0718547 A GB0718547 A GB 0718547A GB 2442141 A GB2442141 A GB 2442141A
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- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- blade
- blade assembly
- assembly
- elements
- pivot
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Links
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052755 nonmetal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002834 transmittance Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
- F24F13/1406—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by sealing means
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
- F24F13/1413—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre using more than one tilting member, e.g. with several pivoting blades
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
- F24F13/15—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre with parallel simultaneously tiltable lamellae
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/16—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of parallelly-movable plates
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Air-Flow Control Members (AREA)
Abstract
A damper device 1 comprises a housing 40-50 with an opening and a blade assembly 2 which can open and close to restrict air flow. The device may include several blade assemblies which can be rotated together using toothed gears (35, figure 8) and a motor 60 or lever and which resiliently seal against one another (16, 18, figure 8) when closed. The blade assemblies may each include two or more curved or bent blades made of Aluminium with insulating layers (28, figure 6) to reduce noise and heat transfer. The blades may be fixed relative to one another and attached at each end, with nothing between them so as to form an air gap when closed. The pivot 8 may be located between the two blades. The side portions of the housing 46-50 may be made of plastic and the housing may fit into a wall and include temperature adjusting apparatus for example a heater or air conditioner. There is also included a method of operating the damper device, a method of controlling air flow and a method of manufacture.
Description
Damping Device This invention relates to a damping device and
particularly, although not exclusively, provides a damping device er Se, an assembly comprising such a device and associated methods.
In a quest for energy conversation, architects are incorporating natural ventilation systems into buildings.
Such systems may comprise a high efficiency louvre device (or another means) on the outside of the building at low level which is arranged to allow air to flow into the building due to the prevailing wind and/or a chimney effect, whilst preventing rain entering. Downstream of the louvre device may be a damper device which is arranged to control the volume of air flowing into the building and direct air over a heater means so that optionally heated air can enter the building.
To optimise energy efficiency, the damper device must be capable of high shut off -that is, it can be operated to substantially prevent air flow through it and into the building when required. Furthermore, in such a state, it should provide a high thermal insulation between the outside and inside of the building to minimise the loss of heat from the building to the outside and to minimise ingress of cold air from the outside to the building via the damper device.
Known damper devices may have relatively poor shut off.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to address this problem.
Furthermore, known damper device may include "cold bridges" which may cause heat/cold to be conducted from one side of the device to the other.
Known damper devices may comprise an array of blades arranged within an opening, the blades being movable for Opening and closing the opening to control the flow of air therethrough For aerodynamic reasons, the blades often have a cross-section which is thinner towards opposing edges than in the middle, for example blades may be elliptical in cross-section However, disadvantageously, regions adjacent the edges of such blades may define cold bridges. it is an object of the present invention to address this problem.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to address problems associated with known damper device.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a damper device for controlling air flow, the device comprising: (a) a housing which includes an opening; (b) a first blade assembly mounted in said housing, wherein said first blade assembly is movable between a first open position and a second closed position, the arrangement being such that air flow through said opening when said first blade assembly is in said second closed position is more restricted compared to when said first blade assembly is in said first open position.
Suitably, said first blade assembly includes a first outer face on a first side of the assembly which is arranged to be directly Contacted by (and suitably substantially block) an air flow when the first blade assembly is in its closed position, wherein said first outer face has a non-planar, for example, curved surface which suitably has a point of inflexion which is preferably positioned within a central region (e.g. within the middle third) of the non-planar, for example, curved surface. Said non-planar, for example, curved surface preferably has a single point of inflexjon as aforesaid. When said non-planar surface is a curved surface, said curved surface may curve through an angle of more than 100, preferably more than 20 in one direction. it preferably curves through less than 450, more preferably less than 350 in said one direction. It preferably curves back on itself, suitably to a similar extent to the extent it curves in said one direction.
Where the non-planar surface is not curved, it may comprise two or more planar surfaces which are angled relative to one another.
Said first blade assembly preferably includes a first blade element and a second blade element. Said first and second blade elements are preferably elongate. Said blade elements may be substantially rectangular in front elevation. They preferably extend substantially parallel to one another.
Preferably, said first and second blade elements are spaced apart, suitably along their entire extent -that is, preferably the first element does not contact the second element. The minimum distance between the first and second blade elements at any point along their extent is preferably less than the elongate extent of each of the elements.
Preferably, said first and second blade elements are substantially immovably fixed relative to one another. A first fixing means may be provided and arranged to fix a first end of said first blade element to a first end of said second blade element. Said first fixing means preferably extends between said respective first ends.
Said first fixing means preferably extends transversely, preferably substantially perpendicularly, to the elongate extent of said first and/or second blade elements.
Said first fixing means preferably extends between a first face of said first blade element and a first face of said second blade element wherein said respective first faces suitably face one another. Said first fixing means may comprise a rigid piece of material which may extend away from said respective first faces as described.
Said first fixing means preferably has a maximum thickness (e.g. measured in the direction of the elongate extent of the blade elements when the elements are elongate) of no. more than 10cm, preferably no more than 5cm, more preferably no more than 2cm.
Preferably, said first fixing means is part of a first end closure which is provided at a first end of the first blade assembly.
A second fixing means may be provided and arranged to fix a second end of said first blade element to a second end of said second blade element. Said second fixing means preferably extends between said respective second ends.
Said second fixing means preferably extends transversely, preferably substantially perpendicularly, to the elongate extent of said first and/or second blade elements.
When said first and second blade elements include respective first faces, said second fixing means preferably extends between said first face of said first blade element and said first face of said second blade element wherein said respective first faces suitably face one another. Said second fixing means may comprise a rigid piece of material which may extend away from said respective first faces as described.
Said second fixing means preferably has a maximum thickness (e.g. in the direction of the elongate extent of the blade elements when the elements are elongate) of no more than 10cm, preferably no more than 5cm, more preferably no more than 2cm.
Preferably, said second fixing means is part of a second end closure which is provided at a second end of the first blade assembly.
Said first and second fixing means are preferably arranged at opposite ends of the first blade assembly. An opening is preferably defined for passage of an airflow which opening is bounded by the first and second blade elements and the respective first and second fixing means.
Preferably, no fixing means in addition to the first and second fixing means extends within said opening between the first and second blade elements. Suitably, therefore, said opening is substantially Uninterrupted and, therefore air may flow through substantially unimpeded.
Said first blade element of said first blade assembly may comprise a rigid support which may comprise a metal and may be elongate; it may be formed by extrusion. Said rigid support preferably has a cross-section which is non-linear, for example it may be curved. The cross-section is preferably asymmetric. Said rigid support suitably has a cross-section which includes a point of inflexion, which is preferably positioned within a central region (e.g. within the middle third) thereof. Said cross-section, for example, said curved cross-section, preferably has a single point of inflexion as aforesaid. When said cross-Section is curved, it may curve through an angle of more than 20 in one direction. it preferably curves through less than 450, more preferably less than 350 in one direction. it preferably curves back on itself, suitably to a similar extent to the extent it curves in said one direction. Where the rigid support is not curved it may be angular -e.g. comprising a number of linear sections angled relative to one another.
Said first blade element may include an insulation means which may be adjacent to said rigid support, said insulation means suitably being for insulating the blade to sound and/or heat/cold. An insulation means may be provided on opposite sides of the rigid support so the rigid support is sandwiched between two spaced apart insulation means. Said first blade element may include a cover means for covering the insulation means. Said cover means may be perforate to allow sound to pass therethrough for absorbsion by the insulation means. Said first blade element may include a cover means as described on opposite sides of the rigid support.
Said second blade element of said first blade assembly may include a rigid support and/or insulation means and/or cover means as described for said first blade element rnutatjs mutandjs.
Preferably, means (hereinafter "movement means") is provided for causing the first blade assembly to move between its first open position and its second closed position. Said movement means is preferably arranged such that said first blade assembly may be positioned in between said first open and second closed positions. Said movement means may be arranged to cause said first blade assembly to pivot between its first and second positions.
When blade elements of the first blade assembly are elongate, a pivot axis of the first blade assembly may extend substantially parallel to the elongate extent of the blade elements. Preferably, said rigid supports of the blade elements are spaced from said pivot axis. Thus, said blade elements preferably do not extend diametrically or radially to said pivot axis.
Said first blade assembly is preferably arranged to pivot about an axis which extends between the first and second blade elements. A pivot means preferably defines said pivot axis wherein said pivot means preferably includes a first pivot element which is suitably positioned between a first end of said first blade element and a first end of said second blade element. Said pivot means preferably includes a second pivot element which is suitably positioned between a second end of said first blade element and a second end of said second blade element.
Thus, said first and second pivot elements are preferably provided at opposite ends of the first blade assembly.
An opening defined between the respective first and second blade elements and bounded at respective ends by said first and second pivot elements, suitably includes rio part of the pivot means extending thereirito. Suitably, therefore, said opening is substantially uninterrupted by said pivot means.
Preferably, said first blade assembly is pivotable relative to said housing. Said pivot means may be mounted on, for example, within openings in, said housing.
When said first blade assembly includes first and second end closures at respective first and second ends of respective first and second blade elements, said end closures preferably incorporate pivot elements (e.g. respective first and second pivot elements as described) which are arranged to allow the first blade assembly to pivot between its first open position and second closed position.
Said first blade assembly is preferably arranged such that, when in said first open position, an opening (which is preferably elongate) is defined between first and second blade elements thereof via which air may flow through the damper device, wherein the size and/or orientation of the opening between the first and second blade elements is variable on moving from said first open position to said second closed position. Preferably, when in said second position, air is substantially prevented from flowing through the opening between the first and second blade elements.
Preferably, when in said second closed position, said first blade assembly is arranged such that a first blade element thereof extends transversely to the direction of normal air flow through the damper device and a second blade element thereof extends transversely to the direction of normal air flow through the damper device.
Thus, the first blade element is preferably arranged to present a first barrier to the passage of air and/or heat or cold through the device and the second blade element is arranged to present a second barrier to the passage of air and/or heat or cold through the device.
Preferably, said first blade assembly includes first sealing means and second sealing means, said first and second sealing means being spaced apart and arranged to sealingly engage respective other parts of the damper device when said first blade assembly is in said closed position.
When said first blade assembly includes a first blade element and a second blade element said first sealing means is preferably associated with said first blade element and said second sealing means is preferably associated with said second blade element.
Said first sealing means is preferably provided along a first edge of the first blade element, suitably along an elongate edge of the element. A further sealing means may be provided along a second edge of the first blade element, suitably so that respective sealing means are provided along the elongate extent of first and second edges of the first blade element.
Said second sealing means is preferably provided along a first edge of the second blade element, suitably along an elongate edge of the element. A further sealing means may be provided along a second edge of the second blade element, suitably so that respective sealing means are provided along the elongate extent of first and second edges of the second blade element.
Preferably, said first and second sealing means of said first blade assembly face in generally the same direction and are preferably arranged to sealingly engage parts of a second blade assembly which is arranged adjacent to said first blade assembly within the housing of the damper device.
Preferably, said first blade assembly includes a first drive means for driving it between its first open and second closed positions. Said first drive means may include a toothed member which may be provided at or adjacent one end of the first blade assembly. Toothed members may be provided at both ends of the first blade assembly. When said first blade assembly includes a first end closure as described, said first toothed member may be a component thereof. When said first blade assembly includes first and second end closures at respective first and second ends of respective first and second blade elements, said end closures each preferably incorporate toothed members.
Said second blade assembly may have any feature of the first blade assembly described herein and accordingly any feature described as applicable to the first blade assembly may be applied to the second blade assembly mutatis rnutandis.
Preferably, said second blade assembly includes first and second blade elements as described above for said first blade assembly and preferably said first and second sealing means of said first blade assembly are arranged to provide at least part of a seal between first and second blade elements of said first blade assembly and first and second blade elements of said second blade assembly. In a preferred embodiment, said first and second blade elements of said second blade assembly include first and second sealing means as described above for said first assembly and, preferably, when the first and second blade assemblies of the device are in the second closed positions respective seals on the first blade assembly engage respective seals on the second blade assembly.
Preferably, said second blade assembly includes a first drive means as described above for said first assembly.
Preferably, said first blade assembly includes a toothed member which is arranged to engage a toothed member of said second blade assembly, the arrangement being such that said first and second blade assemblies are arranged to move concurrently between their respective first open and second closed positions. Means may be provided for directly applying a force to cause said first blade assembly to move and the arrangement is such that by virtue of cooperating toothed members the second blade assembly moves concurrently with said first blade assembly.
The device may include a third blade assembly which may have any feature of the first blade assembly mutatis rautanclis.
The device is preferably constructed so that there are no cold bridges (i.e. paths of high thermal conductivity) extending from one side of the device to the opposite side, in the direction of air flow through the device. To this end, the device is suitably arranged such that there is no continuous path between one side of the device and the opposite side, in the direction of the air flow, which is defined solely by metal. Preferably, each and every path defined from one side of the device to the opposite side is interrupted, to some extent, by a non-metal, for example a plastics, component.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly comprising a damper device of the first aspect arranged in a structure, for example a wall, of a building.
The device may be arranged to control the flow of air into the building.
The assembly may include an air inlet spaced from the device and arranged for the passage of air between a position outside the building and said device. The air inlet may be closed by a louvre apparatus.
The assembly may include means for adjusting the temperature of air. For example, the damper device may be arranged to direct air over said means for adjusting the temperature of air prior to or during its passage into the building.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling air flow from a first area to a second area, the method comprising positioning a damper device as described according to said first aspect between said first and second areas. The device may be positioned in a wall of a building.
According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a damper device according to the first aspect which comprises positioning a first blade assembly within a housing.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating a damper device according to the first aspect, the method comprising causing a first blade assembly of the device to move between first open position and said second closed position in dependence upon the amount of air it is desired to allow to pass from an area on one side of the housing to an area on an opposite side thereof.
Any feature of any aspect of any invention or embodiment described herein may be combined with any feature of any aspect of any other invention or embodiment described herein mutatis mutandjs.
Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a damper unit; Figures 2 and 3 are vertical cross-sections through the damper unit with blade assemblies thereof in closed and open positions respectively; Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of the damper unit with blade assemblies thereof in closed and open positions respectively; Figure 6 is an exploded view of a blade assembly; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the blade assembly of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a vertical cross-section through a blade assembly; Figure 9 is a cross-section through an assembly which comprises the damper unit.
In the figures, the same or similar parts are annotated with the same reference numerals.
Referring to figures 1 and 2, a damper device 1 for use in a natural ventilation system comprises an array of blade assemblies 2 arranged within a housing for controlling air flow through the housing. Each blade assembly 2 includes a first elongate blade member 4 and a second elongate blade member 6 which are arranged on opposite sides of pivot hub 8. Edges of the blade members include resilient seals 16. When in the closed position, shown in Figure 2, edges of blades of one blade assembly seal against edges of blades in an adjacent blade assembly so that, effectively, a double layer defined by the blade assemblies is able to restrict the passage of air through the damper device.
The damper device is described in detail below.
Figures 6 to 8 show a blade assembly 2 in detail. The assembly includes first and second elongate extruded aluminium blades lOa, lOb which are identical. Each blade includes respective Opposing bulbous edge members 12 (Figure 8) and a curved blade body 14 extending therebetween. The bulbous edge members 12 face in substantially opposite directions. Each edge member 12 has a convex outer surface 13 which is interrupted by an elongate inverted-T cross-section opening which is arranged to resiliently engage a blade edge seal 16 which has a convex outer surface 18. Inwardly of outer surface 13, each edge member 12 includes a screw aperture 20. At its inside free ends the edge member 12 includes spaced apart stepped regions 22, 24 which are arranged to provide respective seats for ends of respective perforated elongate retaining plates 26. Retaining plates 26 have the same profile as that of the blade body 14. When assembled, a pair of retaining plates 26 are retained by the edge members 12 on opposing sides of the blade body 14. The gap between the blade body. 14 and retaining plates 26 is filled by respective sections of thermally and/or acoustically insulating medium 28.
Referring to figure 8, it will be noted that, in cross-section, each blade body 14 curves from its right hand end in a clockwise direction through about 27 and there is then a point of inflexion after which each blade body curves in an anti-clockwise direction through about 27 .
As a result, bulbous edge members at opposite ends of each body 14 face in substantially opposite directions and are not aligned on a diameter centred on a hub 8 with which they are associated.
Respective plastics end drive members 30 are arranged to secure the blades 10 and associated parts in position.
Each drive member includes respective channels 32 for receiving respective ends of the blades 10 and screw openings 34 arranged to be aligned with respective openings 20 in bulbous edge members 12 so that screws can be inserted through the aligned openings to secure an end member to a blade. The channels 32 are defined in struts 34 which extend parallel to one another on opposing sides of a pivot hub 8 which defines a pivot axis of the blade assembly 2.
Each drive member 30 includes arc shaped arrays of gear teeth 35 which are diametrically spaced apart and centred on the pivot axis of the blade assembly 2.
As an alternative to the provision of blade assemblies including two blades, blade assemblies may be provided with three (or more) blades, suitably with each being associated with the same pivot hub.
The damper unit includes a rigid housing 40 (Figures 1 to 4) in which the blade assemblies 2 are arranged. The housing comprises a metal front support plate 42 and a metal rear support plate 44. The plates 42, 44 are connected together by plastics side frame pieces 46 and plastics upper and lower frame pieces 48, 50. There is no metal bridge between plates 42, 44 due to the provision of plastics pieces 46, 48 and 50 and, accordingly, there is no cold bridge (or path of high thermal conductivity) extending between plates 42 and 44. This may reduce the passage of heat or cold through the housing 40 from one side to an opposite side.
Three blade assemblies 2 are shown mounted in the housing by engagement of respective pairs of hubs 8 of each assembly with bearing openings 52 in the side frame pieces 46. When assembled, the blade assemblies may be arranged as shown in figures 2 and 3. In particular, the assemblies are arranged so that gear teeth 35a of the uppermost assembly 2a mesh with uppermost gear teeth 35b of middle assembly 2b; and lowermost gear teeth 35c of middle assembly 2b mesh with uppermost gear teeth 35d of lower assembly 2c.
A motor unit 60 which includes a rotatable drive member 62 is secured to the housing and drive member 62 is operatively connected to hub 8b (Figure 1) at one side of the middle assembly 2b. The motor unit 60 is operable to cause hub 8b (and therefore middle assembly 2b) to rotate clockwise or anti-clockwise through predetermined distances. As middle assembly 2b rotates in one direction, adjacent assemblies 2a and 2c rotate in opposite directions. At one extreme, the assemblies 2a, 2b, 2c may be arranged in the fully closed position shown in Figure 2. Rotation of the middle assembly 2b in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Figure 2) causes the assemblies to move to the fully open position shown in Figure 3.
When in the figure 2 position, blade edge seals 18 of each blade 10 engage the blade edge seal and convex outer surface 13 of bulbous edge member 12 provided on an adjacent blade 10 so that each blade 10 sealingly engages each adjacent blade 10. It will be appreciated that the curved arrangement of each blade and the consequential offsetting of the bulbous edge members from a diameter centred on a respective hub 8, allows the seals 16 at the ends of the blade to make face to face contact thereby providing a highly effective seal between the blades.
Furthermore, it will be noted from figure 2 that, in cross-section, the blade assemblies 2 define a sinusoidal cross-section which presents a greater surface area to air flow through the device than would a planar member. This may advantageously increase sound absorption by the device 1. Uppermost seals of assembly 2a seal against a lower surface 70 of plastic piece 48; and lowermost seals of assembly 2c seal against an upper surface 72 of plastic piece 50.
It will be noted from Figure 2 that blades 10 define two spaced apart barriers to the passage of air through the housing. Consequently, the unit has a high air shut off, and may allow less than 10m3/hr/m2 to pass through when under a 5OPa pressure differential.
Advantageously, when in the Figure 2 position, the damper device provides a significant thermal barrier by virtue of the sealing arrangement between the blades 10 and the fact that no cold bridges are defined between opposing side of the device. The provision of blades with insulation 28, the two spaced apart barriers defined by the blade members 4, 6 and the air gap between members 4, 6 may further reduce the thermal transmittance of the device so that it is no greater than 4W.m.2EC'. Furthermore, the provision of perforated retaining plate 26 adjacent insulation 26 may improve acoustic properties of the device by reducing transmission of sound from one side of the unit to the other.
When in the Figure 3 position, the blades 10 of each assembly 2 extend substantially parallel to one another.
Consequently, air can flow between blade assemblies 2 as represented by arrows 76 and can air flow between respective pairs of blades 10 in each assembly 2 as represented by arrows 78. The curved arrangement of the blades 10 may improve the aerodynamics of the device and facilitate the smooth and/or relatively quiet passage of an air flow therethrough.
The damper device 1 may be used in an assembly shown in Figure 9. The assembly comprises a high efficiency louvre secured within a wall 92 of a building and arranged to allow air from the outside 94 to pass towards the inside 96 of the building. The louvre device may be as described in GB2355068 or GB2333588. Downstream of the louvre 90 is unit 1 and downstream thereof is a heater means 98, within the building, the heatermeans being enclosed by a perforated cover 100. (In some embodiments, the heater means may be replaced by a cooler means) . When unit 1 is in an open position air flows from the outside, through the unit 1 and over the heater means 98 and into the room.
Control means (not shown) is provided for controlling operation of the unit 1 between its open and closed positions and intermediate positions therebetween according to the temperatures inside and outside the building. In one embodiment, means may be provided for manually activating the device 1.
The device 1 may be of any suitable size. For example, the area of the opening in the front support plate 44 may be in the range O.5m2 to 2m2.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features
disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
Claims (23)
1. A damper device for controlling air flow, the device comprising: (a) a housing which includes an opening; (b) a first blade assembly mounted in said housing, wherein said first blade assembly is movable between a first open position and a second closed position, the arrangement being such that air flow through said opening when said first blade assembly is in said second closed position is more restricted compared to when said first blade assembly is in said first open position.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said first blade assembly includes a first outer face on a first side of the assembly which is arranged to be directly contacted by an air flow when the first blade assembly is in its closed position, wherein said first outer face has a non-planar surface having a point of iriflexion which is positioned within a central region of the non-planar surface.
3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said first blade assembly includes a first elongate blade element and a second elongate blade element, wherein said first and second blade elements extend substantially parallel to one another and are spaced apart and immovably fixed relative to one another.
4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein a first fixing means is provided and arranged to fix a first end of said first blade element to a first end of said second blade element and a second fixing means is provided and arranged to fix a second end of said first blade element to a second end of said second blade element, wherein said first and second fixing means have a maximum thickness of no more than 10cm, wherein said first and second fixing means are arranged at opposite ends of the first blade assembly and an opening is defined for passage of an airflow which opening is bounded by the first and second blade elements and the respective first and second fixing means and no fixing means in addition to the first and second fixing means extends within said opening between the first and second blade elements.
5. A device according to any of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein said first blade element of said first blade assembly comprises a rigid support which has a non-linear, asymmetric cross-section.
6. A device according to claim 5, wherein said first blade element includes an insulation means adjacent to said rigid support; and a cover means for covering the insulation means.
7. A device according to claim 6, wherein said cover means is perforate to allow sound to pass therethrough for absorbsion by the insulation means.
8. A device according to any of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein movement means is provided for causing the first blade assembly to pivot between its first and second positions, wherein said rigid support of the blade element is spaced from said pivot axis.
9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said first blade assembly is arranged to pivot about an axis which extends between the first and second blade elements.
10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein an opening defined between respective first and second blade elements of said first blade assembly and bounded at respective ends by first and second pivot elements includes no part of the pivot means extending thereinto.
11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein first and second end closures are provided at respective first and second ends of the respective first and second blade elements of the first blade assembly, said first and second end closures incorporating pivot elements which are arranged to allow the first blade assembly to pivot between its first open position and second closed position.
12. A device according to any preceding claims, wherein said first blade assembly includes first sealing means and second sealing means, said first and second sealing means being spaced apart and arranged to sealingly engage respective other parts of the damper device when said first blade assembly is in said closed position.
13. A device according to claim 12, wherein said first blade assembly includes a first blade element and a second blade element, and said first sealing means is associated with said first blade element and said second sealing means is associated with said second blade element.
14. A device according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said first and second sealing means of said first blade assembly face in generally the same direction and are arranged to sealingly engage parts of a second blade assembly which are arranged adjacent to said first blade assembly within the housing of the damper device.
15. A device according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein said first sealing means is provided along a first elongate edge of the first blade element and a further sealing means is provided along a second edge of the first blade element so that respective sealing means are provided along the elongate extent of first and second edges of the first blade element.
16. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said first blade assembly includes a first end closure, wherein a first toothed member is a component of said end closure, wherein said toothed member is part of a first drive means for driving the first blade assembly between its first open and second closed positions.
17. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said first blade assembly includes a toothed member which is arranged to engage a toothed member of said second blade assembly, the arrangement being such that said first and second blade assemblies are arranged to move concurrently between their respective first open and second closed positions.
18. A damper device according to claim 17, wherein said toothed member of said first blade assembly is a component of a first end closure provided at a first end of the first blade assembly wherein first fixing means is part of the first end closure, wherein said first fixing means is arranged to fix a first end of a first blade element to a first end of a second blade element, wherein said first blade assembly comprises first and second blade elements.
19. A device according to any preceding claim, which is arranged such that there is no continuous path between one side of the device and the opposite side, in the direction of the air flow, which is defined solely by metal.
20. An assembly comprising a damper device according to any of claims 1 to 19 arranged in a structure, for example a wall of a building.
21. An assembly according to claim 20, which includes means for adjusting the temperature of air.
22. A method of controlling air flow from a first area to a second area, the method comprising positioning a damper device according to any of claims 1 to 19 between said first and second areas.
23. A damper device substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0618800.7A GB0618800D0 (en) | 2006-09-23 | 2006-09-23 | Damping device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0718547D0 GB0718547D0 (en) | 2007-10-31 |
| GB2442141A true GB2442141A (en) | 2008-03-26 |
Family
ID=37421531
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0618800.7A Ceased GB0618800D0 (en) | 2006-09-23 | 2006-09-23 | Damping device |
| GB0718547A Withdrawn GB2442141A (en) | 2006-09-23 | 2007-09-24 | Thermally insulating, multi-bladed damper device |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0618800.7A Ceased GB0618800D0 (en) | 2006-09-23 | 2006-09-23 | Damping device |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2064494A1 (en) |
| GB (2) | GB0618800D0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008035103A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2486714A (en) * | 2010-12-23 | 2012-06-27 | Levolux At Ltd | Acoustic louvre having sound energy absorption element encased by a watertight element |
| EP2674316A3 (en) * | 2012-06-13 | 2016-06-29 | Decoma (Germany) GmbH | Controllable air inlet for a motor vehicle |
| WO2016124894A1 (en) * | 2015-02-02 | 2016-08-11 | Flamgard Engineering Limited | Fire damper assemblies |
| EP3225931A1 (en) * | 2016-04-01 | 2017-10-04 | Bröderna Rasch AB | Damper for ventilation system |
| EP3296483A1 (en) * | 2013-02-20 | 2018-03-21 | Orangebox Limited | A ceiling panel |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102008059075A1 (en) * | 2008-11-26 | 2010-05-27 | Schulte & Todt Systemtechnik Gmbh & Co.Kg | Jalousie for arrangement inside or in front of opening in wall or ceiling, has jalousie blade with bilaterally opened hollow spaces through which air flows in opened position, where hollow spaces are separated from each other by rods |
| CN102926000B (en) * | 2011-08-13 | 2016-08-31 | 苏州敏喆机械有限公司 | A kind of quenching air window air door positioning device |
| DE102011089272A1 (en) * | 2011-12-20 | 2013-06-20 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Luftzufuhreinstellvorrichtung |
| US10989439B2 (en) | 2017-07-13 | 2021-04-27 | Air Distribution Technologies Ip, Llc | Damper assembly |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA979713A (en) * | 1973-07-31 | 1975-12-16 | George I. Cowl | Damper construction |
| WO1995012738A1 (en) * | 1993-11-04 | 1995-05-11 | H.V. Aluminium Pty. Limited | Louvre assembly |
| US5454757A (en) * | 1994-10-24 | 1995-10-03 | Johnson Service Company | Interchangeable gears for damper assemblies |
| JPH09133383A (en) * | 1995-11-07 | 1997-05-20 | Tostem Corp | Multi-layer panel type movable louver |
| WO2000020804A1 (en) * | 1998-10-07 | 2000-04-13 | Gebhardt-Stahl Gmbh | Device for ventilation systems with adjustable lamellae |
| JP2004353361A (en) * | 2003-05-30 | 2004-12-16 | Izena:Kk | Rotary guide device used for ventilation, shading/daylighting, or the like |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3547152A (en) * | 1968-11-21 | 1970-12-15 | Pacific Air Products | Pressure sealed damper |
| US3771559A (en) * | 1972-04-10 | 1973-11-13 | American Warming Ventilation | Damper |
| DE9316535U1 (en) * | 1993-10-13 | 1994-02-10 | Geiger, Robert, 89335 Ichenhausen | Blind for regulating a gas flow |
| AT5483U1 (en) * | 2001-07-02 | 2002-07-25 | Avl List Gmbh | SHUTTER FOR LOCKING OPENINGS |
-
2006
- 2006-09-23 GB GBGB0618800.7A patent/GB0618800D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2007
- 2007-09-24 EP EP07804365A patent/EP2064494A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-09-24 GB GB0718547A patent/GB2442141A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-09-24 WO PCT/GB2007/003609 patent/WO2008035103A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA979713A (en) * | 1973-07-31 | 1975-12-16 | George I. Cowl | Damper construction |
| WO1995012738A1 (en) * | 1993-11-04 | 1995-05-11 | H.V. Aluminium Pty. Limited | Louvre assembly |
| US5454757A (en) * | 1994-10-24 | 1995-10-03 | Johnson Service Company | Interchangeable gears for damper assemblies |
| JPH09133383A (en) * | 1995-11-07 | 1997-05-20 | Tostem Corp | Multi-layer panel type movable louver |
| WO2000020804A1 (en) * | 1998-10-07 | 2000-04-13 | Gebhardt-Stahl Gmbh | Device for ventilation systems with adjustable lamellae |
| JP2004353361A (en) * | 2003-05-30 | 2004-12-16 | Izena:Kk | Rotary guide device used for ventilation, shading/daylighting, or the like |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2486714A (en) * | 2010-12-23 | 2012-06-27 | Levolux At Ltd | Acoustic louvre having sound energy absorption element encased by a watertight element |
| EP2674316A3 (en) * | 2012-06-13 | 2016-06-29 | Decoma (Germany) GmbH | Controllable air inlet for a motor vehicle |
| EP3296483A1 (en) * | 2013-02-20 | 2018-03-21 | Orangebox Limited | A ceiling panel |
| US11008754B2 (en) | 2013-02-20 | 2021-05-18 | Orangebox Limited | Ceiling panel |
| WO2016124894A1 (en) * | 2015-02-02 | 2016-08-11 | Flamgard Engineering Limited | Fire damper assemblies |
| EP3225931A1 (en) * | 2016-04-01 | 2017-10-04 | Bröderna Rasch AB | Damper for ventilation system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0618800D0 (en) | 2006-11-01 |
| WO2008035103A1 (en) | 2008-03-27 |
| EP2064494A1 (en) | 2009-06-03 |
| GB0718547D0 (en) | 2007-10-31 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |