GB2492181A

GB2492181A - Ventilation damper apparatus and a ventilated building comprising the same

Info

Publication number: GB2492181A
Application number: GB1116636.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Braybrook
Original assignee: Levolux AT Ltd
Current assignee: Levolux AT Ltd
Priority date: 2011-06-24
Filing date: 2011-09-27
Publication date: 2012-12-26
Also published as: GB201116636D0

Abstract

The ventilation damper apparatus 10 comprises a movable damper 12 suitable for opening and closing a ventilation opening of a building; a stiff side wall 14 extending from each side of the movable damper; and a stiff occlusion element 16 including a plurality of airflow openings, the occlusion element extending from one stiff side wall to the other stiff side wall and being suitable for limiting access through the ventilation opening when the damper panel is open. Acoustic insulation 28 and thermal insulation 24 may be provided on the movable damper. The side walls may comprise first 42 and second 44 side panels that pivot relative to one another as the movable damper moves. The occlusion element may include first 50 and second 52 occlusion members, which comprise louvers spanning between respective first and second side panels or perforated sheets forming an insect screen. The apparatus may include a drip tray 34 to expel rain water. A ventilated building comprising the ventilation damper apparatus, and alternative ventilation damper apparatus are also claimed.

Description

Ventilation Damper Apparatus The present invention relates to acoustic ventilation damper apparatus for a ventilated building, and more particularly but not necessarily exclusively to such apparatus which is mountable in a wall of a building and which is preferably outwardly openable to provide an aesthetic breathing' appearance.

It is known to provide an acoustic wall ventilator, and one example is provided by Passivent Limited at www.passivent.conildownloadslaircool_vents.pdf. This arrangement, known as an Aircool Façade Ventilator, is a complex in wall' arrangement including a fixed flush exterior weather louvre panel, separate internal acoustic chevrons, a separate motorised louvre panel having a plurality of separately pivotable louvres to close or open the air flow path, a heat exchanger, and a fixed flush interior louvre panel.

The separately pivotable louvres of the Passivent RTM apparatus do not seal together particularly effectively when closed given the large perimeter of seal required, especially after prolonged periods of use. Consequently, this reduces the efficiency of the building's ventilation system and allows for the escape of internally heated or cooled air when the vent is supposed to be closed. Building regulations allow a specific amount of leakage of air around the building envelope, incorporating standard rotating dampers make this harder to achieve.

Furthermore, due to the lateral cross-sectional size of the pivotable louvres, even when the vent is open, the air flow path is significantly occluded, leading to reduced efficiencies.

Additionally, acoustic chevrons are utilised in an attempt to reduce noise permeating both into and out of the building. However, inevitably the acoustic chevrons are spaced apart and therefore, even with the pivotable louvres closed, sound energy can readily pass through the vent with minimal obstruction.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to all of these problems, and more specifically seeks to provide ventilation damper apparatus with a much improved weatherability, acoustic attenuation, air-flow and sealing characteristics all within a shallower depth and which can be installed more economically.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided ventilation damper apparatus for a ventilated building, the ventilation damper apparatus comprising a movable outer damper panel for opening and closing a ventilation opening of a building, a stiff side wall which extends from each side of the outer damper panel, and a lower stiff occlusion element which extends rearwardly from or adjacent to a bottom edge of the movable outer occlusion panel and from one stiff side wall to the other stiff side wall for limiting access through the ventilation opening when the outer damper panel is open, the lower stiff occlusion element including a plurality of air-flow openings.

Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 32, inclusive.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a ventilated building comprising a ventilation system having ventilation damper apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the movable outer damper panel being hung on an exterior wall of the building to at least in part control air flow into and out of the building.

Preferably, the movable outer damper panel is top hung to open outwardly.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided ventilation damper apparatus for a building, the ventilation damper apparatus comprising a movable outer damper panel for opening and closing a ventilation opening of a building, the outer damper panel including acoustic attenuation means for attenuating incident sound energy, a fixed stiff occlusion element for limiting access through the ventilation opening when the outer damper panel is open, the occlusion element including a plurality of air-flow openings and further acoustic attenuation means for attenuating incident sound energy.

Preferable and/or optional features of the third aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 37 to 39, inclusive.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided ventilation damper apparatus for a ventilated building, the ventilation damper apparatus comprising a movable outer damper panel for opening and closing a ventilation opening of a building, and an acoustic attenuation element extending from a rear of the movable outer damper panel and movable in unison therewith for attenuating incident sound energy, the acoustic attenuation element including a plurality of air-flow paths defined therethrough and which extend at least substantially in a direction parallel or substantially parallel with the movable outer damper panel.

Preferable and/or optional features of the fourth aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 42 to 54, inclusive.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figures 1 to 3 show a diagrammatic side elevational view of a first embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, shown in an open condition, a partially closed condition, and a fully closed condition; Figures 4 and 5 show a diagrammatic side elevational view of a second embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, shown in a fully closed condition, and an open condition; Figures 6 and 7 show diagrammatic side elevational views of a third embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus, in accordance with the present invention and shown in an open condition for clarity; Figures 8 and 9 show a diagrammatic side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus, in accordance with the present invention and shown in an open condition and in a fully closed condition; Figure 10 shows a diagrammatic side elevational view of a fifth embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus, in accordance with the present invention and shown in an open condition; Figures I la to I Ic show a side elevational view of a sixth embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus in accordance with the present invention and shown from an open condition to a fully closed condition; Figures l2a to l2c show a side elevational view of an seventh embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus in accordance with the present invention and shown from a fully closed condition to a fully open condition; Figure 12d shows a front or rear view of part of an acoustic attenuation element with air flow paths therethrough; Figures l3a to l3c show a side elevational view of a eighth embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus in accordance with the present invention and shown from a fully closed condition to a fully open condition; Figure l3d shows a perspective view of part of an acoustic attenuation element with air flow paths therethrough of the ninth embodiment; and Figure 13e shows a front or rear view of the part of an acoustic attenuation element with air flow paths therethrough as shown in Figure 13d.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, there is shown a first embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus 10 which comprises a movable outer damper panel 12, a multi-part side wall 14 which extends from each side of the outer damper panel 12, and a stiff multi-part occlusion element 16 which extends between the side walls 14 whilst allowing air-flow therethrough.

The outer damper panel 12 includes a top edge 18, bottom edge 20 and side edges 22 interconnecting the top and bottom edges 18, 20. It is preferably opaque due to the inclusion therewithin of thermal insulation 24 on or adjacent to the outer major surface 26, and acoustic insulation 28 on or adjacent to the inner major surface 30. To aid weather proofing, the outer major surface 26 is typically uniformly solid and unbroken, and may for example be metal, plastics or wood. Glass may be utilised, but due to the thermal insulation 24 and acoustic attenuation element 28, the outer damper panel 12 would not typically be able to transmit light therethrough, and as such any glass would generally be for aesthetic purposes.

Although a sheet of acoustic insulation 28 may be included on or within the outer damper panel 12, other acoustic attenuation means may additionally or alternatively be considered, such as acoustic louvres as will be seen in the following embodiments.

If the acoustic attenuation means 28 is included within the body of the outer damper panel 12, then preferably the inner major surface 30 would be perforated to allow the ingress of sound energy. Optionally in this case, the inner major surface 30 would be formed of any substantially sound transparent material, if perforations were not necessarily suitable.

Conveniently, the thermal insulation 24 and acoustic attenuation means 28 extend across at least the majority of the outer damper panel 12, in order to maximise the thermal isolation and acoustic attenuation characteristics of the apparatus 10 whilst minimising the necessary seal required when shut.

The outer damper panel 12 is preferably top hung, and may be hinged at its top edge 18 so that it can open outwardly from a building on which it is mounted. Top hanging is beneficial in preventing or limiting the ingress of precipitation, such as rain, snow and hail, when open. Beneficially, the top hinge 32 would be or include a seal element or cover to further reduce the likelihood of precipitation ingress.

To catch any precipitation that does make its way around the outer damper panel 12, an interior drip tray 34 may be provided. In this case, the drip tray 34 extends away from the outer damper panel 12, and generally in the direction of closing of the outer damper panel 12. The drip tray 34 preferably lies flush with a lower cross-member 36 of a supporting frame 38 of the outer damper panel 12, and arcs upwardly. As precipitation reaches the drip tray 34, it therefore runs down and over the sill 40 of the supporting frame 38 defined at least in part by the lower cross-member 36, and thus out of the building. Thermal insulation is also preferably fitted or included to the rear of the drip tray to provide a circuitous route for the noise attenuation and prevent a direct exit.

The drip tray 34 is preferably an elongate rectilinear channel having a uniformly arcuate or multi-faceted lateral extent. However, a substantially planar plate set at a ramped angle to meet the sill 40 of the supporting frame 38 could also be considered.

The above-mentioned multi-part side wall 14 in this embodiment includes a first stiff side panel 42 which is connected to each side of the outer damper panel 12, and a second stiff side panel 44 which is connected to each side of the supporting frame 38.

The first and second stiff side panels 42, 44 are interconnected so as to be slidable over each other as the outer damper panel 12 pivots open and closed. In this case, the first stiff side panel 42 is fixed relative to the outer damper panel 12, and extends from or substantially from the top edge 18 to the bottom edge 20, and perpendicularly from a plane of the outer damper panel 12. The second stiff side panel 44 is fixed relative the supporting frame 38, and likewise preferably extends from or substantially from an upper cross-member 46 or header 48 of the supporting frame 38 to the lower cross-member 36 or sill 40. Similarly, the second stiff side panel 44 extends perpendicularly from the plane of the supporting frame 38.

The side walls 14 are preferably uniformly solid and unbroken or substantially unbroken to prevent or limit intruder access through the ventilation aperture of the building. The side walls 14 are preferably weatherproofed metal or plastics.

The multi-part occlusion element 16 of this embodiment includes two stiff preferably planar occlusion panels 50, 52. A first said occlusion panel 50 is connected to the outer damper panel 12 via the first stiff side panels 42. As such, the first occlusion panel 50 is spaced from but overlies a majority of the inner major surface 30 of the outer damper panel 12. In this case, the first occlusion panel 50 and the inner major surface 30 are non-parallel, with the first occlusion panel 50 angling slightly towards the lower edge of the outer damper panel 12.

The second said occlusion panel 52 is pivotably connected at or adjacent to its lower edge 54 for movement as the outer damper panel 12 moves. In this case, the second occlusion panel 52 is conveniently hinged to or proximate to the drip tray 34 or at the second side panels 44.

The upper edges 56 of the first and second occlusion panels 50, 52 are pivotably interconnected or reside closely to each other so that a minimal gap exists therebetween.

Beneficially, the movement of the respective upper edges 56 of the first and second occlusion panels 50, 52 may be guided, for example, by a sideways projecting guide peg 58 being slidably received in a guide slot or channel 60 formed in one or both first and second stiff side panels 42, 44.

The first and second occlusion panels 50, 52 include air-flow perforations 62, and are sufficiently stiff or rigid to prevent or limit opportunistic intruder access into the ventilation aperture of the building. To this end, side edges 64 of the first and second occlusion panels 50, 52 are not exposed from the adjacent first and second stiff side panels 42, 44 until the outer damper panel 12 is closed or substantially closed, if at all.

See Figure 3, for example.

The stiff multi-part foldable occlusion element 16 having in this case two occlusion panels 50, 52 which are substantially foldable together is extremely advantageous in providing a greater and almost 100% free area for air-flow through the ventilation damper apparatus 10 when the outer damper panel 12 is fully open. This is a significant improvement over the known traditional arrangements.

With the ventilation damper apparatus 10 installed typically in an exterior wall of a ventilated building, the outer damper panel 12 may be closed during the daytime when a heating and/or air conditioning system may be in operation, and open or periodically open during the night time to ventilate the building when the heating and/or air conditioning system may be switched off or in a periodic operation mode. The opening and closing of the outer damper panel 12 is preferably motorised and as such conveniently controlled via a master controller typically within the building. Sensors and/or other monitoring means may also be included to further automate the opening and closing, for example, when inclement weather or an intruder is detected.

When fully closed, the outer damper panel 12 beneficially seals against the supporting frame 38 due to a weather seal being provided at the interface therebetween.

Weatherability is thus significantly improved over other known arrangements because the perimeter of seal is dramatically reduced down to just the one seal. Due also to the thermal insulation 24 and the acoustic attenuation means 28, heat loss from the building is minimised. Using the outer damper wall for thermal characteristics enables thicker and more rigid insulation to be used instead of combining within the rotating blades of a standard damper and noise entering and/or leaving the building via the ventilation system of the building is greatly reduced with the high efficiency sound absorbent attenuation material.

With the outer damper panel 12 open, acoustic attenuation is still achieved due to the angling of the outer damper panel 12 and the fact that the inner major surface 30 presenting the acoustic attenuation means 28 thus directs unabsorbed sound energy downwardly on exiting the ventilation system instead of outwardly away from the building. There is preferably no line-of-sight sound energy flow path directly through the ventilation damper apparatus 10 of the present invention, and therefore exterior noise attempting to enter the building via the ventilation system is significantly reduced due to the angling of the acoustic attenuation means 28 on or adjacent to the open outer damperpanell2.

Although not necessarily preferable from a weatherability perspective, the side walls 14 could also be perforated to further improve air flow through the ventilation aperture of the building.

In warmer climates, the thermal insulation 24 on or within the outer damper panel 12 may be dispensed with.

From a security perspective, the side panels and the occlusion element 16 must be stiff.

They need not necessarily be fully rigid, although this is an available option, but they cannot be pliantly flexible such as by being fabric mesh or netting.

Furthermore, the multi-part side wall 14 is beneficial since a single part side wall 14 would tend to project too far into the ventilation cavity of the building when the outer damper panel 12 is closed. This would thus lead to complications during installation and consequently the likelihood of structural modification to the building.

Additionally, the side wall 14 must be of a suitable size to allow coverage of the side edges 22 of the occlusion element 16, whilst also allowing a maximum possible free area or exposure to air flow through the occlusion element 16.

Beneficially, the aperture size of the perforations 62 of the occlusion element 16 is such as to prevent or limit access by insects, flies and/or vermin. Consequently, in this embodiment, it is feasible that a separate insect / fly / vermin screen is not required as the occlusion element 16 performs this function.

Although the occlusion element 16 of this embodiment includes two occlusion panels which are foldable together, it may be feasible to utilise one or more occlusion panels which comprise a plurality of stiff or rigid pivotably interconnected slats. As such, the hinged slats may run in preformed end channels on or adjacent to the multi-part side wall, and these channels may guide the slats inwards and upwards so that a front to back depth of the ventilation apparatus is kept to a minimum. As before, the slats would include air-flow openings, such as perforations.

Further embodiments of the ventilation damper apparatus will now be described, all of which provide the same or similar benefits as described above. To this end, like parts use the same or similar reference, and further detailed description is omitted.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings, there is shown a second embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus 10, which comprises a movable outer damper panel 12 as described above, a multi-part side wall 14 which extends from each side of the outer damper panel 12, and a stiff multi-part occlusion element 16 which extends between the side walls 14 to provide air-flow through the ventilation aperture of the building whilst preventing or limiting undesirable access.

As with the first embodiment, the outer damper panel 12 is preferably top hung, being hinged for opening and closing. The outer damper panel 12 also weathertightly seals when in a closed condition to the supporting frame 38 mounted on the building.

Acoustic attenuation means 28, and preferably also thermal insulation 24 are also provided as described with reference to the first embodiment.

The side walls 14 may also be an-anged as per the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the occlusion element 16 comprises a plurality of louvres 66 which extend between the opposing side panels 44 and preferably in parallel with the outer damper panel 12.

Each occlusion panel 50, 52 includes a plurality of louvres 66 extending parallel or substantially parallel with the plane of the outer damper panel 12, and the louvres 66 are sufficiently spaced apart to enable substantially unrestricted air flow thereacross whilst also providing security against an intruder or larger vermin.

As above, the first occlusion panel 50 is fixed relative to the outer damper panel 12 and preferably inclined at a slight angle, so that the two respective planes are angled in a converging direction towards the bottom edge 20 of the outer damper panel 12.

The second occlusion panel 52 is again movable and preferably hinged at or adjacent to its lower edge 54, preferably on or in the vicinity of the drip tray 34. By directly or indirectly jointing the upper edges 56 of the first and second occlusion panels 50, 52, the separate sets of louvres 66 can be folded together when the outer damper panel 12 is closed, and unfolded when the outer damper panel 12 is open.

Due to the spacing of the louvres 66, it is preferable that the occlusion element 16 includes a separate or distinct insect, fly and/or vermin screen 68. To this end, the screen 68 can be mounted in the ventilation aperture of the building from or adjacent to the drip tray 34 so as to extend over and above the side walls 14 and occlusion panels 50, 52 when the outer damper panel 12 is closed, terminating on or adjacent to the upper cross-member or header 46, 48 of the supporting frame 38.

The insect, fly and/or vermin screen 68 is typically formed of stiff plastics or metal mesh, but it could feasibly be pliantly flexible material held in place by its own support structure, such as a frame.

A benefit of the second embodiment is that, from an architectural and aesthetic design perspective, a high opening active outer damper panel 12 can therefore provide a louvered appearance to persons below, imparting an organic gill-like appearance and thus benefiting the environmental impact of the design.

Additionally, the louvres 66 provide angled splitting of the air-flow through the ventilation apparatus 10, reducing build up of dirt and debris at a particular location, typically being at or adjacent to the bottom edge 20 of the outer damper panel 12.

Furthermore, the leading longitudinal edges 70 of the louvres 66 tend to in use entrain air passing over the occlusion element 16, thereby directing into or out off the ventilation system.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, a third embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus is shown. The parts of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

However, in this case, both occlusion panels 50, 52 are movable relative to the outer damper panel 12, and instead of the second side panels 44 of the side walls 14 being fixed relative to the supporting frame 38, the second side panels 44 are movable.

Consequently, as the outer damper panel 12 is opened, the second side panels 44 are drawn forwards or outwards as the first occlusion panel 50 folds down and pivots rearwardly and the second occlusion panel 52 drops downwards and pivots forwardly.

The benefit of the anangement of the third embodiment is that the second side panel 44 can be made smaller, benefiting instances where installation space is at a premium.

In this case, since the occlusion element 16 utilises the occlusion panels 50, 52 of the first embodiment, being stiff perforated sheet, a separate insect, fly and/or vermin screen 68 may be dispensed with.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, a fourth embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus will be described. Again, the parts are very similar to those that have gone before, and therefore similar references are again used.

In this embodiment, each side wall 14 preferably includes at least two, and in this case more than two, side panels 71, each of which are pivotable relative to the outer damper panel 12. Preferably, the pivotable side panels 70 have a common or substantially common pivot point at or adjacent to a top edge 18 of the outer damper panel 12.

Each side panel 71 is substantially triangular shaped, and may have an arcuate base 72, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, or may have a flat or substantially flat base.

Preferably, there is at least one fixed side panel 42 which is held by the outer damper panel 12, and each neighbouring pivotable side panel 71 then slidably overlaps to allow the side wall 14 to fan open as the outer damper panel 12 is opened. On closing, the outer damper panel 12 causes the neighbouring side panels 42, 71 to slide over or substantially over each other to a folded condition.

The occlusion element 16 of this embodiment utilises a plurality of longitudinally extending architectural exterior louvres 66, similarly to the second embodiment. These louvres 66 may beneficially be acoustic attenuation louvres. Preferably, each side panel 42, 71 of the fanning side wall 14 has an end of a said louvre 66 attached thereto, thereby interconnecting opposing counterpart side panels 42, 71. Opposing side panels 42, 71 can thus slide over adjacent side panels 42, 71 in unison due to this interconnection via the respective louvres 66.

As with the second embodiment, an insect, fly and/or vermin screen 68 is preferably included as part of the occlusion element 16. Conveniently, the screen 68 would be provided separately behind the louvres 66 and within the ventilation aperture of the building. As before, the screen 68 may be stiff and/or rigid, thereby being self-supporting or substantially self-supporting, and thus perforated, or may be pliantly flexible and thus supported by a frame.

Referring now to Figure 10, a fifth embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus 10 is now described. As before, similar references refer to similar parts, and further detailed

description is omitted.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 comprises the preferably top hung movable outer damper panel 12 for opening and closing the ventilation opening in a ventilated building as above, acoustic attenuation means 28 again as previously described and mounted on or within the outer damper panel 12 for attenuating incident sound energy entering or exiting the building, and a stiff multi-part occlusion element 16 for limiting access through the ventilation aperture whilst allowing air-flow.

In this case, the occlusion element 16 is preferably in a stiff-sided housing 73 provided within the ventilation aperture of the building. The housing 73 lines the ventilation aperture of the building at and/or adjacent to the outer wall, and includes open or only partially occluded front and rear surfaces.

The occlusion element 16 includes, in this case, a fixed occlusion panel SO comprising an array of parallel fixed louvres 66 which extend between side walls 74 of the housing 73. The louvres 66 are provided in two banks or columns 75 with preferably two louvres 66 being in each layer 76, and each layer 76 being symmetrically stacked or arranged with the layers below and above. The layers 76 are spaced apart to provide air-flow openings through the apparatus 10.

Each bank or column 75 preferably extends between or substantially between the top and bottom walls 78, 80 of the housing 73. Preferably, within each layer 76, major lateral extents of the two louvres 66 are angled apart by approximately ninety degrees, whereby lowermost longitudinal edges 82 are touching or proximate each other. This angulation is beneficial in directing or attenuating incident sound energy.

The louvres 66 again may be acoustic attenuation louvres, for example, by including sound absorbing material therewithin and sound transmissible outer surfaces. The louvres 66 may have an elliptical lateral cross-section, or any other suitable cross-section.

As with the previous embodiments, a drip tray may be included, and preferably an insect, fly and/or vermin screen 68 may be provided to the rear of the fixed louvres 66.

Although the occlusion element 16 includes two banks or columns 75 of fixed parallel louvres 66, it may be feasible to provide only one bank or column of fixed parallel louvres.

The acoustic attenuation means on the outer damper panel may be optional, although it is preferred.

Referring now to Figures 1 Ia to 1 ic, a seventh embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus 10 is now described. As before, similar references refer to similar parts, and

further detailed description is omitted.

In this embodiment, three occlusion panels 90 which are angularly displaceable relative to each other are provided as part of the occlusion element 16. The first occlusion panel 90a extends rearwardly from or adjacent to a lower edge of the movable outer damper panel 12, and from one stiff side wall 14 to the other stiff side wall. The first occlusion panel 90a is fixed relative to the movable outer damper panel 12, and to the fixed side walls 14 extending from or adjacent to the side edges of the damper panel 12. The first occlusion panel 90a preferably extends to or to substantially the midway point of the side walls 14, at which point it is hinged to the second occlusion panel 9Db. The second occlusion panel 9Db has a lateral extent which is less than that of the first occlusion panel 90a and is in turn hinged to the third occlusion panel 90c, which in turn is hinged to a support element 92 provided within and at the bottom of the ventilation opening. In this case, the second and third occlusion panels 9Db and 90c have similar or matching lateral extents.

The second and third occlusion panels 9Db, 90c nay not be bounded by the fixed side walls 14 extending from the damper panel 12. They may be bounded by the interior surfaces of the ventilation opening.

The arrangement of the sixth embodiment is seen as being advantageous due to the compact folding and articulation of the three occlusion panels 90. This allows advantageous folding and thus restricts the overall front to back depth of the ventilation damper apparatus.

Referring now to Figures 12a to 12d, a seventh embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus 10 is now described. Again as before, similar references refer to similar parts,

and further detailed description is omitted.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 comprises the preferably top hung movable outer damper panel 12 for opening and closing the ventilation opening in a ventilated building as above, and acoustic attenuation means in the form of an acoustic attenuation element 94 extending from a rear of the movable outer damper panel 12. The acoustic attenuation element 94 is fixed to and overlies at least a majority of the rear or major inner surface 30 of the damper panel 12, so that it moves together or in unison with the damper panel 12. In this case, the acoustic attenuation element 94 is fixed to and thus is stationary relative to the damper panel 12. The acoustic attenuation element 94 provides a plurality of air-flow paths 96 therethrough, and in this case the air-flow paths 96 extend at least substantially in a direction parallel or substantially parallel with the movable outer damper panel 12.

Although a separate lower stiff occlusion element 16 is provided, it may be omitted in favour of the acoustic attenuation element 94 performing the function of and thus being the occlusion element. The separate lower stiff occlusion element 16 extends rearwardly from the movable outer damper panel 12 and from or substantially from one side of the movable outer damper panel 12 to the other side, so as to limit access through the ventilation opening when the outer damper panel 12 is open. To provide for air-flow movement, the separate lower stiff occlusion element 16 includes perforations or apertures 62, which preferably match or align with those presented by the acoustic attenuation element 94.

Preferably, the acoustic attenuation element 94 in this embodiment extends at least substantially to the lower stiff occlusion element 16. Furthermore, the lower stiff occlusion element 16 is at least in part arcuate. As such, a weather seal element 98 is included at or adjacent to a lower edge of the ventilation opening so that the lower stiff occlusion element 16 slides therealong as the damper panel 12 opens and closes.

The acoustic attenuation element 94 comprises a plurality of layers 100 of acoustic attenuation material 102. In this embodiment, each layer 100 is provided with a plurality of parallel channels 104, which together with the abutting layer 100, defines a plurality of the air-flow paths 96a therethrough. The acoustic attenuation material 102 may include open cell foam 108 which may or may not be compressed with a backing layer of metal foil 110.

In this case, the air-flow paths 96a are straight or substantially straight, being regularly and equi-distantly arranged relative to each other, and as such a direct air-movement path is provided through the acoustic attenuation element 94.

Since the air-flow paths 96a have longitudinal extents which extend in parallel or substantially in parallel with the plane of the damper panel 12, as the damper panel 12 is moved to an open position, the air-flow paths 96a are presented to receive air-flow movement therethrough. The orientation in the open condition still attenuates incident sound energy received in a transverse direction of the air-flow paths 96a, and with the damper panel 12 in a closed condition, the transverse extents of the air-flow paths are presented to incident sound energy, thereby improving noise attenuation. Additionally, the provision of different materials in the acoustic attenuation element 94 improves sound attenuation.

In this embodiment, the side walls 14 which extend from the damper panel 12 may be provided by the acoustic attenuation material 102. However, as with the previous embodiment, specific, dedicated or separate side walls 14 may be provided and in this case it is preferable that the acoustic attenuation element 94 extends across the rear 30 of the damper panel 12 to meet or substantially meet the side walls 14.

In a modification to the seventh embodiment, an eighth embodiment of ventilation damper apparatus 10 as shown in Figures 13a to 13e is now described. Similar references refer to similar parts, and further detailed description is omitted.

The difference between the seventh and eighth embodiments is in the acoustic attenuation element 94, and the other features and options remain the same.

In this embodiment, the acoustic attenuation element 94 includes preferably irregularly aligned apertures 106 through its layers 100, to thereby provide a plurality of tortuous air-flow paths 96b. As with the seventh embodiment, the overall direction of flow through the acoustic attenuation element 94 is in parallel or substantially parallel with the plane of the damper panel 12. However, the layers 100 may be split into spaced apart groups lOOa, lOOb, lOOc, as seen in Figures 13a to l3c. Each group lOOa, lOOb, lOOc may have a different thickness or depth, and/or a plurality of different aperture or perforation dimensions or diameters. The spacing between groups 100a, 100b, 100c provides for transverse air channels 112 between opposing layers 100 of the acoustic attenuation element 94 and at least substantially laterally of the air-flow paths 96b.

The air channels 112 form plenum chambers between the opposing layers 100 to allow air to pass at relatively low air resistance at the low velocities expected within a naturally ventilated system, but still maintaining an effective high free area. As such, the damper panel 12 can be opened up to greater angles than forty five degrees.

As before, each layer 100 preferably includes a main body 114 of noise attenuating foam material 116 with a metal foil backing 118 and/or facing. The apertures or perforations 106 extend through the metal foil layer 118.

The acoustic attenuation element 94 of the seventh and eighth embodiments is intended to be a hybrid reactive and absorptive element. However, by the addition of for example a speaker at the rear of the damper panel, the acoustic attenuation element may also be an active element.

A further advantage of the eighth embodiment is that the air channels 112 within the acoustic attenuation element 94 provide an effective means of reducing material content.

The introduction of an air channel or gap provides a reduction in the depth of the acoustic attenuating material utilised, whilst retaining substantially the same acoustic effectiveness.

It is thus possible to provide simplified ventilation damper apparatus which includes a single sealing surface between the movable outer damper panel and the support frame, in or around the ventilation aperture of the building. The single sealing surface enables an improved air seal, security seal, weather seal and insect, fly and/or vermin seal. The apparatus can thus meet improved weatherability standards, pressure and air flow standards, and security standards. By utilising a single preferably top hung outwardly opening damper panel, the number of moving parts is significantly reduced and thus robustness and longevity is improved. It is also possible to provide simplified operation due to the reduced number of mechanical parts. The movable outer panel can be motorised and thus automatically controlled if necessary, and/or manually controllable by a suitable mechanical mechanism typically from within the building. The inclusion of the occlusion element having at least one movable occlusion panel enables an improved free area for air flow thereacross, whilst also maintaining security against intruders. By including louvres as part of the occlusion panels allows for improved air flow directability into and out of the ventilation system of the building, whilst also providing an aesthetic organic gill-like appearance.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and further modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. Ventilation damper apparatus for a ventilated building, the ventilation damper apparatus comprising a movable outer damper panel for opening and closing a ventilation opening of a building, a stiff side wall which extends from each side of the outer damper panel, and a lower stiff occlusion element which extends rearwardly from or adjacent to a bottom edge of the movable outer occlusion panel and from one stiff side wall to the other stiff side wall for limiting access through the ventilation opening when the outer damper panel is open, the lower stiff occlusion element including a plurality of air-flow openings..
2. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an acoustic attenuation element on the movable outer damper panel for attenuating incident sound energy.
3. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the acoustic attenuation element is adapted to at least in part occlude the said ventilation opening of a building when the movable outer damper panel is in an open condition.
4. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the acoustic attenuation element overlies or substantially overlies a rear of the movable outer damper panel.
5. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the acoustic attenuation element comprises a plurality of layers of acoustic attenuation material, each layer comprising a plurality of the said air-flow paths.
6. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the air-flow paths are regularly arranged relative to each other to provide a direct air-movement path through the acoustic attenuation element.
7. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the air-flow paths are randomly arranged relative to each other to provide a tortuous air-movement path through the acoustic attenuation element.
8. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein at least one transverse air channel is provided between layers of the acoustic attenuation element and at least substantially laterally of the air-flow paths.
9. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the acoustic attenuation material includes a metal foil layer.
10. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the acoustic attenuation element extends at least substantially to the lower stiff occlusion element.
11. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the lower stiff occlusion element is at least in part arcuate.
12. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the lower stiff occlusion element is slidable on a seal element at or adjacent to the ventilation opening of a building.
13. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lower stiff occlusion element includes a plurality of occlusion parts which are angularly displaceable relative to each other.
14. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the occlusion parts are panels.
15. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the outer damper panel is hinged from the top.
16. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the outer damper panel further includes thermal insulation.
17. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the thermal insulation is towards an exterior side of the outer damper panel relative to the acoustic attention element.
18. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein each stiff side wall includes a plurality of stiff interconnected side panels, at least one said side panel being movable relative to another said side panel as the outer damper panel moves.
19. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least one said side panel is pivotable relative to another said side panel.
20. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein more than two said side panels are pivotably interconnected to provide a fanable side wall.
21. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the occlusion element includes a plurality of louvres, corresponding opposing side panels being interconnected by at least one said louvre.
22. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the occlusion element includes at least two occlusion panels, at least one of the occlusion panels being movable relative to the outer damper panel.
23. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the movable occlusion panel is hinged for moving relative to the outer damper panel.
24. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the or each occlusion panel is movable relative to the outer damper panel.
25. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, wherein one said occlusion panel is fixed relative to the outer damper panel.
26. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein each occlusion panel includes a stiff perforated air-flow sheet.
27. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein each occlusion panel includes a plurality of air-flow louvres.
28. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein the occlusion element includes an insect, fly and/or vermin screen.
29. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein the insect, fly and/or vermin screen is separate of the occlusion panels.
30. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the occlusion element includes a fixed occlusion panel having a plurality of louvres, and a separate fixed insect screen, the occlusion panel and insect screen being separate of the outer damper panel.
31. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 30, further comprising a drip tray which projects away from the movable outer damper panel.
32. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the movable outer damper panel is opaque.
33. Ventilation damper apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, Figures 4 and 5, Figures 6 and 7, Figures 8 and 9, or Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.
34. A ventilated building comprising a ventilation system having ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the movable outer damper panel being hung on an exterior wall of the building to at least in part control air flow into and out of the building.
35. A ventilated building as claimed in claim 35, wherein the movable outer damper panel is top hung to open outwardly.
36. Ventilation damper apparatus for a building, the ventilation damper apparatus comprising a movable outer damper panel for opening and closing a ventilation opening of a building, the outer damper panel including acoustic attenuation means for attenuating incident sound energy, a fixed stiff occlusion element for limiting access through the ventilation opening when the outer damper panel is open, the occlusion element including a plurality of air-flow openings and further acoustic attenuation means for attenuating incident sound energy.
37. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein the occlusion element includes an array of acoustic louvres and a separate insect screen.
38. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the occlusion element is independent of the outer damper panel.
39. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 38, wherein the occlusion element is stationary.
40. Ventilation damper apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.
41. Ventilation damper apparatus for a ventilated building, the ventilation damper apparatus comprising a movable outer damper panel for opening and closing a ventilation opening of a building, and an acoustic attenuation element extending from a rear of the movable outer damper panel and movable in unison therewith for attenuating incident sound energy, the acoustic attenuation element including a plurality of air-flow paths defined therethrough and which extend at least substantially in a direction parallel or substantially parallel with the movable outer damper panel.
42. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 41, wherein the acoustic attenuation element is adapted to at least in part occlude the said ventilation opening of a building when the movable outer damper panel is in an open condition.
43. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 41 or claim 42, wherein the acoustic attenuation element overlies or substantially overlies a rear of the movable outer damper panel.
44. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the acoustic attenuation element comprises a plurality of layers of acoustic attenuation material, each layer comprising a plurality of the said air-flow paths.
45. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 44, wherein the air-flow paths are regularly arranged relative to each other to provide a direct air-movement path through the acoustic attenuation element.
46. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 44, wherein the air-flow paths are randomly arranged relative to each other to provide a tortuous air-movement path through the acoustic attenuation element.
47. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein at least one transverse air channel is provided between layers of the acoustic attenuation element and at least substantially laterally of the air-flow paths.
48. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the acoustic attenuation material includes a metal foil layer.
49. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 48, further comprising a lower stiff occlusion element which extends rearwardly from the movable outer damper panel and from or substantially from one side of the movable outer damper panel to the other side for limiting access through the ventilation opening when the outer damper panel is open, the lower stiff occlusion element including a plurality of air-flow openings.
50. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 49, wherein the acoustic attenuation element extends at least substantially to the lower stiff occlusion element.
51. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 49 or claim 50, wherein lower stiff occlusion element is at least in part arcuate.
52. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the lower stiff occlusion element is slidable on a seal element at or adjacent to the ventilation opening of a building.
53. Ventilation damper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 52, wherein the acoustic attenuation element is an absorptive and reactive sound attenuating element.
54. Ventilation damper apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, Figures 4 and 5, Figures 6 and 7, Figures 8 and 9, or Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.