GB2523752A - Plenum chamber - Google Patents

Abstract

A plenum chamber 20 for use in a fluid directing system comprising a housing 24 having an outlet 22 for supplying or extracting a fluid into a space, one or more openings in the housing for connection 28 to ducting, and one or more connection means 30, 30 enable a component or device to be mounted within the plenum chamber. The connection means may be equally spaced around the internal circumference or perimeter of the chamber. The connection means may be integrally formed with or attached to the chamber, and may receive a fastener (35, fig 2b). An mounting device 36 with apertures 40 to receive the fasteners may be attached to the connection means. The mounting device may comprise an annular disc 38 having a plurality of struts or braces 42 that converge to a central portion 44 and upon which the component or device may be mounted or the mounting device may not have a disc (figs 2c & 2d). The component or device may be an air adjustment valve (48, fig 3), fragrance diffuser / canister (56, fig 4), temperature, humidity or other environmental sensor (58, fig 5), or meshed filter (66, fig 7).

Description

Plenum Chamber The present invention relates to a plenum chamber for an environmental system such as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Background to the invention

HVAC systems aim to control environmental comfort for persons in an environment such as inside a building or vehicle. This is an important factor to consider to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings, for example, to maintain a comfortable temperature and to avoid the presence of moist air, which would otherwise lead to a build-up of condensation and mould, in turn leading to structural damage to the building and/or producing an adverse effect on the health of the occupants.

The temperature of a space can be controlled by heating/cooling by a number of conventional means. Ventilation systems regulate the air within a space, e.g. a building or vehicle, removing foul air and introducing fresh air from outside that space.

Air conditioning generally provides cooling, ventilation and humidity control.

Taking the example of ventilating a building, the ventilation unit will typically be located in a roof space or utility room, with fresh air inlet(s)/outlet(s) as required for the particular installation. The ventilation unit will typically supply fresh air to a room and/or exhaust foul air from a room. Plenum chambers provide a space for air circulation in such ventilation systems, and for directing air from a source to a destination. They can be provided in the space between the ceiling of a room and the structural ceiling thereabove or in an attic etc. Flenums can also be provided in wall cavities or used in undertloor environmental systems.

Taking the example of a plenum for supplying and/or extracting air to/from a room, the plenum chamber will be mounted in the ceiling of a room. A downwardly directed opening will provide fluid communication with air in the room, and a diffuser or grille will be mounted to terminate the system in the ceiling. A laterally or upwardly extending opening provides connection to ductwork of the ventilation/environmental system. A plenum chamber thus provides a duct to terminal' connection.

Depending upon the installation in question, it may be desirable to utilize various additional components with the plenum chamber, e.g. diffusers, ceiling fans, filters etc. Conventionally, these have been bolted on' to the plenum chamber, either suspended from the ceiling at the outlet side thereof, or provided within the ceiling space, e.g. between the plenum chamber and the rest of the ventilation/environmental system.

A disadvantage of the former is that the resulting combination of components may extend quite a distance from the ceiling, or may make installation within the ceiling space difficult. A disadvantage of the latter is that, once installed within the ceiling space, access to the component(s) thereafter may be difficult. Alternatively, Figure la shows an exemplary known plenum chamber 10 with a diffuser 12 attached thereto.

The plenum chamber 10 would be placed within a ceiling cavity, and the underside of the diffuser 12, when installed, would sit flush to the ceiling (not shown). As shown in Figure ib, the diffuser 12 is provided with spring steel clips 14 for locating it within the chamber outlet 16. It is a disadvantage that the clips 14 may not be very secure and may be prone to damage/breakage during installation. Furthermore, if any other type of component or device were to be fitted to the plenum chamber outlet, this may require a different method of securing it in place.

The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a plenum chamber for use in a fluid directing system, the plenum chamber comprising a housing, one or more outlets in said housing for supplying or extracting a fluid into a space, one or more openings in said housing for connection to ducting of said fluid directing system, and one or more connection means provided on the interior of said housing, said one or more connection means enabling a component or device to be mounted within the internal space of said plenum chamber.

The internal connection means enables a variety of different components or devices, such as an airflow adjustment valve, motorised valve mechanism, filter, diffuser, sensor etc. to be mounted and/or secured within the plenum cavity. This advantageously enables a component or device to be placed directly in the fluid or air stream, meaning that the effectiveness of the component/device can be maximized. This arrangement also avoids the need to mount such components separately, e.g. visibly on a ceiling or wall, or inaccessibly within a ceiling or wall space. The component or device may thus be concealed from view, which can both enhance the appearance of the ceiling/wall terminal and help to protect the component device e.g. from damage or tampering. It is particularly important and beneficial that the same one or more connection means can be utilised for mounting a variety of different components or devices. This simplifies manufacture and installation, and thus helps minimise overall manufacturing and installation costs.

In an embodiment, a plurality of connection means is provided. Each of said plurality of connection means may be identical. Alternatively, said plurality of connection means may comprise more than one type of connection means to facilitate the connection of different devices or components thereto. For example, connection means of different shapes and/or sizes may be provided for mounting components that may be of a variety of different configurations, masses etc. Preferably, the connection means is/are integrally formed with the plenum chamber.

The plenum chamber may be formed with the integral connection means by moulding.

Alternatively, the connection means may be attached to the interior of the plenum chamber, e.g. by adhesive, welding etc. Where more than one connection means are provided, these may be spaced substantially equally around the internal circumference or perimeter of the plenum chamber.

The connection means may be or comprise an aperture. The connection means may be elongate to partially or fully accommodate the length of a fastener. The aperture may be configured for receiving a fastener. The aperture may be configured with features complementary to the fastener to be used. For example, the fastener may be a screw or suchlike, and the aperture may be internally threaded. The aperture and fastener may secure one or more components or devices within the plenum chamber.

In an alternative embodiment, the connection means may be or comprise a hook, eye, clip, bearing surface, magnetic connector, or any other connector means.

In accordance with an embodiment and/or a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a mounting device attachable to the connection means, upon or to which a component or device may be attached. Preferably, the mounting device is also detachable from the connection means.

Conveniently, a single, common mounting device may be utilized for a variety of different components or devices. The mounting means preferably has or comprises a maximum dimension (e.g. width, diameter or circumference) that is substantially the same (or slightly smaller) as an internal dimension of the plenum chamber, to enable it to be located therein.

The mounting device is preferably configured to cooperate with the one or more connection means of the plenum chamber, so as to locate and/or secure it therein.

The mounting device may therefore be provided with one or more connection means.

In an embodiment, the one or more connection means may be or comprise one or more apertures each for receiving a said fastener. Alternatively, the one or more connection means may be or comprise a hook, eye, clip, bearing surface, magnetic connector, or any other connector means complementary to the one or more connection means of the plenum chamber.

In an embodiment, the mounting means may be or comprise a frame sized to fit around the internal circumference or perimeter of the plenum chamber. The frame may be annular. The frame may be configured to extend completely or partially around the internal circumference or perimeter of the plenum chamber. One or more apertures or other connection means may be provided within the frame. The one or more apertures may be configured for receiving a said fastener.

In an alternative embodiment, the mounting means comprises one or more flanges that are locatable adjacent or near a part of the internal circumference or perimeter of the plenum chamber. Preferably, the one or more flanges are provided with one or more apertures or other connector means. The one or more apertures may be configured for receiving a said fastener.

The mounting means may comprise one or more struts provided between the frame and/or flanges. The mounting means may comprise a portion at which the struts converge. The mounting means may comprise a central portion and the strut(s) may extend between the central portion and the frame/flanges. In an embodiment the frame and/or flange(s) and/or strut(s) are coplanar. The mounting means may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six or more struts.

The cross sectional spaces between the struts are open and allow fluid flow therethrough. Such an arrangement advantageously provides a connection means for a component or a device, whilst still enabling fluid flow through the mounting means and thus through the plenum chamber.

The converging/central portion may comprise an aperture to enable a component or device to be affixed thereto.

In an alternative embodiment, the aperture(s) or other connection means are located on the strut(s), rather than on the frame or flange(s).

In an alternative embodiment, the mounting means may be or comprise a frame sized to fit around the internal circumference or perimeter of the plenum chamber without struts. The frame may extend completely or partially around the internal circumference or perimeter of the plenum chamber. The frame may be annular. One or more apertures may be provided within the frame for receiving the fastener.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a plenum chamber in accordance with the first aspect and embodiments thereof and a mounting device according to the second aspect and embodiments thereof.

Brief description of the Figures

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figures 2a-2c show isometric views of a plenum chamber and mounting device according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 2d-2e show schematic views of a mounting device according to an embodiment of another embodiment of the invention; Figures 3a-3d show isometric views of a fluid valve adjuster for use with embodiments of the invention; Figures 4a-4c show isometric views of a plenum chamber and mounting device according to another embodiment of the invention; Figures 5a-5c show isometric views of a plenum chamber and mounting device according to another embodiment of the invention; Figures 6a-6b show isometric views of a plenum chamber and mounting device according to another embodiment of the invention; and Figures 7a-7b show isometric views of a plenum chamber and mounting device according to another embodiment of the invention; Detailed description of embodiments of the invention Figures 2a and 2b shows a plenum chamber 20 according to an embodiment of the invention for use, for example, in an environmental system such as an HVAC or ventilation system (not shown) of a building.

The plenum chamber has an inlet/outlet 22. The outlet 22 can, when positioned within a building provide a supply of fresh air to a room or other building space or remove foul air therefrom. I.e. the outlet 22 is positioned within that room or building space, e.g. within an aperture in a ceiling, wall or floor. The outlet 22 is circular in cross section, although it will be appreciated that outlets of other cross sections, e.g. square, may instead be utilized. A hollow tubular housing 24 extends transversely from the cross sectional plane of the outlet 22 and terminates in a surface 26. In the embodiment shown the surface 26 is flat, but may instead be rounded or otherwise configured to suit the installation in question. Extending transversely to the tubular housing 24 are two duct connectors 28. The duct connectors 28 enable connection to ductwork of the HVAC/ventilation system not shown). This ductwork may lead to a system component such as a fan or ventilation unit, or to the exterior of the building. It will be appreciated that it is not always necessary for there to be two duct connectors 28. Alternatively, a single duct connector 28, or more than two duct connectors 28, could be provided.

Although the two duct connectors 28 in Figure 2a extend away from the housing 24 in the same direction, this need not be the case and they could be angled with respect to each other within the cross-sectional plane, and/or one or both duct connectors 28 could be inclined at angle with respect to the cross sectional inlet plane. The plenum chamber 20 is configured to direct air, or another fluid, flowing through it to or from the outlet 22 from/to the ductwork in order to supply fresh air thereto or remove foul air therefrom.

A plurality of connectors 30, 30' are provided within the internal cavity of the housing 24. In the embodiment shown, three connectors 30, 30' are provided, although a single connector 30 (30') may instead be provided, as could two or more connectors 30, 30'.

References to "connectors" used herein are, unless otherwise indicated, to be taken to refer to any number of connectors including a single connector. In embodiments incorporating a plurality of connectors 30, 30', the connectors 30, 30' are evenly spaced around the internal circumference of the housing 24, but the connectors 30, 30' could be irregularly spaced if required or desired.

In the embodiment shown, the connectors 30, 30' are c-or u-shaped in cross section.

They may be integrally formed with the housing 24, e.g. in a moulding process, or may be affixed to the interior of the housing 24. The connectors 30, 30' thus form a hollow channel, passage or tunnel between the opening connector legs 30a and the surface of the housing 24. Connectors 30, 30' of other cross sections could be used.

Alternatively, a tubular or hollow section member could be formed on aftached to the housing 24 interior to the same effect.

The length of the connectors 30, 30' can be chosen depending upon the intended use and the internal location thereof within the housing 24. For example, the connector 30' is positioned adjacent the location 32 where the duct connector 28 joins the housing 24 and the length of the connector 30' is selected so as not to encroach into the duct opening 32 in the housing 24. The duct connector 30 may be longer as there is no impediment inside the housing 24 at the location of this connector 30. In the embodiment shown, the connector 30 is extended with a connector portion 34, of the same configuration, but which widens away from the connector 30. This arrangement aids moulding and/or tooling, but the connector portion 34 is optional and can be omitted. The connectors 30, 30' are configured to receive a fastener, e.g. a screw 35.

For embodiments where a screw fastener 35 is to be used, the connectors 30, 30', 34 may be internally threaded (this may not be required e.g. if self-tapping screws are used).

The connectors 30, 30' enable a device or component (not shown in Figures 2a and 2b) to be directly connected thereto. A fastener such as a screw 35 could be utilized.

However, the configuration and dimensions of the device/component might not easily provide for this. Thus, in an embodiment, a mounting device 36 is also provided.

The mounting device 36 is configured to be received within the plenum opening 22 and be secured within the housing cavity 24 to the one or more connectors 30, 30' with a respective number of fasteners 35. In the embodiment of Figures 2a and 2b, the mounting device 36 comprises an annular disc 38 that is circumferentially the same as or just smaller than the internal circumference of the housing 24 so as to fit snugly therein. A number of apertures 40 are provided around the periphery of the disc 38 at locations corresponding to the locations of the connectors 30, 30' within the housing cavity 24. In use, a fastener such as screw 35 is inserted into an aperture 40 of the mounting device 36, and into the connector 30, 30' aperture and, when the screw 35 has been engaged within the connector 30, 30', the mounting device is secured within the housing 24. This is shown in greater detail in the enlarged portion shown in Figure 2b. The mounting device 36 may comprise a support member 41 that extends transversely to the mounting device disc 38, for structural support. In the embodiment shown, a tubular support 41 is integrally formed with or fixed to the disc 38 in the vicinity of the inner circumference of the annular disc 38. The tubular support 41 may be located elsewhere on the disc, or may take a different form or may be omitted entirely.

One or more struts or braces 42 extend from the inner circumference of the outer annulus 38 towards the centre of the disc 36 and terminate in a central annular portion or disc 44. The central annular disc 44 comprises an aperture 46. The aperture 46 enables a device or component, such as that shown in Figure 3, and as will be discussed in more detail below, to be attached thereto. Optionally, a boss 45 is provided to assist securing of a device/component in the aperture 46. The aperture 46 and/or boss 45 may be configured e.g. threaded to assist with co-operating with a component, device or fastener located therein. Additionally or alternatively, a device/component could be secured using an additional fastener such as a nut.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the apertures 40 could be circular apertures provided within the confines of the annular disc 38, rather than the apertures 40 being open notches within the disc 38.

Figure 2c shows an alternative embodiment for the mounting device 36. Here, the annular disc 38 is omitted and the device 36 comprises one or more struts 42 that meet at a central disc 44. The central aperture 46 is more clearly visible in this Figure. The fastening apertures 40 take the same form as previously described, being indentations at the distal ends of the struts 42. Alternatively, as previously described, circular apertures 40' may be provided at and within the strut 42 ends as indicated by the broken lines in Figure 2c.

Figure 2d shows a further alternative embodiment, similar to that of Figure 2c, but wherein a flange 48 is provided at the outermost end of each strut 42. Again, an aperture 40 or 40' is provided therein.

In all embodiments, the mounting device 36 provides space between the struts 42 to allow air flow or fluid flow therethrough.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown an air adjustment valve 48 that can be attached to the plenum chamber 20 as described above. The valve 48 utilizes the mounting device 36 described above. A screw 50, e.g. a dog point screw, is inserted into the central aperture 46 of the mounting device 38 and located longitudinally at a predetermined distance along the screw 50. A further adjuster disc 52 is located at the head end of the screw 50. A washer 54, e.g. a starlock washer, is provided between the screwhead and the disc 52. The adjuster disc 52 is thus secured on and with respect to the screw 50. The free end of the screw 50 is provided with a hex socket 56 therein.

In use, the valve 48 is mounted to the plenum chamber 20 as described above, with the adjuster disc 52 being located inside the plenum housing 24 and facing the surface 26, and the mounting device 36 being closer to the outlet 22. A tool (not shown), e.g. a hex key, can be used to rotate the screw 50. Since the adjuster disc 52 is fixed on the screw 50, and the mounting device 36 is fixed within the housing 24, rotating the screw will alter the position of the adjuster disc 52 along the longitudinal direction of the screw. I.e. the distance between the mounting device 36 and the adjuster disc 52 can be increased or decreased. This changes the volume through which air (or another fluid) can travel, and thus the airflow can be set to a required level.

Figures 4a-4c show an alternative use for embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the wick 55 of a fragrance diffuser or canister 56 is located within the aperture 46. The fragrance canister 56 is thus located within the body 24 of the plenum 20. The wick 55 protrudes through the central aperture 46, towards the outlet 22. Figure 4a shows the plenum 20 and canister 56 mounted therein, and Figures 4b and 4c show partially exploded views. The fragrance canister 56 may e.g. be or resemble the oil-filled bottle canisters used as an air freshener in vehicles. An actuator (not shown) for releasing the fragrance could be provided on the wick 55, or included as part of a ceiling grille, etc., if required.

Figures Sa and Sb show a further alternative use for embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, a sensor 58 is located within the aperture 46. The sensor 58 may be a temperature, humidity or other environmental sensor. The sensor 58 may simply be pushed into the aperture 46, or may be secured therein e.g. with adhesive. The small size of the sensor 58 means that it extends just slightly above and below the mounting device 36, and is contained within the housing 24. Electrical wiring/cabling 60 can be routed to a desired location. In the embodiment shown, the wiring 60 is routed through an aperture 62 in the plenum chamber 20. Alternatively, the wiring 60 may be fed through the duct 28, through the outlet 22 or through an opening in the terminal surface 26. Figure 5a shows the plenum 20 and sensor 58 mounted therein, and Figure Sb shows a partially exploded view.

In the embodiment of Figures 6a and 6b, a linear actuator or motor 64 is mounted to the mounting mechanism 36. The motor or actuator 64 attaches to an axial screw 50, similar to that described in respect of the embodiment of Figure 3. A balancing mechanism 52, similar to the disc 50 of the embodiment of 53 is provided, to provide stability to the system when the motor/actuator is operational. Wiring/cabling 60 electrically connected to the motor/actuator 64 can be routed as described above to a remote electrical component. The motor 64 is located on the external' side of the mounting device 36 and plenum 20. The motor 64 may be used to drive a ceiling fan or other device. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the motor 64 could be housed inside the plenum chamber housing 24.

Figures 7a and 7b shows an alternative embodiment comprising a differently configured mounting means 136. Here! the mounting device 136 comprises a frame 138 configured and sized to fit within the internal circumference of the plenum chamber housing 24. The frame 138 is annular but, in alternative embodiments (not shown) a different arrangement may be used. As before, one or more apertures 40 are provided at the edge or within the frame for receiving the fastener 35. The alternative configurations described above apply equally here.

In the embodiment shown, a filter medium 66 is placed on the frame 138. The filter medium 66 shown here has a meshed construction and is of the same shape and areas as the frame 138. Other filter media could be used, e.g. porous materials, particulate materials etc. The mounting device 138 can be mounted within the plenum housing 24 as previously described. The screws 35 can be pressed through the filter medium 66 to hold it in place on the frame 136. In an alternative embodiment, the mounting device 136 could comprise two frames 136 for clamping the filter medium therebetween. The filter medium 136 could also be secured to the frame 138 by any other suitable means. Figure 7a shows the plenum and filter 66 mounted therein, and Figure 7b shows a partially exploded view. In this (and other embodiments), a strip of ultraviolet (UV) lighting can be affixed to the interior of the chamber, e.g. around the internal circumference of the inlet/outlet 22.

In any/all aspects and embodiments, a cover, grille or suchlike may be provided over the outlet 22 in a conventional way. Although the majority of embodiments have been described with reference to use in a ceiling, and for an environmental/air flow system, it will be appreciated that the invention can be utilized in any fluid flow system.

Claims (28)

1. CLAIMS: 1. A plenum chamber for use in a fluid directing system, the plenum chamber comprising a housing, an outlet in said housing for supplying or extracting a fluid into a space, one or more openings in said housing for connection to ducting of said fluid directing system, and one or more connection means provided on the interior of said housing, said one or more connection means enabling a component or device to be mounted within the internal space of said plenum chamber.
2. 2. The plenum chamber of claim 1, comprising a plurality of connection means.
3. 3. The plenum chamber of claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of connection means is identical or more than one type of connection means is provided to facilitate the connection of different devices or components thereto.
4. 4. The plenum chamber of claim 2 or 3, wherein the connection means are spaced substantially equally around the internal circumference or perimeter of the plenum chamber.
5. 5. The plenum chamber of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more connection means is/are integrally formed with the plenum chamber, or the connection means are attached to the interior of the plenum chamber.
6. 6. The plenum chamber of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more connection means is configured for receiving a fastener.
7. 7. The plenum chamber of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more connection means is or comprises an aperture.
8. 8. The plenum chamber claim 6 or 7, wherein the one or more connection means is elongate to partially or fully accommodate the length of a fastener.
9. 9. The plenum chamber of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more connection means is or comprises a hook, eye, clip, bearing surface, magnetic connector, or any other connector means.
10. 10.A mounting device attachable or connectable to a connection means of the plenum chamber of any preceding claim, and upon or to which a component or device may be attached or connected.
11. 11. The mounting device of claim 10, configured to cooperate with a connection means of the plenum chamber, so as to locate and/or secure it therein or thereon.
12. 12. The mounting device of claim 10 or 11, wherein the mounting device is configured to be detachable from the connection means.
13. 13. The mounting device of any of claims 10 to 12, comprising one or more second connection means.
14. 14. The mounting device of claim 13, wherein the one or more second connection means is or comprises one or more apertures.
15. 15. The mounting device of claim 13, wherein the second one or more connection means is or comprises a hook, eye, clip, bearing surface, magnetic connector, or any other connector means complementary to the one or more connection means of the plenum chamber.
16. 16. The mounting device of any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the mounting means is or comprises a frame sized to fit around the internal circumference or perimeter of the plenum chamber.
17. 17. The mounting device of claim 16, wherein the frame is annular.
18. 18. The mounting device of claim 16 or 17, wherein the frame is configured to extend completely or partially around the internal circumference or perimeter of the plenum chamber.
19. 19. The mounting device of claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein one or more apertures or other connection means are provided on or within the frame.
20. 20. The mounting device of claims 10 to 15, wherein the mounting means comprises one or more flanges that are locatable adjacent or near a part of the internal circumference or perimeter of the plenum chamber.
21. 21. The mounting device of claim 20, wherein the one or more flanges are provided with one or more apertures or other connector means.
22. 22. The mounting device of claim 21, wherein the mounting means comprises one, two, three, four, five, six or more struts provided between the frame and/or flanges.
23. 23. The mounting device of claim 22, comprising a portion or a central portion at which the struts converge.
24. 24. The mounting device of claim 23, wherein the portion or central portion comprises an aperture to enable a component or device to be affixed thereto.
25. 25. The mounting device of any of any of claims 16 to 24, wherein the frame and/or flange(s) and/or strut(s) are coplanar.
26. 26. A kit of parts comprising a plenum chamber according to any of claims 1 to 9 and a mounting device according to any of claims 10 to 25.
27. 27. A plenum chamber substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of Figures 2a, 2b, 4, 5, 6 or 7.
28. 28. A mounting device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7.