JPH06307383A - Inverting device for air flow in duct - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an air flow reversing device which is easy in structure and quickly and effectively operates. CONSTITUTION: Air flow is reversed in a duct 11 provided with first and second tip parts having each of two ports. This device is provided with a fixed fan 12 which has a suction side and a discharge side and generates air flow from the suction side toward the discharge side. The device is provided with also a means for selectively leading air flow from a discharge side of the fan 12 in a first direction or a second direction in the duct 11. This means is provided with valves 14 and 16, a link mechanism 18 for selectively opening and closing these valves 14 and 16 and a solenoid 50. Each of the valves 14, 16 moves between first and second locations. According to the locations of the valves 14, 16, the discharge side and the suction side of the fan 12 are selectively switched to the first and second tip parts of the duct 11, respectively. As a result, although the fan 12 is fixed, a flowing direction of air flow can be selectively reversed by switching the valves 14, 16.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for inverting air flow in a duct using a single fixed fan.

[0002]

Devices for reversing the air flow in a duct are well known. In the past, there were only two ways to reverse the airflow in the duct when using only one fan. One way has been to reverse the direction of rotation of the fan blades, as described in US Pat. No. 3,941,185. In such a method, to reverse the air flow through the duct, the fan blades are rotating rapidly in one direction and must first be stopped before rotating in the opposite direction. May take 7 seconds or more. In some applications, the time is an unacceptable amount of time.

The second method is to change the position of the fan, thereby reversing the air flow, as disclosed in the inventor's US Pat. No. 5,050,667, referenced herein. is there. Although this method works well for many applications, as disclosed herein, reversing the airflow can be accomplished by a much simpler method.

There is a need for a simple, quick and effective device for inverting the air flow in the ducts used in heat exchangers, dehumidifiers and other air treatment devices.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an apparatus for reversing air flow in a duct using a single fixed fan.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The system includes a valve system which uses a cam or solenoid to operate rapidly to reverse the air flow. This device
A duct having first and second ends that are open together;
A fixed fan provided between the first and second ends. The fan has an intake side and an exhaust side.
Air flows from the suction side to the discharge side whenever the blade is rotating. In one embodiment, a plurality of rigid valves are provided adjacent the fan. A seal member provided orthogonal to the fan housing and abutting the fan housing defines four ports in the duct. The valve closes two ports at each end. The valve is hingedly attached to the side wall of the duct and rotates to close the other two ports and reverse the air flow through the duct. The air flow through the fan always maintains the same direction.

In another embodiment, a rigid arcuate valve surrounds the fan and ports are provided opposite one another. The valve is rotated by a solenoid or cam device to reverse the air flow through the duct.

In the third embodiment, flexible valves extend from the sides of the fan and are rotated by solenoid or cam devices.

In order to make the present invention easy to implement and understand, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010]

1 to 30 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for inverting air flow through a duct. The housing 10 is shown with a fixed fan 12 attached to the housing. Valves 14 and 16 are provided on both sides of the fan 12. The valves 14, 16 are hingedly attached to the sides 92, 94 of the duct 11. When the valves 14, 16 are in the position shown, the air flow passes through the duct 11 in the direction of arrow 52. A support plate 48 is provided below the fan 12, and the support plate is provided above the solenoid 50. Although solenoid 50 is illustrated as a rotary solenoid, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a linear solenoid could be used. The solenoid 50 can rotate the valves 14 and 16 via the link mechanism 18 between a first position shown by a solid line in FIG. 6 and a second position shown by a chain line in FIG. The linkage 18 is connected to the valves 14, 16 so as to control the position of the valves 14, 16. When the link mechanism 18 is rotated 90 ° by the solenoid 50, the valves 14, 16
Pivot about their respective hinge points 36, 37 and move from the position shown by the solid line to the position shown by the dashed line. Valve 14,
As 16 moves, pins 45,46 slide in their respective link slots 47,49. In such a state, the air flow through the duct 11 will be
Invert as shown at 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the fan 1
The air flow through 2 is directed from the suction side 26 to the discharge side 28 by arrow 5
It flows in the direction of 6. The schematic positions of the valves 14, 16 and the resulting airflow are shown in FIGS. In FIG. 12, air flows from end 70 to end 72 with the valve in the position shown. With the valve in the position shown, as shown in FIG. 13, air flows from end 72 to end 70. The air through the fan 12 always flows in the same direction, but by changing the position of the valves 14, 16 the direction of air flow through the duct is reversed by 180 °. A louver 74 may be pivotally mounted on the exhaust side of the fan, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, to facilitate passage of airflow through the duct. Louver 74
The air is more easily
It flows toward 2. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the area surrounding the fan and valve should be sealed by appropriate means to prevent air leakage in the duct. An example of such a sealing or sealing method is to fill the open area with polymer foam.

In an alternative example, FIGS. 8, 9 and 10
As shown in FIG. 3, rigid arc-shaped valves 114 and 116 are provided, and these valves are attached to a wheel 115 and rotated by a cam mechanism 20. Valves 114, 116
Ports 22, 24 allow air to pass through valves 114, 116 and through fan 12. Valves 114, 1
When 16 is in the position shown in FIG.
Flow in the direction indicated by 8. When the valves 114, 116 are in the position shown in FIG. 11, the air flow is in the direction indicated by arrow 59. A pin 30 is rigidly attached to a gear 32, which is rotated in the direction of arrow 34 by a motor 66. Since the pin 30 sequentially contacts the pins 38, 40, 42 and 44, the wheel 1 is rotated each time the gear 32 rotates.
15 rotates 90 degrees. Thus, ports 22, 24
Are alternately switched between the positions shown in FIGS. This rotation also reverses the air flow through the housing 10 as shown in FIGS. Those skilled in the art will understand that by changing the rotation speed of the gear 32, the speed at which the air flow reverses can be controlled. Other camming mechanisms that can be used to rotate the valves 114,116 are inventor's US Pat.
89,476, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In another embodiment, valves 14, 16 are replaced by valves 414, 41 as shown in FIGS.
It can be replaced by 6. In this example,
Guide bar 418 is used to pivot valves 414, 416 about hinge points 420, 422 and move from the position shown in FIG. 18 to the position shown in FIG. When the valve is in the position shown in FIG. 18, air flows in the direction indicated by arrow 458. When the valve moves to the position shown in FIG.
It flows in the direction of 60.

In another embodiment, FIG. 14, FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 17 and 30, a flexible valve 51.
4, 516 are rotated by linkage 518 about respective points 520, 522 at the ends 524, 526 of the fan. Air flows in the direction of arrow 558 when the valve is in the position shown in FIG. Valve is control bar 5
When moved by 18 to the position shown in FIG. 17, air flows in the direction of arrow 560.

In another embodiment, FIGS.
An arcuate valve 214 cooperates with a linear valve 216 to direct airflow into the duct 11, as shown in FIG. The arc valve 214 and the straight valve 216 have two positions. The first position directs the airflow into the matrix 26, as shown in FIG.
Through the direction of arrow 258. The second position is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the airflow is directed through the matrix 26 in the direction of arrow 262. Also in this case, 214, 216
Can be moved by a solenoid or a cam (not shown).

In another embodiment, FIG. 22 and FIG.
4 valves 314, 316, 318, 32
0 can be rotated by the solenoid and gear mechanism shown in FIG. Solenoid 350 is gear 35
2, 354, 356, 368, which rotate valves 314, 316, 318, 320, respectively. Gears 352, 354, 356, 368 move forward and backward as the solenoid switches between its two positions.
Rotate 0 °. When the valves 316, 318 are in the open position, the valves 314, 320 are in the closed position and air is in the duct 1
Flow in one direction in 1. Conversely, valves 314, 32
Air flows in the opposite direction in duct 11 when 0 is in the open position and valves 316, 318 are in the closed position. A seal member 360 is provided to effectively seal the device.

When the device for reversing the air flow is used in combination with the heat exchange device, the end 86 of the duct 11 is placed outside the housing, as shown in FIG.
Put the end 88 of the inside of the housing. The heat exchange matrix 26 is provided inside the duct 11 adjacent to the fan 12. The fan 12 has a rotation axis 82 that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 84 of the duct 11. The heat storage matrix 26 can be formed from any suitable material such as steel, paper or corrugated cardboard, but is preferably formed from corrugated or corrugated aluminum. The corrugated aluminum is rolled into rolls and the corrugations of the aluminum form axial passages for air flow through the heat storage matrix 26. The corrugated aluminum can be provided with a hygroscopic material such as silica gel for capturing the moisture contained in the discharged air. The heat storage matrix serves to absorb heat energy from the air moving from the warm spot to the cold spot and release it when the air flow is reversed.

In operation, the air exchange device shown in FIG. 2 has two modes, an exhaust mode and an intake mode. During the exhaust mode, air is sucked by the fan 12 through the end 88 into the duct in the direction of the arrow 55 shown in dashed lines in FIG. In winter, the temperature of the air inside the casing is higher than the temperature of the air outside the casing. Air passes through the heat storage matrix 26 and releases its latent and sensible heat to the heat storage matrix 26. After passing through the heat storage matrix 26, air flows in the direction of arrow 55 shown in dashed lines in FIG. After a preselected amount of time, a timer (not shown) energizes solenoid 50 causing linkage 18 to rotate and reverse the airflow as shown in FIG. 2, thereby placing the device in inhalation mode. . In the intake mode, the air is blown by the fan 12 from the outside in the direction of the arrow in FIG.
Sucked through 6. Air enters the heat storage matrix 26 through the fan 12 where it absorbs the heat absorbed during the exhaust mode. The air then flows in the direction of arrow 53 in FIG. 2 and enters the room through the end 88.

In summer, the temperature of the air outside the casing is higher than the temperature of the air inside the casing. Air is
Upon entering the heat storage matrix 26 from the outside, its sensible heat and latent heat are released to the heat storage matrix 26. The air enters the casing after passing through the heat storage matrix 26. When the air flow is reversed, cold air passes through the heat storage matrix 26, absorbs latent heat and sensible heat from the heat storage matrix 26, and carries the sensible heat and latent heat to the outside. The heat storage matrix 26 can be of either sensible heat storage type or latent heat storage type. The type to choose depends on the conditions inside the casing.

FIG. 26 shows an arcuate valve used in combination with a heat exchange device. As shown in FIG. 26, when the valve is in its first position, air flows in the direction of the arrow from end 186 to end 188. Valve is Figure 27
When rotated to the position indicated by, the air flow reverses as indicated by the arrow.

This device is described in US Pat.
It can also be used in a dehumidification device such as that described in US Pat. In the dehumidifier, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
1, the desiccant absorbs moisture in the air. The matrix 26 containing the desiccant is formed of a heat resistant material. Ceramic type materials are preferred because such materials can be easily combined not only with adsorbent desiccants (silica gel, molecular sieves etc.) but also with absorption desiccants (such as lithium chloride). Because. Although a metal such as steel or aluminum can be used, such a metal absorbs a heat-resistant adhesive that can be bonded to the surface of a metal that is an adsorption type material or an absorbent material. It is necessary to coat a heat resistant material that can be used.

The matrix 26 is formed by rolling a corrugated material into a cylindrical shape such that the corrugations form axial passages through which air passes through the matrix 26 containing the desiccant. The fan 12 serves to create a substantially axial air flow in two directions. Ie. The first direction (reproduction) is from the first end 286 to the second end 288.
And the second direction (process) is the second
From the end 288 to the first end 286 of FIG. 3 (reproduction) and FIG. 4 (process).
, Respectively. The heater 80 is preferably a relatively bulky electrical filament type so that it cools quickly when the current to the filament is interrupted. Due to its low bulk, the filaments heat little air during the process steps. The heater 80 is typically a control circuit (not shown) via a conductor (not shown).
Excited by. The heater is another conductor (not shown)
Grounded by. The control circuit energizes the heater 80 during the regeneration phase and deactivates the heater during the process phase. Those skilled in the art can arbitrarily configure the control circuit for obtaining such a result.

In operation, the dehumidifier has two stages, a process stage and a regeneration stage. In FIGS. 3 and 4, black arrows 250, 252 represent air having a relatively high humidity, and white arrows 254 have a white head.
256 represents air having a relatively low moisture content.
During the process stage (FIG. 4), the fan 12 has the end 2
Air is made to flow from 88 to the end 286.
Air is sucked from the casing by fan 12 in the direction of arrow 250 in FIG. 4 and passes through end 288. The airflow pushes open the one-way check valve 292 and pushes the one-way check valve 294 to close it. The air passes through the desiccant containing matrix 26 and releases its moisture to the desiccant containing matrix 26. After passing through the desiccant-containing matrix 26, air flows in the direction of arrow 254 in FIG. 4 out of end 288 and back into the casing. The airflow is
The one-way check valve 296 is pushed open and the one-way check valve 298 is pushed closed. During this stage, the heater 80
Has been de-energized. When the preselected time has passed,
A timer 299 energizes a solenoid via a wire (not shown) and the air flow is reversed, causing the device to enter the regeneration phase.

In the regeneration stage (FIG. 3), the fan 12
Is adapted to deliver air from end 286 to end 288. Air is sucked by the fan 12 from the outside of the casing or housing 10 in the direction of arrow 256 in FIG. The air flow pushes open the one-way check valve 298 and pushes the one-way check valve 296 to close it. The air passes through the fan 12 and is heated by the energized heater 80 during the regeneration phase. The air passes through a matrix 26 containing a desiccant, where it absorbs the moisture absorbed during the process steps. Air flows in the direction of arrow 252 in FIG. 3 past end 288 and returns to the air source outside duct 11. The air flow pushes open the one-way check valve 294 and closes the one-way check valve 292.

24 and 25 show a rigid valve used in combination with a dehumidifier. Air flows from end 386 to end 388 when the valve is in the first position, as shown in FIG. When the valve rotates to the position shown in Figure 23, the air flow is reversed. When the valve is in the position shown in FIG. 22, air is sucked by the fan 12 from the end 386 through the one-way check valve 396 in the direction of arrow 358. After passing through the fan, air exits end 388 through a one-way check valve 292. When the valve is in the position shown in FIG. 25, air is sucked from end 388 through unidirectional check valve 394 by fan 12 in the direction of arrow 360. After passing through the fan, the air passes through the one-way check valve 398 and ends 38.
Get out of 6.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will be readily apparent. The disclosure of this specification and the appended claims are intended to include all such modifications and variations.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the device of FIG. 1 is combined with a heat exchange device.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the apparatus of FIG. 1 in combination with a dehumidifying device in a regeneration stage.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing the apparatus of FIG. 1 combined with a dehumidifier at a process stage.

5 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 as seen from the front.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 viewed from above.

7 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 as seen from the side.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the device of the present invention seen from above.

9 is a side sectional view of the device of FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9 of FIG.

10 is a schematic diagram of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the device of FIG. 1 in a second position.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention.

16 is a schematic view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

17 is a schematic diagram showing the valve of the device of FIG. 16 in a second position.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the device of the present invention.

19 is a schematic diagram showing the valve of the device of FIG. 18 in a second position.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the device of the present invention.

21 is a schematic diagram showing the device of FIG. 20 in a second position. FIG.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the device of the present invention.

23 is a schematic diagram showing a solenoid and gear mechanism used with the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing the device of FIG. 8 combined with a dehumidifying device.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing the device of FIG. 24 in a second position.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view showing the apparatus of FIG. 8 combined with a heat exchange apparatus.

27 is a schematic diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the device of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Housing 11 Duct 12 Fan 14, 16 Valve 26 Suction Side 28 Discharge Side 50 Solenoid 70, 72 End 92, 94 Side

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (71) Applicant 593077180 Colt Rhofran 16033, Ivans City, Pennsylvania, United States Wolf Run Rhode 144 (72) Inventor Erling Bernell Zheher-6300 Zug, Lorethohoe 5 (72) Inventor Rolf A. Bernell, Earl Dember, 16103, New Castle, Pennsylvania, USA 6 (72) Inventor Colt Lofran 16033, Ivans City, Pennsylvania, USA 144 Wolf Run Rod

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for reversing an air flow in a duct having first and second ends, the device having an intake side and an exhaust side, the air flow going from the intake side to the exhaust side. A fixed fan adapted to occur and an air flow from the discharge side of the fan selectively in the duct in the opposite direction, i.e. an air flow from the first end to the second end. The first direction and the air flow to the second
Means for directing in a second direction to flow from the end of the first end to the first end. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for rapidly directing airflow in the duct in opposite directions. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for directing air flow in the duct in opposite directions at preselected time intervals. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for selectively directing an air flow in the duct comprises a solenoid. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for selectively directing the air flow within the duct comprises a cam. 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the means for selectively directing the air flow in the duct further comprises opposing valves having two positions, wherein in the first position the air flow is A device, characterized in that it flows in one direction and in the second position the air flow flows in the opposite direction. 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the means for selectively directing air flow in the duct further comprises opposing valves having two positions, wherein in the first position the air flow is A device, characterized in that it flows in one direction and in the second position the air flow flows in the opposite direction. 8. The device of claim 6, wherein the opposed valves are rigid and articulate through an arcuate path. 9. A first end having two ports and 2
A device for reversing an air flow in a duct comprising a second end having one port and a first and a second side, the device having a suction side and a discharge side, the A fixed fan adapted to produce an air flow towards the exhaust side, and an air flow from the exhaust side of the fan in the duct in the opposite direction, i.e. air flow from the first end. The first direction and the air flow flowing to the second end are the second direction.
Means for guiding the air flow in a second direction from the end of the duct to the first end, the means for selectively directing the air flow being hingedly attached to the first side of the duct, A first valve having two positions, a first position in which one port of the first end is closed and a second position in which one port of the second end is closed. A first position hingedly attached to the second side of the duct to close one port of the first end and one port of the second end closed A second valve having two positions, a first position and a second position for moving the first and second valves between respective first and second positions. A solenoid operably connected to the valve. 10. A first end having two ports,
An apparatus for reversing air flow in a duct comprising a second end having two ports and first and second sides, wherein an intake side, an exhaust side and two ends are provided. A fixed fan having an air flow from the suction side to the discharge side, and an air flow from the discharge side of the fan in the duct selectively in the opposite direction, that is, an air flow. A first direction and an air flow flowing from the first end to the second end is applied to the second end.
Means for guiding the air flow in a second direction from the end of the fan to the first end, the means for selectively guiding the air flow being hingedly attached to one end of the fan, A first valve having two positions, a first position in which one port of the end is closed and a second position in which the other port of the first end is closed; A first position in which the other end is hingedly attached and one port of the second end is closed, and a second position in which the other port of the second end is closed. A second valve having two positions, and operably connected to the first and second valves for moving the first and second valves between respective first and second positions. And a solenoid that is operated. 11. A first end having two ports,
An apparatus for reversing an air flow in a duct comprising a second end having two ports and first and second sides, the inlet side and the outlet side comprising: A fixed fan adapted to produce an air flow from the exhaust side of the fan to the exhaust side, and an air flow from the exhaust side of the fan in the duct in the opposite direction, i. A first direction and an air flow flowing from the second end to the second end
Means for guiding the air flow in a second direction from the end of the duct to the first end, the means for selectively directing the air flow being hingedly attached to the first side of the duct, A first valve having two positions, a first position in which one port of the first end is closed and a second position in which one port of the second end is closed. A first position hingedly attached to the second side of the duct to close one port of the first end and one port of the second end closed A second valve having two positions, a first position and a second position for moving the first and second valves between the first and second positions of the respective valves. And a cam operably connected to the second valve. 12. A first end having two ports,
An apparatus for reversing air flow in a duct comprising a second end having two ports and first and second sides, wherein an intake side, an exhaust side and two ends are provided. A fixed fan having an air flow from the suction side to the discharge side, and an air flow from the discharge side of the fan in the duct selectively in the opposite direction, that is, an air flow. A first direction and an air flow flowing from the first end to the second end is applied to the second end.
Means for guiding the air flow in a second direction from the end of the fan to the first end, the means for selectively guiding the air flow being hingedly attached to one end of the fan, A first valve having two positions, a first position in which one port of the end is closed and a second position in which the other port of the first end is closed; A first position in which one port of the second end is closed and a second position in which the other port of the second end is closed. A second valve having two positions, and actuating the first and second valves to move the first and second valves between the first and second positions of the respective valves. A device operably connected to the device.