NZ618869B2 - Columnar air moving devices and systems - Google Patents
Columnar air moving devices and systems Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ618869B2 NZ618869B2 NZ618869A NZ61886912A NZ618869B2 NZ 618869 B2 NZ618869 B2 NZ 618869B2 NZ 618869 A NZ618869 A NZ 618869A NZ 61886912 A NZ61886912 A NZ 61886912A NZ 618869 B2 NZ618869 B2 NZ 618869B2
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- Prior art keywords
- air moving
- air
- moving device
- housing member
- nozzle
- Prior art date
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- 230000002093 peripheral Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000789 fastener Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000036633 rest Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 210000000614 Ribs Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000000088 Lip Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 102100008108 TTPA Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 101700084264 TTPA Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 230000000414 obstructive Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
- F24F13/06—Outlets for directing or distributing air into rooms or spaces, e.g. ceiling air diffuser
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
- F24F13/06—Outlets for directing or distributing air into rooms or spaces, e.g. ceiling air diffuser
- F24F13/065—Outlets for directing or distributing air into rooms or spaces, e.g. ceiling air diffuser formed as cylindrical or spherical bodies which are rotatable
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
- F24F13/06—Outlets for directing or distributing air into rooms or spaces, e.g. ceiling air diffuser
- F24F2013/0612—Induction nozzles without swirl means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
- F24F13/06—Outlets for directing or distributing air into rooms or spaces, e.g. ceiling air diffuser
- F24F2013/0616—Outlets that have intake openings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
- F24F2221/14—Details or features not otherwise provided for mounted on the ceiling
Abstract
air moving system includes an air moving device (10) including a housing member (12), a rotary fan assembly (36), and a nozzle (34), the housing including a plurality of air intake vents. The nozzle is configured to move relative to a longitudinal axis of the air moving device. The air moving system includes a ceiling grid structure. The air moving device is configured to rest within a grid within the ceiling grid structure or within an opening in the ceiling. tem includes a ceiling grid structure. The air moving device is configured to rest within a grid within the ceiling grid structure or within an opening in the ceiling.
Description
AVED.017WO PATENT
COLUMNAR AIR MOVING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/497,446, filed June 15, 2011, which is incorporated in
its entirety by reference herein.
This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/497,422, entitled Columnar Air Moving Devices, Systems and Methods, filed June 15,
2011, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/497,448, entitled Columnar Air
Moving Devices, Systems and Methods, filed June 15, 2011, each of which is incorporated in
its entirety by reference herein. This application is also related to U.S. Patent No.
12/130,909, filed May 30, 2008, and to U.S. Patent Application No. 12/724,799, filed March
16, 2010, each of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS
Field of the Inventions
The present application relates generally to systems, devices and methods
for moving air that are particularly suitable for creating air temperature de-stratification
within a room, building, or other structure.
Description of the Related Art
The rise of warm air and the sinking of cold air can create significant
variation in air temperatures between the ceiling and floor of buildings with conventional
heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Air temperature stratification is
particularly problematic in any spaces with any ceilings such as warehouses, gymnasiums,
offices, auditoriums, hangers, commercial buildings, offices, residences with cathedral
ceilings, agricultural buildings, and other structures, and can significantly increase heating
and air conditioning costs. Structures with both low and high ceiling rooms can often have
stagnant or dead air, as well, which can further lead to air temperature stratification problems.
One proposed solution to air temperature stratification is a ceiling fan.
Ceiling fans are relatively large rotary fans, with a plurality of blades, mounted near the
ceiling. The blades of a ceiling fan have a flat or airfoil shape. The blades have a lift
component that pushes air upwards or downwards, depending on the direction of rotation,
and a drag component that pushes the air tangentially. The drag component causes tangential
or centrifugal flow so that the air being pushed diverges or spreads out. Conventional ceiling
fans are generally ineffective as an air de-stratification device in relatively high ceiling rooms
because the air pushed by conventional ceiling fans is not maintained in a columnar pattern
from the ceiling to the floor, and often disperses or diffuses well above the floor.
Another proposed solution to air temperature stratification is a fan
connected to a vertical tube that extends substantially from the ceiling to the floor. The fan
can be mounted near the ceiling, near the floor or in between. This type of device can push
cooler air up from the floor to the ceiling or warmer air down from the ceiling to the floor.
Such devices, when located away from the walls in an open space in a building, interfere with
floor space use and are not aesthetically pleasing. When confined to locations only along the
walls of an open space, such devices may not effectively circulate air near the center of the
open space. Examples of fans connected to vertical tubes are disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
3,827,342 to Hughes, and U.S. Patent No. 3,973,479 to Whiteley.
A more practical solution is a device, for example, with a rotary fan that
minimizes a rotary component of an air flow while maximizing axial air flow quantity and
velocity, thereby providing a column of air that flows from a high ceiling to a floor in a
columnar pattern with minimal lateral dispersion without a physical transporting tube.
Examples of this type of device are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 12/130,909,
filed May 30, 2008, and U.S. Patent Application No. 12/724,799, filed March 16, 2010, each
of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
[0007A] The reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be
taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the
common general knowledge in any country
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007B] It is an object of the invention to provide an air moving system and/or
device which will overcome or ameliorate problems with such systems or devices at present,
or which will at least provide a useful choice.
An aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includes the
realization that it would be beneficial to have a columnar air moving device that has a low
vertical profile, such that the device can fit into the ceiling structure of a building without
extending below the ceiling to an extent that it is distracting or obstructive, and can fit within
two generally horizontal ceiling structures.
Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein
includes the realization that it would be beneficial to have a columnar air moving device that
is designed specifically to fit within a ceiling grid structure, such that it is easy to install,
remove, and replace the columnar air moving device if required.
Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein
includes the realization that rooms within a building often have support beams or other
structures that can make it difficult to install a columnar air moving device (or devices)
within the room and direct the air to a pre-defined area. It would be advantageous to have a
columnar air moving device that is configured to have a nozzle or other structure that can be
rotated or moved, so as to direct the column of air towards a desired area generally away from
an area directly below the columnar air moving device.
Thus, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein, an air
moving system can comprise a ceiling structure comprising a first ceiling level forming a
base portion of the ceiling, the first ceiling level having a plurality of grid cells, each grid cell
bordered by a grid cell periphery structure, the ceiling structure further comprising a second
ceiling level separated from the first ceiling level by a first height; an air moving device
positioned at least partially in contact with the ceiling structure, the air moving device
comprising: a housing member forming an interior space within the air moving device, the
housing member having a top surface, the housing member being positioned within the
ceiling structure such that the top surface is located between the first and second ceiling level;
a ceiling support structure forming an outer peripheral edge of the air moving device and
attached to the housing member, said ceiling support structure defining an exposed lower
surface, [at least part of] the ceiling support structure supported by the grid cell periphery
structure; the housing member comprising a plurality of air vents for directing a volume of air
into the interior space of the air moving device, the air vents having an upstream end and a
downstream end; a rotary fan assembly mounted in the interior space and supported by the
ceiling structure, the rotary fan assembly comprising an impeller and a plurality of blades, the
rotary fan assembly configured to direct the volume of air within the interior space; the rotary
fan assembly having an upstream end and a downstream end; and a nozzle communicating
with and extending downwardly from the rotary fan assembly, the nozzle comprising a
structure for further directing the volume of air out of the air moving device, the nozzle
defining a spherical surface which cooperates with [the spherical] a surface of the housing
member to enable the nozzle to pivotably rotatably move with respect to a longitudinal axis
of the air moving device; wherein the downstream end of the air vents is positioned adjacent
the downstream end of the rotary fan assembly; and wherein the housing member comprises a
plurality of ring-shaped structures of varying diameter connected to one another, wherein
gaps exist between each of the plurality of ring-shaped structures, the gaps forming the
plurality of air vents and wherein the surface of the housing corresponds to a widest portion
of an interior of the nozzle as measured perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle.
In accordance with at least another embodiment, an air moving device can
comprise a housing member forming an interior space within the air moving device, the
housing member comprising a plurality of air vents for directing a volume of air into the
interior space of the air moving device, a rotary fan assembly mounted in the interior space,
the rotary fan assembly comprising an impeller and a plurality of blades, the rotary fan
assembly configured to direct the volume of air within the interior space, and a nozzle
communicating with and extending downwardly from the rotary fan assembly, the nozzle
comprising a structure for further directing the volume of air out of the air moving device
which is configured to direct the volume of air out of the air moving device in a columnar
manner, wherein the air moving device comprises a longitudinal axis, the housing member
comprises an opening for insertion of the nozzle, and the nozzle comprises at least one
spherical surface configured to fit within the opening such that the nozzle can be adjusted
preferably at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis.
[0012A] In accordance with at least another embodiment, an air moving device can
comprise a housing member forming an interior space within the air moving device, the
housing member comprising a plurality of air vents for directing a volume of air into the
interior space of the air moving device; a ceiling support structure forming an outer
peripheral edge of the air moving device and attached to the housing member, the ceiling
support configured to be supported by a grid cell periphery structure, wherein the ceiling
support has an exposed lower surface; a rotary fan assembly mounted in the interior space,
the rotary fan assembly comprising an impeller and a plurality of blades, the rotary fan
assembly configured to direct the volume of air within the interior space; and a nozzle
communicating with and extending downwardly from the rotary fan assembly, the nozzle
defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a structure for further directing the volume of air
out of the air moving device; wherein the air moving device comprises a longitudinal axis,
the housing member comprises an opening for insertion of the nozzle which defines a support
surface, and the nozzle comprises at least one spherical surface configured to fit within the
opening and move with respect to the support surface such that the nozzle can be adjusted at
various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the air moving device; and wherein the at
least one spherical surface corresponds to a widest portion of an interior of the nozzle as
measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle and further comprising at least
one ionization cell and at least one cutout configured to create a space for the ionization cell.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features and advantages of the present embodiments will
become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description and with reference to
the accompanying drawings of the embodiments, in which:
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an air moving device in accordance
with an embodiment;
Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the air moving device of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a perspective, partial view of the device of Figure 1, taken
along line 6-6 in Figure 3;
Figure 7 is a perspective, partial view of the device of Figure 1, taken
along line 7-7 in Figure 3;
Figure 8 a perspective, partial view of the device of Figure 1, taken along
line 8-8 in Figure 3;
Figure 9 is cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 1, taken along line
9-9 in Figure 3;
Figure 10 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an air moving device in
accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 11 is a schematic, perspective view of an air moving system in
accordance with an embodiment; and
Figure 12 is a schematic, front elevational view of the air moving system
of Figure 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to Figures 1-5, an air moving device 10 can comprise a
housing member 12. The housing member 12 can form an outer shell of the air moving
device 10, and can at least partially enclose an interior space within the air moving device 10.
The housing member 12 can be formed from one or more sections. For example, the housing
member 12 can comprise an upper housing section 14, and a lower housing section 16. In
some embodiments the upper and lower housing sections 14, 16 can be attached to one
another through use of fasteners, adhesive, or other structure. In some embodiments the
upper housing section 14 can comprise a dome shape. In some embodiments, the upper
housing section 14 can comprise a generally round, circumferentially-shaped structure, and
the lower housing section 16 can comprise a generally rectangular-shaped structure. In some
embodiments the lower housing section 16 can form an outer periphery of the housing
member 12. In some embodiments, the dome shaped upper housing section 14 and
rectangular-shaped lower housing section 16 can be integrally formed as a single piece.
The housing member 12 can include a top surface 18. In some
embodiments the top surface 18 can include or be attached to a support member. The support
member can include, for example, a ring-shaped structure (e.g. an eye-bolt as illustrated in
Figure 10). In some embodiments, the housing member 12 can be hung by the support
member, and/or can be attached to another structure with the support member. In some
embodiments, and as described further below, the top surface 18, and/or any support member
formed from or attached to top surface 18, can be configured to rest between two generally
horizontal ceiling structures within an air moving system.
With reference to Figures 1-5, the housing member 12 can comprise a
ceiling support structure 20. The ceiling support structure 20 can form part of the lower
housing section 16. The ceiling support structure 20 can be a separate component attached to
the housing member 12. In some embodiments, the ceiling support structure 20 can comprise
a lip member. The ceiling support structure 20 can include an outer peripheral edge 22. The
outer peripheral edge 22 of the ceiling support structure 20 can form a generally rectangular
structure around the air moving device 10, though other shapes are also possible. The outer
peripheral edge 22 can form an outer peripheral edge of the air moving device 10. The
ceiling support structure 20 can also include a lower surface 24. At least a portion of the
lower surface 24 can be configured to rest upon one or more ceiling structures when the air
moving device 10 is mounted in a ceiling. The lower surface 24 can be a generally flat
surface, though other surfaces are also possible.
With continued reference to Figures 1-5, the ceiling support structure 20
can include one or more seismic connect tabs 26. The seismic connect tabs 26 can be used to
connect the air moving device 10 to one or more ceiling structures in a ceiling. The seismic
connect tabs 26 can permit movement of the air moving device 10 relative to one or more
ceiling structures during the event of an earthquake or other similar event.
With continued reference to Figures 1-5 and 9, the housing member 12 can
comprise at least one air vent 28. The air vent or vents 28 can be configured to direct a
volume of air into the interior space of the air moving device 10. For example, the housing
member 12 can comprise a plurality of air vents 28 in the lower housing section 16. The
plurality of air vents 28 can be spaced directly below the ceiling support structure 20. In
some embodiments the air vents 28 can be separated by air vent guides 30. The air vent
guides 30 can comprise ring-like structures extending generally circumferentially along the
lower housing section 16. In some embodiments the outer diameters of the air vent guides 30
can decrease moving downwardly away from the ceiling support structure 20.
The air vent guides 30 can be connected to air vent face plates 32. The air
vent face plates 32 can be spaced circumferentially around the lower housing section 16. The
air vent face plates 32, in conjunction with the air vent guides 30, can be configured to direct
a volume of air inwardly through the air vents 28, and up into the interior space defined by
the housing member 12. The air vent face plates 32 can be solid structures that divide the air
vents 28 into sections or portions.
With continued reference to Figures 1-4, the air moving device 10 can
comprise a nozzle 34. The nozzle 34 can communicate with and extend downwardly from
the housing member 12. The nozzle 34 can comprise a structure for directing a volume of air
out of the air moving device 10. For example, the nozzle 34 can comprise a structure for
directing a volume of air out of the air moving device 10 that has previously entered through
the plurality of air vents 28. In some embodiments, the nozzle 34 is attached to the housing
member 12.
With reference to Figures 6 and 9, the air moving device 10 can comprise
a rotary fan assembly 36 mounted within the interior space. The rotary fan assembly 36 can
comprise an impeller 38 and a plurality of blades 40. The rotary fan assembly 36 can be
configured to direct a volume of air that has entered through the plurality of air vents 28
downwardly into the nozzle 34. The rotary fan assembly 36 can push, or force, a volume of
air downwardly within the interior space of the air moving device 10. The rotary fan
assembly 36 can comprise a motor. The rotary fan assembly 36 can comprise at least one
electrical component. The rotary fan assembly 36 can be mounted generally above the
plurality of air vents 28, such that the volume of air entering the plurality of air vents 28 is
required to travel upwardly within the interior space of the air moving device 10 before it can
enter the rotary fan assembly 36. In some embodiments, the rotary fan assembly 36 can be
mounted to the lower housing section 16. The nozzle 34 can communicate with and extend
downwardly from the rotary fan assembly 36. In some embodiments, the nozzle 34 is
attached to the rotary fan assembly 36.
With continued reference to Figures 7-9, the air moving device 10 can
include additional structures that facilitate de-stratification. For example, the nozzle 34 of
the air moving device 10 can comprise at least one stator vane 42. The stator vanes 42 can be
positioned equidistantly in a circumferential pattern within the nozzle 34. The stator vanes
46 can further direct the volume of air that has entered through the plurality of air vents 28
and has moved into the rotary fan assembly 36 and further down into the nozzle 34. For
example, the stator vanes 42 can be used to straighten a volume of air within the nozzle 34.
The stator vanes 42 can be used to force a volume of air to move in a generally columnar
direction downwardly towards the floor of a building or other structure, with minimal lateral
dispersion, similar to the devices described for example in U.S. Patent No. 12/130,909, and
U.S. Patent Application No. 12/724,799, each of which is incorporated in its entirety by
reference herein. In some embodiments, the nozzle 34 can have no stator vanes 42.
With reference to Figure 9, in some embodiments the stator vanes 42 can
comprise one or more cutouts 44. The cutouts 44 can create space for insertion, for example,
of an ionization cell (i.e. a PHI cell). The ionization cell can be used to increase the air
quality. The cutouts 44 can form a void or opening in the middle of the nozzle 34, and the
ionization cell (not shown) can be inserted into the opening for example during
manufacturing. The volume of air moving through the air moving device 10 can run past,
alongside, or through the ionization cell, and be cleaned.
With continued reference to Figures 3 and 9, in some embodiments the air
moving device 10 can comprise a longitudinal axis L that runs through a middle of the air
moving device 10. The housing member 12 can comprise an opening 46 for insertion of the
nozzle 34, and the nozzle 34 can comprise at least one spherical surface 48 configured to fit
within the opening 46 such that the nozzle 34 can be adjusted angularly relative to the
longitudinal axis L. For example, the nozzle 34 can rest within the opening 46, such that the
spherical surface 48 contacts the housing member 12, and is not rigidly attached to the
housing member 12. In this manner, the housing member 12 can act as a gimbol, allowing
pivoted rotational movement of the nozzle 34. The nozzle 34 can be moved at an angle or
angles relative the longitudinal axis L, so as to direct the column of air leaving the air moving
device 10 towards different directions. In some embodiments, the nozzle 34 can be vertical
or angled at least 10 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis L in one or more directions. In
some embodiments, the nozzle 34 can be angled at least 15 degrees relative to the
longitudinal axis L in one or more directions. In some embodiments the nozzle 30 can be
angled at least 20 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis L in one or more directions. In
some embodiments, the nozzle 34 can be angled at least 45 degrees relative to the
longitudinal axis L in one or more directions. In some embodiments the nozzle 34 can self-
lock in place once it has been repositioned. For example, the weight of the nozzle 34, and/or
the coefficients of friction of the materials used to create the nozzle 34 and housing member
12, can be such that the nozzle 34 can frictionally lock itself in place in various positions. In
some embodiments, the nozzle 34 and/or housing member 12 can incorporate one or more
mechanical or other types of mechanisms for locking the nozzle 34 in place once it has been
repositioned.
While use of a spherical surface on the nozzle 30 is described and
illustrated, other types of mechanisms could also be used to permit relative movement of the
nozzle 30, and/or to allow the nozzle 30 to be locked in place in various angular positions.
In some buildings, there are support beams, ductwork, conduit, wiring, or
other structures that would otherwise block the flow of a columnar air moving device, or
make it difficult for an air moving device to direct air to a desired area. Therefore, at least
one benefit achieved by having a nozzle 34 that can be repositioned is the fact that the air
moving device 10 can be positioned in or below a ceiling, some distance away from an area
in need of de-stratification, and the nozzle 34 can simply be adjusted so as to direct the
column of air towards that area of need.
With continued reference to Figure 9, the air moving device 10 can further
comprise at least one anti-swirl member 50. The anti-swirl member 50 can be located within
the interior space of the air moving device 10 formed by the housing member 12. In some
embodiments, one or more anti-swirl members 50 can be attached to an interior surface of the
upper housing section 14. The anti-swirl members 50 can be used to slow down and/or
inhibit swirling of air within the interior space located above the rotary fan assembly 36. For
example air can be swirling turbulently, at a top of the air moving device 10 after it has
entered the device. The anti-swirl members 50 can extend into the space where the air is
moving and slow the air down, and/or redirect the air, so that the air is directed more linearly
down towards the nozzle 34. It can be desirable to slow down and/or inhibit swirling of air,
such that the air can be directed more easily in a generally columnar pattern down through the
nozzle 34 with greater ease and efficiency. The anti-swirl members 50 can be used to inhibit
turbulence within the air moving device 10. In some embodiments, the anti-swirl members
50 can comprise one or more ribs. The ribs can extend along an inside surface of the housing
member 12. The ribs can inhibit a swirling pattern of air.
In some embodiments, the air moving device 10 can be a self-contained
unit, not connected to any ductwork, tubing, or other structure within a room or building.
The air moving device 10 can be a stand-alone de-stratification device, configured to de-
stratify air within a given space.
In some embodiments, the air moving device 10 can have an overall height
(extending from the top of the housing member 12 to the bottom of the nozzle 34) that ranges
from between approximately one foot to four feet, though other ranges are also possible. For
example, in some embodiments the air moving device 10 can have an overall height that
ranges from approximately one feet to three feet. In some embodiments the housing member
12 can have an overall outside diameter that ranges from approximately 8 inches to 30
inches, though other ranges are also possible. For example, in some embodiments the
housing member 12 can have an overall outside diameter that ranges from approximately 12
inches to 24 inches. In some embodiments, the nozzle 30 can have an outside diameter that
ranges between approximately five inches to twelve inches, though other ranges are possible.
For example, in some embodiments the nozzle 30 can have an outside diameter that ranges
from between approximately eight to ten inches. In some embodiments the air moving
device 10 can have a motor with an overall power that ranges between approximately 720
and 760 watts, though other ranges are possible. In some embodiments the air moving device
can have a motor with an overall power that can vary from approximately 10 to 740 watts.
With reference to Figures 11 and 12, an air moving system 110 can
comprise a first ceiling level 112 forming a base portion of a ceiling in a building or room.
The first ceiling level 112 can comprise a plurality of grid cells 114. Each of the grid cells
114 can be bordered by at least one grid cell periphery structure 116. In some embodiments,
at least a portion of the grid cell periphery structure 116 can have a t-shaped cross section. In
some embodiments, the grid cells 114 can comprise an open space between the grid cell
periphery structures 116. The grid cells 114 can be generally rectangular. In some
embodiments the grid cells 114 are approximately 24 inches by 24 inches in size, though
other sizes and shapes are also possible.
In some embodiments, the ceiling support structure 20 can be configured
to rest on or be attached to one or more grid cell periphery structures 116. For example, in
some embodiments the air moving device 10 can rest on two grid cell periphery structures
116. In some embodiments the air moving device can rest on four grid cell periphery
structures 116. In some embodiments, the grid cell periphery structures 16 can be configured
to support the ceiling support structure 20 and air moving device 10. In some embodiments,
the grid cell periphery structures 16 are attached to the ceiling support structure 20, for
example with at least one fastener. In some embodiments the grid cells 114 can have
generally the same outer peripheral profile as the ceiling support structure 20, such that the
ceiling support structure 20 is configured to rest on the surrounding grid cell periphery
structures 116, and the air moving device 10 fits easily within a single grid cell 114. As
described above, seismic connect tabs 26 can be used to provide further connection.
With reference to Figure 12, the air moving system 110 can further
comprise a second ceiling level 118. The second ceiling level 118 can be separated from the
first ceiling level 112 by a height H. In some embodiments, both the first and second ceiling
levels 112, 118 are generally horizontal structures. In some embodiments the first and second
ceiling levels 112, 118 are parallel to one another. As described above, and as illustrated in
Figure 12, an air moving device 10 can be configured to fit within the air moving system 10
such that the top surface 18 is located between the first and second ceiling levels 112, 118.
The low vertical profile of the air moving device 10, and in particular the upper housing
section 14, advantageously enables the air moving device to fit within this space between the
first and second ceiling levels 112, 118.
Overall, the air moving system 110 can permit multiple air moving devices
to be supported by or attached to the grid cell periphery structures 116. The air moving
devices 10 can be removed, replaced, or moved in the air moving system 110. If required,
and as described above, the nozzles 34 can be moved, pivoted, and/or rotated, depending on
where it is desired to direct air within a building or room having an air moving system 110.
In some embodiments, the air moving device system 110 can comprise a
solid ceiling structure (e.g. a drywall structure). A portion of the ceiling structure can be
removed to make room for the air moving device 10. For example, a portion of drywall or
other material can be cut out, and the air moving device 10 can be supported by and/or
mounted to the ceiling structure in the air moving device system 110, with at least a portion
of the air moving device 10 located within the cut-out portion.
Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain
preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents
thereof. In addition, while several variations of the inventions have been shown and
described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will
be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also
contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and
aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It
should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be
combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed
inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions
herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described
above.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description
and the claims, the words “comprise”, comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an
inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of
“including, but not limited to”.
Claims (19)
1. An air moving system comprising: a ceiling structure comprising a first ceiling level forming a base portion of the ceiling, the first ceiling level having a plurality of grid cells, each grid cell bordered by a grid cell periphery structure, the ceiling structure further comprising a second ceiling level separated from the first ceiling level by a first height; an air moving device positioned at least partially in contact with the ceiling structure, the air moving device comprising: a housing member forming an interior space within the air moving device, the housing member having a top surface, the housing member being positioned within the ceiling structure such that the top surface is located between the first and second ceiling levels; a ceiling support structure forming an outer peripheral edge of the air moving device and attached to the housing member, said ceiling support structure defining an exposed lower surface, the ceiling support structure supported by the grid cell periphery structure; the housing member comprising a plurality of air vents for directing a volume of air into the interior space of the air moving device, the air vents having an upstream end and a downstream end; a rotary fan assembly mounted in the interior space and supported by the ceiling structure, the rotary fan assembly comprising an impeller and a plurality of blades, the rotary fan assembly configured to direct the volume of air within the interior space; the rotary fan assembly having an upstream end and a downstream end; and a nozzle communicating with and extending downwardly from the rotary fan assembly, the nozzle comprising a structure for further directing the volume of air out of the air moving device, the nozzle defining a spherical surface which cooperates with a surface of the housing member to enable the nozzle to pivotably rotatably move with respect to a longitudinal axis of the air moving device; wherein the downstream end of the air vents is positioned adjacent the downstream end of the rotary fan assembly; and wherein the housing member comprises a plurality of ring-shaped structures of varying diameter connected to one another, wherein gaps exist between each of the plurality of ring-shaped structures, the gaps forming the plurality of air vents and wherein the surface of the housing corresponds to a widest portion of an interior of the nozzle as measured perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle.
2. The air moving system of Claim 1, wherein the ceiling support structure rests on the grid cell periphery structure.
3. The air moving system of either one of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the ceiling support structure is secured to the grid cell periphery structure by at least one fastener.
4. The air moving system of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing member comprises an upper housing member and a lower housing member, the upper housing member connected to the lower housing member.
5. The air moving system of Claim 4, wherein the rotary fan is mounted to the lower housing member.
6. The air moving system of any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the nozzle comprises at least one stator vane.
7. The air moving system of any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing member comprises at least one anti-swirl member.
8. The air moving system of any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing member comprises at least one seismic connect tab.
9. An air moving device comprising: a housing member forming an interior space within the air moving device, the housing member comprising a plurality of air vents for directing a volume of air into the interior space of the air moving device; a ceiling support structure forming an outer peripheral edge of the air moving device and attached to the housing member, the ceiling support configured to be supported by a grid cell periphery structure, wherein the ceiling support has an exposed lower surface; a rotary fan assembly mounted in the interior space, the rotary fan assembly comprising an impeller and a plurality of blades, the rotary fan assembly configured to direct the volume of air within the interior space; and a nozzle communicating with and extending downwardly from the rotary fan assembly, the nozzle defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a structure for further directing the volume of air out of the air moving device; wherein the air moving device comprises a longitudinal axis, the housing member comprises an opening for insertion of the nozzle which defines a support surface, and the nozzle comprises at least one spherical surface configured to fit within the opening and move with respect to the support surface such that the nozzle can be adjusted at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the air moving device; and wherein the at least one spherical surface corresponds to a widest portion of an interior of the nozzle as measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle and further comprising at least one ionization cell and at least one cutout configured to create a space for the ionization cell.
10. The air moving device of Claim 9, wherein the nozzle is configured to be adjustable from 0 to 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis in at least one direction.
11. The air moving device of either one of Claims 9 or 10, wherein the nozzle is configured to be locked in a plurality of different angular positions.
12. The air moving device of Claim 11 wherein the nozzle is self-locking.
13. The air moving device of any one of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the housing member comprises a plurality of ring-shaped structures of varying diameter connected to one another, wherein gaps exist between each of the ring-shaped structures, the gaps forming the plurality of air vents.
14. The air moving device of any one of Claims 9 to 13, wherein the housing member comprises an upper housing member and a lower housing member, the upper housing member connected to the lower housing member.
15. The air moving device of Claim 14, wherein the rotary fan is mounted to the lower housing member.
16. The air moving device of any one of Claims 9 to 15, wherein the nozzle comprises at least one stator vane.
17. The air moving device of any one of Claims 9 to 16, wherein the housing member comprises at least one anti-swirl member.
18. The air moving device of any one of Claims 9 to 17, wherein the housing member comprises at least one seismic connect tab.
19. An air moving device substantially as herein described with reference to
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161497446P | 2011-06-15 | 2011-06-15 | |
US61/497,446 | 2011-06-15 | ||
PCT/US2012/042309 WO2012174156A1 (en) | 2011-06-15 | 2012-06-13 | Columnar air moving devices and systems |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ618869A NZ618869A (en) | 2016-07-29 |
NZ618869B2 true NZ618869B2 (en) | 2016-11-01 |
Family
ID=
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