US20110156387A1 - Duct and the manufacturing method - Google Patents
Duct and the manufacturing method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110156387A1 US20110156387A1 US13/044,269 US201113044269A US2011156387A1 US 20110156387 A1 US20110156387 A1 US 20110156387A1 US 201113044269 A US201113044269 A US 201113044269A US 2011156387 A1 US2011156387 A1 US 2011156387A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- duct
- folded portion
- wall plate
- folded
- directions
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title description 10
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 44
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000012779 reinforcing material Substances 0.000 abstract description 18
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 25
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 25
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 24
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 13
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 12
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 6
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 238000009957 hemming Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003892 spreading Methods 0.000 description 2
- RNFJDJUURJAICM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,2,4,4,6,6-hexaphenoxy-1,3,5-triaza-2$l^{5},4$l^{5},6$l^{5}-triphosphacyclohexa-1,3,5-triene Chemical compound N=1P(OC=2C=CC=CC=2)(OC=2C=CC=CC=2)=NP(OC=2C=CC=CC=2)(OC=2C=CC=CC=2)=NP=1(OC=1C=CC=CC=1)OC1=CC=CC=C1 RNFJDJUURJAICM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003063 flame retardant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000638 solvent extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L23/00—Flanged joints
- F16L23/12—Flanged joints specially adapted for particular pipes
- F16L23/14—Flanged joints specially adapted for particular pipes for rectangular pipes
-
- 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
- F24F13/0209—Ducting arrangements characterised by their connecting means, e.g. flanges
-
- 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
- F24F13/0245—Manufacturing or assembly of air ducts; Methods therefor
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a duct for sending air or the like whose temperature is regulated, and a manufacturing method for the same.
- a plurality of ducts are provided on the inside of a structure, for example, inside of the ceiling of a building, so that an air-flow path can be formed, through which air or the like flows after its temperature is regulated.
- a duct is shaped like a box which is manufactured by cutting or bending an iron plate.
- the iron plates 101 to 104 make up a rectangular box body. Thereafter, a corner metal fitting 105 is attached to each corner part of each bent portion 101 A to 104 A to form a flange, thereby resulting in a duct 100 .
- an L-shaped reinforcing material 110 i.e., angle steel
- maybe respectively attached parallel to and a predetermined distance away from the flange, over the full periphery of the duct 100 e.g., refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-3821 specification.
- ducts having various shapes are created, and such ducts are combined to form a passage for sending air or the like.
- each reinforcing material 110 is attached to the duct 100 , as shown in FIG. 27 , in each predetermined position 111 of the reinforcing material 110 , it is joined by spot welding or a rivet.
- the reinforcing material 110 is positioned on each iron plate 101 to 104 , and in this state, the spot welding is conducted. This can increase the numbers of working processes and component parts when the duct 100 is manufactured. Besides, the reinforcing material 110 is an angle steel, and thus, the duct 100 can be heavier.
- the reinforcing material 110 is positioned on the iron plate 101 so that they can be joined together with a rivet 120 .
- the rivet 120 is driven into the reinforcing material 110 and the iron plate 101 .
- the rivet 120 ′ tip is caulked (pressed).
- a duct according to a first aspect of the present invention which has a hollow (air flow path) formed by joining a plurality of flat wall plates so that the interior surfaces of the wall plates face each other, wherein each of the wall plates includes a strip-shaped folded portion formed by folding each wall plate on the side of the exterior surface thereof.
- the folded portion is formed on the side of the exterior surface of each wall plate, so that a reinforcing portion can be provided outside of the duct.
- a duct according to a second aspect of the present invention which has a hollow formed by joining a plurality of flat wall plates so that the interior surfaces of the wall plates face each other, wherein each of the wall plates includes a strip-shaped folded portion formed by folding each wall plate on the side of the interior surface thereof.
- the folded portion is formed on the side of the interior surface of each wall plate, so that a reinforcing portion can be provided inside of the duct.
- a duct according to a third aspect of the present invention in the duct according to the first or second aspect, wherein the folded portion is formed in the directions where the hollow is formed, or in the directions which intersect the directions where the hollow is formed.
- the folded portion is formed in the directions where the hollow is formed, or in the directions which intersect the directions where the hollow is formed.
- a duct according to a fourth aspect of the present invention in the duct according to the third aspect, wherein: the folded portion in each wall plate is formed in the directions which intersect the directions where the hollow is formed; and a connecting metal fitting is provided which connects an end of each folded portion and the end of the folded portion adjacent to this end.
- each folded portion is connected by means of the connecting metal fitting, so that a reinforcing portion can be formed over the whole exterior circumference or the whole interior circumference of the duct.
- a duct according to a fifth aspect of the present invention in the duct according to the second aspect, wherein in each of the wall plates which face each other, the folded portion is formed in the directions where the hollow is formed.
- a duct according to a sixth aspect of the present invention in the duct according to the fifth aspect, wherein a reinforcing member is provided which reinforces the wall plates by connecting each folded portion.
- the folded portions are connected by means of the reinforcing member Therefore, the wall plates which face each other are connected so that the wall plates can be reinforced.
- a duct according to a seventh aspect of the present invention in the duct according to the first or second aspect, wherein a packing is provided so as to be sandwiched in the folded portion.
- a duct manufacturing method in which a hollow is formed by joining a plurality of flat wall plates, comprising the steps of: forming a strip-shaped folded portion by folding each wall plate in the exterior surface thereof; and forming the hollow by joining each wall plate so that the interior surface of each wall plate faces each other.
- a duct manufacturing method in which a hollow is formed by joining a plurality of flat wall plates, comprising the steps of: forming a strip-shaped folded portion by folding each wall plate in the interior surface thereof; and forming the hollow by joining each wall plate so that the interior surface of each wall plate faces each other.
- a duct manufacturing method in the duct manufacturing method according to the ninth aspect, wherein: in each of the wall plates which face each other, the folded portion is formed in the directions where the hollow is formed; and the wall plates are reinforced by connecting each folded portion using a reinforcing member.
- a duct manufacturing method in the duct manufacturing method according to the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein the folded portion is formed by folding each wall plate after bending each wall plate in a substantially V-shape or in a substantially reverse V-shape so that the base-end parts thereof extend vertically.
- the reinforcing portion formed by the folded portion is provided outside of the duct. Therefore, the wall plates are reinforced with this reinforcing portion, so that the duct can be reinforced.
- the reinforcing portion formed by the folded portion is provided inside of the duct. Therefore, the wall plates are reinforced with this reinforcing portion, so that the duct can be reinforced.
- the folded portion is formed in the directions (i.e., the longitudinal directions of the duct) where the hollow is formed, or in the directions (i.e., the lateral directions of the duct) which intersect such directions. Therefore, the wall plate can be easily wrought to form the folded portion, and simultaneously, the duct can be reinforced in the longitudinal and lateral directions.
- each folded portion is connected by means of the connecting metal fitting, and the reinforcing portion is provided over the duct's full exterior circumference or full interior circumference. This helps make the duct stronger.
- the folded portion in each of the wall plates which face each other, the folded portion is formed in the directions where the hollow is formed. Therefore, the duct's strength and rigidity becomes greater against a force (i.e., a bending moment) in the directions which intersect the directions where the hollow is formed.
- the folded portions are connected by means of the reinforcing member. Therefore, the wall plates which face each other are connected so that the wall plates can be reinforced. In other words, the entire duct can be reinforced.
- a packing is provided so as to be sandwiched in the folded portion. Therefore, even if a bolt insertion hole or the like is formed in the folded portion, the air or the like inside of the hollow can be prevented from leaking outside.
- the wall plate is bent in a substantially V-shape or in a substantially reverse V-shape so that its base-end parts extend vertically. Therefore, when it is folded, the base-end parts can be hindered from spreading. This makes it possible to form the folded portion whose base-end parts touch closely (or stick together).
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a duct according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wall plate of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 a is a partly enlarged perspective view of a folded portion, showing the part of a dashed-circle mark in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 3 b is a sectional view of the folded portion, showing a I-I section of FIG. 3 a.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another wall plate of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 a is a partly enlarged perspective view of a junction portion, showing the part of a dashed-circle mark in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 5 b is a sectional view of the junction portion showing its junction.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a corner metal fitting, showing its attachment.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a connecting metal fitting, showing its attachment.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the folded portion, showing a II-II section of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a duct according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connecting metal fitting according to the second embodiment, showing its attachment.
- FIG. 11 a is a perspective view of a folded portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 b is a sectional view of the folded portion, showing a section of FIG. 11 a.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a duct according to a forth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a front view of the duct of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 14 is a plan view of the duct of FIG. 12 , showing a state where a slit is formed in a process of forming its wall plate with a folded portion.
- FIG. 15 a is a plan view of the duct, showing a state where the folded portion is formed by folding the wall plate which follows the state of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 15 b is a front view of the duct, showing the same state.
- FIG. 16 a is a plan view of the duct, showing a state where the end part of the folded portion is bent and laid down which follows the state of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 16 b is a front view of the duct, showing the same state.
- FIG. 17 a is a plan view of the duct, showing a state where a bent portion is formed by bending the wall plate which follows the state of FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 17 b is a front view of the duct, showing the same state.
- FIG. 18 is an enlarged front view of the duct of FIG. 12 , showing the junction of the folded portion and a reinforcing bar.
- FIG. 19 is a right side view (or partly sectional view) of the duct, showing the junction of FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 20 is a schematic front view of the duct according to the forth embodiment, showing two pairs of folded portions and reinforcing bars provided therein.
- FIG. 21 is an enlarged front view of a folded portion according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 22 is an enlarged front view of the folded portion of FIG. 21 , showing a first step in its formation method.
- FIG. 23 is an enlarged front view of the folded portion of FIG. 21 , showing a second step in the formation method.
- FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another connecting metal fitting.
- FIG. 25 a is a plan view of an L-shaped duct, showing an example thereof.
- FIG. 25 b is a partly front view of this duct.
- FIG. 25 c is a partly left side view of the duct.
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a conventional duct.
- FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the conventional duct, showing the attachment of a reinforcing material thereto.
- FIG. 28 a is a sectional view of the reinforcing material and an iron plate, showing their junction by means of a rivet before the rivet is driven.
- FIG. 28 b is a sectional view thereof, showing the rivet is driven.
- FIG. 28 c is a sectional view thereof, showing the rivet is caulked.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a duct according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- a plurality of such ducts are joined and used on the inside of a structure, for example, inside of the ceiling of a building.
- the duct of FIG. 1 is configured by a duct body 1 , junction flanges 2 and 3 , and a reinforcing portion 4 .
- the duct body 1 is shaped like a box which has a hollow 5 to send air or the like through.
- the duct body 1 is formed by four wall plates 11 to 14 .
- the wall plates 11 to 14 are made of a steel plate, a galvanized iron plate or the like.
- both long-side edges of the wall plate 11 are each folded (hemmed) to form a junction portion 11 A.
- Each junction portion 11 A is formed with a plurality of single folds (hemming) 11 A 1 for junction and makes up a button-punch-snap fold (hemming) together with a double fold (hemming) 12 A (described later)
- a single fold on behalf of them is given a reference symbol 11 A 1 .
- This single fold 11 A 1 is formed by cutting each junction portion 11 A in a U-shape and bending this U-shaped cut part to the inside.
- the edge of each bent portion 11 B is bent at a right angle.
- a folded portion 110 is formed parallel to the bent portions 11 B of the wall plate 11 or the short sides thereof and in the middle of the wall plate 11 , as well as in the same direction as the direction in which the bent portions 11 B stand up.
- the folded portion 11 C is formed so as to bend in the middle of the wall plate 11 and protrude from the wall plate 11 's surface.
- the folded portion 110 is shaped like a strip by folding the wall plate 11 and is united with the wall plate 11 . Since the folded portion 11 C is formed by bending the wall plate 11 , the junction portions 11 A each have a notch 11 D in which each junction portion 11 A is not formed, which has a width equal to the thickness of the folded portion 11 C.
- the wall plate 11 is wrought in this way.
- the folded portion 11 C of the wall plate 11 is formed, thereafter, the junction portions 11 A are formed, and lastly, the bent portions 11 B are formed.
- the wall plate 13 is the same as the wall plate 11 .
- the wall plate 12 is wrought as follows. As shown in FIG. 4 , both long-side edges of the wall plate 12 are each folded (hemmed) to form the double fold (hemming) 12 A. Specifically, each double fold 12 A is shaped so as to fit with its corresponding junction portion 11 A of the wall plate 11 . As shown in FIG. 5 a which is an enlarged view of the part of a dashed-circle mark in FIG. 4 , it is formed so that an edge of the wall plate 12 is bent inward on the side of the wall plate 12 . Then, as shown in FIG. 5 b , each double fold 12 A of the wall plate 12 is combined in each junction portion 11 A of the wall plate 11 . Thereby, the wall plate 11 and the wall plate 12 are joined together.
- both short-side edges of the wall plate 12 are bent to form bent portions 12 B.
- a folded portion 12 C is formed parallel to the bent portions 12 B of the wall plate 12 or the short sides thereof and in the middle of the wall plate 12 , as well as in the same direction as the direction in which the bent portions 12 B stand up.
- the folded portion 12 C is formed so as to bend in the middle of the wall plate 12 and protrude from the wall plate 12 's surface.
- the folded portion 12 C is shaped like a strip by folding the wall plate 12 and is united with the wall plate 12 .
- the wall plate 12 is wrought in this way.
- the folded portion 12 C of the wall plate 12 is formed, thereafter, the double folds 12 A are formed, and lastly, the bent portions 12 B are formed.
- the wall plate 14 is the same as the wall plate 12 .
- the wall plates 11 to 14 wrought in the above described manner are disposed so that the wall plate 12 's interior surface and the wall plate 14 's interior surface are disposed so as to separate from and face each other. Then, the junction portions of the wall plate 11 and the wall plate 13 are fitted into their corresponding junction portions of the wall plate 12 and the wall plate 14 (see FIG. 5 ), so that the wall plate 11 's interior surface and the wall plate 13 's interior surface face each other. Thereby, the wall plates 11 to 14 are joined up to form a box body made up of the wall plates 11 to 14 . After this, as shown in FIG.
- an L-shaped corner metal fitting 15 is attached to the bent portion 11 B's end part and the bent portion 12 B's end part.
- the corner metal fittings 15 are attached to form the junction flange 2 and the junction flange 3 .
- the junction flange 2 and the junction flange 3 are used for its connection to another duct.
- an L-shaped connecting metal fitting 16 is attached to the folded portion 11 C's end part and the folded portion 12 C's end part.
- This connecting metal fitting 16 is formed, as shown in FIG. 8 , by a main body 16 A which has a U-shape in section to cover the folded portion 11 C, and flanges 16 B provided on both sides of the main body 16 A.
- the connecting metal fitting 16 is fixed on the wall plates 11 and 12 .
- the connecting metal fitting 16 closes the notch 11 D (see FIG. 3 ).
- the connecting metal fittings 16 are attached, and thus, the reinforcing portion 4 is formed in the directions which intersect the directions (air flow direction) where the hollow 5 is formed.
- each of the folded portions which include the folded portions 11 C and 12 C of the wall plates 11 to 14 is equivalent to a conventional reinforcing material (see FIG. 26 ).
- each folded portion of the wall plates 11 to 14 is provided so as to protrude at a right angle from its corresponding surface of the wall plates 11 to 14 . This helps reinforce the flat wall plates 11 to 14 .
- the parts between each end of the folded portions which include the folded portions 11 C and 12 C of the wall plates 11 to 14 are connected using the connecting metal fitting 16 . Thereby, the reinforcing portion 4 is formed. This makes it possible to reinforce the flat wall plates 11 to 14 more significantly than any conventional one.
- the connecting metal fittings 16 close the four notches including the notch 11 D (see FIG. 3 ).
- each folded portion including the folded portions 11 C and 12 C is set in accordance with the strength required for reinforcement. Specifically, the higher each folded portion becomes, the greater the reinforcement strength will be. Hence, the height of each folded portion is set so that a reinforcement strength suitable for the thickness, length and width of each wall plate 11 to 14 can be obtained.
- FIG. 9 shows a duct according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- component elements are given the same reference characters and numerals as those of the above described first embodiment, as long as the former are identical to the latter. Thus, their description is omitted.
- a reinforcing portion 6 corresponding to the reinforcing portion 4 according to the first embodiment is provided in the hollow 5 .
- folded portions are formed so as to protrude from the interior surfaces of the wall plates 11 to 14 in the same was as the folded portions 11 C and 12 C according to the first embodiment.
- the folded portions of the wall plates 11 to 14 are formed in the direction opposite to the direction according to the first embodiment.
- a corner part is formed by an end of a folded portion 13 D provided inside of the wall plate 13 and its corresponding end of a folded portion 14 D of the wall plate 14 .
- This corner part is covered with a connecting metal fitting 17 whose section is shaped like a U-letter. Thereby, a notch is closed which is produced in this junction portion and has a width equal to the thicknesses of the folded portion 13 D and the folded portion 14 D.
- the connecting metal fittings 17 are also attached to form the reinforcing portion 6 .
- the junction of the wall plate 13 and the wall plate 14 is not shown.
- each of the folded portions which include the folded portion 13 D and the folded portion 14 D provided in the wall plates 11 to 14 and in the hollow 5 is equivalent to a conventional reinforcing material.
- the folded portions of the wall plates 11 to 14 are provided so as to protrude at a right angle inside of the hollow 5 from the wall plates 11 to 14 .
- the corner parts of each folded portion which includes the folded portions 13 D and 14 D of the wall plates 11 to 14 are connected using the connecting metal fitting 17 .
- the reinforcing portion 6 is formed. This makes it possible to reinforce the flat wall plates 11 to 14 more significantly than any conventional one.
- the connecting metal fittings 17 close the notch in each corner, so that the duct can be kept airtight.
- the reinforcing portions according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment are as follows.
- a flat reinforcing plate 11 E is inserted into the wall plate 11 .
- the reinforcing plate 11 E is attached so as to be positioned inside of the folded portion 11 C and be closely united to the folded portion 11 C.
- the folded portion 11 C needs to be heightened. In such a case, a required reinforcement strength can be obtained while its height is kept low.
- a folded portion i.e., a reinforcing portion
- the air flow directions i.e., the longitudinal directions or axial-line directions of the duct
- folded portions 11 F and 13 F which protrude from their interior surfaces are formed in the hollow 5 's formation directions.
- the hollow 5 of the duct body 1 is shaped, as shown in FIG. 13 , like a rectangle in section whose lateral side is longer.
- a width W of the wall plates 11 and 13 located up and down is greater than a width (or height) H of the wall plates 12 and 14 located right and left.
- the duct body 1 's rigidity i.e., moment of inertia of area
- the folded portions 11 F and 13 F are formed, and further, the folded portions 11 F and 13 F are linked together by means of a reinforcing bar (i.e., the reinforcing member) 7 .
- the folded portions 11 F and 13 F are each formed, as follows, in the middle part of the wall plates 11 and 13 .
- the folded portion 13 F will be described as an example thereof.
- a line L 1 is a bending line for forming a bent portion 13 B
- lines L 2 to L 4 are bending lines for forming the folded portion 13 F.
- a slit (i.e., a cut line) S parallel to the line L 1 is formed from the line L 3 to the line L 4 .
- the wall plate 13 is folded (or bent and raised) along the lines L 2 to L 4 , so that the folded portion 13 F is formed.
- an end part 13 F 1 of the folded portion 13 F is bent and laid down along the slit S.
- the wall plate 13 is bent along the line L 1 to form the bent portion 13 B. If the folded portion 13 F and the bent portion 13 B are formed in such a manner, there is no need to cut off (or cut down) a part of the wall plate 13 . This makes it possible to improve the stock utilization, and at the same time, form it easily using a conventional folding machine or the like because it can be wrought by the common-plate method which has been used generally.
- the reinforcing bar 7 is a long (and narrow) metal plate, and its width, thickness and material are designed to have a strength necessary for reinforcing the duct body 1 .
- a bolt 71 is inserted into bolt insertion holes (not shown) formed in each end part of the reinforcing bar 7 and the folded portion 13 F.
- a nut 72 is screwed onto the bolt 71 , so that the folded portion 11 F and 13 F are connected via the reinforcing bar 7 .
- two such reinforcing bars 7 are provided in the depth directions of the hollow 5 . However, the number of such bars is set in accordance with the size of the duct body 1 , the strength necessary for its reinforcement, or the like.
- the folded portions 11 F and 13 F are formed in the hollow 5 's formation directions. Therefore, the duct body 1 's strength and rigidity become greater against a force F 1 (i.e., a bending moment) in the directions which intersect the hollow 5 's formation directions. Besides, the folded portions 11 F and 13 F are linked together by means of the reinforcing bar 7 , and thereby, the wall plates 11 and 13 are connected and reinforced. This helps reinforce the whole duct.
- each plate of the duct body 1 can be thinned.
- the duct body 1 's plate thickness is prescribed in accordance with the width W of the duct body 1 , even if the width W is great, the wall plates 11 to 14 which are thin can be used.
- the plate thickness may be 0.5 mm if the width W is 450 mm or below, and the plate thickness has to be more than 0.5 mm if the width W exceeds 450 mm.
- the width W is beyond 450 mm and is equal to, or less than, 900 mm, then a pair of such folded portions 11 F and 13 F is formed in the width's middle. Then, they are connected using the reinforcing bar 7 .
- a width W 1 (see FIG. 13 ) of each division hollow 5 a becomes 450 mm or below which is formed by partitioning it with the folded portions 11 F and 13 F and the reinforcing bar 7 .
- the duct body 1 's plate thickness can be set to 0.5 mm.
- the folded portions 11 F and 13 F and the reinforcing bar 7 make it possible to consider this in respect of its strength as if two ducts are connected to each other in the width directions.
- the duct body 1 's width W is beyond 900 mm and is equal to, or less than, 1350 mm, then as shown in FIG. 20 , two pairs of such folded portions 11 F and 13 F are formed at even intervals. Then, they are connected together using the reinforcing bar 7 . Thereby, three ducts may be regarded as being connected to each other in the width directions, so that the duct body 1 's plate thickness can be set to 0.5 mm. Further in the same way, if the duct body 1 's width W is greater than the above, then several pairs of such folded portions 11 F and 13 F are formed so that the width W 1 of each division hollow Sa becomes 450 mm or below. Then, those are connected together using the reinforcing bar 7 , and thus, the duct body 1 's plate thickness can be set to 0.5 mm.
- FIG. 21 is an enlarged front view of the folded portion 13 F according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- a packing 20 is provided so as to be sandwiched in the folded portion 13 F according to the forth embodiment.
- This packing 20 is made of a flame-retardant material, is shaped like a sheet and has a substantially identical shape with the joined surfaces of the folded portion 13 F. In other words, it is sandwiched in almost over the whole joined surfaces.
- Such a packing 20 is provided in the folded portion 13 F, as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 22 , the wall plate 13 is bent in a substantially reverse V-shape so that its base-end parts (or root part) extend vertically. Herein, this shape becomes a reverse V-shape 13 F 2 . After this, with the packing 20 located between the reverse V-shape 13 F 2 , as shown in FIG. 23 , the reverse V-shape 13 F 2 is folded so that its opening width becomes smaller. As a result, the folded portion 13 F is formed. Thereby, the packing 20 is sandwiched in the folded portion 13 F. Then, after the packing 20 is disposed, in the position which corresponds to bolt insertion holes 13 F 3 for inserting the bolt 71 which are formed in the folded portion 13 F, a bolt insertion hole is formed in the packing 20 .
- the packing 20 is sandwiched in the folded portion 13 F. Therefore, even if the bolt insertion holes 13 F 3 are formed in the folded portion 13 F, the air or the like inside of the hollow 5 can be prevented from leaking out through the bolt insertion holes 13 F 3 from a crevice (i.e., a gap between the plates put together) in the folded portion 13 F. Hence, in order to prevent a leak of the air or the like, there is no need to seal up the vicinity of the bolt insertion holes 13 F 3 , or take another such measure.
- the wall plate 13 is bent in a substantially reverse V-shape so that its base-end parts extend vertically. Therefore, when it is folded, the base-end parts can be hindered from spreading, thereby keeping the folded portion 13 F touching closely (or sticking fast) to the packing 20 .
- the folded portion 13 F is described, but in the same way, the folded portion 11 F is also provided with the packing 20 .
- the wall plate 11 is bent in a substantially V-shape so that its base-end parts extend vertically. Thereafter, it is folded so that the packing 20 is sandwiched therein, and thus, the folded portion 11 F is formed.
- such a connecting metal fitting is designed to cover such a folded portion.
- an L-shaped connecting metal fitting 18 may also be provided inside of the folded portion 11 C of the wall plate 11 and the folded portion 120 of the wall plate 12 .
- the folded portions 11 C, 12 C, 13 C and 14 C are formed (in the shape of a ring) in the same position of all the wall plates 11 to 14 .
- such folded portions may be formed only in some of the wall plates 11 to 14 , or such folded portions can also be formed in different positions.
- the duct has a rectangular sectional shape.
- the duct's sectional shape is not limited to this.
- the place where such a reinforcing portion is formed in a single such duct is not limited to one place, either.
- such a straight duct is provided whose axial line extends straight, but another type of duct may also be used.
- an L-shaped duct can be applied.
- This duct shown in the figures is configured by connecting three duct bodies 121 to 123 while changing their connection directions (i.e., axial directions).
- such folded portions are formed in the formation directions (i.e., axial directions) of the hollow 5 of each duct body 121 to 123 .
- opposite (mutual faced) such folded portions are connected via the reinforcing bar 7 .
- the present invention can also be applied to a duct other than a straight duct.
- the reinforcing member is the long reinforcing bar 7 , but depending upon the size, strength necessary for reinforcement or the like of the duct body 1 , it may also be a flat metal plate which extends in the depth directions of the hollow 5 .
Abstract
A duct is provided which there is no need to attach any reinforcing material to. This duct has a hollow 5 formed by joining a plurality of flat wall plates 11 to 14 so that the interior surfaces of the wall plates 11 to 14 face each other. The duct is provided with four folded portions including a strip-shaped folded portion 11C, 12C formed by folding each wall plate 11 to 14 on the side of the exterior surface of each wall plate 11 to 14.
Description
- This is a divisional application which claims the benefit of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/028,456, filed Feb. 8, 2008, and claims priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-320346, filed Nov. 4, 2005, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-298767, filed Nov. 2, 2006. The disclosures of the prior applications are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a duct for sending air or the like whose temperature is regulated, and a manufacturing method for the same.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- A plurality of ducts are provided on the inside of a structure, for example, inside of the ceiling of a building, so that an air-flow path can be formed, through which air or the like flows after its temperature is regulated. Such a duct is shaped like a box which is manufactured by cutting or bending an iron plate. When a duct is produced, for example, as shown in
FIG. 26 , both long-side edges of eachiron plate 101 to 104 are each folded to form a junction portion. Then, both short-side edges of eachiron plate 101 to 104 are bent to form eachbent portion 101A to 104A. Next, using the junction portion, eachiron plate 101 to 104 is connected, and this connected part is double-seamed. Thus, theiron plates 101 to 104 make up a rectangular box body. Thereafter, acorner metal fitting 105 is attached to each corner part of eachbent portion 101A to 104A to form a flange, thereby resulting in aduct 100. In theduct 100, in order to reinforce eachiron plate 101 to 104, an L-shaped reinforcing material 110 (i.e., angle steel) maybe respectively attached parallel to and a predetermined distance away from the flange, over the full periphery of the duct 100 (e.g., refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-3821 specification). - In a similar manner, ducts having various shapes are created, and such ducts are combined to form a passage for sending air or the like.
- However, the above described
duct 100 has the following disadvantages. When each reinforcingmaterial 110 is attached to theduct 100, as shown inFIG. 27 , in eachpredetermined position 111 of the reinforcingmaterial 110, it is joined by spot welding or a rivet. - In the case of spot welding, the reinforcing
material 110 is positioned on eachiron plate 101 to 104, and in this state, the spot welding is conducted. This can increase the numbers of working processes and component parts when theduct 100 is manufactured. Besides, the reinforcingmaterial 110 is an angle steel, and thus, theduct 100 can be heavier. - In the case of the junction by means of a rivet, as shown in
FIG. 28 a, thereinforcing material 110 is positioned on theiron plate 101 so that they can be joined together with arivet 120. Next, as shown inFIG. 28 b, therivet 120 is driven into thereinforcing material 110 and theiron plate 101. Then, as shown inFIG. 28 c, therivet 120′ tip is caulked (pressed). When the junction is conducted by means of a rivet, in the same way as spot welding, the reinforcingmaterial 110 is positioned on eachiron plate 101 to 104 and is subjected to the spot welding with kept positioned. This raises disadvantages in that the numbers of working processes and component parts will increase in theduct 100's production, as well as theduct 100 will be heavier. Besides, in the process of attaching the reinforcingmaterial 110, therivet 120 is driven and caulked. Such a working process can make a loud noise. In addition, if therivet 120 is incompletely caulked, air may pass from a hole in the part where therivet 120 is driven. This makes it impossible to maintain the airtightness of theduct 100. - In order to resolve the above described disadvantages, it is an object of the present invention to provide a duct to which there is no need to attach any reinforcing material, and a manufacturing method for this duct.
- In order to resolve those disadvantages, a duct according to a first aspect of the present invention which has a hollow (air flow path) formed by joining a plurality of flat wall plates so that the interior surfaces of the wall plates face each other, wherein each of the wall plates includes a strip-shaped folded portion formed by folding each wall plate on the side of the exterior surface thereof.
- According to the first aspect of the present invention, the folded portion is formed on the side of the exterior surface of each wall plate, so that a reinforcing portion can be provided outside of the duct.
- A duct according to a second aspect of the present invention which has a hollow formed by joining a plurality of flat wall plates so that the interior surfaces of the wall plates face each other, wherein each of the wall plates includes a strip-shaped folded portion formed by folding each wall plate on the side of the interior surface thereof.
- According to the second aspect of the present invention, the folded portion is formed on the side of the interior surface of each wall plate, so that a reinforcing portion can be provided inside of the duct.
- A duct according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the duct according to the first or second aspect, wherein the folded portion is formed in the directions where the hollow is formed, or in the directions which intersect the directions where the hollow is formed.
- According to the third aspect of the present invention, the folded portion is formed in the directions where the hollow is formed, or in the directions which intersect the directions where the hollow is formed.
- A duct according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the duct according to the third aspect, wherein: the folded portion in each wall plate is formed in the directions which intersect the directions where the hollow is formed; and a connecting metal fitting is provided which connects an end of each folded portion and the end of the folded portion adjacent to this end.
- According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, each folded portion is connected by means of the connecting metal fitting, so that a reinforcing portion can be formed over the whole exterior circumference or the whole interior circumference of the duct.
- A duct according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the duct according to the second aspect, wherein in each of the wall plates which face each other, the folded portion is formed in the directions where the hollow is formed.
- A duct according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the duct according to the fifth aspect, wherein a reinforcing member is provided which reinforces the wall plates by connecting each folded portion.
- According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the folded portions are connected by means of the reinforcing member Therefore, the wall plates which face each other are connected so that the wall plates can be reinforced.
- A duct according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the duct according to the first or second aspect, wherein a packing is provided so as to be sandwiched in the folded portion.
- A duct manufacturing method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention in which a hollow is formed by joining a plurality of flat wall plates, comprising the steps of: forming a strip-shaped folded portion by folding each wall plate in the exterior surface thereof; and forming the hollow by joining each wall plate so that the interior surface of each wall plate faces each other.
- A duct manufacturing method according to a ninth aspect of the present invention in which a hollow is formed by joining a plurality of flat wall plates, comprising the steps of: forming a strip-shaped folded portion by folding each wall plate in the interior surface thereof; and forming the hollow by joining each wall plate so that the interior surface of each wall plate faces each other.
- A duct manufacturing method according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the duct manufacturing method according to the ninth aspect, wherein: in each of the wall plates which face each other, the folded portion is formed in the directions where the hollow is formed; and the wall plates are reinforced by connecting each folded portion using a reinforcing member.
- A duct manufacturing method according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the duct manufacturing method according to the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein the folded portion is formed by folding each wall plate after bending each wall plate in a substantially V-shape or in a substantially reverse V-shape so that the base-end parts thereof extend vertically.
- According to the first aspect and the eighth aspect of the present invention, the reinforcing portion formed by the folded portion is provided outside of the duct. Therefore, the wall plates are reinforced with this reinforcing portion, so that the duct can be reinforced.
- According to the second aspect and the ninth aspect of the present invention, the reinforcing portion formed by the folded portion is provided inside of the duct. Therefore, the wall plates are reinforced with this reinforcing portion, so that the duct can be reinforced.
- According to the third aspect of the present invention, the folded portion is formed in the directions (i.e., the longitudinal directions of the duct) where the hollow is formed, or in the directions (i.e., the lateral directions of the duct) which intersect such directions. Therefore, the wall plate can be easily wrought to form the folded portion, and simultaneously, the duct can be reinforced in the longitudinal and lateral directions.
- According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, each folded portion is connected by means of the connecting metal fitting, and the reinforcing portion is provided over the duct's full exterior circumference or full interior circumference. This helps make the duct stronger.
- According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in each of the wall plates which face each other, the folded portion is formed in the directions where the hollow is formed. Therefore, the duct's strength and rigidity becomes greater against a force (i.e., a bending moment) in the directions which intersect the directions where the hollow is formed.
- According to the sixth aspect and the tenth aspect of the present invention, the folded portions are connected by means of the reinforcing member. Therefore, the wall plates which face each other are connected so that the wall plates can be reinforced. In other words, the entire duct can be reinforced.
- In addition, according to these aspects of the present invention, there is no need to attach a reinforcing material such as an angle steel.
- According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a packing is provided so as to be sandwiched in the folded portion. Therefore, even if a bolt insertion hole or the like is formed in the folded portion, the air or the like inside of the hollow can be prevented from leaking outside.
- According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the wall plate is bent in a substantially V-shape or in a substantially reverse V-shape so that its base-end parts extend vertically. Therefore, when it is folded, the base-end parts can be hindered from spreading. This makes it possible to form the folded portion whose base-end parts touch closely (or stick together).
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a duct according to a first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wall plate ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 a is a partly enlarged perspective view of a folded portion, showing the part of a dashed-circle mark inFIG. 2 .FIG. 3 b is a sectional view of the folded portion, showing a I-I section ofFIG. 3 a. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another wall plate ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 a is a partly enlarged perspective view of a junction portion, showing the part of a dashed-circle mark inFIG. 4 .FIG. 5 b is a sectional view of the junction portion showing its junction. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a corner metal fitting, showing its attachment. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a connecting metal fitting, showing its attachment. -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the folded portion, showing a II-II section ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a duct according to a second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connecting metal fitting according to the second embodiment, showing its attachment. -
FIG. 11 a is a perspective view of a folded portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 11 b is a sectional view of the folded portion, showing a section ofFIG. 11 a. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a duct according to a forth embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is a front view of the duct ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 14 is a plan view of the duct ofFIG. 12 , showing a state where a slit is formed in a process of forming its wall plate with a folded portion. -
FIG. 15 a is a plan view of the duct, showing a state where the folded portion is formed by folding the wall plate which follows the state ofFIG. 14 .FIG. 15 b is a front view of the duct, showing the same state. -
FIG. 16 a is a plan view of the duct, showing a state where the end part of the folded portion is bent and laid down which follows the state ofFIG. 15 .FIG. 16 b is a front view of the duct, showing the same state. -
FIG. 17 a is a plan view of the duct, showing a state where a bent portion is formed by bending the wall plate which follows the state ofFIG. 16 .FIG. 17 b is a front view of the duct, showing the same state. -
FIG. 18 is an enlarged front view of the duct ofFIG. 12 , showing the junction of the folded portion and a reinforcing bar. -
FIG. 19 is a right side view (or partly sectional view) of the duct, showing the junction ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 20 is a schematic front view of the duct according to the forth embodiment, showing two pairs of folded portions and reinforcing bars provided therein. -
FIG. 21 is an enlarged front view of a folded portion according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 22 is an enlarged front view of the folded portion ofFIG. 21 , showing a first step in its formation method. -
FIG. 23 is an enlarged front view of the folded portion ofFIG. 21 , showing a second step in the formation method. -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another connecting metal fitting. -
FIG. 25 a is a plan view of an L-shaped duct, showing an example thereof.FIG. 25 b is a partly front view of this duct.FIG. 25 c is a partly left side view of the duct. -
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a conventional duct. -
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the conventional duct, showing the attachment of a reinforcing material thereto. -
FIG. 28 a is a sectional view of the reinforcing material and an iron plate, showing their junction by means of a rivet before the rivet is driven.FIG. 28 b is a sectional view thereof, showing the rivet is driven.FIG. 28 c is a sectional view thereof, showing the rivet is caulked. - Next, a duct according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a duct according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of such ducts are joined and used on the inside of a structure, for example, inside of the ceiling of a building. The duct ofFIG. 1 is configured by aduct body 1,junction flanges portion 4. Theduct body 1 is shaped like a box which has a hollow 5 to send air or the like through. Theduct body 1 is formed by fourwall plates 11 to 14. Thewall plates 11 to 14 are made of a steel plate, a galvanized iron plate or the like. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , both long-side edges of thewall plate 11 are each folded (hemmed) to form ajunction portion 11A. Eachjunction portion 11A is formed with a plurality of single folds (hemming) 11A1 for junction and makes up a button-punch-snap fold (hemming) together with a double fold (hemming) 12A (described later) InFIG. 2 , a single fold on behalf of them is given areference symbol 11A1. Thissingle fold 11A1 is formed by cutting eachjunction portion 11A in a U-shape and bending this U-shaped cut part to the inside. The edge of eachbent portion 11B is bent at a right angle. In thewall plate 11, a foldedportion 110 is formed parallel to thebent portions 11B of thewall plate 11 or the short sides thereof and in the middle of thewall plate 11, as well as in the same direction as the direction in which thebent portions 11B stand up. As shown inFIG. 3 a which is an enlarged view of the part of a dashed-circle mark inFIG. 2 , the foldedportion 11C is formed so as to bend in the middle of thewall plate 11 and protrude from thewall plate 11's surface. In other words, as shown inFIG. 3 b, the foldedportion 110 is shaped like a strip by folding thewall plate 11 and is united with thewall plate 11. Since the foldedportion 11C is formed by bending thewall plate 11, thejunction portions 11A each have anotch 11D in which eachjunction portion 11A is not formed, which has a width equal to the thickness of the foldedportion 11C. - The
wall plate 11 is wrought in this way. In this embodiment, the foldedportion 11C of thewall plate 11 is formed, thereafter, thejunction portions 11A are formed, and lastly, thebent portions 11B are formed. Thewall plate 13 is the same as thewall plate 11. - The
wall plate 12 is wrought as follows. As shown inFIG. 4 , both long-side edges of thewall plate 12 are each folded (hemmed) to form the double fold (hemming) 12A. Specifically, eachdouble fold 12A is shaped so as to fit with its correspondingjunction portion 11A of thewall plate 11. As shown inFIG. 5 a which is an enlarged view of the part of a dashed-circle mark inFIG. 4 , it is formed so that an edge of thewall plate 12 is bent inward on the side of thewall plate 12. Then, as shown inFIG. 5 b, eachdouble fold 12A of thewall plate 12 is combined in eachjunction portion 11A of thewall plate 11. Thereby, thewall plate 11 and thewall plate 12 are joined together. In the same way as thewall plate 11, both short-side edges of thewall plate 12 are bent to formbent portions 12B. Further, in thewall plate 12, similarly to thewall plate 11, a foldedportion 12C is formed parallel to thebent portions 12B of thewall plate 12 or the short sides thereof and in the middle of thewall plate 12, as well as in the same direction as the direction in which thebent portions 12B stand up. The foldedportion 12C is formed so as to bend in the middle of thewall plate 12 and protrude from thewall plate 12's surface. In other words, in the same way as the foldedportion 11C, the foldedportion 12C is shaped like a strip by folding thewall plate 12 and is united with thewall plate 12. - The
wall plate 12 is wrought in this way. In this embodiment, similarly to thewall plate 11, the foldedportion 12C of thewall plate 12 is formed, thereafter, thedouble folds 12A are formed, and lastly, thebent portions 12B are formed. Thewall plate 14 is the same as thewall plate 12. - The
wall plates 11 to 14 wrought in the above described manner are disposed so that thewall plate 12's interior surface and thewall plate 14's interior surface are disposed so as to separate from and face each other. Then, the junction portions of thewall plate 11 and thewall plate 13 are fitted into their corresponding junction portions of thewall plate 12 and the wall plate 14 (seeFIG. 5 ), so that thewall plate 11's interior surface and thewall plate 13's interior surface face each other. Thereby, thewall plates 11 to 14 are joined up to form a box body made up of thewall plates 11 to 14. After this, as shown inFIG. 6 , for example, in order to connect inter-end parts formed between an end of eachbent portion 11B of thewall plate 11 and its corresponding end of eachbent portion 12B of thewall plate 12, an L-shaped corner metal fitting 15 is attached to thebent portion 11B's end part and thebent portion 12B's end part. Likewise to the other inter-end parts, thecorner metal fittings 15 are attached to form thejunction flange 2 and thejunction flange 3. Thejunction flange 2 and thejunction flange 3 are used for its connection to another duct. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , for example, in order to connect inter-end parts formed between an end of the foldedportion 11C of thewall plate 11 and its corresponding end of the foldedportion 12C of thewall plate 12, an L-shaped connecting metal fitting 16 is attached to the foldedportion 11C's end part and the foldedportion 12C's end part. This connecting metal fitting 16 is formed, as shown inFIG. 8 , by amain body 16A which has a U-shape in section to cover the foldedportion 11C, andflanges 16B provided on both sides of themain body 16A. After themain body 16A is attached to the foldedportions flanges 16B is subjected to spot welding, so that the connecting metal fitting 16 is fixed on thewall plates notch 11D (seeFIG. 3 ). To the other notch parts alike, the connectingmetal fittings 16 are attached, and thus, the reinforcingportion 4 is formed in the directions which intersect the directions (air flow direction) where the hollow 5 is formed. - Each of the folded portions which include the folded
portions wall plates 11 to 14 is equivalent to a conventional reinforcing material (seeFIG. 26 ). Specifically, each folded portion of thewall plates 11 to 14 is provided so as to protrude at a right angle from its corresponding surface of thewall plates 11 to 14. This helps reinforce theflat wall plates 11 to 14. Besides, the parts between each end of the folded portions which include the foldedportions wall plates 11 to 14 are connected using the connectingmetal fitting 16. Thereby, the reinforcingportion 4 is formed. This makes it possible to reinforce theflat wall plates 11 to 14 more significantly than any conventional one. In addition, the connectingmetal fittings 16 close the four notches including thenotch 11D (seeFIG. 3 ). This contributes to keeping the duct airtight. Herein, the height of each folded portion including the foldedportions wall plate 11 to 14 can be obtained. - As described above, according to this embodiment, because of the reinforcing
portion 4 formed by bending thewall plates 11 to 14, there is no need for a conventional L-shaped reinforcing material. This makes it possible to drastically reduce the numbers of working processes and component parts in producing the duct, compared with those of any conventional one, as well as diminish the duct's weight. Furthermore, a conventional L-shaped reinforcing material is not required, so that a loud noise can be prevented from being produced by driving a rivet in a working process. Moreover, air can be kept from leaking due to a rivet, thus maintaining the airtightness of the duct securely. -
FIG. 9 shows a duct according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In each of the second to fifth embodiments, component elements are given the same reference characters and numerals as those of the above described first embodiment, as long as the former are identical to the latter. Thus, their description is omitted. InFIG. 9 , the parts of thejunction flange 2 and thejunction flange 3 which are concealed from view are omitted. In this embodiment, a reinforcingportion 6 corresponding to the reinforcingportion 4 according to the first embodiment is provided in the hollow 5. Specifically, folded portions are formed so as to protrude from the interior surfaces of thewall plates 11 to 14 in the same was as the foldedportions wall plates 11 to 14 are formed in the direction opposite to the direction according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown inFIG. 10 , a corner part is formed by an end of a foldedportion 13D provided inside of thewall plate 13 and its corresponding end of a foldedportion 14D of thewall plate 14. This corner part is covered with a connecting metal fitting 17 whose section is shaped like a U-letter. Thereby, a notch is closed which is produced in this junction portion and has a width equal to the thicknesses of the foldedportion 13D and the foldedportion 14D. To the other corner parts, the connectingmetal fittings 17 are also attached to form the reinforcingportion 6. Incidentally, inFIG. 10 , the junction of thewall plate 13 and thewall plate 14 is not shown. - In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, each of the folded portions which include the folded
portion 13D and the foldedportion 14D provided in thewall plates 11 to 14 and in the hollow 5 is equivalent to a conventional reinforcing material. Specifically, the folded portions of thewall plates 11 to 14 are provided so as to protrude at a right angle inside of the hollow 5 from thewall plates 11 to 14. This helps reinforce theflat wall plates 11 to 14. Besides, the corner parts of each folded portion which includes the foldedportions wall plates 11 to 14 are connected using the connectingmetal fitting 17. Thereby, the reinforcingportion 6 is formed. This makes it possible to reinforce theflat wall plates 11 to 14 more significantly than any conventional one. In addition, the connectingmetal fittings 17 close the notch in each corner, so that the duct can be kept airtight. - In a third embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing portions according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment are as follows. For example, in the folded
portion 11C of the wall plate 11 (seeFIG. 3 ), as shown inFIG. 11 a, when thewall plate 11 is bent in its middle, a flat reinforcingplate 11E is inserted into thewall plate 11. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 11 b, the reinforcingplate 11E is attached so as to be positioned inside of the foldedportion 11C and be closely united to the foldedportion 11C. This makes it possible to strengthen the foldedportion 11C further. For example, in order to obtain a necessary reinforcement strength using only the foldedportion 11C, the foldedportion 11C needs to be heightened. In such a case, a required reinforcement strength can be obtained while its height is kept low. - In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a folded portion (i.e., a reinforcing portion) is formed in the air flow directions (i.e., the longitudinal directions or axial-line directions of the duct) where the hollow 5 is formed. Specifically, as shown in
FIG. 12 , in each of thewall plate 11 and thewall plate 13 which face each other, foldedportions - In this embodiment, the hollow 5 of the
duct body 1 is shaped, as shown inFIG. 13 , like a rectangle in section whose lateral side is longer. Hence, a width W of thewall plates wall plates wall plates duct body 1, theduct body 1's rigidity (i.e., moment of inertia of area) is lower than the case where it is vertically positioned. In order to enhance theduct body 1's strength and rigidity, the foldedportions portions - The folded
portions wall plates portion 13F will be described as an example thereof. - First, in
FIG. 14 , a line L1 is a bending line for forming abent portion 13B, and lines L2 to L4 are bending lines for forming the foldedportion 13F. Then, slightly inside (on the side opposite to its edge) from the line L1, a slit (i.e., a cut line) S parallel to the line L1 is formed from the line L3 to the line L4. Next, as shown inFIG. 15 , thewall plate 13 is folded (or bent and raised) along the lines L2 to L4, so that the foldedportion 13F is formed. Sequentially, as shown inFIG. 16 , an end part 13F1 of the foldedportion 13F is bent and laid down along the slit S. Then, as shown inFIG. 17 , thewall plate 13 is bent along the line L1 to form thebent portion 13B. If the foldedportion 13F and thebent portion 13B are formed in such a manner, there is no need to cut off (or cut down) a part of thewall plate 13. This makes it possible to improve the stock utilization, and at the same time, form it easily using a conventional folding machine or the like because it can be wrought by the common-plate method which has been used generally. - The reinforcing
bar 7 is a long (and narrow) metal plate, and its width, thickness and material are designed to have a strength necessary for reinforcing theduct body 1. As shown inFIGS. 18 and 19 , abolt 71 is inserted into bolt insertion holes (not shown) formed in each end part of the reinforcingbar 7 and the foldedportion 13F. Then, anut 72 is screwed onto thebolt 71, so that the foldedportion bar 7. In this embodiment, two such reinforcingbars 7 are provided in the depth directions of the hollow 5. However, the number of such bars is set in accordance with the size of theduct body 1, the strength necessary for its reinforcement, or the like. - According to the above described configuration, in each of the
wall plate 11 and thewall plate 13 which face each other, the foldedportions duct body 1's strength and rigidity become greater against a force F1 (i.e., a bending moment) in the directions which intersect the hollow 5's formation directions. Besides, the foldedportions bar 7, and thereby, thewall plates - In this way, the entire duct is reinforced, so that each plate of the
duct body 1 can be thinned. In other words, in the case where theduct body 1's plate thickness is prescribed in accordance with the width W of theduct body 1, even if the width W is great, thewall plates 11 to 14 which are thin can be used. - For example, let's assume that the plate thickness may be 0.5 mm if the width W is 450 mm or below, and the plate thickness has to be more than 0.5 mm if the width W exceeds 450 mm. At this time, if the width W is beyond 450 mm and is equal to, or less than, 900 mm, then a pair of such folded
portions bar 7. Thereby, a width W1 (seeFIG. 13 ) of each division hollow 5 a becomes 450 mm or below which is formed by partitioning it with the foldedportions bar 7. Thus, theduct body 1's plate thickness can be set to 0.5 mm. In other words, the foldedportions bar 7 make it possible to consider this in respect of its strength as if two ducts are connected to each other in the width directions. - Similarly, if the
duct body 1's width W is beyond 900 mm and is equal to, or less than, 1350 mm, then as shown inFIG. 20 , two pairs of such foldedportions bar 7. Thereby, three ducts may be regarded as being connected to each other in the width directions, so that theduct body 1's plate thickness can be set to 0.5 mm. Further in the same way, if theduct body 1's width W is greater than the above, then several pairs of such foldedportions bar 7, and thus, theduct body 1's plate thickness can be set to 0.5 mm. -
FIG. 21 is an enlarged front view of the foldedportion 13F according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a packing 20 is provided so as to be sandwiched in the foldedportion 13F according to the forth embodiment. This packing 20 is made of a flame-retardant material, is shaped like a sheet and has a substantially identical shape with the joined surfaces of the foldedportion 13F. In other words, it is sandwiched in almost over the whole joined surfaces. - Such a packing 20 is provided in the folded
portion 13F, as follows. First, as shown inFIG. 22 , thewall plate 13 is bent in a substantially reverse V-shape so that its base-end parts (or root part) extend vertically. Herein, this shape becomes a reverse V-shape 13F2. After this, with the packing 20 located between the reverse V-shape 13F2, as shown inFIG. 23 , the reverse V-shape 13F2 is folded so that its opening width becomes smaller. As a result, the foldedportion 13F is formed. Thereby, the packing 20 is sandwiched in the foldedportion 13F. Then, after the packing 20 is disposed, in the position which corresponds to bolt insertion holes 13F3 for inserting thebolt 71 which are formed in the foldedportion 13F, a bolt insertion hole is formed in the packing 20. - In this way, the packing 20 is sandwiched in the folded
portion 13F. Therefore, even if the bolt insertion holes 13F3 are formed in the foldedportion 13F, the air or the like inside of the hollow 5 can be prevented from leaking out through the bolt insertion holes 13F3 from a crevice (i.e., a gap between the plates put together) in the foldedportion 13F. Hence, in order to prevent a leak of the air or the like, there is no need to seal up the vicinity of the bolt insertion holes 13F3, or take another such measure. In addition, when the foldedportion 13F is formed, thewall plate 13 is bent in a substantially reverse V-shape so that its base-end parts extend vertically. Therefore, when it is folded, the base-end parts can be hindered from spreading, thereby keeping the foldedportion 13F touching closely (or sticking fast) to the packing 20. - Herein, the folded
portion 13F is described, but in the same way, the foldedportion 11F is also provided with the packing 20. In this case, thewall plate 11 is bent in a substantially V-shape so that its base-end parts extend vertically. Thereafter, it is folded so that the packing 20 is sandwiched therein, and thus, the foldedportion 11F is formed. - Hereinbefore, the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention are described in detail. However, concrete configurations thereof are not limited to each embodiment. Therefore, unless changes and modifications in design depart from the scope of the present invention, they should be construed as being included therein. For example, in the first to third embodiments, such a connecting metal fitting is designed to cover such a folded portion. However, as shown in
FIG. 24 , for example, an L-shaped connecting metal fitting 18 may also be provided inside of the foldedportion 11C of thewall plate 11 and the foldedportion 120 of thewall plate 12. Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the foldedportions wall plates 11 to 14. However, such folded portions may be formed only in some of thewall plates 11 to 14, or such folded portions can also be formed in different positions. - Moreover, in each embodiment, the duct has a rectangular sectional shape. However, the duct's sectional shape is not limited to this. Besides, the place where such a reinforcing portion is formed in a single such duct is not limited to one place, either.
- In addition, in each embodiment, such a straight duct is provided whose axial line extends straight, but another type of duct may also be used. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 25 a to 25 c, an L-shaped duct can be applied. This duct shown in the figures is configured by connecting threeduct bodies 121 to 123 while changing their connection directions (i.e., axial directions). In the same way as the fourth embodiment, such folded portions are formed in the formation directions (i.e., axial directions) of the hollow 5 of eachduct body 121 to 123. Then, opposite (mutual faced) such folded portions are connected via the reinforcingbar 7. Hence, the present invention can also be applied to a duct other than a straight duct. Besides, the fourth embodiment, the reinforcing member is the long reinforcingbar 7, but depending upon the size, strength necessary for reinforcement or the like of theduct body 1, it may also be a flat metal plate which extends in the depth directions of the hollow 5.
Claims (4)
1. A duct which has a hollow formed by joining a plurality of flat wall plates so that the interior surfaces of the wall plates face each other,
wherein each of the wall plates includes a strip-shaped folded portion formed by folding each wall plate on the side of the exterior surface thereof and
wherein the folded portion is formed in the directions where the hollow is formed, or in the directions which intersect the directions where the hollow is formed.
2. A duct which has a hollow formed by joining a plurality of flat wall plates so that the interior surfaces of the wall plates face each other,
wherein each of the wall plates includes a strip-shaped folded portion formed by folding each wall plate on the side of the interior surface thereof, and
wherein the folded portion is formed in the directions where the hollow is formed, or in the directions which intersect the directions where the hollow is formed.
3. The image formation apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein in each of the wall plates which face each other, the folded portion is formed in the directions where the hollow is formed.
4. The image formation apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein a reinforcing member is provided which reinforces the wall plates by connecting each folded portion.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/044,269 US20110156387A1 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2011-03-09 | Duct and the manufacturing method |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2005-320346 | 2005-11-04 | ||
JP2005320346 | 2005-11-04 | ||
JP2006298767A JP4814757B2 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2006-11-02 | duct |
JP2006-298767 | 2006-11-02 | ||
US12/028,456 US20090200801A1 (en) | 2008-02-08 | 2008-02-08 | Duct and the manufacturing method |
US13/044,269 US20110156387A1 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2011-03-09 | Duct and the manufacturing method |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/028,456 Division US20090200801A1 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2008-02-08 | Duct and the manufacturing method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110156387A1 true US20110156387A1 (en) | 2011-06-30 |
Family
ID=40938275
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/028,456 Abandoned US20090200801A1 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2008-02-08 | Duct and the manufacturing method |
US13/044,269 Abandoned US20110156387A1 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2011-03-09 | Duct and the manufacturing method |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/028,456 Abandoned US20090200801A1 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2008-02-08 | Duct and the manufacturing method |
Country Status (1)
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US (2) | US20090200801A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9200729B2 (en) | 2013-05-24 | 2015-12-01 | Paul E. HOBBS | Combination hanger and reinforcement bracket |
DE102014108204B4 (en) * | 2013-08-14 | 2020-12-10 | Silvio Suppressa | Protective cap to protect a connection point and protective cap strips |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2475269B (en) * | 2009-11-12 | 2015-01-14 | Nuaire Ltd | A double skin panel |
FR2994472A1 (en) * | 2012-08-10 | 2014-02-14 | Raymond Guionie | Ventilation duct for draining of wet wall in old house, has set of straight elements that are able to be sealed end to end to form duct of desired length, and set of folds arranged in section of duct for supporting air flow |
US10809776B2 (en) * | 2018-10-03 | 2020-10-20 | Asia Vital Components (China) Co., Ltd. | Water block mounting holder with reinforced structure |
JP2021173447A (en) * | 2020-04-22 | 2021-11-01 | 高砂熱学工業株式会社 | Duct and method of manufacturing the same |
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DE102014108204B4 (en) * | 2013-08-14 | 2020-12-10 | Silvio Suppressa | Protective cap to protect a connection point and protective cap strips |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20090200801A1 (en) | 2009-08-13 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |