WO2019171243A1

WO2019171243A1 - Channel component for air distribution systems

Info

Publication number: WO2019171243A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/051719
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gabriel PISTORIUS; Michael Wind; Thomas Doll
Original assignee: Zehnder Group International Ag; Ruch Novaplast Gmbh + Co. Kg
Priority date: 2018-03-07
Filing date: 2019-03-04
Publication date: 2019-09-12
Also published as: DE102018001820A1; EP3762660A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a channel component consisting of a plastic particle foam, particularly for air distribution or ventilation systems comprising a plurality of channel elements which are interconnected in an airtight manner and form an insulating layer at least partially surrounding a cavity. The channel component is stabilised by means of injection-moulded frame elements that can be connected, on the open ends thereof, to the channel elements surrounding a cavity. The frame elements consist of few individual parts and furthermore have connection geometries which allow channel components to be interconnected in an airtight manner in order to produce a flexibly adaptable channel system. The invention also relates to a method for producing an airtight channel system by assembling channel components consisting of channel elements and frame elements according to the invention.

Description

Duct component for air distribution systems

The invention relates to a channel component made of a plastic particle foam, in particular for air distribution or ventilation systems, which comprises a plurality of channel elements, which can be airtight interconnected and modularly assembled by means of injection-molded frame members to allow flexible adaptation to predetermined environmental conditions.

Moreover, the invention relates to a method for producing a

Channel system by assembling channel components according to the invention of a plurality of channel elements and frame elements.

Modern construction projects are already equipped with living room ventilation systems. In addition, new buildings must have a climate-neutral balance by 2020, which is hardly possible without ventilation in the living space. But also

Existing buildings are being retrofitted to create a pleasant living environment. Controlled ventilation requires high energy insulation in order to regulate indoor humidity as effectively and safely as possible. On the other hand, it is considered a comfort feature for a high-quality equipment of the apartment or the property. A living room ventilation in the building consists of a

Ventilation device and an air distribution system together, preferably in

Hidden floor or the walls. The air exchange is from the

Air handling unit independently controlled. Many ventilation systems included as well

Functional units such as sensors or temperature sensors, for example, to measure the temperature of the intake air to avoid possible icing.

Modern home ventilation systems also operate energy-efficient: a powerful heat exchanger removes up to 98 percent of the heat contained in the exhaust air and uses them to heat the incoming fresh air, which significantly lower energy requirements and a reduction in C02 emissions, which in turn relieves the burden on the environment.

Air distribution systems or ventilation systems for ventilation or

Dedusting can also be found in other areas such as industrial buildings, large buildings or vehicles such as automobiles or

Airplanes for the air conditioning of passenger cabins.

For the above applications channel systems are known, which are made of galvanized sheet steel, aluminum or PVC and consist of cutable pipes or channels and can be connected, for example, with corner or elbow pieces. These have the disadvantage that the channel system often still has to be subsequently isolated in order to avoid freezing or condensation. Also have components of the aforementioned materials

relatively high weight, which leads to increased transport costs.

To overcome these disadvantages, channel systems have already been developed from foamed components with advantageous properties such as low weight, good insulation, impact absorption, load capacity and durability. In particular, rigid foams made of polyurethane, but also tubular elements made of plastic or foam particles, for example, EPP (expanded polypropylene) or EPS (expanded polystyrene) were used. These plugged components regularly have the disadvantage that they are very unstable and a low

Have tensile strength. The sealing and the achievement of tightness over long sealing surfaces are complex. The efforts to standardize such components for cost-effective production continue to lead to the fact that it is often difficult to map all desired or necessary channel functionalizations with the existing components in order to achieve a consistent tightness.

The invention has for its object to provide a channel component of a few differing items to be able to produce a modular and flexibly adaptable channel system for different applications, the advantageous properties such as light weight, Insulation, soundproofing, high tightness and a rigid, tight and easy to disassemble and mount the components together, but it offers the ability to integrate any channel functionalizations.

This object is achieved by the design of a channel component with the features of claim 1. It is envisaged that an inventive

Channel component of a plastic particle foam comprises a plurality of channel elements which are plugged together and latched at least partially form a cavity. The plastic particle foam is an insulating layer with integrated heat or cold insulation and consists of plastic or

Foam particles, for example made of EPP (expanded polypropylene) or EPS (expanded polystyrene). The shape of the channel elements is chosen so that a large number of combinations is made possible with a small number of different shapes. The channel elements are equipped at their side surfaces with at least one connecting device with mutually engageable Verrastungs- elements. These connection devices allow

Channel elements simply zusammenzustecken and airtight to lock. In addition, a channel component according to the invention consists of at least one

injection-molded frame member positioned at the open channel end and consisting of at least two separate parts and having a geometry to connect, seal and stabilize channel members. The equipped with a seal frame elements are on the

put together channel elements placed and pressed air-tight, which fix themselves sealing by means of undercuts. The frame elements can be connected to each other, for example by means of a simple dovetail attachment. In addition, it is possible to easily integrate channel components with special functional elements in the channel system, which are equipped, for example, with fastening or mounting elements,

Sensors, temperature sensors, louvers, maintenance flaps,

Multiple manifolds, adapters or end elements, which are introduced into the plastic particle foam in particular by PVSG - particle foam composite injection molding. With this method, the material interfaces of the particle foam and the injection molding element merge into a permanent and airtight connection. The standardized in the form of channel components can with be equipped with such functional elements. In the channel also other sound attenuation elements or filters can be introduced.

This modular solution has the advantage that a duct system can be universally adapted to a wide variety of different environmental conditions. The necessary individual parts can be standardized and thus manufactured inexpensively, because you need fewer tools and can produce in higher quantities. The items can be stacked to save space and thus have a low transport volume, which also saves on transport costs. The lightweight components produced are stable, low-weight articles which, when combined with injection-molded plastic elements, can be sealingly joined together and joined together, with increased stability being achieved. In addition, you can

Functional elements easily integrated and sustainably sealed and maintenance-friendly sensor or cable bushings can be achieved.

The channel members may be varied in height and width by interconnecting more or less uniform channel or frame members, thereby scaling the cross-section of the respective generated channel. They offer the possibility of various interfaces, for example to pipes, channels or

Multiple manifolds. The materials used are hygienic and easy to clean, offering high resistance to chemicals and solvents. In addition, these correspond to the fire protection classification to HF1, under

Use of special material even up to UL94-V0.

The channel lengths are flexible depending on the requirements and structural conditions and using the frame elements also stable over long lengths.

Other objects, features, advantages and possible applications of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1-8. However, these figures are merely exemplary representations of the channel components according to the invention and in no way limit the general idea of the invention. Show it:

Figure 1: A perspective view of a channel component according to the invention in the assembled state;

Figure 2: A perspective view of a channel component according to the invention in only partially assembled state;

FIG. 3: a perspective view of a further embodiment of a channel component according to the invention in the assembled state;

Figure 4: Possible items of a frame member according to the invention and two embodiments of a frame member in the perspective view;

Figure 5: possible items of a channel component according to the invention in the perspective view;

Figure 6: A first embodiment of a modular channel system under

Connection of channel components according to the invention in a perspective view;

Figure 7: A second embodiment of a modular channel system under

Figure 8: A perspective view of one with functional elements

equipped channel element.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a channel component (1) in FIG

assembled state with two attached to its respective open ends frame members (20). The channel component (1) consists of two wide

Channel elements (2) and two narrow channel elements (3) which are respectively opposite and which are interconnected by four rounded Kanaleckelemente (4) and form a Flohlraum having two open ends. The frame members (20) mounted on the open ends are formed by two long frame part pieces (21) and two short frame part pieces (22) extending respectively opposite and which are interconnected by four rounded Rahmeneckstücke (23). The channel elements (2, 3) are already included here as an example

Mounting points (12) equipped.

In the exploded view, FIG. 2 shows the component parts of the channel component (1) of FIG. 1 which can be joined together. Here the connecting devices (11) on the side surfaces (10) of the channel elements (2, 3) and the channel corner elements (4) can be seen. The channel and Kanaleckelemente (2, 3, 4) form an insulating layer (13), which preferably consists of plastic particle foam and a the

Channel cavity facing inner surface (15) and one in a

Insulation layer thickness of which have distanced outer surface (14). Between the outer surface (14) and the inner surface (15) of the insulating layer (13) and the channel or Kanaleckelements (2, 3, 4) extend side surfaces (10). These have connecting devices (1 1), with each of which an immediately adjacent channel or Kanalaleckelement (2, 3, 4) can be engaged and connected airtight. This is, for example, a tongue and groove latching. In each case on a side surface (10) of each channel or Kanaleckelements (2, 3, 4) is arranged a groove and on the opposite side surface a corresponding spring. But there are also other geometries as connection devices conceivable. The frame elements (20) are shown in the assembled state. It is easy to see that one side has a receiving space

(24) into which the mated channel and Kanaleckelemente (2, 3, 4) can be inserted in order to press the frame member (20) airtight. By means of Flinterschnitte these are self-sealingly fixed. The channel and channel corner elements (2, 3, 4) opposite side of the frame member (20) is designed with a frame member connection geometry (25), which allows this with a frame member (20) connected thereto

Can channel component (1) can be connected, for example in the form of a simple dovetail attachment. In this frame element connection geometry

(25) a seal (26) is embedded, which can either be injection molded in one piece or glued or otherwise applied after the injection molding of the frame sections such as. As PUR sealing bead in

Flochdruckverfahren. FIG. 2 shows a channel component (1) which is to be equipped with two narrow and two wide sides. The two narrow sides are already composed of two narrow channel elements (3), to each of which two Kanaleckelemente (4) have been attached. It is also conceivable to manufacture the narrow sides with Kanaleckelementen from one piece. The

Frame elements (20) are each made up of two long frame part pieces (21), two short frame part pieces (22) and four frame corner pieces (23) and can be connected to two narrow sides with the two wide channel elements (2) on the open ends of the then resulting channel put on and sealed with this.

FIG. 3 shows a variant of a channel component (1) with two wide channel elements (2) arranged next to one another and two narrow sides. In the frame member (20) four instead of two long frame sections (21) were introduced accordingly. The channel cross section is about twice as large as in the case of

Channel component (1) according to FIG. 1. It would also be possible to line up further channel elements (2, 3) and to construct the frame element (20) correspondingly with further frame section pieces (21, 22). Thus, the adaptation of the channel component (1) in fleas and width is variably possible. The injection-molded frame element (20) ensures the necessary stability and tightness.

From Figures 4 and 5, the few items are recognizable, which are sufficient to produce a very variable modular channel system that can be stabilized and sealed each with only three different frame parts (21, 22, 23). In Figure 4, the three different frame parts are shown with a long frame section (21), a short frame section (22) and a Rahmeneckstück (23), which forms in particular a rounded corner. Two possible combinations of the mounted frame sections are shown, which differ in the number of long frame sections used (21), and each form a rectangular channel cross-section. Of course, it is also conceivable to produce square channel cross sections by combining only long or short frame sections (21, 22) with frame corner pieces (23). It would also be conceivable to produce a frame element (20) only from two individual parts, wherein these have a shape which a frame section (21, 22) and a

Frame corner piece (23) connects and is injected in one piece. Figure 5 shows a bow channel element (8) to achieve a channel deflection of 90 °, which can be separated by cutting into smaller angles if necessary. The shown wide channel elements (2) are made in a short (2a) and a long (2b) design. Furthermore, there are wide channel elements, which are equipped with an outlet in a short version (5a) and a long version (5b). In addition, narrow channel elements are depicted with channel corner elements which are each composed of two channel corner elements (4) with a narrow channel element (3) arranged therebetween, but can also be produced in one piece. Shown here are again a short (3a, 4a) and a long version (3b, 4b). In addition, such narrow sides with corner elements and outlet openings in a short design (7a) and longer

Execution (7b) shown. The outlet openings are dimensioned so that they can be equipped with frame elements.

An example of a modular construction of a channel system can be seen in FIG. Here is clearly visible how each one frame element (20) of a channel member (1) with the frame member (20) of an adjacent channel member (1) is connected. To achieve channel directional change, either channel elements with outlet ports (5, 5a, 5b, 7, 7a, 7b) or arc channel elements (8) may be used. The stability of this modular structure is obtained with only three

different sections, which form the frame members (20), namely the Rahmeneckstücken (23), the long frame sections (21) and the short frame sections (22), from which all necessary combinations

can be put together. It is indicated that in the channel also other sound attenuation elements, filters or other functional elements can be introduced. The wide side of the channel components (1) consists here only of a wide channel element (3). The channel system is with possible

Channel end elements (9) equipped.

In contrast, the channel system according to the example in FIG. 7 shows channel components (1) which were each assembled with four wide channel elements (2) and thus form a floo space almost twice as large. Here also short and long channel components (1) were assembled and used. Well recognizable here is that the frame elements repeatedly with only three different

Frame part pieces (21, 22, 23) can be assembled. fork are produced with channel elements with outlet openings (5, 5a, 5b) or with narrow sides with corner elements and outlet opening (7, 7a, 7b) or with arc channel elements (8).

FIG. 8 shows a channel element (2) into which various functional elements have preferably been integrally integrated with the PVSG process (PVSG - particle foam composite injection molding). For example, an opening for a ventilation flap (27) can be seen and the screw connection with a fastening angle piece with one of the Anschraubbefestigungspunkte (12) or a cable gland (28).

Claims

claims

1. duct component (1) made of a plastic particle foam, in particular for

Air distribution or ventilation systems comprising a plurality of channel elements (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8) which at least partially enclose a cavity, consisting of an insulating layer (13) with an inner surface facing the cavity (15) and one in an insulation layer thickness the outer surface (14) distanced therefrom, wherein between the outer surface (14) and the inner surface (15) of the insulating layer (13) side surfaces (10) extend, the at least one connecting device (1 1) to be engaged with each other

Verrastungselementen each at one of the immediately adjacent

arranged channel elements (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8) in the region of their mutually facing side surfaces (10) and continuously between the outer surface (14) and the inner surface (15) of the insulating layer (13) are formed to extend put together and locked an airtight

Channel section to form, characterized in that the channel member (1) is equipped at least one open channel end with a frame member (20), which consists of at least two individual parts and a

Has geometry to connect channel components (1) airtight with each other.

Second channel component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Frame element (20) is produced by injection molding.

3. channel component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Frame member (20) of long and / or short frame sections (21, 22) and four Rahmeneckstücken (23) is assembled.

4. duct component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Frame element (20) on one side with the open end of a Can channel component (1), in particular by pressing and can be connected by self-sealing undercuts.

5. duct component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Frame member on the channel member (1) opposite side

Connecting means, which with a further frame element

can be positively connected with each other.

6. duct component (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the

Channel member (1) opposite side of the frame member (20) a

Dovetail geometry and a seal (26) for airtight connection with another frame member (20).

7. channel component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that this modular of a number of channel and Kanaleckelementen (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8) and

Frame elements (20) is constructed

8. duct component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that this in

Cross-section is scalable by baying and connection of channel and

Channel corner elements (2, 3, 4) and frame elements.

9. duct component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one channel element (5) is formed, which has an opening to form an outlet.

10. duct component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one channel element is formed on a narrow side (7) having an opening to form an outlet.

1 1. channel component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that this with

Arc channel elements (8) is arcuate.

12. duct component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one channel element (2, 3) is provided with at least one connected in a material-locking manner with the particle foam prefabricated fastening, mounting or functional element (28).

13. duct component (1) according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the prefabricated fastening, mounting or functional element (28) is additionally connected in a positive manner with the channel element (2, 3).

14. channel component (1) according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the

Channel elements (2, 3) are equipped with Anschraubbefestigungspunkten (12).

15. channel component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one channel element (2, 3) with adapter or distributor elements or a

Service opening (27) is equipped.

16. duct component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that this individual from few combinable identical parts in height and width

can be assembled to create complex channel systems.

17. A method for assembling a duct component (1) from several

Channel elements (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8) and frame members (20), in which at the channel elements (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8) formed connecting devices (1 1) engaged and airtight are closed, wherein a channel-shaped insulating layer (13) is formed around a cavity having two open ends, characterized in that both open ends are connected to a composite of several parts frame member (20) airtight, said frame members (20) turn be connected to correspondingly assembled channel components (1) to produce a channel system.