TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to a device for a valve in an outlet duct according to the
pre-characterizing part of claim 1. The invention also relates to an operating member
according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 18.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Valves with an opening and closing valve cover are used in ventilation systems. When
the valve cover is open, air can be emitted through an outlet duct.
[0003] In the use of a ventilation valve, in which the valve cover in an oscillating movement
about an axis running transversely to the longitudinal direction of the outlet duct
is opened and closed like a door, on closing of the valve a pressure wave occurs in
the outlet duct which is then reflected and opens the valve cover again, whereupon
it is closed again, a new pressure wave occurs, which is reflected, and the valve
cover is opened again, etc. As a result, the valve cover of the valve, either temporarily
or continuously, slams to and fro against an end flange contained within the valve.
A conventional solution to this problem is to use a closing device for closing the
valve, comprising a strong spring or the like, which closes the valve cover with a
force sufficient to withstand the said pressure wave. This solution using a strong
spring to close the valve cover is also employed on sliding valve covers. A problem
with this solution is that the strong closing force causes a loud rattling noise when
it closes again. A further disadvantage with the said solution is that the strong
closing force causes undue material stresses on the valve.
[0004] Natural draught ventilation relies on the fact that warm air rises, so that the difference
between outdoor and indoor temperature determines the quality of the ventilation achieved.
Cold weather gives good ventilation, but then a counter-draught also occurs in the
outlet duct in which cold air and even frost are entrained so that so-called cold
creep occurs. In order to safeguard against cold creep, non-return valves are used
(also referred to as cold creep protection) which, by means of a valve cover that
is capable of swivelling from a horizontal closed position into a vertical open position,
only allow air to escape from the outlet pipe but prevent cold creep. One problem
with non-return valves is that they can keep oscillating between the open and closed
position, which causes loud rattling noises. A further problem are the undue material
stresses that occur when the valve cover slams to and fro.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention is to prevent high noise levels in a valve. A
further object of the present invention is to increase the service life of a valve
and other parts.
[0006] In order to achieve these objects, a device for a valve of the said generic type
is characterized in that it comprises means for damping the closing speed of the closing
member. The advantage of this solution is that a reduced closing speed is obtained,
so that the contact between the closing member and the end flange of the valve is
less violent, which means that loud rattling noises are prevented. A further advantage
is that the material stresses are reduced, with the result that the service life of
the valve and other parts is substantially increased.
[0007] The means of damping the closing speed preferably comprises a viscous, long-life
oil applied in a gap between a fixed part and a moving part connected to the closing
member. It has been shown that oil having the aforementioned characteristics is eminently
suitable for this purpose.
[0008] The moving part is preferably designed to perform a rotational movement about an
axis of rotation. It has proved advantageous to have the moving part perform a rotational
movement about an axis of rotation, since it can then be readily adapted to existing
solutions.
[0009] The fixed part and the moving part preferably each have an essentially cylindrical
surface concentric with the axis of rotation, said surfaces being opposed to one another
and the viscous, long-life oil preferably being applied axially in a gap between the
cylindrical surfaces. The advantage with this solution is that when the surface of
the moving part is rotated against the surface of the fixed part, the viscous, long-life
oil gives rise to a shear force acting counter to the closing direction, so that the
closing speed of the closing member is damped.
[0010] The moving part is preferably to a substantial extent inserted into the fixed part.
The advantage of arranging the fixed part and the moving part relative to one another
in this way is that it results in a simple design construction.
[0011] The fixed part and the moving part preferably each have an essentially plane surface
aligned radially in relation to the axis of rotation, said surfaces being opposed
to one another and the viscous, long-life oil preferably being applied radially between
the plane surfaces. The advantage of this solution is that when the surface of the
moving part is rotated against the surface of the fixed part, the viscous, long-life
oil gives rise to a shear force acting counter to the closing direction, so that the
closing speed of the closing member is damped.
[0012] The valve is preferably designed to regulate the air flow from an outlet opening
in the outlet duct, the closing member being designed to be closed by means of a spring
member and being designed to be operated by an operating member comprising the fixed
part and the moving part. This embodiment has proved particularly advantageous in
the case of kitchen ventilation. One advantage is that the damping means is easily
accessible, since the means is situated in the operating member and this is generally
easily accessible.
[0013] The fixed part and the moving part are preferably arranged in an opening between
the outside and inside of a fan housing. One advantage of this arrangement is that
the device is easy to fit to existing kitchen range hoods, since only the turning
element needs to be removed.
[0014] In a second embodiment the fixed part and the moving part are arranged inside the
control element. One advantage with this arrangement is that the device does not take
up any additional space. This embodiment may be used, for preference, in new production.
[0015] In a third embodiment the fixed part and the moving part are arranged between the
control element and the valve. The arrangement of the fixed part and the moving part
is done for practical and installation reasons and is not dependent upon the design
of the operating member, and the design of the valve and this embodiment may be preferable
in certain design types.
[0016] In a fourth embodiment the fixed part and the moving part are arranged on the axis
of rotation of the closing member. One advantage with this solution is that the damping
force occurs in close proximity to that which is being damped, which reduces the risk
of excessive play.
[0017] The valve is preferably a non-return valve. This solution may be of particular advantage
in the case of natural draught ventilation.
[0018] The non-return valve preferably comprises two closing members, together with two
fixed parts and two moving parts, each fixed part and each moving part being arranged
on opposite sides of the axis of rotation of each closing member. The advantage with
this solution is that, in a non-return valve having two closing members, the closing
speed of each closing member is moderated.
[0019] The non-return valve is preferably located in the outlet duct. This arrangement is
advantageous in preventing cold creep.
[0020] The invention also provides an operating member of the aforementioned generic type,
characterized by means for damping the rotational movement.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The invention will be described in more detail below with the aid of drawings attached,
in which:
Fig. 1 shows a schematic exploded sketch of a part of a fan housing, a valve, an outlet
duct and an operating member according to a first embodiment of the present invention,
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a valve according to Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 shows a cross-section through an operating member according to the first embodiment
of the invention according to Fig. 1,
Fig. 4 shows a cross-section through an operating member according to a second embodiment
of the invention,
Fig. 5 shows a cross-section through an operating member according to a third embodiment
of the invention,
Fig. 6 shows a plan view of a non-return valve according to a fourth embodiment of
the invention,
Fig. 7 shows a cross-section through a part of the non-return valve according to the
fourth embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 8 shows a schematic sketch of a shock-absorber arranged in a slide valve, and
Fig. 9 shows a schematic exploded sketch of a part of a fan housing, a slide valve,
an outlet duct and an operating member according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] As will be seen from Fig. 2, a valve 2 comprises a valve cover 5, and a pipe stub
7, which carries the valve cover 5. Such a valve is shown in EP 0 422 316 which is
hereby incorporated by virtue of this reference. The valve cover 5 is pivotally connected
by way of a hinge connection to an end flange 8 of the pipe stub 7. The valve cover
5 is furthermore designed so that in the closed position of the valve 2 it covers
the opening of the pipe stub 7 in that an outer peripheral part comes to bear against
an inner part of the annular surface of the end flange 8. The valve 2 is suitably
fixed in its entirety to a fan housing 1, Fig. 1, with the unflanged end of the pipe
stub 7 connected to an outlet duct 3b of a central ventilation system. The term fan
housing relates to all types of devices in kitchen ventilation including kitchen range
hoods. With the valve 2 in an open position, air is led off from the inside of the
fan housing 1 through the pipe stub 7 to the outlet duct 3b.
[0023] As will be seen from Fig. 1, 3 and 9, the valve cover is designed to be opened by
means of an operating member 9 comprising a turning element 10, a rod 11, a fixed
part 12, a moving part 13, and a control element 14. As will be seen from Fig. 1 and
9, the turning element 10, the rod 11, the fixed part 12, the moving part 13 and the
control element 14 are arranged, essentially concentrically, around an axis of rotation
17. The turning element 10 is fitted in an opening on the outside 1' of the fan housing
1, the fixed part 12 and the moving part 13 are located in the opening essentially
between the outside 1' and the inside 1'' of the fan housing 1, the control element
14 is fixed to the inside 1'' of the fan housing 1, and the rod 11 is placed centrally
right through the control element 14 and extends through the fixed part 12 and the
moving part 13 to the opening in the outside 1' of the fan housing 1. The turning
element 10 is connected to the moving part 13, the rod 11 is concentrically connected
to the turning element 10 and via a linkage is connected to the valve cover 5, and
the control element 14 is connected to the rod 11. As will be seen from Fig. 1, the
fixed part 12 and the moving part 13 each have a cylindrical surface 18,19 essentially
concentric with the axis of rotation 17 and in opposition to one another, the moving
part 13 being substantially inserted into the fixed part 12 and a film of viscous,
long-life oil being applied axially in a gap between the cylindrical surfaces 18,
19. Alternatively, the fixed part 12 may be inserted into the moving part 13. The
control element 14 comprises a timer control and a spring member 15, such as a coil
spring, although other types of spring may be used.
[0024] In kitchen range ventilation, the valve cover 5 is opened by manually turning the
turning element 10 (clockwise), the rod 11 and the moving part 13 being turned synchronously
with the turning element 10 so that, via a linkage between the rod 11 and the valve
cover 5, the valve cover 5 is opened like a door in a swivelling movement about the
axis of rotation 17, which runs transversely to the longitudinal direction of the
outlet duct 3b. By means of the timer control, the control element 14 controls the
position of the valve cover 5 in such a way that the valve cover 5, via a linkage,
is opened into an open position by manually turning the turning element 10 until the
timer is switched on, thereby tensioning the spring member 15. The desired time for
which the valve cover 5 will be in the open position is adjusted by the timer by turning
the turning element 10 to the desired position. When the set time has elapsed, the
timer shuts off, with the result that the spring member 15 closes the valve cover
5 under spring force. The viscous, long-life oil that is applied axially between the
cylindrical surfaces 18, 19 gives rise to increased resistance between the cylindrical
surfaces 18, 19, when turning the moving part 13, especially when closing the valve
cover 5. The viscous, long-life oil is of a quality such that under slow movements
it generates little resistance and under rapid movements it generates great resistance.
When the valve cover 5 is closed with a spring force produced by the spring member
15, the viscous, long-life oil applied axially between the cylindrical surfaces 18,
19 gives rise to a shear force opposed to the spring force as the moving part 13 rotates
inside the fixed part 12, thereby damping the closing speed of the valve cover 5.
These characteristics give rise to such a strong resistance that the closing speed
of the valve cover 5 is damped to a speed conducive to the purpose, so that loud rattling
noises are avoided and material stresses are reduced, but the spring force that keeps
the valve cover 5 closed is maintained. According to a preferred embodiment the viscous,
long-life oil is of the type commercially available under the designation adhering
chain oil, adhesive chain oil or wax oil, which is normally used for high-speed drive
chains. Other types of chemical compositions having similar characteristics may also
be used.
[0025] According to a second embodiment, shown in Fig. 4, the fixed part 12 and the moving
part 13 are located inside the control element 14. The fixed part 12 and the moving
part 13 each have an essentially plane surface 18, 19 aligned radially in relation
to the axis of rotation 17, said surfaces being opposed to one another and the viscous,
long-life oil being applied radially between the plane surfaces 18, 19. As in the
aforementioned embodiment, the viscous, long-life oil that is applied radially between
the plane surfaces 18, 19 correspondingly gives rise to increased resistance between
the plane surfaces 18, 19, when turning the moving part 13, especially when closing
the valve cover 5. When the valve cover 5 is closed under the spring force generated
by the spring member 15, the viscous, long-life oil that is applied radially between
the plane surfaces 18, 19 gives rise to a shear force opposed to the spring force
as the plane surface 19 of the moving part 13 rotates against the plane surface 18
of the fixed part 12, thereby damping the closing speed of the valve cover 5, so that
loud rattling noises are avoided and material stresses are reduced.
[0026] According to a third embodiment, shown in Fig. 5, the fixed part 12 and the moving
part 13 are located between the control element 14 and the valve 2. The fixed part
12 and the moving part 13 each have an essentially cylindrical surface 18, 19 concentric
with the axis of rotation 17, said surfaces being opposed to one another, the moving
part 13 is substantially inserted into the fixed part 12 and a film of viscous, long-life
oil is applied axially in a gap between the cylindrical surfaces 18, 19. As in the
aforementioned embodiments, the viscous, long-life oil that is applied axially between
the cylindrical surfaces 18, 19 correspondingly gives rise to increased resistance
between the cylindrical surfaces 18, 19, when turning the moving part 13, especially
when closing the valve cover 5. When the valve cover 5 is closed under the spring
force generated by the spring member 15, the viscous, long-life oil that is applied
axially between the cylindrical surfaces 18, 19 gives rise to a shear force opposed
to the spring force as the moving part 13 rotates inside the fixed part 12, thereby
damping the closing speed of the valve cover 5, so that loud rattling noises are avoided
and material stresses are reduced.
[0027] An alternative to the third embodiment is to locate the fixed part 12 and the moving
part 13 on the rod 11 between the control element 14 and the valve 2, instead of locating
said parts by the control element. A further alternative to the third embodiment is
to connect the fixed part 12 and the moving part 13 to the axis about which the swivelling
valve cover is pivotally connected instead of locating said parts by the control element
or on the rod.
[0028] In a fourth embodiment the valve 2 consists of a non-return valve according to Fig.
6, which is used in a housing with natural draught and relying on the fact that warm
air rises, so that the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperature determined
the quality of the ventilation obtained. Cold weather gives good ventilation, but
then a counter-draught also occurs in the outlet duct 3b in which cold air and even
frost are entrained so that so-called cold creep occurs. The non-return valve is used
for protection against cold creep. The non-return valve is normally located inside
the outlet duct 3b, but can also be located in connection with the outlet duct. The
non-return valve has at least one valve cover 5, but preferably two valve covers 5,
as shown in Fig. 6, which are each capable of pivoting about a separate axis of rotation
17 from a horizontal closed position into a vertical open position. The non-return
valve only allows air to escape from the outlet pipe but prevents cold creep. As will
be seen from Fig. 6 and 7, in each of the valves 2, a fixed part 12 and a moving part
13 each have essentially cylindrical surfaces 18, 19 concentric with the axis of rotation
17, said surfaces being opposed to one another. The pairs comprising a fixed part
12 and a moving part 13 are arranged on opposite sides of the non-return valve on
respective axes of rotation 17. Each moving part 13 is substantially inserted into
each fixed part 12, and the viscous, long-life oil is applied axially in a gap between
the cylindrical surfaces 18, 19. As in the aforementioned embodiments, the viscous,
long-life oil that is applied axially between the cylindrical surfaces 18, 19 correspondingly
gives rise to increased resistance between the surface 18 of the fixed part 12 and
the surface 19 of the moving part 13 when the moving part 13 is turned, thereby damping
the closing speed of the valve cover 5, so that loud rattling noises are avoided and
material stresses are reduced.
[0029] In a further embodiment a valve operating member is used comprising a turning element
10 mechanically connected to the valve cover 5 in order to control the latter. The
turning element 10 also constitutes a part of a rotary flow adjuster for controlling
an electric fan. The rotary flow adjuster may have both continuously variable adjustment
and be adjusted in various stages. The sensitivity when turning a continuously variable
flow adjuster is "coarse" and comparable to the frequency adjustment dial on a cheap
radio. In the stepped rotary flow adjuster the point of engagement registers very
abruptly. It is desirable to achieve a certain inertia when turning, a "better feel".
It has been shown that the viscous, long-life oil is also suited to damping the point
of engagement in flow adjusters that are adjusted in different stages as these stages
register, and to providing a desirable inertia when turning, both in continuously
variable adjustment and with stepped adjustment.
[0030] Various embodiments have been described above, in which the means of damping the
closing speed of the valve cover consists of a viscous, long-life oil, but any other
damping elements are also feasible. For example, the means may consist of a gear arrangement
located on the valve in such a way that it has a transmission ratio which damps the
closing speed of the valve cover. The transmission ratio means that the torque on
the axis of rotation 17 of the valve due to the spring force is reduced, with the
result that the closing speed is reduced. Alternatively, in the case of the slide
valve as shown in Fig. 8, a shock absorber, for example, may be used in which a piston
damps the closing speed of the valve cover.
1. Device for a valve in an outlet duct (3b), the valve comprising at least one closing
member (5) for closing off the outlet duct (3b) and the closing member (5) being moveable
between a closed position and an open position, characterized by means for damping the closing speed of the closing member (5).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that said means comprises a viscous, long-life oil applied between at least one fixed
part (12) and at least one moving part (13) connected to the closing member (5).
3. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the moving part (13) is designed to perform a rotational movement about an axis of
rotation (17).
4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the fixed part (12) and the moving part (13) each have an essentially cylindrical
surface (18, 19) concentric with the axis of rotation (17), said surfaces being opposed
to one another, and in that the viscous, long-life oil is applied axially in a gap between the cylindrical surfaces
(18, 19).
5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the moving part (13) is substantially inserted into the fixed part (12).
6. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the fixed part (12) and the moving part (13) each have an essentially plane surface
(18, 19) aligned radially in relation to the axis of rotation (17), said surfaces
(18, 19) being opposed to one another, and in that the viscous, long-life oil is applied radially between the plane surfaces (18, 19).
7. Device according to any one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the valve (2) is designed to regulate the air flow from an outlet opening (3a) in
the outlet duct (3b), in that the closing member (5) is designed to be closed by means of a spring member (15)
and designed to be operated by an operating member (9) comprising the fixed part (12)
and the moving part (13).
8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the operating member (9) comprises a turning element (10) connected to the moving
part (13), a rod (11) connected to the turning element and connected via a linkage
to the closing member (5), and a control element (14) for controlling the position
of the closing member (5).
9. Device according to any one of Claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the fixed part (12) and the moving part (13) are arranged in an opening between the
outside (1') and inside (1'') of a fan housing (1).
10. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the fixed part (12) and the moving part (13) are arranged inside the control element
(14).
11. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the fixed part (12) and the moving part (13) are arranged between the control element
(14) and the valve (2).
12. Device according to any one of Claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the fixed part (12) and the moving part (13) are arranged on the axis of rotation
(17) of the closing member (5).
13. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the closing member (5) is capable of swivelling between the closed and the open position.
14. Device according to any one of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12 or 13, characterized in that the valve (2) is a non-return valve.
15. Device according to Claim 14, characterized in that the non-return valve comprises two closing members (5), at least one of these having
a fixed part (12) and a moving part (13) connected to the closing member, these parts
being arranged on an axis of rotation (17) of the closing member (5).
16. Device according to Claim 15, characterized in that a fixed part (12) and a moving part (13) connected to each closing member (5) are
arranged by each closing member (5).
17. Device according to any one of Claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the non-return valve is located in the outlet duct (3b).
18. Operating member comprising a turning element (10) designed to perform a rotational
movement, characterized by means for damping the rotational movement.
19. Operating member according to Claim 18, characterized in that said means comprise a viscous, long-life oil applied between at least one fixed part
(12) and at least one moving part (13) connected to the turning element (10).
20. Operating member according to Claim 19, characterized in that the moving part (13) is designed to perform a rotational movement about an axis of
rotation (17).
21. Operating member according to Claim 20, characterized in that the fixed part (12) and the moving part (13) each have an essentially cylindrical
surface (18, 19) concentric with the axis of rotation (17), said surfaces being opposed
to one another, and that the viscous, long-life oil is applied axially in a gap between
the cylindrical surfaces (18, 19).
22. Operating member according to Claim 20, characterized in that the fixed part (12) and the moving part (13) each have an essentially plane surface
(18, 19) aligned radially in relation to the axis of rotation (17), said surfaces
(18, 19) being opposed to one another, and in that the viscous, long-life oil is applied radially between the plane surfaces (18, 19).
23. Operating member according to any one of Claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the operating member comprises a timer control and a spring member (15).
24. Operating member according to any one of Claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the operating member comprises a rotary flow adjuster.