An adjustable air guide, a replacement air valve, and a window

Abstract

 The present invention relates to an air guide (1) for introducing replacement air into a room (6). The air guide (1) comprises at least a first wall (1.1), a second wall (1.2), a first end (1.3), a second end (1.4), an air flow duct (1.5), and a backflow trap (7) placed in the air flow duct (1.5). The air guide (1) further comprises a limiter (8) for restricting the movement of the backflow trap (7), wherein the amount of replacement air flowing through the air flow duct (1.5) is arranged to be adjusted by changing the position of said limiter (8). The invention also relates to a replacement air valve (9) and a window (3).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an air guide for conveying replacement air into a room, the air guide comprising at least a first wall, a second wall, a first end, a second end, an air flow duct, and a backflow trap placed in the air flow duct. The invention also relates to a replacement air valve for conveying replacement air into a room, the replacement air valve comprising at least a first wall, a second wall, a first end, a second end, an air flow duct, and a backflow trap placed in the air flow duct. Furthermore, the invention relates to a window.

Background of the invention

[0002] Gravitational ventilation systems, exhaust air ventilation systems, as well as supply air/exhaust air ventilation systems are known for implementing the ventilation of rooms. In the gravitational ventilation system, the ventilation of rooms is based on pressure differences and temperature differences, wherein warm indoor air tends to rise upwards and exits the room via an exhaust valve. This will result in an underpressure, by means of which replacement air is sucked from the outside of the room, typically from atmospheric air, via a replacement air valve into the room. The exhaust air ventilation system comprises a mechanical vent device which removes air mechanically from a room and causes an underpressure in the room. Thus, the underpressure causes a flow of replacement air via the replacement air valve into the room. The supply air/exhaust air system also comprises a mechanical vent arrangement for removing spent air from a room, and an inlet air duct system, through which replacement air is introduced into the room.

[0003] Of the above-mentioned ventilation systems, both the gravitational system and the exhaust air ventilation system apply a replacement air valve, via which replacement air is introduced into the room. Such a replacement air valve is typically provided in connection with a window, for example in the built-in frame above the window or in the casement frame. Such valves may comprise an inlet air duct system, by means of which replacement air is introduced from atmospheric air into the room. The replacement air valve may also comprise an air guide for the purpose of directing replacement air introduced via the inlet air duct system diagonally upward towards the ceiling of the room on the indoor side. Furthermore, the inlet air duct system may be implemented in such a way that air is also guided in the lateral direction so that most of the air flow does not leave the replacement air valve in a direction transverse to the main plane of the window (that is, the direction of the air flow is not at an angle of 90 degrees to this main plane), but most of the air flow is directed diagonally to this main plane.

[0004] Replacement air valves of the above-presented kind have been developed, among other things, by supplementing them with a backflow trap to prevent the travel of the air flow from the room to the replacement air valve. Such a situation could occur, for example, when the underpressure in the room would, for any reason, disappear and the room would become even pressurized. In such a situation, the backflow trap tends to close the inlet air duct system.

[0005] In some cases, it is desirable that the rate of the air flow introduced into the room via the replacement air valve should be adjustable. Adjustment could be needed, for example, when the temperature of atmospheric air is very low, for example several degrees of frost.

Brief summary of the invention

[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to provide an air guide, in which the rate of the air flow can be adjusted by utilizing a backflow trap. To put it more precisely, the air guide according to the present invention is primarily characterized in that the air guide also comprises a limiter for restricting the movement of the backflow trap, wherein the amount of replacement air flowing through the air flow duct is arranged to be adjustable by changing the position of said limiter. The replacement air valve according to the present invention is primarily characterized in that the replacement air valve also comprises a limiter for restricting the movement of the backflow trap, wherein the amount of replacement air flowing through the air flow duct is arranged to be adjustable by changing the position of said limiter. The window according to the present invention is primarily characterized in that the window is provided with an air guide according to any of the claims 1 to 6, or with a replacement air valve according to claim 7.

[0007] The present invention shows remarkable advantages over solutions of prior art. By applying the air guide according to the invention, it is possible to adjust the rate of the air flow, if needed, by means of the backflow trap. In the air guide according to the invention, this is achieved in such a way that the limiter is used to restrict the path of motion of the backflow trap. The path of motion of the backflow trap typically has a minimum and a maximum position so that, in the minimum position the backflow trap blocks the air duct fully or almost fully; in other words, the cross-sectional area of the air duct system is at its minimum at the backflow trap; and in a corresponding manner, in the maximum position the cross-sectional area of the air duct system is at its maximum at the backflow trap. In other words, by restricting the path of motion of the backflow trap it is possible to restrict the cross-sectional area of the air duct system at the backflow trap. In the air guide according to the invention there is no need for a separate control means for controlling the rate of the air flow, but the invention utilizes the backflow trap for this purpose as well.

Description of the drawings

[0008] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which

Fig. 1

shows the wall of a room with a window and an air guide according to an embodiment of the invention, installed above the window;

Fig. 2

shows a reduced cross-sectional view of an air guide according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, installed above a window in a wall;

Fig. 3a

shows a reduced cross-sectional view of a backflow trap to be applied in an air guide according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in a minimum position;

Fig. 3b

shows a reduced cross-sectional view of a backflow trap to be applied in an air guide according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in a maximum position;

Figs. 4a to 4d

show advantageous limiter configurations in reduced cross-sectional views;

Fig. 5a

shows a reduced cross-sectional view of a limiter to be applied in an air guide according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, installed in a first position;

Fig. 5b

shows a reduced cross-sectional view of a limiter to be applied in an air guide according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, installed in a second position;

Fig. 5c

shows a reduced cross-sectional view of a limiter to be applied in an air guide according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, installed in a third position;

Fig. 6

shows an air guide according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention in a perspective view; and

Fig. 7

shows a reduced cross-sectional view of applying the invention in connection with a replacement air valve.

Detailed description of the invention

[0009] In the following, we shall discuss the air guide 1 of Fig. 1 in more detail with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. In the advantageous example shown in Fig. 1, the air guide 1 is installed above a window 3, for example in a gap to be caulked or in a gap formed in the built-in frame. In some embodiments, such a gap is provided in the casement of the window, in which case the air guide 1 can be installed in a gap in the casement accordingly. It is a function of said gap to enable the flow of replacement air from atmospheric air into the room. In some cases, such a gap can be provided with a separate replacement air valve with an air duct system for guiding the movement of the replacement air, if necessary. The air duct system may comprise, for example, channelling means for deflecting the flow of replacement air in the lateral direction. On the other hand, such channelling means can be provided in connection with the air guide, in which case any channelling means are not necessarily needed inside the gap; or the channelling means may be implemented in connection with both the gap and the air guide.

[0010] Figure 2 shows a reduced cross-sectional view of an air guide 1 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, installed above a window in a wall. In this case, the air guide 1 is connected to the surface of the built-in frame 4 of the window, at a location with a gap 5 for the replacement air duct system. The cross-sectional area of the air guide is larger than the cross-sectional area of the gap in the surface of the built-in frame 4 on the side of the room 6, wherein the air guide 1 can be used to cover the whole gap 5. Figure 2 does not show any channelling means or a separate replacement air valve, but it is obvious that the either a replacement air valve and/or channelling means can be placed in the gap 5, if necessary.

[0011] The air guide 1 comprises a first wall 1.1 for directing the air flow diagonally upwards. Furthermore, the air guide 1 comprises a second wall 1.2 which is substantially parallel to the first wall 1.1. Thus, the first wall 1.1 and the second wall 1.2 together with the first end 1.3 and the second end 1.4 (Fig. 6) delimit an air flow duct 1.5. This air flow duct 1.5 is provided with a backflow trap 7 which is advantageously arranged to be pivotable with respect to a first edge 7.1. The backflow trap 7 is supported at its first edge 7.1. to the air guide 1, for example by means of a protrusion 1.6 or in another suitable way. It should be mentioned that the backflow trap 7 does not necessarily have to be connected to the air guide 1, but it may be arranged in a so-called floating manner in connection with the air guide 1. What is essential is that the backflow trap 7 can, on one hand, pivot by the effect of the replacement air flow in such a way that replacement air can flow through the air flow duct 1.5 of the air guide 1 into the room 6 and, on the other hand, block the air flow duct 1.5 in a situation in which backflow could be possible.

[0012] Figure 3a shows a reduced cross-sectional view of a backflow trap 7 to be applied in an air guide 1 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in a minimum position, that is, in a position in which backflow F2 is to be prevented. Figure 3b, correspondingly, shows a reduced cross-sectional view of a backflow trap 7 to be applied in an air guide 1 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in a maximum position, that is, in a position in which the flow F1 of replacement air is to be kept as high as possible.

[0013] Furthermore, the air guide 1 according to the invention comprises a limiter 8 for restricting the path of motion of the backflow trap 7. The purpose of this restricting is to prevent the backflow trap 7 from turning to said maximum position. Thus, the path of motion of the backflow trap 7 is restricted between said minimum position and this restricted position. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, this restricted position can be set according to the need to any position between these minimum and maximum positions. In some embodiments, the restricted position can even be set at the minimum position and/or the maximum position. The restricted position is preferably adjustable, so that the position of the limiter is changed according to the need, as will be presented below in this description.

[0014] Figures 4a to 4d show reduced cross-sectional views of some advantageous limiter constructions. Figures 4a and 4b show a limiter 8 according to an advantageous embodiment. In this embodiment, the limiter 8 extends through the ends 1.3, 1.4 of the air guide; in other words, the limiter 8 is longer than the distance between the ends 1.3, 1.4 of the air guide. The ends 1.3, 1.4 of the air guide are provided with slots 1.7 or the like, in connection with which the limiter 8 is placed. Thus, the limiter 8 can be moved in the slot 1.7 as needed. The movement of the limiter 8 results in a change in the space of movement of the backflow trap 7. By means of the limiter 8, it is possible to define to which position the backflow trap 7 can pivot by the effect of the flow of replacement air. On the other hand, the limiter 8 does not prevent the functioning of the backflow trap 7 in a backflow situation. In other words, the purpose of the limiter 8 is to restrict the movement of the backflow trap 7 caused by the effect of replacement air flowing through the air guide.

[0015] Changing the position of the limiter 8 (movement in the slot 1.7) can take place in a stepless manner between a first position and a second position (Fig. 4a), or changing the position may be stepwise between said first and second positions. A stepwise change in the position can be arranged, for example, in the way shown in Fig. 4b, in which the slots formed in the ends 1.3, 1.4 are not equal in width, but the width of the slot varies at its one edge, for example, in a wave-like manner, or the edge may comprise curved portions. Thus, the limiter 8 can be moved in the direction of the slot in such a way that the limiter 8 is, in a way, locked at a wave or a curve in the wall. The ends 1.3, 1.4 can be made of a material which is slightly yielding or resilient in such a way that the limiter 8 can move between the wave-like/curved sections. The material may be, for example, plastic, but also aluminium, steel or other metal-based materials may be feasible.

[0016] In some embodiments, it is possible to use rubber or the like, for example at that edge of the slot which is substantially rectilinear. Thus, the rubber is used as a resilient element when the limiter 8 is moved between the different positions. In this case, the ends 1.3, 1.4 do not necessarily need to be resilient.

[0017] In a situation in which it is desired to influence the path of motion of the backflow trap 7 by means of the limiter 8, the limiter 8 does not necessarily need to be moved to an equal extent in both slots, but the limiter 8 can also be placed in an oblique position with respect to the wall 1.1, 1.2 of the air guide. In other words, the limiter 8 does not need to be parallel with the walls 1.1, 1.2. Thus, the flow of replacement air can be directed more to one or the other edge of the air guide 1. This may be needed, for example, in a situation in which a person is working in the vicinity of the window and wants the replacement air to flow farther away from the working place and not towards the working place.

[0018] Figure 4c shows a limiter 8 according to another advantageous embodiment, arranged to be pivotable with respect to a shaft 8.1. Said shaft 8.1 extends through the ends 1.3, 1.4 of the air guide; in other words, the shaft 8.1 is longer than the distance between the ends 1.3, 1.4 of the air guide. The ends 1.3, 1.4 of the air guide are provided with holes 1.8, in connection with which the shaft 8.1 is placed. Thus, the shaft 8.1 can be pivoted as needed. The diameter of the hole is advantageously equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft 8.1 at the hole 1.8 in such a way that a small friction is effective between the shaft 8 and the hole 1.8, making it possible that the shaft 8 can be pivoted around its longitudinal axis by a suitably small force, but that the shaft 8.1 does not pivot by itself. In other words, the shaft 8.1 should remain in the position to which it is pivoted each time.

[0019] As a result of the rotary movement of the shaft 8.1, the protrusion 8.2 changes its position. By means of the protrusion 8.2, it is possible to define to which position the backflow trap 7 can pivot by the effect of the flow of replacement air. On the other hand, the protrusion 8.2 does not prevent the functioning of the backflow trap 7 in a backflow situation. In other words, the purpose of the protrusion 8.2 is to restrict the movement of the backflow trap 7 caused by the effect of replacement air flowing through the air guide. The protrusion 8.2 is, for example, a plate fastened to the shaft 8.1 in a suitable way, or the protrusion 8.2 and the shaft 8.1 may have been manufactured as a single piece, for example by casting. The length of the protrusion 8.2 is preferably smaller than the distance between the ends 1.3, 1.4 of the air guide, wherein the protrusion has a sufficient clearance to move in the space between the ends 1.3, 1.4. The protrusion 8.2 may be either an integral plate or it may consist of several smaller plates or the like. The protrusion may be formed of, for example, short pins or claw-like pieces.

[0020] The pivoting of the shaft 8.1 of the limiter may take place in a stepless manner between a first position and a second position, or the pivoting may be stepwise between said first and second positions.

[0021] In the following, the use of the limiter 8 for the air guide according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the Figures 5a, 5b and 5c. In Fig. 5a, the limiter 8 is placed in a first position, in which the possible movement of the backflow trap 7 is restricted between a minimum position and a maximum position. Thus, the limiter 8 does not affect the path of motion of the backflow trap 7, but it may move, on one hand, to a maximum position in a situation in which the flow of replacement air is sufficiently high and, on the other hand, to a minimum position in a situation in which there is hardly any flow of replacement air or even a backflow might be possible, e.g. because of overpressure in the room.

[0022] In Fig. 5b, the limiter 8 is placed in a second position, in which the possible movement of the backflow trap 7 in the direction of the maximum position is restricted to be smaller than this maximum position. Thus, the limiter 8 may influence the path of motion of the backflow trap 7 in such a way that the backflow trap 7 is not capable of moving to its maximum position even if the flow of replacement air were sufficiently strong. Consequently, the limiter 8 is used to indirectly restrict the cross-sectional area of the air duct system of the air guide at the backflow trap 7. On the other hand, even in this embodiment, the limiter 8 does not affect the minimum position.

[0023] In Fig. 5c, the limiter 8 is placed in a third position, in which the possible movement of the backflow trap 7 is restricted to be very small; in other words, the backflow trap 7 can barely move from its minimum position. Thus, the amount of replacement air to be introduced into the room can be significantly reduced, if necessary.

[0024] In an air guide 1 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the path of motion of the limiter 8 can be set in such a way that the limiter 8 does not in any situation press the backflow trap 7 against the first wall 1.1 of the air guide. In other words, the flow of replacement air cannot be totally prevented by means of the limiter 8. This may be necessary to maintain controlled ventilation.

[0025] In an air guide 1 according to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the path of motion of the limiter 8 can be set in such a way that in the extreme position, the limiter 8 keeps the backflow trap 7 against the first wall 1.1 of the air guide. In other words, the flow of replacement air can be totally prevented by means of the limiter 8. In some situations, this may be needed momentarily, for example to totally turn off the replacement air exchange in a situation in which emissions of harmful gases or the like have entered atmospheric air.

[0026] Thus, the air guide 1 according to the invention makes it possible to control the quantity of replacement air introduced into the room. When the cross-sectional area of the air flow duct 1.5 is adjusted to be smaller, the quantity of replacement air to be introduced into the room may be reduced and/or the flow rate of replacement air may increase. In some situations, an increase in the flow rate of replacement air can be advantageous, e.g. for the reason that the replacement air can flow more easily to the upper part of the room, close to the ceiling, which may reduce the feeling of a draught.

[0027] The air guide 1 according to the invention can be fastened to the casement or the built-in frame of the window, for example with a double-sided tape, a magnetic tape, screws, or by a corresponding fastening method.

[0028] The invention has been described above in connection with the air guide 1, but the limiter according to the invention can also be applied in a replacement air valve 9 equipped with an air guide and a backflow trap placed in the air flow duct. The air guide may thus be an integrated part of the replacement air valve, as shown, for example, in the reduced cross-sectional view of Fig. 7.

[0029] It is obvious that the present invention is not limited solely to the above-presented embodiments but it can be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air guide (1) for introducing replacement air into a room (6), the air guide (1) comprising at least a first wall (1.1), a second wall (1.2), a first end (1.3), a second end (1.4), an air flow duct (1.5), and a backflow trap (7) placed in the air flow duct (1.5), characterized in that the air guide (1) further comprises a limiter (8) for restricting the movement of the backflow trap (7), wherein the quantity of replacement air flowing through the air flow duct (1.5) is arranged to be adjusted by changing the position of said limiter (8).

2. The air guide (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said limiter (8) is a rod-like piece arranged between the first end (1.3) and the second end (1.4).

3. The air guide (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first end (1.3) and the second end (1.4) are provided with holes (1.8), in which the limiter (8) is arranged to be placed.

4. The air guide (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first end (1.3) and the second end (1.4) are provided with slots (1.7), in which the limiter (8) is arranged to be placed.

5. The air guide (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that one wall of said slots (1.7) is wavelike.

6. The air guide (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the limiter (8) comprises a shaft (8.1) and a protrusion (8.2), wherein the limiter (8) is arranged to be pivotable.

7. A replacement air valve (9) for introducing replacement air into a room (6), the replacement air valve (9) comprising at least a first wall (1.1), a second wall (1.2), a first end (1.3), a second end (1.4), an air flow duct (1.5), and a backflow trap (7) placed in the air flow duct (1.5), characterized in that the replacement air valve (9) further comprises a limiter (8) for restricting the movement of the backflow trap (7), wherein the quantity of replacement air flowing through the air flow duct (1.5) is arranged to be adjusted by changing the position of said limiter (8).

8. A window (3), characterized in that the window is provided with an air guide (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 6, or with a replacement air valve (9) according to claim 7.

Drawing