[0001] The invention relates to a ventilation unit. The invention further relates to a building
with a ventilation unit. The invention further relates to a method for building in
a ventilation unit. The method for building in here enables functional modules to
be installed and/or dismantled. The invention further relates to an assembly of a
screen device and a ventilation unit.
[0002] Home ventilation is becoming increasingly important. In the past, homes were ventilated
mainly passively. Ventilation openings were typically provided for this purpose near
windows in order to allow fresh air to flow into a space. The ventilation opening
can here comprise a flap which can be operated manually or automatically in order
to influence the amount of air which can flow through the ventilation channel. Self-regulating
flaps thus exist which, depending on the difference between the air pressure outside
and the air pressure inside, for instance as a result of wind, open to greater or
lesser extent. A known drawback of such ventilation openings is that heat is not recuperated.
[0003] Other ventilation systems have been devised, such as a balanced ventilation system,
wherein the ventilation is actively controlled by allowing controlled inflow and outflow
of air, wherein the inflow and outflow are held in balance by the balanced ventilation
system. Such a balanced ventilation system typically comprises heat exchangers which
allow heat exchange between the incoming air and the outgoing air so as to thus ventilate
in energy-efficient manner. A drawback of such a system is that a modified pipe network
must be provided throughout the whole building in order to ventilate each space correctly.
This is time-consuming and expensive, and often impossible for practical reasons in
the case of renovation.
[0004] EP1488175 describes a local ventilation unit. With this ventilation unit the airflow can be
controlled, heat can be recuperated and it is no longer necessary to provide a modified
pipe network throughout the whole building. A drawback is that this ventilation unit
is provided as surface-mounted unit and will therefore always be visible in a space.
This is often undesirable for aesthetic reasons.
[0005] EP17171461 describes a local ventilation unit which can be built into a cavity. Three openings
provide access to filters situated in the ventilation unit. The ventilation unit is
provided under a window sill. With this ventilation unit the airflow can be controlled,
heat can be recuperated and it is no longer necessary to provide a modified pipe network
throughout the whole building. A further advantage is that this ventilation unit is
fully concealed in the wall and will therefore not cause any aesthetic disruption
in the space. A drawback of this construction is related to maintenance and repairs.
It is time-consuming to dismantle the ventilation unit from the cavity.
[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a local ventilation unit which can be
concealed and on which maintenance and repairs can be performed more easily.
[0007] The invention provides for this purpose a method for building a ventilation unit
into a wall of a building, wherein the method comprises of:
- determining a zone of the wall adjacently of a functional opening such as a window
or door opening;
- mounting a casing of the ventilation unit in the determined zone, with an at least
partially open first side of the casing substantially parallel to a reveal of the
functional opening and with a second side of the casing substantially parallel to
the wall;
wherein the method comprises at least one of the following steps of:
- installing one or more functional modules in the casing via the first side; and
- dismantling one or more functional modules from the casing via the first side.
[0008] The invention also provides a ventilation unit configured to be built into a wall
of a building, the ventilation unit comprising one or more functional modules and
a casing, which casing has a first side which is at least partially open such that
the one or more functional modules can be installed in and dismantled from the casing
via the first side, which casing has a second side which is configured to lie substantially
parallel to the wall, wherein the casing has a maximum outer dimension, measured transversely
of the second side, of a maximum of 300 mm, preferably a maximum of 250 mm, more preferably
210 mm, so as to be placeable between an inner shell and an outer shell of the wall,
and wherein the casing has mounting means for connection to the building at a predetermined
position in the wall, wherein the first side lies substantially at right angles to
the second side and is configured to lie substantially parallel to a reveal of an
opening in the wall, wherein the first side comprises a cover for covering the opening
substantially in line with the reveal.
[0009] The ventilation unit according to the invention provides functional modules which
are removable from a casing, in other words, functional modules can be installed in
the casing and dismantled from the casing. This allows the casing to be mounted substantially
fixedly in a wall. For this purpose the casing has limited outer dimensions. The method
according to the invention enables fixed mounting of a casing in the wall with a first
side substantially parallel to and preferably facing toward the reveal and enables
functional modules to be installed and dismantled via the first side of the casing.
[0010] The functional modules which ensure the operation of the ventilation unit can be
installed in and dismantled from the casing. This greatly increases flexibility for
maintenance and repairs. The casing is here configured specifically to be provided
in a zone of the wall adjacently of a functional opening such as a window or door
opening of a building. A functional opening is for instance a window opening or a
door opening or a gate opening. In modern buildings the thickness of the cavity, this
being the distance between the outer shell or outer wall and the inner shell or inner
wall of a building, is made significantly greater than 10 or 20 years ago. The cavity
is provided with an insulating layer and delays the heat transfer from inside to outside
and vice versa. Using the cavity for building in technical elements so they can be
dismantled and thereby concealing them from view is already applied for awnings and
roller blinds. In order to build in a ventilation unit in reliable and durable manner
the present invention provides a casing which has an open side facing toward the reveal
of the opening in the wall. The casing is provided with mounting means for connection
to the building at a predetermined position in the wall. A cover is further preferably
provided which lies in line with the reveal so as to provide a visual finish for the
reveal. When the cover is removed, the functional modules can be installed and dismantled
without further openings having to be provided in the wall.
[0011] The invention comprises of determining a zone of the wall adjacently of a functional
opening such as a window or door opening. The zone is preferably determined adjacently
of the functional opening to the left or the right. In other words, the zone is chosen
with a height range lying wholly within the height range of the functional opening.
This has the result that the first side opens toward an upright part of the reveal.
Functional modules can hereby be installed and dismantled by a substantially horizontal
movement into and/or out of the casing.
[0012] The method according to the invention preferably further comprises the step, in between
determining the zone and mounting the casing, of positioning the whole casing between
an outer shell and an inner shell of the wall. By positioning the whole casing between
the outer shell and inner shell of the wall the casing is fully concealed from view.
The first side opens toward a reveal of an opening in the wall. It is hereby not necessary
to provide openings in the outer wall or openings in the inner wall for installation/dismantling
of functional modules. If the reveal opening lies on the outer side of the building,
only an air channel to the inner wall is provided, which is visually minimal. If the
reveal opening lies on the inner side of the building, only an air channel to the
outer wall is provided, which is visually minimal.
[0013] In the preferred embodiment wherein the reveal opening is situated on the outer side
of the building the method preferably further comprises of providing at least one
air passage channel through the inner shell of the wall between the casing and the
interior space of the building. One air passage channel suffices if it is successively
used to draw air from the space and blow air into the space. One air passage channel
also suffices if the channel has segments, for instance by providing concentric pipes
or making another subdivision, whereby the one air passage channel can be used for
both incoming and outgoing air. It is also possible to provide two air passage channels,
one for feeding air into the space and one for discharging air from the space.
[0014] The mounting means are preferably provided on the first side. By providing the mounting
means on the first side the casing can be fixedly mounted by manipulation close to
the reveal. It is hereby not necessary to perform manipulations deep inside the wall
or between the inner wall and outer wall in order to fixedly mount the casing. This
simplifies placing of the casing in the wall.
[0015] The one or more functional modules preferably comprise at least:
- a first channel for allowing air to flow inside from outside the building;
- a second channel for allowing air to flow outside from inside the building; and
- a heat exchanger configured to allow the first channel and the second channel to cross.
[0016] The one or more functional modules more preferably further comprise a first air pump
in the first channel and/or a second air pump in the second channel. Air ventilation
in the space can be achieved via the channels and heat can be exchanged between inflowing
fresh air and outflowing contaminated air via the heat exchanger. This enables energy
recuperation in order to make the ventilation unit energy-efficient. Such a ventilation
unit is therefore also referred to as balanced ventilation unit. Such a ventilation
unit can be given a continuous or intermittent form with a heat exchanger which exchanges
heat directly between two airflows or which exchanges heat indirectly by absorbing
heat from a first flow and relinquishing it to a second flow. In an intermittent system
one air pump can be used to intermittently realize an airflow in the one and in the
other direction. The amount of inflowing air and the amount of discharged air can
be controlled via the air pumps. By controlling these amounts at a predetermined ratio
a slight overpressure or a slight underpressure in the space can be obtained, which
may be desirable on the basis of circumstances, type of space and safety.
[0017] Preferably, a suction opening of the first channel opens on the first side and an
outlet opening of the second channel opens on the first side. More preferably, a suction
opening of the second channel opens on the second side and an outlet opening of the
first channel opens on the second side. The first side is parallel to the reveal.
This means that the openings allow air to flow into and out of the reveal on the first
side. In a modern home a window is usually placed on the inner wall. This causes the
reveal to lie substantially outside, and an opening at the reveal will also be located
on the outer side of the home. In such a situation the second side will be the side
which lies against the inner wall and openings in this side will typically carry air
through the inner wall via extension pieces, for instance pipe pieces, and so allow
air to flow into and out of the space. In a previous, traditional home a window is
placed on the outer wall. This causes an opening at the reveal to be located on the
inside. These openings allow air to be carried into and out of the space. In such
a situation the second side will be the side which lies against the outer wall, and
openings in this side will typically carry air through the outer wall via extension
pieces, for instance pipe pieces, and so allow air to flow from and to the outside.
[0018] The reveal finish preferably has perforations to allow an airflow from and to the
first and second channel. Perforations prevent or impede entry of dirt, water and/or
vermin into the open first side.
[0019] The one or more functional modules further preferably comprise a first filter in
the first channel and a second filter in the second channel. Air can be purified via
the filter. Dirt and/or vermin can also be prevented from being sucked into the space
along with the air. The first filter and the second filter are further preferably
replaceable via the second side. The second side, as elucidated above, can lie against
the inner wall. This side is therefore easily accessible and can be used for periodically
replacing filters. This makes it unnecessary to at least partially remove the reveal
in order to gain access to the first side. Because functional modules can however
be installed and dismantled via the first side, the openings in the second side can
remain limited in size.
[0020] The openings in the second side are preferably defined by edges which are each configured
for connection to an external pipe. The external pipe forms an extension of the channel
through the wall which lies against the second side. The first filter and the second
filter are preferably provided at the position of the openings in the second side.
[0021] The casing preferably has a third side which is configured to form the bottom side
of the ventilation unit, which third side has a draining opening. Formation of condensation
is possible via a heat exchanger, particularly when air is cooled. Because the invention
provides a casing which is typically closed in practice, condensation may accumulate
and thereby cause problems when it cannot be discharged adequately. Providing a draining
opening in a bottom side enables condensation and other inflowing water to be discharged.
[0022] The casing is preferably formed as a substantially beam-like housing for the functional
modules, which beam-like housing has three sets of two sides with substantially the
same surface area, wherein the surface area of the second side is greater than the
surface area of the first side. The surface area of the second side is preferably
greater than the surface area of the third side. The casing is preferably formed integrally.
The casing is preferably formed by one of injection moulding and rotation moulding,
preferably by rotational moulding. It has been found that this construction of the
casing can be manufactured in simple manner and built into a cavity in simple manner.
This construction has further been found optimal for installation of functional modules
therein.
[0023] An upper side of the casing is preferably configured for connection of an external
air channel. Discharge of air from a space not adjacent to an outer wall, for instance
a bathroom or toilet area, can be enabled via this air channel.
[0024] With the exception of the first side, second side and optionally the third side,
and further optionally the upper side, the casing preferably forms a watertight outer
shell of the ventilation unit. By forming a watertight outer shell functional elements
are shielded from the surrounding area as it present in the cavity.
[0025] The cover is preferably integrated in, and the cover preferably forms a segment of,
the reveal finish. The reveal finish is preferably provided integrally on each reveal
side. In practice the ventilation unit rarely covers a whole complete reveal side.
By providing the reveal side with an integral finish anyway, wherein the cover is
functionally formed by a segment of the one finish, a visually sleek whole is obtained.
The cover will here preferably comprise a grating to allow an airflow from and to
the plurality of functional modules and to prevent driving rain from entering directly
into the casing.
[0026] The first side and the second side are preferably configured to extend upward in
the wall. The upward orientation has been found to provide multiple advantages, including
the fact that installation of functional modules is simpler than in other orientations,
rain and other water which may potentially seep in can be kept out of the casing more
easily than in other orientations, and a finish can be provided more easily than in
other orientations.
[0027] The invention further relates to an assembly of a screen device and a ventilation
unit according to the invention, wherein the screen device comprises a screen roller
and a screen which is rollable onto and unreliable from this screen roller and is
attached to the screen roller on one of its sides, wherein the screen device comprises
at least a protective casing and two lateral guides, wherein the first side of the
casing is connected to a first lateral guide of the two lateral guides. The ventilation
unit can be integrated in a screen device by connecting one of the lateral guides
to the casing. It will be apparent here that one of the lateral guides must not be
interpreted as limitative and that a ventilation unit can also be provided on both
lateral guides. Connecting the ventilation unit to a lateral guide simplifies several
things, such as providing a finish, installation, maintenance and repairs. In this
context it will be apparent that the above also comprises that two ventilation units
can be connected to a screen device, a first to the first lateral guide and a second
to the second lateral guide.
[0028] The first lateral guide preferably comprises at least one rear back profile, wherein
the first side of the casing lies substantially in line with a rear wall of the rear
back profile and is connected thereto. At the position of the ventilation unit the
rear wall of the rear back profile is at least partially interrupted so as to guarantee
access to the first side of the casing. The first lateral guide preferably comprises
at least one front finishing profile, wherein the cover is formed by at least a segment
of the front finishing profile. The ventilation unit preferably comprises air guides
which are configured to guide air in the first lateral guide. The air guides preferably
bridge a distance between the at least one back profile and the at least one front
finishing profile. The ventilation unit and the screen device can both work independently
of each other. The casing is for this purpose connected to a back profile and the
cover formed by a frontal or front finishing profile of the screen guide. Preferably
provided between a plane in which the back profile extends and the front finishing
profile is an air guide to prevent air from flowing directly from the air outlet to
the air inlet via the screen guide. The air guide forms a channel for carrying air
from the air outlet to openings in the front profile and to carry air from further
openings in the front profile to the air inlet. The air guide will here further preferably
take a polarising form, which means that the location where the air is blown out via
the front finishing profile lies at a distance from the location where the air is
drawn in via the front finishing profile. The air guide can also increase the surface
area over which air can be drawn in or blown out through the front finishing profile.
[0029] The first lateral guide preferably has a width which is substantially equal to the
depth of the protective casing. The width of the first side, which is substantially
equal to the one of the outer dimensions of the ventilation unit, is preferably substantially
equal to the depth of the protective casing. The screen guide with its protective
casing and its lateral guides thereby have together with the ventilation unit one
substantially constant thickness for building into a cavity. This simplifies finishing
of the wall and the cavity.
[0030] The invention further relates to a building wherein at least one wall is provided
with an opening having a reveal, wherein a ventilation unit according to the invention
is built into the wall with the first side substantially parallel to the reveal.
[0031] The invention will now be further described with reference to an exemplary embodiment
shown in the drawing.
[0032] In the drawing:
figure 1 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the invention;
figures 2A and 2B show an intermediate position and a built-in position of the embodiment
of figure 2;
figure 3 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the invention;
figure 4 shows a cross-section of parts of the second embodiment;
figure 5 shows a side and front view of the second embodiment; and figure 6 shows
a lying cross-section of a wall at the position of the ventilation unit.
[0033] The same or similar elements are designated in the drawing with the same reference
numerals.
[0034] Figure 1 shows a wall 1 of a building in which an opening is provided for fitting
a window. Windows are typically provided in order to allow light into a building.
A window is an example of a functional opening in a building. Other functional openings
comprise doors, gates, sliding windows and other similar openings. Functional openings
are therefore typically provided in a wall 1 which has an inner wall 2 adjoining an
interior space of the building, and has an outer wall 3 provided on an outer side
of the building. In order to limit heat loss a cavity 4 is typically provided between
inner wall 2 and outer wall 3. The cavity is defined by a space between inner wall
2 and outer wall 3, this space being filled with air or with an insulating material.
A thermal barrier is hereby created between inner wall 2 and outer wall 3 so that
energy can be retained in the building. Reference is made in this description to inner
wall 2, outer wall 3 and cavity 4, although it will be apparent here that this does
not imply a traditional way of building. An outer wall 3 is defined as the outer shell
of a building. Inner wall 2 is defined as the elements forming an inner shell of a
building, wherein the inner shell is thermally insulated from the outer shell. The
cavity 4 is defined as the space and/or the elements thermally separating the inner
shell and the outer shell at least partially from each other. The outer wall can be
formed from stone, brick metal, wood, plasterwork or other material suitable for forming
an outer shell of a building. The cavity can be formed by insulating plates or foam
fixedly connected to inner and/or outer wall. The cavity can alternatively be formed
by a layer of air. The outer wall 3 is not necessarily self-supporting, and can be
structurally connected to the inner wall via the cavity 4.
[0035] Recent legislation and modern techniques go a step further than creating a thermal
barrier between outer wall 3 and inner wall 2 and also provide an airtight membrane
in wall 1 with the theoretical purpose of airtight enclosing of the interior space.
Because of this airtight membrane there is negligible, or at least no uncontrolled
and appreciable exchange of air inside the building with air outside the building.
This can further limit energy loss. This airtight membrane has to be connected to
the window when the window is placed in the opening.
[0036] It has been known for years to provide window profiles with which windows are constructed
with a thermal barrier such that the profiles comprise an outer part and an inner
part, wherein the outer part is configured to lie on the outside of the building and
the inner part is configured to lie on the inner side of the building. Such window
profiles are then mounted either with their outer part against outer wall 3 or with
their inner part against inner wall 2. The thermal barrier provided between outer
wall 3 and inner wall 2 can hereby be extended to the window. The thermal barrier
can in this way take a continuous form so that cold bridges facilitating energy exchange
from outside to inside the building, and vice versa, do not occur. It will be apparent
here to the skilled person that, if both inner part and outer part of a window are
placed on one of an outer wall 3 or inner wall 2, an undesirable heat exchange would
be facilitated between either outer wall and inner part of the window profile or inner
wall and outer part of the window profile so that a cold bridge occurs. The airtight
membrane provided in wall 1 is adhered against an edge of the window profile and connects
airtightly against the window profile. A building with a window can be energy-optimized
by providing a window in an opening of a building while making allowance for the aspects
described above.
[0037] When an opening is provided in a wall 1, a so-called reveal is also formed. The reveal
is defined as a straight, chamfered or profiled inner side of a window opening, gate
opening or arch opening, which inner side preferably lies transversely or substantially
transversely of the wall. The reveal is preferably always perpendicular to the wall.
The reveal shows the thickness of inner wall 2, the thickness of cavity 4 and the
thickness of outer wall 3. Figure 1 shows a portion of the upright reveal and a portion
of the upper reveal of a window opening.
[0038] Figure 1 further shows a ventilation unit 7. The ventilation unit preferably forms
part of a ventilation system and allows a forced controlled airflow from inside to
outside and from outside to inside through wall 1. A plurality of such ventilation
units can be placed in a plurality of respective rooms of a building in order to together
form the ventilation system of the building. Because each ventilation unit of the
ventilation system operates individually, the ventilation system can be explained
in this description by describing the operation of one ventilation unit. It will be
apparent here that, while a plurality of ventilation units can operate independently,
the skilled person can couple them operationally in order to obtain a predetermined
operational interaction between the different ventilation units in the ventilation
system.
[0039] The ventilation unit of the ventilation system is constructed with a casing 5 and
one or more modules which are provided with a heat exchanger for energy exchange between
the inflowing and outflowing air. The ventilation system can be deemed a local ventilation
system. This is because a plurality of such ventilation units 7 can be provided in
a building, for instance at a plurality of window openings in a plurality of rooms
of the building, the operation of which is controllable separately of each other.
[0040] Figure 1 shows the casing 5 of ventilation unit 7. Casing 5 is formed such that it
can be provided fixedly in the cavity of a building. Provided fixedly is understood
to mean that the casing 5 cannot be removed without carrying out extensive work. Such
extensive work is often at least partly destructive and requires for instance demolition
of a part of a wall. Casing 5 is for this purpose provided on an outer side with mounting
means. These mounting means are preferably provided at the position of, i.e. in the
vicinity of, the first side 8. Casing 5 has a first side 8 which preferably has an
upright orientation. In mounted state the first side 8 is oriented parallel to the
reveal. The first side 8 is also directed toward the reveal, i.e. of all sides, first
side 8 lies closest to the reveal. In practice the first side 8 lies according to
a first embodiment as shown in figures 1 and 2 substantially in line with the reveal
or the first side 8 lies according to a second embodiment as shown in figures 3-5
parallel to and at a distance from the reveal, wherein the distance is preferably
smaller than 15 cm, more preferably smaller than 10 cm. The first side 8 of casing
5 is provided with an opening 9. In the shown embodiment opening 9 extends over substantially
the whole first side 8.
[0041] Casing 5 has a second side 10 configured to lie parallel to the wall. The second
side 10 has a plurality of openings 35' and 37', further elucidated below. Second
side 10 preferably lies against the inner wall when the window is mounted in or at
the inner wall, and preferably lies against the outer wall when the window is mounted
in or at the outer wall. Hereby, one of the first side and second side will in each
case face outward and another of the first side and second side will face inward.
The casing has a maximum outer dimension, measured transversely of the second side,
of 30 cm, preferably 25 cm, more preferably 21 cm, in order to enable the whole casing
to be built into the wall. This means that the whole casing is situated between an
inner shell and outer shell of the wall after being mounted in the wall.
[0042] Casing 5 further has a third side 11 which preferably forms the bottom side of casing
5. The third side 11 has a draining opening 12 for discharging condensation and other
water that has entered casing 5. This will be discussed further hereinbelow.
[0043] Casing 5 is preferably beam-shaped. This means that opposite the first side lies
a further first side with a surface area substantially equal to that of the first
side. Opposite the second and the third side also lie respectively further second
and further third sides, these having substantially the same surface areas as respectively
the second and third side. The thus obtained beam-shaped casing can be built into
a cavity 4 in simple manner. The first side 8 is preferably smaller than the second
side 10. First and second side 8 and 10 preferably have an upward orientation. The
third side 11 is preferably smaller than the first side 8. The overall depth for functional
modules 6 is hereby smaller than the overall height via first side 8. Third side 11
preferably extends in lying orientation as bottom surface.
[0044] Figure 1 shows schematically one or more functional modules 6 of a ventilation unit
7. The functional modules 6 can be built into casing 5 via the opening 9 in first
side 8. The functional modules 6 can also be dismantled from casing 5 via the opening
9 in first side 8. For the sake of simplicity, figure 1 shows one functional module
comprising all functions.
[0045] The functional modules 6 comprise a heat exchanger 24, a first channel 40 and a second
channel 33 for allowing air to flow respectively from outside to inside and from inside
to outside, a first air pump 41 and a second air pump 34, these together forming the
functional modules 6 of ventilation unit 7. The second channel 33 extends between
a first opening 29 and a second opening 35. First opening 29 is formed in a side of
housing 23 which adjoins an outer side of wall 1 when the housing is built into the
wall. First opening 29 is provided for the purpose of allowing flow of inside air
to the outside, this being illustrated in figure 1 with arrow 30. Provided in first
channel 40 is a filter 31 for filtering the inflowing outside air, which is preferably
placed to filter the air before the inflowing air 39 flows through heat exchanger
24.
[0046] Heat exchanger 24 is of the air-air type, so that a heat exchange is possible between
a first and a second airflow. Heat exchanger 24 is configured for this purpose to
allow crosswise flow of the airflows relative to each other in a manner such that
heat exchange between the flows is optimized. Air-air heat exchangers are known and
the details of this heat exchanger are therefore not described in further detail in
this description. In heat exchanger 24 energy is exchanged between the air flowing
in first channel 40 on the one hand and the air flowing in second channel 33 on the
other. Heat or cold can thus be recuperated. The heat exchanger can be configured
to exchange only heat, but can also be a so-called recuperator. A recuperator not
only exchanges heat, but also recuperates moisture. This is also referred to as an
enthalpy heat exchanger. Alternatively, only one channel is provided for allowing
alternating flows of air from outside to inside and from inside and outside. A heat
exchanger can be provided here to temporarily store heat energy when the air flows
in one direction and to relinquish the heat energy again when the air flows in the
other direction.
[0047] The flow of air through second channel 33 is driven by a second air pump 34. The
flow of air through first channel 40 is driven by a first air pump 41. Second air
pump 34 and first air pump 41 are preferably identical air pumps and can be driven
synchronously or individually depending on the operational preferences for ventilation
unit 7. Each air pump 34, 41 is preferably formed by an air pump producing minimal
sound. An air pump is preferably chosen herefor which operates at a low rotation speed.
A low rotation speed is defined here as a rotation speed lower than 1000 revolutions
per minute (rpm), preferably lower than 500 rpm, more preferably lower than 300 rpm.
Air pumps 34, 41 can be selected from air pumps which move air in an axial direction
or in a radial direction, axial and radial being understood to mean relative to the
primary rotation axis of the fan. Air pumps 34, 41 are preferably configured for radial
displacement of air. Air pumps, including fans with radial or axial blades, are known
and therefore not described in further detail in this description.
[0048] The second channel 33 starts at a second opening 35 provided in a second side of
the ventilation unit which, when ventilation unit 7 has been built into the wall,
adjoins an interior space of the building.
[0049] Second channel 33 has a similar construction to first channel 40. First channel 40
extends between third opening 37, which is preferably formed in the same wall of housing
23 as second opening 35. The third opening is more preferably positioned at a distance
from second opening 35 which is greater than the sum of the diameters of second opening
35 and third opening 37, more preferably greater than twice the sum of the diameters
of second opening 35 and third opening 37.
[0050] The third opening 37 is provided for the purpose of allowing outflow of air to the
space from outside to inside via first channel 40, this being designated in figure
1 with arrow 39. Second opening 35 is further provided with a filter 38 for filtering
the air flowing into the second channel 33. This filter 38 is easily accessible via
opening 35. The air which flows via third opening 37 out of first channel 40 first
flows through heat exchanger 24 via first air pump 41, coming from a fourth opening
42. The fourth opening 42 is preferably placed in the same wall as first opening 29.
Via fourth opening 42 the air coming from outside can flow inside.
[0051] Ventilation unit 7 further optionally comprises a fifth opening 32 which is preferably
formed in the same side as second opening 35 and third opening 37. This fifth opening
32 is optionally positioned (not shown) at the location of filter 31 for filtering
the inflowing outside air. An advantage hereof is that this filter 31 is accessible
via the fifth opening 32. Fifth opening 32 is preferably positioned between second
opening 35 and third opening 37. As a result of this positioning of the openings,
in particular the positioning of third opening 37 and fifth opening 32, all filters
present in ventilation unit 7, more specifically the filter for filtering the air
flowing from inside to outside, i.e. filter 38, and the filter provided for filtering
the air flowing from outside to inside, i.e. filter 31, can be replaced via inner
wall 2. Filter 31 preferably comprises a carbon filter, more preferably an active
carbon filter, which cleans incoming air. This makes maintenance of ventilation unit
7 extremely simple.
[0052] Figure 1 shows that first opening 29 and fourth opening 42 are located on a first
side of casing 5 when the functional modules are built into casing 5. These openings
can alternatively be formed in a rear wall, the rear wall being the wall which, in
the installed state of the ventilation unit, lies parallel to and adjacently of outer
wall 3. Figure 1 further shows that the casing has a second side 10 which has openings
35' and 37' corresponding to the above-described openings 35 and 37 of the functional
module 6. For aesthetic reasons the second 35, third 37 and fifth 32 opening are preferably
formed substantially symmetrically around an upright axis of symmetry.
[0053] Further connections 48 can optionally be provided for the purpose of connecting for
instance an additional space for ventilating. For instance spaces not adjoining an
outer wall, for instance a bathroom or storage space, can be ventilated by connecting
these spaces to the further connections. The use of these additional connections 48
is optional and provides the possibility of further extending the functionality of
ventilation unit 7. Spaces not directly adjoining an outer wall or spaces not having
their own ventilation unit can still be ventilated via pipes in the cavity wall and/or
inner wall of the building.
[0054] Figure 1 further shows the condensation outlet 49 which allows condensation from
the cooled air coming from inside to be discharged downward in casing 5, from where
the condensation can then be discharged further via draining opening 12.
[0055] Figure 1 further shows a reveal finish 13 for the upright reveal and a finish 14
for the upper reveal. When the reveal finish is mounted, a segment of the reveal finish
13 comes to lie in front of the opening 9 in first side 8 of casing 5. This segment
therefore functions as cover 15 for the opening 9 in first side 8. It is particularly
when airflow openings of the functional modules 6 open on the first side 8 that the
cover 15 is provided with perforations 16 to allow the airflow through cover 15.
[0056] Figure 2A shows an embodiment similar to figure 1, wherein the casing 5 is built
into the cavity 4. The casing lies wholly between the outer shell 3 and the inner
shell 2 of the wall. The casing is preferably also mounted fixedly on the wall via
mounting means. The figure shows that insulating material 17 can be provided in the
cavity around casing 5. When the cavity is thicker than the width of casing 5, insulating
material is typically also provided between the casing and the inner wall. In figure
2A a window (not shown) is provided at or close to inner wall 2. As seen in the transverse
direction of the wall, this window lies adjacently of casing 5, with no or only minimal
overlap with casing 5. The window hereby forms no obstruction at the opening 9 of
casing 5, which allows functional modules 6 to be installed in and dismantled from
casing 5. In the embodiment of figure 2 the second side of casing 6 lies toward inner
wall 2 and the second opening 35 and third opening 37 are thus concealed in the perspective
view. These openings are coupled to an external pipe segment which extends through
the inner wall so as to enable an airflow from and to the interior space.
[0057] In figure 2A the first side 8 of casing 5 lies on the outer side of the building
because the window is situated on inner wall 2. The openings opening toward first
side 8, these being the first opening 29 and fourth opening 42, therefore respectively
allow outside air to be drawn in and air to be blown out. Figure 2A further illustrates
the external air connection 48.
[0058] In figure 2B the reveal finish 13 has further been mounted, this relative to the
situation as shown in figure 2A. The reveal finish forms at least a covering for cavity
4. The reveal finish thereby forms the visual finish of the reveal of the window.
Reveal finish 13 integrates the cover 15. It is not necessarily visible here where
cover 15 begins and ends in the reveal finish. The segment of reveal finish 13 having
the function of covering the opening 9 of first side 8 of casing 5 is deemed the cover
15. Perforations 16 are provided in cover 15 in order to allow airflow from and to
the functional modules 6. Figure 2 shows that a neat, clean finish can be obtained
while a complex unit is fully integrated into the cavity. This complex unit is fully
accessible by removing reveal finish 13. Removal of reveal finish 13 is typically
seen as minor work, which is typically not destructive. This allows the functional
modules 6 to be dismantled from casing 5, whereby maintenance can be performed, functional
elements can be replaced, hardware and/or software updates can be performed, and so
on.
[0059] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment wherein a screen device for installing in cavity
4 is provided. A screen device which can be built fully into a cavity on one hand
and which can be easily installed and dismantled for maintenance on the other is described
in
EP2725181, incorporated herein by way of reference to elucidate the components and operation
of the screen device. When such a screen device is provided at a window, at least
a part of reveal finish 13 will be formed by the screen device.
[0060] Figure 3 shows that the screen device comprises a protective casing, a first lateral
guide 19 and a second lateral guide 20. Each lateral guide preferably has at least
a rear profile and at least one and preferably two further profiles, these typically
forming the most visible part of the lateral guide and typically forming the rail
or chamber for guiding of the lateral sides of the screen when the screen is rolled
up and unrolled. The rear profile is provided with a channel which allows the screen
roller to be dismantled from the protective casing via the channel.
[0061] Figure 3 shows that casing 5 is connected to the first lateral guide 19. In an embodiment
the opening 9 of casing 5 thereby does not lie in line with the reveal finish, but
at a distance therefrom determined by the overall depth of lateral guide 19. The rear
profile of a lateral guide typically comprises a back wall and at least one and preferably
two side walls. This profile can be formed integrally or can be assembled. The back
wall of the lateral guide is interrupted at the position of casing 5. The two side
walls of the rear profile preferably extend integrally over the whole length of the
lateral guide. A segment of back wall is hereby placed above and/or below the protective
casing. Figure 3 shows an upper segment back wall 21 and a lower segment back wall
22. The figure likewise shows a side wall 23 extending integrally over the whole length.
Figure 3 shows that the upper side of casing 5 can be provided with an opening 48
which forms a connection for an external air channel.
[0062] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of the components of lateral guide
19. Figure 4 shows here a back wall 21, 22 which can be connected to side walls 23.
For this purpose back wall 21, 22 and side walls 23 are provided with a complementary
tongue and groove 25. In practice the side walls 23 will typically be manufactured
from metal because a portion of the side walls is visible in the whole placed in cavity
4. Back wall 21, 22 is typically manufactured from plastic because the back wall is
concealed entirely from view in the whole placed in cavity 4. Side walls 23 will therefore
preferably be provided with the tongue and back wall 21, 22 will preferably be provided
with the groove. The tongue and groove connection can be designed such that back wall
21, 22 can be snapped over the tongue or back wall 21, 22 can be slid with its groove
over the tongue of the side wall. The back wall with at least one side wall, preferably
with two side walls, is deemed the rear profile.
[0063] Figure 4 also shows a section of casing 5 on first side 8, under back wall 21, 22.
Edges of the first side 8 are provided with a corresponding groove 25' so that this
groove can also be snapped and/or slid over the tongue of side walls 23. This groove
25' is deemed the mounting means provided on first side 8. This illustrates how both
back wall 21, 22 and casing 5 can be connected to the side walls 23 of first lateral
guide 19. The groove 25' can be provided directly in the casing (as shown) or can
be provided in a connecting strip (not shown), this connecting strip being connected
to the casing. The connecting strip can be connected to the casing via welding, glueing,
screws, bolts, rivets or other techniques. Because the connecting strip only provides
a finish for the edge of opening 9 on first side 8, casing 5 will still be deemed
integrally manufactured, even with the connecting strip fastened thereto. This is
because the connecting strip functions only to form the connection to the side walls
23 of the lateral guide and has a negligible encasing and/or bounding function for
the functional modules 6. The connecting strip will then be deemed the mounting means
provided on the first side.
[0064] Figure 4 further shows that a first further profile 26 and a second further profile
27 can be mounted at least partially in the rear profile of lateral guide 19. In a
preferred embodiment the two further profiles 26 and 27 can be mounted substantially
wholly between the two side walls 23 of lateral guide 19. In another embodiment, when
the rear profile has a back wall and only one side wall, the two further profiles
26 and 27 extend inside the imaginary beam of which the back wall and the one side
wall form a wall. Together with segments of side walls 23, the two further profiles
26 and 27 form the primary part of the frontal visible side of lateral guide 19. When
they are connected to the rear profile, the two further profiles 26 and 27 together
also form the guide for guiding a lateral side of the screen. The screen can be formed
by a reflective cloth with a zip guide, wherein an auxiliary profile is typically
provided in the guide in order to hold the zip which is attached to the reflective
cloth. The screen can alternatively be formed by roller blind slats.
[0065] The two further profiles 26 and 27 preferably each have connecting means 28 whereby
the further profiles 26 and 27 can be connected to the rear profile. The further profiles
26 and 27 are preferably held between the two side walls 23 of the rear profile. The
connecting means are shown as snap connecting means which are compatible with a mounting
bracket (not shown) which can be secured at different heights in the guide. One or
more mounting brackets can be provided at the position of upper segment back wall
21 and at the position of lower segment back wall 22. The principle of mounting brackets
is known and will therefore not be further shown and elucidated in this description.
The connecting means 28 are preferably both provided on one side of the guide, as
seen in the width direction of the lateral guide. This means that connecting means
28 are located in one half, preferably at one third of the width, most preferably
at one quarter of the width and adjacently of a side wall 23. The result is that one
of the two further profiles, in the figure the further profile 27, can extend largely
in the manner of a plate inside the two side walls 23 at the position of the reveal.
In other words, one of the two further profiles, in the figure the further profile
27, can extend largely in the manner of a plate parallel to and at a distance from
the rear wall of the rear profile. The result is that an open space 36 is formed between
back walls 21 and 22 and the second further profile 27, which open space 36 provides
space for mounting of an air guide, further elucidated below. There are no elements
in open space 36 that prevent or impede installation of an air guide.
[0066] Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional side view of a lateral guide 19 and illustrates
that air guide 43 is configured to guide an airflow through lateral guide 19. Through
lateral guide 19 is defined here as between a plane substantially coinciding with
the rear wall of the lateral guide and a plane substantially coinciding with the front
wall of the lateral guide. Air guide 43 bridges the distance between the back wall
and the front profiles 26 and 27. More specifically, air guide 43 bridges the distance
between the edges of openings 29 and 42 on one side and the perforations 16 in the
cover, formed by second further profile 27, on the other.
[0067] Figure 5B shows a front view of the lateral guide 19 of figure 5A. Figure 5 shows
that an upper segment of back wall 21 is provided above casing 5 and a lower segment
of back wall 22 is provided under casing 5. The first side 8 of casing 5 is positioned
substantially in line with rear walls 21 and 22. Openings 29 and 42 are thereby preferably
also formed at the position of or in the plane of back wall 21. An air guide 43 is
placed in lateral guide 19 at the position of casing 5, in the open space 36. The
air guide comprises two air channels 44 and 45 for guiding the air flowing to and
from openings 29 and 42 to the perforations 16 in second further profile 27. Because
guide 19 takes an asymmetrical form in the width direction, air guide 43 is also placed
in guide 19 asymmetrically in the width direction. Air guide 43 prevents air from
flowing inside guide 19 from fourth opening 42 to first opening 29. This would render
impossible a proper operation of the ventilation unit. Air guide 43 is formed such
that it does not prevent the placing of further profiles 27 and 26. The air channels
44 and 45 can further be formed such that they enlarge the outflow and inflow opening
at the position of the second further profile and thus reduce the airflow velocity.
The air guide preferably lies substantially against the second further profile 27,
typically at the position of perforations 16.
[0068] Figure 5A further illustrates that a filter can be configured not only to filter
the air flowing directly into opening 35, but also to filter air flowing in via external
air channel 48. Provided for this purpose is a filter element 50 with a filter cloth
51 which extends transversely of the external air channel 48 so that the air flowing
in via this channel 48 passes the filter cloth 51. The filter for filtering air which
flows through opening 35 (not shown in figure 5A) can also be integrated in the filter
element 50. These filters can both be replaced via opening 35.
[0069] Figure 5B further shows that an external pipe 46 can be provided at the location
or at the position of the third opening 37 and the second opening 35 (visible in figure
5A). The external pipe can preferably be connected to casing 5 at the position of
openings 37 and 35. The external pipe 46 forms the air channel through the inner wall
(or the outer wall as described above). Inside the space the external pipe can be
visually covered by finishing means which allow the airflow from and to the ventilation
unit. In figure 5 the fifth opening is not shown because this is merely an optional
opening.
[0070] Figure 5A further shows that a water discharge hose 47 is connected to draining opening
12 on one side and to the rear wall 22 of the lateral guide on the other. The lateral
guide is provided at the bottom to discharge water in a correct manner, typically
via a window sill. A correct manner is particularly understood to mean that the water
should not find its way directly into cavity 4, since this is disadvantageous for
the insulation. Connecting draining opening 12 via a water discharge hose 47 to the
lateral guide enables discharge from casing 5 of water which has found its way into
the casing by seeping in or through condensation, or in other ways.
[0071] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of a wall at the position of the ventilation unit.
Figure 6 thereby shows the above-described components including the outer wall 3,
the cavity 4 with insulation 17, the inner wall 2, the casing 5 and the lateral guide
19. Figure 6 further shows particularly that, at the position of casing 5, a piece
of insulating material 17' is provided between the inner wall 2' and casing 5. The
piece of insulating material 17' forms a barrier between casing 5 and inner wall 2.
Figure 6 further shows that a window 53 is provided at the position of an inner wall
2. This window 53 is connected via a thermal plate 52 to the inner wall in order to
prevent cold bridges. The piece of insulating material 17' and the thermal plate 52
are deemed part of the inner shell of the building since insulating material 17' and
thermal plate 52 at least partially define the form and position of the inner wall.
In the embodiment as shown in figure 6 the whole casing 5 will therefore also fall
between the outer shell 3 and the inner shell 2, 2', 17' and 52.
[0072] A piece of insulating material 17' can be provided between casing 5 and inner wall
2 in two ways. The figure shows an embodiment wherein inner wall 2 has been made narrower
at the position of the casing so that the piece of insulating material 17' fits between
the narrower inner wall and the casing 5 (narrower as seen in a direction transversely
of the wall). In this embodiment the casing 5 can be embodied with the same width
as cavity 4, as seen in the direction transversely of the wall. In an alternative
embodiment casing 5 is narrower than cavity 4 and the difference in width is filled
up with the piece of insulating material 17'. There is in any case preferably an overlap
of the piece of insulating material 17' and insulating material 17 in order to prevent
cold bridges and to obtain a good insulation. A combination of the above-described
embodiments is of course also possible.
[0073] The skilled person will appreciate on the basis of the above description that the
invention can be embodied in different ways and on the basis of different principles.
The invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. The above described
embodiments and the figures are purely illustrative and serve only to increase understanding
of the invention. The invention will not therefore be limited to the embodiments described
herein, but is defined in the claims.
1. Method for building a ventilation unit into a wall of a building, wherein the method
comprises of:
- determining a zone of the wall adjacently of a functional opening such as a window
or door opening;
- mounting a casing of the ventilation unit in the determined zone, with an at least
partially open first side of the casing substantially parallel to a reveal of the
functional opening and with a second side of the casing substantially parallel to
the wall;
wherein the method comprises at least one of the following steps of:
- installing one or more functional modules in the casing via the first side; and
- dismantling one or more functional modules from the casing via the first side.
2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising the step, in between determining the
zone and mounting the casing, of positioning the whole casing between an outer shell
and an inner shell of the wall.
3. Method according to the foregoing claims, wherein the method further comprises of:
providing at least one air passage channel through the inner shell of the wall, wherein
the at least one air passage channel is configured to allow an airflow between the
casing and an interior space of the building.
4. Ventilation unit configured to be built into a wall of a building, the ventilation
unit comprising one or more functional modules and a casing, which casing has a first
side which is at least partially open such that the one or more functional modules
can be installed in and dismantled from the casing via the first side, which casing
has a second side which is configured to lie substantially parallel to the wall, wherein
the casing has a maximum outer dimension, measured transversely of the second side,
of a maximum of 300 mm, preferably a maximum of 250 mm, more preferably 210 mm, so
as to be placeable between an inner shell and an outer shell of the wall, and wherein
the casing has mounting means for connection to the building at a predetermined position
in the wall, wherein the first side lies substantially at right angles to the second
side and is configured to lie substantially parallel to a reveal of an opening in
the wall, wherein the first side comprises a cover for covering the opening substantially
in line with the reveal.
5. Ventilation unit according to claim 4, wherein the mounting means are provided on
the first side.
6. Ventilation unit according to any one of the claims 4-5, wherein the one or more functional
modules comprise at least:
- a first channel for allowing air to flow inside from outside the building;
- a second channel for allowing air to flow outside from inside the building; and
- a heat exchanger configured to allow the first channel and the second channel to
cross;
- preferably a first air pump in the first channel; and
- preferably a second air pump in the second channel.
7. Ventilation unit according to claim 6, wherein a suction opening of the first channel
opens on the first side and wherein an outlet opening of the second channel opens
on the first side, wherein the cover has means, preferably perforations, for allowing
an airflow from and to the first and second channel.
8. Ventilation unit according to any one of the foregoing claims 6-7, wherein a suction
opening of the second channel opens on the second side and wherein an outlet opening
of the first channel opens on the second side, wherein the second side preferably
comprises openings with edges which are each configured for connection to an external
pipe.
9. Ventilation unit according to any one of the foregoing claims 4-8, wherein the casing
has a third side which is configured to form the bottom side of the ventilation unit,
which third side has a draining opening.
10. Ventilation unit according to any one of the foregoing claims 4-9, wherein the casing
is preferably formed integrally and is formed as a substantially beam-like housing
for the functional modules, which beam-like housing has three sets of two sides with
substantially the same surface area, wherein the surface area of the second side is
greater than the surface area of the first side, wherein the surface area of the second
side is preferably greater than the surface area of the third side.
11. Ventilation unit according to any one of the foregoing claims 4-10, wherein the cover
is integrated in and forms a segment of the reveal finish, wherein the cover preferably
comprises a grating to allow an airflow from and to the plurality of functional modules
and to prevent driving rain from entering directly into the casing.
12. Assembly of a screen device and a ventilation unit according to any one of the foregoing
claims 4-11 and claim 5, wherein the screen device comprises a screen roller and a
screen which is rollable onto and unreliable from this screen roller and is attached
to the screen roller on one of its sides, wherein the screen device comprises at least
a protective casing and two lateral guides, wherein the mounting means can be connected
to a first lateral guide of the two lateral guides.
13. Assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first lateral guide comprises at least
one front finishing profile, wherein the cover is formed by at least a segment of
the front finishing profile.
14. Assembly according to any one of the claims 12-13, wherein the ventilation unit comprises
air guides which are configured to guide air in the first lateral guide, wherein the
air guides preferably bridge a distance between a rear back profile of the lateral
guide and the at least one front finishing profile.
15. Building wherein at least one wall is provided with an opening having a reveal, wherein
a ventilation unit according to any one of the claims 4-11 is built into the wall
with the first side substantially parallel to the reveal.