Device for preventing backflow of fan air inlet, air inlet, fan and fan wall

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for preventing backflow at the air inlet (10) of a fan (100), having a guide rod (4) and a plurality of support rods (6) rotatably and / or pivotally arranged on the guide rod (4), wherein a foldable awning layer (9) is provided between at least two adjacent support rods (6), wherein the support rods (6) are rotatably and / or pivotally supported in a back-and-forth manner between an inlet position (EP) and at least one predetermined outlet position (AP) by airflow acting on the foldable awning layer (9), wherein the foldable awning layer is deployed as specified between the respective support rods (6) in the outlet position, wherein the guide rod (4) is arranged on the air inlet (10) of the fan (100) such that the support rods (6) are arranged in the outlet position (AP) such that the air inlet (10) is closed at least for backflow by means of the foldable awning layer (9) and / or the support rods (6). Furthermore, the present invention relates to an air inlet having the device and a fan having the air inlet. Additionally, the present invention relates to a fan wall having a plurality of corresponding fans.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for preventing backflow at the air inlet of a fan. Furthermore, this invention relates to an air inlet having the device and a fan having the air inlet. Additionally, this invention relates to a fan wall having a plurality of corresponding fans. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, fanwalls with multiple fans can only be adjusted under limited conditions. During partial load operation, all fans operate in parallel at reduced speeds. In this state, the fans are not operating at their optimal efficiency, resulting in reduced equipment efficiency. By shutting down individual fans, especially during partial load operation of the fanwall, individual fans can be switched off, allowing the other fans to operate at their optimal power points. This improves overall efficiency.

[0003] Shutdown is necessary to prevent backflow through the closed fan. It is also advantageous in terms of redundancy in the fan wall to prevent backflow through the fan in the event of a fan failure.

[0004] Not all closing possibilities, such as dampers, can open and close automatically. These closing possibilities require external actuators, especially electric motors. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and provide a device for preventing backflow at the air inlet of a fan, which automatically closes the air inlet of the fan as specified, at least to prevent backflow.

[0006] This task is solved by the combination of features described in claim 1 of the patent.

[0007] The basic concept of this invention is to integrate an umbrella-shaped, deployable mechanism in the air intake area of ​​a fan. This mechanism, depending on the airflow direction, closes or opens the fan's air intake with a foldable canopy. During operation, the fan delivers air from the intake side to the pressure side. The device according to the invention is arranged such that, during operation, the airflow from the intake side acts on the device, particularly the foldable canopy, and opens the fan, allowing it to flow through.

[0008] However, if the backflow passes through a stopped fan, the backflow acts on the device from the pressure side, particularly the device's collapsible canopy, and opens the device until it comes into contact with the air intake duct, thereby shutting off the fan to prevent undesirable backflow. The collapsible canopy is configured, in particular, in terms of tensile strength, tear resistance, airtightness, weight, and / or heat resistance, such that forces, especially pressure and / or suction, can be borne by the collapsible canopy, arising from the airflow acting accordingly on it. At this point, only a weak airflow is sufficient to move the device back and forth between the "open" and "closed" positions. This weak airflow is at least those that affect the respective fan or the fan wall composed of multiple respective fans, particularly in terms of efficiency. Independent of the position of the device and the collapsible canopy, the device moves automatically to the "closed" position and thus opens the fan when flowing in the prescribed delivery direction. During operation, this "open" position remains constant due to the airflow. Furthermore, independent of the location of the device and the foldable canopy layer, the device automatically moves to the "open position" and shuts down the fan, specifically the fan's air inlet, when backflow occurs. Backflow opens the canopy here, and the fan shuts down as long as backflow is present.

[0009] According to the present invention, a device for preventing backflow at the inlet of a fan, particularly a radial fan, is provided, comprising a guide rod and a plurality of support rods rotatably and / or pivotally arranged on the guide rod. A foldable canopy layer is provided between at least two adjacent support rods. These support rods are rotatably and / or pivotally supported, in a movable, preferably reciprocating manner, between an inlet position EP and at least one predetermined outlet position AP, in which the foldable canopy layer is pre-deployed between the respective support rods, particularly fully deployed and / or such that backflow is prevented. Furthermore, the guide rod 4 can be arranged on the fan inlet such that the support rods in the outlet position AP are arranged such that the inlet is closed at least against backflow by means of the foldable canopy layer and / or support rods. Preferably, the inlet is closed such that backflow through the inlet is prevented by means of the foldable canopy layer and / or support rods. The device can be arranged on a rod and / or strut formed on the air inlet and / or the air intake channel of the air inlet, or on the air intake grille of the air inlet.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, a fixed hinge is provided at the first free end section of the guide rod. The load-bearing rod is rotatably and / or pivotally positioned at this fixed hinge, with its first load-bearing end section also rotatably and / or pivotally positioned. Furthermore, at least one axially movable hinge is provided on the guide rod, its position reversibly supported on the guide rod along its longitudinal extension. Additionally, hinged links are provided between each load-bearing rod and each movable hinge. Each hinged link is rotatably and / or pivotally supported at its respective load-bearing rod and movable hinge.

[0011] Preferably, the device is configured such that the angle α between the support rod and the guide rod is between 0° and 30°, preferably between 5° and 25°, and more preferably 5° in the turned-in position EP. Furthermore, a stop for a movable hinge is formed, particularly at the second free end section of the guide rod. This stop determines the angle α between the support rod and the guide rod in the turned-in position EP. Additionally, this stop is arranged on the guide rod such that the angle α is between 0° and 30°, preferably between 5° and 25°, and more preferably 5°. In this way, an expanding conical shape is formed in the prescribed flow direction, which narrows the air inlet in the prescribed flow direction to optimize the airflow to the fan impeller. Its advantage is that the device is conical and has a small opening angle during operation. This conical shape and the device's position in areas of low fan flow help the device deliver airflow to the impeller blades of the fan impeller, thereby improving the fan's efficiency.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the load-bearing rods are coupled to each other via corresponding hinged links and at least one movable hinge. In this way, all load-bearing rods deflect substantially the same amount or at similar levels or angles relative to the guide rods.

[0013] Furthermore, one embodiment is advantageous in which the fixed-position hinge and / or movable hinge is constructed as a rotary hinge and / or a hinge or membrane hinge.

[0014] In another advantageous variant, according to the invention, a fastening element for connecting and / or securing to the fan inlet is formed at the first free end section of the guide rod. This device, via the fastening element, can be arranged and / or fixed to rods and / or struts formed on the inlet and / or the inlet's airflow passage, or arranged on the inlet's airflow grille.

[0015] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is configured with three to 20 support rods, preferably five to ten, and more preferably six. Each predetermined number of support rods is adapted to a particular application, such as a fan or air inlet. The corresponding number of support rods represents a trade-off between having as few support rods as possible for cost reasons and a nearly circular covered area in the closed state. The more support rods and corresponding foldable canopy layers are provided, the more rounded the outer circumference of the area unfolded by the foldable canopy layers becomes.

[0016] A further advantage is that if the individual foldable canopy layers are made of textiles, preferably nylon, polyester, or aramid. Flame-retardant materials are preferred to meet higher fire safety requirements even when using textiles.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment of this device, each foldable canopy layer is specified to be made of plastic, particularly injection-molded plastic. The respective foldable canopy layer is divided into multiple canopy layer segments. Furthermore, adjacent canopy layer segments are supported by canopy layer hinges, preferably by another membrane hinge. In this way, the canopy layer is foldable. Additionally, a variant is advantageous in which the support rod and each foldable canopy layer are integrally formed.

[0018] According to the present invention, an air inlet for a fan is also provided, comprising an air inlet channel, an air inlet grille or guide grille, and a device according to the above disclosure. The guide rod of the device is arranged on the air inlet grille such that the support rod is arranged in the outgoing position AP such that the air inlet is closed at least for backflow via the foldable awning and / or the support rod. Specifically, each foldable awning and / or support rod abuts against the air inlet channel, preferably against the outflow edge of the air inlet channel as viewed along a predetermined flow direction, such that the air inlet is closed at least for backflow, particularly via the foldable awning and / or the support rod, preferably via the second end section of the support rod.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the guide rod of the device is secured to the inlet airflow grille with its first free end section such that the fixed hinge is pre-spaced at a distance A on the inflow and / or suction side of the inlet airflow channel. In this way, particularly by the predetermined distance A, the angle α between the support rod and the guide rod in the outflow position AP can be determined. It is particularly advantageous to arrange the first free end section in the pre-defined suction area of ​​the inlet. The corresponding securing to the inlet airflow grille is also advantageous, as this component is typically pre-set. In this way, the point of rotation of the support rod, particularly at the fixed hinge, is located outside the inlet airflow channel. Therefore, when the fan is off, the opening angle β of the canopy is <90°. Preferably, this opening angle β is 50°.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment, according to the invention, the longitudinal extension C of the support rod is greater than half the inner diameter B of the inlet channel, wherein preferably: 0.5 x B ≤ C ≤ 1 x B, and more preferably C = 0.6 x B. Alternatively, the longitudinal extension C is greater than the radius of the inlet channel. More preferably, the support rod is fully extended in the "off" state of the fan, and the outward position AP of the support rod is correspondingly predetermined. The support rod, in particular, rests against the inlet channel. For this purpose, the longitudinal extension C of the support rod should be longer than the distance to the inlet channel. In this way, in particular, the individual foldable canopy layers and / or support rods rest against the inlet channel, preferably against the outflow edge of the inlet channel as viewed along the prescribed flow direction.

[0021] According to the present invention, a fan, particularly a radial fan, is also provided, having an impeller, an air inlet according to the above disclosure, and a device according to the above disclosure. The guide rod of the device is arranged on the air inlet such that the support rod is arranged in the outgoing position AP such that the air inlet is closed at least for recirculation via the foldable awning and / or the support rod. Furthermore, the guide rod is preferably arranged along the axis of rotation of the impeller.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined distance A from the fixed-position hinge to the inlet air passage is determined by the impeller diameter D, wherein preferably: 0 x D ≤ A ≤ 0.25 x D, and more preferably A = 0.1 x D or A = 0.05 x D. The advantage is that the predetermined distance A allows the determination of the angle α between the bearing rod and the guide rod in the outgoing position AP.

[0023] According to the present invention, a fan wall or fan wall or fan enclosure is also proposed, which includes a plurality of fans according to the above disclosure.

[0024] Provided it is technically feasible and not contradictory, the features disclosed above can be combined as needed. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims, or are described in more detail below together with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a fan having an air inlet and a support rod in the outward position is shown.

[0027] Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view of a fan with an air inlet and a support rod in the in-rotation position is shown.

[0028] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the fan is shown, illustrating a comparison of the device with the support rod in the in and out positions;

[0029] Figure 4 A perspective view showing the movable hinge of the device;

[0030] The accompanying drawings are illustrative examples. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same functional and / or structural features. Detailed Implementation

[0031] exist Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a fan 100 having an air inlet 10 and a support rod 6 in the outgoing position AP. Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view of a fan 100 with an air inlet 10 and a support rod 6 in the in-position EP is shown.

[0032] The fan 100 is a radial flow fan, having an impeller 101 and an air inlet 10. The air inlet includes an air intake passage 11, an air intake grille 12, and a device 1 for preventing backflow through the air inlet 10. The device 1 has a guide rod 4 and a plurality of support rods 6 rotatably and / or pivotally arranged on the guide rod 4. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, six support rods 6 are provided. A foldable canopy layer 9 is provided between at least two adjacent support rods 6. Furthermore, the support rods 6 are rotatably and / or pivotally supported by airflow acting on the foldable canopy layers 9, allowing them to move back and forth between an inlet position EP and at least one predetermined outlet position AP, in which the foldable canopy layers are deployed as intended between the respective support rods 6. The guide rod 4 of the device 1 is arranged on the inlet airflow grille 12 such that the support rods 6 are arranged in the outlet position AP such that the air inlet 10 is closed at least for backflow via the foldable canopy layers 9 and / or the support rods 6. For this purpose, each foldable canopy layer 9 and / or support rod 6 rests against the outlet edge of the inlet airflow channel 11 as viewed along the predetermined flow direction.

[0033] Furthermore, a fixed hinge 8 is arranged at the first free end section 41 of the guide rod 4 of device 1. The bearing rod 6 is rotatably and / or pivotally arranged at the fixed hinge 8 with its first bearing end section. In addition, at least one movable hinge 7 is arranged on the guide rod 4, which is supported on the guide rod 4 in a positionable manner along its longitudinal extension. Furthermore, a hinge link 5 is provided between each bearing rod 6 and the movable hinge 7, and each hinge link 5 is rotatably and / or pivotally supported at the corresponding bearing rod 6 and movable hinge 7. The bearing rods 6 are coupled to each other through the corresponding hinge link 5 and at least one movable hinge 7.

[0034] In the pivot position EP, the angle α between the load-bearing rod 6 and the guide rod 4 is between 0° and 30°, preferably between 5° and 25°. Figure 2 In this configuration, angle α is 5°. Furthermore, a stop 2 for the movable hinge 7 is formed at the second free end section 42 of the guide rod 4. The stop 2 determines the angle α between the load-bearing rod 6 and the guide rod 4 in the rotated position EP.

[0035] The fixed hinge 8 and / or the movable hinge 7 are configured as rotary hinges and / or hinges or membrane hinges.

[0036] In addition, a fastening element 3 for connecting and / or securing to the air inlet 10 of the fan 100 is formed at the first free end section 41 of the guide rod 4.

[0037] Each foldable canopy layer 9 is made of textiles, preferably nylon, polyester or aramid.

[0038] Alternatively, each foldable canopy layer 9 is made of plastic, particularly injection-molded plastic. The respective foldable canopy layer 9 is divided into multiple canopy layer segments. Furthermore, adjacent canopy layer segments are supported by canopy layer hinges, preferably by another film hinge. Preferably, in the corresponding embodiment, the support rod 6 and the respective foldable canopy layer 9 are integrally formed.

[0039] The guide rod 4 of device 1 is fastened to the inlet air intake grille 12 with its first free end section 41 such that the fixed hinge 8 is predetermined to be spaced apart by a distance A on the inflow side and / or suction side of the inlet air intake passage 11. The predetermined distance A from the fixed hinge 8 to the inlet air intake passage 11 is determined by the impeller diameter D of the impeller 101 and is: A = 0.1 x D. Furthermore, the longitudinal extension C of the support rod 6 is greater than half of the inner diameter B of the inlet air intake passage 11 and is: C = 0.6 x B.

[0040] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the fan 100 is shown, illustrating a comparison of the device 1 with the support rod in the inward position EP and the outward position AP. This figure primarily serves to illustrate angle α, the opening angle β of the shroud, distance A, the inner diameter B of the inlet air passage 11, the longitudinal extension C of the support rod 6, and the impeller diameter D of the impeller 101. In addition, according to... Figure 3 The fan 100 corresponds to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The implementation method of the fan.

[0041] exist Figure 4 The image shows a perspective view of the movable hinge 7 of device 1.

[0042] A movable hinge 7 is arranged on the guide rod 4 and is repositioned on the guide rod 4, extending longitudinally along it. A hinge link 5 is provided between each load-bearing rod 6 and the movable hinge 7. Each hinge link 5 is rotatably and / or pivotally supported at the corresponding load-bearing rod 6 and movable hinge 7, such that the load-bearing rod 6 is coupled to at least one movable hinge 7 via the corresponding hinge link 5. The movable hinge 8 is constructed as a rotating hinge and / or a hinge.

[0043] This invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, the invention can have many variations that also utilize embodiments that are substantially different from those described above.

Claims

1. A device (1) for preventing backflow at the air inlet (10) of a fan (100), comprising a guide rod (4) and a plurality of support rods (6) rotatably and / or pivotally arranged on the guide rod (4), wherein, At least two adjacent support rods (6) are provided with foldable canopy layers (9), wherein the support rods (6) are rotatably and / or pivotally supported in a movable manner between an inlet position (EP) and at least one predetermined outlet position (AP) by airflow acting on the foldable canopy layers (9), in which the foldable canopy layers (9) are pre-determined to be unfolded between the respective support rods (6), wherein the guide rods (4) are arranged on the air inlet (10) of the fan (100) such that the support rods (6) are arranged in the outlet position (AP) such that the air inlet (10) is closed at least for recirculation by the foldable canopy layers (9) and / or the support rods (6).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. in, A hinge (8) with a fixed position is arranged at the first free end section (41) of the guide rod (4). The bearing rod (6) is rotatably and / or pivotally arranged at the fixed hinge (8) with its first bearing end section. At least one axially movable hinge (7) is arranged on the guide rod (4), which is supported on the guide rod (4) in a position that can be changed along the longitudinal extension of the guide rod (4). Among them, a hinged connecting rod (5) is provided between each of the bearing rods (6) and the movable hinge (7). Each hinge link (5) is rotatably and / or pivotally supported at the corresponding support rod (6) and the movable hinge (7).

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The load-bearing rod (6) is coupled to each other via a corresponding hinged link (5) and at least one movable hinge (7).

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The fixed hinge (8) and / or the movable hinge (7) are configured as rotary hinges or membrane hinges.

5. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the turn-in position (EP), the angle (α) between the support rod (6) and the guide rod (4) is between 0° and 30°.

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A fastening element (3) for connecting and / or securing to the air inlet (10) of the fan (100) is formed at the first free end section (41) of the guide rod (4).

7. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, It has three to 20 support rods (6).

8. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the foldable canopy layers (9) is made of textiles, preferably of nylon, polyester or aramid.

9. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Each of the foldable canopy layers (9) is made of plastic, wherein the corresponding foldable canopy layer (9) is divided into multiple canopy layer sections, wherein adjacent canopy layer sections are supported by canopy layer hinges, wherein the support rod (6) and each of the foldable canopy layers (9) are preferably integrally formed.

10. An air inlet (10) for a fan (100), comprising an air inlet passage (11), an air inlet grille (12), and a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The guide rod (4) of the device (1) is arranged on the air intake grille (12) such that the support rod (6) is arranged in the exit position (AP) such that the air inlet (10) is closed at least for recirculation by the foldable canopy layer (9) and / or the support rod (6).

11. The air inlet (10) according to claim 10, wherein, The guide rod (4) of the device (1) is fixed to the air intake grille (12) with its first free end section (41) such that the fixed hinge (8) is spaced apart by a predetermined distance A on the inflow side of the air intake channel (11) of the air intake.

12. The air inlet (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The longitudinal extension C of the bearing rod (6) is greater than half the inner diameter B of the air intake channel (11), wherein preferably: 0.5 x B ≤ C ≤ 1 x B, and more preferably C = 0.6 x B.

13. A fan (100), particularly a radial fan, comprising an impeller (101), particularly an air inlet (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, and a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The guide rod (4) of the device (1) is arranged on the air inlet (10) such that the support rod (6) is arranged in the out position (AP) such that the air inlet (10) is closed at least for recirculation by the foldable canopy layer (9) and / or the support rod (6).

14. The fan (100) according to claim 13, wherein, The predetermined distance A from the fixed hinge (8) to the air intake channel (11) depends on the impeller diameter D of the impeller (101), wherein preferably: 0 x D ≤ A ≤ 0.25 x D, and more preferably A = 0.1 x D or A = 0.05 x D.

15. A fan wall comprising a plurality of fans (100) as claimed in claim 13 or 14.

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