Lamellenlüfter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a louvered fan comprising: a fan frame designed to be attached to a building opening; a multitude of louvers, each arranged along a longitudinal direction of the fan frame and pivotable about a louver rotation axis; and a drive mechanism designed to pivot the slats; wherein the drive mechanism comprises a rack, a gear element and an actuator; wherein the rack is mounted so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame; the actuator is designed to move the rack; wherein the gear element is assigned to a first lamella and connected to it in such a way that the gear element engages with the rack and a displacement of the rack causes the first lamella to pivot about its lamella axis of rotation; wherein a second lamella, which is arranged adjacent to the first lamella with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame, does not have an associated gear element, wherein the second lamella is coupled to the gear element associated with the first lamella via a coupling device, so that pivoting the coupled gear element causes the second lamella to pivot.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a louvered fan for installation in buildings.

[0002] Louvered ventilators are commonly used in industrial buildings and residential and commercial buildings to provide natural fire ventilation and / or general ventilation. Installing a louvered ventilator in a building ensures both natural ventilation and, in case of fire, forced ventilation by opening the ventilator. Louvered ventilators with transparent louvers can also allow for the use of daylight.

[0003] The individual louvers of a louvered fan can be pivoted between a closed and an open position. In the prior art, an actuator is typically used to drive the louvers and pivot them between these positions. In particular, the fan frame can be rectangular and designed to be attached to a building opening. A multitude of louvers are arranged parallel to one another along a longitudinal axis of the fan frame. When closed, the louvers can partially overlap each other.

[0004] The actuator can be designed as a linear actuator, performing a stroke movement along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame. To convert the linear movement of the actuator into a pivoting movement of the louvers, the drive mechanism of the louvered fan can include a drive rod connected to the actuator, which is also movable back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame between a first end position and a second end position. This linearly guided drive rod can, in turn, be connected to a plurality of pivot elements. Moving the drive rod pivots the pivot elements as well. Each pivot element is assigned to and connected with a louver.

[0005] The length over which the drive rod is moved along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame, as well as the configuration of the pivot elements, thus define the angle by which the pivot elements and consequently the louvers are pivoted.

[0006] However, such a drive mechanism has the disadvantage of requiring a large number of components, making it expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the large number of components necessitates a correspondingly large installation space within the fan frame. For example, the fan frame must provide enough space for the drive rod to move within it and / or for the pivoting elements to swivel. In particular, it must be long enough to allow the blades to swivel between the closed and open positions. Typically, the fan frame is extended lengthwise for this purpose. In other words, the fan frame must be longer than would be necessary based on the size and number of blades. This additional space must then be enclosed, primarily by additional covers.

[0007] Document CN 2 628 924 Y, for example, describes an automatically controlled air exchange system for building facades. The system comprises at least one louver assembly with movable louvers and a control unit connected to the louver assembly. The control unit includes an integrated network of a wind speed sensor, a rain sensor, and a sensor control processor. A transmission mechanism for pivoting the louvers is installed in a notch of a frame element, and this transmission mechanism comprises an electric telescopic motor, a plurality of gears, and a rack.

[0008] German patent application DE 10 2016 013 353 A1 discloses an air outlet for a motor vehicle with an air outlet housing, at least one inlet and at least one outlet opening for an airflow and at least one air guide device to guide the airflow exiting the outlet opening, wherein the air guide device comprises a first and a second louver arrangement, each consisting of several pivotably mounted louvers, wherein the first louver arrangement is arranged on the outlet opening side and the second louver arrangement is arranged between the first louver arrangement and the inlet opening.An operating element attached to a support lamella of the first lamella arrangement and movable on the support lamella is coupled to both the first and the second lamella arrangement by a coupling device, wherein by moving the operating element on the support lamella the lamellae of the second lamella arrangement are adjustable and the operating element is adjustable to at least one adjustment position in which the lamellae of the first or the second are adjusted as a closing lamella arrangement such that the outlet is completely closed by the lamellae of the closing lamella arrangement.

[0009] Furthermore, the publication DE 10 2008 037 696 A1 discloses a louvered window with at least one louver and at least one drive rod arranged in at least one post, wherein the at least one drive rod is guided in the at least one post.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a louvered fan with an improved drive mechanism.

[0011] This task is solved by a louvered fan, which includes the following: a fan frame designed to be attached to a building opening; a multitude of louvers, each arranged along a longitudinal direction of the fan frame and pivotable about a louver rotation axis; and a drive mechanism designed to pivot the slats; wherein the drive mechanism comprises a rack, a gear element and an actuator; wherein the rack is mounted so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame; the actuator is designed to move the rack; wherein the gear element is assigned to a first lamella and connected to it in such a way that the gear element engages with the rack and a displacement of the rack causes the first lamella to pivot about its lamella axis of rotation; wherein a second lamella, which is arranged adjacent to the first lamella with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame, does not have an associated gear element; wherein the second lamella is coupled to the gear element associated with the first lamella via a coupling device, so that pivoting the coupled gear element causes the second lamella to pivot; wherein the coupling device comprises an elongated transmission element and a coupling pivot lever; wherein the transmission element is rotatably connected on the one hand to the gear element of the first lamella via a first transmission joint connection and on the other hand rotatably connected to the coupling pivot lever of the second lamella via a second transmission joint connection; wherein the transmission element is designed to rigidly connect the two transmission joint connections to each other; and where the position ratio between the first transmission joint and the first lamella is approximately equal to the position ratio between the second transmission joint and the second lamella.

[0012] Since the second lamella does not have an associated gear element and is instead coupled to the gear element of the first lamella via the coupling device, the drive mechanism can be designed more compactly. In particular, the components of the coupling device are inexpensive to manufacture.

[0013] This type of louvered ventilator can be used in any type of building. In particular, the louvered ventilator can be installed on roofs as well as in facades in orientations between 0° (horizontal) and 90° (vertical).

[0014] To connect the louvered ventilator to the building, the ventilator has a fan frame designed to be attached in, to, or on a building opening. "In a building opening" can mean that the fan frame is located at least partially within the building opening or is at least partially surrounded by the building opening. In a design where the fan frame is located "on a building opening," the louvered ventilator or the fan frame is mounted on the building and projects from it. The shape of the fan frame is preferably adapted to the building opening. Preferably, the fan frame is made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel, or of plastic.

[0015] To ventilate the building, a large number of louvers are pivotally mounted on the fan frame. The louvers can preferably be pivoted between an open and a closed position. However, it is also possible to pivot the louvers to and hold them in any position between the open and closed positions. In the "closed position," the individual louvers can all be located on or in a plane that corresponds to or is parallel to a plane of the fan frame. It is particularly preferred that the individual louvers make sealing contact with each other in this position to seal the building interior from the exterior. This can be achieved, for example, by means of seals arranged on the contact surfaces of the louvers.Alternatively, in the "closed position," the louvers can be arranged such that they overlap in certain areas. Here, too, the contact surface between the louvers in the overlapping area can be additionally sealed by at least one gasket. In the closed position, the louvers, with respect to an overlapping arrangement, can be positioned at an angle of approximately 0° to approximately 10° relative to a plane defined by the fan frame. Any position that deviates from the "closed position" can be considered an "open position." This means that any position of the louvers can be considered an open position as soon as they are pivoted away from the "closed position," allowing ventilation of the building interior. Preferably, in the "open position," the louvers are pivoted at an angle of approximately 30° to approximately 90° relative to the plane of the fan frame.

[0016] Each louver has a pivot axis around which it is arranged to pivot. These pivot axes are arranged side-by-side, all on the same plane, parallel to each other, and preferably extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame.

[0017] The louvers can be made of single-layer aluminum, double-layer aluminum, multi-layer transparent plastic, or glass. In particular, the louver can have a double-layer structure with insulating material placed between the layers.

[0018] To pivot a louver about its axis of rotation, the drive mechanism includes a rack that is displaceable along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame by the actuator. The rack is mounted for displacement only along the longitudinal direction, ensuring that the distance between the rack and the louver's axis of rotation remains constant when the louvers pivot. Displacement of the rack along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame includes both forward and reverse movement. The rack is an elongated rod element with a multitude of uniformly distributed teeth on its upper surface, which, in the assembled state, face the louvers. Preferably, the rack is manufactured as a casting.

[0019] Furthermore, the drive mechanism comprises a gear element that engages with the rack and can be pivoted or rotated by moving the rack. Specifically, the gear element is connected to the associated lamella in such a way that rotation of the gear element causes the lamella to pivot. The axis of rotation of the lamella corresponds to the axis of rotation of the gear element. The gear element can also be a cast part.

[0020] By combining the rack with the gear element, the linear movement of the rack can be converted into a rotational movement, which then causes the lamella to pivot.

[0021] The lamella to which the gear element is assigned is referred to as the "first lamella".

[0022] A lamella that is adjacent to the first lamella with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame and does not have an associated gear element is referred to as the "second lamella".

[0023] The second lamella, which has no associated gear element, therefore has no direct connection to the rack via its own gear element and is thus not directly driven by the rack. Instead, the second lamella is driven indirectly via a coupling device. This coupling device connects the second lamella to the gear element of the first lamella. When the gear element of the first lamella pivots, the rotational movement is transferred to the second lamella by the coupling device, or rather, the rotational movement is replicated by the coupling device, so that the second lamella, which has no associated gear element, also pivots.

[0024] The first and second blades are considered "adjacent" if the first blade is positioned directly next to the second blade with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame. In particular, it is preferred that the first blade is located behind the second blade. However, it is also conceivable that the first blade is located in front of the second blade.

[0025] It should be added that the described coupling device can be used once or several times within a louvered fan. In other words, all louvers of the louvered fan, with the exception of the second louver, can have an associated gear element. However, it is also conceivable that two or more louvers do not have a gear element and are each coupled to the gear element of an adjacent louver via a coupling device. These embodiments allow all louvers to be pivoted simultaneously. It is particularly preferred that all gear elements and louvers are identical.

[0026] In particular, the described coupling device is not limited to a single first lamella being coupled to a single second lamella. It is also conceivable that one or more (preferably two, three, etc.) first lamellae are coupled to one or more (preferably two, three, etc.) second lamellae via a common coupling device. The second lamellae are preferably adjacent to each other and all arranged either before or after the first lamella.

[0027] Although the louvered fan has been described above with only one rack and one gear element for each associated louver, the drive mechanism can also include multiple racks and multiple gear elements for each associated louver. In particular, a gear element can be attached to each of the opposite transverse ends of the associated louver, each of which can be driven by a rack located below it. An actuator can be provided for each rack. However, it is preferred that both racks are connected via a connecting rail or push rod, and that a single actuator drives or moves both racks via the push rod.

[0028] Preferably, the second lamella is the foremost lamella with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame.

[0029] If the second louver is the foremost louver in the louvered fan, a corresponding length of the rack can be saved or omitted. This length would otherwise be required to allow the gear element of the second or foremost louver to pivot on the rack (preferably between the closed and open positions of the second louver). This allows the fan frame to be shortened in the longitudinal direction, resulting in a more compact design for the same number of louvers.

[0030] The term "frontmost louver" refers to the louver that has no other louver in front of it along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame. All other louvers are located behind the frontmost louver. The "front" of a louvered fan or fan frame can preferably be considered to be the side where the actuator is located.

[0031] Preferably, the rack is displaceable between a first end position and a second end position along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame during pivoting of the louvers. wherein the first end position of the rack is assigned to a first pivot position of the slats and the second end position of the rack is assigned to a second pivot position of the slats, wherein a front end of the rack is arranged below the second lamella in the first end position.

[0032] This type of coupling device design limits the extent to which the rack projects forward beyond the second lamella in the first end position, thus saving additional installation space. If the second lamella also had an associated gear element, the rack would have to project significantly beyond the second lamella in the first end position to allow the gear element associated with the second lamella sufficient rolling motion on the rack to pivot the second lamella between its pivot positions.

[0033] The first end position of the rack preferably indicates that it is the position in which the rack has been moved furthest forward along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame. In other words, the rack cannot be moved further forward than this first end position. "Moving forward" can be understood as moving it towards the actuator.

[0034] In particular, the front end of the rack is located below the second lamella in its first end position. "Below the second lamella" also means that the front end of the rack is positioned essentially below the axis of rotation of the second lamella in the first end position. In the second end position, the front end of the rack is specifically not located below the second lamella.

[0035] It is preferred that one of the first and second pivot positions of the louvers corresponds to a closed position of the louvers, and another of the first and second pivot positions of the louvers corresponds to an open position of the louvers.

[0036] Consequently, the slats can be fully pivoted between the open position and the closed position when the rack is moved between the first end position and the second end position.

[0037] As described above, the coupling device has an elongated transmission element and a coupling pivot lever; wherein the transmission element is rotatably connected on the one hand to the gear element of the first lamella via a first transmission joint connection and on the other hand rotatably connected to the coupling pivot lever of the second lamella via a second transmission joint connection; wherein the transmission element is designed to rigidly connect the two transmission joint connections to each other; and where the position ratio between the first transmission joint and the first lamella is approximately equal to the position ratio between the second transmission joint and the second lamella.

[0038] The elongated transmission element can be designed as a flat, elongated rod, preferably made of sheet metal or as a flat profile. In particular, the transmission element can be an elongated plate or an elongated profile, for example a U-profile.

[0039] This transmission element is rotatably connected to the gear element of the first lamella via a first transmission joint connection. Furthermore, the transmission element is rotatably connected to a coupling pivot lever via a second transmission joint connection.

[0040] The coupling pivot lever is also part of the coupling device and replaces the gear element of the second plate, as described above. Specifically, the coupling pivot lever is attached to the second plate and thus connects the transmission element to the second plate.

[0041] The coupling pivot lever can be designed as a flat, plate-shaped lever arm, preferably made of sheet metal. In particular, the coupling pivot lever is arc-shaped, the arc shape being determined by the fact that the coupling pivot lever extends from the second lamella to the second transmission joint.

[0042] Thus, the transmission element, due to its rigid design, transfers the pivoting movement of the gear element of the first lamella from the first transmission joint to the second transmission joint. The coupling pivot lever, which couples the second transmission joint to the second lamella, therefore performs a pivoting movement corresponding to the gear element of the first lamella, so that the second lamella pivots in the same direction as the first lamella.

[0043] This coupling device ensures that the positional ratio between the first lamella and the first transmission joint corresponds approximately to the positional ratio between the second lamella and the second transmission joint. Positional ratio here is understood, for example, as the distance between the rotational axis of the first lamella and the first transmission joint, or the distance between the rotational axis of the second lamella and the second transmission joint.

[0044] This allows the transmission element to be aligned parallel to the rack and pinion or to extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame. Consequently, the two transmission joints are on the same plane, and the gear element of the first blade and the coupling pivot lever of the second blade can perform a simultaneous pivoting movement.

[0045] Preferably, the first transmission joint is arranged in the first end position of the rack below the lamellar rotation axis of the first lamellar.

[0046] As described above, the axis of rotation of the first plate corresponds to the axis of rotation of the gear element of the first plate. If the first transmission joint is located in the first end position of the rack under the axis of rotation of the first plate, the coupling pivot lever, or the second plate, can also be moved through its full range of motion up to the first end position of the rack.

[0047] Preferably, the distance between the axis of rotation of the first lamella and the first transmission joint is chosen to be large. For this purpose, the first transmission joint can be designed adjacent to or close to the gear teeth in order to transfer the drive lever arm of the first lamella almost completely to the second lamella.

[0048] Furthermore, the second transmission joint can be arranged in the first end position of the rack below the lamellar rotation axis of the second lamellar.

[0049] If the second transmission joint is located below the axis of rotation of the second plate in the first end position of the rack, the point of force transmission where the lifting force is transferred from the transmission element to the coupling pivot lever is at approximately the same position where a gear element (if present) of the second plate would engage with the rack. In other words, if the second plate had a gear element, the gear element would engage with the rack in the first end position at a position below the axis of rotation of the second plate. This situation can be advantageously replicated if the second transmission joint is also arranged below the axis of rotation of the second plate in the first end position of the rack.

[0050] Preferably, the transmission element is additionally rotatably connected to a gear element, which is assigned to a third lamella, via a third transmission joint connection, wherein the third lamella is arranged adjacent to the first lamella on one side opposite to the second lamella.

[0051] Thus, the second blade is coupled to both the first and third blades via the coupling device. While the second blade is positioned in front of the first blade along the longitudinal axis of the fan frame, the third blade is positioned behind the first blade along the longitudinal axis of the fan frame.

[0052] The second and third transmission joints are located at opposite ends of the transmission element, while the first transmission joint is positioned between the second and third. In particular, the transmission joints are spaced identically apart. Furthermore, it is noted that information regarding the first transmission joint also applies to the third transmission joint.

[0053] Coupling the second lamella to gear elements of two lamellae by means of the coupling device can advantageously transfer the pivoting force of these gear elements to the second lamella. This ensures that a sufficiently high pivoting force is available for the second lamella.

[0054] Preferably, the gear element is pivoted into a first gear end position in the first end position of the rack and into a second gear end position in the second end position of the rack.

[0055] As explained above, the rack is movable between a first end position and a second end position. This range over which the rack can be moved represents the maximum length by which the rack can be shifted back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame.

[0056] It is preferred that in the first end position of the rack, the gear element is arranged in its first gear end position, while the gear element is in its second gear end position when the rack is positioned in its second end position. In other words, the maximum pivoting range of the gear element is defined by the two gear end positions. In particular, the gear element is dimensioned such that it pivots precisely between its end positions when the rack is moved back and forth between the first and second end positions.

[0057] The length of the circular arc of the gear element is preferably such that the gear element can be pivoted so that the lamella can be pivoted between the first gear end position and the second gear end position. In particular, the first gear end position can correspond to a closed position of the lamella and the second gear end position to the open position of the lamella.

[0058] In particular, it is preferred that the central angle of the gear element is between 30° and 90°, between 50° and 90°, and preferably approximately 90°. It is preferred that the central angle of the gear element corresponds approximately to the opening angle of the lamella between the closed and open positions, so that all gear teeth of the gear element can engage with the rack teeth of the rack during the pivoting process.

[0059] Furthermore, such a dimensioned gear element offers the advantage that, due to the available space in a fan frame, the pitch circle radius (half a pitch circle diameter) of the gear element can be made large, so that a (sufficiently) large drive lever arm can be provided for pivoting the vane.

[0060] Preferably, the louvers are each arranged to pivot on the fan frame via pivoting arms, wherein the axis of rotation of a single louver is located in front of that louver with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame, so that the louvers can pivot outside the fan frame and rest on a top side of the fan frame when closed.

[0061] To pivotally mount or support the individual blade on the fan frame, a pivot arm can be rigidly attached to at least one transverse end of the blade (preferably sides of the blade that run parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame when mounted). The pivot arm can be designed as a thin sheet metal part or as a casting attached to the underside of the blade. The "underside of the blade" can be understood as a side of the blade that, when the blade is closed, faces an interior space enclosed by the fan frame. A single blade can have two pivot arms, each attached to opposite transverse ends of the blade. Preferably, the pivot arm extends parallel to a longitudinal side of the fan frame along its longitudinal direction to allow for pivoting.

[0062] At least one pivoting arm is designed such that the corresponding lamellar pivot axis is formed in front of the lamellar. In particular, the lamellar pivot axis is designed as a rotary or pivot bearing.

[0063] The pivoting arm is designed such that it extends in front of the corresponding louver, relative to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame and the louver's axis of rotation. The pivoting arm can be arc-shaped or L-shaped. The louver's axis of rotation is located in the section of the pivoting arm that extends in front of the louver.

[0064] If the louver pivot axis is located in front of the corresponding louver, it is possible to pivot the louvers even outside or above the fan frame. The louvers can be of such a length that, in the closed position, they, particularly areas at their transverse ends, rest at least partially on the upper surface of the fan frame. Preferably, the louvers have a length approximately equal to the width of the fan frame. This prevents a gap between the fan frame and the louvers in the lateral direction of the fan frame (perpendicular to its longitudinal direction). This ensures that the louvered fan provides an advantageous seal against the environment.A contact surface between the corresponding fin and the top of the fan frame can be provided, for example, by an additional seal, which can be located on the underside of the fin and / or on the top of the fan frame.

[0065] However, it is also conceivable that the axis of rotation of the louvers is located below the louvers. In this case, the axis of rotation of the louvers is preferably located approximately in the center of the louvers. The louvers are then pivotable within the fan frame. Additionally, the axis of rotation of the louvers is located near the center of gravity (center of mass) of the louvers, so that a short lever arm between the force of gravity acting at the center of gravity of the louvers and the axis of rotation of the louvers generates only a small load moment.

[0066] Preferably, the gear element comprises a gear section and a lamellar connecting section, wherein the gear section is connected to the associated lamella via the lamellar connecting section, so that a pivoting movement of the gear section is transmitted to the associated lamella via the lamellar connecting section.

[0067] In other words, the gear element is divided into a gear section and a lamellar connecting section. The gear section is rotatable around the gear element's axis of rotation and engages with the rack, allowing it to pivot. The gear element's axis of rotation corresponds to the lamellar axis of rotation.

[0068] To transmit the rotational movement of the gear section to the lamella, the gear section is connected to the lamella via the lamella connecting section. Advantageously, the lamella connecting section bridges the gap between the lamella's axis of rotation or the gear element's axis of rotation and the lamella.

[0069] The gear section and the lamellar connecting section are preferably manufactured as a single component in the form of a casting. However, it is also conceivable that the two components are manufactured separately and joined together.

[0070] Preferably, the lamella connection section is attached to the underside of the associated lamella.

[0071] The "lamella underside" or "underside of the lamella" can be understood as a side of the lamella that, in the closed state of the lamella, faces an interior of the fan frame that is surrounded by the fan frame.

[0072] Attaching the louver connection section to the underside of the louvers offers the advantage that the drive mechanism is located entirely below the louver, thus eliminating any protruding elements that would impair the appearance of the louvered fan.

[0073] These and other problems, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from studying the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It is evident that, although embodiments are described separately, individual features can be combined to form additional embodiments. Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art louvered fan; Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal direction of the fan frame from the prior art; Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a pivoting mechanism from the prior art in the open and closed state of the louvers, wherein the louvers are pivotable outside the fan frame and the louvered fan is mounted in a horizontal position; Fig. 4 shows the swivel mechanism Fig. 3. However, this applies to vertical mounting of the louvered fan; Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a louvered fan according to the invention, wherein the louvers are in a closed position; Fig. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the louvered fan along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame with the louvers closed; Fig. Figure 7 shows the louvered fan. Fig. 6 with open louvers; Fig. 8a) and show different views of a swivel arm; 8b) Fig. Figure 9 schematically shows the pivoting mechanism of the present invention; Fig. 10a) and show different views of a gear element; 10b) Fig. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the rack from above; Fig. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the rack. Fig. 11 with a view from below; Fig. Figure 13 shows a section of a sectional view through the louvered fan along the width direction of the fan frame; Fig. Figure 14 shows a schematic representation of the drive mechanism; Fig. Figure 15 schematically shows the coupling device for coupling two lamellae; Fig. Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the foremost lamella.

[0074] Fig. Figure 5 shows a louvered ventilator 100 for installation in or on a building (not shown), which is suitable for ventilating the building naturally as well as in case of fire.

[0075] The louvered ventilator 100 can be installed in any type of building. In particular, the louvered ventilator 100 can be installed on roofs as well as in facades in orientations between 0° (horizontal) and 90° (vertical).

[0076] The lamellar vent 100 includes a fan frame 102. This is preferably rectangular and can, for example, be made of aluminum. In the Fig. In the case shown in Figure 5, the fan frame 102 is suitable for being mounted on the building and thus projecting from the building in a fan frame height direction LH, preferably vertically. To enable the fan frame 102 to be attached to the building, it includes a fan frame flange area 104. This flange serves as a bearing surface on the building and can be firmly connected to it. In the mounted state, the fan frame flange area 104 forms a plane that extends parallel to the building surface on which the fan frame 102 is mounted. The shape and / or size of the fan frame 102 is also preferably adapted to the building opening.

[0077] Alternatively, the fan frame 102 can be positioned at least partially within the building opening. In this case, the fan frame flange area 104 is not necessary. Instead, the fan frame 102 can be attached directly to the building opening on its outer side.

[0078] On the fan frame 102, a large number of fins 106 are pivotally mounted between an open position and a closed position. In the Fig. In the view shown in Figure 5, the louvers 106 are in the closed position, with parts of the louvers 106 hidden to allow a view into an interior 124 of the fan frame 102. In particular, only the louver frames 108 are shown here. Fig. Figure 6 shows a lateral sectional view of the louvered fan 100. Here, the louvers 106 are also closed. However, in addition to the louvered frame 108, the louvered panel 110 is shown, which is supported by the louvered frame 108. The louvered frame 108 can partially or completely surround the louvered panel 110. Alternatively, the louvered panel 110 can also be provided without the louvered frame 108.

[0079] The louvered panels 110 or the louvers 106 can be made of single-layer aluminum, double-layer aluminum, multi-layer transparent plastic, or glass. In particular, the louvered panel 110 or the louver 106 can have a double-layered structure, for example made of aluminum, with insulating material arranged between the layers. The louvered frame 110 is preferably made of aluminum or plastic.

[0080] As in the Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the louvers 106 are arranged parallel to each other. In particular, they are pivotably mounted side by side along a longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. In the closed state shown, all louvers 106 are located on or in the same plane. However, it is also possible for the louvers 106 to be in a slightly tilted position when closed. Here, the louvers 106 are arranged at an angle of between approximately 0° and approximately 10° with respect to a plane defined by the fan frame when closed. The louvers can overlap in the closed position to ensure improved sealing.

[0081] To prevent water or wind from penetrating the interior of the building when the louvers 106 are closed, it is advantageous for the louvers 106 to be sealed against each other. For this purpose, seals can be provided on the louvers 106 that seal the gap between two adjacent louvers 106.

[0082] Fig. Figure 6 additionally or alternatively shows an overlapping web 112, which projects as a strip-shaped projection to the adjacent lamella 106 and rests on a top surface 114 of the lamella 106 when the lamellae 106 are closed. In particular, the overlapping web 112 projects so far from the lamella 106 to the adjacent lamella 106 that the gap between the two lamellae 106 is covered, thus creating a sealing effect. An additional seal may also be present between the overlapping web 112 and the lamella 106 on which the overlapping web 112 rests when closed.

[0083] Fig. 7 shows the section view from Fig. 6, however, with the louvers 106 open. It can be seen here that the louvers 106 can be pivoted on the fan frame 102 in such a way that the louvers 106 are pivoted completely outside the fan frame 102. In the specific case of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, where "outside" refers to the area above the fan frame's vertical direction LH, specifically the louvers 106 in Fig. 7 in the open position is pivoted by approximately 90° relative to the closed position. However, it should be noted that the open position is freely selectable and individually adjustable. Preferably, the louvers in the open position are pivotable relative to a fan frame plane, which is defined by the fan frame 102, by an angle between approximately 30° and approximately 90°, between approximately 50° and approximately 90°, and preferably approximately 90°.

[0084] Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the length of the louvers 106 in a louver longitudinal direction LL is selected such that the louvers 106 rest on a top surface 116 of the fan frame 102 in the closed position. By resting the louvers 106 on the top surface 116 of the fan frame 102, the louvered fan 100 can advantageously be sealed so that no water or wind can penetrate into the interior of the building. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the louvers 106 can even be longer in their longitudinal direction LL than the fan frame 102 extends in its lateral direction LB. The lateral direction LB runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. This overhang of the louvers 106 allows for improved drainage of rainwater. Furthermore, additional sealant (e.g., made of rubber) can be provided at the contact surface between the louvers 106 and the top surface 116 of the fan frame.

[0085] In order to pivot the described louvers 106 above or outside the fan frame 102, it is necessary to position the respective louver pivot axis LD, about which the louver 106 is pivoted, in front of the louver 106. For this purpose, pivot arms 118 are attached to the respective louver 106 at opposite or opposite transverse ends with respect to the louver longitudinal direction LL. A side view of a pivot arm 118 is shown in Fig. 8a) shown. Fig. Figure 8b) shows the swivel arm 118 additionally in a perspective view from below at an angle.

[0086] The pivot arm 118 has a pivot arm support surface 120 that can be attached to a louver underside 122. In particular, the pivot arm support surface 120 can be plate-shaped. Rivets or screws can be used to attach the pivot arm support surface 120 to the louver 106. The louver underside 122 is understood to be a side of the louver 106 that, in the closed position of the louver 106, faces the interior 124 of the fan frame 102, which is surrounded by the fan frame 102.

[0087] A swivel arm pivot area 128 projects forward from a lower surface 126 of the swivel arm support surface 120. A swivel arm bore 130 is provided in the swivel arm pivot area 128. The swivel arm 118 can be rotatably connected to the fan frame 102 via this swivel arm bore 130. For example, a pin (not shown) can connect the swivel arm 118 and the fan frame 102.

[0088] The pivoting arm rotation area 128 is preferably plate-shaped or in the form of a sheet metal, wherein the plane of the pivoting arm rotation area 128 extends parallel along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102 in the assembled state or parallel to the wall of the fan frame 102 on which the pivoting arm 118 is mounted.

[0089] A free end 132 of the pivoting arm's rotation range 128 is preferably arcuate or rounded. Preferably, the pivoting arm bore 130 is adjacent to the free end 132 of the pivoting arm's rotation range 128 and / or in the area where the free end 132 is rounded.

[0090] The pivoting arm 118 can be made up of multiple parts, with the individual components being welded or bolted together, for example. However, it is also conceivable that the pivoting arm 118 is made in one piece, preferably as a casting.

[0091] Fig. Figure 9 schematically shows the views of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. In particular, it can be seen here that the point at which the pivot arm 118 is rotatably attached to the fan frame 102 corresponds to the louver rotation axis LD. As described above, the louver rotation axis LD extends parallel to the fan frame width direction LB.

[0092] Furthermore, in Fig. 9 The center of gravity SPL (center of mass) of the lamella 106 is marked. Between the weight force acting at the center of gravity SPL of the lamella 106, directed towards the Earth's surface, and the lamella's axis of rotation LD, there exists a load lever arm 133a. This varies depending on the position of the lamella 106. In particular, with regard to the in Fig. In the horizontal installation position shown in Figure 9, the load lever arm 133a is greatest when the lamella 106 is in a closed position. During the pivoting process of the lamella 106 from the closed position to the open position (with respect to the horizontal installation position in Figure 9), the load lever arm 133a is greatest when the lamella 106 is in a closed position. Fig. 9) Thus, a load moment 133b is reduced about the lamella rotation axis LD. In general, the load lever arm 133a is always greatest when the lamella 106 is in an approximately horizontal position (plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity). For example, when installed vertically, the load lever arm 133a is greatest when the lamellae are opened by about 90°, since the lamellae 106 are then again in a horizontal position.

[0093] To compensate for this problem, the present louvered fan 100 now offers a drive mechanism 200 in which the drive torque 134a at the louver rotation axis LD or a drive lever arm 134b remains essentially constant throughout the entire pivoting process of the louver 106. The described maximum load torque 133b and inclined installation positions of the louvered fan 100 can thus be compensated for.

[0094] In particular, the drive mechanism 200 has a rack 202 which is mounted in a guideable manner in the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102 on the fan frame 102.

[0095] The rack 202 can be manufactured as a casting and is designed as an elongated component. The rack 202 has, in particular, a rod or bar shape, on whose upper surface 204 a plurality of rack teeth 206 are formed. In the assembled state of the rack 202, the upper surface 204 faces the lamellae 106.

[0096] To move the rack 202 along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102, the rack 202 is connected to an actuator 208, as shown in the Fig. Figures 5 to 7 and 9 show that the actuator 208 is preferably designed as a linear actuator. The actuator 208 can be driven electrically or pneumatically. In particular, the actuator 208 is configured such that the rack 202 can be both pushed and pulled. In other words, the rack 202 is movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. For optimal force transmission from the actuator 208 to the rack 202, it is preferred that the actuator 202 pushes or pulls exclusively along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. A pivoting movement of the actuator 208, as described in the prior art, is avoided. In other words, the rack 202 is also mounted to be displaceable exclusively in the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102.

[0097] The described rack 202 engages with a gear element 210, which is assigned to and connected with a lamella 106.

[0098] The gear element 210 comprises a gear section 212 and a lamellar connecting section 214, wherein gear section 212 and connecting section 214 are rigidly connected to each other (see Fig. 10a) and Fig. 10b)).

[0099] The gear section 212 forms a gear whose gear teeth 216 mesh with the rack teeth 206. Moving the rack 202 in the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102 thus causes the gear section 212 to rotate. Since the rack 202 can move back and forth along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102, the gear section 212 can also rotate in both directions. In particular, a gear element rotation axis ZD, about which the gear section 212 or the gear element 210 is rotatably mounted, corresponds to the lamellar rotation axis LD.

[0100] The gear section 212 can be designed as a complete gear. However, it is preferred that the gear section 212 is merely a circular segment or a partial gear section, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 9 is shown.

[0101] Since the blades 106 of the blade fan 100 only need to be pivotable through a specific angle, it is sufficient that the gear section 212 corresponds to a partial gear section or a segment of a gear. The length of the circular arc of the gear section 212 is at least such that the gear section 212 can be pivoted in such a way that the blade 106 can be pivoted between the closed position and the open position. In particular, it is preferred that the central angle of the gear section 212 is between approximately 30° and approximately 90°, between approximately 50° and approximately 90°, and preferably approximately 90°.

[0102] Limiting the gear section 212 to only a single gear segment also offers the advantage that, due to the available space in a fan frame 102, the pitch circle radius of the gear section 212 can be made as large as possible, thus providing a large drive lever arm 134b for pivoting the vane 106. The "pitch circle radius" of the gear section 212 is understood to be half the "pitch circle diameter" of the gear section 212.

[0103] The size or width of the lamella 106 in the present lamella fan 100 is preferably related to the selected pitch circle radius of the gear section 212. Specifically, it is preferred that the pitch circle radius of the gear section 212 is greater than approximately 40% of the lamella width. Even more preferably, the pitch circle radius is greater than approximately 60% of the lamella width. The lamella's lateral direction extends transversely to the lamella's longitudinal direction LL. The "width" of the lamella refers to the extent of the lamella 106's extension in the lamella's lateral direction. In particular, the width of the lamella 106 can be understood as the distance that exists between the lamella rotation axis LD of this lamella 106 and the lamella rotation axis LD of an adjacent lamella (adjacent lamella with respect to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102).

[0104] As the width of the lamella 106 increases, the pitch circle radius of the gear section 212 must also be increased accordingly. This ensures that the drive lever arm 134b is increased sufficiently to guarantee that the increased weight of the lamella 106 can be pivoted with sufficient force.

[0105] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the pitch circle radius of the gear section 212 is at least 75% of the distance from the lamellar rotation axis LD to the center of gravity SPL of the lamellar 106. This distance is equivalent to the maximum load lever arm 133a of the lamellar 106. This ensures that the ratio between the required drive force per lamellar 106 and the weight of a lamellar 106 does not become too large.

[0106] In Fig. As an example, a gear section 212 was chosen, whose central angle is 90°. The lamellae 106 can also be pivoted by 90°.

[0107] As further from Fig. As can be seen from Figure 9, the point at which the gear teeth 216 of the gear section 212 engage with or contact the rack teeth 206 is always located essentially below (preferably vertically below) the lamella rotation axis LD and the gear element rotation axis ZD, regardless of the opening angle of the lamella 106 or the pivoting position of the gear section 212.

[0108] Since the rack 202 is only displaceable along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102, the distance between the louver rotation axis LD or the gear element rotation axis ZD and the force transmission point, where the gear teeth 216 of the gear section 212 engage with the rack teeth 206, remains constant regardless of the opening angle of the louver 106 or the pivoting position of the gear section 212. Because this distance defines the drive lever arm 134b, it is therefore always the same length during the entire pivoting process of the louver 106.

[0109] To transmit the pivoting movement of the gear section 212 to the associated lamella 106, the gear section 212 is connected to the associated lamella 106 via a lamella connecting section 214. In particular, the lamella connecting section 214 is attached to the underside 122 of the lamella.

[0110] Fig. 10a) and Fig. Figure 10b) shows various views of the gear element 210.

[0111] As shown in these figures, the lamellar connecting section 214 can have a mounting plate 218 which can be attached to the underside 122 of the lamellar. Furthermore, the lamellar connecting section 214 includes a connecting web 220 which extends from the gear section 212 to the mounting plate 218.

[0112] Preferably, the connecting web 220 is arched, as shown in the Fig. 10a) and Fig. 10b). In particular, it is preferred that the connecting web 220 is arranged on the gear section 212 adjacent to the gear element rotation axis ZD on the gear section 212.

[0113] The gear element 210 can be manufactured as a single piece, either as a casting or made of plastic. However, it is also conceivable that the individual components of the gear element 210 are joined together, for example, by welding.

[0114] With the aid of the lamellar connecting section 214, a pivoting arm is formed which transmits the rotational movement of the gear section 212 to the lamellar 106, so that the latter is also pivoted. For this purpose, the lamellar connecting section 214 or the connecting web 220 extends along the longitudinal direction LD of the fan frame 102 in the assembled state.

[0115] Based on the Fig. 11 and Fig. Section 12 will now describe the rack 202 in more detail.

[0116] Fig. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a rack 202 from above.

[0117] A rack guide 224 is formed on the lower side 222 of the rack, which is opposite the upper side 204 of the rack. In the assembled state, this guide engages with a guide system on the fan frame 102 in order to guide the rack 202 along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102.

[0118] The rack guide 224 can extend over the entire length of the rack 202 or section by section with respect to a rack longitudinal direction ZSL. In the assembled state of the rack 202, the rack longitudinal direction ZSL extends parallel to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102.

[0119] The rack guide 224 can be designed as a U-shaped profile that is open at the bottom.

[0120] To ensure more stable guidance of the rack 202, the rack 202 can have two rack guides 224, which are spaced apart and arranged parallel to each other, as shown in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 is shown.

[0121] The two rack guides 224 can extend over the entire length of the rack 202 or only in sections. In a sectioned arrangement, the sections of the rack guides 224 can be parallel to each other (as shown in the Fig. 11 and Fig. (12 shown) or may be staggered relative to each other. The sections may also be of different lengths.

[0122] If two rack guides 224 are provided on a rack 202, it is also advantageous to space the two rack guides 224 as far apart as possible in one rack width direction ZSB. This further improves the guidance and prevents tilting.

[0123] As in the Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the rack guides 224 can be spaced so far apart that the rack guides 224 project beyond the rack teeth 206 on opposite sides of the rack 202 with respect to the rack width direction ZSB, at least in some areas.

[0124] Fig. Figure 13 shows a partial section of a sectional view through the louvered fan 100 along the fan frame width direction LB, in which the rack 202 is mounted on the guide system on the fan frame 102.

[0125] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the guide system on the fan frame 102 can be designed as a guide rail 226. The guide rail 226 extends along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame and is supported by a guide rail bracket 228. The guide rail bracket 228 is preferably plate-shaped and projects from the fan frame 102 in the fan frame width direction LB from the fan frame 102 to the interior 124 of the fan frame 102. Furthermore, the guide rail bracket 228 preferably extends over the entire length of the guide rail 226 along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102.

[0126] The length of the guide rail 226 is at least the length over which the toothed rail 202 must be moved in order to pivot the lamellae 106 between the open position and the closed position.

[0127] The guide rail 226 is designed to engage with or project into the rack guide 224. Preferably, the guide rail 226 has an arcuate head section 230 at its front end, which ensures low-friction guidance, particularly for a U-shaped rack guide 224. Furthermore, the head section 230 can be enlarged.

[0128] If the rack 202 has two rack guides 224, the guide system also includes two guide rails 226, so that the two rack guides 224 each engage with a guide rail 226.

[0129] In the preceding description, the drive mechanism 200 was only described with respect to one longitudinal side 136 of the fan frame 102. However, it is also conceivable that a drive mechanism 200 is provided on both longitudinal sides 136 of the fan frame 102, so that the blade 106 can be driven to pivot from both sides.

[0130] Furthermore, the previous description only stated that a lamella 106 can be pivoted via an associated gear element 210. However, it is preferred that each lamella 106 is assigned a gear element 210, so that all lamellae 106 are pivoted simultaneously.

[0131] Additionally, it is advantageous if the two drive mechanisms 200 do not each have their own actuator 208, but rather the two racks 202 of the two drive mechanisms 200 are driven by a common actuator 208. This ensures that the racks 202 are moved synchronously.

[0132] For this purpose, the two racks 202 can be connected to each other by a push rod 232 (see Fig. 5), which extends in the fan frame width direction LB. The actuator 208 is designed to be connected to the push rod 232 in order to move the push rod 232 along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. When the push rod 232 is moved, the two racks 202 on the two longitudinal sides 136 of the fan frame 102 are also moved as a consequence.

[0133] In order to attach the push rod 232 to the rack 202, the rack 202 can have an actuator connection section 234.

[0134] The actuator connection section 234 corresponds to a force transmission point where the linear driving force of the actuator 208 is transferred to the rack 202 to push or pull the rack 202 linearly along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102.

[0135] The actuator connection section 234 can be designed as a tab projecting from the underside 222 of the rack. In particular, it is preferred that the tab or actuator connection section 234 extends at least partially along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102 when the rack 202 is mounted. "At least partially" also includes the fact that the tab or actuator connection section 234 has spaced-apart tab sections 235, which are preferably connected to one another via a tab connecting web 237. The tab connecting web 237 can project less from the underside 222 of the rack than the tab sections 235 (see figure). Fig. 12). As in the Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the tab or actuator connection section 234 can also be arranged centrally with respect to the rack width direction ZSB.

[0136] The actuator connection section 234 can be manufactured as a separate component (for example, as a sheet metal part) and connected to the rack 202 (for example, by welding) or manufactured integrally with the rack 202. To connect the push rod 232 to the tab, the tab can have at least one bore 236. The push rod 232 can then be attached to the actuator connection section 234 by means of a screw or rivet connection.

[0137] The described positioning and design of the actuator connection section 234 advantageously connects the push rod 232 to the rack 202 and stabilizes it. The push and pull force of the actuator 208 can thus be transferred to the rack 202 in the best possible way to ensure smooth movement of the rack 202.

[0138] The push rod 232 can be bent downwards or upwards by preferably 90° at its opposite ends, so that the bent area can be connected to the actuator connection section 234.

[0139] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the push rod 232 can be connected to the actuator connection section 234 via an additional bent connecting plate 238. The connecting plate 238 can be attached to either the top or bottom of the push rod 232. The opposite end of the connecting plate 238 is then coupled to the actuator connection section. A screw or rivet connection, for example, is suitable as a connection technique.

[0140] However, it is also conceivable that the actuator 208 is directly connected to the actuator connection section 234.

[0141] The rack 202 can also consist of either a single continuous rack 202, designed according to one of the embodiments described above. Alternatively, the rack 202 can be composed of a plurality of rack modules 240. The individual rack modules 240 can be joined together depending on the required length of the rack 202. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a custom-made rack 202 for each type of louvered fan 100. Rather, the required length of the rack 202 can be achieved by combining prefabricated rack modules 240 to create the desired length. This reduces the variety of parts that need to be produced.

[0142] Preferably, all rack modules are identical. However, it is conceivable that the rack modules 240 vary at least in their length. The length of a rack module 240 can correspond to a multiple of the width of a lamella 106 (for example, single, double, triple, quadruple, quintuple, etc.).

[0143] To connect the rack modules 240 to each other, connecting elements can be provided at opposite ends of the rack modules 240. A tongue-and-groove connection or a snap-fit ​​connection, for example, is possible as a connecting mechanism.

[0144] The in the Fig. 11 and Fig. The 12 racks 202 shown are designed to be used as rack modules 240. In particular, the rack 202 in these figures has a tongue-and-groove connection. At a first end of the rack 202, a T-shaped spring element 242 projects forward in the longitudinal direction ZSL of the rack. At the opposite second end of the rack 202, a groove 244 is formed, which is open towards the underside 222 of the rack. The T-shaped spring element 242 is arranged such that, when two rack modules 240 are joined, the spring element 242 can be easily inserted into the groove 244 of the rack module to be joined.

[0145] As described above, the louver rotation axis LD in the present louvered fan 100 is located in front of the respective louver 106. For this purpose, the pivot arms 118, by means of which the corresponding louver 106 is pivotably attached to the fan frame 102, project accordingly in front of the respective louver 106. Furthermore, in order to ensure that the louver 106 can pivot by the gear element-rack mechanism, the associated gear element 210 must also project forward with respect to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102 when the louver 106 is closed. The front of the fan frame 102 is referred to in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Here, the left side is considered.

[0146] The same applies to the rack 202. In order to allow the gear element 210 to roll on the rack 202 from the closed state to the open state of the lamella 106, the rack 202 must accordingly project beyond a front edge 138 of the lamella 106 in the closed state.

[0147] In particular, with regard to the foremost lamella 140, this means an additional installation space that must be provided. Fig. Figure 14 schematically illustrates the additional installation space. Firstly, the tip circle radius rk (half the tip circle diameter) of the gear section 212 of the gear element 210 is indicated. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, the gear section 212 projects at least by the pitch circle radius rk from the lamellar rotation axis LD of the foremost lamellar 140. Furthermore, the required length Iz of the rack 202 is determined in Fig. Figure 14 shows that the described gear element 210 of the foremost blade 140 can roll onto the rack 202. The fan frame 102, which is extended by at least the length Iz, must be additionally sealed here, for example by an additional cover.

[0148] The foremost lamella 140 is understood to be lamella 106, which runs longitudinally LR of the fan frame 102 into the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is located on the far left. For a fan frame 102, the "front" can be considered to be the side of the fan frame 102 with respect to the longitudinal direction LR on which the actuator 208 is located. Fig. 14 is the foremost lamella 140 arranged on the right.

[0149] In order to avoid the additional installation space at the frontmost lamella 140, as in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, this lamella 140 does not have its own gear element 210 assigned to it. Instead, the foremost lamella 140 is coupled to the gear element 210 of the adjacent lamella 306 via a coupling device 300.

[0150] The principle of this coupling device 300 will first be explained schematically using Fig. 15 explained.

[0151] The coupling device 300 includes, among other things, an elongated transmission element 302. Preferably, this is a flat, elongated rod, preferably made of sheet metal or as a flat profile. In particular, the transmission element 302 can be designed as an elongated plate or an elongated U-profile.

[0152] This transmission element 302 is rotatably connected to the gear element 210 of the adjacent lamella 306 via a first transmission joint 304. Furthermore, the transmission element 302 is rotatably connected to a coupling pivot lever 310 via a second transmission joint 308.

[0153] The coupling swivel lever 310 is also part of the coupling device 300 and replaces the gear element 210, as described above.

[0154] The coupling swivel lever 310 is attached to the underside of the lamella 122 and thus connects the transmission element 302 to the foremost lamella 140. In order to attach the coupling swivel lever 310 to the underside of the lamella 122, the coupling swivel lever 310 can have a mounting plate, similar to the pivot arm 118, which is connected to the foremost lamella 140, for example, by a screw connection or by rivets.

[0155] In Fig. Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the foremost lamella 140 from below, to which both the pivot arms 118 and the coupling pivot levers 310 are attached at opposite ends of the foremost lamella 140. The coupling pivot lever 310 is designed as a flat, plate-shaped lever arm, preferably made of sheet metal. In particular, the coupling pivot lever 310 is arc-shaped, the arc shape being determined by the fact that the coupling pivot lever 310 extends from the underside 122 of the lamella to the second transmission joint 308.

[0156] Fig. Figure 15 shows the coupling device 300 in the upper view with the lamellae 106 in a closed position. Here, the rack 202 is in a first end position and the gear element 210 is in a first pivot position. In this state, it is preferred that the first transmission joint 304 is positioned such that it is located substantially below (preferably vertically below) the lamella rotation axis LD or the gear element rotation axis ZD of the adjacent lamella 306. In particular, it is preferred that the first transmission joint is arranged in the region of the gear section 212. The coupling distance a between the lamella rotation axis LD or the gear element rotation axis ZD and the first transmission joint 304 is advantageously chosen to be as large as possible; i.e., as close as possible to or adjacent to the gear teeth 216.

[0157] In the closed position of the louvers 106, the transmission element 302 extends essentially along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102, i.e., parallel to the rack 202. A front end 312 of the rack 202 is preferably located below the louver rotation axis LD of the foremost louver 140.

[0158] Consequently, when the lamellae 106 are closed, the second transmission joint 308 is also at the same height as the first transmission joint 304. The distance aü between transmission joints 304 and 308 is preferably selected such that the second transmission joint 308 is arranged substantially below (preferably vertically below) the lamella rotation axis LD or the gear element rotation axis ZD of the foremost lamella 140. The length of the transmission element 302 can be selected such that the transmission joints 304 and 308 are located at opposite ends of the transmission element 302.

[0159] The image below in Fig. Figure 15 now shows the open position of the lamellae 106. Here, the rack 202 is in a second end position and the gear element 210 is in a second pivot position. The front end 312 is now preferably located substantially below the lamella rotation axis LD of the adjacent lamella 306.

[0160] The first transmission joint 304, together with the gear element 210 or the gear section 212, which was pivoted from the first pivot position to the second pivot position, was pivoted accordingly about the gear element's axis of rotation ZD. Even in the second pivot position of the gear element 210, the second transmission joint 308 can be at the same height as the first transmission joint 304. The distance aü between the transmission joints 304 and 308 remains the same due to the rigid transmission element 302. Fig. Figure 15 shows the special case in which the lamellae 106 are pivoted by 90°. Here, the transmission joint connections 304, 308 are located in the open position of the lamellae 106 at the same height as the lamella rotation axis LD or the gear element rotation axis ZD of the adjacent lamella 306.

[0161] In other words, the transmission element 302, due to its rigid construction, transmits the pivoting movement of the gear element 210 of the adjacent lamella 306 from the first transmission joint 304 to the second transmission joint 308. The coupling pivot lever 310, which couples the second transmission joint 308 with the foremost lamella 140, thus performs a pivoting movement corresponding to the gear element 210 of the adjacent lamella 306, so that the foremost lamella 140 is pivoted in accordance with the adjacent lamella 306.

[0162] Additionally, the following is mentioned here: Fig. Reference is made to Figure 7. The coupling device 300 is also shown in this figure. However, it is evident that the term "adjacent lamella 306" is not limited to a single adjacent lamella 306, so that the foremost lamella 140 can be coupled to several adjacent lamellae 306. If several adjacent lamellae 306 are coupled to the foremost lamella 140, it is preferred that they follow one another with respect to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. Fig. 7 is the foremost lamella 140, specifically coupled with two adjacent lamellae 306.

[0163] Furthermore, it should be noted that, although in the above description the foremost lamella 140 was coupled to an adjacent lamella 306, it is still conceivable that any other lamella 106 can be coupled to one or more adjacent lamellae 306 in accordance with the above description. In particular, the at least one adjacent lamella 306 can be arranged both in front of and behind the at least one coupled lamella 106 with respect to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. It is also conceivable that one or a plurality of lamellae are coupled to one or a plurality of other lamellae, in particular via a common coupling device 300 or a common transmission element 302.

[0164] It is further noted that the coupling device 300 described above has a lamella rotation axis LD located in front of the respective associated lamella 106. However, it is also possible for the lamella rotation axis LD to be located below the lamella 106, preferably centrally. In this case, the lamella 106 could be pivotably mounted within the fan frame 102. In particular, the mounting plate 218 could be attached directly to the gear section 212. Reference symbol list 1 louvered fan (state of the art) 3 fan frames (state of the art) 5 lamellae (state of the art) 7 Swivel arm (state of the art) 9 Swivel arm joint connection (state of the art) 11 Control rod (state of the art) 13 Actuator (state of the art) 15 Top of the fan frame (state of the art) 17 Leading edge of the lamella (state of the art) 33a Load lever arm (state of the art) 33b Load moment (state of the art) 34a Drive torque (state of the art) 34b Drive lever arm (state of the art) 35 Point of force application (state of the art) 36 Movement path of the control rod (state of the art) 38 Linear stroke movement of the actuator (state of the art) 100 louvered fans 102 fan frames 104 Fan frame flange area 106 lamellae 108 slatted frames 110 slatted panel 112 Overlap bridge 114 Top side of the lamella 116 Top of the fan frame 118 Swivel arm 120 Swivel arm support surface 122 Underside 124 Interior of the fan frame 126 Underside of the swivel arm support surface 128 Swivel arm rotation range 130 Swivel arm bore 132 Free end of the swivel arm's rotation range 133a Load lever arm 133b Load moment 134a Drive torque 134b Drive lever arm 136 Long side of the fan frame 138 Leading edge of the lamella 140 Front lamella 200 drive mechanism 202 Rack and pinion 204 Rack top 206 Rack tooth 208 Actuator 210 gear element 212 Gear section 214 Lamella connection section 216 gear tooth 218 Mounting plate 220 connecting bridge 222 Rack and pinion underside 224 Rack and pinion guide 226 Guide rail 228 Guide rail bracket 230 Head area of ​​the guide rail 232 Push rod 234 Actuator connection section 235 Tab section 236 bore 237 Tab connecting bridge 238 Connecting plate 240 rack module 242 Spring element 244 Nut 300 coupling device 302 Transmission element 304 First transmission joint 306 Adjacent lamella 308 Second transmission joint 310 Coupling swivel lever 312 Front end of the rack LB Fan Frame Width Direction LD lamellar rotary axis LH fan frame height direction LL Lamella longitudinal direction LR Longitudinal direction of the fan frame SPL center of gravity of the lamella ZD gear element rotation axis ZSB rack width direction ZSL rack and pinion longitudinal direction a Coupling distance between the lamellar rotation axis or gear element rotation axis and the first transmission joint connection aü distance between the transmission joint connections The required length of the rack for unrolling rk head circle radius

Claims

A louvered fan (100) comprising: a fan frame (102) designed to be attached to a building opening; a plurality of louvers (106) arranged on the fan frame (102) so as to be pivotable about a louver pivot axis (LD) along a longitudinal direction (LR) of the fan frame (102); and a drive mechanism (200) designed to pivot the louvers (106); wherein the drive mechanism (200) comprises a rack (202), a gear element (210), and an actuator (208); wherein the rack (202) is slidably mounted on the fan frame (102) along its longitudinal direction (LR); wherein the actuator (208) is designed to move the rack (202);wherein the gear element (210) is assigned to a first lamella and connected to it in such a way that the gear element (210) engages with the rack (202) and a displacement of the rack (202) causes the first lamella to pivot about its lamella rotation axis (LD); wherein a second lamella (140), which is arranged adjacent to the first lamella with respect to the longitudinal direction (LR) of the fan frame (102), does not have an assigned gear element (210); wherein the second lamella (140) is coupled via a coupling device (300) to the gear element (210) assigned to the first lamella, such that a pivoting of the coupled gear element (210) causes the second lamella (140) to pivot; wherein the coupling device (300) comprises an elongated transmission element (302) and a has a coupling swivel lever (310);wherein the transmission element (302) is rotatably connected on the one hand to the gear element (210) of the first lamella via a first transmission joint (304) and on the other hand rotatably connected to the coupling pivot lever (310) of the second lamella (140) via a second transmission joint (308); wherein the transmission element (302) is designed to rigidly connect the two transmission joints (304, 308) to each other; and wherein a position ratio between the first transmission joint (304) and the first lamella is approximately equal to a position ratio between the second transmission joint (308) and the second lamella (140). Louvered fan according to claim 1, wherein the second louver (140) is the foremost louver with respect to the longitudinal direction (LR) of the fan frame (102). Louvered fan (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rack (202) is displaceable between a first end position and a second end position along the longitudinal direction (LR) of the fan frame (102) during pivoting of the louvers (106), wherein the first end position of the rack (202) is associated with a first pivoting position of the louvers (106) and the second end position of the rack (202) is associated with a second pivoting position of the louvers (106), wherein a front end (312) of the rack (202) is arranged below the second louver (140) in the first end position. Louvered fan (100) according to claim 3, wherein one of the first and second pivot positions of the louvers (106) corresponds to a closed position of the louvers (106), and another of the first and second pivot positions of the louvers (106) corresponds to an open position of the louvers (106). Louvered fan (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first transmission joint (304) is arranged in the first end position of the rack (202) below the louver rotation axis (LD) of the first louver. Louvered fan (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second transmission joint (308) is arranged in the first end position of the rack (202) below the louver rotation axis (LD) of the second louver (140). Louvered fan (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission element (302) is additionally rotatably connected to a gear element (210) which is associated with a third louver via a third transmission joint, wherein the third louver is arranged adjacent to the first louver on one side opposite to the second louver (140). Louvered fan (100) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the gear element (210) is pivoted into a first gear end position in the first end position of the rack (202) and is pivoted into a second gear end position in the second end position of the rack (202). Louvered fan (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the louvers (100) are each pivotably arranged on the fan frame (102) via pivoting arms (118), wherein the louver rotation axis (LD) of a single louver (106) is located in front of this louver (106) with respect to the longitudinal direction (LR) of the fan frame (102), so that the louvers (106) are pivotable outside the fan frame (102) and rest on a top surface (116) of the fan frame (102) when closed. Louvered fan (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gear element (210) comprises a gear section (212) and a louver connecting section (214), wherein the gear section (212) is connected to the associated louver (106) via the louver connecting section (214), so that a pivoting movement of the gear section (212) is transmitted to the associated louver (106) via the louver connecting section (214).

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