Closing unit for an air vent

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a termination unit for a ventilation duct, for example a KWL ventilation system (KWL - k controlled W living space l ventilation), comprising a frame which can be inserted into the ventilation duct, connected thereto in an operationally secure manner and which defines an air passage, and a cover element provided with at least one passage opening, wherein the cover element and the frame are elements which are designed separately from one another and which can be fastened to one another.

[0002] Such end units are already well known on the market. In these end units, the frame and cover element form a single assembly that can only be inserted into and removed from the ventilation duct as a single unit. Since the frame is held in place by barbed elements, removing the assembly unit poses a risk of damage to the ventilation duct or the barbed elements. Furthermore, the orientation of the frame, and thus of the cover element, is determined by the orientation of the end section of the ventilation duct, so any error in the placement of the ventilation duct in the wall will inevitably affect the placement of the cover element.

[0003] Document US 2007 / 266685 A1, which is considered to be the closest prior art, discloses a closure unit for a ventilation duct, comprising a frame and a cover element, wherein the cover element and the frame are separately formed elements which are fastened to one another using permanent magnets in such a way that the cover element is inserted precisely and completely into the frame.

[0004] The document US 2006 / 292978 A1 also discloses a termination unit for a ventilation duct, wherein the termination unit disclosed therein does not have a frame insertable into a ventilation duct.

[0005] Furthermore, reference is made to the documents US 2011 / 225939 A1, US 5,525,145 A and US 2002 / 069599 A1.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a closure unit for a ventilation duct which offers both simplified assembly and improved alignability of the cover element.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a termination unit according to claim 1.

[0008] Because the cover element is only magnetically engaged with the frame, the cover element can be easily removed from the frame. Furthermore, the cover element can be displaced relative to the frame due to the magnetic engagement, so that, for example, an orientation of an end section of the ventilation duct that deviates from a desired orientation can be compensated for. This means that even if the orientation of the end section of the ventilation duct deviates from a desired orientation, the cover element can be brought into the desired orientation. This can be particularly important in non-rotationally symmetrical embodiments of the cover element, since with these shapes, in addition to a translational deviation from a desired position, a rotational deviation from a desired orientation can also be visible.Furthermore, due to the fact that the cover element can be detached from the frame without removing the frame from the ventilation duct, damage to the ventilation duct can be avoided, especially if the frame is provided with barbed elements formed integrally with the frame or separately from it for stable fixation in the ventilation duct. In the direction of withdrawal of the frame from the ventilation duct, these barbed elements can spread along the walls of the ventilation duct in such a way that the frame remains fixed in the ventilation duct when the cover element is removed from the frame.

[0009] To release the frame from the ventilation duct, the barb elements and / or the frame may, for example, be provided with devices for removing the locking effect, such as tool holders. The frame may have corresponding recesses for this purpose.

[0010] Advantageously, the at least one permanent magnet can be attached to the cover element. This can be achieved, for example, by gluing or welding. By arranging the permanent magnet on the cover element, the cover element can be made of a non-magnetizable or only weakly magnetizable material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic, or can have a layer at least partially covering the cover element, such as a coating, which could impede magnetization of the cover element.

[0011] According to the invention, the frame has a substantially flat end face that at least partially defines the air passage. The end face can thus form a contact surface or support surface for the cover element. Particularly when using a flexible cover element, the substantially flat end face also serves to align the cover element in a substantially flat manner. By the cover element resting on the substantially flat end face, the cover element can be aligned in a substantially flat manner even if the at least one permanent magnet is uneven or its two sides facing the cover element and the at least one counter surface are not parallel.

[0012] The height of the at least one permanent magnet is essentially equal to the distance between the end face and the at least one counter face. This allows a magnetic return path to be achieved, with the magnetic field lines running, on the one hand, through the pairing "end face - cover element" and, on the other hand, through the pairing "permanent magnet - counter face." A magnetic return path can increase the magnetic holding force compared to a magnetic holding engagement without a magnetic return path. When the at least one permanent magnet and the at least one counter face are arranged within the end face that at least partially defines the air passage, the invention also achieves that displacement of the cover element is limited by one of several permanent magnets resting against an inner edge that defines the end face. This also prevents, for example, the cover element, e.g.due to an unintentional displacement of the cover element, is displaced so far that the at least one permanent magnet and the at least one counter surface come out of the magnetic holding engagement, whereby the cover element could unintentionally detach from the frame, e.g. in the case of ceiling mounting of the ventilation duct.

[0013] Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the frame to have no end face or to have an end face that is spaced from the at least one counterface by a smaller distance than the height of the at least one permanent magnet. In this case, which does not fall within the scope of the claims, the cover element is aligned by the one or more surfaces of the at least one permanent magnet that are in magnetic engagement with the at least one counterface. Depending on the desired alignment of the cover element, parallelism of these surfaces to one another may be required.

[0014] According to the invention, the cover element is essentially flat. The cover element can thus be provided as a stamped or cut part, for example, made from a metal sheet. This can reduce the manufacturing costs of the cover element, for example, compared to a cover element that is designed as a milled part. Laser cutting or waterjet cutting, for example, can be used as cutting methods for producing the cover element. The frame is advantageously designed as a stamped and bent part. In this way, the frame can be produced cost-effectively, for example, by being stamped from a metal sheet and then bent into a predetermined shape. Of course, a cutting method can also be used instead of a stamping method.

[0015] For example, the frame can be assembled from at least two identically designed elements. This can also lead to a reduction in manufacturing costs, as the number of different components can be reduced. In the exemplary case where the frame is assembled from two identically designed elements, the two halves of the frame can have corresponding connecting elements that can be engaged with each other to connect the two halves of the frame. In addition to or as an alternative to the connecting elements, the two halves of the frame can also be welded and / or glued together, for example.

[0016] Advantageously, the frame can have at least one retaining element for a functional unit, for example, a filter. This allows the functional unit to be securely arranged in the frame. It is conceivable that the at least one retaining element for the functional unit is brought into a predefined orientation during frame manufacture, thereby forming at least one receptacle, for example, in the form of a pocket. The functional unit can be designed to be flexible or elastic, for example, so that it can be inserted into the corresponding receptacles of the frame.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one retaining element can also be designed to be movable, so that a functional unit, regardless of its flexible or elastic properties, can be fixed in the frame by displacing the at least one retaining element. In this embodiment, it is advantageous if the at least one retaining element cooperates with another element, which serves as a contact surface for the functional unit, in order to clamp the functional unit.

[0018] Of course, a combination of a non-flexible functional unit with at least one non-displaceable holding element is also conceivable, for example using snap fasteners or a Velcro fastener.

[0019] For example, the frame can have a non-rotationally symmetrical, if desired substantially rectangular, shape. A non-rotationally symmetrical shape is particularly advantageous when at least one ventilation duct, and thus at least one cover element, is arranged along an edge of a room. For example, the long sides of a rectangular cover element can be aligned with corresponding room edges, which typically results in a more pleasing appearance than with a non-aligned arrangement.

[0020] Alternatively, the frame can have a substantially rotationally symmetrical shape. A substantially rotationally symmetrical shape of the frame or of the cover element offers the advantage that rotational deviations from a desired alignment during installation of the ventilation duct are not important or can be compensated for by a rotationally symmetrical cover element. Of course, a rotationally symmetrical or at least substantially round frame can also be combined with a non-rotationally symmetrical cover element. The advantages of the present invention can come into play here in particular, since a non-rotationally symmetrical cover element can be rotationally displaced relative to the frame by suitable positioning and / or shape of the at least one permanent magnet until a desired alignment of the cover element is achieved or a misalignment of the frame is compensated for.

[0021] It should be noted at this point that the term "orientation" of the ventilation duct or cover element always refers to a rotation of the end section of the ventilation duct or cover element within the plane in which the cover element is to be positioned, such as a wall surface. Rotation of the end section of the ventilation duct or cover element out of this plane should generally be avoided; however, such misalignment can be compensated, for example, by arranging permanent magnets of different heights.

[0022] Advantageously, the cover element can be detached from the frame without the need for tools. This can, for example, prevent the need for tool holders on the cover element, which could negatively influence the visual appearance of the cover element. One example of tool-free removal of the cover element from the frame can be if the air passage openings in the frame are large enough for an operator to grasp the frame there. Gripping devices provided on the cover element are also conceivable. In particular, the cover element can be designed in combination with the frame in such a way that the cover element can be levered or tilted with bare fingers in order to separate it from the frame.

[0023] In a further development of the invention, the cover element can be made of glass. As described above, at least one permanent magnet can be arranged on a side of the cover element facing the frame. The at least one permanent magnet can be connected to the cover element, for example, by means of an adhesive tape. To prevent or at least reduce the visibility of the at least one permanent magnet, as seen from the front of the cover element, the glass can be cloudy or opaque, e.g., as frosted glass or provided with a coating.

[0024] Advantageously, the at least one permanent magnet and the at least one counter-surface can be disengaged from the magnetic engagement in at least one predetermined orientation relative to one another. For example, when the cover element is recessed into a wall, e.g., so that the surface of the cover element facing the room is flush with the wall, no "levering" of the cover element is necessary. Instead, the cover element can be displaced into a predetermined orientation so that, for example, in the case of ceiling-mounted ventilation ducts, it detaches from the ventilation duct by gravity. This can prevent damage to the cover element and / or other elements, such as the wall. For the example of a circular disk-shaped cover element, the displacement could be achieved, for example, by rotating the cover element relative to the frame.It is conceivable that the at least one predetermined orientation in which the cover element is out of magnetic engagement with the frame can be identified by markings, such as two elongated notches forming a line in this orientation.

[0025] According to the invention, the at least one counter surface is formed integrally with the frame. Magnetizable, advantageously stainless, materials are particularly suitable for this purpose. An integral formation of the at least one counter surface with the frame can be provided, for example, in the aforementioned stamped and bent part, in which the at least one counter surface can be bent into its predetermined position.

[0026] Alternatively, but not according to the invention, the at least one counter surface can be formed as a separate element from the frame. This can, for example, enable the use of a frame made of a non-magnetizable material, such as a plastic, to which the at least one, advantageously magnetizable, counter surface can be connected, for example by gluing, screwing, or plugging. Of course, it is also conceivable for the element forming the at least one counter surface to be connected to the frame using an injection molding process.

[0027] Advantageously, the cover element can be made of a material with permanent magnet properties. By using such a material, a manufacturing step of the cover element, in which the at least one permanent magnet is attached to the cover element, can be avoided, since the cover element itself can already have the necessary properties.

[0028] It should also be noted that the air passage openings may be designed in any desired manner, such as in patterns of circular holes or elongated slits or in a manner imitating an object, symbol, logo or lettering.

[0029] It should also be mentioned at this point that the cover element and the frame can of course also have different shapes, such as a round shape for the cover element and a rectangular shape for the frame.

[0030] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] It represents: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the terminal unit according to the invention; Figure 2A shows a plan view of an embodiment of a frame according to the invention; Figure 2B shows a perspective view of the frame from Figure 2A ; and Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cover element according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a frame according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a cover element according to the invention.

[0032] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the inventive termination unit 50, which comprises a frame 10 and a cover element 28. Both the frame 10 and the cover element 28 will be described in detail below.

[0033] The Figures 2A and 2B show that Figure 1 known embodiment of the frame 10 according to the invention, which comprises two identical frame parts 12 and four barb elements 14 attached to the frame, which serve to fix the frame 10 in a ventilation duct, not shown.

[0034] The two identical frame parts 12 have connecting devices 16 at corresponding locations so that they can be joined together to form a frame 10. Each of the frame parts 12 comprises a tab 18, with the two tabs 18 being bent toward each other along a respective bending edge 20 running substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame 10. This facilitates the insertion of the frame 10 into the ventilation duct. Furthermore, the rigidity of the frame 10 is increased due to the two bending edges 20.

[0035] Furthermore, the frame 10 has holding elements 22, of which only two are provided with reference numerals in Figures 2A and 2B, which are intended to hold a (not shown) functional unit, such as a filter. In this embodiment, the holding elements 22 are designed as bendable tabs that can be bent into a predetermined position before or after inserting the functional unit. Using the example of the two holding elements 22 provided with reference numerals, one such possible position is shown in dashed lines.

[0036] In the Figures 2A and 2B Furthermore, two counter surfaces 24 can be seen, which are described in detail below, as well as an end surface 26 which at least partially frames the frame 10.

[0037] Figure 3 exhibits this Figure 1known embodiment of the cover element 28 according to the invention, which has been punched or cut out of a metal sheet, for example. Figure 3 In the example shown, two elongated openings 30 are also cut out of the cover element 28 in order to allow air to pass through the cover element 28.

[0038] The cover element 28 further comprises two permanent magnets 32, which in the example shown here are strip-shaped. The permanent magnets 32 are glued to the base plate of the cover element 28.

[0039] The shape of the permanent magnets 32 as well as the distance between the two permanent magnets 32 from one another is dimensioned such that the two permanent magnets 32 are brought into magnetic holding engagement with the two counter surfaces 24 of the frame 10 as soon as the cover element 28 is correspondingly positioned on the frame 10. Advantageously, a distance d between the two edges of the permanent magnets 32 pointing away from the other permanent magnet 32 ​​is smaller than a distance D between the two inner edges of the end face 26 on the broad sides of the frame 10 facing towards one another. This ensures that the cover element 28 can be displaced on the frame 10 without losing its magnetic holding engagement.

[0040] The thickness of the permanent magnets 32, i.e., the height difference between the side of the cover element 28 on which the two permanent magnets 32 are arranged, and the side of the permanent magnets 32 facing away from the base plate of the cover element 28, essentially corresponds to the distance between the mating surfaces 24 and the end face 26. This allows the permanent magnets 32 to come into contact with the mating surfaces 24, and also allows the cover element 28 to be mounted on the end face 26. Furthermore, a magnetic return path can be established in this way.

[0041] The Figure 4 The embodiment of the frame 110 shown differs from that shown in the Figures 2A and 2B illustrated embodiment of the frame 10 in particular by the shape of the frame, namely the frame 110 is according to Figure 4 are essentially round in shape. Therefore, Figure 4 analogous parts are provided with the same reference symbols as in the Figures 2A and 2B, but increased by the number 100. The frame 110 according to Figure 4 will therefore only be described in the following insofar as it differs from the embodiment according to Figures 2A and 2B differs, whereby otherwise reference is expressly made to the description of the embodiment according to Figures 2A and 2B be referred to.

[0042] The frame 110 according to Figure 4 comprises a tubular wall 134 having a substantially annular cross-section. At one axial end, the wall 134 forms an end face 126 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or to a central axis of the tubular wall 134.

[0043] In the area of ​​the end face 126, the frame 110 comprises a counter surface 124, which can be formed either integrally with the wall 134 or as an element connectable to the wall 134, wherein the counter surface 124 is preferably circumferentially spaced uniformly from the end face 126. In the Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the counter surface 126 is formed as a separate element and is connected to the wall 134 via connecting devices 116. In addition, the counter surface 124 can be soldered or welded to the wall 134, as described above.

[0044] The counter surface 124 serves, analogously to the counter surface 24 of the frame 10, as a contact and connection surface for at least one permanent magnet of a cover element connectable to the frame 110.

[0045] The counter surface 124 further comprises retaining elements 136, which extend radially inward from the counter surface 124. The retaining elements 136 can be bent over if necessary, e.g., to secure a filter arranged within the wall 134. Alternatively, the retaining elements 136 can also be removed. To define a location at which a bending edge is created between the retaining elements 136 and the counter surface 124 upon bending of the retaining elements 136, a taper 136a can be provided in the region of the transition between the retaining element 136 and the counter surface 124.

[0046] Analogous to the embodiment of the frame 10, the frame 110 can also comprise barb elements 114 for anchoring in a ventilation duct.

[0047] Furthermore, the frame 118 may comprise holding elements 122 whose function corresponds to that of the holding elements 22 of the frame 10, to whose description express reference is hereby made.

[0048] The Figure 5 The embodiment of the cover element 128 shown differs from that shown in Figure 3 illustrated embodiment of the cover element 28 in particular by its shape. Therefore, in Figure 5 analogous parts are provided with the same reference symbols as in the Figure 3 , but increased by the number 100. The frame 128 according to Figure 5 will therefore only be described in the following insofar as it differs from the embodiment according to Figure 3 differs, whereby otherwise reference is expressly made to the description of the embodiment according to Figure 3 be referred to.

[0049] The Figure 5 The cover element 128 shown comprises a substantially square plate body. In the center of the square plate body, the cover element 128 comprises a circular disk-shaped area 138, which is penetrated by openings 130, of which Figure 5only three are provided with reference numerals as an example in order to allow air to pass through the cover element 128.

[0050] It is advantageous if the diameter of the circular disk-shaped area 138 essentially corresponds to a free diameter of holding elements (such as 136 according to Figure 4 ), within an annular counter surface (such as 124 according to Figure 4 ) corresponds.

[0051] Two permanent magnets 132 are arranged on the cover element 128 adjacent to the circular disk-shaped area 138. According to the Figures 4 and 5 In the embodiments shown, the permanent magnets 132 are shaped such that they can interact with the counter surface 124 of the frame 118, wherein the square plate body advantageously comes to rest on the end face 126 of the frame 118.

[0052] Due to the arcuate design of the permanent magnets 132, the cover element 128, when connected to the frame 118, is rotatable about a rotation axis which essentially coincides with the central axis of the frame 118.

Claims

1. A vent assembly (50) for a ventilation duct, for example a controlled domestic ventilation (CDV) ventilation system, comprising: • a frame (10) that is insertable into the ventilation duct, is connectable to the latter in operationally durable manner, and surrounds an air passage, and • a cover element (28) provided with at least one passage opening, the cover element (28) and the frame (10) being elements that are constructed separately from one another and are fastenable to one another, the vent assembly (50) furthermore comprising at least one permanent magnet (32), and at least one fastening surface for the at least one permanent magnet (32) being provided on the cover element, which permanent magnet (32) can be brought into magnetic retention engagement with at least one mating surface (24) provided on the frame (10), characterised in that the at least one permanent magnet (32) and the at least one mating surface (24) are dimensioned such that the cover element (28) is displaceable relative to the frame (10) when in magnetic retention engagement, in that the frame (10) has a substantially flat end face (26) that at least partially surrounds the air passage, in that the height of the at least one permanent magnet (32) is substantially identical to the distance from one edge of the end face (26) to the at least one mating surface (24), in that the at least one mating surface (24) is integrally connected to the frame (10), in that the cover element (28) is substantially level, and in that, in the event of the at least one permanent magnet (32) and the at least one mating surface (24) being arranged within the end face (26) that at least partially surrounds the air passage, displacement of the cover element (28) is limited by at least the at least one permanent magnet (32) resting against an inner edge that bounds the end face (26).

2. A vent assembly (50) according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one permanent magnet is fastened to the cover element.

3. A vent assembly (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame (10) takes the form of a stamped and bent part.

4. A vent assembly (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame (10) is assembled from at least two identically configured elements (12).

5. A vent assembly (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame (10) has at least one retaining element (22) for a functional unit, for example a filter.

6. A vent assembly (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame (10) is non-rotationally symmetrical, for example substantially rectangular, in shape.

7. A vent assembly (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the frame (10) has a substantially rotationally symmetrical shape.

8. A vent assembly (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cover element (28) is made of glass.

9. A vent assembly (50) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterised in that the at least one permanent magnet (32) and the at least one mating surface (24) can be brought out of magnetic retention engagement in a predefined orientation relative to one another.

10. A vent assembly (50) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterised in that the cover element (28) is produced from a material with permanent magnet properties.