VOLUME FLOW CONTROLLER FOR AN AIR CONDITIONING AND VENTILATION SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a volume flow controller for an air conditioning and ventilation system with a housing which has a housing wall and forms a flow channel for a gaseous medium, and with a control flap which is pivotally mounted inside the flow channel on a shaft which is arranged transversely to the flow direction and which passes through at least one housing wall of the flow channel, wherein an actuator which is connected to a control device acts on the area of ​​the shaft which protrudes from the flow channel in order to change the position of the control flap.

[0002] In practice, such volume flow controllers are connected, for example, to a building management system via the control device. To determine the flow velocity of the medium flowing in the flow channel and the flowing volume flow, such volume flow controllers include a pressure differential sensor. The pressure differential sensor measures and determines a differential pressure. The flow velocity or volume flow is then determined based on the measured differential pressure. In addition to a transmitter, a pressure differential sensor has at least two tapping openings arranged one behind the other at a distance in the direction of flow, via which a pressure difference is determined and from this the actual value is determined. This actual value is compared with a stored setpoint. In the event of deviations, the actuator receives a corresponding signal.For pressure differential sensing, for example, measuring crosses consisting of two intersecting tubes are used, with each tube typically having several sensing openings. DE 20 2004 010 819 U1 describes a volume flow controller, particularly for air conditioning and ventilation systems. US 2020 / 0400341 A1 discloses a low-pressure control device for an HVAC fluid transport system.

[0003] The disadvantage here is that the installation and operation of pressure difference sensing devices is complex, as additional components must be installed inside the flow channel in addition to the control valve. Since a pressure difference sensing device extends into the flow channel, it influences the flow behavior of the gaseous medium and is also susceptible to contamination and wear. Furthermore, to achieve sufficient measurement accuracy, they must be positioned at a sufficient distance from the control valve in the direction of flow.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a known volume flow controller which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages and which is characterized by a compact design.

[0005] This object is achieved in that the volume flow controller comprises at least one ultrasonic measuring device connected to the control device, comprising at least one transmitter and at least one receiver, in that the volume flow controller has two setting devices for setting the permissible range of the volume flow with a minimum limit value and with a maximum limit value, wherein the setting device influences the level of at least one limit value and wherein the other setting device either the level of the second limit value influences or serves to switch the effect of one (first) setting device between the limit values.

[0006] The volume flow controller according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the ultrasonic measuring device has no components that protrude into the flow channel. This allows for less wear and maintenance-free operation. Cleaning work is also considerably simplified. While in known devices for measuring pressure differences, the sampling openings required for pressure determination become clogged, especially in dust-laden gaseous media, and therefore require regular cleaning, such cleaning measures are not necessary when using ultrasonic measuring technology.

[0007] Every ultrasonic measuring device comprises at least one transmitter and at least one receiver. The transmitter and receiver can be two separate components. However, it is also possible for the transmitter to also serve as a receiver. The ultrasonic measuring device can determine the flow velocity of the gaseous medium flowing in the direction of flow, which is then transmitted to the control device. In this way, the volume flow flowing in the housing can be determined.

[0008] The volume flow controller has two adjustment devices that allow the permissible volume flow range to be set with a minimum and a maximum limit. This allows the user to easily adjust the target volume flow ranges (qv, min and qv, max) on the volume flow controller. To make a setting, each adjustment device can be assigned an analog display in the form of a scale, for example.

[0009] After installing the volume flow controller, a user can easily set the minimum limit and the maximum limit of the permissible volume flow range on the volume flow controller itself. For setting purposes, a diagram with characteristic curves can be attached to the volume flow controller, for example, from which the user can read off the target volume flow ranges to be set (qv, min and qv, max ) and then adjust them accordingly using the adjustment devices. If, during later operation of the volume flow controller, the measured actual values ​​deviate from the target values ​​stored in the control device, the control device transmits a corresponding signal to the actuator and thus changes the control flap setting within the specified target volume flow range (qv, min and qv, max ).

[0010] In one embodiment, one setting device (first setting device) can be used to set the minimum limit of the permissible volume flow range, and the other setting device (second setting device) can be used to set the maximum limit of the permissible volume flow in the flow channel. In such a configuration, the minimum limit is set via the first setting device and the maximum limit via the second setting device. Of course, a reverse setting is also possible, i.e., the minimum limit is set via the second setting device and the maximum limit via the first setting device.

[0011] The two adjustment devices can be identically designed. However, it is also possible that the adjustment devices have a different structural design and / or operate according to a different principle.

[0012] However, it is also entirely possible for one adjustment device (first adjustment device) to be used to set the minimum limit value and the maximum limit value of the permissible volume flow range, and for the other adjustment device to be used to switch the effect of one adjustment device (first adjustment device) to the other limit value of the permissible volume flow range. In such a configuration, the first adjustment device can be designed as a potentiometer, for example. The other adjustment device serves, for example, to move the first adjustment device by pulling it out of a first level into a second level and vice versa. In the first level, the minimum limit value can be set using the first adjustment device, for example, while after moving the first adjustment device to the second level, the maximum limit value is then set using the first adjustment device.In another embodiment, one adjustment device (first adjustment device) can be designed as an incremental encoder and, when rotated, can be used to set the minimum limit and the maximum limit of the permissible volume flow range. The other adjustment device (second adjustment device) can, in such a configuration, also be designed as an incremental encoder and, when pressed, can be used to switch the effect of one adjustment device (first adjustment device) to the other limit of the permissible volume flow range. Of course, other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0013] At least one adjustment device can be designed as a rotary or linear encoder.

[0014] At least one adjustment device can be designed as a potentiometer.

[0015] Of course, other configurations of setting devices are also possible, by means of which the minimum and / or maximum limit value can be set.

[0016] The volume flow controller can have at least one display for showing at least one limit value. The display can be designed, for example, as a digital display. The display can be integrated into the control device or plugged in. The set limit value can be shown numerically, for example.

[0017] In the case of a compact design, it is advisable to arrange the control device and the actuator in a common housing.

[0018] To ensure greater flexibility, it is also possible for the control device, at least one ultrasonic measuring device, and / or the actuator to each be housed in its own housing. The individual housings can be spaced apart from one another on the outside of the housing forming the flow channel. However, it is entirely possible for the housing, for example, to be connected to the control device and the actuator to form a single unit, which facilitates assembly and disassembly.

[0019] The control device can have at least one connection, preferably a connection designed as a slot, for the temporary inclusion and / or for the permanent inclusion of an additional card for connection to a higher-level system via, for example, digital bus signals, preferably to a building management system or a cloud.

[0020] The control device can have at least one connection, preferably a connection designed as a slot, for the temporary accommodation or for the permanent accommodation of an additional card for connecting at least one further sensor.

[0021] At least one additional card can be permanently integrated into the control system.

[0022] The control device can be assigned at least one sensor with a measuring range, preferably a temperature or humidity sensor, which is in contact with the gaseous medium flowing in the flow channel at least through its measuring range. A sensor can be, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a sensor for detecting air quality, such as a sensor for determining gaseous and vaporous substances of organic origin in the air (VOC sensor) or a CO2 sensor, a particulate matter sensor, or the like.

[0023] The control device can also be assigned a sensor to detect occupancy in the room.

[0024] At least one sensor can be integrated into the volume flow controller, preferably into the control device of the volume flow controller.

[0025] The transmitter and the receiver of at least one ultrasonic measuring device can be arranged on opposite sides of the housing.

[0026] For a compact design, at least one ultrasonic measuring device can be arranged in the housing of the control device.

[0027] The transmitter and / or the receiver of at least one ultrasonic measuring device can be at least partially in contact with the gaseous medium flowing in the flow channel in order to measure the flow velocity.

[0028] Alternatively, it is also possible for the transmitter and / or receiver of at least one ultrasonic measuring device to be arranged on the outside of the housing wall. With such a configuration, neither the transmitter nor the receiver come into contact with the flowing gaseous medium with their respective transmitting or receiving areas. Contamination that could be caused by the flowing gaseous medium is thus eliminated with such a configuration.

[0029] The transmitter and receiver of at least one ultrasonic measuring device can be arranged in a single component to reduce the number of components. In such a configuration, the transmitter and receiver of the respective ultrasonic measuring device are arranged on one side of the housing.

[0030] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a volume flow controller according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a volume flow controller according to the invention, Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a volume flow controller according to the invention, Fig. 4 shows a top view of the housing of a control device with an actuator and Fig. 5 shows a side view of the object according to Fig. 4 .

[0031] In all figures, identical reference symbols are used for identical or similar components.

[0032] The one in the Fig. 1 to 3 The volume flow regulator 1 shown comprises, on the one hand, a housing 4 having a housing wall 3 and forming a flow channel 2 for a gaseous medium. On the other hand, a pivotably mounted control flap 7 is provided inside the flow channel 2 on a shaft 6 arranged transversely to the flow direction 5 and penetrating the housing wall 3 of the flow channel 2.

[0033] To change the position of the control flap 7, an actuator 8 engages the end of the shaft 6 protruding from the flow channel 2. The actuator 8 can be connected directly or indirectly to the end of the shaft 6. In the case of an indirect connection, a gear (not shown) is provided between the shaft 6 and the actuator 8. The actuator 8 and any gear are attached to the outside of the housing 4 and connected to a control device 9. The control device 9 comprises, for example, an electronic circuit board (not shown).

[0034] The control device 9 is thus also mounted on the outside of the housing 4. The control device 9 is connected to an ultrasonic measuring device 11 via a line 10. The ultrasonic measuring device 11 comprises at least one transmitter 12 and at least one receiver 13 and transmits an ultrasonic signal 14 along the cross-section of the flow channel 2 via the transmitter 12. The flow velocity can be measured by means of the ultrasonic measuring device 11.

[0035] In the embodiment according to Fig. 1 the transmitter 12 and the receiver 13 of the ultrasonic measuring device 11 are arranged on opposite sides of the flow channel 2, wherein the transmitter 12 and the receiver 13 of the ultrasonic measuring device 11 are connected to one another via a line 15.

[0036] In the examples according to the Fig. 2 and 3The transmitter 12 and the receiver 13 of the ultrasonic measuring device 11 are mounted in a single component on only one side of the flow channel 2. The ultrasonic signals 14 are emitted along the cross-section of the flow channel 2 and reflected by the inside of the housing wall 3.

[0037] Of course, it is also possible for the transmitter 12 to simultaneously serve as a receiver 13. In such an embodiment, the transmission and subsequent reception occur with a time delay.

[0038] While the examples of implementation according to the Fig. 1 and 2 the ultrasonic measuring device 11 and the control device 9 are arranged individually and thus in separate housings, in the embodiment according to Fig. 3 a compact embodiment is shown in that the ultrasonic measuring device 11, which contains both the transmitter 12 and the receiver 13, and the control device 9 are arranged in one housing.

[0039] Like the Fig. 1 to 3 As can be seen, the control device 9 is flange-mounted on one of its four sides to the actuator 8. In this respect, the control device 9 and the actuator 8 form a single unit that can be easily installed and removed. During installation, the actuator 8 simply needs to be pushed onto the end of the shaft 6 protruding from the housing 2. To prevent rotation during operation of the actuator 8, an anti-rotation device 16 is provided.

[0040] How Fig. 4 As can be seen, the control device 9 in the illustrated embodiment has two adjustment devices 17 for adjusting the permissible range of the volume flow in the flow channel 2. In the Fig. 1 to 3The adjustment devices 17 are not visible. Using the adjustment devices 17, the user can easily adjust the target volume flow ranges (qv, min and qv, max) on the volume flow controller 1.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, each adjustment device 17 is designed as a potentiometer. In this respect, the two adjustment devices 17 are identical. Each potentiometer is located in the housing of the control device 9, easily accessible from the outside. Each potentiometer has a linear notch. The linear notch allows easy adjustment of the respective potentiometer, for example, using a screwdriver.

[0042] Furthermore, a scale is provided on the housing around each potentiometer. Fig. 4In the illustrated embodiment, the upper potentiometer is used to set the minimum limit of the permissible range of the volume flow flowing in the flow channel 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the minimum limit can be set anywhere between 0% and 100%.

[0043] How Fig. 4 As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 8 including any gearing is located below the control device 9, ie when mounted on the housing 4, the actuator 8 including any gearing is located between the control device 9 and the housing 4. The actuator 8 including any gearing extends over the entire surface of the control device 9 and is located on the Fig. 4right side, forming a protruding area laterally beyond the control device 9. The receptacle for the shaft 6 is arranged in the protruding area.

[0044] The Fig. 4 The lower potentiometer shown is used to adjust the maximum limit of the permissible flow rate range, which in the illustrated example can also be set anywhere between 0% and 100%. This allows both limit values ​​to be easily adjusted from the outside by turning them.

[0045] How Fig. 5As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, two connections 18 designed as slots are provided in the housing of the control device 9. For example, an additional card can be plugged into a connection 18 designed as a slot. A contact element of a sensor (not shown), such as a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor, can also be plugged into a connection 18. A connection 18 also enables a connection of the volume flow controller 1 to a higher-level system, for example the building management system (BMS).

Claims

1. Volumetric flow regulator (1) for an air conditioning and ventilation system with a housing (4) comprising a housing wall (3), forming a flow channel (2) for a gaseous medium, and with a regulator flap (7) in the interior of the flow channel (2), mounted such as to pivot on a shaft (6) arranged transverse to the direction of flow (5) and passing through at least one housing wall (3) of the flow channel (2), wherein, in order to change the setting of the regulator flap (7) in the region of the shaft (6) projecting out of the flow channel (2), a actuator (8) engages, and wherein the actuator (8) is connected to a regulator device (9), characterised in that the volume flow regulator (1) comprises at least one ultrasonic measuring device (11) connected to the regulator device (9), comprising at least one transmitter (12) and at least one receiver (13), that the volumetric flow regulator (1) comprises two adjustment devices (17) for adjusting the permissible range of the volume flow, with a minimum limit value and a maximum limit value, wherein the adjustment device (17) influences the amount of at least one limit value, and wherein the other adjustment device (17) eitherinfluences the amount of the second limit valueorserves to switch over the effect of the first adjustment device (17) between the limit values, wherein the ultrasonic measuring device does not comprise any components projecting into the flow channel.

2. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the one adjustment device (17) serves to adjust the minimum limit value of the permissible range of the volume flow, and the other adjustment device (17) serves to adjust the maximum limit value of the permissible volume flow in the flow channel (2).

3. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the two adjustment devices (17) are identical in configuration.

4. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the adjustment device (17) serves to adjust the minimum limit value and the maximum limit value of the permissible range of the volume flow, and the other adjustment device (17) serves to switch over the effect of the first adjustment device (17) to the respective other limit value of the permissible range of the volume flow.

5. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one adjustment device (17) is configured as a rotary transducer or linear transducer.

6. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one adjustment device (17) is configured as a potentiometer.

7. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the volumetric flow regulator (1) comprises at least one display for representing at least one limit value.

8. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the regulator device (9) and the actuator (8) are arranged in a common housing.

9. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the regulator device (9), at least one ultrasonic measuring device (11), and the actuator (8) are each arranged in a common housing.

10. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the regulator device (9) comprises at least one connection (18), preferably a connection (18) configured as a plug connection, for receiving an additional card for connecting to a superordinated system, preferably to a building instrumentation and control system.

11. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the regulator device (9) comprises at least one connection (18), preferably a connection (18) configured as a plug connection, for receiving an additional card for connecting at least one further sensor.

12. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterised in that at least one additional card is securely integrated in the regulator device (9).

13. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that assigned to the regulator device (9) is at least one sensor, covering a measurement range, preferably a temperature or humidity sensor, which is in contact at least with its measurement range with the gaseous medium flowing in the flow channel (2).

14. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transmitter (12) and the receiver (13) are assigned to at least one ultrasonic measuring device (11) on opposing sides of the housing (4).

15. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one ultrasonic measuring device (11) is arranged in the housing of the regulator device (9).

16. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transmitter (12) and / or the receiver (13) of at least one ultrasonic measuring device is / are at least partially in contact with the gaseous medium flowing in the flow channel (2).

17. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the transmitter (12) and / or the receiver (13) is / are assigned to at least one ultrasonic measuring device (11) on the outside of the housing wall (3).

18. Volumetric flow regulator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transmitter (12) and / or the receiver (13) is / are assigned to at least one ultrasonic measuring device (11) in a component part.