Device for adjusting an air volume flow

Abstract

A device for adjusting an air volume flow, particularly in an air distribution network, comprises a flowable air duct that defines a longitudinal center axis. The device includes a throttle (6) for changing the size of a flowable cross-section of the air duct. A flow element (3) is arranged in the air duct, the flow element (3) having a jacket (30) whose cross-section increases in a first direction away from the throttle (6). The jacket (30) has an end region facing away from the throttle (6) that slopes in a second direction and forms a downflow edge (31), the second direction being opposite to the first. The device optimizes the outflow characteristics.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for adjusting an air volume flow, in particular an air supply valve. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Air distribution networks are used primarily in buildings for ventilation and, in some cases, for air conditioning. Controlled residential and office ventilation systems are now sophisticated systems that utilize centralized or decentralized ventilation units.

[0003] The wall, ceiling, or floor openings of a building are equipped with air vents with inserts that are connected to the air distribution network. Such vents change the shape of the airflow and / or regulate the air volume flow. Depending on the direction of the airflow into or out of the room, they are called supply air valves or exhaust air valves. They limit the cross-section in the air duct, with the size of this limitation being adjustable using throttles.

[0004] Unfortunately, such supply and exhaust air valves are often impossible to adjust once installed, or can only be adjusted with considerable effort. Another disadvantage is that individual components of the valve protrude into the room to varying degrees depending on the valve's adjustment, protruding from the building wall and detracting from the room's visual appearance.

[0005] Supply air vents, i.e., vents through which air flows into a room, often have the disadvantage that they do not distribute the outgoing air evenly. A seated or lying person directly exposed to the outgoing air may find this unpleasant. Furthermore, this results in streaks of dirt deposits that are more visible than a uniform deposit. Inconsistent airflow also leads to increased noise.

[0006] Another disadvantage is that exhaust vents, i.e., vents through which air flows out of a room, often have a different shape than supply vents. This results in a rather cluttered appearance in the room.

[0007] WO 2022 / 101056 A1 discloses an air volume throttle valve with air guide elements in the form of rotor blades. The air guide elements are each formed from a first and a second air guide unit, which can be rotated relative to each other, so that the distance between the air guide elements and thus the flow-through cross-section of an air duct can be varied. This device enables the free flow cross-section to be varied while maintaining the position of the narrowest flow cross-section. This facilitates valve control. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved device for adjusting a volume flow.

[0009] This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1.

[0010] The device according to the invention for adjusting an air volume flow, particularly in an air distribution network, has a flow-through air duct defining a longitudinal central axis. The device has a throttle for changing the size of a flow-through cross-section of the air duct. A flow element is arranged in the air duct, wherein the flow element has a casing whose cross-section increases in a first direction away from the throttle. The casing has an end region facing away from the throttle, which inclines in a second direction and forms a trailing edge, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0011] The arrangement of the end section with the trailing edge and the second flange means that air flowing out of the valve is directed towards the ceiling or wall.

[0012] The airflow is applied to the wall or ceiling early on, i.e., close to the supply air valve. This prevents backflow. Consequently, there is hardly any dirt or dust deposits on the wall or ceiling.

[0013] The curved shape of the air duct's outlet, created by the inclined trailing edge, creates vortices. These vortices mix with the subsequent airflow, which is radially directed by the throttle. This enables a homogeneous outflow across 360°.

[0014] Preferably, the cross-section of the trailing edge is wedge-shaped.

[0015] This upwardly inclined trailing edge can be used with throttles of different designs.

[0016] The trailing edge is preferably circumferential. It preferably has no interruptions that could disrupt the homogeneous distribution of the outflowing air.

[0017] Preferably, the flow element is designed to be air-impermeable, so that all the air that is passed through the device flows along the outer surface of the flow element.

[0018] The flow element is preferably bell-shaped. The bell preferably widens toward the exit, i.e., toward the interior of the building.

[0019] Preferably, the shroud, or at least the end region with the trailing edge, is rotationally symmetrical. Airflow is optimized when the shroud is curved inward except for the end region facing away from the throttle.

[0020] The outer surface of the casing is preferably flat, i.e., without elevations or depressions. This allows the air flow to spread unhindered. Preferably, at least in the exit area of ​​the air duct, i.e., in the area of ​​the trailing edge, there are no baffles or obstacles protruding into the air duct.

[0021] Preferably, the device has a circumferential surface opposite the end region of the casing, which, together with the end region, forms the exit region, i.e., an exit opening of the air duct. If this circumferential surface also slopes in the second direction, the flow behavior is further optimized.

[0022] Preferably, the surrounding surface is flat in order to have no interfering elements.

[0023] The outlet opening is preferably designed as an annular channel defined by the end region forming the trailing edge and by the circumferential surface, wherein the annular channel has a constant cross-sectional area in the direction of the longitudinal center axis. This leads to a further optimization of the flow behavior.

[0024] A further optimization occurs when the inclination of the end area in the area of ​​the trailing edge and the inclination of the surrounding surface are the same.

[0025] In preferred embodiments, the device comprises a housing in which the throttle and the flow element are arranged. The peripheral surface is a flange of the housing, which is designed to be mounted against a wall. This facilitates installation of the device in a wall opening and also allows the outlet opening of the air duct to be arranged close to the ceiling or wall.

[0026] This close arrangement is also facilitated if, when the device is installed in the wall opening, the second direction leads towards the wall.

[0027] The assembly and adjustment of the device is facilitated if the flow element is hollow and can be closed with a lid.

[0028] Preferably, the position of the flow element relative to the housing or relative to the wall surface does not change when the throttle setting is changed. Likewise, the cross-section of the outlet channel or the outlet opening of the air channel preferably does not change when the throttle setting is changed.

[0029] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a device according to the invention, installed in a wall opening; Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the device according to Figure 1 from above; Figure 3 a first exploded view of the device according to Figure 1from below; Figure 4 a second exploded view of the device according to Figure 1 from below; Figure 5 a perspective view of the device according to Figure 1 from above in partially closed position of the throttle and Figure 6 a perspective view of the device according to Figure 5 in a fully open throttle position. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Figure 1 shows a valve V according to the invention, which is installed in a wall opening 10 of a wall 11. The wall opening 10 is preferably part of a building's air distribution network. The terms "bottom" and "top" used in this text refer to the installation position of the valve in the wall opening of a building's ceiling. If the wall opening is located in another wall of a building, these terms are to be interpreted accordingly.

[0032] Valve V is preferably a supply air valve that directs air from an air distribution network through a wall opening into a building space. However, it can also be used as an exhaust air valve, directing air from the building space into the wall opening 10.

[0033] In the following, valve V is described as a supply air valve, although its function is identical to that of an exhaust air valve.

[0034] The valve V has, as shown in the Figures 2 to 4 can be clearly seen, a housing 2, an inner flow element 3, a pivot pin 4, a cover 5 and a throttle 6.

[0035] The housing 2 is preferably formed in two parts. It preferably has a round cross-section. A first housing part 20 has a hollow, circular-cylindrical base body 200, the lowermost end of which forms a radially outwardly projecting flange 201. With this flange 201, the valve V rests against the building wall 11, as shown in Figure 1 The first flange 201 is preferably rigid and serves as a stop when inserting the valve V into the wall opening 10, as shown in Figure 1can be seen. It forms a closure to cover irregularities in the surrounding wall 11. The first flange 201 also serves to delimit an outlet opening 80 of an air duct 8, as described further below in the text. For this purpose, the first flange 201 has an inclination towards the wall 11. Preferably, the inclination is achieved by a continuous thinning of the flange 201 towards its outer peripheral edge. The downward-facing surface of the flange 201 is flat, i.e. without elevations or depressions. The flange 201 is circumferential, closed and preferably without interruptions. Possible interruptions are holes for screwing the housing 2 into the wall opening 10. Preferably, however, the housing 2 is fixed in the wall opening in another way.

[0036] The base body 200 has a first step 202 and a second step 203 on its outer circumference. A circumferential upper end face 204 is preferably flat. The upper end face 204 has a recess 205 for the passage of the pivot pin 4.

[0037] In the upper region of the first housing part 20, a third throttle part 22 is formed, which is described further below in the text together with a first and a second throttle part 60, 61 of the throttle 6.

[0038] A second housing part 21 has a narrow, hollow-cylindrical or annular base body 210. It is surrounded by a radially projecting second flange 211. The second flange 211 is preferably designed as a flexible sealing and / or clamping ring. It serves to seal and releasably secure the valve V in the wall opening 10, as shown in Figure 1can be seen. For this purpose, the wall opening 10 preferably has a round cross-section. The second flange 211 can be injection-molded, integrally formed, or connected to the second base body 210 in some other way.

[0039] The second housing part 21 surrounds the upper region of the first housing part 20. It rests on the first step 202 and preferably extends to the second step 203.

[0040] The housing 2 encloses a central air duct which defines a longitudinal central axis L and radial directions.

[0041] The inner flow element 3 is arranged in the housing 2 and extends downwards towards the interior of the building, as shown in Figure 1can be seen. The inner flow element 3 is preferably hollow and can be closed at the bottom with the cover 5. The flow element 3 is closed at the top except for a through-opening 33 for the passage of the pivot pin 4.

[0042] The flow element 3 is preferably designed to be substantially rotationally symmetrical. It has a bell-shaped configuration, with a downwardly widening cross-section and an inwardly curved shell 30. The flow element 3 preferably extends to the outer edge of the first flange 201 or beyond.

[0043] The flow element 3 is held fixed in the first housing part 20, preferably with a bayonet lock or another detachable and re-establishable connection. These coupling elements are preferably arranged in the region of the longitudinal center axis L. Figure 2A second coupling element 220 of the first housing part 20 and a matching coupling element 34 of the flow element 3 are clearly visible. It is a plug-and-rotate connection in the form of a bayonet lock.

[0044] As in Figure 1 As can be seen, a flow channel, here called air channel 8, is formed between the first housing part 20 and the flow element 3. It leads from the wall opening 10 through the throttle 6 and through an annular gap between the first flange 201 and the casing 30 of the flow element 3 into the interior of the building. The annular gap forms the outlet opening 80 of the air channel 8. The gap is usually always the same size, regardless of the adjustability of the throttle 6 described further below. The outflow cross-section of the valve V thus remains the same even when the setting of the throttle 6 changes, and thus when the flow-through cross-section of the throttle 6 changes.

[0045] An upwardly curved trailing edge 31 of the flow element 3 optimizes the outflow behavior, as shown in Figure 1 can be seen. The trailing edge 31 is formed by an end region of the casing 30 spaced from the throttle 6. It is circumferential and preferably uninterrupted. The casing 30 is flat at least in this end region, but preferably over the entire surface facing the throttle 6. The air flow flows over this surface.

[0046] The outflow behavior is further optimized thanks to the first flange 201, which also slopes upwards. Preferably, the slopes are identical, so that the outlet opening has a constant cross-section in the direction of the longitudinal center axis L.

[0047] Preferably, the shell 30 has a slightly larger diameter than the second flange 201, as shown in Figure 1 is clearly visible.

[0048] The flow element 3 has a lower annular edge forming a flat lower end face 32 against which the cover 5 rests. The annular edge surrounds an inlet opening leading into a hollow interior. The cover 5 has a base plate 50 with a preferably flat lower end face 51. It can be attached to and removed from the flow element 3, preferably without the use of tools. For this purpose, magnets are arranged in both components. The magnets of the flow element 3 are in Figure 2 They are marked with the reference number 35. The magnets of the cover 5 are in the Figures 2 and 4 They are marked with the reference numeral 52.

[0049] The flow element 3 is preferably arranged in a fixed position with respect to the housing 2 and is preferably not adjustable at least in the direction of the longitudinal central axis L, ie axially.

[0050] The throttle 6 is located in the upper area of ​​the valve V. Any throttle type can be used. It preferably has adjustable elements for selectively narrowing the central air channel. In other embodiments, the throttle is not adjustable or has only one open and one closed position.

[0051] The throttle shown here has a variable cross-section that determines the airflow that can flow through the central air duct. This variable cross-section, determined by throttle 6, is referred to in this text as the flow-through cross-section.

[0052] Downstream of the throttle 6 in the flow direction, i.e., toward the building interior, the cross-section of the central air duct is preferably no longer adjustable. However, it is not necessarily the same size everywhere. This downstream cross-section is preferably formed by the distance between the preferably inwardly curved inner wall of the housing 2 and the casing 30 of the flow element 3.

[0053] In this embodiment, the throttle 6 consists of three components. The first throttle part 60 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the housing 2 and / or to the third throttle part 22. The third throttle part 22 is formed integrally with the housing 2 and is also rotationally fixed relative to the first throttle part 60. The second throttle part 61 is arranged between the first and third throttle parts 60, 22 and is pivotable or rotatable about the longitudinal center axis L.

[0054] In other embodiments, the third throttle part 22 is also a separate component, which is preferably connected to the housing 2 in a rotationally fixed manner. In other embodiments, only the first and second throttle parts 60, 61 are present, but no third throttle part 22, or only the second and third throttle parts 61, 22 are present, but no first throttle part 60. If only two throttle parts are present, the second throttle part 61 is preferably also designed with an optimized design of its inflow or outflow surface.

[0055] The first throttle part 60 has blocking elements in the form of rotor-like first vanes 601 that extend outward from a common central part. This central part forms a first coupling element 600. In this example, five first vanes 601 are present. However, three, four, six, or any other number of vanes can also be used.

[0056] Hooks or lugs 602 are formed on the front sides of the free ends of the first wings 601. They are used for mounting exhaust air filters and / or hoods. They rest, for example, on the upper end face of the second throttle part 61. This is shown in the Figures 1 , 5 and 6 clearly visible.

[0057] The first wings 601 widen toward their free ends. Preferably, all wings 601 are of the same shape and size. The first wings 601 are curved in the radial direction. Preferably, the area left free between two wings 601 corresponds to the area of ​​one wing 601.

[0058] The upper flow surfaces of the first wings 601 are preferably curved so that an aerodynamically favorable body is formed.

[0059] The third throttle part 22 has blocking elements in the form of third vanes 221, which form geometric counterparts to the first vanes 601. Thus, in this example, they are also curved in the radial direction. These third vanes 221 do not end freely; rather, their peripheral ends are integrally formed on the inner wall of the first housing part 20. Their central ends merge integrally into a central part formed by the second coupling element 220.

[0060] The first coupling element 600 has downwardly projecting hooks 603 that engage in receiving openings of the second coupling element 220. In this way, the first throttle part 60 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the third throttle part 22 and also to the housing 2.

[0061] When the valve V is assembled, the first and third vanes 601, 221 are aligned with each other. The first and third vanes 601, 221 lie congruently one above the other. Preferably, the free surface of the third vane 221 is also curved. This outflow surface is thus also aerodynamically optimized. Preferably, the flow surfaces of the first and third vanes 601, 221 are identically curved, so that the valve V has identical inflow and outflow surfaces and can thus be used equally for supply and exhaust air.

[0062] The intermediate second throttle part 61 has an outer ring 610. At the upper end of the ring 610, inwardly projecting blocking elements in the form of second wings 611 are formed. The outer ring 610 rests with the free lower end of its shell on the second step 203 of the housing 2. It also rests with its inwardly projecting, upper circumferential edge on the upper end face 204 of the housing 2. This is shown in the Figures 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 clearly visible.

[0063] The ring 610 and thus the second throttle part 61 is rotatable about the longitudinal central axis L, wherein it is guided during rotation by the base body 210 of the second housing part 21 and is fixed in its axial position by the lugs 602 of the first throttle part 60.

[0064] The second wings 611 of the second coupling part 61 end freely toward the longitudinal center axis L. They are also curved, preferably having the same bending radii as the first and third wings 601, 221. The same number of second wings 611 is present as there are first and third wings 601, 221. Preferably, the same number of second wings 611 is present as there are first and third wings 601, 221. The second wings 611 can be flat. Other configurations are possible.

[0065] The second throttle disc 61 thus forms a flat disc with a circumferential guide shell, wherein the disc is arranged between the flat end surfaces of the first and third vanes 601, 221 and can rotate relative to them. The rotation is preferably continuous. In other embodiments, it is stepwise. In all cases, optical, haptic, and / or acoustic means are preferably provided to indicate to the user when the throttle disc 61 has reached discrete positions. Furthermore, such means protect against unintentional adjustment.

[0066] The rotation of the throttle disc 61 serves to adjust valve V. This is preferably done manually. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be motor-driven.

[0067] The adjustment can preferably also be carried out when the valve V is already mounted in the wall opening 10. This can be carried out in a simple embodiment by removing the flow element 3 and the cover 5. In a preferred embodiment, which is shown here as an example, only the cover 5 is removed, if at all. The through opening 33 in the casing 31 of the flow element 3 allows access to the adjustment element, here to the rotary pin 4. This is shown in the Figures 1 to 4 clearly visible.

[0068] The pivot pin 4 has a pin 40, a gear-shaped head 41, and a knurling 42 on the circumference of the free end of the pin 40. The knurling 42 increases the grip when the pivot pin 4 is turned by hand, without the use of additional tools. However, tools can also be used for this purpose.

[0069] The pivot pin 4 passes through the recess 205 of the first housing part 20, as shown in the Figures 1 and 2 can be seen. The head 41 rests on the first housing part 20.

[0070] The second throttle part 61 has a toothing 612 in a region of its inner circumference. The gear of the head 41 engages with this toothing 612 thanks to the recess 205. By turning the pivot pin 4, the second throttle part 61 can be rotated about the longitudinal center axis L. The position of the second vanes 611 relative to the first and third vanes 601, 221 can thus be manually adjusted.

[0071] Preferably, the first housing part 20 has a scale 222 next to the recess, which interacts with a reference 614 of the second throttle part 61. This allows the setting of the throttle to be noted and the rotational position of the vanes relative to each other to be recognized. This is shown in the Figures 2 and 3 recognizable.

[0072] The device according to the invention for adjusting a volume flow optimizes the outflow behavior. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0073] 10 Wall opening 40 Pen 11 Wall 41 Head 42 knurling 2 Housing 20 first housing part 5 Lid 200 Basic body 50 Base plate 201 first flange 51 lower frontal surface 202 first stage 52 magnet 203 second stage 204 upper frontal surface 6 throttle 205 recess 60 first throttle part 21 second housing part 600 first coupling element 210 Basic body 601 first wing 211 second flange 602 Nose 22 third throttle part 603 Hook 220 second coupling element 61 second throttle part 221 third wing 610 ring 222 scale 611 second wing 612 Perforation 3 flow element 613 central passage opening 30 Coat 614 reference 31 trailing edge 32 lower frontal surface 8 air duct 33 passage opening 80 Exit opening 34 coupling element 35 magnet V valve L Longitudinal center axis 4 Turning pin

Claims

1. Device for adjusting an air volume flow, in particular in an air distribution network, wherein the device has a flowable air duct defining a longitudinal central axis, and wherein the device has a throttle (6) to change a size of a flowable cross-section of the air duct, characterized by that a flow element (3) is arranged in the air duct, wherein the flow element (3) has a jacket (30) whose cross-section increases in a first direction away from the throttle (6), and that the casing (30) has an end region facing away from the throttle (6), which inclines in a second direction and forms a trailing edge (31), the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the trailing edge (31) is circumferential.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the flow element (3) is designed to be air-impermeable.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow element (3) is bell-shaped.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the casing (30) is curved inwards except for the end region facing away from the throttle (6).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the trailing edge (31) is rotationally symmetrical.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer surface of the jacket (30) is flat.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein it has a circumferential surface (201) opposite the end region of the casing (30), which together with the end region forms an outlet opening (80) of the air duct (8).

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the circumferential surface (201) inclines in the second direction.

10. Device according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the circumferential surface (201) is flat.

11. Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the outlet opening (80) is formed as an annular channel which is defined by the end region forming the trailing edge (31) and by the circumferential surface (201), wherein the annular channel has a cross-sectional area which is constant in the direction of the longitudinal central axis.

12. Device according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the inclination of the end region in the region of the trailing edge and the inclination of the circumferential surface (201) are the same.

13. Device according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the device comprises a housing (2) in which the throttle (6) and the flow element (3) are arranged and wherein the circumferential surface (201) is a flange of the housing (2), wherein the flange (201) is designed to bear against a wall.

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in a state of the device installed in a wall opening, the second direction leads towards the wall.

15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the flow element (3) is hollow and can be closed with a lid (5).

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