Monobloc plenum - linear air diffuser assembly concealed installable in a wall, as well as method of installing the same in the wall

Abstract

A monobloc plenum - linear diffuser assembly which can be fixed to a wall (P) at a specific housing (A) obtained therein, for example a plasterboard or masonry wall of a ceiling or false ceiling, for distributing air between a central air distribution unit and a space of interest, comprising an air distribution plenum (2) which can be fluidically connected with the central air distribution unit and comprising a substantially elongated main collector structure (20) which can be concealingly inserted into the wall (P), with an internal cavity (22). The assembly further includes a linear diffuser (1) comprising an elongated hollow body (10) defining an axis (X) with at least one slot (14) extending along the latter which can be positioned at the specific housing (A), configured to place in fluidic communication the internal cavity (22) and the space of interest.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the technical field of air distribution. In particular, the invention relates to a plenum-linear air diffuser assembly which can be concealingly installed on a wall, as well as a method for installing it on a wall.Definitions

[0002] In the present document, the expression "air distribution" and its derivatives is used to indicate the distribution thereof both in delivery, that is from a central control unit towards one or more spaces of interest, and in extraction that is from the latter to the central control unit.State of the Art

[0003] In the air distribution technical field, there are known diffusers of different types, including the linear diffusers.

[0004] Such diffusers have an elongated body with a slot which can be arranged facing the space of interest and, in a typically opposite position, a portion for connection with an air distribution plenum.

[0005] Patent document IT PD2012 0134 A1 discloses an examples of this type of diffuser including a plenum.

[0006] Typically, such plenums have an elongated-shaped body with an air distribution slot, positioned at the slot of the diffuser.

[0007] There is typically installed the plenum and linear diffuser system mounted concealingly on the wall, for example made of plasterboard.

[0008] During the installation, the plenum and the diffuser are connected to each other and they are fixed to the wall of interest and to the adjacent walls by means of appropriate brackets, sealants and stucco, then so as to obtain a final finish with specific wall paint.

[0009] However, such installations are often burdensome due to the assembly of the diffuser and of the plenum, as well as the fixing thereof to the walls.

[0010] In addition, between the bodies of the diffusor and of the plenum and the installation wall there form cracks which often house moulds and the like, with resulting damage to the fixing the diffuser and the plenum to the wall, as well as with resulting negative aesthetic impact.

[0011] Document EP 3 064 673 B1 discloses a single piece plenum - linear diffuser according to the preamble of claim 1.Summary of the invention

[0012] An object of the present invention is to at least partly overcome the drawbacks illustrated above by providing a plenum-linear diffuser assembly that is quick to concealingly install on a wall.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to at least partly overcome the drawbacks illustrated above, by providing a plenum-linear diffuser assembly that can be stably fixed to a wall.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plenum - linear diffuser assembly which prevents the formation of cracks and the like when installed on a wall.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plenum - linear diffuser assembly which prevents the formation of moulds and the like when installed on a wall.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plenum - linear diffuser assembly that is highly efficient and cost-effective.

[0017] These and other objects which will be more apparent hereinafter, are attained by a plenum - linear diffuser assembly and / or a method for installing it on a wall as defined in the independent claims and described herein. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more apparent in light of the detailed description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, wherein: FIGS. 1A and 2A are axonometric views of an assembly 3; FIG. 1B is an axonometric view of an assembly 3 in a different embodiment; FIG. 2B is a schematic view of a connection element 3030; FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic view of an assembly 3; FIG. 4A is a lateral schematic view of the assembly 3 of FIG. 1A; FIG. 4B is a lateral schematic view of the assembly 3 of FIG. 1B; FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an assembly 3 installed in a wall P. Detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention

[0019] With reference to the figures mentioned above, herein described is a monobloc plenum - linear diffuser assembly 3 which can be concealingly installed on a wall P at a housing A specially obtained therein.

[0020] For example, the wall P may be a plasterboard or masonry wall at the ceiling or false ceiling of a room, a facility or the like.

[0021] Such wall P may have a pair of planar opposite faces F1 and F2, while the housing A may be defined by contour walls A'.

[0022] In particular, the face F1 may be exposed while the face F2 may be concealable.

[0023] The assembly 3 may include a plenum 2 for distributing air from a central air unit and a diffuser 1 for distributing air in a space of interest.

[0024] Therefore, the plenum 2 and the diffuser 1 define different portions of a single monobloc 3, that is a single body.

[0025] In other words, the plenum 2 and the diffuser 1 are made of a single piece, and therefore the diffuser 1 acts as an outlet for the diffusion of air of the plenum 2.

[0026] In other words, the assembly 3 is a concealable plenum-linear diffuser.

[0027] Therefore, when in the description hereinafter reference will be made to the plenum 2 and to the diffuser 1, they will be intended as portions of the assembly 3, that is such portions will be identified by their function, therefore portion with plenum function and portion with diffuser function.

[0028] Such solution, will allow to obtain an assembly 3 for installation on the wall P that is extremely easy and quick.

[0029] Advantageously, the plenum 2 for distributing air may be used as delivery or extraction plenum for ventilated CMV (controlled mechanical ventilation) units, for air conditioning units, for fan coils, for dehumidifiers or as distribution plenums for CMV systems or even as plenum for air vents such as ports, grids, diffusers, ventilation valves and the like or as plenums in centralised suctioning systems.

[0030] In any case, it is clear that the air may flow both in delivery, or from a central air unit to the plenum 2, in particular to the single distribution spaces, both in extraction or delivery, or from the individual spaces, to the plenums 2 and to the central air unit, passing through the diffuser 1.

[0031] Advantageously, the plenum 2 includes an elongated main collector structure 20 which can be concealingly inserted into the wall P.

[0032] Such structure 20 may include a plurality of walls 21 which may define an internal compartment 22.

[0033] The diffuser 1 has an elongated body 10, per se known, defining an axis X, which can also be at least partly concealingly inserted into the wall P.

[0034] Preferably, both the body 10 and the structure 20 may be made of polymeric material selected from PVC, ABS, PP or the like.

[0035] For example, the choice of the PVC may allow to obtain as a whole an assembly 3 that is healthy, strong, with risk of formation of mould and condensate minimised so as to facilitate the health of the environment wherein the diffuser 1 distributes air.

[0036] Preferably, the body 20 and / or the body 10 may be coated with insulating materials, such as for example closed cell polyethylene foam or foamed PP or polyester fibre or the like, so as to ensure an optimal thermal insulation and an excellent air leak resistance.

[0037] The insulating material may also be sound-absorbing, for example as in the case of foamed polyethylene, so as to ensure appropriate noise insulation.

[0038] Advantageously, the body 10 includes at least one slot 14 which can be positioned at the housing A of the wall P so as to allow the flow of air between the central air distribution unit and the space of interest.

[0039] Although in the description hereinafter for the sake of simplicity reference shall be made to a single slot 14, it is however clear that the body 10 may include multiple slots 14 without departing from the scope of protection of the attached drawings.

[0040] Specifically, the slot 14 may place in fluidic communication the internal cavity 22 and the space where the slot 14 is faced.

[0041] Preferably, the body 10 may include a pair of walls 10' and 10" arranged facing each other which extend along a direction parallel to the axis X and a pair of walls 100' and 100", also arranged facing each other and which extend along a direction perpendicular to the axis X.

[0042] Such walls 10', 10", 100' and 100" may be in use at least partly inserted into the housing A so as to be arranged at least partly facing the contour walls A' of the latter.

[0043] According to the invention, the body 10 includes a planar mesh element 13 with a portion 130 at least partly fixed to the body 10 and a portion 131 which can be fixed to the wall P once the assembly is concealingly installed.

[0044] For example, such mesh element 13 may be positioned at one or any of the two of the aforementioned walls 10', 10", 100', 100" or, preferably at least along the walls 10' and 10" or along the walls 100' and 100".

[0045] For example, the portion 130 may be fixed to the front portion FR of the walls 10', 10", 100', 100", arranged facing the space of interest, as particularly shown in figs. 4A and 4B.

[0046] In a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the mesh element 13 may fully surround the slot 14 and it may therefore be positioned along all the walls 10', 10", 100', 100".

[0047] In other words, in any embodiment described above, the mesh element 13 may surround the slot 14 maintaining the free fluidic connection of the plenum 2 with the space of interest through the diffuser 1, without the mesh element 13 being positioned at the air flow area F.

[0048] In other words, the portion 130 will not be at the air flow area F and therefore the mesh element 13 will not act as air filter, but it will be used for fixing the assembly 3 to the wall P.

[0049] To this end, in order to allow such connection, there may be provided for adhesive means of the type selected from a double-sided tape or adhesive agents or a combination of the two.

[0050] For example, the mesh element 13 may be in the form of a webbing in which a portion 130 may be made to adhere to the walls 10', 10", 100', 100", for example at the front portion FR, and an opposite side 131 may be fixed to the wall P at the exposed face F1.

[0051] Advantageously, the portion 131 may be fixed to the latter by means of suitable fixing means selected from fixing agent, stucco or the like or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0052] Therefore, such fixing means may create a covering layer 15 on the mesh element 13, in particular on the portion 131 so that the latter is not exposed and is fully embedded in the fixing product.

[0053] In this manner, such action may allow to make the fixing between the diffuser 1 and the wall P extremely stable, therefore preventing the formation of cracks and the resulting moulds and the like.

[0054] Once fixed, the covering layer 15 and the wall P will therefore be flush.

[0055] Therefore, the aesthetic impact may be extremely pleasant.

[0056] It is clear that the fixing agent and stucco mentioned above may be made to penetrate into the slot 14 so as to obtain a better aesthetic effect.

[0057] For an optimal installation, the assembly 3 may however be supported by means of appropriate brackets typically connected to the walls adjacent to the wall P.

[0058] In this manner, the fixing of the mesh element 13 may assist the support of the assembly 3, reducing possible tilting around the axis passing through the barycentre of the assembly 3.

[0059] For example, in case of installation of the assembly 3 concealingly in a false ceiling defining the wall P, the assembly 3 may be connected to the ceiling by means of brackets and it may then be fixed to the wall P by embedding the mesh element 13 thereinto as described above.

[0060] Advantageously, the mesh element 13 may be a mesh obtained with a wire or a yarn made of polymeric material.

[0061] For example, the latter may be selected from polyethylene, nylon, polyester.

[0062] Preferably, the mesh element 13 may have a width I measuring 1 - 3 cm. However, it is clear that it may have different widths, without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

[0063] Advantageously, the walls 10', 10", 100', 100" may include centring means 16 which may abut against the face F2 of the wall P.

[0064] In this manner, such centring means 16 may act as centring for the body 10, particularly shown in figs. 4A.

[0065] The centring means 16 may also remain at a predetermined distance d from the mesh element 13.

[0066] In other words, the centring means 16 may be interposed between the latter and the walls 21 of the plenum 2.

[0067] In a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the centring means 16 may include one or more pairs of longitudinal fins 160', 160" each positioned along the walls 10', 10" or 100', 100".

[0068] Preferably, the centring means 16 may include a single longitudinal fin 160' along the wall 10' and a longitudinal fin 160" along the wall 10".

[0069] Advantageously, the fin 160' may have a portion 1600' coupled with the wall 10' for example by gluing or by means of screws or the like and a portion 1600" susceptible to abut against the face F2 so as to allow the centring of the assembly 3 during the installation.

[0070] Similarly, the fin 160" may have a portion 1600' coupled with the wall 10" for example by gluing or by means of screws or the like and a portion 1600" susceptible to abut against the face F2 so as to allow the centring of the assembly 3 during the installation.

[0071] Therefore, the portions 1600' and 1600" may define longitudinal fins 160' and 160" with an L-shaped profile in plan view.

[0072] It is clear that the portions 1600" of the fins 160' and 160" may be fixed to the face F2 by means of suitable per se known means, such as gluing, by means of screws or the like.

[0073] Such solution may allow to assist the support of the assembly 3, together with the use of brackets that are per se known and typically connected with the walls adjacent to the wall P, as described above.

[0074] Furthermore, the assembly 3 may include suitable spacers which can be used to fill any spaces identified between the fins 160' and 160" and the face F2.

[0075] It is clear that the centring means 16 may also be of any other type without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

[0076] With particular reference to the plenum 2, in a first embodiment, the walls 21 of the structure 20 may include an opening which can be directly connected with the central air distribution unit that is per se known and therefore not shown in the attached figures.

[0077] In a second embodiment, shown in fig. 3, the walls 21 may include at least one opening 23, for example a plurality of the latter, which can be connected with the central air distribution unit or a different plenum by means of a semi-rigid connection pipe.

[0078] In this case, the assembly may include at least one connection element 3030 for the connection between each opening 23 and the connection pipe.

[0079] Advantageously, the connection element 3030, shown in fig. 2B, may include a portion 3131 which can be coupled with the fluidic connection pipe with the central control unit and a portion 3232 which can be removably coupled with each opening 23.

[0080] For example, each opening 23 may include a connection portion 231 with an at least partially threaded surface 232.

[0081] On the other hand, the portion 3232 may include a surface 34 that is at least partly counter-threaded and which can be connected with the surface 232 so as to allow the removable connection thereof.

[0082] In a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the surfaces 34 and 231 may extend along the entire perimeter 3232' and 231' respectively of the portion 3232 and of the portion 231.

[0083] In any embodiment described above, the walls 21 may include a plurality of openings 24 which can be connected with the same or with different spaces of interest for example by means of a connection pipe and special air vents.

[0084] Should such openings 24 not be used, they may be closed by means of suitable caps 40.

[0085] Therefore, the assembly 3 may also include the latter.

[0086] From an operative point of view, the assembly 3 may be possibly previously fixed to a wall adjacent to that of interest, if present. Therefore, the wall P may be affixed or built obtaining a suitable housing A at the slot 14 which will therefore require to be aligned to the housing A.

[0087] Therefore, the body 10 of the diffuser 1 may be at least partially inserted through the housing A, or vice versa, so that such slot 14 is exposed.

[0088] Then, one may proceed to a subsequent step for fixing the mesh element 13, therefore the portion 131, to the wall P at the face F1.

[0089] Therefore, to this end, the fixing step may include providing the covering layer 15 on the mesh element 13 so that the covering layer 15 and the wall P are flush.

[0090] Furthermore, should the centring means 16 mentioned above be present, prior to fixing the portion 131 and subsequently to inserting the body 10 into the housing A, the latter may be centred in the housing A so that such means 16 abut against the face F2 and fix them to the latter.

[0091] In the light of the above, the invention attains the preset objectives.

[0092] The present invention may include various parts and / or similar or identical elements. Unless otherwise specified, similar or identical parts and / or elements will be indicated using a single reference number, it being clear that the described technical characteristics are common to all similar or identical parts and / or elements.

[0093] The invention is susceptible to modifications and variants all falling within the inventive concept outlined in the attached claims. In particular, the elements of the invention can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0094] Furthermore, the materials may be selected depending on the needs, without departing from the can scope of protection of the invention.

[0095] Should the technical elements specified in the claims be followed by reference signs, such reference signs are included with the sole purpose of improving the intelligibility of the invention and, therefore, they do not entail any limitation to the claimed scope of protection.

Claims

1. A monobloc plenum - linear diffuser assembly which can be concealingly installed on a wall (P), for example a plasterboard or masonry wall of a ceiling or false ceiling, having an exposed face (F1), a concealable face (F2) which provides a housing (A) suitable for the monobloc plenum-linear diffuser, obtained in the same wall (P) and defined by contour walls (A'), the assembly being configured for the distribution of air between a central air distribution unit and a space of interest and comprising: - an air distribution plenum (2) which can be fluidically connected with the central air distribution unit and comprising a substantially elongated main collector structure (20) which can be concealingly inserted in the wall (P), the main collector structure (20) comprising a plurality of walls (21) defining an internal cavity (22); - a linear diffuser (1) comprising an elongated hollow body (10) defining an axis (X) with at least one slot (14) extending along the latter which can be positioned at the specific housing (A), said body (10) being suitable to be at least partially inserted into the housing (A) of the wall (P), the slot (14) being configured to place in fluidic communication said internal cavity (22) and the space of interest; wherein said plenum (2) and said linear diffuser (1) are made of a single piece (3) so that they define two different portions of the assembly (3), said linear diffuser (1) acting as an air distribution outlet for said plenum (2) towards the space of interest; characterised in that said linear diffuser (1) includes at least one substantially planar mesh element (13) having a first portion (130) at least partly fixed to said elongated body (10) and a second portion (131) is configured to be fixed to the wall (P) at the exposed face (F1) once the diffuser is concealingly installed on the wall (P).

2. Assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein said elongated body (10) includes a pair of first walls (10', 10") arranged facing each other and extending along a direction that is substantially parallel to said axis (X) and a pair of second walls (100', 100") arranged facing each other and extending along a direction substantially perpendicular to said to said axis (X), said pairs of first and second walls (10', 10", 100', 100") being in use at least partially inserted into the housing area (A) of the wall (P) and arranged at least partially facing the relative contour walls (A'), said at least one mesh element (13) surrounding said at least one slot (14) at least at one pair of said pairs of first (10', 10") and second (100', 100") walls.

3. Assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one mesh element (13) fully surrounds said at least one slot (14) at said pairs of pairs of first (10', 10") and second (100', 100") walls.

4. Assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said at least one mesh element (13) surrounds said at least one slot (14) maintaining the free fluidic connection between said plenum (2) and the space of interest through said linear diffuser (1), said at least one mesh element (13) being positioned outside of the air flow area (F).

5. Assembly according to claim 2 or 3 or 4, wherein the walls of at least one of said pairs of first and second walls (10', 10", 100', 100") of said elongated body (10) of said diffuser (1) include centring means (16) susceptible to interact in use with the wall (P) at the concealable face (F2), the centring means (16) remaining at a predetermined distance (d) from said at least one mesh element (13).

6. Assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein said centring means (16) include at least one pair of fins (160', 160") each positioned at a wall of said at least one of said pairs of first and second walls (10', 10", 100', 100"), each fin having a first portion (1600') integrally coupled with a respective wall of said at least one of said pairs of first and second walls (10', 10", 100', 100") and a second portion (1600") susceptible to abut against the concealable face (F2) at the housing (A) of the wall (P).

7. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one mesh element (13) is a mesh made of a first polymeric material, the latter being selected from polyethylene, nylon, polyester and the like or a combination of two or more thereof.

8. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first portion (130) of said at least one mesh element (13) is fixed to said elongated body (10) by means of adhesive means, the latter being selected from a double-sided tape or adhesive agents or a combination of two or more thereof.

9. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second portion (131) of said at least one mesh element (13) can be fixed to the wall (P) by means of fixing means selected from fixing agent, stucco or the like or a combination of two or more thereof, the latter obtaining at least one covering layer (15) on said at least one mesh element (13), once fixed, said at least one covering layer (15) and the wall (P) being substantially flush.

10. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said elongated body (10) and said main structure (20) are made of a polymeric material selected from PVC, ABS, PP or the like.

11. A method for the concealable installation of an air distribution assembly according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, to a wall (P) between a central air distribution unit and a space of interest, the wall (P), for example a plasterboard or masonry wall of a ceiling or false ceiling, having an exposed face (F1), a concealable face (F2) and a specific housing (A) for the monobloc plenum-linear diffuser made in the wall (P) and defined by contour walls (A'), the method comprising a step of at least partial insertion of said main body (10) of said diffuser (1) into the housing (A) of the wall (P) so that said slot (14) is exposed; characterized in that subsequently to said insertion step, there is carried out a step for fixing said second portion (131) of said at least one mesh element (13) to the wall (P) at the exposed face (F1).

12. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said fixing step is carried out by means of fixing means selected from fixing agents, stucco, or the like or a combination of two or more thereof, said fixing step including a step of providing at least one covering layer (15) on said at least one mesh element (13) so that once fixed, said at least one covering layer (15) and the wall (P) are substantially flush.

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