A ventilation valve for preventing the passage of odors

Abstract

A ventilation valve for preventing the passage of odors according to the invention has a lightweight, simple and robust construction that allows optimal air flow. The valve consists of a frame (1) to which a membrane (3) is fixed, with a magnetic mechanism ensuring the optimum opening and closing of the valve.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to the field of ventilation systems and is particularly suitable for domestic applications. More specifically, the invention relates to a ventilation valve for preventing the passage of odors.PRIOR ART

[0002] Many households have a problem with odors and smoke returning through the vents they have. An attempt to solve this problem is the installation of ventilation valves, which are a frame on which a hard plastic cover is hinged. These solutions only prevent significant flows of odors and smoke from passing through them, but do not restrict them because they have major gaps in the construction design.

[0003] One solution for preventing the passage of odors through vents is a ventilation valve, which consists of a support frame made of polymer material, with a ring shape and a circular opening, and a seal channel formed around its outer circumference into which a seal is inserted, and a silicone membrane covering the circular opening of the support frame on one side. The membrane has a one-sided hinged slot relative to which the membrane is configured to pivot between an open and a closed position relative to the opening of the support frame, wherein in the open position, a portion of the opening of the support frame remains closed because a frame attachment portion is adhered thereto. This construction is made so that there is a sufficient bonding area between the frame and the membrane so that when the valve is in operation, the membrane does not fall off the frame, as the bonding does not provide a strong enough bond between the two elements without having a significant bonding area. This leads to the problem of partially covering the vent opening and reducing the fluid passing through it. Additionally, the application of an adhesive would alter the material quality of the membrane, so a hard polymer cover is placed over the part to attach the membrane to the frame, complicating the construction. Additionally, the silicone membrane does not provide a sufficiently stable surface, so a circumferential frame is placed around the periphery of the membrane opening to stabilize the membrane. This further complicates and makes the product more expensive, and makes the membrane too heavy to work in low-fluid-flow ventilation applications. An additional disadvantage is the fixation in the closed position of the valve with an external magnet and screw. Such a fixation method requires adjustment of the screw to provide an optimal magnetic pull for the particular vent to which the valve is applied, which both holds the membrane closed in the absence of air flow and allows it to open in the presence of air flow, an adjustment difficult for the ordinary user to judge. The entire production of this valve is done using several different technologies - cutting a membrane, casting a gasket, soldering and gluing the individual parts, which requires a lot of machines, working time and resources.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the invention to create an optimized ventilation valve which prevents the passage of odors to the room in which it is installed, which is easy to install and has a wide application.

[0005] This task is solved by creating a ventilation valve for preventing the passage of odors, which consists of a support frame made of a polymeric material, having a ring shape and a circular opening, and a seal channel formed along its outer circumference, and a membrane, which consists of a thin disc, the diameter of the membrane being greater than the circular opening of the support frame and equal to or less than the outer diameter of the support frame. The membrane is made of a flexible polymer material and covers one side of the circular opening of the support frame. An attached portion of the membrane is fixed at one end of the support frame, which membrane has a unilaterally formed hinged slot relative to which the membrane is configured to pivot between an open and a closed position relative to the opening of the support frame. The hinged slot is placed entirely on the support frame, so that in the open position the membrane has the entire opening of the support frame exposed. The membrane has at least two through holes in its fixation area to the support frame, each of which has one fixing pin inserted and fixed therein, which is also inserted and fixed in a corresponding opening of the support frame. The valve also includes a magnetic mechanism having a magnetic attraction force of 0.10 to 0.30 newtons, which consist of at least one pair of a neodymium magnet and a ferrite element arranged opposite each other in the closed position of the membrane, and embedded, respectively, one in the support frame and the other in the side of the membrane opposite its fixed side to the support frame.

[0006] In a preferred variant of the invention, the at least two fixing pins are glued by an adhesive layer in the through holes of the membrane and in the holes of the support frame.

[0007] In a preferred variant of the invention, the seal has an L-shaped cross-section with a ring-shaped flange placed in the seal channel of the support frame and an outwardly projecting and perpendicularly placed ring-shaped flange disc collar placed at the outermost end of the ring-shaped flange relative to the membrane. In a preferred variant of the invention, at least one neodymium magnet is embedded in the support frame, and in the closed position of the membrane is placed opposite a corresponding ferrite element which is embedded in the side of the membrane opposite its fixed side to the support frame.

[0008] In a preferred variant of the invention, the ferrite element is a galvanized steel washer or galvanized steel disk.

[0009] In a preferred variant of the invention, the magnetic mechanism has a magnetic attraction force of 0.15 newtons.

[0010] In a preferred variant of the invention, the membrane with at least one ferrite element embedded in it has a weight of 6 g to 10 g, preferably 8 g.

[0011] In a preferred variant of the invention, the membrane is made of thermoplastic polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer or rubber.

[0012] In a preferred variant of the invention, the support frame is made of polylactic acid or modified polyethylene terephthalate glycol or polycarbonate.

[0013] In a preferred variant of the invention, the fixing pins are glued into the through holes of the membrane and into the holes of the support frame into which they are inserted.

[0014] In a preferred variant of the invention, on the side of the support frame opposite to the side of fixing the membrane to the support frame, a vertical orientation marker is formed for mounting the ventilation valve.

[0015] The ventilation valve thus created provides a robust and simple structure with reduced weight and reduced manufacturing costs and manufacturing time, which is easy to install by the ordinary user, and is of wide application without the need for fine-tuning to the air flow rate being passed through. Additionally, optimum use of the valve is ensured, as a portion of the frame opening does not remain closed in the open position of the valve, but is fully open, and thus allows use of approximately 99% of the frame cross-sectional area, and therefore optimum ventilation flow.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] The later described ventilation valve, subject of the invention, is explained with a preferred embodiment, given as a non-limiting example within the scope of the invention, with reference to the providedfigures, wherein: Figure 1 is a profile view of the valve in disassembled form. Figure 2 is a profile view of the frame. Figure 3 is a front view of the frame. Figure 4 is a sectional view of the frame. Figure 5 is a profile view of the seal. Figure 6 is a side view of the seal. Figure 7 is a front view of the seal. Figure 8 is a rear profile view of the membrane. Figure 9 is a side view of the membrane. Figure 10 is a front profile view of the membrane. Figure 11 is a sectional view of the membrane. Figure 12 is a profile view of the fixing pins. Figure 13 is a side view of a fixing pin. Figure 14 is a top view of a fixing pin. Figure 15 is a profile view of the valve when assembled. Figure 16 is a front view of the valve when assembled. Figure 17 is a side view of the valve when assembled. Figure 18 is a rear view of the valve when assembled. Figure 19 is a sectional view of the membrane. EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS AND USE OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The odor-preventing ventilation valve according to a preferred variant of the invention shown in the figures may be used for installation in ventilation ducts, chimneys, or other vents. The installation requires no modifications or changes to the ventilation system, and the valve requires no future maintenance.

[0018] The valve includes a support frame 1, shown in Figures 2-4, made of polymeric material with a ring shape and a circular opening, and a seal channel 1.2 formed around its outer circumference into which a seal 2, shown in Figures 5-7, is inserted. The seal 2 allows the valve to be positioned in a vent opening, such as a pipe, and seals the gap between the frame 1 and the opening, preventing odors or smoke from escaping between the valve and the opening.

[0019] The seal 2 is preferably L-shaped with a ring-shaped flange 2.1 arranged in the channel 1.2 for sealing the support frame 1, and a disc-shaped collar 2.2 projecting outwards and arranged perpendicularly to the ring-shaped flange 2.1 and arranged at the remote end of the ring-shaped flange 2.1 relative to the membrane 3. In this way, the ring-shaped flange of the seal 2 can be fitted snugly into the vent, and the discoidal collar 2.2 can be supported and lie around the vent, and thus provide an additional seal. Alternatively, it is possible for the valve to have a seal 2 with only a ring-shaped flange 2.1 protruding above the channel 1.2 to seal the support frame 1 in which it is inserted.

[0020] The valve also includes a membrane 3, shown in Figures 8-11 and 19, made of a resilient polymeric material, and is a thin disk, the diameter of the membrane 3 being larger than the circular opening of the support frame 1 and no larger than the outer diameter of the frame. Thus, the membrane completely covers the circular opening of the support frame 1 on one side, thereby opening the valve unidirectionally.

[0021] An attached portion of the membrane 3 is fixed at one end of the support frame 1, which membrane 3 has a unilaterally formed hinged slot 3.2 relative to which the membrane 3 is configured to pivot between an open and a closed position relative to the opening of the support frame 1. The hinged slot 3.2 is fixated entirely on the support frame 1, and in the open position of the membrane 3 the entire opening of the support frame 1 is exposed, allowing optimum air flow. The main function of the membrane 3 is to allow ventilation from the room to the outside, but to prevent odors from entering the room.

[0022] The membrane 3 has at least two through-holes 3.1 in its area of fixation to the support frame 1, for example two, three or four through-holes, each through-hole having one fixing pin 4, shown in Figures 12-14, which is also inserted and engaged in a corresponding through-hole 1.4 of the support frame 1. This provides an optimum tight attachment of the membrane 3 to the frame, which does not alter the material properties of the membrane 3, and in use the bonding between the membrane 3 and the frame 1 is not disturbed nor reduced by the respective bonding area.

[0023] The fixing pins 4 may be made in an elongated elliptical shape with a stop head that is larger in cross-sectional size than the elongated portion of the pins 4, which is inserted into the openings of the membrane 3 and the frame 1, the head restricting the insertion and pressing the membrane 3 against the frame 1. Other shapes of the fixing pins are also possible, and it is also possible that they do not have a stopping head in alternative variants of the invention, but for example that the pin 4 is fully tapered or has a tapered end, and thus wedges into the respective holes into which it is inserted, which are provided with a corresponding shape.

[0024] The fixing pins 4 may be fixed in the openings 1.4 of the support frame 1 and in the through-holes 3.1 by wedging only, or alternatively may be glued in the through-holes 3.1 of the membrane 3 and in the openings 1.4 of the support frame 1 into which they are inserted, if the bonding is not achieved solely by the engagement of the fixing pins 4, that is to say, if the size of the fixing pins 4 when inserted into the frame 1 does not ensure a firm engagement.

[0025] The valve also includes a magnetic mechanism having a magnetic pull of 0.10 to 0.30 newtons, for example 0.10 or 0.12 or 0.15 or 0.20 or 0.25 or 0.30 newtons. The magnetic mechanism has at least one pair of a neodymium magnet 1.5 (shown in FIG. 11) and a ferrite element 3.3 (shown in FIG. 19) arranged opposite each other in the closed position of the membrane 3, and embedded, respectively, one in the support frame 1 and the other in the side of the membrane 3 opposite its fixed side to the support frame 1. Accordingly, it is possible to have, for example, one or two or three pairs of neodymium magnets 1.5 and a corresponding number of oppositely arranged ferrite elements 3.3. It is possible that the neodymium magnets 1.5 are arranged in the membrane 3 and the ferrite elements 3.3 are arranged in the frame 1. Alternatively, it is possible that the neodymium magnets 1.5 are arranged in the frame 1 and the ferrite elements 3.3 are arranged in the membrane 3. The parts of the magnetic mechanism are embedded in the opposite end of the valve, relative to the fixed side of the membrane 3 to the support frame 1 and if there is only one pair of neodymium magnet 1.5 and ferrite element 3.3, they are preferably arranged at the outermost end of the valve relative to the fixed side of the membrane 3 towards the support frame 1, and if there is more than one pair of neodymium magnet 1.5 and ferrite element 3.3, they are preferably arranged at equal distances from the center point of the fixed side of the membrane 3 towards the support frame 1.

[0026] Preferably, the ferrite element 3.3 is a galvanized steel washer or a galvanized steel disk, other variants of the ferrite element 3.3 are possible as long as they are flat elements of ferrite material.

[0027] The dimensions of the neodymium magnet 1.5 and the ferrite element 3.3 may vary, for example, the neodymium magnet 1.5 may be about 3 mm and the ferrite element 3.3 may be a galvanized washer of size phi 6 mm.

[0028] The valve has a flat profile and a lightweight design, making it easier to install and reducing production costs.

[0029] The membrane 3 with the at least one ferrite element 3.3 incorporated in it has a weight of 6 g to 10 g, for example 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 g.

[0030] The membrane 3 is made, preferably, of thermoplastic polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer or rubber, but other variants of the membrane with a different material known from the prior art are possible, as long as the necessary flexibility of the membrane 3 and at the same time sufficient stability is provided so that, in the closed position of the membrane 3, the opening of the frame 1 is tightly closed.

[0031] The support frame 1 is preferably made of polylactic acid or modified polyethylene terephthalate glycol or polycarbonate, but other variants of the frame 1 with a different material known from the prior state of art to be suitable for use are possible.

[0032] The fixing pins 4 are preferably made of polylactic acid or modified polyethylene terephthalate glycol or polycarbonate, but other variants of the fixing pins 4 with a different material known in the prior state of art to be suitable for use are possible.

[0033] The seal 2 is preferably made of thermoplastic polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer or rubber, but other variants of the membrane with a different material known in the prior state of art to be suitable for use for making the seal are possible.

[0034] Preferably, on the opposite side of the support frame 1 with respect to the side of fixation of the membrane 3 to the support frame 1, a marker 1.1 is formed for vertical orientation for mounting the ventilation valve shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 15 and 16. In this way, it can be easily recognized which side of the valve is the fixed portion of the membrane 3 to the frame, and the valve can be mounted in the vent opening so that this fixed portion falls on the upper side of the valve if the valve is mounted in a vertical position, and so, in operation, after the air flow has stopped, the membrane 3 falls and closes by itself due to gravity, and then remains held in this position by the magnetic mechanism until a new air flow occurs in the direction outward of the room where the valve is mounted.

[0035] It is also possible to install the valve horizontally and to be able to open it upwards when sufficient air flow is present.

[0036] At a suitable location on the valve, for example on the frame 1, the size of the valve may be indicated, respectively for which size of vent it is suitable, for example fi 100, 125, 150, 160, 200 or other sizes.

[0037] Each of the frame 1, the membrane 3, the seal 2 and the fixing pins 4 can be made in different ways, for example by three-dimensional printing (3D printing or additive manufacturing process) or machining. 3D printing is advantageous as the entire valve can be made in a single process, with the parts of the magnetic mechanism being embedded between the respective layers of material.

[0038] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications of the ventilation valve are possible, which also fall within the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. All parts of the vent valve can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

[0039] The reference numbers of the technical features are included in the claims solely for the purpose of increasing the readability of the claims and, therefore, these reference numbers do not have any limiting effect with regard to the interpretation of the elements designated by these reference numbers.

Claims

1. A ventilation valve for preventing the passage of odors, comprising a support frame (1) made of a polymeric material having a ring-shaped form and a circular opening, and a channel (1.2) formed around its outer circumference for sealing, in which a seal (2) is inserted, and a membrane (3) constituting a thin disc, the diameter of the membrane (3) being larger than the circular opening of the support frame (1) and equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the support frame (1), wherein the membrane (3) is made of a resilient polymeric material, and covers on one side the circular opening of the support frame (1), wherein an attached portion of the membrane (3) is fixed at one end of the support frame (1), which membrane (3) has a one-sided hinged slot (3.2) relative to which the membrane (3) is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position relative to the opening of the support frame (1), characterized in that the hinged slot (3.2) is placed entirely on the support frame (1), and in the open position of the membrane (3) the entire opening of the support frame (1) is exposed, wherein the membrane (3) has at least two through holes (3.1) in its region of fixation to the support frame (1), in each of which one fixing pin (4) is inserted and fixed, which is also inserted and fixed in a corresponding opening (1.4) on the support frame (1), wherein the valve further comprises a magnetic mechanism having a magnetic attractive force of 0.10 to 0.30 newtons, which consist of at least one pair of a neodymium magnet (1.5) and a ferrite element (3.3) arranged opposite each other in the closed position of the membrane (3), and embedded, respectively, one in the support frame (1) and the other in the side of the membrane (3) opposite its fixed side to the support frame (1).

2. A ventilation valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the seal (2) is L-shaped in cross-section with a ring-shaped flange (2.1) placed in the channel (1.2) for sealing the support frame (1), and a disc-shaped collar (2.2) protruding outwards and arranged perpendicularly to the ring-shaped flange (2.1), arranged at the remote end of the ring-shaped flange (2.1) relative to the membrane (3).

3. A ventilation valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one neodymium magnet (1.5) is embedded in the support frame (1), and in the closed position of the membrane (3) is placed opposite a corresponding ferrite element (3.3) which is embedded in the side of the membrane (3) opposite its fixed side to the support frame (1).

4. A ventilation valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ferrite element (3.3) is a galvanized steel washer or a galvanized steel disc.

5. A ventilation valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic mechanism has a magnetic pull of 0.15 newtons.

6. A ventilation valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the membrane (3) with the at least one ferrite element (3.3) embedded therein has a weight of 6 g to 10 g, preferably 8 g.

7. A ventilation valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the membrane (3) is made of thermoplastic polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer or rubber.

8. A ventilation valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support frame (1) is made of polylactic acid or modified polyethylene terephthalate glycol or polycarbonate.

9. A ventilation valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two fixing pins (4) are glued by means of an adhesive layer into the through holes (3.1) of the membrane (3) and into the holes (1.4) of the support frame (1).

10. A ventilation valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing pins (4) are glued into the through holes (3.1) of the membrane (3) and into the holes (1.4) of the support frame (1) into which they are inserted.

11. A ventilation valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the side of the support frame (1) opposite to the side of fixing the membrane (3) to the support frame (1), a marker (1.1) is formed for vertical orientation for mounting the ventilation valve.

12. A ventilation valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (1), the membrane (3), the seal (2) and the fixing pins (4) are made by three-dimensional printing.

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