Hybrid plenum

Abstract

Ventilation assembly comprising plenum box (31) and diffuser (32), further comprising a connection element (33, 33') arranged to be mounted between the plenum box (31) and the diffuser (32). The connection element (33, 33'), which is releasably attachable to the plenum box (31), is selected from the group consisting of i) a connection element (33) comprising an annular part (33a) and a tube shaped part (33b) extending perpendicularly from the annular part (33a), and ii) a connection element (33') of just annular configuration. A method for converting the ventilation assembly from open-mount configuration to a false-ceiling configuration is also comprised.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation assembly comprising a plenum and a diffuser as indicated by the preamble of claim 1. According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for disassembly and reassembly of a ventilation assembly as indicated by the preamble of claim 6.Background

[0002] In ventilation systems, diffusers play a crucial role in supplying air to rooms. Plenum boxes are commonly used with diffusers to adjust air volume with integrated damper, measure the distributed airflow by measuring device, reduce noise, ensure even air distribution, and facilitate easy mounting. Plenum boxes for false ceilings are typically rectangular, making, stacking and transport easier. The connection between plenum box and diffuser can be rectangular or circular, and with different sizes of connection. When circular connections are used, the connection size for standard spiro ducts are commonly used, but different outlet dimensions are being used to meet requirement of air volume, noise and pressure loss.

[0003] Typically, the known plenum boxes and diffusers made for installation in "false" ceilings are different from the ones intended for open-mount under a regular ceiling. The plenum box is circular to have more unified design together with circular ducts, and mounting brackets are often hidden. Hence, reuse of an installation made under a real ceiling is not possible if a false, lowered ceiling is to be installed at a later time. Furthermore, already the need to produce and store different modules for different installations is a challenge and creates a need for rather voluminous spaces for storage.

[0004] FR 3 095 854 A describes a system comprising a diffusor and a plenum as well as two exchangeable connectors of different diameter for adaptation to differently sized ventilation system.Objectives

[0005] The objective is to provide a higher degree of versatility in ventilation systems comprising plenum boxes and diffusers.The present invention

[0006] The objective is fulfilled by the assembly according to claim 1 which constitutes a first aspect of the present invention. The objective is also fulfilled by the method according to claim 6 which constitutes a second aspect of the present invention.

[0007] Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed by the dependent claims.

[0008] The hybrid plenum system according to the present invention provides a design solution by which a diffuser and plenum suitable for open-mount installation may easily be converted to a diffuser and plenum box for false ceiling installations, and vice versa. Use of a circular connection between the plenum and diffuser allows adjustment with standard (Spiro) ducts, ensuring flexibility during installation.

[0009] Additionally, the hybrid plenum system according to the present invention provides the option to allow various outlet dimensions of the plenum, thereby allowing connection to diffusers with smaller or larger connection stubs, in order to match the required air volume for the unit.

[0010] As building owners want to adapt easily to new tenants, without much waste and cost, the new hybrid ventilation assembly exhibits increased flexibility, reduce waste and inherent reduced carbon footprint. The design facilitates easy reuse of the unit during building modifications or demolitions. It also allows for quick adaptation to changes in project requirements.

[0011] Finally, a cylindrical plenum can be produced directly from steel coil, reducing the waste per centage compared to rectangular plenum box produced from steel plates.

[0012] Below, the present invention is described in further detail in the form of non-limiting exemplifying embodiments, with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspectival drawing of a prior art ventilation assembly intended for use in connection with a false ceiling. Figure 2 is a perspectival drawing of a prior art ventilation assembly intended for use under a ceiling. Figure 3 is a side view of a ventilation assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, intended for use in connection with a false ceiling. Figure 4 is a side view of a ventilation assembly according to an open-mount embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5a - 5e shows the steps of converting the ventilation assembly according to the present invention from an open-mount embodiment to one suitable for use in connection with a false ceiling.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a conventional ventilation assembly comprising a plenum box 11 and a diffuser 12 arranged in connection with false ceiling 13. From the room below, only the diffuser is visible and the design of the plenum box is made without any consideration of aesthetical aspects. The square shaped plenum box is typically made from steel plates.

[0014] Figure 2, on the other hand, shows a typical open-mount ventilation assembly. The functional aspects are more or less the same as with the assembly for false ceiling. However, the overall design is typically more rounded and elegant due to the fact that all components are visible from the room below.

[0015] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a ventilation assembly according to the present invention. It is comprised by a plenum box 31 not too different from the one shown in Figure 2 and a diffuser 32 rather also in appearance rather similar to the one of Figure 2. The main difference is the presence of a connecting element 33 comprising an annular part 33a with a diameter adapted to the diameter of the plenum box 31 and a tube-shaped part 33b with a diameter corresponding to the centre opening of the annular part 33a. The two mentioned annular 33a and tube-shaped 33b parts are typically made as an integral, undividable structure, but may also be made as separate parts, e.g. with external threads on the tube-shaped part 33b fitting into internal threads on the annular part 33a. The size of part 33b shall correspond with the connection size of the diffuser 32.

[0016] The tube-shaped part 33b may be made with a standard diameter in order to allow it to be extended if required using standard pipes or tubes used in ventilation systems. The tube-shaped part may also be telescopically extendable to be directly useful for different thicknesses of false ceilings.

[0017] Figure 4 shows a ventilation assembly according to the present invention when configured for open-mount installation. The plenum box 31 and the diffuser 32 are the same as in Figure 3, while the connection element 33 is replaced by a connection element 33' of a simple annular configuration.

[0018] Figures 5a to 5e shows the conversion of the ventilation assembly of the present invention from an open-mount configuration to a configuration suitable for use in connection with a false ceiling.

[0019] Figure 5a shows the elements of Figure 4 when attached to one another as useful under a regular ceiling.

[0020] Figure 5b shows the plenum box and the connection element 33', the diffuser having been removed. Figure 5c shows the plenum box 31 after also the connection element 33' having been removed. Figure 5d shows the plenum box 31 when the connection element 33 has been attached thereto.

[0021] The plenum box 31 with the attached connection element 33 is to be arranged above an opening in a false ceiling 13 as shown in Figure 5e, which also shows that the diffuser 32 has been attached to the connection element 33. Furthermore, in the shown embodiment, a pipe element 51 of a diameter suitable for extending the tube-shaped part 33b, is arranged between the diffuser 32 and the connection element 33. Thus, in the shown embodiment, the diffuser 32 is indirectly connected to the connection element 33. The length of the pipe element 51 would typically be decided and cut at the mounting site from a standard pipe such as a Spiro duct.

[0022] An alternative to the use of a pipe element 51 would be to use a connection element (not shown) with a tube-shaped part that is telescopically extendable.

[0023] A person skilled in the art would readily understand that the inverse conversion of the one described with reference to Figures 5a - 5e, i.e. a conversion from an installation in connection with a false ceiling to an open-mount installation, is possible by reversing the steps indicated above.

Claims

1. Ventilation assembly comprising plenum box (31) and diffuser (32), characterized in further comprising a connection element (33, 33') which is releasably attachable to the plenum box (31), said connection element (33, 33') being selected from the group consisting of i. a connection element (33) comprising an annular part (33a) and a tube-shaped part (33b) extending perpendicularly from the annular part (33a), and ii. a connection element (33') of just annular configuration, said connection element (33, 33') further being arranged to be attached, directly or indirectly, to the diffuser (32).

2. Ventilation assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube-shaped part (33b) of the connection element (33) has a circular cross-section.

3. Ventilation assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plenum box (31) has an overall cylindrical shape.

4. Ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube-shaped part (33b) is telescopically extendable.

5. Ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer, horizontal cross-section of the diffuser (32) is similar in shape and size to that of the horizontal cross-section of the plenum box (31).

6. Method for converting a ventilation assembly comprising a plenum box (31) and a diffuser (32), intended for open-mount installation to a ventilation assembly suitable for use in connection with a false ceiling, characterized in comprising in sequence: a) disconnecting the diffuser (32) from the plenum box (31), b) attaching a connection element (33) to the plenum box (31), said connection element (33) comprising an annular part (33a) and a tube-shaped part (33b), c) placing the plenum box (31) with the attached connection element (33) over an adapted opening in a false ceiling, d) connecting the diffuser (32), directly or indirectly to the connection element (33) from below the false ceiling (13) via the mentioned opening.

7. Method as claimed in claim 6, further including, between steps a) and b), disconnecting a connection element (33') of annular configuration from the plenum box (31).

8. Method as claimed in claim 6 or 7, with the exception that the steps are conducted in the reverse order to convert the ventilation assembly for a false ceiling to an open-mount ventilation assembly.

9. Method as claimed in any one of claims 6-8, comprising selecting a connection element (33) with a specifically sized tube part (33b) from a range of connection elements (33) having different sizes of their tube-shaped part (33b).

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