Louver fan

Abstract

The present invention relates to a louvered fan comprising: a fan frame designed to be attached to a building opening; a plurality of louvers pivotably arranged on the fan frame along a longitudinal direction of the fan frame via pivoting arms; and a drive mechanism designed to pivot the louvers; wherein a louver pivot axis of a single louver is located in front of that louver with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame, so that the louvers are pivotable outside the fan frame and, in the closed position, rest on a top surface of the fan frame; wherein the drive mechanism comprises a rack, a gear element, and an actuator; wherein the rack is slidably mounted on the fan frame along its longitudinal direction; wherein the actuator is designed to move the rack.wherein the gear element is assigned to a corresponding lamella and connected to it in such a way that the gear element engages with the rack and a displacement of the rack causes the corresponding lamella to pivot about the lamella's axis of rotation.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a louvered fan for installation in buildings.

[0002] Louvered ventilators are commonly used in industrial buildings and residential and commercial buildings to provide natural fire ventilation and / or general ventilation. Installing a louvered ventilator in a building ensures both natural ventilation and, in case of fire, forced ventilation by opening the ventilator. Louvered ventilators with transparent louvers can also allow for the use of daylight.

[0003] The individual louvers of a louvered fan can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position. In the prior art, an actuator is typically used to drive the louvers so that they can pivot between these positions.

[0004] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art louvered fan 1, which has a rectangular fan frame 3 designed to be attached to a building opening. A plurality of louvers 5 are arranged parallel to one another along a longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 3. When the louvers 5 are closed, they partially overlap each other.

[0005] To attach the individual louvers 5 to the fan frame 3, pivoting arms or plates 7 extend downwards at opposite ends of the louvers 5 ( Figure 2The pivoting arms 7 are rigidly connected to the corresponding louvers 5. Furthermore, the pivoting arms 7 are connected via corresponding pivoting arm joints 9 to a control rod 11, which can be displaced by an actuator 13 along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 2. Through the transmission of the movement of the driven control rod 11 via the pivoting arm joints 9 to the pivoting arms 7, the louvers 5 perform a rotational movement about their respective fixed louver rotation axis LD.

[0006] Typically, the louvers 5 are attached to the fan frame 3 in such a way that the louvers 5 are arranged inside the fan frame 3, particularly when closed.

[0007] The lamella rotation axis LD, which extends along a longitudinal direction LL of lamella 5, is usually located approximately in the middle under lamella 5. This means that the lamella rotation axis LD is always close to the center of gravity SPL (see Figure 2 ) of the lamella 5 arranged so that a small load lever arm between the weight force acting at the center of gravity SPL of the lamella 5 directed towards the earth surface and the lamella rotation axis LD generates only a small load moment.

[0008] Due to the shearing motion caused by the rotation between the transverse edges of the louvers 5 and the fan frame 3, a gap is necessary between the transverse edges of the louvers 5 and the fan frame 3, which results in a certain degree of leakage, particularly with regard to standing water in the case of horizontal installation. The transverse edges of the louvers are defined as the edges of the louvers that, in the assembled state, extend parallel to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 3 and / or perpendicular to the louver rotation axis LD.

[0009] This disadvantage can be remedied by not positioning the slats 5 as in the Figure 1 and 2 The fins 5 are not arranged within the fan frame 3, but rather outside the fan frame 3 and extend beyond it. The edge areas of the fins 5 can thus rest on a top surface 15 of the fan frame 3 when closed.

[0010] However, a disadvantage here is that the lamella rotation axes LD of the individual lamellae 5 are located in front of their leading edge 17 (see Figure 3 ) must be arranged, thereby increasing the load lever arm 33a between the center of gravity SPL of the louver 5 and the louver rotation axis LD, which in turn leads to an increased load moment 33b about the louver rotation axis LD during pivoting. The louvers 5 are located above the ventilation frame 3 at all times. Figure 3 The figure schematically shows the force relationships for installing the louvered fan 1 in a 0° installation position (horizontal installation) both in the closed state and in the open state of the louvers 5.

[0011] The load moment 33b is positively counteracted by the drive torque 34a, which is composed of the applied force in the pivoting arm joint 9 and the vertical drive lever arm 34b from the force line at the point of application 35 to the stationary lamella rotation axis LD. The control rod 11 performs a pivoting movement in the plane parallel to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 3, the path of which 36 corresponds to the fixed radial distance of the pivoting arm joint 9 to the lamella rotation axis LD of the respective lamella 5. For this purpose, the actuator 13, which itself performs a linear stroke movement 38, is pivotably mounted.

[0012] The drive mechanism used in the prior art for louvered fans 1 with pivoting control rods 11 and off-center louver rotation axis LD results in the drive lever arm 34b, i.e. the drive torque 34a, decreasing during the opening process of the louver 5 and reaching its minimum at the maximum opening angle of the louver 5.

[0013] This is particularly noticeable when the louvered fan 1 is installed at an angle, up to and including wall mounting (see Figure 4 ) noticeable. Here, the load lever arm 33a of the lamella 5 reaches its maximum in the region of the maximum opening angle, while at the same time the drive lever arm 34b decreases to its minimum, thereby increasing the required drive force of the actuator 13 many times over. As a result, the actuator 13 must be dimensioned larger and / or the installation position of the lamella fan 1 is restricted.

[0014] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a louvered fan which has, on the one hand, sufficient sealing and, on the other hand, an improved drive mechanism.

[0015] This task is solved by a louvered fan, which includes: A fan frame designed to be attached to a building opening; a plurality of louvers pivotably arranged on the fan frame along a longitudinal direction via pivoting arms; and a drive mechanism designed to pivot the louvers; wherein a louver pivot axis of a single louver is located in front of that louver with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame, so that the louvers are pivotable outside the fan frame and, in the closed position, rest on a top surface of the fan frame; wherein the drive mechanism comprises a rack, a gear element, and an actuator; wherein the rack is slidably mounted on the fan frame along its longitudinal direction; wherein the actuator is designed to move the rack;wherein the gear element is assigned to a corresponding lamella and connected to it in such a way that the gear element engages with the rack and a displacement of the rack causes the corresponding lamella to pivot about the lamella's axis of rotation.

[0016] Advantageously, by providing the gear element, which is connected to the associated louver and thus pivots together with the louver around its axis of rotation, the drive lever arm between the point of force application of the rack to the gear teeth of the gear element and the axis of rotation of the louver remains essentially constant. This ensures that the force exerted by the actuator is always effectively transmitted to the louver, regardless of the installation position of the louvered fan or the opening position of the louver. This can allow for a smaller actuator and / or increase the flexibility of the louvered fan with regard to its installation position.

[0017] The louvered ventilator can be installed in any type of building. In particular, the louvered ventilator can be installed on roofs as well as in facades in orientations between 0° (horizontal) and 90° (vertical).

[0018] To connect the louvered ventilator to the building, the louvered ventilator has a fan frame designed to be mounted in or on a building opening. "In a building opening" can mean that the fan frame is located at least partially within the building opening or is at least partially surrounded by the building opening. In a configuration where the fan frame is located "on a building opening," the louvered ventilator or the fan frame is mounted on the building and projects from it. The shape of the fan frame is preferably adapted to the building opening. In particular, the fan frame has a rectangular shape. Preferably, the fan frame is made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel, or of plastic.

[0019] To ventilate the building, a large number of louvers are pivotally mounted on the fan frame. The louvers can preferably be pivoted between an open and a closed position. However, it is also possible to pivot the louvers to and hold them in any position between the open and closed positions. In the "closed position," the individual louvers can all be located on or in a plane that corresponds to or is parallel to the plane of the fan frame. It is particularly preferred that the individual louvers make sealing contact with each other in this position to seal the building interior from the exterior. This can be achieved, for example, by means of seals arranged on the contact surfaces of the louvers.Alternatively, in the "closed position," the louvers can be arranged so that they overlap in certain areas. Here, too, the contact surface between the louvers in the overlapping area can be additionally sealed by at least one gasket. In the closed position, the overlapping arrangement of the louvers can be at an angle of approximately 0° to approximately 10° relative to a plane defined by the fan frame. Any position that deviates from the "closed position" can be considered an "open position." This means that any position of the louvers can be considered an open position as soon as they are pivoted away from the "closed position," allowing ventilation of the building interior.Preferably, the louvers in the "open position" are pivoted relative to the fan frame plane by an angle between approximately 30° and approximately 90°, between approximately 50° and approximately 90°, or at approximately 90°.

[0020] Each louver has a pivot axis around which it is arranged to pivot. These pivot axes are arranged side-by-side, all on the same plane, parallel to each other, and preferably extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame.

[0021] The louvers can be made of single-layer aluminum, double-layer aluminum, multi-layer transparent plastic, or glass. In particular, the louver can have a double-layer structure with insulating material placed between the layers.

[0022] To pivotally mount or support each individual blade on the fan frame, a pivoting arm is rigidly attached to at least one transverse end of the blade (preferably the sides of the blade that run parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame when mounted). The pivoting arm can be a thin sheet metal part or a casting attached to the underside of the blade. The "underside of the blade" can be understood as the side of the blade that, when the blade is closed, faces an interior space enclosed by the fan frame. A single blade can have two pivoting arms, each attached to opposite transverse ends of the blade. Preferably, the pivoting arm extends parallel to a longitudinal side of the fan frame along its longitudinal direction to allow for pivoting movement.Furthermore, the pivoting arm is designed such that it extends in front of the corresponding louver, relative to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame and the louver's axis of rotation. The pivoting arm can be arc-shaped or L-shaped. The "louver axis of rotation," designed as a pivot bearing, is located in a section of the pivoting arm positioned in front of the louver.

[0023] Since the axis of rotation for the louvers is located in front of the respective louver, it is possible to pivot the louvers outside or above the fan frame. The louvers can be of such a length that, in the closed position, they, particularly areas at their transverse ends, rest at least partially on the upper surface of the fan frame. Preferably, the louvers have a length approximately equal to the width of the fan frame. This prevents a gap between the fan frame and the louvers in the lateral direction of the fan frame (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame). This ensures that the louvered fan provides an advantageous seal against the environment.A contact surface between the corresponding fin and the top of the fan frame can be provided, for example, by an additional seal, which can be located on the underside of the fin and / or on the top of the fan frame.

[0024] To pivot a louver with a louver pivot axis located in front of the louver, the drive mechanism includes a rack that is displaceable along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame by the actuator. Specifically, the rack is mounted to be displaceable only along the longitudinal direction, so that the distance between the rack and the louver pivot axis remains constant when the louvers are pivoted. Displacement of the rack along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame includes both forward and reverse movement. The rack is an elongated rod element with a plurality of uniformly distributed teeth on its upper surface, which, in the assembled state, face the louvers. Preferably, the rack is manufactured as a casting.

[0025] Furthermore, the drive mechanism comprises a gear element that engages with the rack and can be pivoted or rotated by moving the rack. Specifically, the gear element is connected to the associated lamella in such a way that rotation of the gear element causes the lamella to pivot. The axis of rotation of the lamella corresponds to the axis of rotation of the gear element. The gear element can also be a cast part.

[0026] By combining the rack and pinion, the linear movement of the rack can be converted into a rotational movement, which then causes the louvers to pivot. It is preferred that each louver of the louvered fan is assigned a gear element, so that all louvers pivot simultaneously. However, it is also conceivable that only some of the louvers of the louvered fan have an assigned gear element. In particular, it is preferred that all gear elements are identical, as are the louvers and the pivoting arms.

[0027] The present drive mechanism offers the advantage that, due to the linear guidance of the rack along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame, the distance between the louver's axis of rotation and the point where the gear element engages with the rack remains constant at all times. This allows for a constant drive lever arm across the entire swivel range of each individual louver. Furthermore, the drive mechanism allows the size of the drive lever arm to be defined by the radius of the gear element. In particular, the present drive mechanism allows for a large gear element radius, ensuring a sufficiently long drive lever arm at all times. This can be advantageous for roof installations and with regard to snow loads, and also allows for a smaller actuator.

[0028] Although the louvered fan has been described above with only one rack and one gear element per associated louver, the drive mechanism can also have multiple racks and multiple gear elements per associated louver. In particular, a gear element can be attached to each of the opposite transverse ends of the associated louver, each of which can be driven by a rack arranged below it. An actuator can be provided for each rack. However, it is preferred that both racks are connected via a connecting rail or push rod, and that a single actuator drives or moves both racks via the push rod.

[0029] Preferably, the gear element comprises a gear section and a lamellar connection section, wherein the gear section is connected to the associated lamellar via the lamellar connection section, so that a pivoting movement of the gear section is transmitted to the associated lamellar via the lamellar connection section.

[0030] In other words, the gear element is divided into a gear section and a lamellar connecting section. The gear section is rotatable around the gear element's axis of rotation and engages with the rack, allowing it to pivot. The gear element's axis of rotation corresponds to the lamellar axis of rotation.

[0031] To transmit the rotational movement of the gear section to the lamella, the gear section is connected to the lamella via the lamella connecting section. Advantageously, the lamella connecting section bridges the gap between the lamella's axis of rotation or the gear element's axis of rotation and the lamella.

[0032] The gear section and the lamellar connecting section are preferably manufactured as a single component in the form of a casting. However, it is also conceivable that the two components are manufactured separately and joined together.

[0033] Preferably, the lamella connection section is attached to the underside of the associated lamella.

[0034] As described above, the "lamella underside" or "underside of the lamella" can be understood as a side of the lamella that, when the lamella is closed, faces an interior of the fan frame that is surrounded by the fan frame.

[0035] Attaching the louver connection section to the underside of the louvers offers the advantage that the drive mechanism is located entirely below the louver, thus eliminating any protruding elements that would detract from the appearance of the louvered fan. At the same time, this drive mechanism provides sufficient force to pivot the louver.

[0036] It is preferred that the gear section is a gear segment extending over an angle of about 30° to about 90°, between 50° and 90°, and preferably about 90°.

[0037] Since the blades of the louvered fan only need to be pivotable through a specific angle, it is preferred that the gear section corresponds to a partial gear section or a segment of a gear. The length of the circular arc of the gear section is at least such that the gear section can be pivoted in such a way that the blade can be pivoted between the closed position and the open position.

[0038] In particular, it is preferred that the central angle of the gear section is between 30° and 90°, between 50° and 90°, and preferably approximately 90°. It is preferred that the central angle of the gear section corresponds approximately to the opening angle of the lamella between the closed and open positions, so that all gear teeth of the gear section can engage with the rack teeth during the pivoting process.

[0039] Furthermore, a gear section offers the advantage that, due to the available space in a fan frame, the pitch circle radius (half a pitch circle diameter) of the gear section can be made large, so that a (sufficiently) large drive lever arm can be provided for pivoting the vane.

[0040] Preferably, the gear section has a pitch circle radius that is greater than about 40% of the width of a lamella, preferably greater than about 60% of the width of a lamella.

[0041] Preferably, the large pitch circle radius can provide a (sufficiently) large drive lever arm for pivoting the lamella.

[0042] A louver has a longitudinal direction that, when the louver is mounted, extends parallel to the louver's axis of rotation and / or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame. A louver's transverse direction extends perpendicular to the louver's longitudinal direction. The "width" of the louver refers to the extent of its extension in the transverse direction. The ends of the louver in the longitudinal direction are referred to here as "transverse ends." In particular, the width of the louver can be understood as the distance between the axis of rotation of this louver and the axis of rotation of an adjacent louver (adjacent louver with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame).

[0043] The size or width of the lamella in the present lamella fan is related to the selected pitch circle radius of the gear section. Specifically, it is preferred that the pitch circle radius of the gear section be larger than approximately 40% of the lamella width. Even more preferably, the pitch circle radius is larger than approximately 60% of the lamella width.

[0044] The "pitch circle radius" of the gear section is understood to be half the "pitch circle diameter" of the gear section.

[0045] As the width of the lamella increases, the pitch circle radius of the gear section must also be increased accordingly. This ensures that the drive lever arm is sufficiently lengthened to meet the increased pivoting forces required.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the pitch circle radius of the gear section is at least 75% of the distance from the lamellar rotation axis to the lamellar's center of gravity (in particular, its center of mass). This distance is equivalent to the maximum load lever arm of the lamellar. This ensures that the ratio between the required drive force per lamellar and the required pivoting force for a lamellar does not become too large.

[0047] It is preferred that the actuator is a linear actuator, wherein one direction of movement of the linear actuator corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame.

[0048] The linear actuator can be electrically or pneumatically driven.

[0049] Since the linear actuator's direction of movement corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the ventilation frame, its direction of movement is parallel to that of the toothed rail. This results in optimal motion and force transmission between the linear actuator and the toothed rail, as well as minimized stress.

[0050] Preferably, the rack has rack teeth on its upper side which engage with gear teeth of the gear element, and a rack guide on its lower side which interacts with a guide rail arranged on the fan frame in such a way that the rack is guided along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame.

[0051] As defined above, the top of the rack refers to a side of the rack that faces the lamellae when assembled.

[0052] The underside of the rack is positioned opposite the upper side and features the described rack guide. This guide is attached to the fan frame and extends along its length. The continuous, straight design of the rack guide ensures that the rack is reliably guided along the length of the fan frame by pushing or pulling the actuator. This effectively prevents the rack from tilting. Simultaneously, the rack can be easily placed or inserted into the rack guide, minimizing assembly effort.

[0053] Furthermore, it is preferred that the rack has an actuator connection section on its underside.

[0054] The actuator is coupled to the rack via the actuator connection section. This connection can be direct or, as described above, via a connecting rail or push rod that links two racks. The actuator connection section therefore acts as a force transmission point where the linear drive force of the actuator is transferred to the rack to push or pull it linearly along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame.

[0055] The actuator connection section can be designed as a tab projecting from the underside of the rack. It is particularly preferred that the tab extends at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame when the rack is mounted. "At least partially" also includes the tab having spaced-apart tab sections, which are preferably connected to each other via a tab connecting web. The tab connecting web can project less from the underside of the rack than the tab sections themselves. It is further preferred that the tab is positioned centrally with respect to the width of the rack.

[0056] The tab can be manufactured as a separate component (e.g., as a sheet metal part) and connected to the rack (e.g., by welding), or it can be manufactured as a single piece with the rack, e.g., as a cast part. To connect or couple the actuator to the tab, the tab can have at least one bore. The actuator can then be attached to the actuator connection section via a screw or rivet connection.

[0057] The described positioning and design of the actuator connection section allows the actuator to be advantageously connected to the rack, further stabilizing it. The actuator's force can thus be transferred to the rack in the best possible way to ensure smooth and even movement of the rack.

[0058] It is also preferred that the rack has a plurality of identically designed rack modules, wherein the length of a rack module corresponds to a multiple of the width of a lamella.

[0059] The drive mechanism can consist of a single, continuous rack designed according to one of the embodiments described above. Alternatively, the rack can be composed of multiple rack modules. The individual rack modules can be assembled according to the required rack length. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a custom-made rack for each type of louvered fan. Instead, the required rack length can be achieved by combining prefabricated rack modules. This reduces the number of parts to be produced, thus lowering manufacturing costs.

[0060] Preferably, all rack modules are identical. However, it is conceivable that the rack modules vary at least in their length. The length of a rack module can correspond to a multiple of the width of a lamella (for example, one, two, three, four, five times, etc.).

[0061] To connect the rack modules, a connection mechanism can be provided at each opposite end of the rack modules. Possible connection mechanisms include, for example, a tongue-and-groove connection or a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0062] Preferably, at least one lamella of the plurality of lamellae does not have an associated gear element, wherein the lamella without an associated gear element is coupled via a coupling device to the gear element that is associated with an adjacent lamella, so that pivoting the adjacent lamella causes pivoting of the lamella that is not associated with a gear element.

[0063] The lamella without an associated gear element therefore has no direct connection to the rack via its own gear element and is thus not directly driven by the rack. Instead, the lamella without an associated gear element is driven indirectly via a coupling device. This coupling device connects the lamella without an associated gear element to the gear element of the adjacent lamella. When the gear element of the adjacent lamella pivots, the coupling device transmits the rotational movement to the lamella without an associated gear element, or rather, replicates the rotational movement, causing the lamella without an associated gear element to also pivot.

[0064] The adjacent lamella is defined as the lamella that is directly next to the lamella without an associated gear element with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame. It is particularly preferred that the adjacent lamella is located behind the lamella without an associated gear element. However, it is also conceivable that the adjacent lamella is located in front of the lamella without an associated gear element. Furthermore, the described coupling device is not limited to a single adjacent lamella being coupled to a single lamella without an associated gear element. It is also conceivable that one or more (preferably two, three, etc.) adjacent lamellae are coupled to one or more (preferably two, three, etc.) lamellae without an associated gear element via a common coupling device.The lamellae without an associated gear element are preferably adjacent to each other and all arranged before or after the adjacent lamella.

[0065] The coupling device reduces the number of required gear elements and allows multiple plates to be interconnected. The torque of the adjacent plate can also be advantageously transmitted via the coupling device to the plate without an associated gear element.

[0066] It is further preferred that the lamella to which no gear element is assigned is the foremost lamella of the lamella fan with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fan frame.

[0067] As described above, the axis of rotation for the louvers in this louvered fan is located in front of each louver. The pivoting arms project accordingly in front of the louver. Furthermore, to ensure that the louver pivots via the gear-rack mechanism, the associated gear element must also project forward along the longitudinal direction of the louvered fan when the louver is closed. The same applies to the rack. To allow the gear element to roll along the rack from the closed to the open position of the louver, the rack must project beyond a leading edge of the louver when it is closed.This additional installation space required for the fan frame can be advantageously avoided with respect to the foremost louver by the coupling device, which allows the fan frame to be designed more compactly with the same number of louvers.

[0068] These and other problems, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from studying the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It is evident that, although embodiments are described separately, individual features can be combined to form additional embodiments. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art louvered fan; Fig. 2 shows a section of a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal direction of the fan frame from the prior art; Fig. 3 schematically shows a pivoting mechanism from the prior art in the open and closed states of the louvers, wherein the louvers are pivotable outside the fan frame and the louvered fan is mounted in a horizontal position; Fig. 4 shows the pivoting mechanism from Figure 3 However, when the louvered fan is mounted vertically; Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a louvered fan according to the invention, with the louvers in a closed position; Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the louvered fan along the longitudinal direction of the fan frame with the louvers closed; Fig. 7 shows the louvered fan made of Figure 6with open lamellae; Figs. 8a) and 8b) show different views of a pivoting arm; Fig. 9 schematically shows the pivoting mechanism of the present invention; Figs. 10a) and 10b) show different views of a gear element; Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the rack from above; Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the rack from Figure 11 View from below; Fig. 13 shows a partial section of a cross-sectional view through the louvered fan along the width direction of the fan frame; Fig. 14 shows a schematic representation of the drive mechanism; Fig. 15 schematically shows the coupling device for coupling two louvers; Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of the foremost louver.

[0069] Figure 5 shows a louvered ventilator 100 for installation in or on a building (not shown), which is suitable for ventilating the building naturally as well as in case of fire.

[0070] The louvered ventilator 100 can be installed in any type of building. In particular, the louvered ventilator 100 can be installed on roofs as well as in facades in orientations between 0° (horizontal) and 90° (vertical).

[0071] The lamellar vent 100 includes a fan frame 102. This is preferably rectangular and can, for example, be made of aluminum. In the Figure 5In the case shown, the fan frame 102 is suitable for being mounted on the building and thus projecting from the building in a fan frame height direction LH, preferably vertically. To enable the fan frame 102 to be attached to the building, it includes a fan frame flange area 104. This flange serves as a bearing surface on the building and can be firmly connected to it. In the mounted state, the fan frame flange area 104 forms a plane that extends parallel to the building surface on which the fan frame 102 is mounted. The shape and / or size of the fan frame 102 is also preferably adapted to the building opening.

[0072] Alternatively, the fan frame 102 can be positioned at least partially within the building opening. In this case, the fan frame flange area 104 is not necessary. Instead, the fan frame 102 can be attached directly to the building opening on its outer side.

[0073] On the fan frame 102, a large number of fins 106 are pivotally mounted between an open position and a closed position. In the Figure 5 In the view shown, the louvers 106 are in the closed position, with parts of the louvers 106 hidden to allow a view into an interior 124 of the fan frame 102. In particular, only the louver frames 108 are shown here. Figure 6 Figure 1 shows a lateral sectional view of the louvered fan 100. Here, the louvers 106 are also closed. However, in addition to the louvered frame 108, the louvered panel 110 is shown, which is supported by the louvered frame 108. The louvered frame 108 can partially or completely surround the louvered panel 110. Alternatively, the louvered panel 110 can also be supplied without the louvered frame 108.

[0074] The louvered panels 110 or the louvers 106 can be made of single-layer aluminum, double-layer aluminum, multi-layer transparent plastic, or glass. In particular, the louvered panel 110 or the louver 106 can have a double-layered structure, for example made of aluminum, with insulating material arranged between the layers. The louvered frame 110 is preferably made of aluminum or plastic.

[0075] As in the Figures 5 and 6As shown, the louvers 106 are arranged parallel to each other. In particular, they are pivotably mounted side by side along a longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. In the closed state of the louvers 106 shown, all louvers 106 are located on or in one plane. However, it is also possible for the louvers 106 to be in a slightly tilted position when closed. Here, the louvers 106 are arranged at an angle of between approximately 0° and approximately 10° with respect to a plane defined by the fan frame when closed. The louvers can overlap in the closed position to ensure improved sealing.

[0076] To prevent water or wind from penetrating the interior of the building when the louvers 106 are closed, it is advantageous for the louvers 106 to be sealed against each other. For this purpose, seals can be provided on the louvers 106 that seal the gap between two adjacent louvers 106.

[0077] Figure 6The figure shows an additional or alternative overlapping web 112, which projects as a strip-shaped projection to the adjacent lamella 106 and rests on a top surface 114 of the lamella 106 when the lamellae 106 are closed. In particular, the overlapping web 112 projects from the lamella 106 to the adjacent lamella 106 so far that the gap between the two lamellae 106 is covered, thus achieving a sealing effect. An additional seal may also be present between the overlapping web 112 and the lamella 106 on which the overlapping web 112 rests when closed.

[0078] Figure 7 shows the section view from Figure 6 However, with the louvers 106 open. It can be seen here that the louvers 106 can be pivoted on the fan frame 102 in such a way that the louvers 106 are pivoted completely outside the fan frame 102. In the specific case of the Figure 6 and7 In this context, "outside" refers to the area above the fan frame's vertical direction (LH). Specifically, the 106 fins are located in... Figure 7 In the open position, the louvers are pivoted by approximately 90° relative to the closed position. However, it should be noted that the open position is freely selectable and individually adjustable. Preferably, in the open position, the louvers are pivotable relative to a fan frame plane defined by the fan frame 102 by an angle between approximately 30° and approximately 90°, between approximately 50° and approximately 90°, and preferably approximately 90°.

[0079] Furthermore, in Figure 5It is shown that the length of the louvers 106 in a louver longitudinal direction LL is selected such that the louvers 106 rest on a top surface 116 of the fan frame 102 in the closed position. By resting the louvers 106 on the top surface 116 of the fan frame 102, the louvered fan 100 can advantageously be sealed so that no water or wind can penetrate into the interior of the building. As shown in Figure 5As shown, the louvers 106 can even be longer in their longitudinal direction LL than the fan frame 102 extends in its lateral direction LB. The lateral direction LB runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. This overhang of the louvers 106 allows for improved drainage of rainwater. Furthermore, additional sealant (e.g., made of rubber) can be provided at the contact surface between the louvers 106 and the top surface 116 of the fan frame.

[0080] In order to pivot the described louvers 106 above or outside the fan frame 102, it is necessary that the respective louver pivot axis LD, about which the louver 106 is pivoted, be positioned in front of the louver 106. For this purpose, pivot arms 118 are attached to the respective louver 106 at opposite or opposite transverse ends with respect to the louver longitudinal direction LL. A side view of a pivot arm 118 is shown in Figure 8a ) shown. Figure 8b ) The figure shows the swivel arm 118 additionally in a perspective view from below at an angle.

[0081] The pivot arm 118 has a pivot arm support surface 120 that can be attached to a louver underside 122. In particular, the pivot arm support surface 120 can be plate-shaped. Rivets or screws can be used to attach the pivot arm support surface 120 to the louver 106. The louver underside 122 is understood to be a side of the louver 106 that, in the closed position of the louver 106, faces the interior 124 of the fan frame 102, which is surrounded by the fan frame 102.

[0082] A swivel arm pivot area 128 projects forward from a lower surface 126 of the swivel arm support surface 120. A swivel arm bore 130 is provided in the swivel arm pivot area 128. The swivel arm 118 can be rotatably connected to the fan frame 102 via this swivel arm bore 130. For example, a pin (not shown) can connect the swivel arm 118 and the fan frame 102.

[0083] The pivoting arm rotation area 128 is preferably plate-shaped or in the form of a sheet metal, wherein the plane of the pivoting arm rotation area 128 extends parallel along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102 in the assembled state or parallel to the wall of the fan frame 102 on which the pivoting arm 118 is mounted.

[0084] A free end 132 of the pivoting arm's rotation range 128 is preferably arcuate or rounded. Preferably, the pivoting arm bore 130 is adjacent to the free end 132 of the pivoting arm's rotation range 128 and / or in the area where the free end 132 is rounded.

[0085] The pivoting arm 118 can be made up of multiple parts, with the individual components being welded or bolted together, for example. However, it is also conceivable that the pivoting arm 118 is made in one piece, preferably as a casting.

[0086] Figure 9 schematically shows the views of Figure 6 and 7 In particular, it can be seen here that the point at which the pivot arm 118 is rotatably attached to the fan frame 102 corresponds to the louver rotation axis LD. As described above, the louver rotation axis LD extends parallel to the fan frame width direction LB.

[0087] Furthermore, in Figure 9 The center of gravity SPL (center of mass) of the lamella 106 is marked. A load lever arm 133a exists between the weight force acting towards the Earth's surface at the center of gravity SPL of the lamella 106 and the lamella's axis of rotation LD. This lever arm varies depending on the position of the lamella 106. In particular, with regard to the Figure 9In the horizontal installation position shown, the load lever arm 133a is greatest when the lamella 106 is in a closed position. During the pivoting process of the lamella 106 from the closed position to the open position (with respect to the horizontal installation position in Figure 9 The load moment 133b about the lamella rotation axis LD is thus reduced. Generally, the load lever arm 133a is always greatest when the lamella 106 is in an approximately horizontal position (plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity). For example, when installed vertically, the load lever arm 133a is greatest when the lamellae are opened by about 90°, since the lamellae 106 are then again in a horizontal position.

[0088] To compensate for this problem, the present louvered fan 100 now offers a drive mechanism 200 in which the drive torque 134a at the louver rotation axis LD or a drive lever arm 134b remains essentially constant throughout the entire pivoting process of the louver 106. The described maximum load torque 133b and inclined installation positions of the louvered fan 100 can thus be compensated for.

[0089] In particular, the drive mechanism 200 has a rack 202 which is mounted in a guideable manner in the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102 on the fan frame 102.

[0090] The rack 202 can be manufactured as a casting and is designed as an elongated component. The rack 202 has, in particular, a rod or bar shape, on whose upper surface 204 a plurality of rack teeth 206 are formed. In the assembled state of the rack 202, the upper surface 204 faces the lamellae 106.

[0091] To move the rack 202 along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102, the rack 202 is connected to an actuator 208, as shown in the Figures 5 to 7 and 9The actuator 208 is preferably designed as a linear actuator. It can be electrically or pneumatically driven. In particular, the actuator 208 is configured such that the rack 202 can be both pushed and pulled. In other words, the rack 202 is movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. For optimal force transmission from the actuator 208 to the rack 202, it is preferred that the actuator 202 pushes or pulls exclusively along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. A pivoting movement of the actuator 208, as described in the prior art, is avoided. In other words, the rack 202 is also mounted to be displaceable exclusively in the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102.

[0092] The described rack 202 engages with a gear element 210, which is assigned to and connected with a lamella 106.

[0093] The gear element 210 comprises a gear section 212 and a lamellar connecting section 214, wherein gear section 212 and connecting section 214 are rigidly connected to each other (see Figures 10a) and 10b ).

[0094] The gear section 212 forms a gear whose gear teeth 216 mesh with the rack teeth 206. Moving the rack 202 in the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102 thus causes the gear section 212 to rotate. Since the rack 202 can move back and forth along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102, the gear section 212 can also rotate in both directions. In particular, a gear element rotation axis ZD, about which the gear section 212 or the gear element 210 is rotatably mounted, corresponds to the lamellar rotation axis LD.

[0095] The gear section 212 can be designed as a complete gear. However, it is preferred that the gear section 212 is only a circular segment or a partial gear section of a gear, as is the case, for example, in Figure 9 shown.

[0096] Since the lamella 106 of the lamella fan 100 only needs to be pivotable through a specific angle, it is sufficient that the gear section 212 corresponds to a partial gear section or a segment of a gear. The length of the circular arc of the gear section 212 is at least such that the gear section 212 can be pivoted in such a way that the lamella 106 can be pivoted between the closed position and the open position. In particular, it is preferred that the central angle of the gear section 212 is between approximately 30° and approximately 90°, between approximately 50° and approximately 90°, and preferably approximately 90°.

[0097] Limiting the gear section 212 to only a single gear segment also offers the advantage that, due to the available space in a fan frame 102, the pitch circle radius of the gear section 212 can be made as large as possible, thus providing a large drive lever arm 134b for pivoting the vane 106. The "pitch circle radius" of the gear section 212 is understood to be half the "pitch circle diameter" of the gear section 212.

[0098] The size or width of the lamella 106 in the present lamella fan 100 is preferably related to the selected pitch circle radius of the gear section 212. Specifically, it is preferred that the pitch circle radius of the gear section 212 is greater than approximately 40% of the lamella width. Even more preferably, the pitch circle radius is greater than approximately 60% of the lamella width. The lamella's lateral direction LBR extends transversely to the lamella's longitudinal direction LL. The "width" of the lamella refers to the extent of the lamella 106's extension in the lamella's lateral direction LBR. In particular, the width of the lamella 106 can be understood as the distance that exists between the lamella rotation axis LD of this lamella 106 and the lamella rotation axis LD of an adjacent lamella (adjacent lamella with respect to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102).

[0099] As the width of the lamella 106 increases, the pitch circle radius of the gear section 212 must also be increased accordingly. This ensures that the drive lever arm 134b is increased sufficiently to guarantee that the increased weight of the lamella 106 can be pivoted with adequate force.

[0100] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the pitch circle radius of the gear section 212 is at least 75% of the distance from the lamellar rotation axis LD to the center of gravity SPL of the lamellar 106. This distance is equivalent to the maximum load lever arm 133a of the lamellar 106. This ensures that the ratio between the required drive force per lamellar 106 and the weight of a lamellar 106 does not become too large.

[0101] In Figure 9 As an example, a gear section 212 was chosen whose central angle is 90°. The lamellae 106 can also be pivoted by 90°.

[0102] As further from Figure 9 As can be seen, the point at which the gear teeth 216 of the gear section 212 engage with or contact the rack teeth 206 is always essentially located below (preferably vertically below) the lamella rotation axis LD and the gear element rotation axis ZD, regardless of the opening angle of the lamella 106 or the pivoting position of the gear section 212.

[0103] Since the rack 202 is only displaceable along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102, the distance between the louver rotation axis LD or the gear element rotation axis ZD and the force transmission point, where the gear teeth 216 of the gear section 212 engage with the rack teeth 206, remains constant regardless of the opening angle of the louver 106 or the pivoting position of the gear section 212. Because this distance defines the drive lever arm 134b, it is therefore always the same length during the entire pivoting process of the louver 106.

[0104] To transmit the pivoting movement of the gear section 212 to the associated lamella 106, the gear section 212 is connected to the associated lamella 106 via a lamella connecting section 214. In particular, the lamella connecting section 214 is attached to the underside 122 of the lamella.

[0105] Figures 10a) and 10b )Various views of gear element 210 are shown here.

[0106] As shown in these figures, the lamellar connecting section 214 can have a mounting plate 218 that can be attached to the underside 122 of the lamellar. Furthermore, the lamellar connecting section 214 includes a connecting web 220 that extends from the gear section 212 to the mounting plate 218. Preferably, the connecting web 220 is arcuate, as shown in the Figures 10a) and 10b ) shown. In particular, it is preferred that the connecting web 220 is arranged on the gear section 212 adjacent to the gear element rotation axis ZD on the gear section 212.

[0107] The gear element 210 can be manufactured as a single piece, either as a casting or made of plastic. However, it is also conceivable that the individual components of the gear element 210 are joined together, for example, by welding.

[0108] With the aid of the lamellar connecting section 214, a pivoting arm is formed which transmits the rotational movement of the gear section 212 to the lamellar 106, so that the latter is also pivoted. For this purpose, the lamellar connecting section 214 or the connecting web 220 extends along the longitudinal direction LD of the fan frame 102 in the assembled state.

[0109] Based on the Figure 11 and 12 The rack 202 will now be described in more detail.

[0110] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a rack 202 from above.

[0111] A rack guide 224 is formed on the lower side 222 of the rack, which is opposite the upper side 204 of the rack. In the assembled state, this guide engages with a guide system on the fan frame 102 in order to guide the rack 202 along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102.

[0112] The rack guide 224 can extend over the entire length of the rack 202 or section by section with respect to a rack longitudinal direction ZSL. In the assembled state of the rack 202, the rack longitudinal direction ZSL extends parallel to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102.

[0113] The rack guide 224 can be designed as a U-shaped profile that is open at the bottom.

[0114] To ensure more stable guidance of the rack 202, the rack 202 can have two rack guides 224, which are spaced apart and arranged parallel to each other, as shown in the Figure 11 and 12 shown.

[0115] The two rack guides 224 can extend over the entire length of the rack 202 or only in sections. In a sectioned arrangement, the sections of the rack guides 224 can be parallel to each other (as shown in the Figure 11 and 12 The sections can be arranged in a staggered pattern (as shown) or offset from each other. They can also be of different lengths.

[0116] If two rack guides 224 are provided on a rack 202, it is also advantageous to space the two rack guides 224 as far apart as possible in one rack width direction ZSB. This further improves the guidance and prevents tilting.

[0117] As in the Figure 11 and 12 As shown, the rack guides 224 can be spaced so far apart that the rack guides 224 project beyond the rack teeth 206 on opposite sides of the rack 202 with respect to the rack width direction ZSB, at least in some areas.

[0118] Figure 13shows a partial section view through the louvered fan 100 along the fan frame width direction LB, in which the rack 202 is mounted on the guide system on the fan frame 102.

[0119] As in Figure 13 As shown, the guide system on the fan frame 102 can be designed as a guide rail 226. The guide rail 226 extends along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame and is supported by a guide rail bracket 228. The guide rail bracket 228 is preferably plate-shaped and projects from the fan frame 102 in the fan frame width direction LB from the fan frame 102 to the interior 124 of the fan frame 102. Furthermore, the guide rail bracket 228 preferably extends over the entire length of the guide rail 226 along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102.

[0120] The length of the guide rail 226 is at least the length over which the toothed rail 202 must be moved in order to pivot the lamellae 106 between the open position and the closed position.

[0121] The guide rail 226 is designed to engage with or project into the rack guide 224. Preferably, the guide rail 226 has an arcuate head section 230 at its front end, which ensures low-friction guidance, particularly for a U-shaped rack guide 224. Furthermore, the head section 230 can be enlarged.

[0122] If the rack 202 has two rack guides 224, the guide system also includes two guide rails 226, so that the two rack guides 224 each engage with a guide rail 226.

[0123] In the preceding description, the drive mechanism 200 was only described with respect to one longitudinal side 136 of the fan frame 102. However, it is also conceivable that a drive mechanism 200 is provided on both longitudinal sides 136 of the fan frame 120, so that the blade 106 can be driven to pivot from both sides.

[0124] Furthermore, the previous description only stated that a lamella 106 can be pivoted via an associated gear element 210. However, it is preferred that each lamella 106 is assigned a gear element 210, so that all lamellae 106 are pivoted simultaneously.

[0125] Additionally, it is advantageous if the two drive mechanisms 200 do not each have their own actuator 208, but rather the two racks 202 of the two drive mechanisms 200 are driven by a common actuator 208. This ensures that the racks 202 are moved synchronously.

[0126] For this purpose, the two racks 202 can be connected to each other by a push rod 232 (see Figure 5 ), which extends in the width direction LB of the fan frame. The actuator 208 is designed to be connected to the push rod 232 in order to move the push rod 232 along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. When the push rod 232 is moved, the two racks 202 on the two longitudinal sides 136 of the fan frame 102 are also moved as a consequence.

[0127] In order to attach the push rod 232 to the rack 202, the rack 202 can have an actuator connection section 234.

[0128] The actuator connection section 234 corresponds to a force transmission point where the linear driving force of the actuator 208 is transferred to the rack 202 to push or pull the rack 202 linearly along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102.

[0129] The actuator connection section 234 can be designed as a tab projecting from the underside 222 of the rack. In particular, it is preferred that the tab or actuator connection section 234 extends at least partially along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102 when the rack 202 is mounted. "At least partially" also includes the fact that the tab or actuator connection section 234 has spaced-apart tab sections 235, which are preferably connected to one another via a tab connecting web 237. The tab connecting web 237 can project less from the underside 222 of the rack than the tab sections 235 (see figure). Figure 12 ). As in the Figure 11 and 12 As shown, the tab or actuator connection section 234 can also be arranged centrally with respect to the rack width direction ZSB.

[0130] The actuator connection section 234 can be manufactured as a separate component (for example, as a sheet metal part) and connected to the rack 202 (for example, by welding) or manufactured integrally with the rack 202. To connect the push rod 232 to the tab, the tab can have at least one bore 236. The push rod 236 can then be attached to the actuator connection section 234 by means of a screw or rivet connection.

[0131] The described positioning and design of the actuator connection section 234 advantageously connects the push rod 232 to the rack 202 and stabilizes it. The push and pull force of the actuator 208 can thus be transferred to the rack 202 in the best possible way to ensure smooth movement of the rack 202.

[0132] The push rod 232 can be bent downwards or upwards by preferably 90° at its opposite ends, so that the bent area can be connected to the actuator connection section 234.

[0133] As in Figure 13 However, as shown, the push rod 232 can be connected to the actuator connection section 234 via an additional bent connecting plate 238. The connecting plate 238 can be attached to either the top or bottom of the push rod 232. The opposite end of the connecting plate 238 is then coupled to the actuator connection section. A screw or rivet connection, for example, is suitable as a connection technique.

[0134] However, it is also conceivable that the actuator 208 is directly connected to the actuator connection section 234.

[0135] The rack 202 can also consist of either a single continuous rack 202, designed according to one of the embodiments described above. Alternatively, the rack 202 can be composed of a plurality of rack modules 240. The individual rack modules 240 can be joined together depending on the required length of the rack 202. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a custom-made rack 202 for each type of louvered fan 100. Rather, the required length of the rack 202 can be achieved by combining prefabricated rack modules 240 to create the desired length. This reduces the variety of parts that need to be produced.

[0136] Preferably, all rack modules are identical. However, it is conceivable that the rack modules 240 vary at least in their length. The length of a rack module 240 can correspond to a multiple of the width of a lamella 106 (for example, single, double, triple, quadruple, quintuple, etc.).

[0137] To connect the rack modules 240 to each other, connecting elements can be provided at opposite ends of the rack modules 240. A tongue-and-groove connection or a snap-fit ​​connection, for example, is possible as a connecting mechanism.

[0138] The in the Figure 11 and 12The racks 202 shown are designed to be used as rack modules 240. In particular, the rack 202 in these figures has a tongue-and-groove connection. At a first end of the rack 202, a T-shaped spring element 242 projects forward in the longitudinal direction ZSL of the rack. At the opposite second end of the rack 202, a groove 244 is formed, which is open towards the underside 222 of the rack. The T-shaped spring element 242 is arranged such that, when two rack modules 240 are joined, the spring element 242 can be easily inserted into the groove 244 of the rack module to be connected.

[0139] As described above, the louver rotation axis LD in the present louvered fan 100 is located in front of the respective louver 106. For this purpose, the pivot arms 118, by means of which the corresponding louver 106 is pivotably attached to the fan frame 102, project accordingly in front of the respective louver 106. Furthermore, in order to ensure that the louver 106 can pivot via the gear-rack mechanism, the associated gear element 210 must also project forward with respect to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102 when the louver 106 is closed. The front of the fan frame 102 is referred to in the Figure 6 and 7 This refers to the left side.

[0140] The same applies to the rack 202. In order to allow the gear element 210 to roll on the rack 202 from the closed state to the open state of the lamella 106, the rack 202 must accordingly project beyond a front edge 138 of the lamella 106 in the closed state.

[0141] In particular, with regard to the foremost lamella 140, this means an additional installation space that must be provided. Figure 14 The additional installation space is shown schematically. Firstly, the tip circle radius rk (half the tip circle diameter) of the gear section 212 of the gear element 210 is indicated. As shown in Figure 14 As can be seen, the gear section 212 projects at least by the pitch circle radius rk from the lamellar rotation axis LD of the foremost lamellar 140. Furthermore, the required length Iz of the rack 202 is determined in Figure 14This is shown so that the described gear element 210 of the foremost lamella 140 can roll accordingly on the rack 202. The fan frame 102, which is extended by at least the length Iz, must be additionally sealed here. For example, by means of an additional cover.

[0142] The foremost lamella 140 is understood to be lamella 106, which runs longitudinally LR of the fan frame 102 into the Figure 6 and 7 is located on the far left. In the case of a fan frame 102, the "front" can be considered to be the side of the fan frame 102 with respect to the longitudinal direction LR on which the actuator 208 is located. Figure 14 The foremost lamella is 140 on the right.

[0143] In order to avoid the additional installation space at the frontmost lamella 140, as in the Figure 6 and 7As shown, this lamella 140 does not have its own gear element 210 assigned to it. Instead, the foremost lamella 140 is coupled to the gear element 210 of the adjacent lamella 306 via a coupling device 300.

[0144] The principle of this coupling device 300 will first be explained schematically using Figure 15 explained.

[0145] The coupling device 300 includes, among other things, an elongated transmission element 302. Preferably, this is a flat, elongated rod, preferably made of sheet metal or as a flat profile. In particular, the transmission element 302 can be designed as an elongated plate or elongated profile, for example a U-profile.

[0146] This transmission element 302 is rotatably connected to the gear element 210 of the adjacent lamella 306 via a first transmission joint 304. Furthermore, the transmission element 302 is rotatably connected to a coupling pivot lever 310 via a second transmission joint 308.

[0147] The coupling swivel lever 310 is also part of the coupling device 300 and replaces the gear element 210, as described above.

[0148] The coupling swivel lever 310 is attached to the underside of the lamella 122 and thus connects the transmission element 302 to the foremost lamella 140. In order to attach the coupling swivel lever 310 to the underside of the lamella 122, the coupling swivel lever 310 can have a mounting plate, similar to the pivot arm 118, which is connected to the foremost lamella 140, for example, by a screw connection or by rivets.

[0149] In Figure 16 A perspective view of the foremost lamella 140 from below is shown, to which both the pivot arms 118 and the coupling pivot levers 310 are attached at opposite ends of the foremost lamella 140. The coupling pivot lever 310 is designed as a flat, plate-shaped lever arm, preferably made of sheet metal. In particular, the coupling pivot lever 310 is arc-shaped, the arc shape being determined by the fact that the coupling pivot lever 310 extends from the underside 122 of the lamella to the second transmission joint 308.

[0150] Figure 15The upper view shows the coupling device 300 in a closed position of the lamellae 106. Here, the rack 202 is in a first end position and the gear element 210 is in a first pivot position. In this state, it is preferred that the first transmission joint 304 is positioned such that it is located substantially below (preferably vertically below) the lamella rotation axis LD or the gear element rotation axis ZD of the adjacent lamella 306. In particular, it is preferred that the first transmission joint is arranged in the region of the gear section 212. The coupling distance a between the lamella rotation axis LD or the gear element rotation axis ZD and the first transmission joint 304 is advantageously chosen to be as large as possible; i.e., as close as possible to or adjacent to the gear teeth 216.

[0151] In the closed position of the louvers 106, the transmission element 302 extends essentially along the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102, i.e., parallel to the rack 202. A front end 312 of the rack 202 is preferably located below the louver rotation axis LD of the foremost louver 140.

[0152] Consequently, when the lamellae 106 are closed, the second transmission joint 308 is also at the same height as the first transmission joint 304. The distance aü between transmission joints 304 and 308 is preferably selected such that the second transmission joint 308 is arranged substantially below (preferably vertically below) the lamella rotation axis LD or the gear element rotation axis ZD of the foremost lamella 140. The length of the transmission element 302 can be selected such that the transmission joints 304 and 308 are located at opposite ends of the transmission element 302.

[0153] The image below in Figure 15Figure 1 now shows the open position of the lamellae 106. Here, the rack 202 is in a second end position and the gear element 210 is in a second pivot position. The front end 312 is now preferably located substantially below the lamella rotation axis LD of the adjacent lamella 306.

[0154] The first transmission joint 304, together with the gear element 210 or the gear section 212, which was pivoted from the first pivot position to the second pivot position, was pivoted accordingly about the gear element's axis of rotation ZD. Even in the second pivot position of the gear element 210, the second transmission joint 308 can be at the same height as the first transmission joint 304. The distance aü between the transmission joints 304 and 308 remains the same due to the rigid transmission element 302. Figure 15This shows the special case in which the lamellae 106 are pivoted by 90°. Here, the transmission joint connections 304, 308 are located in the open position of the lamellae 106 at the same height as the lamella rotation axis LD or the gear element rotation axis ZD of the adjacent lamella 306.

[0155] In other words, the transmission element 302, due to its rigid construction, transmits the pivoting movement of the gear element 210 of the adjacent lamella 306 from the first transmission joint 304 to the second transmission joint 308. The coupling pivot lever 310, which couples the second transmission joint 308 with the foremost lamella 140, thus performs a pivoting movement corresponding to the gear element 210 of the adjacent lamella 306, so that the foremost lamella 140 is pivoted in accordance with the adjacent lamella 306.

[0156] Additionally, the following is mentioned here: Figure 7Reference is made to the coupling device 300 shown in this figure. However, it is evident that the term "adjacent lamella 306" is not limited to a single adjacent lamella 306, so that the foremost lamella 140 can be coupled to several adjacent lamellae 306. If several adjacent lamellae 306 are coupled to the foremost lamella 140, it is preferred that they follow one another with respect to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. Figure 7 The foremost lamella 140 is specifically coupled to two adjacent lamellae 306.

[0157] Furthermore, it should be noted that, although in the above description the foremost lamella 140 was coupled to an adjacent lamella 306, it is still conceivable that any other lamella 106 can be coupled to one or more adjacent lamellae 306 in accordance with the above description. In particular, the at least one adjacent lamella 306 can be arranged both in front of and behind the at least one coupled lamella 106 with respect to the longitudinal direction LR of the fan frame 102. It is also conceivable that one or a plurality of lamellae are coupled to one or a plurality of other lamellae, in particular via a common coupling device 300 or a common transmission element 302. Reference symbol list

[0158] 1. Louvered fan (state of the art) 3. Fan frame (state of the art) 5. Louver (state of the art) 7. Swivel arm (state of the art) 9. Swivel arm joint (state of the art) 11. Control rod (state of the art) 13. Actuator (state of the art) 15. Top of the fan frame (state of the art) 17. Leading edge of the louver (state of the art) 33a. Load lever arm (state of the art) 33b. Load torque (state of the art) 34a. Drive torque (state of the art) 34b. Drive lever arm (state of the art) 35. Point of force application (state of the art) 36. Path of movement of the control rod (state of the art) 38. Linear stroke movement of the actuator (state of the art) 100 Louvered fan 102 Fan frame 104 Fan frame flange area 106 Louver 108 Louvered frame 110 Louver plate 112 Overlap web 114 Top of louver 116 Top of fan frame 118 Swivel arm 120 Swivel arm support surface 124 Interior of fan frame 126 Bottom of swivel arm support surface 128 Swivel arm rotation range 130 Swivel arm bore 132 Free end of swivel arm rotation range 133a Load lever arm 133b Load torque 134a Drive torque 134b Drive lever arm 136 Longitudinal side of fan frame 138 Leading edge of louver 140 Frontmost louver 200 Drive mechanism 202 Rack 204 Rack top 206 Rack tooth 208 Actuator 210 Gear element 212 Gear section 214 Laminate connecting section 216 Gear tooth 218 Mounting plate 220 Connecting web 222 Rack bottom 224 Rack guide 226 Guide rail 228 Guide rail bracket 230 Guide rail head 232 Push rod 234 Actuator connecting section 235 Tab section 236 Bore 237 Tab connecting web 238 Connecting plate 240 Rack module 242 Spring element 244 Groove 300 Coupling device 302 Transmission element 304 First transmission joint 306 Adjacent vane 308 Second transmission joint 310 Coupling swivel lever 312 Front end of rack LB Fan frame width direction LD Vane rotation axis LH Fan frame height direction LL Vane longitudinal direction LR Longitudinal direction of fan frame SPL Center of gravity of vane ZD Gear element rotation axis ZSB Rack width direction ZSL Rack longitudinal direction aCoupling distance between the lamellar rotation axis or gear element rotation axis and the first transmission joint connection aüDistance between the transmission joint connections IzLength of the rack required for rolling rkHead circle radius

Claims

1. A louvered fan (100) comprising: a fan frame (102) designed to be attached to a building opening; a plurality of louvers (106) pivotably arranged on the fan frame (102) along a longitudinal direction (LR) of the fan frame (102) via pivoting arms (118); and a drive mechanism (200) designed to pivot the louvers (106); wherein a louver pivot axis (LD) of a single louver (106) is located in front of that louver (106) with respect to the longitudinal direction (LR) of the fan frame (102), such that the louvers (106) are pivotable outside the fan frame (102) and, in the closed state, rest on a top surface (116) of the fan frame (102); wherein the drive mechanism (200) comprises a rack (202), a gear element (210) and an actuator (208); wherein the rack (202) is slidably mounted on the fan frame (102) along its longitudinal direction (LR);wherein the actuator (208) is designed to displace the rack (202); wherein the gear element (210) is assigned to a corresponding lamella (106) and is connected to it in such a way that the gear element (210) engages with the rack (202) and a displacement of the rack (202) causes the corresponding lamella (106) to pivot about the lamella rotation axis (LD).

2. Louvered fan (100) according to claim 1, wherein the gear element (210) comprises a gear section (212) and a louver connecting section (214), wherein the gear section (212) is connected to the associated louver (106) via the louver connecting section (214), so that a pivoting movement of the gear section (212) is transmitted to the associated louver (106) via the louver connecting section (214).

3. Louvered fan (100) according to claim 2, wherein the louver connecting section (214) is attached to a louver underside (122) of the associated louver (106).

4. Louvered fan (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the gear section (212) is a gear section extending over an angle of about 30° to about 90°, preferably about 90°.

5. Louvered fan (100) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the gear section (212) has a pitch circle radius that is greater than about 40% of a width of a louver (106), preferably greater than about 60% of a width of a louver (106).

6. Louvered fan (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (208) is a linear actuator, wherein one direction of movement of the linear actuator corresponds to the longitudinal direction (LR) of the fan frame (102).

7. Louvered fan (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rack (202) has rack teeth (206) on its upper rack surface (204) which engage with gear teeth (216) of the gear element (210), and has a rack guide (224) on its lower rack surface (222) which interacts with a guide rail (226) arranged on the fan frame (102) such that the rack (202) is guided along the longitudinal direction (LR) of the fan frame (102).

8. Louvered fan (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rack (202) has an actuator connection section (234) on its rack underside (222).

9. Louvered fan (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rack (202) has a plurality of identically designed rack modules (240), wherein a length of a rack module (240) corresponds to a multiple of a width of a louver (106).

10. Louvered fan (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one louver (106) of the plurality of louvers does not have an associated gear element (210), wherein the louver (106) without an associated gear element (210) is coupled via a coupling device (300) to the gear element (210) that is associated with an adjacent louver (306), such that a pivoting of the adjacent louver (306) causes a pivoting of the louver (106) that is not associated with a gear element (210).

11. Louvered fan (100) according to claim 10, wherein the louver (106) to which no gear element (210) is assigned is the foremost louver (140) of the louvered fan (100) with respect to the longitudinal direction (LR) of the fan frame (102).

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