Air conditioner duct connection

Abstract

An air conditioner duct connection (10) comprising a first connector (12) comprising a first tubular member (22) received an indoor unit (11) of an air conditioner system and a second connector (14) comprising a second tubular member (24) having a first end portion (20) receivable in the first tubular member (22) and a second end portion (21) connectable to a length of ducting (13). A plurality of latch members (26) are provided on the first and / or second connectors to secure the second tubular member (24) to the first tubular member (22). The second end portion (21) of the second tubular member (24 includes a flange (36) extending outwardly from around the periphery thereof and a tubular wall portion (42) extending from the periphery of the flange (36) to define an annular space into which an end of the length of ducting (13) may be secured.

Description

[0001] “Air Conditioner Duct Connection”

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection for use with air conditioner ducting.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005]

[0002] Ducted air conditioner systems require connection of lengths of ducting from the indoor unit to the air vents provided within the building. The ducting used in such systems is insulated to ensure that the warm or cool air generated from the indoor unit is delivered to the vents without transfer of heat through the walls of the ducts.

[0006]

[0003] While the insulation provided in the ducting can be generally effective in reducing heat transfer through the walls of the ducts, there is often heat transfer that impacts efficiency at the connection of the ducting to the indoor unit. The indoor unit itself is generally insulated but is commonly provided with cylindrical outlets to which the end of the ducting is attached. Air conditioner ducting is generally just passed over the outlets of the indoor unit and taped in place. If the ducting is not correctly attached, significant heat can transfer through this connection causing losses in efficiency. The insulation, for example, may not extend completely over the outlets up to the indoor unit. Also, the insulation in the duct walls may be compressed during this process, reducing the efficiency of the insulation. This problem is worsened by the fact that installers are often working in cramped spaces within the roof of a building, making correct installation more difficult.

[0007]

[0004] The present invention relates to a connection for air conditioner ducting aimed at both improving the ease of installation of the ducting on site and providing improved connection to the indoor unit to reduce the abovementioned efficiency losses. Summary of the Invention

[0008]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an air conditioner duct connection comprising:

[0009] a first connector comprising a first tubular member received in an opening in a wall of an indoor unit of an air conditioner system;

[0010] a second connector comprising a second tubular member having a first end portion receivable in the first tubular member and a second end portion connectable to a length of ducting; and

[0011] a plurality of latch members provided on the first and / or second connector to secure the second tubular member to the first tubular member when the second tubular member is received within the first tubular member;

[0012] wherein the second end portion of the second tubular member includes a flange extending outwardly from around the periphery thereof, the flange engaging with the first tubular member in use, and a tubular wall portion extending from the periphery of the flange to define an annular space between the tubular wall portion and an outer surface of the second tubular member into which an end of the length of ducting may be secured.

[0013]

[0006] Preferably the first tubular member is cylindrical and includes a lip extending outwardly from a first end of the first tubular member to engage with the flange on the second tubular member.

[0014]

[0007] Preferably the lip is annular in shape and extends transversely to the first end of the first tubular member.

[0015]

[0008] Preferably an annular seal is provided to be received about the outer surface of the first tubular member and to engage between the lip and an outer surface of the indoor unit.

[0009] Preferably the first end portion of the second tubular member is cylindrical in shape and dimensioned to be received within the first tubular member.

[0016]

[0010] Preferably the latch members are provided on the first end portion of the second tubular member.

[0017]

[0011] Preferably the latch members comprise a plurality of flexible arms provided around the periphery of the first end portion of the second tubular member having lugs on distal ends to engage over an inner edge of the first tubular member.

[0018]

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, each of the arms are formed by a pair of slots extending into the distal edge of the first end portion.

[0019]

[0013] Preferably the first tubular member includes a plurality of first tabs provided to align with second tabs provided on the second tubular member such that fasteners may be passed through the aligned first and second tabs.

[0020]

[0014] Preferably the first tabs extend outwardly from around the periphery of the lip and the second tabs extend outwardly from around the periphery of the flange.

[0021]

[0015] Preferably inner surfaces of the first tubular member are provided with recessed portions corresponding to the locations of the arms to receive the distal ends of the arms in order to locate the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member in the correct angular orientation.

[0022] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

[0016] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which:

[0024]

[0017] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an air conditioner duct connection in accordance with the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the air conditioner duct connection of Figure 1 ;

[0025]

[0019] Figure 3 is a side view of the air conditioner duct connection of Figure 1 ;

[0026]

[0020] Figure 4 is a front view of the air conditioner duct connection of Figure 1 ;

[0027]

[0021] Figure 5 is a rear view of the air conditioner duct connection of Figure 1 ;

[0028]

[0022] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the air conditioner duct connection of Figure 1;

[0029]

[0023] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the air conditioner duct connection of Figure 1 showing the first and second connectors disconnected;

[0030]

[0024] Figure 8 is a front exploded view of the air conditioner duct connection of Figure 1 ;

[0031]

[0025] Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the air conditioner duct connection of Figure 8;

[0032]

[0026] Figure 10 is a view showing the first connector prior to connection to an indoor unit of an air conditioner system;

[0033]

[0027] Figure 11 is a view showing a sealing ring of the first connector engaged with the indoor unit;

[0034]

[0028] Figure 12 is a view showing the first connector engaged with the indoor unit;

[0035]

[0029] Figure 13 is a view showing the second connector prior to engagement with a length of duct;

[0036]

[0030] Figure 14 is a view showing the second connector engaged with the length of duct;

[0037]

[0031] Figure 15 is a view showing the second connector and attached duct prior to connection with the first connector;

[0038]

[0032] Figure 16 is a view showing the first and second connectors engaged with each other;

[0039]

[0033] Figure 17a is a side cross-sectional view showing the first and second connectors engaged;

[0040]

[0034] Figure 17b is a close up view of Detail A of Figure 17a;

[0041]

[0035] Figure 18a is a side cross sectional view showing the first and second connectors engaged;

[0042]

[0036] Figure 18b is a close up view of Detail B of Figure 18a; and

[0037] Figure 19 is a perspective cross sectional view showing the first and second connectors engaged; and

[0043]

[0038] Figure 20 is a front perspective view of an air conditioner duct connection in accordance with the present invention.

[0044] Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0045]

[0039] Referring to the Figures, there is shown an air conditioner duct connection 10 comprising generally a first connector 12 and a second connector 14. The first connector 12 comprises a first tubular member 22 provided to engage with an indoor unit 11 of an air conditioning system. The second connector 14 comprises a second tubular member 24 provided to engage with an end of a length of duct 13 forming part of the air conditioning system. The first connector 12 is provided to engage with the second connector 14 in use to secure the length of duct 13 to the indoor unit 11.

[0046]

[0040] The first tubular member 22 is generally cylindrical in shape and provided to be received into a circular opening 15 provided on a side wall of the indoor unit 11. The first tubular member 22 includes also a lip 16 extending outwardly from a first end thereof. The lip 16 is annular in shape and extends transversely to the first end of the first tubular member 22. The lip 16 is provided to engage with an outer surface of the side wall of the indoor unit 11 around the periphery of the opening 15.

[0047]

[0041] The first connector 12 is provided also with a seal 18. The seal 18 is annular in shape and is provided to be received about the outer surface of the first tubular member 22. The seal 18 is constructed of a suitable resilient material, such as a suitable plastic or rubber material. The seal 18 engages between the outer surface of the sidewall of the indoor unit 11 and the inner surface of the lip 16 to provide a seal between the first connector 12 and the indoor unit 11.

[0048]

[0042] The second tubular member 24 includes a first end portion 20 at a first end thereof and the second end portion 21 at a second end thereof. The first end portion 20 is provided to engage with the first connector 12 and the second end portion 21 is provided to engage with the end of the length of duct 13.

[0049]

[0043] The first end portion 20 of the second tubular member 24 is cylindrical in shape and dimensioned to be received within the first tubular member 22. The first and second connectors 12 and 14 are provided with a plurality of latch members 26 such that the latch members 26 serve to secure the first end portion 20 of the second tubular member 24 to the first tubular member 22 when the first and second connectors 12 and 14 are engaged. In the embodiment shown, the latch members 26 are provided on the first end portion 20 of the second tubular member 24.

[0050]

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the latch members 26 comprise a plurality of flexible arms 28 around the periphery of the first end portion 20 of the second tubular member 24. The arms 28 are each formed by a pair of slots 30 extending into the distal edge of the first end portion 20. The arms 28 each include a lug 32 of the distal end thereof. The lugs 32 extend outwardly from each of the arms 28 such that the lugs 32 engage with an inner surface of the first tubular member 22 as the first end portion 20 of the second tubular member 24 is inserted into the first tubular member 22 to flex the arms 28 inwardly. As the lugs 32 pass over the inner ends of the first tubular member 22, the arms 28 may flex back outwardly such that the lugs 32 engage with the inner edge of the first tubular member 22 to secure the second tubular member 24 to the first tubular member 22.

[0051]

[0045] An outer surface of the first tubular member 22 is provided with a plurality of projections 34. The projections 34 are tapered and provided to engage with an inner surface of the opening 15 in the indoor unit 11.

[0052]

[0046] The second tubular member 24 includes a flange 36 extending outwardly therefrom. The flange 36 is annular in shape and extends transversely outwardly from an outer surface of the second tubular member 24. A surface of the flange 36 located adjacent the first connector 12 in use engages with an outer surface of the lip 16 of the first connector 12. The first tubular member 22 includes a plurality of first tabs 38 provided to align with second tabs 39 on the second tubular member 24. The first tabs 38 extend outwardly from around the periphery of the lip 16 and the second tabs 39 extend outwardly from around the periphery of the flange 36. Each of the first and second tabs 38 and 39 includes holes 40 which may be aligned to receive a fastener, such as a screw, to secure the second tubular member 24 to the first tubular member 22 if required.

[0053]

[0047] The second end portion 21 of the second tubular member 24 includes a tubular wall portion 42. The tubular wall portion 42 extends from the periphery of the flange 36 towards the second end of the second tubular member 24. The second end portion 21 of the second tubular member 24 is cylindrical in shape and the tubular wall portion 42 is also cylindrical in shape such that an annular space 44 is defined between an outer surface of the second end portion 21 and an inner surface of the tubular wall portion 42. The tubular wall portion 42 is shorter than the length of the second end portion 21 such that the cylindrical second end portion 21 extends outwardly beyond the end of the tubular wall portion 42.

[0054]

[0048] The flange 36 and the tubular wall portion 42 may be formed integrally with the second tubular member 24. Alternatively, the flange 36 and tubular wall portion 42 may be manufactured as separate a separate component and then fixed to the second tubular member 24.

[0055]

[0049] In use, the end of the length of duct 13 is secured to the second end portion 21 of the second connector 14. The duct 13 comprises a standard construction having an inner layer 50, and outer layer 52 and a central layer 51. The inner and outer layers 50 and 52 are formed from a thin sheet of material, and the central layer 51 comprises a layer of an insulating material.

[0056]

[0050] The layers of the duct 13 may be separated such that the inner layer 50 is secured to the outer surface of the second end portion 21 of the second connector 14 and the central layer 51 of insulation is inserted into the annular space 44. This provides insulation extending right up to the outer wall of the indoor unit 11 in use. The outer layer 52 of the duct 13 may then be secured to the outer surface of the tubular wall portion 42, as can be seen in Figure 17. The end of the duct 13 is therefore suitably secured to the second connector 14 without compression of the insulation in the duct 13 and the second connector 14 can be easily connected into the indoor unit 11 via the first connector 12.

[0057]

[0051] This arrangement also allows for the process of connecting the duct 13 to the second connector 14 to be performed offsite, or at least prior to entering the area in which the indoor unit 11 is located. Connecting of the duct 13 can therefore be more effectively achieved and engaging the duct 13 with the indoor unit 11 becomes a relatively quick and easy process.

[0058]

[0052] Figure 20 shows a second embodiment of an air conditioner duct connection 10 in accordance with the present invention. The air conditioner duct connection 10 of Figure 20 is similar to the previous embodiment and like reference numerals are used to denote like parts.

[0059]

[0053] The first end portion 21 of the second tubular member 24 in this embodiment includes a rib 64 around the periphery thereof. The rib 64 to engage with a tie which can be placed around the duct 13 to prevent the duct 13 from moving away from the second tubular member 24.

[0060]

[0054] Further a securing pin hole 62 provided extending through the tubular wall portion 42 and the second tubular member 24. The securing pin hole 62 is provided to receive a securing pin (not shown) which can engage through the duct 13 in use to further secure the duct 13.

[0061]

[0055] A blade mount hole 60 is also provided extending through the tubular wall portion 42 and the second tubular member 24. The blade mount hole 60 is provided to receive a shaft of a rotatable blade (not shown) which can be received inside the second tubular member 24. The blade 24 is rotatable to control airflow through the duct 13.

[0062]

[0056] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An air conditioner duct connection comprising:a first connector comprising a first tubular member received in an opening in a wall of an indoor unit of an air conditioner system;a second connector comprising a second tubular member having a first end portion receivable in the first tubular member and a second end portion connectable to a length of ducting; anda plurality of latch members provided on the first and / or second connector to secure the second tubular member to the first tubular member when the second tubular member is received within the first tubular member;wherein the second end portion of the second tubular member includes a flange extending outwardly from around the periphery thereof, the flange engaging with the first tubular member in use, and a tubular wall portion extending from the periphery of the flange to define an annular space between the tubular wall portion and an outer surface of the second tubular member into which an end of the length of ducting may be secured.

2. An air conditioner duct connection in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the first tubular member is cylindrical and includes a lip extending outwardly from a first end of the first tubular member to engage with the flange on the second tubular member.

3. An air conditioner duct connection in accordance with claim 2, wherein the lip is annular in shape and extends transversely to the first end of the first tubular member.

4. An air conditioner duct connection in accordance with claim 2 or 3, wherein an annular seal is provided to be received about the outer surface of the first tubular member and to engage between the lip and an outer surface of the indoor unit.

5. An air conditioner duct connection in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end portion of the second tubular member is cylindrical in shape and dimensioned to be received within the first tubular member.

6. An air conditioner duct connection in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch members are provided on the first end portion of the second tubular member.

7. An air conditioner duct connection in accordance with claim 6, wherein the latch members comprise a plurality of flexible arms provided around the periphery of the first end portion of the second tubular member having lugs on distal ends to engage over an inner edge of the first tubular member.

8. An air conditioner duct connection in accordance with claim 7, wherein each of the arms are formed by a pair of slots extending into the distal edge of the first end portion.

9. An air conditioner duct connection in accordance with any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the first tubular member includes a plurality of first tabs provided to align with second tabs provided on the second tubular member such that fasteners may be passed through the aligned first and second tabs.

10. An air conditioner duct connection in accordance with claim 9, wherein the first tabs extend outwardly from around the periphery of the lip and the second tabs extend outwardly from around the periphery of the flange.

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