Air ventilation apparatus

Abstract

Ventilation apparatus for a building comprising a first panel formed with a plurality of generally circular ventilation openings each having an area not exceeding that of a circle of 4mm diameter. A second panel overlies the first panel and is formed with a plurality of elongate slots dimensioned to overlie groups of the ventilation openings. Relative movement means between the panels may be provided to selectively open or close the ventilation openings to provide passive airflow while maintaining eco-friendly building criteria.

Description

AIR VENTILATION APPARATUSFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to air ventilation apparatus for buildings. More especially, the invention concerns passive air ventilation systems for timber framed buildings intended to be classified as environmentally friendly (“eco-friendly”).BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Eco-friendly buildings typically require passive air exchange, while maintaining strict limits on the size of openings to the external environment. More specifically, there is a requirement that all windows and other openings to such buildings, other than doors, remain permanently closed or restricted to limit the direct ingress of external air.

[0003] Conventional windows and air vents typically include openings larger than those permitted under eco-friendly building standards, and therefore such buildings cannot use conventional ventilation devices.

[0004] This invention sets out to provide eco-friendly air vents which can be selectively or permanently open to provide passive, but not active, air ventilation to the interior of a building.STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In a first aspect, the invention provides ventilation apparatus for a building, the apparatus comprising a first panel adapted to be mounted on an exterior side of a building wall and formed with a plurality of ventilation openings, and a second panel adapted to be mounted on an interior side of the building wall and formed with a plurality of slots arranged to overlie the ventilation openings of said first panel.

[0006] Preferably, each ventilation opening of the first panel has an area equal to or less than the area of a circle of diameter 4mm. This ensures compliance with eco-friendly building criteria.

[0007] In a preferred form, each ventilation opening is circular and has a diameter between 2mm and 4mm.

[0008] Preferably, the ventilation openings of the first panel are arranged in vertically spaced, generally horizontal rows.

[0009] Preferably, the apparatus comprises means for selectively effecting relative movement between the first and second panels to open or close the ventilation openings.

[0010] In a preferred form, the means for selectively effecting relative movement is configured to translate the first panel relative to the second panel.

[0011] By having a first panel formed of ventilation openings locatable on the exterior side of the building wall and a second panel formed with elongate slots locatable on the interior side of the building wall, a direct linear flow path from the exterior to the interior of the building is prevented. Rather, air entering through the ventilation openings first enters an inter-panel ventilation space and subsequently passes into the building interior only through the slots of the second panel which can be selectively openable, thereby providing controlled passive airflow.

[0012] In a second aspect, the invention provides air ventilation apparatusfor a timber framed building, the ventilation apparatus comprising a first panel formed with a plurality of vertically spaced rows of generally circular ventilation openings of diameter of 4mm or less; a second panel formed with a plurality of spaced elongate slots each positioned and dimensioned to overlie a plurality of said ventilation openings of said first panel; and means for selectively effecting relative movement between said first and second panels to open or close said ventilation openings of said first panel.

[0013] In preferred embodiments of both aspects, the first panel comprises at least five vertically spaced, generally horizontally extending rows of five or more ventilation openings per row.

[0014] In preferred embodiments of both aspects, at least one of the first or second panels is formed from a metallic material, such as stainless steel or mild steel. Alternatively, one or both panels may be formed from a non-metallic material such as plastics.

[0015] In preferred embodiments of both aspects, the ventilation apparatus forms part of a window frame of the building.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

[0017] Figures 1 and 2 are respectively plan views of ventilation apparatus in accordance with the invention in an open and closed position;

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the ventilation apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 and 2; and

[0019] Figure 4 is an external view of ventilation apparatus in accordance with the invention when installed.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. As previously mentioned, fora building to qualify as being eco-friendly, all openings to the exterior environment, other than doorways, must, if circular, not exceed a specified maximum dimension. In many such standards, any opening having a diameter greater than 4mm (or equivalent area in non-circular shapes)would not be compliant. The ventilation apparatus described herein enables passive air exchange while ensuring that all exterior-facing openings remain at or below this threshold.

[0021] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus comprises an internal panel or plate 10 and an external panel or plate 16. The internal panel 10 may be of a raised profile and is configured to be mounted on the interior surface of a wall of a building, while the external panel 16 is arranged to be mounted on the exterior side of the same wall. When installed, a ventilation space is defined between the two panels.

[0022] The internal panel 10 is secured in position using fixings 12 or equivalent fixing means. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the interior panel 10 is formed with a plurality of elongate slots 14 arranged in vertically spaced, generally horizontal rows. The number of slots and their arrangement may vary according to ventilation requirements and preference.

[0023] The external panel 16 is positioned behind the internal panel 10 and is formed with a plurality of ventilation openings or apertures 18. These openings 18 are preferably arranged in vertically spaced, generally horizontal rows. However, it is appreciated that other arrangements are possible. Each row of openings 18 is positioned to correspond generally with the rows of slots 14 of the interior panel 10. In the illustrated embodiment, each opening 18 is circular with a diameter equal to or less than 4mm. Openings between 2mm and 4mm in diameter have been found suitable for maintaining passive airflow whilst preventing the formation of a direct airflow path. In an alternative embodiment, the slots 14 do not need to be aligned with the rows of ventilation openings 18.

[0024] If the openings 18 are not circular (for example oval or polygonal), then the area of each opening is equal to or less than that of a circle of diameter of 4mm. The number of openings 18 provided will depend on the degree of ventilation required.

[0025] The internal panel 10 and external panel 16 are arranged for relative movement such that the elongate slots 14 selectively overlie or obstruct the ventilation openings 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the external panel 16 is moveable vertically relative to the internal panel 10. A manually operable actuator or fixing 20 is provided for this purpose and is received within a slot 22 formed in the interior panel 10. Vertical movement of the actuator 20 raises or lowers the external panel 16, thereby opening or closing the ventilation openings 18 to the desired extent.

[0026] Each opening 18 is of a diameter selected to disrupt the flow of ambient air to make the flow of external air into the ventilation space non-linear and non-uniform. Adjustment of the slots 14 of the interior panel 10 modulates airflow by controlling the degree of exposure of the openings 18 without providing a direct linear path from outside to inside.

[0027] In an alternative arrangement, a movable shutter plate (not shown) may be positioned between the internal panel 10 and external panel 16. The shutter plate is formed with a plurality elongate slots of generally horizontal rows, each of which corresponds to the rows of openings 18 such that movement of the shutterplate selectively exposes or covers the openings 18. The shutter plate may be moveable vertically, horizontally or through another suitable transitional path. A manually operable actuator or fixing may be used to move the shutter plate.

[0028] The internal panel 10, external panel 16 and any shutter plate where provided, are preferably produced from a metallic material such as stainless steel or mild steel to provide durability in external environmental conditions. However, plastics or other non-metallic materials may also be employed.

[0029] When installed, the apparatus provides passive ventilation while ensuring compliance with eco-friendly building criteria. The small diameter of the exterior openings 18 prevents direct ingress of external air beyond acceptable limits, while the internal slots 14 allow a user to modulate airflow to the interior space without compromising the structural or environmental performance of the building.

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates an example installation in which the ventilation apparatus forms part of a window frame assembly of a building. However, the apparatus may be installed in any suitable building component, including walls, structural timber frames or prefabricated panel units.

[0031] It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of a ventilation apparatus in accordance with the invention and that modifications thereto may be adopted without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Ventilation apparatus for a building, the apparatus comprising a first panel adapted to be mounted on an exterior side of a building wall and formed with a plurality of ventilation openings and a second panel adapted to be mounted on an interior side of the building wall and formed with a plurality of slots arranged to overlie the ventilation openings of said first panel.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each ventilation opening has an area equal to or less than the area of a circle of diameter 4mm.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each ventilation opening is circular and has a diameter between 2mm and 4mm.

4. Apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation openings of the first panel are arranged in vertically spaced, generally horizontal rows.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first panel comprises at least five vertically spaced, generally horizontally extending rows of five or more ventilation openings per row.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus has a means for selectively effecting relative movement between the first and second panels to open or close the ventilation openings.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the means for selectively effecting relative movement is configured to translate the first panel relative to the second panel.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first or second panels is formed from a metallic material.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation apparatus forms part of a window frame of the building.

10. Air ventilation apparatus for a timber framed building, the ventilation apparatus comprising a first panel formed with a plurality of vertically spaced rows of generally circular ventilation openings of diameter 4mm or less; a second panel formed with a plurality of spaced elongate slots each positioned and dimensioned to overlie a plurality of said openings of said first panel; and means forselectively effecting relative movement between said first and second panels to open or close openings of said first panel.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein each ventilation opening has a diameter of between 2mm and 4mm.

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