AU2014286910A1 - Plenum chamber improvements - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems and in particular, to a means and method for connecting a duct to a plenum chamber for a diffuser of such a system. In one aspect, the connection element comprising a body framing a through opening, the body comprising a means for securing the body in a plenum chamber wall opening, and a means for securing an end of a duct with respect to the body.

Description

WO 2015/000016 PCT/AU2014/000684 PLENUM CHAMBER IMPROVEMENTS PRIORITY DOCUMENT 10001] The present application claims priority from: Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2013902438 titled "PLENUM CHAMBER IMPROVEMENTS" filed 1 July 2013. The content of this application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety: INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE [0002] The following publications are referred to in the present application and their contents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: International Patent Application No PCT/AU20 10/001622 (WO 2011.066612) titled "DUCTED HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) COMPONENT AND SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS" in the names of Connect Air Manufacturing Pty Ltd and Air Diffusion Agencies Pty Ltd. TECHNICAL FIELD [0003] The present invention relates to heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems and in particular, to a means and method for connecting a duct to a plenum chamber for a diffuser of such a system. BACKGROUND 0004] HVAC systems are known for delivering and/or circulating air through a building, such as a home or office. Typically, such systems employ a centralised air handling unit that conditions the air to achieve a desired temperature and/or humidity prior to delivery of this air to one or more rooms of the building by way of a network of ducts, A fan typically propels the air through the network of ducts located within a space In the ceiling or floor of the building., whereby the pre-conditioned air or supply air enters the room through an outlet or diffuser/register located in the ceiling/walLtfloor of the room. The supply air is then distributed around the room in accordance with the comfort requirements of the occupants of the room 100051 The diffuser is typically designed to provide uniform throw and coverage of the supply air into the room so as to achieve desired air distribution. In this regard, the diffuser typically employs blades. louvers and the like, which assist in directing the supply air so as to achieve a desired flow pattern or WO 2015/000016 PCT/AU2014/000684 2 direction as it exits therefrom. Such an arrangement acts to evenly distribute the air throughout the room without creating uncomfortable draughts or excessive noise, which may adversely affect the comfort of the occupants of the roon [00061 To connect the diffuser to the supply ducts of the system, a plenum chamber may be employed, which is sometimes referred to in the industry as a plenum box or a cushion head box. The plenum chamber is typically in the form of a box that acts as an air buffer for introducing the supply air to the diffuser. Conventional plenum chambers are typically constructed from sheet metal, plastic or MDR They may be insulated to minimise heat loss from or gain by the supply air received therein. The chamber typically receives the supply air through an inlet aperture in a wall thereof where the supply duct is connected, with the diffuser being typically mounted at an outlet in a bottom surface of the chamber, so as to be flush with a ceiling or the like when the plenum chamber is installed for use. [0007] Presently, it is industry practice to secure a duct to a plenum chamber whilst in the roof (or above the ceiling at least) using metal fixings and silicone sealants in an attempt to effect an air-tight seal between an end of the duet and a duct collar depending from the plenum. Effecting this connection is fiddly and time-consuming, and the roof space is generally an uncomfortable environment, in as much as it is generally a confined space, and very hot (or very cold). 10008] 1t is against this background that the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed. [0009] Objects and advantages of the present invention will became apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. SUMMARY [0010] According to a first aspect, there is provided a connection element for connecting an end of a duct to a plenum chamber for a diffuser of a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system, the connection element comprising a body framing a through opening, the body comprising a means for engaging an edge of a plenum chamber wall opening, and a means for securing an end of a duct with respect to the body of the connection element. [0011] In one form, the means for securing the end of the duct with respect to the body is adapted to secure the duct directly to the connection element. in one form, the means may comprise any one or more of a clip, a hook, or a spigot which fits into the end of the duet with an interference fit.

WO 2015/000016 PCT/AU2014/000684 3 100121 In one form, the means for securing an end of a duet with respect to the body secures a duct end attachment depending from the duct, to the body. 100131 In one form, the duct end attachment comprises a securement means so operatively associated with the securenent means of the connection element as to effect connection of the duct end attachment to the connection element. [00141 In one form, the connection of the connection element to the duct end attachment is a 'snap-fit connectioC. [00151 A snap-fit is a mechanical joint system where part-to-part attachment is accomplished with locating and locking features that are homogenous with one or the other of the components being joined. Joining requires the flexible locking features to move aside for engagement with the locator features (which are typically inflexible) on the mating part, followed by return of the locking feature toward its original position to accomplish the interference required to latch the components together. [0016] In one form, in an alternative, the connection of the connection element to the duct end attachment is a screw thread connection. too17] In one form, the plenum chamber wall opening is circular, and the body of the connection element is substantially annular, or shaped like a ring, and sized to nest in the plenumn wall opening. In an alternative, the body of die connection element may have the shape of any convex polygon, but rectilinear shapes are the most likely alternatives to a circular shape. [0018]1 In one form, the body of the connection element supports a vane in the through opening, which is pivotally movable between positions substantially normal and parallel to the body, so that the connection element can also serve as a damper 10019 In one form, the securement means of the connection element are adapted to secure this to any one of the system of components disclosed in PCT/AU2010/001622 (WO 2011/066612). 100201 In one form, the body of the connection element comprises a collar portion, which in use, locates in the plenum wall opening so as to extend from one side of the plenum wall to the other. 100211 In one form, the means for securing the body in the through opening conprises a perimeter flange extending outwardly from the body, an inner edge of which, in use, will rest against the inner surface of the plenum box wall.

WO 2015/000016 PCT/AU2014/000684 4 100221 In one form, the means for securing the body in the through opening comprises at least one outwardly extending locking flange for sandwiching the plenum box wall between the perimeter flange and the or each locking flange. [0023] In one form. in an alternative, the means for securing the body in the through opening comprises locking features directed outwardly from the collar to create an interference fit between the collar and the plenum chamber wall opening. [.00241 According to a second aspect, there is provided a plenum chamber assembly comprising a plenum chamber having a wall comprising a wall through-opening and a connection element for connecting an end of a duct to a plenum chamber for a diffuser of a heating, ventilation ancor air conditioning (HVAC) system, the connection element comprising a body framing the wall through opening and comprising a means for securing the body in the plenum chamber wall opening, and a means for securing an end of a duet with respect to the body 10025] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for securing an end of a duct with respect to a plenum chamber for a diffuser of an HVAC system, where the connection element is of the above described type, and the plenum chamber has a wall comprising a wall through-opening, the method comprising the steps of nesting the connection element in the wall through-opening and then engaging these, and the securing an end of the duct with respect to the connection clement. 100261 In one form, the method comprises the further step of securing a duct end attachment to the end of the duct, and then securing the duct end attachment to the connection clement. 100271 A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, 10028]1 In order to further understand the invention, preferred embodiments, will now be described. Hovver, it will be realised that the scope of the invention is not be confined or restricted to the details of the embodiments described below. Variations and alterations that would be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art are deemed as being incorporated within the scope of the invention.

WO 2015/000016 PCT/AU2014/000684 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 100291 Embodiments of the present Invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying draw ings wherein: [00301 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connection element for connecting an end of a duct to a plenum chamber for a diffuser of an HVAC system; 10031] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an 1HVAC assembly comprising the connection element of Figure 1; [0032] Figure 3 is a partially assembled view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 2; 10033]1 Figure 4 is an exploded view of an HVAC assembly according to a further embodiment, this assembly comprising the connection element of Figure 1 100341 Figure 5 is a perspective view of a plenum chamber assembly comprising a plurality of connection elements: [0035] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a connection element comprising a vane, so as to thereby serve as a damper also: 100361 Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view through an interface between the connection clement and a plenum chamber of a first wall thickness; and [0037] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view through an interface between the connection element and a plenum chamber of a second wall thickness. 100381 In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the Figures. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0039] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a connection element I for connecting an end of a duct 2 to a plenum chamber (or box) 4 for a diffuser of an HVAC system. 100401 The connection element I comprises a body 10 of moulded engineering thermoplastic (and preferably fire retardant) material and an annular (or ring) shape framing a through-opening A.

WO 2015/000016 PCT/AU2014/000684 6 100411 The plenum box 4 comprises a wall 4A having a circular through-opening B which is sized to nest the connection element 1, 100421 The body of the connection element comprises a collar portion 10, which in use, locates in the plenum wall opening B so as to extend from one side of the plenun wall 4A to the other. [00431 The body 10 of the connection element I further comprises an outwardly extending perimeter flange 12, an inner edge of which, in use, will rest against the inner surface of the plenum box wall 4A. [00441 Depending from the collar 10 of the connection element at positions equispaced about the circumference thereof are outwardly extending locking flanges 14 which serve as a means for engaging the connection element I with an edge of a plenum wall opening B. The plenum wall opening B comprises clearance slots C sized and spaced toallow these locking flanges 14 to pass tough the plenum wall 4A until these arc clear of the plenum opening B. [00451 In use, the act of rotating the connection element I from a position in which the locking flanges 14 are aligned with the clearance slots C, to one in which they are misaligned, will cause the plenum wall 4A to become sandwiched between the locking flanges 14 and the perimeter flange 12 of the connection element 1. [0046] Referring now to Figures 7 and 8. each of the locking flanges 14 comprises an end wall 15 to limit how far the connection element I can be rotated with respect to the plenun wall 4A and an array of serrations 19 for creating some resistance to rotation of each locking flange 14 back towards its aligned position with respect to its respective clearance slot C. 10047] Moreover, each of the locking flanges comprises two locking flange portions 16 and 17. bridged by a shoulder portion 18, where each of these locking flange portions 16 and 17 comprise serrations 19. In this way, the connection element I can be used with plenum boxes 4 of at least two different wall thicknesses, being 20 and 25mm in this case 100481 Depending from the collar 10 of the connection element 1 at positions equi-spaced about the circumference thereof are inwardly extending (i.e. extending into the through opening) snap-fit tabs which serve as a means for securing an end of the duct 2 with respect to the connection element I by securing a duct end attachment 30 (see Figure 2) depending from the duct 2, to the connection element 1. [00491 With reference to Figure 2, it can be seen that the duct end attachment 30 has the overall shape of a short length of tubing having opposing ends. One end 32 is adapted by the incorporation of features complementary to, and for interlocking with, the snap-fit tabs 20 of the connection element 1. The WO 2015/000016 PCT/AU2014/000684 7 opposing end 34 diametrically tapers down toward its terminal end. Along its length, the outer surface of this tapering portion is covered in a series of ribs 36 so as to effect secure attachment of flexible ducting 2, known as "fie' thereto. A detailed description of the duct end attachment 30 can be found in WO 2011/066612, 100501 Referring now to Figure 4, where the connection element I is to have a length of duet 2 of differing diameter attached thereto, then an adapter fitting 40 must be fitted between the duct end attachment 30 and the connection element A detailed description of the adapter (or reducer) fitting 40 can be found in WO 2011/066612. [0051] In cases where air flow into the plenum 4 must be throttled or controlled, the connection element comprises mounting points so that a damper blade 50 can be pivotally mounted to the connection element 1, so that this nay serve as a damper also. [0052] A salient advantage of this invention is that it permits quick connection of a duct with respect to a plenum box, without need for metal fixings or silicon sealants. What is more, the amount of time spent by an installer in the ceiling (or floor) space is minimised, as most of the assembly can be undertaken at ground level, with only final connection being required in the ceiling space [0053] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. [00541 The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any forn of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the counon general knowledge. [00551 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (7)

1. A connection element for connecting an end of a duct to a plenum chamber for a diffuser of a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system, the connection element comprising a body framing a through opening, the body comprising a means for securing the body in a plenum chamber wall opening, and a means for securing an end of a duct with respect to the body.

2. The connection element of claim I wherein the means for securing the body in the through opening engages an edge of the through opening, 3, The connection element as in either of the preceding claims, wherein the means for securing the end of the duct with respect to the body is adapted to secure the duct directly to the connection clement. 4, The connection element of claim 3. wherein the means for securing the end of the duct with respect to the body comprises any one or more of a clip, a look, or a spigot which fits into the end of the duet with an interference fit. i. The connection element as in either of claims I or 2, wherein the means for securing the end of the duct with respect to the body secures a duct end attachment depending from the duct, to the body.

6. The connection element of claim 5, wherein the duct end attachment comprises securement means so operatively associated with the securement means of the connection element as to effect connection of the duct end attachment to the connection element. 7, The connection element of claim 6. wherein the connection of the connection element to the duct end attachment is a snap-fit one. 8 The connection element as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plenum chamber wall opening is circular, and the body of the connection element is substantially annular, or shaped like a ring, and sized to nest in the plenum chamber wall opening. 9, The connection element as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body of the connection element supports a vane in the through opening, which is pivotally movable between positions normal and parallel to the body, so that the connection element can also serve as a damper 1, The connection element as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein body of the connection element comprises a collar portion, which in use, locates in the plenum wall opening so as to extend from one side of the plenum wall to the other. WO 2015/000016 PCT/AU2014/000684 9 I11 The connection element as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for securing the body in the through opening comprises a perimeter flange extending outwardly from the body, an inner edge of which, in use, will rest against the inner surface of the plenum box wall.

12. The connection element of claim i1, wherein the means for securing the body in the through opening comprises at least one outwardly extending locking flange for sandwiching the plenum box wall between the perimeter flange and the or each locking flange.

13. A plenum chamber assembly comprising a plenum chamber having a wall comprising a wall through-opening, and a connection element for connecting an end of a duet to a plenum chamber for a diffuser of a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning (H VAC) system, the connection clement comprising a body framing the wall through opening and comprising a means for securing the body in the plenam chamber wail opening, and a means for securing an end of a duct with respect to the body.

14. A method for securing an end of a duct with respect to a plenum chamber for a diffuser of an HVAC system, where the connection clement is of the above described type, and the plenum chamber has a wall comprising a wall through-opening, the method comprising the steps of nesting the connection element in the wall through-opening and then engaging these., and the securing an end of the duct with respect to the connection element.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein this comprises the fnrther step of securing a duct end attachment to the end of the duct, and then securing the duct end attachment to the connection element.