EP3224443B1

EP3224443B1 - Ventilation profile with ventilation device

Info

Publication number: EP3224443B1
Application number: EP15839074.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johannes Wilhelmus BLONK
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-11-25
Filing date: 2015-11-25
Publication date: 2020-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2035-11-25
Also published as: WO2016085340A3; WO2016085340A2; EP3224443A2; NL2013870B1

Description

The present invention relates to a ventilation device. The invention also relates to a frame and a building provided with such a ventilation profile.
It is known for the purpose of ventilating a space in a building to arrange a ventilation profile, also referred to as ventilation grille, in a wall. Such a ventilation profile is generally situated in a frame provided with a window, wherein the ventilation profile is configured to ventilate this space through a passage extending through the profile. This passage extends between the space and the outside air so that ventilation can take place therebetween. In order to control the ventilation to some extent it is known to provide such a ventilation profile with closing means, such as a flap or a barrel, which are configured to open or close the passage. The closing means can be operated using for instance a slide.
Provided on the inner side of the profile, i.e. on the side toward the space, is a removable cover grating which can be connected to the profile using suitable connecting means, for instance in the form of resilient tongues. The cover grating is removable from the profile for the purpose of cleaning the profile.
It is a drawback of these known ventilation systems that the ventilating action is greatly dependent on for instance the temperature and/or conditions in the outside air. There is for instance less ventilation when there is no wind than when it is windy.
Known from DE 9002208 U is a ventilation device with a housing having therein a plurality of fans for building into a window or into a wall, ceiling or roof. EP 0 649 970 A2 describes an active ventilation device for replacing an above stated ventilation profile. A ventilation profile with integrated fan is also described in GB 2 289 175 . Further known ventilation profiles are described in US 6 579 169 B1 and DE 38 28 852 A1 . It is a drawback that application of these systems in existing spaces requires major modifications.
The present invention therefore has for its object, among others, to provide an efficient ventilation device wherein the above stated problem is at least partially obviated.
This and other objects are achieved according to the invention with a ventilation device according to claim 1. This and other objects are more specifically achieved by a ventilation device provided with at least one fan, a mounting frame on which the fan is arranged, a power source operatively coupled to the fan and a control unit for controlling the fan, wherein the mounting frame is provided with mounting means for connecting the ventilation device to a ventilation profile. The ventilating action of such a profile is in this way improved without major modifications to the space being necessary as are required in conventional ventilation systems in the form of additional conduits and fans. The mounting means are preferably configured to connect the ventilation device to the ventilation profile such that a ventilating direction of the fan is parallel to the (desired) flow direction of air through the passage.
It is possible here to arrange the ventilation device in the passage of the ventilation profile, for instance close to the outer side thereof, whereby a compact system is obtained. According to a preferred embodiment, the mounting means are however configured to connect the ventilation device to a cover grating of the ventilation profile, wherein a ventilating direction of the fan lies substantially transversely of the plane of the cover grating. Provided here is a ventilation device provided with at least one fan which can be easily arranged on a ventilation profile, in particular on an existing cover grating of a per se known ventilation profile. The ventilation device, more specifically the mounting frame thereof, is provided for this purpose with mounting means configured to be connected to this cover grating. The ventilation device can be placed on the cover grating here such that the fans can blow in a ventilating direction substantially transversely of the plane of the grating, so that the air is blown efficiently through the passage of the ventilation profile when the cover grating is arranged on the ventilation profile. The ventilating direction is typically parallel to the rotation axis of the fan.
For the purpose of driving the at least one fan the device is provided with a suitable power source, for instance in the form of a battery and/or connecting means for connecting an external power source by means of a plug. The ventilation device is further provided here with a control unit which can control the fan, for instance subject to an input unit arranged in the ventilation device.
Such an input unit can for instance comprise a switch with which the fan can be switched on and off. It is also possible for the input unit to be configured to input different positions of the fan, wherein each of the positions corresponds to a predetermined rotation speed of the fan. It is hereby possible to adjust the ventilating action. The input unit can moreover be configured to receive external signals, for instance wirelessly by means of a remote control.
It should be noted that the invention is not limited only to fans, but that similar air displacing means configured for active displacement of air can also be applied.
According to a preferred embodiment, the ventilation device is provided with a plurality of fans. The fans are preferably disposed adjacently of each other here such that the ventilating directions of each of these fans are substantially parallel. The fans extend here in a direction transversely of the ventilating direction relative to each other. The fans are preferably arranged here on the ventilation profile, for instance on the cover grating, such that the fans are aligned with the passage in the ventilation profile, particularly in the situation where the cover grating is arranged. The fans preferably extend here in a single row. It is advantageous here for the height of the fans to roughly correspond to the height of the cover grating or the portion thereof allowing passage of air. More specifically the height of the fans preferably corresponds to the height of the passage of the ventilation profile. When arranged, the fans in the ventilation device are preferably aligned with this passage in order to obtain an efficient flow through this passage.
It is advantageous for the fan to be configured to displace air in two directions, wherein the direction of the airflow can be adjusted by varying the rotation direction of the fan. The control unit is configured here to vary the rotation direction of the fan.
A fan can however be configured for efficient displacement of air in one direction, while the air displacement is less efficient in the opposite direction. According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the fans is configured for this purpose to displace air in a direction opposite to the direction of another fan. In order to then make efficient ventilation nevertheless possible in both directions, i.e. from inside to outside and from outside to inside, a preferred embodiment of the ventilation device is provided with at least one fan configured to displace air in a first direction and at least one second fan configured to displace air in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The control unit is preferably configured here to control the at least two opposed fans independently. Depending on the requirement, for instance entered with the input unit as discussed above, one of the two, or perhaps even both of the fans can be switched on in order to obtain the desired airflow. A plurality of fans with the same ventilating direction are preferably provided here.
The ventilation device is provided with suitable mounting means for mounting the ventilation device on the cover grating. Such mounting means can for instance comprise magnetic strips which enable a connection to a metal cover grating, or snap connections. According to a preferred embodiment however, the mounting means comprise holes, in particular threaded holes for receiving screws or bolts. These threaded holes preferably have a diameter such that they can receive and connect a screw with a diameter corresponding to the size of the holes in the cover grating. Such passages in the cover grating generally have a diameter of 2-5 mm.
In order to provide an efficient connection between almost any type of cover grating, it is advantageous according to a further preferred embodiment for the mounting means to comprise a plurality of grouped threaded holes. These threaded holes preferably lie close together so that at least one of these threaded holes in a group of threaded holes is always aligned with a passage of the grating. The mounting frame is preferably provided at least close to the corner points with mounting means, preferably in the form of the grouped threaded holes.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the ventilation device comprises sealing means for sealing the space between the ventilation device and the grating. When the grating is for instance not wholly flat but slightly curved, the seal can ensure a good sealing. The seal preferably has a shape complementary to the grating such that a good connection between the ventilation device and passage is obtained via the grating.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the ventilation device is further provided with a housing. Such a housing preferably also comprises a grille which is arranged, or can be releasably arranged, on the ventilation device on a side opposite to the cover grating. This provides an attractive appearance. The ventilation device is preferably provided with side walls which close the sides of the ventilation device so that the indrawn air is carried through the ventilation device, and thereby the passage, in efficient manner.
The invention further relates to a cover grating for mounting on a ventilation profile which is configured to be arranged in a wall, in particular in a frame provided with a window, of a space for the purpose of ventilating this space through a passage extending through the profile, wherein the cover grating is provided with connecting means co-acting with the ventilation profile and wherein the cover grating is further provided with a ventilation device according to the invention.
An efficient system which can be used with substantially all existing ventilation profiles is obtained when the ventilation device is arranged on the outer side of the grating, i.e. in a direction away from the ventilation profile. The ventilation device is placed on the cover grating here on the outer side of the ventilation profile, i.e. on the side toward the space. This enables an efficient arrangement of the ventilation device.
As alternative, the ventilation device can also be concealed in the ventilation profile itself by arranging the ventilation device on the inner side of the cover grating. It is advantageous here for the grating to have a substantially U-shaped cross-section, wherein the outer ends of the legs of the U-shape comprise the connecting means co-acting with the ventilation profile. The base of this U-shape forms or comprises the surface of the cover grating allowing passage of air. The ventilation device is placed and configured here such that the fans are directed toward the surface allowing passage of air, wherein the ventilating direction lies substantially transversely of this surface allowing passage of air. For efficient arrangement of the ventilation device on the inner side of the cover grating it is advantageous for the legs of the U-shape to have a length which at least corresponds to the depth of the ventilation device. The ventilation device is arranged here recessed into the ventilation profile.
Although it is possible according to the invention for the ventilation device to be provided with connecting means which make it possible to arrange the ventilation device for instance manually on an existing cover grating, it is also possible for the ventilation device to be embodied integrally with such a cover grating, or wherein the ventilation device forms such a cover grating.
The ventilation profile may be configured to be arranged in a wall, in particular in a frame provided with a window, of a space for the purpose of ventilating this space through a passage extending through the profile, wherein the ventilation profile is optionally provided with closing means, such as a flap or a tube-like member, configured to close and open the passage, wherein the ventilation profile further comprises a ventilation device according to the invention, wherein the ventilation device is configured to displace air through the passage. The ventilation device is preferably placed such that the ventilating direction of the fan is aligned with the ventilating direction of air through the passage.
According to a preferred embodiment, the ventilation profile further comprises on the side toward the space a cover grating according to the invention for covering the passage. As alternative, the ventilation device can be arranged in the passage, in particular close to or at the outer end thereof. An exceptionally energy-efficient ventilation system is obtained when the ventilation profile comprises at least one solar panel arranged on the outer side as power source for the ventilation device. Known ventilation profiles generally have a downward inclining surface on the outer side, wherein the downward inclining surface forms a cover for the passage. This cover limits the weather influences, for instance entry of rain. A solar panel is preferably arranged as power source on this downward inclining surface. This has the advantage that when ventilation is necessary, i.e when it is warm due to the sun, sufficient power is generated for the fans.
The control unit is preferably configured here to automatically switch the fan on and off subject to the power generated by the solar panel. It can for instance be possible for the ventilation device to be supplied with power solely by this solar panel, or at least at a determined setting of the control unit. If the solar panel now generates sufficient electrical energy to drive the fan, the control unit will switch this fan on. This provides for an automatic ventilation subject to the amount of sun.
The invention further relates to a frame, a space and a building provided with a ventilation profile according to the invention.
The invention further relates to a method for arranging a ventilation system in a space provided with a ventilation profile which is arranged in a wall, in particular in a frame provided with a window, of the space for the purpose of ventilating this space through a passage extending through the profile, wherein the ventilation profile is provided with closing means, such as a flap or a tube-like member, configured to close and open the passage, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

providing a ventilation device according to the invention;
connecting the ventilation device to the ventilation profile using the mounting means of the ventilation device.

According to the method, a passive ventilation profile in a space is easy to convert to an active ventilation system. The ventilation profile preferably further comprises on the side toward the space a cover grating for covering the passage, wherein the ventilation device is connected to the cover grating using the mounting means. The ventilation device is more preferably arranged on the outer side of the grating, in a direction away from the ventilation profile.
The present invention will be further illustrated with reference to the following figures, which show a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section of a conventional ventilation profile with cover grating;
Figure 2 shows a front view of a cover grating;
Figure 3 shows the ventilation device according to the invention arranged on the ventilation profile;
Figures 4 and 5 show schematically respectively a front view and a rear view of the ventilation device;
Figure 6 shows schematically a further embodiment of the ventilation device; and
Figure 7 shows schematically an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a per se known ventilation grille 1 configured to ventilate an indoor space 101. Profile 1 is arranged for this purpose in a wall 103, more particularly in a frame in which a window 104 is arranged. The profile-like ventilation grille 1 is provided for this purpose with connecting means 16 for connection to a window 104 and connecting means 17 for connection to a frame or wall 103.
A channel or passage 11 which extends between indoor space 101 and outside air 100 is arranged in ventilation grille 1. Exit 12 of passage 11 is covered here by an inclining outer surface 13. Arranged on the inner side of the ventilation profile are protrusions 14 which are configured to co-act with a resilient tongue 22 of a cover grating 2. Cover grating 2 conceals passage 1 from view. Front surface 21 of cover grating 2 is provided with a plurality of holes 23, see figure 2, for allowing passage of the airflow between space 101 and outside air 100, as shown schematically with the arrows. As shown in figure 1, cover grating 2 has a U-shaped cross-section, wherein the connecting means are located on legs 24, wherein the base of the U-shape forms the surface 21 allowing passage of air.
Since the ventilation of space 101 is not always optimal, there is provided according to the invention a ventilation device 3 connected to cover grating 2 see figure 3. Referring also to figure 4, ventilation device 3 is provided in this embodiment with four fans 31 disposed in a row. Fans 31 are arranged on a frame 32, which at the same time forms the side walls of ventilation device 3. Fans 31 are aligned in parallel along an axis A (figure 3) and with passage 11 so that an efficient air displacement is provided between space 101 and outside air 100, once again indicated with the arrows. In this embodiment the ventilation device has a length L of about 33 centimetres, a height H₁ of 8.4 centimetres and a depth D of 3 centimetres. The height H₁ roughly corresponds to the height H₂ and width of a fan 31, which in this embodiment are 8 centimetres. Ventilation device 3 is moreover provided with a socket 33 for receiving a plug for the power supply and a control unit 34 which controls fans 31. The side of ventilation device 3 remote from ventilation grille 1 is moreover provided with a cover grating 35, see figure 3 (not shown in figure 4).
For mounting of ventilation device 3 on cover grating 2 the rear side of frame 32 is provided close to the corner points with mounting means 36 in the form of threaded holes 37. Four groups of threaded holes 37 are arranged in this embodiment, wherein each group is located in a corner. Threaded holes 37 are arranged in a group offset in the length and width directions, in this embodiment in cross-like manner, so that one of the threaded holes will always be aligned with a passage 23 of grating 2 for mounting with a screw.
Figure 6 shows variants of the ventilation system. Arranged in this embodiment on the inclining surface 13 of ventilation grille 1 is a solar panel 4 which is operatively connected (shown schematically with broken lines 41) to ventilation device 3. The solar panel functions here as power source for ventilation device 3.
Also shown is that the ventilation device is arranged on the side of cover grating 2 facing toward ventilation grille 1. In this variant ventilation device 3 is arranged recessed into cover grating 2, wherein legs 24 of the U-shape have a length greater than the depth D of ventilation device 3. Connecting means 22 are again arranged on the outer end of these legs 24. In this embodiment the ventilation device can be embodied integrally with cover grating 2.
Also shown in this embodiment is that the front side of ventilation device 3 is provided with indicator means in the form of a lamp which indicates whether the fans are switched on, for instance with a switch 36.
Figure 7 shows a variant wherein a ventilation device 3a is situated on the outer side of ventilation profile 1. Ventilation device 3a is more specifically configured to be arranged close to exit 12 of passage 11. The dimension in the width H₁ corresponds here to the width of channel 11. It is not necessary in this embodiment for the externally arranged solar panel 4 to have to be connected through the wall using a connection, since connection 41 can take place in simple manner on the outer side of space 101. In this embodiment the fans in ventilation device 3a once again lie transversely of the airflow from this exit 12 for the purpose of obtaining an efficient air displacement.
The present invention is not limited to the shown embodiments but also extends to other embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. It will thus be apparent that different components as shown particularly in figure 6 (the integral embodiment, the solar panel and so on) can also be applied in the other embodiments.

Claims

Ventilation profile (1) arranged in a wall (103), in particular in a frame provided with a window (104), of a space (101) for the purpose of ventilating this space (101) through a passage (11) extending through the profile (1), wherein the ventilation profile is provided with closing means such as a flap or a tube-like member configured to close and open the passage, wherein the ventilation profile (1) further comprises on the side toward the space (101) a cover grating (2) for covering the passage (11), wherein the cover grating (2) is provided with connecting means (22) co-acting with the ventilation profile (1), wherein the cover grating (2) is further provided with a ventilation device (3) provided with at least one fan (31), a mounting frame (32) on which the fan (31) is arranged, a power source (33) operatively coupled to the fan (31) and a control unit (34) for controlling the fan (31), wherein a ventilating direction of the fan (31) lies substantially transversely of the plane of the cover grating (2), wherein the ventilation device (3) is configured to displace air through the passage (11), characterized in that the mounting frame (32) is provided with mounting means (36) configured to connect the ventilation device (3) to the cover grating (2) of the ventilation profile (1), wherein the ventilation device (3) is connected to the cover grating (2) using the mounting means (36).
Ventilation profile (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ventilation device (3) is provided with a plurality of fans (31) extending in a direction transversely of the ventilating direction relative to each other, wherein the fans (31) preferebly extend in a single row.
Ventilation profile (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one of the fans (31) is configured to displace air in a direction opposite to the direction of another fan (31), wherein the control unit (34) is configured to control the at least two opposed fans (31) independently.
Ventilation profile (1) as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims, wherein the mounting means (36) comprise threaded holes (37).
Ventilation profile (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the mounting means (36) preferably comprise a plurality of grouped threaded holes (37).
Ventilation profile (1) as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims 1-5, wherein the ventilation device (3) is arranged on the outer side of the grating (2) in a direction away from the ventilation profile (1).
Ventilation profile (1) as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims 1-5, wherein the ventilation device (3) is arranged on the inner side of the grating (2) in the direction toward the ventilation profile (1).
Ventilation profile (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the grating (2) has a substantially U-shaped cross-section, wherein the outer ends of the legs of the U-shape comprise the connecting means (22) co-acting with the ventilation profile (1) and wherein the legs (22) correspond at least to the depth of the ventilation device (3).
Ventilation profile (1) as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims, further comprising at least one solar (4) panel arranged on the outer side as power source for the ventilation device (3), wherein the control unit (34) is preferably configured to switch the fan (31) on and off automatically subject to the power generated by the solar panel (4).
Framebuilding and/or space provided with a ventilation profile (1) as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims.
Method for arranging a ventilation system in a space (101) provided with a ventilation profile (1) as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims which is arranged in a wall (103) of the space (-101) for the purpose of ventilating this space (101) through a passage (11) extending through the profile (1), wherein the ventilation profile (1) is provided with closing means such as a flap or a tube-like member which are configured to close and open the passage (11), wherein the ventilation profile (1) further comprises on the side toward the space a cover grating (2), wherein the method comprises the steps of:
- providing a ventilation device (3) as described in at least one of the foregoing claims 1 - 9;

- connecting the ventilation device (3)to the ventilation cover grating (2) of the profile (1) using the mounting means (36) of the ventilation device (3).
Method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ventilation device (3) is arranged on the outer side of the grating (2) in a direction away from the ventilation profile (1).