EP3477216B1

EP3477216B1 - Air handling unit

Info

Publication number: EP3477216B1
Application number: EP17382723.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Albert Bach-Esteve Burch
Original assignee: Soler and Palau Research SL
Current assignee: Soler and Palau Research SL
Priority date: 2017-10-27
Filing date: 2017-10-27
Publication date: 2020-09-23
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-27
Also published as: ES2836574T3; EP3477216A1; RU2699275C1

Description

Field of the Art

The present invention relates to the industry dedicated to air handling units, and more specifically to the industry dedicated to air handling units intended for being arranged in false ceilings.

State of the Art

Air handling units (AHUs), i.e., machine units which handle airflow, in addition to being able also to produce or generate said airflow, are widely known today. Handling of said airflow entails the use of air filters to remove unwanted solid particles from the air. Additionally, handling of the air may or may not include heating or cooling said air, humidification or dehumidification, etc.
Due to the removal of said particles, such as dust, pollen and bacteria, for example, said air filters must be replaced or at least cleaned every so often for the duration of use of the air handling units in order to prevent particle saturation such that not only will the filters stop performing their function, but they will also lead to a malfunction of the air handling units, where they can even result in the air handling units breaking down.
Arranging air handling units in places hidden from view is also known. It is therefore common for these units to be located in spaces corresponding to false ceilings. The arrangement of said units therefore does not have any undesired visual impact in the rooms in which they are arranged.
However, current air handling units are limited in terms of allowing access to the air filters. This limitation is the result of the specific arrangement in each case, given that it is inevitable to access the air filters through a side or vertical wall of the unit in some cases, and through a lower or horizontal wall of the unit in other cases. In this sense, there are air handling unit designs specific for each of both cases. In other words, the air handling units are specifically designed to have a lateral access to the corresponding air filter or the air handling units are specifically designed to have a lower access to the air filter in question. CN-104422058 , CN-106996632 , CN-106918134 and EP-3015785 disclose air handling units according to the preamble of claim 1.
In view of the described drawback or limitation of the solutions existing today, there is a need for a solution which allows providing air handling units regardless of the air filter access conditions offered by the place where said filters are located.

Brief Description of the Invention

In order to achieve this objective and solve the technical problems described up until now, in addition to providing additional advantages that can be derived below, the present invention provides an air handling unit (AHU) providing flexibility for placing and removing air filters as it makes access to the air filter possible through portions that are angled with respect to one another, for example, both through a side and through a lower portion.
The air handling unit comprises a volumetric space for housing an air filter; in addition to a support, which comprises a structure for holding the air filter, which defines a rail along which the air filter can be moved between an inner portion and an outer portion of the structure according to a first direction; and guiding means in the volumetric space for the movement of the structure between an inner portion and an outer portion of the air handling unit according to a second direction.
The air handling unit additionally comprises a first opening for the passage of the air filter between the inner portion and the outer portion of the air handling unit according to the first direction; and a second opening for the passage of the structure between the inner portion and the outer portion of the air handling unit according to the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are preferably angled forming an angle between 75° and 105° with respect to one another, and more preferably 90°.
The support additionally comprises first fixing means configured for fixing the air filter in the structure by pressure. The first fixing means secure the fixing of the air filter in the structure. These first fixing means comprise a guide element and a slot that is misaligned with respect to the first direction, where the guide element and the slot are configured such that where the guide element is housed in the slot, a relative movement can be established therebetween. In this sense, preferably, the support additionally comprises a first profile, where the slot is located in the first profile and the guide element is fixed in the structure.
The first profiles are preferably two in number, where the first profiles are retained with respect to two faces of the structure which are parallel to one another. Optionally, at least one of the first profiles has a tapering element attached thereto for tapering the rail along which the air filter can be moved. The rail can therefore be adapted to different air filter dimensions.
The support additionally comprises second fixing means configured for fixing the structure in the volumetric space by pressure. The second fixing means secure the fixing of the structure in the volumetric space. These second fixing means comprise a guide part and a channel that is misaligned with respect to the second direction, where the guide part and the channel are configured such that where the guide part is housed in the channel, a relative movement can be established therebetween. In this sense, preferably, the support additionally comprises a second profile, where the channel is located in the second profile and the guide part is fixed in the volumetric space.
The second profiles are preferably two in number, where the second profiles are retained with respect to fixed portions of the air handling unit.

Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 partially shows a perspective view of an air handling unit object of the invention, having an air filter arranged in an inner portion thereof.
Figure 2A shows an exploded view of a support object of the invention, which comprises tapering elements.
Figure 2B shows a perspective view of the support of Figure 2A.
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the support object of the invention, without the tapering elements.
Figure 4 partially shows a top perspective view of the air handling unit object of the invention, where a first cover on a first opening can be seen.
Figure 5 partially shows a top perspective view of the air handling unit object of the invention, where the first cover removed from the first opening can be seen.
Figure 6 shows the first cover removed and first profiles moved towards an outer portion of the air handling unit.
Figure 7 partially shows a top perspective view of the air handling unit object of the invention with the first cover removed and the first profiles and the air filter moved towards the outer portion.
Figure 8 partially shows a bottom perspective view of the air handling unit object of the invention, where a second cover can be seen in a second opening.
Figure 9 partially shows a bottom perspective view of the air handling unit object of the invention with the second cover removed from the second opening.
Figure 10 shows the second cover removed and second profiles moved towards the outer portion of the air handling machine.
Figure 11 shows the second cover removed and the second profiles and a structure comprised in the support with the air filter moved towards the outer portion of the air handling unit object of the invention.
Figure 12 shows the structure with the air filter in the outer portion of the air handling unit object of the invention, where the first profiles are moved out of the structure.
Figure 13 shows a bottom perspective view of the air handling unit object of the invention, where the structure is in the outer portion of the air handling unit object of the invention, and the first profiles are moved towards an outer portion of the structure and the air filter is moved out of said structure.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to an air handling unit (AHU), i.e., a unit provided for handling at least one airflow. The air handling unit (AHU) can also be provided for producing or generating said airflow. Handling of said airflow entails air filtration for removing unwanted solid particles from the air. Additionally, handling of the air may or may not include heating or cooling said air, humidification or dehumidification, etc.
The air handling unit comprises an outer shell for demarcating a compartment. Said shell is defined by sides, preferably six in number, and includes panels surrounding various components, such as at least one air filter (1), for example. In this sense, the air handling unit comprises at least one volumetric space (2) defined in the compartment. Each of the volumetric spaces (2) is configured for housing one of the air filters (1).
The air handling unit comprises a window (3) defined on one of the sides of the outer shell, specifically in correspondence with the volumetric space (2), for fluid communication between an inner portion and an outer portion of the air handling unit. The air handling unit can therefore comprise an air-driving element (4) to cause air to circulate through the air handling unit.
The air handling unit comprises a first opening (5) for communication between the inner portion and the outer portion of the air handling unit. The first opening (5) is located in correspondence with the volumetric space (2) such that the air filter (1) can be introduced into and removed from the volumetric space (2) and the air handling unit through said opening. Likewise, the first opening (5) is preferably located on another one of the sides of the outer shell other than that of the window (3). The air handling unit comprises a first cover (5') for covering or closing the first opening (5).
Additionally, the air handling unit comprises a second opening (6) for communication between the inner portion and the outer portion of the air handling unit itself. The second opening (6) is also located in correspondence with the volumetric space (2) such that the air filter (1) can be introduced into and removed from the volumetric space (2) and the air handling unit through said opening. Likewise, the second opening (6) is preferably located on another additional side of the shell outer other than that of the window (3) and that of the first opening (5). More specifically, this another additional side of the outer shell is angled with respect to the side on which the first opening (5) is located, preferably forming 90° with respect to one another.
The air handling unit comprises a second cover (6') for covering or closing the second opening (6). Preferably, the air handling unit additionally comprises arms (6.1) articulated at their longitudinal ends for moving the second cover (6') between an open position and a closed position, where said cover is kept attached to the outer shell. Said second cover (6') is therefore prevented from being able to fall or come off unintentionally.
The air handling unit additionally comprises a support (7) for arrangement of the air filter (1). The support (7) in turn comprises a structure (8) for holding the air filter (1) which has faces, preferably six in number, defining a rail along which the air filter (1) can be moved. Additionally, the structure (8) comprises a detachable corner (8.1) to make the assembly thereof in the unit easier. Therefore, the volumetric space (2) is additionally configured for housing said structure (8).
The air filter (1) is moved along the rail with respect to the structure (8) according to a first direction (A). The rail has an open end (8'), in correspondence with one of the faces of the structure (8) to allow the movement of the air filter (1) between an inner portion and an outer portion of the structure (8); in other words, one of the faces of the structure (8) is configured or established such that it allows the passage of the air filter (1) therethrough.
Where the structure (8) is located in the volumetric space (2), the open end (8') of the rail is arranged facing or in correspondence with the first opening (5) such that the air filter (1) can be introduced into or removed from the volumetric space (2), and therefore the air handling unit, by means of the movement of the structure (8) along the rail according to the first direction (A) and through the first opening (5).
Therefore, the air handling unit provides a first path of movement for the air filter (1) through one the faces of the outer shell.
The structure (8) can in turn be moved with respect to the volumetric space (2) according to a second direction (B). The support (7) comprises guiding means (9) which are located in correspondence with the volumetric space (2) to guide the structure (8), where the air filter (1) may be housed therein when said structure is moved according to said second direction (B) between the inner portion and the outer portion of the air handling unit. The first direction (A) and the second direction (B) are angled with respect to one another forming an angle preferably between 75° and 105°, and more preferably 90°.
The guiding means (9) comprise fixed elements fixed in the inner portion of the air handling unit, preferably columns.
Preferably, the fixed elements are fixed to one of the sides of the outer shell at a first longitudinal end and to another one of the sides of the outer shell at a second longitudinal end, where said sides are preferably parallel to one another.
Therefore, in addition to being sized for introducing and removing the air filter (1), the second opening (6) is sized such that the structure (8) can also be introduced and removed through same.
The air handling unit therefore provides a second path of movement for the air filter (1) through another one of the faces of the outer shell other than the face through which the first access is provided.
The air handling unit therefore provides access to the air filter (1), where the air filter (1) is located in the volumetric space (2) indistinctly through either the first opening (5) or through the second opening (6), where said openings (5, 6) are located according to planes that are angled with respect to one another, preferably between 75° and 105°, and more preferably 90°. This makes it possible for the air handling unit of the invention to provide access to the air filter (1) according to one or two of said openings (5, 6) according to the conditions offered by its installation in a false ceiling.
In an embodiment shown in the drawings, according to the usage position of the air handling unit, the first opening (5) can be defined according to a vertical plane and the second cover (6) according to a horizontal plane, according to one of the lateral sides and the lower side of the outer shell, respectively.
According to another embodiment, according to the usage position of the air handling unit, the movement of the air filter (1) along the rail according to the first direction (A) entails the air filter entering or exiting the volumetric space (2) according to the horizontal plane, and the movement of the structure (8) with respect to the volumetric space (2) according to the second direction (B) entails the structure entering or exiting the air handling unit according to the vertical plane, according to the lower and lateral sides, respectively.
The support (7) comprises first fixing means configured for fixing the air filter (1) in the structure (8) by pressure. These first fixing means both fix the air filter (1) to and release it from the structure (8) in a quick and simple manner. Said fixing can be performed by means of pushing and said release can be performed by means of pulling.
The first fixing means comprise at least one guide element (10) and a slot (11). The guide elements (10) and the slots (11) are preferably at least two in number, such that stability is provided in the relative movement between the slots (11) and the guide elements (10).
The guide elements (10) have a head having a larger dimension than the slots (11), while at the same time an elongated body having smaller dimensions than said slots (11). Therefore, the guide elements (10) can be fixed by means of the bodies being inserted through the corresponding slot (11), where axial retention is established according to the longitudinal extension of the body by the contact of the slots (11) in the heads, while at the same time allowing movement of the guide elements (10) along the slots (11).
The slots (11) in turn have a start point and an end point joined by an extension defined by a curve. Likewise, the start point and the end point are located such that an imaginary straight line (not shown in the drawings) for joining both points is misaligned, shifted or angled with respect to the first direction (A). Therefore, a combined relative movement according to a longitudinal movement according to the first direction (A) and a lateral movement according to a direction perpendicular to the first direction (A) are established therebetween by means of the guide elements (10) and the slots (11).
The support (7) additionally comprises at least a first profile (12) to therefore provide the possibility of adapting the invention to conventional air filters (1), i.e., without having to add the guide elements (10) or slots (11) in conventional air filters (1).
According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the slots (11) are located in the first profile (12) and the guide elements (10) are arranged such that they are fixed in the structure (8), exerting axial retention on the first profile (12) through the heads. For fixing the guide elements (10) in the structure (8), the first fixing means can additionally comprise coupling elements (10') that can be fixed in correspondence with free ends of the elongated bodies. Alternatively, the slots (11) can be located in the structure (8) and the guide elements (10) can be fixed in the first profile (12).
The first profile (12) having a longitudinal extension is arranged such that it is axially retained by means of the heads of the corresponding guide elements (10) with respect to one of the faces of the structure (8), the upper face, while it can be moved parallel to said face of the structure (8) at the same time. By means of the push and pull that can be transmitted to the first profile (12), said first profile (12) can be moved according to the extension of the slots (11). The first profile (12) can thus be moved longitudinally according to the first direction (A) and laterally such that it is moved closer to and away from one of the faces of the structure (8), a larger face, which is perpendicular to the face where the corresponding guide elements (10) are fixed.
Therefore, where the first profile (12) is moved according to one direction of movement, said first profile (12) is additionally moved laterally towards said larger face of the structure (8) such that where the air filter (1) is housed in the structure (8), the air filter (1) is pressed against the larger face of the structure (8).
According to an embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the support (7) comprises a tapering element (12') attached to the first profile (12) such that they are moved together. In this embodiment, the tapering element (12') presses the air filter (1) against said larger face of the structure (8). The tapering element (12') is used to enable using the structure (8) when the air filter (1) has smaller dimensions, or at least a smaller width, than the rail. According to another embodiment shown in Figure 3, the support (7) lacks the tapering element (12') such that the first profile (12) directly presses the air filter (1) against said larger face of the structure (8). This embodiment allows using the structure (8) when the air filter (1) has smaller dimensions, or at least a smaller width, than the rail.
Likewise, where the first profile (12) is moved according to another direction of movement opposite the preceding one, said first profile (12) is additionally moved laterally away from said larger face such that where the air filter (1) is housed in the structure (8), the air filter (1) is no longer subjected to the pressure retaining it on the rail, said pressure being exerted directly through either the first profile (12) or the tapering element (12').
Preferably, the first profiles (12) are two in number in order to exert greater pressure on a larger surface of the air filter (1), and therefore exert pressure in a more uniform and effective manner. In this sense, the first profiles (12) are arranged such that they are retained against two of the faces of the structure (8), the upper face and the lower face, which are opposite one another, i.e., one is facing the other. Likewise, said first profiles (12) can both be moved laterally according to the same direction of movement to exert pressure in the air filter (1) against the same face of the structure (8), i.e., against the larger face, and according to the same other direction of movement to stop exerting pressure against the larger face. Likewise, the tapering elements (12') that can be used are preferably two in number, one for each of the first profiles (12).
The support (7) comprises second fixing means configured for fixing the structure (8) in the volumetric space (2) by pressure. These second fixing means both fix and release the structure (8) with respect to the volumetric space (2) in a quick and simple manner. Said fixing can be performed by means of pushing and said release by means of pulling.
The second fixing means comprise at least one guide part (13) and a channel (14). The guide parts (13) and the channels (14) are preferably at least two in number such that stability is provided in the relative movement between the guide parts (13) and the channels (14).
Preferably, the guide parts (13) are similar to the guide elements (10) and the channels (14) are similar to the slots (11). In this sense, the guide parts (13) have a protuberance having a larger size than the channels (14), while at the same time an elongated section having smaller dimensions than said channels (14). The guide parts (13) can therefore be fixed by means of the sections being inserted through the corresponding channel (14), where another axial retention is established according to the longitudinal extension of the body by contact of the channels (14) in the protuberances, while at the same time allowing movement of the guide parts (13) along the channels (14).
The channels (14) in turn have a beginning and an end joined by an extension defined by another curve. Likewise, the beginning and the end are located such that another imaginary straight line (not shown in the drawings) for joining both the beginning and the end is misaligned, shifted or angled with respect to the second direction (B). Therefore, a combined relative movement according to a longitudinal movement according to the second direction (B), and a lateral movement according to a direction perpendicular to the second direction (B), and preferably also perpendicular to the first direction (A), are established therebetween by means of the guide parts (13) and the channels (14).
The support (7) additionally comprises at least a second profile (15) to therefore provide the possibility of adapting the invention to conventional air handling units.
According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the channels (14) are located in the second profile (15) and the guide parts (13) are arranged such that they are fixed in fixed portions of the air handling unit, exerting the other axial retention on the second profiles (15) through the protuberances. These fixed portions may be the guiding means (9) and/or the panels of the shell. Alternatively, the channels (14) can be located in the fixed portions of the air handling unit and the guide parts (13) can be fixed in the second profiles (15).
The second profile (15) having a longitudinal extension is arranged such that it is axially retained by means of the protuberances of the corresponding guide parts (13) with respect to one of said fixed portions of the air handling unit, while it can be moved parallel to said fixed portion at the same time. By means of push and pull that can be transmitted to the second profile (15), said second profile (15) can be moved according to the extension of the channels (14). The second profile (15) can thus be moved longitudinally according to the second direction (B) and laterally such that it is moved closer to and away from one of the faces of the structure (8), preferably the same larger face as for the case of the first profiles.
Therefore, where the second profile (15) is moved according to one direction of movement, said second profile (15) is additionally moved laterally towards said larger face of the structure (8) such that where the structure (8) is in the volumetric space (2), the structure (8) is pressed by the second profile (15) against a fixed portion of the air handling unit, such as at least one of the columns of the support (7), for example. Likewise, where the second profile (15) is moved according to another direction of movement, opposite the preceding one, said second profile (15) is additionally moved laterally away from said larger face such that where the structure (8) is in the volumetric space (2), the pressure retaining the structure (8) in the volumetric space (2) is released.
The second profiles (15) are preferably two in number in order to exert greater pressure on a larger surface of the structure (8), and to therefore exert pressure in a more uniform and effective manner. In this sense, the second profiles (15) are arranged such that they are retained against fixed portions of the air handling unit. Likewise, said second profiles (15) can both be moved laterally according to the same direction of movement to exert pressure in the air filter (1) against the same face of the structure (8), i.e., against the larger face, and according to the same other direction of movement to stop exerting pressure against the structure (8).
In this sense, the second profiles (15) are defined by two planes forming an angle of preferably 90° with respect to one another, where the channels (14), or alternatively the guide parts (13), are located on one of the two planes, and where the other one of the two planes is the part of the second profiles (15) whereby pressure can be exerted against the structure (8).
Similarly, the first profiles (12) are defined by two planes forming an angle of preferably 90° with respect to one another, where the slots (11), or alternatively the guide elements (10), are located on one of the two planes, and where the other one of the two planes is the part of the first profiles (12) whereby pressure can be exerted against the air filter (1) either directly or by means of the corresponding tapering element (12').
As can be seen in a sequence shown through Figures 4 to 7, to remove the air filter (1), the first cover (5') is first moved to provide access to the first opening (5), such that the first profiles (12) can be pulled out such that said first profiles (12) are moved towards the outer portion of the air handling unit according to the extension of the slots (11) which is misaligned with respect to the first direction (A). Once this lateral longitudinal movement of the first profiles (12) has been performed, the air filter (1) is no longer subjected to the pressure of the first profiles (12), such that it can be removed from the structure (8) through the open end (8'), and therefore from the air handling unit through the first opening (5).
To introduce and place the air filter (1) in the air handling unit, once the first cover (5') is moved to provide access to the first opening (5) and the first profiles (12) are moved towards the outer portion of the air handling unit according to the extension of the slots (11), the air filter (1) can be introduced into the volumetric space (2), and more specifically into the structure (8). Once the air filter (1) is introduced into the structure (8), the first profiles (12) are moved longitudinally and laterally towards the inner portion of the air handling unit according to the extension of the slots (11) to fix said air filter (1) in the structure (8) by pressure by means of said first profiles (12). The first cover (5') is then moved to close the first opening (5).
As can be seen in another sequence shown through Figures 8 to 13, to remove the air filter (1), the second cover (6') is first moved to provide access to the second opening (6), such that the second profiles (15) can be pulled such that said second profiles (15) are moved towards the outer portion the air handling unit according to the extension of the channels (14) which is misaligned with respect to the second direction (B). Once this lateral longitudinal movement of the second profiles (15) has been performed, the structure (8) is no longer subjected to the pressure of the second profiles (15), such that it can be removed from the compartment (2), and therefore from the air handling unit, through the second opening (6). Therefore, the air filter (1) can also be removed through one of the horizontal faces of the outer shell of the air handling unit. Once the structure (8) is removed from the volumetric space (2), the first profiles (12) can be moved to release the air filter (1) and to take it out through the open end (8') of the rail, where it is moved according to the first direction (A).
To introduce and place the air filter (1) in the air handling unit, once the first profiles (12) are moved such that the air filter (1) can be placed or inserted in the structure (8), the air filter (1) is inserted and the first profiles (12) are moved in an opposite manner to exert pressure against the air filter (1) and thereby fix said air filter in the structure (8) by pressure. Thereafter, and with the second cover (6') moved to provide access to the second opening (6) and the second profiles (15) moved out of the volumetric space (2) such that the structure (8) can be placed or inserted in the volumetric space (2), the structure (8) is inserted in the volumetric space (2) and the second profiles (15) are moved towards the inner portion of the volumetric space (2) to fix the structure (8) in said volumetric space (2) by pressure.

Claims

An air handling unit, comprising:
- a volumetric space (2) for housing an air filter (1); which comprises:
- a support (7), which comprises:
o a structure (8) for holding the air filter (1), which defines a rail along which the air filter (1) can be moved between an inner portion and an outer portion of the structure (8) according to a first direction (A);

- a first opening (5) for the passage of the air filter (1) between the inner portion and the outer portion of the air handling unit according to the first direction (A);
characterized in that the support (7) additionally comprises a guiding means (9) in the volumetric space (2) for the movement of the structure () between an inner portion and an outer portion of the air handling unit according to a second direction (B);
and in that the air handling unit additionally comprises

- a second opening (6) for the passage of the structure (8) between the inner portion and the outer portion of the air handling unit according to the second direction (B) .
The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the first direction (A) and the second direction (B) are angled forming an angle between 75° and 105° with respect to one another.
The unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the angle is 90°.
The unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (7) additionally comprises first fixing means configured for fixing the air filter (1) in the structure (8) by pressure.
The unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the first fixing means comprise a guide element (10) and a slot (11) that is misaligned with respect to the first direction (A), where the guide element (10) and the slot (11) are configured such that where the guide element (10) is housed in the slot (11), a relative movement can be established therebetween.
The unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the support (7) additionally comprises a first profile (12), where the slot (11) is located in the first profile (12) and the guide element (10) is fixed in the structure (8).
The unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the first profiles (12) are two in number, where the first profiles (12) are retained with respect to two faces of the structure (8) which are parallel to one another.
The unit according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that at least one of the first profiles (12) has a tapering element (12') attached thereto for tapering the rail along which the air filter (1) can be moved.
The unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (7) additionally comprises second fixing means configured for fixing the structure (8) in the volumetric space (2) by pressure.
The unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the second fixing means comprise a guide part (13) and a channel (14) that is misaligned with respect to the second direction (B), where the guide part (13) and the channel (14) are configured such that where the guide part (13) is housed in the channel (14), a relative movement can be established therebetween.
The unit according to claim 10, characterized in that the support (7) additionally comprises a second profile (15), where the channel (14) is located in the second profile (15) and the guide part (13) is fixed in the volumetric space (2) .
The unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the second profiles (15) are two in number, where the second profiles (15) are retained with respect to fixed portions of the air handling machine.