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Title:
VENTILATING FAN AND A MECHANISM AND METHOD FOR OPENING AND CLOSING A SHUTTER OF THE FAN
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/049018
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A ventilator has a fan, a motor for rotating the fan and a mechanism for opening and closing a flow path for the air flow out of the ventilator. The motor creates torque during start of its operation that is utilized for both rotation of the fan and opening of the flow path.

Inventors:
YOFFE AMOS (IL)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2018/056718
Publication Date:
March 14, 2019
Filing Date:
September 04, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
YOFFE AMOS (IL)
International Classes:
F04D25/14; F03D1/04; F04D19/00; F04D29/54; F24F7/00; F24F7/06; F24F13/14
Foreign References:
US2571374A1951-10-16
US3623378A1971-11-30
US6198195B12001-03-06
US20010014284A12001-08-16
US2141923A1938-12-27
US20080024979A12008-01-31
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
JAFFE, Eytan (IL)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:

1. A mechanism for opening and closing an outgoing flow path for air flow out of a ventilator, wherein torque producing the air flow is configured to also urge opening of the outgoing flow path.

2. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the torque is formed by a motor of the ventilator.

3. The mechanism of claim 2, wherein the motor is fixed to a movable cradle, and a torque reaction to the torque commencing upon operation of the motor is configured to move the cradle to urge the opening for the flow path.

4. The mechanism of claim 3, wherein the cradle is hinged for rotational movement.

5. The mechanism of any one of claim 4, wherein movement of the cradle is configured to urge opening of a shutter of the ventilator.

6. The mechanism of claim 5, wherein cessation of the torque permits the flow path to substantially close.

7. A ventilator comprising a fan, a motor for urging rotation of the fan and a mechanism for opening and closing an outgoing flow path for air flow out of the ventilator, wherein torque formed during start of operation of the motor is configured to open the flow path.

8. The ventilator of claim 7 and comprising a cradle upon which the motor is fixed and a torque reaction to the torque formed during operation of the motor is configured to move the cradle to urge the opening of the flow path.

9. The ventilator of claim 8, wherein the movement of the cradle is up to a stop of the mechanism and the cradle remains pressed against the stop as long as the torque reaction is present.

10. The ventilator of claim 9, wherein upon cessation of operation of the motor and consequently torque, the flow path is substantially closed.

11. A method for ventilating comprising the steps of:

providing a ventilator comprising a fan, a motor for urging rotation of the fan and a mechanism for opening and closing an outgoing flow path for air flow out of the ventilator,

switching the motor on forming a torque configured to rotate the fan; and utilizing a torque reaction to the torque to open the flow path.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein rotation of the fan forms the air flow out of the ventilator.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein upon cession of operation of the motor the flow path closes.

14. The method of claim 13 and comprising a biasing means configured to urge closure of the flow path upon cessation of operation of the motor. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the torque reaction opening the flow path is configured to urge at least a portion of the mechanism to bear against a stop in order to maintain the flow path open.

16. A method of ventilating comprising utilizing a reaction force to torque formed by a motor of the ventilator during start of operation of a ventilator, wherein said reaction force is utilized for opening a flow path for an air flow out of the ventilator.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the torque formed by the motor is utilized for urging an outgoing air flow out of the ventilator.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the reaction force first opening the flow path is formed in response to torque forces existing when the motor first accelerates upon start of ventilation.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein torque forces existing when the motor first accelerates are larger than torque forces existing when the motor reaches a substantial constant RPM.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein forces, for example gravity and/or biasing forces, acting to urge the flow path to close are smaller than a reaction force to torque existing when the motor reaches its substantial constant RPM.

Description:
VENTILATING FAN AND A MECHANISM AND METHOD FOR OPENING AND CLOSING A SHUTTER OF THE FAN

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] Embodiments of the invention relate to a ventilating fan and to a mechanism and method for opening and closing a shutter of the fan in response to operation of the fan.

BACKGROUND

[002] Ventilator fans such as those used in livestock sheds or greenhouses typically include a shutter that automatically opens or closes, respectively, when the ventilator is in operation or shuts down.

[003] US3917433 for example describes a mechanism for automatically opening and closing the shutter of a ventilating fan that includes electro magnets, a clutch mechanism and cogged wheels in order to control closure and opening of the shutter.

[004] Such mechanisms however are typically relatively complex and require high maintenance that increases the overall cost of such solutions.

SUMMARY

[005] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. [006] In an embodiment there is provided a mechanism for opening and closing an outgoing flow path for air flow out of a ventilator, wherein torque formed by a motor of the ventilator for producing the outgoing air flow is configured to urge opening of the flow path.

[007] Such urging of opening of the flow path may be by a torque reaction to the torque of the motor formed according to Newton's third Law of physics - according to which for every action (here torque), there is an equal and opposite reaction (here torque reaction).

[008] In an embodiment, the ventilator comprises a shutter and the opening of the flow path comprises opening the shutter.

[009] In an embodiment there is also provided a ventilator comprising a fan, a motor for urging rotation of the fan and a mechanism for opening and closing an outgoing flow path for air flow out of the ventilator, wherein torque reaction formed during start of torque during operation of the motor is configured to open the flow path.

[010] Yet in further embodiments there is provided a method for ventilating comprising the steps of: providing a ventilator comprising a fan, a motor for urging rotation of the fan and a mechanism for opening and closing an outgoing flow path for air flow out of the ventilator, turning the motor on forming a torque configured to rotate the fan; and utilizing a torque reaction to the torque in order to open the flow path.

[011] The above embodiments provide, inter alia, advantages of utilizing an already existing force of torque (and its opposite reaction) where torque is primarily created for producing an outgoing air flow, for urging opening and closing of a flow path for the air flow; without triggering into operation any additional means for creating this flow path.

[012] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following detailed descriptions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[013] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures, in which:

[014] Figs. 1A and IB schematically show perspective rear and front side views of a ventilator including an embodiment of a mechanism for opening and closing a shutter of the ventilator, here in a non-activated state where the shutter is closed;

[015] Figs. 2A and 2B schematically show perspective rear and front side views of the ventilator, here with the mechanism in an-activated state where the shutter is open;

[016] Figs. 4 and 5 schematically show the opening and closing mechanism of the shutter in, respective, non-activated and activated states;

[017] Fig. 6 schematically shows a side view of the mechanism in a non- activated state; and

[018] Fig. 7 schematically shows another perspective front view of the ventilator.

[019] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated within the figures to indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[020] Attention is first drawn to Figs. 1A and IB schematically illustrating perspective rear and front views of a ventilator 10 including an embodiment of a mechanism 12 for automatically opening and closing a shutter 14 of the ventilator in response to operation of a motor 18 and fan 28 of the ventilator (see fan 28 marked in Fig. 2B). With attention additionally drawn to Figs. 2 A and 2B; the ventilator 10 and mechanism 12 are schematically illustrated from generally similar perspective rear and front views, however here with the mechanism 12 in an operative state urging the ventilator's shutter to open.

[021] It should be understood that although the ventilator or fan is here exemplified as a generally louver type apparatus, principles of operation of various embodiments of the invention, in particular embodiments of the opening/closing mechanism of the ventilator or fan; are equally applicable to any other type of ventilator, possibly used in residential and in particular in more heavy duty operation such as commercial, industrial, agricultural and/or farming applications/environments.

[022] Attention is additionally drawn to Figs. 4 to 6. Mechanism 12 includes a cradle 16 to which a motor 18 of the ventilator is fixed, here at a lower side of the motor via possible bolts 19 that fix the body of motor 18 to cradle 16. Motor 18 is configured to produce torque about an axis X that is utilized for rotating a possible pulley 20 located at an axial front side of the motor in a rotational direction R about axis X. In this optional example, pulley 20 upon rotation in direction R is configured via a possible cable 22 to urge rotation of fan 28 in order to produce an outgoing flow of air through the ventilator's shutter.

[023] With attention drawn to the enlarged section at the top side of Fig. 6 it is noted that pulley 20 at its front side in this example is un-attached to any part in connection to cradle 16, as illustrated by the possible gap 27 present at this front side of the pully between pulley 20 and here parts adjacent hinge 26 that are coupled for rotation together with cradle 16. [024] Mechanism 12 in addition includes a base 24 that is generally stationary with respect to the ventilator's body/housing. Cradle 16 in this example is hinged to base 24 in a manner permitting rotation of the cradle with respect to base 24 about axis X. In this example, cradle 16 is hinged to base 24 at two hinges 26 located at opposing front and rear axial sides of motor 18.

[025] In alternative embodiments (not shown), movement of cradle may not necessarily include rotation about an axis, and for example may include formation of a relative movement for example a linear movement that can be utilized for opening and closing actions of a ventilator's shutter.

[026] Mechanism 12 in the illustrated example includes a shaft 30 that is fixed to cradle 16 for angular rotation therewith about axis X. Shaft 30 projects forwardly away from cradle 16 and is configured to transfer the cradle's angular rotation (in this example) to an arm 32 of the mechanism, which in turn extends generally perpendicular to axis X.

[027] Arm 32 meets a lower end of a push bar 34 of mechanism 22 to transfer the angular rotation of cradle 16 to substantial upward and downward linear movement of the push bar 34. Push bar 34 at its upper end interacts with shutter 14 in order to adjust the angle of opening or closing of here the slats of the shutter.

[028] When motor is idle, cradle 16 is at a non-operative state seen in Figs. 1A, IB, 4 and 6. Cradle 16 may be biased to maintain or assume this state when non- operative by gravitational forced and/or one or more biasing means, such as springs - that may interact with any portion of mechanism 22 that is in coupling communication/relationship with cradle 16.

[029] In the shown example, a biasing means here in the optional form of two springs 42 (only one spring is visible in Fig. 2B), that interact with shutter 14 to urge it to a closed position; urge push bar 34 (by the closing of the shutter) to be biased upwards (as indicated the 'dotted' arrow in Fig. 4) to consequently interact via arm 32 with cradle 16 in order to rotate the cradle about axis X to its non-operative state. [030] When motor 18 is switched on to start operation of fan 28, mechanism 24 is urged to an operative state due to a torque reaction that acts in an opposite direction to the rotational action R produced by motor 18 on pulley 20. This torque reaction due to motor being fixed to cradle 16 acts upon cradle 16. A turning force F of this torque reaction urges cradle 16, which in this example is hinged about axis X, to rotate about this axis. Cradle 16 performs an angular rotation until meeting a stop 40 of mechanism 20 (as e.g. illustrated in Fig. 5) and is kept maintained in this bearing position against stop 40 by turning force F as long as motor 18 is operative.

[031] Torque (and consequently torque reaction) formed by motor 18 when it first accelerates upon start of operation, is typically larger than the torque (and torque reaction) existing when the motor reaches a substantial constant RPM. Therefore, in at least certain embodiments, forces such as gravity and any existing biasing means (e.g. springs 42) acting to urge cradle 16 to its non-operative state - are configured to be smaller than the lower torque reaction present when motor 18 is at a substantial constant RPM during, so that cradle 16 remains pressed against stop 40 throughout the operation of the motor and ventilator.

[032] Arm 32 that performs the same angular rotation about axis X as cradle 16, transfers this angular movement to push-bar 34, which in turn in this example is urged downwards as illustrated by the 'dotted' arrow in Fig. 5. This downward movement of push bar 34 urges the slats of shutter 14 to open so that the outgoing flow of air formed by rotation of fan 28 due to motor 18 is provided with a substantially free path to exit the ventilator.

[033] When motor 18 shuts down its operation, the turning force F maintaining cradle 16 in its operative state pressed against stop 40 ceases, consequently permitting cradle 16 to be biased to rotate back to its non-operative state. Arm 32 that rotates with cradle 16 now in a counter direction to the arrow of force F urges push-bar 34 to substantially move upwards (as indicated by the 'dotted' arrow in Fig. 4) to result in the closing of the slats of shutter 14. [034] Thus, in an aspect of the invention, various applicable embodiments and/or modifications of closing/opening mechanisms - provide simple functionality of opening an outgoing path for air flow out of a ventilator automatically when the ventilator's motor is turned on to produce this air flow. And, when the motor is turned off, the outgoing flow path is automatically closed.

[035] Modifications coming within the scope of the present disclosure may include other forms of movement of cradle (other than rotation) as already discussed. In addition, elements such as arm 32, push bar 34 and shutter 14 may be arranged differently so that upward movement of the push bar may be utilized to open the shutter and 'vice versa' downward movement to close the shutter

[036] It should be noted that directional terms appearing throughout the specification and claims, e.g. "forward", "rear", "up", "down" etc., (and derivatives thereof) are for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. In addition it is noted that the directional terms "down", "below" and "lower" (and derivatives thereof) define identical directions.

[037] In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, "comprise" "include" and "have", and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

[038] Further more, while the present application or technology has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and non- restrictive; the technology is thus not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed technology, from a study of the drawings, the technology, and the appended claims.

[039] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures can not be used to advantage.

[040] The present technology is also understood to encompass the exact terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc., if in here such terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc. are referred to in connection with terms such as "about, ca., substantially, generally, at least" etc. In other words, "about 3" shall also comprise "3" or "substantially perpendicular" shall also comprise "perpendicular". Any reference signs in the claims should not be considered as limiting the scope.

[041] Although the present embodiments have been described to a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that various alterations and modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.