TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application generally relates to soundproof spaces. In particular, but not exclusively, the present application relates to ventilation of soundproof spaces.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This section illustrates useful background information without admission of any technique described herein being representative of the state of the art.

[0003] Soundproof spaces, such as phone booths or conference rooms, are typically sealed structures requiring an air circulation, or ventilation, system in order to ascertain adequate ventilation and to prevent the temperature from rising unpleasantly high. If the soundproof space is movable, it might not be always be possible to connect it to the ventilation system of the surrounding space, such as an office building.

[0004] It is desirable to avoid bulky structures, such as thick walls, in movable soundproof spaces, which makes it difficult to arrange the structures required for a ventilation system. A further challenge is presented by the soundproofing, i.e. the ventilation system should not affect the soundproofing. Furthermore, the ventilation system itself should not produce noise inside the soundproof space or outside of it, which can be challenging, especially in smaller spaces.

[0005] A previous ventilation system is known e.g. from publication W02018/011462. However, a further improvement in reducing sound reflection inside the ventilation ducts and for providing a pleasant sensation of air circulation inside the space would be desirable.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a ventilation system e.g. for movable soundproof spaces that overcomes or at least mitigates the above- mentioned challenges. SUMMARY

[0007] Various aspects of examples of the invention are set out in the claims.

[0008] According to a first example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ventilation system, comprising

at least one fan positioned at at least one air inlet aperture for sucking air through the air inlet aperture and providing an air flow;

at least one air outlet aperture;

at least one ventilation inlet aperture for guiding air into the space to be ventilated and at least one ventilation outlet aperture for guiding air away from the space to be ventilated ;

at least one first and at least one second air channel connected with each air inlet or outlet aperture; wherein

the first and the second air channel are formed respectively into a single layer of a sandwich-type roof structure of the space to be ventilated; wherein the first and the second air channel, are joined at one end thereof to form an indirect air path from an air inlet or outlet aperture to the ventilation inlet aperture or ventilation outlet aperture; and wherein

the at least one first air channel comprises at least a first and a second sub- channel in the plane of the single layer with at least one first sound dampening element therebetween.

[0009] The at least one second air channel may comprise at least a first and a second sub-channel in the plane of the single layer with at least one second sound dampening element therebetween.

[0010] The first and the second sub-channel of the at least one first air channel may run at an angle in the plane of the layer in which they reside.

[0011] The first and the second sub-channel of the at least one second air channel may run parallel to the edges of the roof in the plane of the layer in which they reside.

[0012] The at least one first sound dampening element may have a triangular shape.

[0013] The at least one second sound dampening element may have a rectangular or octagonal shape.

[0014] The width of said air channels and said sub-channels may be larger than their height.

[0015] According to a second example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a soundproof space, comprising

a sandwich-type roof, wall and/or floor structure comprising at least two sound dampening layers and at least one sound stopping layer; and

at least one ventilation system according to the first example aspect of the present invention.

[0016] The at least one air inlet aperture and the at least one air outlet aperture may be positioned at the roof of the soundproof space.

[0017] The material of the layers in which the at least one first and the at least one second air channel are formed may be chosen in such a way that the surface properties thereof do not substantially hinder the air flow in the air channel.

[0018] According to a third example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of ventilating a soundproof-space having a sandwich type roof structure, comprising

forming an indirect air path through the roof structure from at least one inlet aperture by forming at least one first and at least one second air channel joined at one end thereof and formed respectively into a single layer of the sandwich-type roof structure of the space to be ventilated, wherein the at least one first air channel comprises at least a first and a second sub-channel in the plane of the single layer with at least one first sound dampening element therebetween;

providing an air flow into the indirect air path with at least one fan positioned at the at least one air inlet aperture by sucking air through the air inlet aperture; and

adjusting the air flow so that the amount thereof is large enough and the noise caused by the ventilation does not exceed a desired threshold and the inflow of air reaches low enough in the space to be ventilated.

[0019] The at least one second air channel may comprises at least a first and a second sub-channel in the plane of the single layer with at least one second sound dampening element therebetween.

[0020] Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the foregoing. The embodiments in the foregoing are used merely to explain selected aspects or steps that may be utilized in implementations of the present invention. Some embodiments may be presented only with reference to certain example aspects of the invention. It should be appreciated that corresponding embodiments may apply to other example aspects as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] For a more complete understanding of example embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1A shows a schematic view of a ventilation system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1 B shows a schematic view of a ventilation system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1 C shows a schematic view of a ventilation system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1 D shows a schematic view of a ventilation system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1 E shows a schematic view of a ventilation system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1 F shows a schematic view of a ventilation system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1 G shows a schematic view of a ventilation system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a principle view of a soundproof space, a phone booth, for example in which an embodiment of the invention is used; and

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a ventilation method according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTON OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention and its potential advantages are understood by referring to Figs. 1A through 3 of the drawings. In this document, like reference signs denote like parts or steps.

[0023] Fig. 1A shows a schematic view of a ventilation system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1A shows the roof 10 in which the ventilation system 100 is arranged. The roof structure will be explained in detail hereinafter with reference to Fig. 1 E. The ventilation system 100 comprises at least one air inlet aperture 20 and at least one air outlet aperture 30 positioned on the roof 10 of the space to be ventilated. Positioning of the air inlet 20 and outlet 30 apertures on the roof of the space to be ventilated provides for the possibility to position the space to be ventilated, for example a movable soundproof space, into a location in which there is no free space available around the space to be ventilated, for example in a corner of an office.

[0024] In an embodiment, the inlet aperture 20 and/or the outlet aperture 30 comprise a grid element (not shown) thereon for reducing the sound caused by the ventilation and for guiding the direction of the inflow and outflow of the air so that the inflow of air is not mixed with the outflow causing the same air to be circulated inside the space to be ventilated. The direction of airflow is depicted with arrows in Fig. 1 A. The at least one air inlet aperture 20 comprises at least one fan 40 configured to suck air into the air inlet and therethrough into the space to be ventilated and to control the amount of airflow in such a way as to cause a pleasant sensation of air circulation into the space to be ventilated. In an embodiment, the at least one fan 40 is embedded into the roof, i.e. not at the level of the rooftop so that the sounds caused thereof can be reduced. In a further embodiment, the at least one air outlet aperture 30 also comprises at least one fan (not shown) configured to suck air from the space to be ventilated.

[0025] It has been discovered that a pleasant sensation of air circulation is caused by sucking the air into the space to be ventilated from the roof with such a flow velocity that the downward airflow is felt and the mixing of air takes place below the face level of a person inside the space to be ventilated and the exit flow of air to be removed assisted by warm air rising to the top of the space to be ventilated. In addition, the pleasant sensation is aided by guiding the air in a proper direction in relation to the person or persons inside the space to be ventilated.

[0026] Fig. 1 B shows a schematic view of a ventilation system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 B shows the roof 10 in which the ventilation system 100 is arranged with the topmost layer or layers partially removed so that the structure of the ventilation system 100 is visible. Fig. 1 B shows the air outlet aperture 30 and the structure leading further from the air inlet aperture.

[0027] The ventilation system according to an embodiment of the invention comprises at least one first air channel 50 starting from the at least one air inlet aperture 20. It is to be noted that the channel structure for the at least one air outlet aperture is similar, i.e. at least one first air channel starts, or ends considering the flow direction, at the at least one air outlet aperture.

[0028] The at least one first air channel 50 comprises at least a first sub- channel 50a and a second sub-channel 50b, i.e. the at least one first air channel 50 is divided, or branches, into at least two sub-channels inside and in the plane of the layer of the sandwich-type roof structure in which the at least one first air channel runs. In an embodiment, the at least one first 50a and the at least one second 50b sub-channel run at an angle in the plane of the layer in which they reside, i.e. not parallel to the edges of the roof 10.

[0029] The ventilation system 100 further comprises at least one first dampening element 60 positioned at the branching point and between the at least first 50a and the second 50b sub-channel, the at least one first dampening element 60 being configured in such a way as to reduce sound propagation through the at least one first air channel 50, i.e. to prevent sound from reflecting the length of the at least one first air channel 50 by the form and material thereof. In an embodiment, the at least one first dampening element has a triangular shape in the plane of the layer in which it resides.

[0030] Fig. 1 C shows a schematic view of a ventilation system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 C shows the roof 10 in which the ventilation system 100 is arranged with the lowermost layer or layers partially removed so that the structure of the ventilation system 100 is visible. Fig. 1 C shows at least one second air channel 70 joined at one end with the at least one first air channel 50. In an embodiment, the at least one second air channel 70 comprises, inside and in the plane of the layer of the sandwich-type roof structure in which the at least one second air channel 70 runs, at least a first sub-channel 70a and a second sub-channel 70b joining together at the one end thereof. It is to be noted that in an embodiment the channel structure for the air outlet aperture side of the ventilation system 100 is similar. In an embodiment, the at least one first 70a and the at least one second 70b sub-channel run parallel to the edges of the roof 10, and join at the end so that the at least one second channel has altogether a shape resembling the letter U in order to provide a large enough cross-sectional area.

[0031] The ventilation system 100 further comprises at least one second dampening element 80 positioned at the joining point and between the at least first 70a and the second 70b sub-channel of the at least one second air channel 70, the at least one second dampening element 80 being configured in such a way as to reduce sound propagation through the at least one second air channel 70, i.e. to prevent sound from reflecting the length of the at least one first second air channel 50 by the form and material thereof. In an embodiment, the at least one second dampening element 80 has a rectangular shape in the plane of the layer in which it resides. In an embodiment, the at least one first dampening element 60 and the at least one second dampening element 80 have different shapes and size. In a further embodiment, the at least one first dampening element 60 and the at least one second dampening element 80 have a similar shape and/or size.

[0032] Fig. 1 D shows a schematic view of a ventilation system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 D shows the roof 10 in which the ventilation system 100 is arranged from below, i.e. from inside the space to be ventilated. The ventilation system 100 comprises at least one ventilation inlet aperture 90a and at least one ventilation outlet aperture 90b. In an embodiment, the at least one ventilation inlet aperture 90a and/or the at least one ventilation outlet aperture 90b has an elongated shape akin to slit. In an embodiment, the at least one ventilation inlet aperture 90a and/or the at least one ventilation outlet aperture 90b is located next to a outer edge of the roof 10.

[0033] Fig. 1 E shows a schematic view of a ventilation system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 E shows a cross sectional side view of a part of the roof 10 in which the ventilation system 100 is arranged with the sandwich type roof structure being depicted. Fig. 1 E shows the at least one inlet aperture 20, the at least one first air channel 50, the at least one second air channel 70, the at least one first dampening element 60 and the at least one second dampening element 80.

[0034] Fig. 1 E shows the sandwich type roof structure of the roof 10 in which the ventilation system 100 is arranged. The sandwich type structure in an embodiment comprises a first layer 11 of sound stopping material, for example a layer of metal or plywood, hardboard, plastic or composite metal, a second layer 12 ,a third layer 13, a fourth layer 14 and a fifth layer 15 of sound dampening material, for example porous or open cell material, a sixth layer 16 of sound stopping material, for example metal, plywood, hardboard, plastic or composite metal, and a seventh layer 17 of sound dampening or acoustic material, for example porous or open cell material. In an embodiment, the at least one air inlet aperture is positioned inside the second layer 12, the at least one first air channel 50 inside the third layer 13 and the at least one second air channel 70 inside the fifth layer 15. It is to be noted that in an embodiment the at least one first dampening element 60 and the at least one second dampening element 80 comprise material of the type similar to the material of the layer in which they reside. In an embodiment, the roof 10 further comprises a horizontal sound stopping layer between the inlet and outlet side of the air ventilation system 100.

[0035] Fig. 1 F shows a schematic view of a ventilation system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 F shows a cross sectional side view of the roof 10 in which the ventilation system 100 is arranged. Fig. 1 F shows the at least one inlet aperture 20, the at least one first air channel 50, the at least one second air channel 70, the at least one ventilation inlet aperture 90a and the at least one ventilation outlet aperture. As can be seen from Fig. 1 F, the channel structure of the inlet and outlet side of the ventilation system 100 is in an embodiment similar.

[0036] Fig. 1 G shows a schematic view of a ventilation system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 G shows the roof 10 in which the ventilation system 100 is arranged with the lowermost layer or layers partially removed so that the structure of the ventilation system 100 is visible. Fig. 1 G shows at least one second air channel 70 joined at one end with the at least one first air channel 50. In an embodiment, the at least one second air channel 70 comprises, inside and in the plane of the layer of the sandwich-type roof structure in which the at least one second air channel 70 runs, at least a first sub-channel 70a and a second sub-channel 70b joining together at the one end thereof. It is to be noted that in an embodiment the channel structure for the air inlet aperture side of the ventilation system 100 is similar.

[0037] The ventilation system 100 further comprises at least one second dampening element 80 positioned at the joining point and between the at least first 70a and the second 70b sub-channel of the at least one second air channel 70, the at least one second dampening element 80 being configured in such a way as to reduce sound propagation through the at least one second air channel 70, i.e. to prevent sound from reflecting the length of the at least one first second air channel 50 by the form and material thereof. In an embodiment, the at least one second dampening element 80 has a shape resembling an octagon in the plane of the layer in which it resides. In an embodiment, the at least one first dampening element 60 and the at least one second dampening element 80 have different shapes and size. In a further embodiment, the at least one first dampening element 60 and the at least one second dampening element 80 have a similar shape and/or size. It is to be noted that the shape of the at least one first dampening element 60 and the at least one second dampening element 80 is not limited to the embodiments explained herein. In an embodiment, the at least one first dampening element 60 and/or the at least one second dampening element 80 has for example an irregular shape.

[0038] The height of the at least one first 50 and the second 70 air channel is in an embodiment limited by the respective layer in which they are formed and their width is chosen in accordance with the required air flow. In an embodiment, the width of the at least one first 50 and the at least one second 70 air channel, and the sub-channels 50a, 50b, 70a, 70b thereof is substantially larger that the height thereof in order to ascertain an adequate cross-sectional area. In an embodiment, the thickness of the roof is about 120mm and the thickness of the single layers and therethrough the maximum height of the air channels is 20-60 mm. In an embodiment, the width of the at least one first sub-channel 50a, 70a and the at least one second sub-channel 50b, 70b is about 150-350 mm The material of the layers in which the at least one first 50 and the at least one second 70 air channel are formed is in an embodiment chosen in such a way that the surface properties thereof do not substantially hinder the air flow in the air channel.

[0039] The length of the at least one first 50 and at least one second 70 air channel is chosen in accordance with the situation so that they are long enough in order not to compromise the soundproofing and short enough so as to be able to provide an adequate ventilation. The amount of ventilation required for a space is, in an embodiment, at least 8 I/s per person. Accordingly, for example in a soundproof space having a volume of 4,8 m ³ and having space for four people, the amount of ventilation needed is 32 I/s. As the ventilation system is positioned at the roof of the space to be ventilated, the incoming air flow further has to be strong enough so that the flow reaches below the face level of a person residing on the space to be ventilated for adequate mixing of air and pleasant sensation of air circulation. The fan power and/or channel dimensions are in an embodiment chosen accordingly.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a principle view of a soundproof space, in this example a movable phone booth, for example in which an embodiment of the invention is used.. The ventilation system 100 and the ventilation method according to an embodiment of the invention is for example used in the phone booth 200. The roof 10 of the phone booth 200 is not thick and accordingly, the ventilation system 100 is not bulky. Fig. 2 shows a ventilation system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention with a single inlet aperture 20 with two fans 40 and a single outlet aperture 30. Flowever, depending on the size of the space to be ventilated, and accordingly the size of the roof, and on the required amount of ventilation, the roof of the soundproof space 200 in an embodiment comprises several roof modules with a ventilation system 100, for example four. The ventilation system 100 provides a pleasant sense of air circulation inside the phone booth 200. The ventilation system and method according to an embodiment of the invention is further used for example in vehicles, in engine rooms, in temporary housing and other buildings or casings requiring ventilation with low noise levels.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a ventilation method according to an embodiment of the invention. At step 410 at least a first 50 and a second 70 air channel, both or at least one with at least two sub-channels 50a, 50b, 70a, 70b, is formed into a single layer of a roof, wall or floor structure of a soundproof space as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1A-1 G in order to provide an indirect air path through the roof structure. At step 420, an air flow is provided to the indirect air path by sucking air through at least one inlet aperture 20 with a fan 40 and causing an outflow of air through at least one outlet aperture 30. At step 430, the air flow is adjusted so that the amount thereof is large enough and the inflow of air reaches low enough in the space to be ventilated and the noise caused by the ventilation does not exceed a desired threshold, i.e. the noise does not rise to an uncomfortable level.

[0042] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein is providing a ventilation system with improved soundproofing. Another technical effect of one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein is providing a ventilation system located at a roof of the space to be ventilated for freedom of positioning of the space to be ventilated. Another technical effect of one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein is providing a ventilation system without increasing the bulk of the wall or roof structures of a soundproof space. A still further technical effect of one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein is providing a ventilation system for a soundproof space without compromising the soundproofing or causing noise.

[0043] Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features from the described embodiments and/or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

[0044] It is also noted herein that while the foregoing describes example embodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.