Patent Description:
The state of the art includes various known solutions for directing the airflow of a centralized air conditioning or heating system towards the facing or underlying room.

In particular, it is known to have a system comprising a centralized ventilation system which, through ducts or pipes, delivers air to several diffusers, which direct the hot or cold air into respective rooms.

Normally these diffusers are grilles comprising mobile fins which are manually inclined with respect to the frame to divert upwards or downwards the air that flows out of the diffuser.

In a room, for example in a hotel room, the airflow coming out of the diffuser can be hot or cold depending on the user's preferences. By varying the temperature of the air leaving the diffuser, the orientation of the fins should also vary, because the hot air should be blown downwards to heat the room more efficiently and quickly, while the cold air should not be blown downwards to increase user comfort.

Varying the angle of fins of each diffuser in each room would impose a centralized system connected to the thermostat of each room, with very high costs. Alternatively, the orientation of the fins on each diffuser should be changed manually, especially when the season changes, i.e. when the centralized ventilation system no longer delivers hot air but cold air or vice versa. In this circumstance, the fins of all the diffusers, for example in a hotel, should be redirected to avoid unnecessary inefficiencies in the cooling or heating process of the rooms, with a consequent waste of energy.

The prior arts available therefore do not solve the problem of improving comfort in an environment and allowing a room or space to be cooled or heated quickly and effectively in a simple and economical way.

Known examples of wall or ceiling diffusers are provided in patent documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

In particular, the patent document <CIT> describes a retrofit device of a manual type register. This solution provides for a device equipped with a mechanism for moving the fins of the register, a motor for operating the mechanism, a micro-controller and a group of batteries to power it. However, the device does not independently manage the movement of the register fins since the temperature detected by a sensor, which can be installed on the micro-processor, is sent to a central controller, external to the register, which manages the operation of all the registers of a building. The diffuser according to this solution is therefore not capable of adjusting the fins autonomously, only on the basis of the temperature detected, and is functionally dependent on the central controller of the centralized air ventilation system.

Document <CIT> instead describes a diffuser with actuated fins, equipped with a temperature sensor which can be housed on an external part of the lid or on a remote control, to detect the temperature of a room. This diffuser is therefore not able to adjust the fins according to the temperature of the air flow passing through the diffuser, but it does so according to the temperature of the room in which the diffuser faces.

Document <CIT> describes a diffuser connected to a main control unit which is external to the diffuser, and which is connected to at least one temperature sensor present in the room to be air-conditioned and to a sensor located at the diffuser outlet. The control unit calculates the difference between the temperatures detected by the two temperature sensors and adjusts the fins to minimize this temperature difference. This diffuser therefore does not include a control unit integrated in the diffuser and furthermore the diffuser fins are not adjusted according to the temperature passing through the diffuser itself.

It is also known the possibility of actuating the fins of a diffuser by means of a thermostatic actuator, thus using a purely mechanical system. Examples in this sense are described in the patent documents <CIT> and <CIT>.

Furthermore, the background art does not provide a solution for modifying a diffuser with movable fins so as to make it automatic and adaptive in a simple and economical way.

A first object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art by means of an air delivery diffuser of the adjustable type, which serves to diffuse an air flow in a room. The air supply diffuser is only fluidly connected to a centralized air ventilation system, although it is operatively independent from it, and comprises:.

The actuator, the power source and the control unit are integrated into the diffuser and preferably they are connected, directly or indirectly, to the frame. The temperature sensor is located on the frame behind the fins with respect to the room in order to sense the temperature of the airflow passing through the diffuser before the airflow passes through the fins and leaves the diffuser towards the room. A diffuser conceived in this way makes it possible to adjust the exit direction of the air according to the sensed temperature of the air passing through the diffuser itself. In this way, the orientation of the fins of the diffuser takes place automatically and completely autonomously by the centralized air ventilation system. The air is therefore directed into a room as a function of the temperature of the air supplied by the centralized air ventilation system and not as function of the air temperature detected in the environment. This makes the entire ventilation system adaptive, despite that the diffuser has not a direct electrical connection to the centralized air ventilation system. Basically, the diffuser is completely independent from the ventilation system and they interact with each other only through the air flow. The diffuser is also independent of the room in which it diffuses the air, as the fins are regulated on the basis of the temperature of the air coming from the centralized ventilation system and not on the basis of the temperature of the air present in the conditioned room. The term "centralized air ventilation system" refers to a system capable of heating/cooling the air and flowing it.

Advantageously, the actuator may comprise a shaft and the actuator may be configured to rotate the shaft between a plurality of angular positions comprising a first angular position and a second angular position. Preferably the actuator is a digital or stepper motor. This type of actuator allows an accurate control of the operating position of the actuator without the need for closed loop control, thus with feedback from the actuator to the control unit.

In particular, the mechanism may comprise a rod coupled to the movable fins and an extendable arm coupled to the actuator shaft and to the rod, wherein the extendable arm is configured to extend in an axial (longitudinal) direction. This architecture of the mechanism makes it possible to transform the rotary movement of the actuator into a linear movement of the rod.

Preferably, the fins can be inclined by an angle comprised between <NUM>° and <NUM>° upwards with respect to a horizontal plane perpendicular to the frame when the shaft is in the first angular position, and the fins are positioned inclined by an angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>° downwards with respect to horizontal plane perpendicular to the frame when the shaft is in the second angular position. Preferably, the control unit can operate the actuator to move the shaft to said first angular position when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than <NUM> and can operate the actuator to move the shaft to said second angular position when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than <NUM>. A selective angular orientation of the fins allows a better distribution of the air in the room when the air blown by the air ventilation system is cold or warm.

In particular, the rod can be coupled to the fins by means of clips configured to clamp the fins. This solution allows to quickly and easily anchor the rod to all the flaps that need to be actuated.

Preferably, the clips can be rotatably coupled to the rod, so as to transform the linear movement of the rod into a rotary movement of the fins.

Advantageously, each fin can comprise a hole engaged by a respective pin belonging to the clip. In this way, the clip cannot slip off the fin.

In particular, the power source can be a battery incorporated in the diffuser. In this way, the diffuser is completely independent from the centralized air ventilation system, allowing an automatic and free management of the air distribution in the room.

Advantageously, the diffuser can comprise a receiver operatively connected to the control unit and configured to receive a radio control signal from a remote control. Preferably the receiver is of the infrared type. The remote control allows an autonomous management of the orientation of the diffuser fins according to the wishes of the user who occupies the room and independently of the centralized air ventilation system.

A further object of the present invention is that of providing a retrofit kit for an air delivery diffuser comprising an actuator, a mechanism which can be coupled to a plurality of fins of the diffuser and to the actuator, a temperature sensor configured to generate a signal representative of a temperature of the air touching the sensor, a control unit operatively connected to the temperature sensor, a power source and the actuator. Said control unit being configured to power and operate the actuator according to the temperature signal generated by the sensor. Said actuator, said power source, said control unit and said temperature sensor are configured to be coupled, directly or indirectly, to a frame of the diffuser. This retrofit kit allows to transform a manual type diffuser into an automatic and adaptive type diffuser.

These and other advantages will become apparent in more detail from the description, given hereinafter, of an embodiment given by way of example and not of limitation with reference to the attached drawings.

The following description of one or more embodiments of the invention refers to the attached drawings. The same reference numbers in the drawings identify the same or similar elements. The object of the invention is defined by the attached claims. The technical details, structures or characteristics of the solutions described below can be combined with each other in any way.

The terms "coupled" and "connected" may be used, together with their derivatives. It is clear that these terms are not meant to be synonymous with each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, "connected" may be used to mean that two or more items are in direct physical contact with each other. "coupled" can mean that two or more items are in direct physical contact. However, "coupled" can also mean that two or more items are not in direct contact with each other, but are nevertheless cooperating or interacting with each other.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, an air supply diffuser <NUM> of the type with adjustable fins is shown. The diffuser <NUM> is installed on a structure <NUM>, specifically on an aeration duct of the room <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The term room <NUM> means any room, space or local for residential or recreational purposes which requires a ventilation system. The diffuser <NUM> can also be installed on a wall <NUM>' of the room <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The wall <NUM>', and in particular its hole for housing the diffuser <NUM>, represents the distal element of the centralized air ventilation system <NUM>.

The diffuser <NUM> is installed inside a hole <NUM> on the structure <NUM>. The hole <NUM> is normally sized so as to accommodate a longitudinal portion <NUM>' of the frame <NUM> of the diffuser <NUM>. The diffuser <NUM> is inserted in the hole <NUM>, until a flange <NUM>" of the frame <NUM> abuts the structure <NUM>. The diffuser <NUM> is then anchored to the structure <NUM> by means of specific connection means, for example screws.

The diffuser <NUM> is fluidly connected to a centralized air ventilation system <NUM>, which is configured to deliver hot or cold air. The centralized air ventilation system <NUM> comprises one or more ducts <NUM> suitable for conveying the air from a hot/cold air generator to the diffuser <NUM>.

The diffuser <NUM> comprises a plurality of fins <NUM> which are configured to rotate with respect to the frame <NUM> about respective longitudinal axes. The rotation axes of the fins <NUM> can correspond to the axes of symmetry of the mobile fins <NUM>. The rotation axes of the fins <NUM> are parallel to each other.

The diffuser <NUM> can also comprise one or more fixed fins, which do not vary their inclination with respect to the frame <NUM>.

The movable fins <NUM> vary their inclination with respect to the frame to vary the direction of the air flow coming out of the diffuser <NUM>.

Each fin <NUM> comprises a trailing edge <NUM>' facing the room <NUM> and a leading edge <NUM>" facing the centralized air ventilation system <NUM>.

The flaps <NUM> can have a horizontal or vertical orientation depending on whether they have to direct the air up/down or right/left.

The diffuser <NUM> further comprises an actuator <NUM>, which may be a rotary electric motor such as the one illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The actuator <NUM> comprises an output shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> can rotate between a plurality of angular positions, as illustrated in <FIG>.

This plurality of angular positions comprises a first angular position, which corresponds to a first end-of-stroke, depicted in <FIG>, and a second angular position which corresponds to a second end-of-stroke, depicted in <FIG>.

The actuator <NUM> is preferably a digital or a stepper motor, so as to allow a precise and gradual movement between the various angular positions.

The shaft <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> is connected to a rod <NUM> via an extendable arm <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The term extendable arm <NUM> refers to any means configured to allow an axial extension. Examples in this sense can be a piston or a pin <NUM>" coupled cylindrically to a sleeve <NUM>', as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an extendable arm <NUM> comprising a sleeve <NUM>' pivoted on the shaft <NUM>, so as to be integral with it in the rotary movement. A pin <NUM>" can slide longitudinally inside the sleeve <NUM>' which, at its distal end, is coupled to the rod <NUM>.

The rod <NUM> is connected to the clips <NUM> by means of fins <NUM> which are rotatably connected to the rod <NUM>. The rod <NUM>, together with the fins <NUM>, connects the fins <NUM> to each other, allowing them to move in a coordinated manner. The mobile fins <NUM> are therefore always parallel to each other, regardless of the inclination assumed with respect to the frame <NUM>.

The assembly comprising the extendable arm <NUM>, the rod <NUM> and the fins <NUM> forms the mechanism <NUM>, which connects the actuator <NUM> to the fins <NUM>. This mechanism <NUM> allows the rotary motion of the actuator <NUM> to be converted in a rotary movement of the fins <NUM>.

Each clip <NUM> is shaped so as to grip a fin <NUM> between two elongated elements, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Alternatively, each clip can be a different connection device able to rigidly connect to the fin <NUM>, for example an element screwed onto the fin <NUM> (not shown) or a rear protrusion of the fin <NUM> itself (not shown).

The clip <NUM>, according to any of its embodiments, is also hinged, at its end opposite to that connected to the fin <NUM>, to the rod <NUM>. In this way, when the rod <NUM> goes up, the end of the clip <NUM> connected to the rod <NUM> rises and, since the flap <NUM> is hinged to the frame <NUM>, it forces the inclination of the flap <NUM> so that its trailing edge <NUM>' lowers. Conversely, when the rod <NUM> goes down, the clip <NUM> imposes a rotation of the fin <NUM> around its axis of rotation so that the trailing edge <NUM>' of the same rises.

The rod <NUM> goes up and down based on how the shaft <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> rotates.

During the movement of the shaft <NUM> and of the rod <NUM>, the extendable arm <NUM> lengthens and shortens, allowing the rotational movement of the actuator <NUM> to be transformed into a linear-translational movement of the rod <NUM>. This movement of the rod <NUM> therefore allows the rotation of the mobile fins <NUM>.

The fin <NUM> can comprise a hole <NUM> able to engage with a pin <NUM> belonging to the gripper <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Once the clip <NUM> clamps the fin <NUM>, the pin <NUM> engages the hole <NUM> preventing the clip <NUM> from slipping off the fin <NUM>.

In an embodiment not shown, instead of the fins, the diffuser can comprise a diaphragm or a nozzle. Both the diaphragm and the nozzle are configured to rotate relative to a frame. In both of these cases, the mechanism is configured to transmit the movement of the actuator to the diaphragm or nozzle and move them with respect to the frame so as to vary the direction of the air flow leaving the diffuser.

The diffuser <NUM> comprises a control unit <NUM> which manages the electronic components. In particular, the control unit <NUM> is electrically connected to a temperature sensor <NUM>, to the actuator <NUM> and to an electric power source <NUM>.

The temperature sensor <NUM> is connected to the frame <NUM> of the diffuser <NUM> in such a position that the sensor <NUM> lies behind the row of fins <NUM> with respect to the room <NUM>. In this way, the sensor is not visible from the room and the temperature of the air in transit through the diffuser <NUM> is not altered by the temperature present in the room <NUM>, thus providing a more prompt reaction of the diffuser <NUM> in the event of a variation in the temperature of the air flow <NUM>.

The temperature sensor <NUM> detects the temperature of the airflow <NUM> and sends a corresponding signal <NUM> representative of the temperature detected to the control unit <NUM>. The temperature sensor <NUM> faces inside the frame <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> therefore powers the actuator <NUM>, with the energy supplied by the power source <NUM>, when a temperature variation is detected.

The diffuser <NUM> can be configured to bright the fins <NUM> to assume a plurality of positions according to the temperature detected by the sensor <NUM>. Normally, an inclination of the fins <NUM> with the trailing edge <NUM>' downwards is related to warm airflows <NUM>, while an inclination of the fins <NUM> with trailing edge <NUM>' upwards are typical of cold air flows <NUM>. Substantially horizontal fins <NUM> are typical of an air flow at a temperature similar to that of the room <NUM>.

The concept of cold and warm are expressed as a function of the temperature present in the ambient. For example, if the ambient temperature is <NUM>, an airflow <NUM> is warm when its temperature is above <NUM> and an airflow <NUM> is cold when its temperature is below <NUM>.

Alternatively, the diffuser <NUM> is configured to set the inclination of the fins <NUM> according to only two or three methods. These modes are function of the cold and hot seasons. In particular, the first mode can be used during the hot season and provides for a first angular position suitable for positioning the fins <NUM> so that they are inclined upwards with respect to the horizontal plane perpendicular to the frame <NUM> by an angle between +<NUM>° and +<NUM>°, as illustrated in <FIG>. The cold air therefore exits towards the upper portion of the room <NUM>, cooling the room <NUM> more quickly and effectively. A second mode can be used during the cold season and provides for a second angular position suitable for positioning the fins <NUM> so that they are inclined downwards with respect to the horizontal plane perpendicular to the frame <NUM> at an angle between -<NUM>° and -<NUM>°, as illustrated in <FIG>. In this way, the hot air is blown downwards allowing for a faster heating of the room <NUM>.

The first angular position of the shaft <NUM> is set by the control unit <NUM> when the air temperature detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> is lower than a temperature threshold comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>, thus the air blown from the diffuser is cold. The second angular position of the shaft <NUM> is set by the control unit <NUM> when the air temperature detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> is greater than a temperature threshold comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>, thus the air blown from the diffuser is warm.

Optionally, the diffuser <NUM> is configured to set the inclination of the fins <NUM> so that they are orthogonal and horizontal with respect to the frame <NUM>. This neutral position of the fins <NUM> corresponds to a third angular position of the shaft <NUM> and it is set by the control unit <NUM> when the air detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM>. This mode allows the air to circulate in the room without substantially changing its temperature.

The power source <NUM> can be a battery as shown in <FIG>. This allows to not modify the entire system and to avoid masonry work to pass the electric wires.

The battery <NUM> is arranged directly on the frame <NUM>, preferably inside a specific casing <NUM> which also contains the temperature sensor <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> and, at least in part, the actuator <NUM>.

In an embodiment not shown, the power source <NUM> can be the urban electrical grid, after a connection of the diffuser <NUM> to this grid.

Optionally, the diffuser <NUM> can comprise a receiver <NUM>, of an infrared or otherwise type, connected to the control unit <NUM> to remotely control the inclination of the fins <NUM>, regardless of the actuation according to the temperature detected by the sensor <NUM>. A remote control <NUM> is configured in a known manner to send a radio command signal to the receiver <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The remote control <NUM> can allow to move, automatically or not automatically, the flaps up and down and to select the oscillation effect. The control unit <NUM> is configured to receive the signal from the remote control <NUM> and to implement the strategy (optional) requested by the user through the remote control <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a retrofit kit <NUM> for transforming a diffuser with movable fins <NUM> of the manual type into an automated one. As illustrated in <FIG>, the kit includes few simple elements and is extremely versatile and compact, and it can be easily adapted to any type of diffuser with movable fins.

The retrofit kit <NUM> comprises an actuator <NUM>, a mechanism <NUM> couplable to the fins <NUM> of the diffuser <NUM> and to the actuator <NUM>, as previously described.

The retrofit kit <NUM> further comprises a casing <NUM> that includes the control unit <NUM>, the temperature sensor <NUM>, the power source <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> which are electrically connected to each other as previously described.

The temperature sensor <NUM>, as well as the optional receiver <NUM>, are arranged on the casing <NUM> so that the portion suitable for detecting the temperature and the radio signal are positioned outside the casing <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> also comprises a slit within which the extendable arm <NUM> slides.

The operation and architecture of mechanism <NUM> of kit <NUM> corresponds to that previously described for diffuser <NUM>.

Preferably, the rod <NUM> comprises a plurality of holes, so as to be able to vary the height of the clips <NUM> according to the mutual distance of the fins <NUM> of the diffuser <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> is configured to be connected to the frame <NUM> by means of known connection means, for example an adhesive or screws.

With reference to <FIG>, the centralized air conditioning system of a building, for example of a hotel or an office building, is schematically illustrated and it comprises six rooms <NUM>, a centralized air ventilation system <NUM> and diffusers <NUM> according to the present invention.

The centralized air ventilation system <NUM> comprises a ventilation device <NUM>, one or more delivery ducts <NUM>, one or more return ducts <NUM> and a fan coil unit <NUM> for each room <NUM>. The fan coil units <NUM> are fluidly connected to the ventilation device <NUM> through the delivery ducts <NUM>. The fan coils <NUM> are fluidly connected to the rooms <NUM> through respective diffusers <NUM>. The rooms <NUM> are also fluidly connected to the ventilation device <NUM> through the return ducts <NUM>. Each fan coil <NUM> is controlled via an interface <NUM> present in the room <NUM>. Via the interface <NUM>, the user can set a desired temperature of the air in the room <NUM>. The interface <NUM> itself is normally equipped with a temperature sensor (not shown) to detect whether the temperature in the room Ta1,Ta2,Ta3,Ta4,Ta5,Ta6 has reached the desired temperature or not. When a user requests cold air or hot air, the fan coil <NUM> cools or heats the air blown by the ventilation device <NUM>. The exhaust air in the room <NUM> is then sucked in and filtered by the ventilation device <NUM> to keep the room <NUM> healthy. The diffuser <NUM>, completely independently of the centralized air ventilation system <NUM>, adapts to the temperature of the air Tf1,Tf2,Tf3,Tf4,Tf5,Tf6 crossing the diffuser <NUM>. If the air temperature Tf1,Tf2,Tf3,Tf4,Tf5,Tf6 entering the diffuser <NUM> is above a predetermined threshold, the fins of diffuser <NUM> assume a certain inclination, for example downwards, while if the air temperature Tf1,Tf2,Tf3 ,Tf4,Tf5,Tf6 entering the diffuser <NUM> is lower than a further predetermined threshold, the fins of the diffuser <NUM> assume another inclination, for example upwards. The diffuser <NUM> is functionally independent of the centralized air ventilation system <NUM> and is only fluidly connected with it. The inclination of the fins of the diffusers <NUM> is therefore independent of the temperature Ta1,Ta2,Ta3,Ta4,Ta5,Ta6 in the rooms <NUM>, since the purpose of the diffusers <NUM> is to optimize the air circulation in the rooms <NUM>, both during the hot and cold seasons, for improving heating or cooling and therefore energy consumption.

Claim 1:
Adjustable air supply diffuser (<NUM>) for diffusing an airflow (<NUM>) in a room (<NUM>), connectable to, but functionally independent of, a centralized air ventilation system (<NUM>), comprising:
- a frame (<NUM>) fixable to a structure (<NUM>) so as to face toward the room (<NUM>);
- a plurality of movable fins (<NUM>) rotatably coupled to the frame (<NUM>) about respective axes that are parallel to each other;
- an actuator (<NUM>);
- a mechanism (<NUM>) coupled to any or all the fins (<NUM>) and to the actuator (<NUM>);
- a temperature sensor (<NUM>) configured to generate a signal (<NUM>) representative of a temperature of the air touching the sensor (<NUM>);
- a control unit (<NUM>) operatively connected to the temperature sensor (<NUM>), to a power source (<NUM>) and to the actuator (<NUM>), said control unit (<NUM>) being configured to power and to operate the actuator (<NUM>) as a function of the temperature signal (<NUM>) generated by the sensor (<NUM>);
wherein the actuator (<NUM>), the power source (<NUM>) and the control unit (<NUM>) are embedded in the diffuser (<NUM>) and the temperature sensor (<NUM>) is connected to the frame (<NUM>) behind the fins (<NUM>) with respect to the room (<NUM>) so as to sense the temperature of the airflow crossing the diffuser (<NUM>) before the airflow (<NUM>) pass through the fins (<NUM>) and comes out from the diffuser (<NUM>) into the room (<NUM>).