Patent ID: 12228306

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of one or more embodiments of the invention refers to the attached drawings. The same numerical references 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.

With reference toFIGS.1-5, a diffusion apparatus1, also called diffuser, is shown and comprises a cartridge5and a frame4, in turn comprising a framework8,9and a through-hole35inside it. The framework8,9is shaped so as to be partly housed in a cavity (hole) of the wall or ceiling33.

In particular, inFIG.1the cartridge5is shown detached from the frame4, to represent the extraction or insertion phase in a wall or ceiling33. The cartridge5can be inserted or extracted with respect to the frame4along a direction F parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the through-hole35of the frame4itself.

InFIG.1, through the opening of the wall or ceiling33, it is possible to see in the background a ventilation system3comprising a ventilation duct11.

Said conduit11is connected by means of seals25, visible inFIG.3, to the framework of the frame4of the apparatus1. In this way, the air blown or drawn in by the ventilation system3passes through the apparatus1. The air blown by the ventilation system3flows towards the frame4and in particular through its through hole35. When the through-hole35is filled by the cartridge5, said air passes through the cartridge5and its modules7.

Said framework of the frame4comprises a flange9for being rigidly anchored to the wall33. Said flange9is represented inFIG.1with a dotted line since it is covered by a finishing layer12. As better illustrated inFIG.3, the flange9of the framework of the frame4can be clamped between a substrate13of the wall (or ceiling) and a finishing layer12overlapping to the same.

The flange9also has fixing holes (not shown) for blocking the frame4to the wall or ceiling33.

The finishing layer12can be plaster or a finishing panel, for example made of wood or stone, attached to the substrate13.

In an alternative version illustrated inFIGS.2and4, the flange9can be visible, thus attached over the finishing layer12. This happens in particular when the flange9has a particular aesthetic value.

The framework of the frame4comprises a base8having a parallelepiped-shape with no bases for realizing said through-hole35. The flange9protrudes externally from the external side wall of the base8. The base8of the framework of the frame4is completely inserted inside the wall or ceiling33so to leave visible only the flange9.

The flange9can be arranged in an intermediate position of the side wall, so that the cross-section of the frame is substantially “T” shaped.

This particular arrangement of the flange9allows to place the finishing layer12over it. Once the flange9is joined to the substrate13and covered by the finishing layer12, only the front profile14of the base8of the frame is visible, if the wall or ceiling33is observed frontally.

The distance between the flange9and said front profile14is a function of the thickness of the finishing layer12to be used. For example, if a 15 mm thick marble slab is placed on the substrate13of a wall33, the distance between the flange9and said front profile is 15 mm. Since the thickness of the sheet with which the framework of the frame4is made is few millimeters, the frame is substantially invisible if the diffuser is observed from the front.

The framework of the frame4can be made of metal, preferably aluminum, or of plastic material.

The framework of the frame4can further comprise, as illustrated inFIGS.3and4, a base8having a rear profile26, opposite to the front profile14, having an “S” shaped cross section, so that the base8of the frame can be inserted in the ventilation channel11. Said rear profile26can support a seal25which, once the frame4is inserted in the channel11, guarantees the seal.

The base8of the framework of the frame4can further comprise clamps10, thus flexible protruding elements, which protrude laterally to reversibly anchor the frame4to the substrate13of the wall or ceiling33.

The framework of the frame4shown inFIGS.1and2comprises two rails15A arranged on opposite sides of the frame. Said rails15A cooperate with two tracks15B arranged on the cartridge5.

The tracks15B and the rails15A can be arranged in an offset manner with respect to a centerline plane M, as shown inFIG.1, so that the cartridge5can be inserted in the framework of the frame4only in one direction.

The diffusion apparatus1illustrated inFIGS.1and2comprises blocking means16configured to reversibly anchor the cartridge5to the framework of the frame4. Said stopping means16, as illustrated inFIG.1, can comprise cushioned rollers16A connected to the cartridge5and grooves16B formed in the framework of the frame4. The rollers16A are pushed by elastic elements (not shown) towards the outside of the cartridge5, so to retract when the cartridge5is inserted into the frame4and to exit when the cartridge5is completely extracted from the framework of the frame4. Each roller16A fits into the corresponding recess16B. This mechanism ensures a reversible connection. Furthermore, by adjusting the preload provided by the elastic means to the rollers16A and the diameter of the rollers themselves, it is possible to regulate the traction force necessary to extract the cartridge5from the frame4. Said force is preferably at least equal to the maximum weight of the cartridge5, so that the cartridge5does not come out by gravity if the apparatus is arranged on a ceiling33.

As shown inFIG.1, said framework of the frame4can further comprise electrical contacts17A electrically connected to an energy source or to an electrical circuit of said air ventilation system3. When the cartridge5is completely inserted in said framework of frame4, said electrical contacts17A come into contact with corresponding electrical contacts17B of the cartridge5so as to establish an electrical connection. Said electrical contacts17A,17B can be sliding contacts or any other known type of electrical connection. Preferably, said electrical contacts17A,17B are powered with a low voltage for safety reasons.

In the event that said electrical contacts17A of the frame4are electrically connected to an electrical circuit of the air ventilation system3, it is possible to have at least one further electrical contact to allow the transmission of an electrical command signal from the ventilation system3to the cartridge5. Said command signal can be used to activate, deactivate, modify or regulate said electrical apparatuses18as better described below.

The apparatus1as illustrated inFIGS.1-5comprises a plurality of modules7housed inside appropriate housings of the cartridge5.

Said modules7can be active or passive, depending on whether they are electrically operable or not.

The passive modules7comprise an air diffusion module which can comprise deflector blades7A,7B,7C, as shown inFIGS.1-4and7, or a plate7D provided with nozzles7E, as shown inFIG.5, or a plate provided with holes7F, as shown inFIG.6.

The modules7can also include a filter2, as illustrated in the embodiments ofFIGS.1,3and4. The modules7are all configured to be inserted and extracted from the cartridge5according to an orthogonal direction O to the direction F, parallel to the axis L of the through-hole35of the frame4. In a technically equivalent alternative version of the invention (not shown), the modules7are removable along the direction F, like the cartridge5. In this version, the modules7are stacked on each other inside the cartridge5and can be inserted from the back or from the front of the same.

FIGS.1and3show a cartridge5in which the first outermost module comprises vertical blades7A, the second module adjacent to the first one comprises horizontal blades7B and the third module adjacent to the second one but not to the first one, comprises a filter2. Said vertical and horizontal blades7A,7B are individually orientable, thus they can rotate around an axis (not visible) that connects each blade to an armature of the module7. Said blades can be inclined one differently from the other with a manual variation. If the blades are connected each other, for example by connecting the trailing or leading edges of the various blades with a rod, the inclination of all the blades can be changed collectively. The blades can also be configured to completely prevent the passage of air when they are aligned with each other, i.e. orthogonal to the airflow flowing in the apparatus, in this case one can also speak of a shutter.

The removable module7can also comprise a plate7D equipped with nozzles7E, as shown inFIG.5. Said nozzles7E are individually adjustable to direct the flow of air leaving the nozzles7E in various directions.

In an alternative version, illustrated inFIG.6, said module comprises a micro-perforated plate7D with holes7F which, like the blades7A,7B,7C or the nozzles7E, allows the passage of air through the apparatus1, but in a different way. In particular, said micro-perforated grid7F can be a sheet of plastic or metal material comprising a plurality of through holes arranged on the sheet according to a specific design.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the cartridge5comprises only two housings6and in the outermost position, the first module comprises oblique blades7C, thus inclined with respect to the vertical or horizontal position. Said oblique blades7C are typical of air return systems, thus air intake systems. In this case, the cartridge5, as well as the first module with the oblique blades7C comprises a second module comprising a filter2.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the modules7can also be active, i.e. electrically operated. In this case, the modules7comprise one or more of the following electrical apparatuses18:at least one18A lamp, preferably with white or colored LED;horizontal or vertical blades motorized18B;a germicidal lamp18C.

The cartridge5comprises electrical connection means19for electrically connecting the electrical apparatuses18to the cartridge5itself, which in turn is connected to the framework of the frame4by means of electrical contacts17A,17B.

In this way, the modules can be electrically powered and controlled together with the air ventilation system3or remotely.

The electrical connection means19for example can be sockets and plugs, respectively arranged on the modules7and on the cartridge5, or vice versa, to generate an electrical connection when the module7is completely inserted in the cartridge5. For example, the plug can be placed on the bottom of the housing6and the socket placed on the front (the insertion side) of the module7, so that by inserting the module7completely in the housing6of the cartridge5, said electrical connection is realized.

The LED lamp can be arranged in a specific module7or added to a module7comprising other apparatuses.

The led lamp18A, if configured to emit white or warm light, is used to illuminate the ventilation channel11or to provide an indication as to whether the ventilation system3is working or not.

If the led lamp18A is colored, the color provides an indication on the operation of the ventilation system3. The led18A is configured to emit a blue or azure light if the ventilation system3is emitting cold air and to emit a red or orange light if the ventilation system3is emitting hot air.

Optionally, the module7can comprise a germicidal lamp18C, for example a lamp which produces ultraviolet light of the type UV-C. This type of lamp is effective against a large amount of viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms, which proliferate on the blades of diffuser1or on the ventilation system3.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the blades can be motorized18B, thus operated collectively by an electric motor28and connected to the motor by means of gears27or a transmission belt. The motorization of the vertical or horizontal blades, allows to remotely regulate the air flow, by means of an electric command impulse issued for example by the control unit of the ventilation system3. Optionally, the motorized blades18B can act as a shutter, thus to interrupt the airflow in the apparatus when all of these blades are in a closed position.

As shown inFIG.7, said apparatus1can comprise a remote control interface30, electrically connected via a connection29to the main body of the apparatus1. Said remote control interface30comprises a control unit32and a human-machine interface31, for example a touch-screen. Said control unit32is configured to receive a selection signal from the human-machine interface31and to process it in order to generate a command signal for the electrical apparatuses18of the air diffusion apparatus1. Said control unit32can also receive signals from sensors (not shown) installed on said electrical apparatuses18. Said sensors can be, for example, a thermometer installed on one of said modules7or a differential pressure sensor arranged astride the filter2to measure the upstream and downstream pressure of the filter2. The control unit32is also configured to process the signals received by the sensors and to generate output signals to be notified to a user through said human-machine interface31. For example, the signal received by said differential pressure sensor can be processed by said control unit32to generate an output signal suitable for detecting the occlusion state of the filter2and therefore its degree of cleanliness. By means of the control unit32said output signal can be communicated to the human-machine interface31to notify the eventual need to replace the filter. The same can occur with the signal coming from the thermometer, to communicate the temperature of the air flowing through the apparatus1. Through the human-machine interface31, a user can therefore interact with the apparatus1both to control it and to receive information on its status.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the housings of the cartridge5allow the modules7to be inserted and extracted. The peripheral edges of the housings6act as guides for inserting and removing the modules7.

Said housings6can comprise seats realized on an inner surface of a cartridge frame23(FIGS.3and4). Said cartridge frame23has an external lateral surface20substantially complementary to an internal surface22of the frame4(FIG.1).

Said external lateral surface20comprises as many openings21as the housings6of the cartridge5are. In the example ofFIG.3, the housings6are three, while in the example ofFIG.4the housings6are two. In practice, the housings6can be more than three, for example four or five. The housings6can have all the same dimensions or some of them can be larger than the others, for example having a double volume to accommodate more bulky modules.

The openings21are preferably all arranged on the same side of the cartridge so to load the modules7more comfortably.

As shown inFIG.1, the openings21are all arranged on the upper side of the external lateral surface20. This prevents the modules7to escape by gravity when the cartridge is extracted from the wall33.

The modules7are configured to match, or to fit, with the housings6of the cartridge5.

Optionally, sealing gaskets can be arranged on the modules7to allow an improved fluid seal between the cartridge5and the modules7.

As shown inFIG.1, the cartridge frame23can comprise stop means24to prevent the exit of the module7once it is inserted into the frame of the cartridge23. The stop means24can be tabs provided with elastic return means, suitable to come out from the frame of the cartridge23and to realize an abutment for the module7.

In order to more easily extract the cartridge5, said cartridge frame23can comprise a hooking element34, for example a retractable handle.

The apparatus1according to the present invention allows to customize and modulate the same according to the operational needs of the user.

The framework of the frame4can be constrained to the wall or ceiling33. The cartridge5can be connected reversibly to the framework of the frame4. The modules7can be reversibly connected to the cartridge5.

This modularity permits to adapt the air diffusion apparatus1to any context of use.

The framework of the frame4, the cartridge5and the removable modules7can have any shape, depending on the wall or ceiling33on which they are installed and on the air ventilation system3used.

Extractable modules7make the maintenance activities easier, since it is possible to remove the cartridge5from the frame4and subsequently the modules7from the cartridge5without specific tools.

The diffusion apparatuses1so conceived can also be modified according to the operational needs of the air ventilation system3. For example, if an open space environment comprises two air diffusion apparatuses1according to the present invention, one for drawing and the other for delivering air, in case of a subdivision of the open space environment, both apparatuses1can become of the delivery type to refrigerate/heat the two rooms.

This apparatus also allows to keep the air ventilation system3cleaner during the installation phase, since during the installation works the cartridge can comprise a protective film installed frontally so that the ventilation ducts11do not get dirty with construction dust.

Optionally, the ventilation duct11can comprise a nebulization system of disinfectant substances to disinfect the air from viruses and bacteria in transit through the apparatus1, or from the elements constituting the apparatus1.

Another embodiment of the present invention is defined by the following sentence: Air diffusion system for wall or ceiling, fluidly connectable to an air ventilation system, comprising: a frame fixable to a wall or ceiling; a cartridge configured to be insertable into the frame; wherein the cartridge comprises a plurality of housings for receiving respective removable modules, each module comprises one or more of the following apparatuses: vertical blades; horizontal blades; oblique blades; a filter; nozzles; perforated grid.

Concluding, the invention so conceived is susceptible to many modifications and variations all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore all features can be substituted to technically equivalent alternatives. Practically, the quantities can be varied depending on the specific technical exigencies.