MECHANICALLY AUTOMATICALLY OPERATING VOLUMETRIC FLOW REGULATOR

Abstract

A mechanically automatically operated volumetric flow regulator for interior ventilation systems through which a medium flows has a housing that comprises a wall and forms part of a flow conduit. A flap valve is mounted in the interior of the housing on a shaft arranged transversely to the flow direction. The flap valve is swingable against between open and closed positions. In order to describe a volumetric flow regulator in which the flap valve position is identifiable even from outside the housing without disassembly, an indicating element, indirectly or directly connected to the flap valve and/or to the shaft and likewise moving in accordance with the movement of the flap valve, is to be provided inside and/or outside the housing, said element being arranged, for visual monitoring of the position of the flap valve, in a manner freely visible from outside the housing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application is related to application number 14151551.0, filed Jan. 17, 2014 with the European Patent Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference and to which priority is claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator, in particular for interior ventilation systems through which a medium flows, having a housing that comprises a wall and forms part of a flow conduit, having a flap valve mounted in the interior of the housing pivotably on a shaft arranged transversely to the flow direction, such that under the influence of the medium flowing against the flap valve, the flap valve is swingable against a return force out of an open position into a closed position, and upon a decrease in the volumetric flow of the flowing medium pivots back into the open position as a result of the return force.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The flap valve can be fastened nonrotatably on the shaft so that the shaft then rotates with respect to the housing. The shaft can be mounted with respect to the housing at one end or both ends. Instead of one continuous shaft, stub shafts projecting laterally beyond the outer contour of the flap valve can also be respectively provided in two oppositely located regions of the flap valve. Alternatively, the shaft can be arranged nonrotatably on the housing. In this case the flap valve then rotates around the shaft. Only one end, or both ends, of the shaft can be fastened on the housing. Instead of one continuous shaft, the housing can comprise a respective inward-facing stub shaft in two oppositely located regions. In the context of mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulators, the flap valve is swung against a return force, under the influence of the medium flowing against the flap valve, out of an open position into a closed position. If the pressure gradient in front of and behind the flap valve decreases, the flap valve is pivoted back into its open position by the return force. Volumetric flow regulators of this kind operate mechanically automatically, since the flow-related regulator flap torque is compensated for by the return force, which is usually generated by a spring. Known volumetric flow regulators are disadvantageous in that the position of the flap valve is not visible from outside. It is therefore not possible to establish an energy-optimized working point in every case, since large pressure losses result, for example, if the flap valve has almost reached its closed position (which is not visible from outside).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to eliminate the aforesaid disadvantages and to describe a volumetric flow regulator in which the flap valve position can also be identified from outside the housing without disassembly.

This object is achieved in that an indicating element, indirectly or directly connected to the flap valve and/or to the shaft and likewise moving in accordance with the movement of the flap valve, is provided inside and/or outside the housing, said element being arranged, for visual monitoring of the position of the flap valve, in a manner freely visible from outside the housing. Thanks to the configuration according to the present invention, the position of the flap valve can be identified at any time from outside the housing. Because automatically mechanically operating regulators usually have an externally accessible setpoint adjustment, the setpoint can be optimally adjusted while simultaneously observing the flap valve position. Energy-optimized regulation of the working point is thereby possible.

At least one end of the shaft itself can be embodied as an indicating element. For example, the indicating element can represent a painted-on identifier or a notch. Also conceivable is a line that is oriented parallel to the flap valve.

Alternatively, the indicating element can also be embodied as a separate component.

In an exemplifying embodiment in which the indicating element is embodied as a separate component, the indicating element can be fastened at an end of the shaft. This can involve, for example, a disk, placed onto the end of the shaft, that comprises a corresponding marking.

The indicating element can be arranged inside the housing, and the housing, at least in the region of the indicating element moving in accordance with the movement of the flap valve, can be made of a transparent material or can comprise an opening, in particular closed off with a viewing window. The housing can, for example, have in the region in question a transparent viewing window which is sufficiently large that in every position of the flap valve the indicating element is visible and thus the flap valve position is identifiable. Also conceivable is an opening in the wall of the housing which enables observation of the aligned end of the shaft arranged in the interior of the housing.

The housing can comprise at least one opening as a mount for an end of the shaft.

It is useful if the end of the shaft projects externally out of the opening. With such a configuration, the indicating element can be fastened on that end of the shaft which projects externally out of the opening. Alternatively, that end of the shaft which projects externally out of the opening can itself be embodied as an indicating element.

At least a portion of a device for generating the return force, in particular the entire device for generating the return force, can be arranged on the outer side of the housing. An example of a device for generating the return force is notable for the fact that the shaft comprises a lever arm on which a spring engages articulatedly, such that the spring can be, for example, a leaf spring whose one end is connected to the lever and whose other end is fastened onto a cam plate in such a way that upon displacement of the cam plate around a rotation point, the leaf spring is entrained by the cam plate and rolls along the cam; and that a device for securing the cam plate is provided. A connecting rod or a connecting cable can be provided for connecting the lever to the associated end of the leaf spring.

At least a portion of a securing device for securing the device for generating the return force, in particular the entire securing device for securing the device for generating the return force, can be arranged on the outer side of the housing. If the device for generating the return force comprises a cam plate for setpoint adjustment, the securing device can be embodied, for example, as a screw that, after loosening, enables a rotation of the cam plate.

It is useful if the housing comprises an external cover that covers, externally in the direction of the longitudinal dimension of the shaft, at least a sub-region of that portion of the securing device which is arranged outside the housing, and/or that covers, externally in the direction of the longitudinal dimension of the shaft, at least a sub-region of that portion of the device for generating the return force which is arranged outside the housing, and/or that covers, externally in the direction of the longitudinal dimension of the shaft, at least a sub-region of that portion of the indicating element which is arranged outside the housing, such that the cover, at least in the region of the indicating element likewise moving in accordance with the movement of the flap valve, either is made of a transparent material or comprises an opening, in particular one closed off with a viewing window, or the indicating element is located outside the cover. In the case of an indicating element arranged outside the cover, the indicating element can be embodied, for example, as a disk or as a disk segment that projects, for example, laterally with respect to the cover and thus enables reading.

The cover can be made of a panel. Other materials are, of course, also conceivable. Configuring from a perforated panel, from a grid, from a transparent material, or the like is also possible.

The cover can comprise a preferably peripheral shoulder bent over in the direction of the housing. The region concealed by the cover is then also not visible from the side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

An exemplifying embodiment of the invention, depicted in the drawings, is explained below. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a volumetric flow regulator according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the subject matter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the subject matter of FIG. 1 viewed in or oppositely to the flow direction;

FIG. 4 is an oblique side view of the subject matter of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 shows the subject matter of FIG. 4, indicating the device for generating the return force arranged behind the cover, and the flap valve arranged in the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Matching reference characters are used for identical or similar components in all the Figures.

The Figures depict a mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator of polygonal configuration. It comprises a housing 1 comprising a wall and constituting part of a flow conduit. A flange 2 is shaped on at each of the two free ends of housing 1. The volumetric flow regulator is attachable by means of flanges 2 to air conduits (not depicted). Other cross sections of the volumetric flow regulator are also conceivable. For example, the volumetric flow regulator can be round, and can be connected to the air conduits (not depicted) by means of suitable slide-on sleeves.

In the interior of housing 1, a flap valve 5 is pivotably mounted on a shaft 4 arranged transversely to flow direction 3. Flap valve 5 is fastened nonrotatably on shaft 4. Flap valve 5 is swingable under the influence of a medium flowing onto flap valve 5, against a return force, out of its open position as depicted e.g. in FIG. 3 into its closed position. As the volumetric flow of the flowing medium decreases, flap valve 5 is pivoted by the return force back into its open position.

In the exemplifying embodiment depicted, an opening 6, through which the respective end 7 of shaft 4 is guided outward, is provided in each of two oppositely located walls. Openings 6 serve in that regard as mounts for shaft 4. Shaft 4 is sealed in the region of the two openings 6, by way of seals that are not depicted, with respect to housing 1.

As depicted in particular in FIGS. 2 and 3, an indicating element 8 in the form of a separately embodied component is placed externally onto one of the two ends 7 of shaft 4. This indicating element 8 comprises a marking in the form of a line. The line is oriented parallel to the position of flap valve 5. Indicating element 8 co-rotates as the position of flap valve 5 changes.

As is evident from FIGS. 2 to 4, a cover 9 is provided on that side of housing 1 on which indicating element 8 is arranged. In the exemplifying embodiment depicted, this cover 9 is made up of a planar element having two oppositely located short sides 10 oriented orthogonally to flow direction 3, and having two oppositely located long edges 11 oriented parallel to flow direction 3.

Each of the two short edges 10 contacts the respectively adjacent flange 2, and can be fastened to said flange 2 in a manner not further illustrated. In the region of the two oppositely located long edges 11, cover 9 is bent over toward housing 1 forming a shoulder 19. The two bent-over shoulders 19 contact the wall of housing 1. The region covered by cover 9 is thus embodied in laterally closed-off fashion on all four sides. Cover 9 can be, for example, slid, clipped, or bolted onto housing 1 and/or onto flanges 2.

In the region of indicating element 8 that likewise moves in accordance with the movement of flap valve 5, cover 9 is made of a transparent material. Cover 9 can, for example, comprise a viewing window 12 in this region. Indicating element 8 is thus visible even though cover 9 is installed, so that the position of flap valve 5 is recognizable from outside housing 1, i.e. from outside through viewing window 12, even when the volumetric flow regulator is in the installed state.

FIGS. 1 and 4 depict in further detail the device for generating the return force. Mounted on housing 1, swingably around a rotation point 13, is a cam plate 14 that can be immobilized in different pivot positions using a securing device (not depicted) for securing the device for generating the return force. A spring 16, which is embodied as a leaf spring, is fastened at the upper (in FIG. 4) end of a cam 15 constituted by cam plate 14. The other end of spring 16 is connected by means of a connecting rod 17 to a perforated disk 18 that sits on pivot shaft 4 of flap valve 5.

FIG. 5 shows the relaxed spring 16. Upon pivoting, spring 16 rolls along cam 15 of cam plate 14, in which context its end attached to connecting rod 15 experiences a deflection. If the properties of the volumetric flow regulator are to be modified, it is then sufficient to loosen cam plate 14 and displace it into another position.

As is evident from the Figures, the device for generating the return force is located outside housing 1. The device for generating the return force is nevertheless arranged in protected fashion behind cover 9. The securing device (not further depicted) for securing the device for generating the return force can of course also be arranged outside housing 1 in protected fashion behind cover 9.

As is evident from FIG. 1, rotation point 13 projects externally from housing 1 and also protrudes from cover 9. A hand lever, for example, can be provided on rotation point 13 in order to modify the position of cam 15.

A drive system that interacts with rotation point 13 is of course also conceivable.

It is of course also possible, for example, for cover 9 to be embodied to be open in the region of the two long edges 11, so that the components located behind cover 9 in these regions are recognizable from both sides.

It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in construction or configuration of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover all modifications and variations of the invention, provided they come within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator, in particular for interior ventilation systems through which a medium flows, having a housing (1) that comprises a wall and forms part of a flow conduit, having a flap valve (5) mounted in the interior of the housing (1) pivotably on a shaft (4) arranged transversely to the flow direction (3), such that under the influence of the medium flowing against the flap valve (5), the flap valve (5) is swingable against a return force out of an open position into a closed position, and upon a decrease in the volumetric flow of the flowing medium pivots back into the open position as a result of the return force,

wherein an indicating element (8), indirectly or directly connected to the flap valve (5) and/or to the shaft (4) and likewise moving in accordance with the movement of the flap valve (5), is provided inside and/or outside the housing (1), said element being arranged, for visual monitoring of the position of the flap valve (5), in a manner freely visible from outside the housing (1).

2. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one end (7) of the shaft (4) is embodied as an indicating element (8).

3. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 1, wherein the indicating element (8) is embodied as a separate component.

4. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 3, wherein the indicating element (8) is fastened at an end (7) of the shaft (4).

5. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 1, wherein the indicating element (8) is arranged inside the housing (1); and the housing (1), at least in the region of the indicating element (8) moving in accordance with the movement of the flap valve (5), is made of a transparent material or comprises an opening, in particular closed off with a viewing window (12).

6. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 1, wherein the housing (1) comprises at least one opening (6) as a mount for an end (7) of the shaft (4).

7. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 6, wherein the end (7) of the shaft (4) projects externally out of the opening (6).

8. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of a device for generating the return force, in particular the entire device for generating the return force, is arranged on the outer side of the housing (1).

9. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of a securing device for securing the device for generating the return force, in particular the entire securing device for securing the device for generating the return force, is arranged on the outer side of the housing (1).

10. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 8, wherein the housing (1) comprises an external cover (9) that covers, externally in the direction of the longitudinal dimension of the shaft (4), at least a sub-region of that portion of the securing device which is arranged outside the housing (1), and/or that covers, externally in the direction of the longitudinal dimension of the shaft (4), at least a sub-region of that portion of the device for generating the return force which is arranged outside the housing (1), and/or that covers, externally in the direction of the longitudinal dimension of the shaft (4), at least a sub-region of that portion of the indicating element (8) which is arranged outside the housing (1), such that the cover (9), at least in the region of the indicating element (8) likewise moving in accordance with the movement of the flap valve (5), either is made of a transparent material or comprises an opening, in particular closed off with a viewing window (12), or the indicating element (8) is located outside the cover (9).

11. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 10, wherein the cover (9) is made of a panel.

12. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 10, wherein the cover (9) comprises a preferably peripheral shoulder (19) bent over in the direction of the housing (1).

13. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 2, wherein the indicating element (8) is embodied as a separate component.

14. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 2, wherein the indicating element (8) is arranged inside the housing (1); and the housing (1), at least in the region of the indicating element (8) moving in accordance with the movement of the flap valve (5), is made of a transparent material or comprises an opening, in particular closed off with a viewing window (12).

15. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 3, wherein the indicating element (8) is arranged inside the housing (1); and the housing (1), at least in the region of the indicating element (8) moving in accordance with the movement of the flap valve (5), is made of a transparent material or comprises an opening, in particular closed off with a viewing window (12).

16. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 4, wherein the indicating element (8) is arranged inside the housing (1); and the housing (1), at least in the region of the indicating element (8) moving in accordance with the movement of the flap valve (5), is made of a transparent material or comprises an opening, in particular closed off with a viewing window (12).

17. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 2, wherein the housing (1) comprises at least one opening (6) as a mount for an end (7) of the shaft (4).

18. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 3, wherein the housing (1) comprises at least one opening (6) as a mount for an end (7) of the shaft (4).

19. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 4, wherein the housing (1) comprises at least one opening (6) as a mount for an end (7) of the shaft (4).

20. The mechanically automatically operating volumetric flow regulator according to claim 5, wherein the housing (1) comprises at least one opening (6) as a mount for an end (7) of the shaft (4).