U.S. patent application number 10/516961 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-21 for modular wall panel with heated ventilator.
Invention is credited to Holwerda, Jack A., Holwerda, Scott.
Application Number | 20050155302 10/516961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29735882 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050155302 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holwerda, Jack A. ; et
al. |
July 21, 2005 |
Modular wall panel with heated ventilator
Abstract
A modular wall panel has a channel with an opening at an upper
end and an opening at a lower end. A heat exchanger and a fan are
disposed within the channel to move air from the opening at the
upper end to the opening at the lower end, and heat or cool the air
before it is exhausted from the lower opening.
Inventors: |
Holwerda, Jack A.; (Grand
Rapids, MI) ; Holwerda, Scott; (Grand Haven,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGARRY BAIR PC
171 MONROE AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 600
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49503
US
|
Family ID: |
29735882 |
Appl. No.: |
10/516961 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
April 3, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US03/10267 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60319298 |
Jun 6, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/220.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24D 5/10 20130101; F24H
3/0411 20130101; E04C 2/525 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/220.1 |
International
Class: |
E04C 002/52 |
Claims
1. A wall panel comprising a first opening and a second opening,
wherein the first opening is above the second opening, with a
channel therein for directing air between the first and second
openings, a fan within the channel that, when activated, will urge
air to move from the first opening toward the second opening,
characterized by: a heat exchanger disposed within the channels,
whereby when the fan and heat exchanger are actuated, air will be
drawn into the channel from the first opening, heated or cooled
within the channel, and exhausted from the second opening at a
different temperature from air entering the first opening.
2. The wall panel of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger his
located downstream from the fan.
3. The wall panel of claims 2, wherein the second opening is at a
lower end thereof.
4. The wall panel of claim 3, further comprising a pair of parallel
flat surfaces and a rail located along the bottom edge of one of
the flat surfaces, wherein the second opening is disposed above the
rail.
5. The wall panel claim 1-4, wherein the first opening is at an
upper end thereof.
6. The wall panel of claim 5, further comprising a top edge,
wherein the first opening is located on the top edge.
7. The wall panel of claim 1, wherein the channel is a duct.
8. The wall panel of claim 7, wherein the duct is constructed of
metal.
9. The wall panel of an claim 1, wherein the fan is an impeller
fan.
10. The wall panel of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger heats the
air.
11. The wall panel of claim 10, wherein the heat exchanger is a
resistance heater.
12. The wall panel of claim 1, wherein the fan and the heat
exchanger are removable from the channel.
13. The wall panel of claim 1, wherein an insulation block is
disposed between the fan and the heat exchanger.
14. The wall panel claim 13, wherein the insulation block is
removable from the channel.
15. The wall panel of claim 1, further comprising a heat/air
deflector.
16. The wall panel of claim 15, wherein the heat/air deflector
comprises two downwardly angled deflection wings.
17. The wall panel of claim 15, wherein the heat/air deflector is
removable from the channel.
18. The wall panel of claim 1, wherein the wall panel is
modular.
19. A modular wall panel comprising a first opening at an upper end
thereof and a second opening at a lower end thereof with a channel
therein for directing air between the first and second openings, a
modular housing adapted to be removably mounted to the wall panel
within the channel, said modular housing having a fan and a heat
exchanger, whereby when the modular housing is mounted, the fan and
heat exchanger will be disposed to move air from the first opening
to the second opening and heated or cooled before being exhausted
from the second opening.
20. The modular wall panel of claim 19, wherein the heat exchanger
is located downstream from the fan.
21. The modular wall panel of claim 19, wherein the heat exchanger
heats the air.
22. The modular wall panel of claim 19, further comprising a
heat/air deflector.
23. The modular wall panel of claim 22, wherein the heat/air
deflector comprises two downwardly angled deflection wings.
24. The modular wall panel of claim 22, wherein the heat/air
deflector is removable from the channel.
25. The modular wall panel of claim 22, wherein the modular housing
comprises the heat/air deflector.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/319,298, filed on Jun. 6, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to modular wall panels for
open office arrangements, and, more particularly, to ventilation
systems through such panels.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Modular wall panels for open office arrangements are well
known in the art. Typically individual wall panels are
interconnected in different configurations to form separate
workstations. These panels are extremely durable, and can be
readily assembled into alternative configurations to meet the
specific needs of a user.
[0006] One of the problems with such portable wall panel systems
and other forms of modular furniture systems is the potential
result of poor or uneven distribution of ventilation air at the
workstations due to the impeding of airflow by the furniture units
themselves. Some workstation ventilation systems have been
developed, but the known systems require large capital expenditure,
lack aesthetics, lack functionality, or require a difficult or
disruptive installation.
[0007] Even where ventilated air is directed through wall panel
systems, the ease of rearrangement is compromised because they are
horizontally oriented. There is a need for a simple, effective
ventilation system that can be integrated into a modular wall panel
without compromising its adaptability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention solves these and other problems by providing a
wall panel comprising a first opening and a second opening. The
first opening is above the second opening, and a channel for
directing air extends between the first and second openings. A fan
is within the channel and, when activated, moves air from the first
opening toward the second opening. A heat exchanger is disposed
within the channel so that when the fan and heat exchanger are
actuated, air will be drawn into the channel from the first
opening, heated or cooled within the channel, and exhausted from
the second opening at a different temperature from air entering the
first opening.
[0009] Preferably, the heat exchanger is located downstream from
the fan. The second opening can be located at a lower end of the
panel. For example, it can be located just above the rail along the
bottom edge of one of the flat surfaces of the panel. Similarly,
the first opening can be at an upper end of the panel. Preferably,
it will be located on the top edge of the panel.
[0010] The channel is preferably a duct and made of metal. The fan
is preferably an impeller fan and the heat exchanger is the type
that heats the air. In this aspect, it can be a resistance
heater.
[0011] Typically, the fan and the heat exchanger are removable from
the channel. An insulation block is normally disposed between the
fan and the heat exchanger and is also removable from the channel.
A heat/air deflector helps to control the flow of air within the
panel. The heat/air deflector preferably comprises two downwardly
angled deflection wings and is removable from the channel. The wall
panel itself can be modular.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, a modular wall panel
comprising a first opening at an upper end and a second opening at
a lower end with a channel therein for directing air between the
first and second openings has a modular housing adapted to be
removably mounted to the wall panel within the channel. The modular
housing has a fan and a heat exchanger so that when the modular
housing is mounted, the fan and heat exchanger will be disposed to
move air from the first opening to the second opening and heat it
or cool it before it is exhausted from the second opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] In the drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall panel according to
the invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the wall panel of FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of the wall panel of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the modular housing of
FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
wall panel of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the wall panel of FIG. 5
with a front flat surface removed and with an exploded view of a
cap and a register cover assembly;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the register cover assembly
from the wall panel of FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fan unit from the wall
panel of FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an air/heat deflector from
the wall panel of FIG. 5;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fan unit/deflector
assembly comprising the components in FIG. 8 and 9; and
[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger from the
wall panel of FIG. 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] A wall panel 10, preferably modular, according to the
invention is shown and FIG. 1 having a general appearance common to
a typical modular wall panel. The panel 10, with an upper end 13
and a lower end 15, has a pair of parallel flat surfaces 12, 14
bounded by side edges 16, 18, and a top edge 20. A rail 22 along a
bottom 20 edge 17 of one of the flat surfaces 12 typically covers a
raceway for power and other elements common to the art. Power
sockets 24, 26 are typically disposed in the rail 22.
[0026] Looking now also at FIG. 2, it can be seen that the wall
panel 10 is hollow. A channel 28 runs vertically in the panel 10
between the top edge 20 and the rail 22. One end of the channel 28
opens through the top edge 20 at a first, upper opening 30, and the
other end of the channel opens through the flat surface 12 at a
second, lower opening 32 just above the rail 22. It will be
understood that it is important only that one opening be above
another; the exact location of the openings is not critical. For
example, the upper opening 30 can be located at the upper end 13 of
the flat surface 12. Also, the lower opening 32 can be at the lower
end 15, through the rail 22, or anywhere on the flat surface 12
below the upper opening 30. Also, the upper and lower openings 30,
32 need not be on the same side of the flat surface 12. The idea is
to enable delivery of air from an upper portion of the workspace to
a lower portion of the workspace. Preferably, the openings 30, 32
are covered with diffusers or grills.
[0027] Within the channel 28, preferably at a lower end thereof, is
a fan 34 disposed to move air from the upper opening 30 toward the
lower opening 32. It will be understood that the fan can be located
anywhere in the channel 28, or even at the ends of the channel. It
is important the fan be located so as to move air through the
channel. Also any type of fan is acceptable, although some may
preferable over others. For example, a squirrel cage fan may be
preferred in some applications and an impeller fan may be preferred
in others. Also, more than one fan may be required to move the
volume of air needed for a given application. The fan 34 is
electrically connected to a power source (not shown) that might
include a power conduit in the raceway. The fan 34 will also be
connected to a power switch 36 mounted on the panel 10 or
elsewhere. The power switch can be a wired or wireless remote. The
power switch 36 can also be a thermostat and/or a remote control
sensor.
[0028] Preferably downstream from the fan 34 within the channel 28
is a heat exchanger 38. The heat exchanger can be a heating element
that will typically be one or more resistance wires connected to
the power source and/or the thermostat 36. The type of heating
element is not critical to the invention. The heat exchanger can
also be a cooling unit to reduce the air temperature exiting the
lower opening 32.
[0029] It will be understood that the fan can be operated
independently of the heat exchanger, although safety regulations
would likely prevent operation of a heating element when the fan is
not also operated. Nevertheless, it may be desirable to operate the
fan when the heat exchanger is not actuated.
[0030] In operation, it will be seen that actuation of the fan 34
will draw air from the upper opening 30 through the channel 28,
past the heat exchanger 38 and toward the lower opening 32. In this
way, when the panel 10 is installed in a workstation arrangement,
room air is utilized to modify the air temperature in the
workspace.
[0031] An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3 and 4
where it can be seen that like elements carry like reference
numerals. The principal difference is that the heat exchanger 38
and fan 34 are installed in a separate modular unit 40 that can be
easily inserted into the lower opening 32 of the channel 28. The
modular unit 40 comprises a housing 42 having an inlet end 44 and
an outlet end 46. The cross section of the inlet end 44 is
orthogonal to the cross section of the outlet end 46, and the
longer wall 48 of the housing 42 is arcuate. The fan 34 and heat
exchanger 38 are disposed within the housing 42 near the inlet end
44.
[0032] The housing 42 is adapted to be removably secured within the
channel 28 such as by tabs, detents and the like. Preferably, the
fan 34 and heat exchanger 38 have a single electrical connector
that is adapted to mate with another electrical connector connected
to the power source. Installation of the housing 42 within the
channel 28 is easily accomplished by inserting the inlet end 44
into the lower opening 32 and rotating the housing until the outlet
end 46 is parallel to the flat surface 12, while the housing is
simultaneously secured therein by the tabs, detents or the
like.
[0033] A third embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 where it
can be seen that like elements carry like reference numerals. In
this embodiment, the channel 28 with the upper and lower openings
30, 32 is defined by a duct 50 composed of any suitable material,
but preferably constructed with a metallic material. The duct 50
has parallel front and rear walls 52, 54, respectively, and
parallel side walls 56, 58. The rear wall 54 and side walls 56, 58
extend at least from the upper opening 30 to at least the bottom of
the lower opening 32, and the side walls 56, 58 have angled slots
59, best seen in FIG. 11, adjacent the lower opening 32. The front
wall 52 extends from at least the upper opening 30 to the top of
the lower opening 32.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, a cap 60 covers the upper opening 30 and
extends to the side edges 16, 18 of the wall panel 10. The cap 60
has grated slots 62 positioned over the upper opening 30 to permit
transfer of air yet prevent undesired debris from entering the
channel 28. Any suitable size, orientation, or number of grated
slots may be employed to accomplish this function.
[0035] Similarly, a register cover assembly 64, shown in FIG. 6 and
in detail in FIG. 7, comprising a rectangular cover 66 with grated
slots 68 is positioned in and covers the lower opening 32. The
cover may be of any suitable shape and contain any reasonable size,
number, or configuration of grated slots. Further, the register
cover assembly 64 has an attachment clip 70 for securing the
register cover assembly 64 in lower opening 32 and an arcuate
extension 72 that projects into the channel 28 to direct air
towards the lower opening 32 when in use.
[0036] The third embodiment further includes a fan unit 74, shown
in FIG. 8, and an air/heat deflector 76, shown in FIG. 9. The fan
unit 74 comprises a fan, preferably an impeller fan 35, a base 78,
clips 80, 82, and an insulation block 84. The impeller fan 35 is
mounted to the base 78 such that the exhaust port of the fan 35
abuts the flat surface of the base 78, and the insulation block 84
is located on the side of the base 78 opposite the fan 35. The
clips 80, 82, which comprise metal strips with a portion thereof
folded upon themselves at one end, are mounted on the same side of
the base 78 as the fan 35 and extend orthogonally downward. While
the clips described herein are preferred, any type of fastener
suitable for mounting the base 78 within the channel 28 may be
utilized. An aperture 85 and a slit 86 are provided in the base 78
and the insulation block 84 for air flow from the fan 35 and for
electrical wiring, respectively.
[0037] The air/beat deflector 76 has a center body 88, a crimp 90,
triangular flaps 92, and deflection wings 94. The crimp 90 is an
orthogonal extension of the center body 88 and is provided for
attachment of the deflector 76 to the fan unit 74 to form a fan
unit/deflector assembly 98, as shown in FIG. 10. The fan
unit/deflector assembly 98 is arranged such that the center body 88
of the deflector 76 is positioned beneath the aperture 85 and is
coplanar with the lower flat surface of the insulation block 84.
The triangular flaps 92 of the deflector 76 extend downward at an
angle from the center body 88 such that air from the aperture 85
flows downstream past the center body 88 and is forced downward by
the deflection wings 94 which extend diagonally from the center
body 88 to the side walls 56, 58 of the duct 50 when located in the
duct 50, as in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0038] The heat exchanger 38 of the current embodiment in FIG. 11
is a conventional single rod heat exchanger with electrical leads
96 on each end. The heat exchanger 38 preferably acts to heat the
air, and is, preferably, a resistance heater 41.
[0039] Assembly of the above components commences by attaching the
air/heat deflector 76 to the fan unit 74 via the crimp 90 to form
the fan unit/deflector assembly 98. Next, the fan unit/deflector
assembly 98 is introduced into the channel 28 through the lower
opening 32 with the fan portion of the assembly 98 ahead of the
deflector portion, raised to a position wherein the insulation
block 84 is located above the lower opening 32 but end of the clips
80, 82 are positioned below the top of the lower opening, and
secured to the front wall 52 of the duct 50 by moving the assembly
98 upward such that the clips 80, 82 engage the front wall 52 of
the duct 50. Once the fan unit/deflector assembly 98 is in place,
the ends of the heat exchanger 38 are inserted into the angled
slots 59 of the side walls 56, 58 of the duct 50. Finally, the
register cover assembly 64 is inserted into the lower opening 32
and secured by the attachment clip 70.
[0040] In operation, actuation of the fan 35 draws air from the
opening 30 through the channel 28, into the side of the fan 35, out
the bottom of the fan 35, through the aperture 85 in the base 78
and the insulation block 84, past the center body 88 and tabs 92 of
the air/heat deflector 76, along the deflection wings 94 of the
air/heat deflector 76, past the heat exchanger 38 and toward the
lower opening 32.
[0041] While the invention has been specifically described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that this is by way of illustration and not of
limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be
construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.
* * * * *