U.S. patent application number 11/330135 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for ventilation assembly configurable for top openings and/or side openings.
Invention is credited to Eric Charlebois, Martin Gagnon, Christian Legare, Sebastien Martel, Jean-Bernard Piaud.
Application Number | 20060252363 11/330135 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36676883 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060252363 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Charlebois; Eric ; et
al. |
November 9, 2006 |
Ventilation assembly configurable for top openings and/or side
openings
Abstract
A modular blower combination assembly comprising an
interconnection element and a pair of modular blower sub-assemblies
associated therewith for exploitation in a ventilation device or
system.
Inventors: |
Charlebois; Eric;
(St-Nicephore, CA) ; Legare; Christian;
(Drummondville, CA) ; Gagnon; Martin;
(St-Charles-de-Drummond, CA) ; Martel; Sebastien;
(St-Christophe-d'Arthabaska, CA) ; Piaud;
Jean-Bernard; (Rock-Forest, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ronald S. Kosie;BCF LLP
25th Floor
1100 Rene-Levesque Boulevard West
Montreal
QC
H3B 5C9
CA
|
Family ID: |
36676883 |
Appl. No.: |
11/330135 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/188 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 7/065 20130101;
F24F 12/006 20130101; F24F 13/20 20130101; Y02B 30/56 20130101;
F24F 2007/002 20130101; Y02B 30/563 20130101; F24F 13/0236
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/188 |
International
Class: |
F24F 9/00 20060101
F24F009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 12, 2005 |
CA |
2,492,294 |
Claims
1. A modular blower combination assembly comprising an
interconnection element and a pair of modular blower sub-assemblies
associated therewith, said interconnection element being configured
for interconnecting said pair of modular blower sub-assemblies in
juxtaposed relationship in a respective first configuration and in
a respective second configuration, each of said modular blower
sub-assemblies comprising blower means and an enclosure disposed
about said blower means, said blower means having an upstream side
and a downstream side, said enclosure comprising a pair of opposed
faces interconnected by side wall means, said enclosure having an
axis of rotation relative to said opposed faces, one of said
opposed faces defining a blower opening in air communication with
one side of the blower means, the blower means having an axis of
rotation transverse to said one opposed face, said side wall means
defining a side blower opening in air communication with the other
side of the blower means, said enclosure being configured to be
able to engage said interconnection element in a first
configuration whereby said side blower opening is disposed in a
first position such that air may pass through said side blower
opening in a first direction and being configured to be able, on
rotation of the enclosure about said axis of rotation of the
enclosure, to engage said interconnection element in a second
configuration whereby said side blower opening is disposed in a
second position such that air may pass through said side blower
opening in a second direction transverse to said first
direction.
2. A modular blower assembly for association with an
interconnection element configured for interconnecting a pair of
modular blower assemblies in juxtaposed relationship in a
respective first configuration and in a respective second
configuration, said modular blower assembly comprising blower means
and an enclosure disposed about said blower means, said blower
means having an upstream side and a downstream side, said enclosure
comprising a pair of opposed faces interconnected by side wall
means, said enclosure having an axis of rotation relative to said
opposed faces, one of said opposed faces defining a blower opening
in air communication with one side of the blower means, the blower
means having an axis of rotation transverse to said one opposed
face, said side wall means defining a side blower opening in air
communication with the other side of the blower means, said
enclosure being configured to be able to engage said
interconnection element in a first configuration whereby said side
blower opening is disposed in a first position such that air may
pass through said side blower opening in a first direction and
being configured to be able, on rotation of the enclosure about
said axis of rotation of the enclosure, to engage said
interconnection element in a second configuration whereby said side
blower opening is disposed in a second position such that air may
pass through said side blower opening in a second direction
transverse to said first direction.
3. A modular blower combination assembly comprising an
interconnection element and a pair of modular blower sub-assemblies
associated therewith, said interconnection element configured for
interconnecting said pair of modular blower sub-assemblies in
juxtaposed relationship in a respective first configuration and in
a respective second configuration, each of said modular blower
sub-assemblies comprising blower means and an enclosure disposed
about said blower means, said blower means having an upstream side
and a downstream side, said enclosure having a rectangular box-like
form and comprising a pair of opposed square broad faces
interconnected by a first side wall element and three secondary
side wall elements, said enclosure having a central axis of
rotation relative to said opposed square broad faces, one of said
opposed broad faces defining a blower air intake opening in air
communication with the upstream side of the blower means, the
blower means having an axis of rotation transverse to said one
opposed face, said first side wall element defining a side blower
air outlet opening in air communication with the downstream side of
the blower means, said enclosure being configured to be able to
engage said interconnection element in a first configuration
whereby said side blower opening is disposed in a first position
such that air may pass out of said side blower opening in a first
direction and being configured to be able, on rotation of the
enclosure 90 degrees about said central axis of rotation of the
enclosure, to engage said interconnection element in a second
configuration whereby said side blower opening is disposed in a
second position such that air may pass out of said side blower
opening in a second direction perpendicular to said first
direction.
4. A modular blower combination assembly as defined in claim 1
wherein the interconnection element comprises an elongated element
and has an L-like cross-section having a foot portion and a
upstanding leg portion connected thereto, said foot portion being
configured for seating said enclosure by engagement with a
secondary side wall element.
5. A modular blower assembly for association with an
interconnection element configured for interconnecting a pair of
modular blower assemblies in juxtaposed relationship in a
respective first configuration and in a respective second
configuration, said modular blower sub-assembly comprising blower
means and an enclosure disposed about said blower means, said
blower means having an upstream side and a downstream side, said
enclosure having a rectangular box-like form and comprising a pair
of opposed square broad faces interconnected by a first side wall
element and three secondary side wall elements, said enclosure
having a central axis of rotation relative to said opposed square
broad faces, one of said opposed broad faces defining a blower air
intake opening in air communication with the upstream side of the
blower means, the blower means hsving sn axis of rotation
transverse to said one opposed face, said first side wall element
defining a side blower air outlet opening in air communication with
the downstream side of the blower means, said enclosure being
configured to be able to engage said interconnection element in a
first configuration whereby said side blower opening is disposed in
a first position such that air may pass out of said side blower
opening in a first direction and being configured to be able, on
rotation of the enclosure 90 degrees about said central axis of
rotation of the enclosure, to engage said interconnection element
in a second configuration whereby said side blower opening is
disposed in a second position such that air may pass out of said
side blower opening in a second direction perpendicular to said
first direction.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation device which
comprises a housing means as well as a number of inlet and outlet
means, namely fresh air inlet means, exhaust or stale air inlet
means, exhaust or stale air outlet means and fresh air outlet
means. The present invention in particular relates to a ventilation
device comprising an outer frame means (e.g. a housing) and
ventilation components mounted to said frame (e.g. within a
housing) configured so as to define air paths (e.g. internal air
paths) for the exchange of sensible and/or latent heat between
exhaust air (e.g. warm and/or moist air) taken from inside a
building or enclosure and exterior fresh air (e.g. cool and/or dry
air) which is drawn into the building or enclosure. These types of
ventilation systems or devices are known.
[0002] It would be advantageous to have available a ventilation
unit available with top and/or side ports without having to exploit
two totally different platforms. This would allow much more
flexibility in terms of its fabrication and installation.
[0003] It would be advantageous to have a ventilation unit which
may be designed with airflow and a heat (or energy) transfer core
disposed in such a position that with the same frame an
air-exchanger may be configured with top ports and/or side ports
simply by blocking off the side or top openings as the case may be
and by rotating the internal blower(s) which are configured as part
of a module that could for example be incremented (i.e. rotated) by
90 degrees.
[0004] It would in particular be advantageous to have an enclosure
or housing for a modular blower combination assembly able to be
configured so as to be able to be seated in relation to an
interconnection element such that air may be expelled from the air
outlet thereof in a first direction and as desired in relation to
production needs be rotatable so as to be able to be seated in
relation to the interconnection element such that air may be
expelled from the air outlet thereof in a second direction
transverse to the first direction.
[0005] Thus the present invention in accordance with one aspect
provides a modular blower combination assembly comprising an
interconnection element and a pair of modular blower sub-assemblies
associated therewith,
[0006] said interconnection element configured for interconnecting
said pair of modular blower sub-assemblies in juxtaposed (e.g.
releasable) relationship in a respective first configuration and in
a respective second configuration,
[0007] each of said modular blower sub-assemblies comprising blower
means and an enclosure disposed about said blower means,
[0008] said blower means having an upstream side and a downstream
side,
[0009] said enclosure comprising a pair of opposed faces
interconnected by side wall means,
[0010] said enclosure having an axis of rotation relative to said
opposed faces,
[0011] one of said opposed faces defining a blower opening in air
communication with one side of the blower means, the blower means
having an axis of rotation transverse to said one opposed face,
[0012] said side wall means defining a side blower opening in air
communication with the other side of the blower means,
[0013] said enclosure being configured to be able to engage said
interconnection element in a first configuration whereby said side
blower opening is disposed in a first position such that air may
pass through said side blower opening in a first direction and
being configured to be able, on rotation of the enclosure about
said axis of rotation of the enclosure, to engage said
interconnection element in a second configuration whereby said side
blower opening is disposed in a second position such that air may
pass through said side blower opening in a second direction
transverse (e.g. perpendicular) to said first direction.
[0014] The present invention in accordance with another aspect
provides a modular blower assembly for association with an
interconnection element configured for (releasably) interconnecting
a pair of modular blower assemblies in juxtaposed relationship in a
respective first configuration and in a respective second
configuration, said modular blower assembly comprising blower means
and an enclosure disposed about said blower means,
[0015] said blower means having an upstream side and a downstream
side,
[0016] said enclosure comprising a pair of opposed faces
interconnected by side wall means,
[0017] said enclosure having an axis of rotation relative to said
opposed faces,
[0018] one of said opposed faces defining a blower opening in air
communication with one side of the blower means, the blower means
having an axis of rotation transverse to said one opposed face,
[0019] said side wall means defining a side blower opening in air
communication with the other side of the blower means,
[0020] said enclosure being configured to be able to engage said
interconnection element in a first configuration whereby said side
blower opening is disposed in a first position such that air may
pass through said side blower opening in a first direction and
being configured to be able, on rotation of the enclosure about
said axis of rotation of the enclosure, to engage said
interconnection element in a second configuration whereby said side
blower opening is disposed in a second position such that air may
pass through said side blower opening in a second direction
transverse (e.g. perpendicular) to said first direction.
[0021] An enclosure for a modular blower assembly of the present
invention may take on any form or configuration keeping in mind the
requirement that the enclosure of a sub-assembly is to be able to
be rotatable so as to displace the side wall opening as desired. An
enclosure for a modular blower assembly may for example have a
cross-section (transverse to the axis of rotation of the enclosure)
which is square like (see figures below) so that the enclosure side
wall elements may be rotated in incremental fashion (i.e. 90
degrees per rotation). The enclosure may however have any other
type of cross-section keeping in mind the enclosure is to be able
to pass from one configuration to another as described herein; it
may have a hexagonal cross section. Alternatively, for example
although the enclosure has been described in relation to a
rectangular box-like form, the enclosure may take on a circular
form (i.e. circular cross section relative to the axis of rotation
of the blower means) in which case the interconnection element is
to be modified in order to be able to displace the side wall
opening as discussed herein.
[0022] Thus the present invention in accordance with another aspect
provides a modular blower combination assembly comprising an
interconnection element and a pair of modular blower sub-assemblies
associated therewith,
[0023] said interconnection element configured for interconnecting
said pair of modular blower sub-assemblies in juxtaposed
relationship in a respective first configuration and in a
respective second configuration,
[0024] each of said modular blower sub-assemblies comprising blower
means and an enclosure disposed about said blower means,
[0025] said blower means having an upstream side and a downstream
side,
[0026] said enclosure having a rectangular box-like form and
comprising a pair of opposed square broad faces interconnected by a
first side wall element and three secondary side wall elements,
said enclosure having a central axis of rotation relative to said
opposed square broad faces,
[0027] one of said opposed broad faces defining a blower air intake
opening in air communication with the upstream side of the blower
means, the blower means having an axis of rotation transverse (e.g.
perpendicular) to said one opposed face,
[0028] said first side wall element defining a side blower air
outlet opening in air communication with the downstream side of the
blower means,
[0029] said enclosure being configured to be able to engage said
interconnection element in a first configuration whereby said side
blower opening is disposed in a first position such that air may
pass out of said side blower opening in a first direction and being
configured to be able, on rotation of the enclosure 90 degrees
about said central axis of rotation of the enclosure, to engage
said interconnection element in a second configuration whereby said
side blower opening is disposed in a second position such that air
may pass out of said side blower opening in a second direction
perpendicular to said first direction.
[0030] The present invention in accordance with a further aspect
provides a modular blower assembly for association with an
interconnection element configured for interconnecting a pair of
modular blower assemblies in juxtaposed relationship in a
respective first configuration and in a respective second
configuration,
[0031] said modular blower sub-assembly comprising blower means and
an enclosure disposed about said blower means,
[0032] said blower means having an upstream side and a downstream
side,
[0033] said enclosure having a rectangular box-like form and
comprising a pair of opposed square broad faces interconnected by a
first side wall element and three secondary side wall elements,
said enclosure having a central axis of rotation relative to said
opposed square broad faces,
[0034] one of said opposed broad faces defining a blower air intake
opening in air communication with the upstream side of the blower
means, the blower means hsving sn axis of rotation transverse to
said one opposed face,
[0035] said first side wall element defining a side blower air
outlet opening in air communication with the downstream side of the
blower means,
[0036] said enclosure being configured to be able to engage said
interconnection element in a first configuration whereby said side
blower opening is disposed in a first position such that air may
pass out of said side blower opening in a first direction and being
configured to be able, on rotation of the enclosure 90 degrees
about said central axis of rotation of the enclosure, to engage
said interconnection element in a second configuration whereby said
side blower opening is disposed in a second position such that air
may pass out of said side blower opening in a second direction
perpendicular to said first direction.
[0037] In accordance with the present invention the axis of
rotation of the (blower) enclosure may be coterminous with the axis
of rotation of the blower means enclosed therein; alternatively as
desired or necessary the axis of rotation of the (blower) enclosure
may be offset with respect to the axis of rotation of the blower
means enclosed therein. The axis of rotation of the (blower)
enclosure may be parallel or as desired or necessary non-parallel
to the axis of rotation of the blower means enclosed therein. The
axis of rotation of the( blower) enclosure may be considered to be
a central axis or a non-central axis depending on the shape of the
enclosure. In any event the disposition of these two axii of
rotation is to be determined keeping in mind the requirement that
the enclosure of a sub-assembly is to be rotatable so as to be able
to displace the side wall opening as desired herein.
[0038] The interconnection element may take on any form or
configuration keeping in mind the requirement that the enclosure of
a sub-assembly is to be rotatable so as to be able to displace the
side wall opening as desired. The interconnection element may for
example comprise two or more components. The interconnection
element may for example form a part of the outer enclosure of the
ventilation unit. A modular blower combination assembly in
accordance with the present invention may for example comprise an
interconnection element which may comprise an elongated element
which may have an L-like cross-section so as to have a foot portion
and a upstanding leg portion connected thereto, said foot portion
being configured for seating said enclosure by engagement with a
secondary side wall element. An interconnection element which may,
for example, comprise a shell element as described herein
[0039] In accordance with the present invention a ventilation
device or system may incorporate therein modular blower
sub-assemblies as described herein. The ventilation unit may for
example also comprise a hexagonal shape stacked core such as
described in published Can. Pat. Appln. No.2416508 and in U.S.
patent application No. 739,412 published under no. 20040226685 the
entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0040] A ventilation unit in accordance with the present invention
may have the heat exchanger Core laid on its back with only a
slight angle to achieve enough water drainage. In this case the
modular blower combination assembly may provide two blowers to get
both exhaust blowers behind the core, i.e. on the air output sides
of the core for exhausting air out of the fresh air and stale air
sides of the core. Those blower enclosures may be if so desired
identical (or different) and may be provided with a tongue and
groove pattern for engagement with other elements of the
ventilation unit, i.e. so that the enclosures may be rotated during
production to achieve either a side or a top port configuration for
the final ventilation unit.
[0041] In accordance with the present invention ventilator housing
means may be provided which may be designed or configured with dual
openings on each opposed sides as well as a pair of openings on the
top side thereof. Any not-required openings may be blocked with a
suitable respective plug; for example, any suitable "swappable"
plug may be used to allow air circulation for either a side or a
top port configured unit.
[0042] Benefits of a ventilation unit of the present invention
include convertibility (e.g. at the factory, on the production
line) of ventilation unit from top to side port (or vise-versa)
while for example being relatively extremely flat (only 12 inches
for a 100 Cfm (cubic feet per minutes) unit.
[0043] In drawings which illustrate example embodiments of the
present invention:
[0044] FIG. 1a schematically illustrates a perspective view of an
example embodiment of a modular blower combination assembly
comprising an interconnection element (comprising an L-shaped
element) and a pair of identical modular blower sub-assemblies
associated therewith wherein the elements are disposed in a
configuration wherein the air outlet openings each point upwardly
(from the top) in the same direction;
[0045] FIG. 1b schematically illustrates a perspective view of the
embodiment of the modular blower combination assembly of FIG. 1a
reconfigured (i.e. by rotation of the sub-assemblies) such that the
interconnection element seats the pair of modular blower
sub-assemblies associated therewith such that the air outlet
opening point in opposite side directions;
[0046] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the
interconnection element of FIGS. 1a and 1b comprising an L-shaped
element or member;
[0047] FIG. 3a schematically illustrates a perspective view of a
modular blower sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b;
[0048] FIG. 3b schematically illustrates a front air inlet view of
a modular blower sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b;
[0049] FIG. 3c schematically illustrates a top air outlet view of a
modular blower sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b;
[0050] FIG. 3d schematically illustrates a bottom view of a modular
blower sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b;
[0051] FIG. 3e schematically illustrates a left side view of a
modular blower sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b;
[0052] FIG. 3f schematically illustrates a right side view of a
modular blower sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b;
[0053] FIG. 3g schematically illustrates a rear view of a modular
blower sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b;
[0054] FIG. 4a schematically illustrates an explode perspective
view of a modular blower sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b;
[0055] FIG. 4b schematically illustrates a detail of the motor
assembly of the modular blower sub-assembly shown in FIG. 4a;
[0056] FIG. 4c schematically illustrates a further partial
perspective front view detail of the motor assembly of the modular
blower sub-assembly shown in FIG. 4a;
[0057] FIG. 5a schematically illustrates a perspective view from
the right side upwardly from below into the interior of an example
shell element for housing a heat exchanger core, the shell element
having the aspect of a U-shaped member wherein the front U-shaped
opening is configured to engage the modular blower sub-assemblies
of FIGS. 1a and 1b in tongue and groove fashion;
[0058] FIG. 5b schematically illustrates a bottom view of the shell
element of FIG. 5a;
[0059] FIG. 5c schematically illustrates a front view through the
front U-shaped opening of the shell element of FIG. 5a;
[0060] FIG. 5d schematically illustrates a left side view of the
shell element of FIG. 5a;
[0061] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a rear perspective view
from the left side upwardly from below into the interior of an
example shell element of FIG. 5a showing wherein the front U-shaped
opening engages one of the modular blower sub-assemblies of FIGS.
1a and 1b in tongue and groove fashion, the further modular blower
sub-assemblies being shown in the process of being engaged with the
shell element;
[0062] FIG. 7a schematically illustrates the association of the
modular blower sub-assemblies of FIGS. 1a with the shell element to
form a top port unit, the L-shaped interconnection element being
removed;
[0063] FIG. 7b schematically illustrates the association of the
modular blower sub-assemblies of FIGS. 1b with the shell element to
form either a side port unit, the L-shaped interconnection element
being removed;
[0064] FIG. 8a schematically illustrates a perspective view from
above of an example a ventilation unit of the present invention
wherein the modular sub-assemblies define a top port configuration,
the ventilation unit including an exterior casing component
enclosing the modular blower assembly combination assembly and a
modular core combination assembly;
[0065] FIG. 8b schematically illustrates a top view of the
ventilation unit of FIG. 8a, showing the various top ports
(communicating with respective openings) extending from the top of
the ventilation unit;
[0066] FIG. 8c schematically illustrates a side view of the
ventilation unit of FIG. 8a, showing the top ports associated with
the modular blower sub-assemblies both in front of the other two
ports;
[0067] FIG. 8b schematically illustrates a further side view of the
ventilation unit of FIG. 8a, showing one top port associated with
the modular blower sub-assemblies and one of the other top
ports;
[0068] FIG. 9a schematically illustrates an exploded view of an
example exterior casing configuration for a top port ventilation
unit, the L-shaped element being an element of the exterior casing
and the exterior casing including a door element to cover the major
opening of the shell element;
[0069] FIG. 9a schematically illustrates an exploded view of an
example exterior casing configuration for a side port ventilation
unit, the L-shaped element being an element of the exterior casing
and the exterior casing including a door element to cover the major
opening of the shell element;
[0070] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates an exploded view of an
example exterior casing configuration for a top port ventilation
unit of FIG. 9 associated with modular blower sub-assemblies in top
port configuration in relation to the L-shaped element, a side port
configuration of the sub-assemblies also being shown in dotted
outline;
[0071] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a perspective view from
above of an example top port configured ventilation unit in
accordance with the present invention comprising a hexagonal
exchanger core, showing air flow in relation to the top ports and
with the exterior casing partially cut away to expose the hexagonal
exchanger core;
[0072] FIG. 12a schematically illustrates a top view of the
ventilation unit of FIG. 11 again with a portion of the exterior
casing cut away to expose the hexagonal exchanger core, the unit
being in a fresh air delivery configuration;
[0073] FIG. 12b schematically illustrates a front side view of the
ventilation unit of FIG. 11 again with one top port cut away along
with a portion of the exterior casing to expose the hexagonal
exchanger core, the unit being in a fresh air delivery
configuration;
[0074] FIGS. 13a and 13b respectively schematically illustrate in
enlarged cut away format the disposition of a damper assembly for
allowing the input of fresh air into the top port configuration of
ventilation unit of FIG. 11 and for the blocking off of fresh air
for stale air circulation in an ventilator enclosure through both
sides of the exchanger core via a short circuit member;
[0075] FIG. 13c schematically illustrates in enlarged cut away
format the disposition of a damper assembly for allowing the input
of fresh air into the side port configuration of ventilation
unit;
[0076] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the
shell element shown in FIG. 5a with the shell element rotated 180
degrees about the axis perpendicular to the base side wall element
of the shell element;
[0077] FIG. 15a schematically illustrates a perspective view from
above showing the wide U-shaped opening of a wedge shaped channel
member of the present invention for a ventilation unit having side
ports;
[0078] FIG. 15b schematically illustrates a perspective view from
above showing the narrow U-shaped opening of the wedge shaped
channel member of FIG. 15a;
[0079] FIG. 15c schematically illustrates a perspective view from
below of the wedge shaped channel member of FIG. 15a;
[0080] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a
shell element of FIG. 14 wherein the wedge shaped channel member of
FIG. 15a is disposed in the shell so as to define a stale air path,
the stale air path being closed off at the narrow opening by a
damper;
[0081] FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a
shell element and wedge member of FIG. 16 wherein the damper is
retracted away from the wedge member so as to close off the fresh
air opening of the shell element and expose the narrow opening of
the wedge member;
[0082] FIG. 18a schematically illustrates a perspective view from
above showing the wide U-shaped opening of a further wedge shaped
channel member of the present invention for a ventilation unit
having top ports;
[0083] FIG. 18b schematically illustrates a perspective view from
below of the wedge shaped channel member of FIG. 18a showing the
narrow U-shaped opening thereof;
[0084] FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a
shell element of FIG. 14 wherein the wedge shaped channel member of
FIG. 18a is disposed in the shell so as to define a stale air path,
the stale air path being closed off at the narrow opening by a
damper;
[0085] FIG. 20 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a
shell element and wedge member of FIG. 19 wherein the damper is
retracted away from the wedge member so as to close off the fresh
air opening of the shell element and expose the narrow opening of
the wedge member;
[0086] FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a
ventilation unit of the present invention with the covering element
removed along with the L-shaped interconnection element and one of
the modular blower sub-assemblies so as to expose the hexagonal
exchanger core;
[0087] FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a perspective view of
a<the interior side of a covering element of the present
invention;
[0088] FIG. 23a is a schematic illustration of an example fresh air
in cycle for a ventilation unit of the present invention showing
energy recovery of air from inside an enclosure (i.e. building) by
the ventilation unit of the present invention;
[0089] FIG. 23b is a schematic illustration of an example stale air
return cycle for a ventilation unit of the present invention
showing stale air from inside an enclosure (i.e. building) passing
through the heat exchanger core back into the enclosure;
[0090] FIG. 24 is an illustrative graphic image of an electronics
module for association with the L-shaped interconnection means;
[0091] FIGS. 25a and 25b are respectively illustrative graphic
images of the disposition in exploded view and associated view of
an electronics module for association with the L-shaped
interconnection means and shell element as well the with the
modular blower sub-assemblies;
[0092] FIG. 26 is an illustrative graphic image of a shell element
and modular blower sub-assemblies for a top port configuration
showing a plug member used to block off unused side opening of the
shell element, exterior casing removed;
[0093] FIG. 27 is an illustrative graphic image of a shell element
and modular blower sub-assemblies for a side port configuration
showing a plug member used to block off an unused top opening of
the shell element, exterior casing removed;
[0094] FIG. 28 is an illustrative graphic image of a shell element
and modular blower sub-assemblies with the exterior casing and
L-shaped interconnection means removed and showing the unit with an
electronics control module for a top port configuration; and
[0095] FIG. 29 is an illustrative graphic image of a shell element
and modular blower sub-assemblies with the exterior casing and
L-shaped interconnection means removed and showing the unit with an
electronics control module for a side port configuration.
[0096] The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in
relation to an example modular blower combination assembly
comprising an interconnection element and a pair of modular blower
sub-assemblies associated therewith, said modular blower sub
assemblies being disposed in juxtaposed (e.g. side by side adjacent
or spaced apart) relationship, said modular blower sub-assemblies
each comprising a pair of opposed broad faces, one of said broad
faces defining a blower air intake opening in air communication
with a motorized blower means comprising a blower, the axis of
rotation of the blower being perpendicular to the said one broad
face, said modular blower sub-assemblies each further comprising a
pair of narrow side faces disposed parallel to said axis of
rotation, one of said narrow side face defining an air outlet
opening in air communication with the motorized blower means, said
modular blower sub-assemblies each being configured so as to be
able to be seated in relation to the interconnection element such
that air may be expelled from the air outlet thereof in a first
direction and so as to be rotated so as to be seated in relation to
the interconnection element such that air may be expelled from the
air outlet thereof in a second direction transverse (e.g.
perpendicular) to said first direction.
[0097] In accordance with the present invention the modular blower
sub-assemblies may be arranged to eject air streams which are
parallel and in the same direction, which are in opposite
directions, which are parallel and in opposite directions, which
are transverse to each other (e.g. perpendicular).
[0098] In the following the same reference designation will be used
in the figures to designate common elements.
[0099] Thus FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate an example embodiment of a
modular blower combination assembly comprising an elongated
L-shaped interconnection element 2 and a pair of identical modular
blower sub-assemblies (designated by the reference numeral 4)
associated therewith.
[0100] FIG. 2 illustrates the L-shaped element of FIGS. 1a and
1b.
[0101] FIGS. 3a to 3g illustrate a variety of views of a modular
blower sub-assembly of Figure page 1.
[0102] FIGS. 4a illustrates an exploded view of the modular blower
sub-assembly of Figure page 3 wherein FIGS. 4b and 4c provide more
detailed views of the motor assembly.
[0103] The blower sub-assemblies each comprise a blower enclosure 4
having a rectangular box-like form. The enclosure 5 has a blower
means 6 disposed therein. The enclosure 4 also has a pair of
opposed broad faces (one of which is designated by the reference
numeral 8 in FIGS. 1a and 1b). The broad face 8 defines a blower
air inlet opening 10 which is in air communication with the
upstream side of the blower means 6. The enclosure 4 has (minor)
side wall elements that link the two broad faces 8. Thus the
enclosure 5 has a first side wall element 12 defining side blower
air outlet opening 14 which is in air communication with the
downstream side of the blower means 6. Referring as well to FIGS.
3a to 3g, the enclosure 4 also has secondary side wall elements 16,
18 and 20. The enclosure 4 also has a central axis of rotation 22
relative to the opposed broad faces (e.g. face 8). The blower means
6 has an axis of rotation 22a which is offset (see FIGS. 3c and 3g)
from the central axis 22. The axis 22 and the axis 22a when viewed
in relation to the plane of the paper on which the broad faces are
shown in FIGS. 3b and 3c (i.e. the plane of the paper passing
through the peripheral edges of the broad faces) may be viewed or
considered as being perpendicular to the broad faces The broad face
8 may as desired also be provided with a square female groove
element 24 that is disposed about the periphery of the broad face 8
for engagement with a shell element described below.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 2, this figure shows an interconnection
element which may comprise an elongated L-shaped element 2 having a
foot element 28 and a leg element 30 upstanding therefrom.
[0105] The blower sub-assemblies 4 are shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b
seated on the foot element 28 in either of two configurations,
namely a configuration as shown in FIG. 1a wherein the air outlet
openings 14 are each point upwardly in the same direction (i.e. for
a ventilation unit having top ports) and as shown in FIG. 1b
wherein the air outlet opening point in opposite directions for a
unit having side ports). In either case as may be understood the
blower intake openings 10 on the major or broad faces do not change
position relative to the interior of a ventilation unit, i.e. the
difference in disposition of the air outlet openings 14 is due to a
90 degree rotation of the enclosure about the enclosure axis 22. As
seen in FIG. 2 the blower sub-assemblies 4 may be seated in unfixed
fashion to the L-shaped element 2; alternatively as necessary or
desired the blower sub-assemblies may be fixed to the element 2 by
any suitable means (e.g. by screws through the foot and or leg
elements).
[0106] In any case referring back to FIGS. 1a and 1b, the FIG. 1a
shows the modular sub assemblies 4 in a top port configuration as
described herein; the modular sub assemblies 4 may at this stage
however as desired or necessary be rotated (90 degrees) about their
respective axii 22 so as to be disposed in a side port
configuration as described herein.
[0107] Referring to FIGS. 4a to 4c, a blower sub-assembly 4 may
comprise a two part enclosure 4, namely parts 5a and 5b. The blower
means may comprise a blower wheel 34 attached (in any suitable
manner) by a blower wheel back plate 38 to the rotatable outer
rotor shell part 40 of a motor 42 ; the motor 42 is fixed (by
screws) to the back part 5b of the enclosure 5 by spacer elements
44 which are in turn screwed to the a metal support plate 46; the
motor 42 being attached to the metal plate 46 by
screw-spacer--grommet combinations one of which indicated generally
by the reference numeral 50. The blower sub-assembly may include a
C-collar 56 for maintaining the blower wheel in engagement with the
motor. A suitable motor may be obtained from EBM-PAPST CANADA INC,
Pickering, Ontario, Canada under #EBM:M2E068-BF049-24.
[0108] The modular blower assemblies may in turn be associated with
a modular core combination assembly so as to form or define the
major internal structures of a ventilation device.
[0109] The modular core combination assembly may comprise a shell
element 62 (as shown in FIGS. 5a to 5d.) having a U-shaped member
comprising side wall elements 64 and 66 and base side wall element
68 wherein one side opening thereof is blocked off by a major wall
member 70. Thus the shell element 62 has a minor end opening
extending transversely from the wall member 70 between the wall
elements 64 and 66 elements such that this opening is defined by
the side edges 74, 76 and 78. As may be seen the shell element 62
also has a major opening disposed opposite to the major wall member
70 defined by the side edges of the side wall elements 64, 66 and
68 alone; thus the shell element has two U-shaped openings blending
together and disposed transverse to each other. The interior of the
shell is also provided with an inclined T-shaped projection element
82 which serves to support a hexagonal exchanger core as well as
perform a partition role for the separation of air flow through the
ventilation unit in conjunction with the core. The T-shaped element
82 (see FIG. 6) is configured to angularly seat a hexagonal shape
stacked core (not shown) such as a core as described in Can. Pat.
Appln. No. 2416508. In accordance with the present invention the
shell element 62 may take on the role of an interconnection element
on its own (tongue-groove interconnections--FIG. 6) if a unitary
L-shaped element 2 is not used or as in the case of the ventilation
unit structure as seen in for example in FIGS. 9a, 9b, be an
additional component of the interconnection element, i.e. in
addition to an L-shaped element.
[0110] As may be seen from FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5d the shell element is
provided with a pair of opposed side openings and a pair of top
openings; one top opening is designated with the reference numeral
90 and one side opening is designated with the reference numeral
92.
[0111] In the perspective view of FIG. 5a the smaller U-shaped
rectangular side opening is shown as being provided with tongue
projection members 74a, 76a and 78a which are space apart by a
centrally located groove 96, i.e. for engagement with the groove 24
of the enclosure(s) 4.
[0112] As seen in Figure page 6 the tongue projection members 74a,
76a and 78a and the centrally located groove 96 may be configured
to mate with corresponding female groove element 24 of the modular
blower sub-assemblies 4.
[0113] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b these figures illustrate the
association of the modular blower sub-assemblies 4 with the shell
element 62 to form either a top port unit (FIG. 7a) or a side port
unit (FIG. 7b); the L-shaped element being removed. For
illustration purposes, the units are shown with port members 110,
112, 114 and 116, port members 110, 112 and 114 being provided with
any suitable (known) damper elements. The unused side and top
openings of the shell element 62 are blocked off by plug members;
some of which are designated by the reference numerals 120, 122 and
124.
[0114] FIGS. 8a to 8d show a ventilation unit with a top port
configuration with the above designations for ports associated with
inlet and outlet openings; the unit including an exterior casing
component enclosing the modular blower combination assembly and the
modular core combination assembly. Thus port 110 is for
introduction into the unit of fresh air from the outside of a
building or room; port 112 is for exhausting stale inside air out
of the unit to the outside of the building or room; port 114 is for
exhausting from the unit fresh air for delivery to the inside of
the building or room; and port 116 is for entry of stale inside air
into the unit.
[0115] FIGS. 9a shows an example exterior casing configuration for
top port ventilation unit; as may be seen the L-shaped element 2 is
an element of the exterior casing; the exterior casing includes a
door element or member 130 to cover the major U-shaped opening of
the shell element 62, a further covering element 132 to cover the
minor U-shaped opening of the shell element and a central casing
element 134 to cover the body of the shell element 62. The central
casing element 134 is provided with openings 140, 142, 144 and 146
corresponding to the top openings in the shell elements. The
interior of the door element 130 is configured to also serve as to
support for the hexagonal exchanger core as well as to perform a
partition role for the separation of air flow through the
ventilation unit in conjunction with the T-shaped element 82 and
the core (see also FIG. 22, door element 250).
[0116] FIGS. 9b shows an example exterior casing configuration for
aside port ventilation unit; which except for the central casing
element, is the same as the for the top port unit shown in FIG. 9a.
The central casing element 150 is thus provided with side openings
corresponding to the used side openings in the shell element 62,
two of the side openings are designated with the reference numerals
152 and 154.
[0117] The exterior casing elements are held in place in any
suitable manner such as for example by screws
[0118] Figure page 10 shows the example exterior casing
configuration for a top port ventilation unit of FIG. 9 associated
with modular blower sub-assemblies in top port configuration in
relation to the L-shaped element 2; a side port configuration of
the sub-assemblies also being shown in dotted outline.
[0119] FIG. 12a schematically illustrates a top view of the
ventilation unit of FIG. 11 again with a portion of the exterior
casing cut away to expose the hexagonal exchanger core 176, the
unit being in a fresh air delivery configuration. The two dark
arrows show the separate paths for air movement from the core 176
to respective ports 112 and 114.
[0120] FIG. 12b schematically illustrates a front side view of the
ventilation unit of FIG. 11 with one top port 116 (top port 116
being shown in FIG. 12a) cut away along with a portion of the
exterior casing to expose the hexagonal exchanger core 176, the
unit being in a fresh air delivery configuration. The two dark
arrows show the separate paths for air movement into the core 176
from respective ports 110 and 116.
[0121] As may be seen from FIG. 12b the damper 180 blocks off a
stale air by-pass channel so that fresh air may be delivered to the
core 176 from port 110.
[0122] FIGS. 13a and 13b show in enlarged format the disposition of
the damper 180 for controlling the input of fresh air into the
ventilation unit and the blocking off of fresh air for
recirculation of enclosure air through both sides of the exchanger
core 176, i.e. for a top port arrangement. The ventilation unit is
provided with a suitably configured (removable) wedge shaped
channel member of U-shaped cross-section which, along with the
shell element, defines a stale air path communicating with stale
air inside of the ventilation unit. When in the fresh air in
configuration the damper 180 blocks an opening of the suitably
configured removable wedge shaped channel member so that fresh air
follows the arrow 190. When the ventilation unit is in the
recirculation air configuration the damper 180 blocks off the port
110 and unblocks the opening defined by the wedge shaped channel
member. With the damper 180 so disposed stale air may circulate
(arrow 192) through stale air path defined by the wedge shaped
channel member through the core 176 back into the enclosure from
whence it came.
[0123] FIG. 13c shows in enlarged format the disposition of the
damper 180 for controlling the input of fresh air into the
ventilation unit through the exchanger core 176, i.e. for side port
arrangement. The side port ventilation unit is provided with a
further suitably modified (removable) wedge shaped channel member
of U-shaped cross-section which, along with the shell element,
defines a similar stale air path (as mentioned above with respect
to FIG. 13a) communicating with stale air inside of the ventilation
unit. When in the fresh air in configuration the damper 180 blocks
off an opening of the suitably modified (removable) wedge shaped
channel member so that fresh air follows the arrow 196. If air
recirculation is desired then as in the case for the top port
configuration the damper 180 is pulled back to block the opening
associated with port 110 to allow for air recirculation through a
wedge shaped channel member.
[0124] In accordance with the present invention the wedge shaped
channel members may be replaced by any other suitable means for
providing a stale air path.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 14, this figure shows a further view of
the interior of a shell element as shown in FIG. 5a.
[0126] FIG. 15a schematically illustrates an embodiment of a wedge
shaped channel member 200 of the present invention for a
ventilation unit having side ports; the wedge member 200 has a wide
U-shaped opening 202. FIG. 15b schematically illustrates a
perspective view from above showing the narrow U-shaped opening 204
of the wedge shaped channel member 200 of FIG. 15a. FIG. 15c
schematically illustrates a perspective view from below of the
wedge shaped channel member 200 of FIG. 15a.
[0127] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a
shell element of FIG. 14 (core removed) wherein the wedge shaped
channel member 200 of FIG. 15a is disposed in the shell element 62
so as to define a stale air path closed off at the narrow opening
of the wedge shaped channel member 200 by damper 180. FIG. 17
schematically illustrates a perspective view of the shell element
(core removed) and wedge member 200 wherein the damper 180 is
retracted away from the narrow opening of wedge member 200 so as to
close off the fresh air opening of the shell element and expose the
narrow opening of the wedge member for recirculation of stale air
through the ventilation unit.
[0128] FIG. 18a schematically illustrates a perspective view from
above showing the wide U-shaped opening 210 of a further wedge
shaped channel member 212 of the present invention for a
ventilation unit having top ports. FIG. 18b schematically
illustrates a perspective view from below of the wedge shaped
channel member 212 of FIG. 18a showing the narrow U-shaped opening
214 thereof.
[0129] FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a
shell element of FIG. 14 wherein the wedge shaped channel member
212 of FIG. 18a is disposed in the shell element so as to define
(with the shell element 62) a stale air path closed off at a the
narrow opening of wedge member 212 by a damper 180. FIG. 20
schematically illustrates a perspective view of a shell element 62
and wedge member 212 of FIG. 19 wherein the damper 180 is retracted
away from the wedge member 212 so as to close off the fresh air
opening of the shell element and expose the narrow opening of the
wedge member 212 member for recirculation of stale air through the
ventilation unit.
[0130] FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a
ventilation unit of the present invention with the covering element
removed along with the L-shaped element and one of the modular
blower sub-assemblies so as to expose the hexagonal exchanger core
230. The unit is provide with pivot members 234, 234a for pivotal
engagement in openings of respective pivot elements 240 and 240a of
the door element 250 shown in FIG. 22 (the door element is seen in
FIGS. 9a and 9b and is identified by the reference numeral
130).
[0131] FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the
interior side of a door element 250 in accordance with the present
invention which as shown has a criss-cross patterned structure. The
interior side of the door element 250 is configured such that when
the exchanger core 230 is in place in the interior of the
ventilation unit and resting on the T-shaped projection element 82,
the criss-cross patterned structure of the interior of the door
element 250 will bear down on the exchanger core pushing it against
the projection element 82 so as to effectively divide the interior
of the ventilation unit, about the exchanger core, into four
spaces; namely a fresh air in space interconnected by the exchanger
core with a fresh air out space and a stale air in space
interconnected by the exchanger core with a stale air out space,
each space being able to communicate with a respect port mentioned
herein. A description of such type of interior divisions may be
found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,610, the entire contents of which is
incorporated herein by reference; see also U.S. patent application
No. 739,412 published under no. 20040226685, the entire contents of
which is also incorporated herein by reference.
[0132] As may be appreciated from the discussion with respect to
FIGS. 12a to 22 and in particular the wedge shaped channel members,
a wedge channel member provides (in conjunction with a suitably
disposed damper) a means for interconnecting the stale air in space
with the fresh air in space so the stale air only may be circulated
through the ventilation unit for delivery, for example, back to the
enclosure from which the stale air was initially taken.
[0133] FIGS. 23a and 23b respectively schematically illustrate a
fresh air in cycle and an interior stale air recirculation (i.e.
delivery back) cycle; the damper 180 is shown in both
configurations. The damper 180 is illustrated in FIG. 23a as being
in a position closing off the narrow opening of the wedge shaped
channel member so that fresh air may be drawn into the ventilation
unit. The damper 180 is illustrated in FIG. 23b as being in a
position closing off the fresh air opening so as to expose the
narrow opening of the wedge shaped channel member so that fresh air
is blocked from entering the ventilation unit and stale air may
circulate back to the enclosure from whence it came.
[0134] FIGS. 24, 25a and 25b illustrate the disposition of an
electronics control module 300 for association with the L-shaped
element and the shell element as well with the modular blower
sub-assemblies; the exchanger core is not shown in FIGS. 25a and
25b. The control module may of course take any desired or necessary
form.
[0135] FIGS. 26, 27, 28 and 29 are further illustrations of the
shell element and modular blower sub-assemblies for top and side
port units of figures with the L-shaped element removed from the
FIGS. 28 and 29. These figures also show plug members which are
used to block off unused opening of the shell element (see figure
page 17 for example). These figures also show the units with
electronics control modules 300.
[0136] It is to be born in mind that the ventilation units
components described above are given by way of example only and may
be modified in any desired fashion in order to exploit the modular
blower combination assembly and modular blower sub-assembly of the
present invention.
* * * * *