CN103348191A - Exhaust fan assembly including a damper that closes securely when the fan is not running and reduces pressure drop when the fan is running at full speed - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exhaust fan having a housing mounted in a wall through which an outlet duct extends to an outlet opening outside the wall. The damper flap is mounted on the fan suspended at the upper edge by a hinge so as to extend across the opening in a closed position and is movable to an open position under forward air flow from the fan and closes tightly against the resilient deformable seal when the fan is off. The spring biased cam applies an inward force to the damper flap to bias the damper flap into the closed position, and the spring biased cam also applies an outward force to the damper flap to bias the damper flap into the fully open position. The mounting plate includes a cover having a top wall extending over the top of the damper flap and a down-turned front flange extending parallel to the damper flap to a bottom edge.

Description

Exhaust fan assembly including a damper that closes securely when the fan is not running and reduces pressure drop when the fan is running at full speed

technical field

The present invention relates to fan constructions that include a damper that closes securely to prevent backflow of air when the fan is not operating or when the fan is running at minimum speed against strong opposing wind forces. The device also reduces pressure drop when the fan is running at full speed.

Background technique

In recent years, disease prevention in animal enclosures has gone to the extent of trying to ensure that all air entering the enclosure is filtered of airborne pathogens. To this end, several companies offer systems that filter the air as it is taken in. Typically, the air inlet communicates with the roof space, and air enters the containment area through the ceiling and also from the walls into the containment area. This may be achieved by providing filter membranes which engage the air as it enters the roof space, or may be achieved by providing a separate membrane assembly on each intake duct which is attached to the intake opening in the roof space.

For example Noveko of Quebec has done a lot of work in proposing improved membranes that provide efficient and inexpensive filtration systems. However, it is known that pathogens can still enter containment areas through fan shutters and disease can still invade, often with very high losses.

However, it is known that pathogens can still enter containment areas through fan louvers due to the known negative air pressure (0.05 to 0.2 inches of water column) within the building. Tests have shown that a non-operating 24" fan is capable of allowing up to 400 cfm of virus-contaminated air into the building ({internal static pressure at 0.05 inches of water column) even with the shutters closed, a 3x24" fan may allow as much as a 12" With so much virus-contaminated air entering the building that the running fans are used to push the virus-contaminated air into the building, this can lead to an infestation of airborne pathogens, often with very high costs.

The animals involved are usually pigs and poultry, but of course other animals require the same protection from airborne pathogens.

The structures described herein can be applied not only to the animal containment industry, but to any other industry where ventilation is required, such as industrial, commercial, residential applications or any other place where backflow must be controlled for whatever reason.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fan configuration with a damper flap to prevent reverse flow of air when not required.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a damper damper assembly for use in an animal enclosure, the animal enclosure comprising:

accommodation area;

Multiple air inlets into the containment area, each with an air filtration system to remove pathogens from the incoming air, thereby preventing the spread of disease to the animals;

and a plurality of exhaust fan configurations for generating air flow out of the containment area to draw replacement air into the containment area through the air inlet;

Each fan build includes:

fan casing;

a fan installed in the fan housing;

and a damper baffle assembly mounted on the fan housing, the damper baffle assembly comprising:

a mounting plate having an opening through which air passes and a flange surrounding the opening;

a damper flap suspended at the upper edge by a hinge and pivoting about the upper edge so as to extend across the opening in the closed position, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the damper flap engages a flange surrounding the opening;

the damper flap is moveable to an open position by pivoting away from the flange on the hinge under forward airflow from the fan;

And a resiliently deformable seal between the outer peripheral portion of the damper flap and the flange is arranged to seal the damper flap against reverse flow of air through the fan housing.

Preferably, the seal is carried on an outer peripheral portion of the damper flap.

Preferably, the seal comprises deformable fins.

Preferably, the mounting plate includes a top cover extending from the hinge over the top of the damper flap.

Preferably, the top cover has a downwardly turned flange to engage the damper flap and prevent pivotal movement of the damper flap beyond a predetermined angle.

Preferably, an abutment member is provided which holds the damper flap in a slightly open position against opposing wind forces when the fan is operating at low speed.

Preferably, the abutment member is retractable to allow closing of the damper flap.

Preferably, the abutment member is operable by a remote control.

Preferably, a latch is provided which provides a closing force for holding the damper flap in the closed position.

Preferably, the latch comprises a magnetic strip around the perimeter of the damper flap and/or a magnet at the bottom of the flap.

Preferably, the damper flap comprises a flat panel capable of being insulated.

Preferably, the damper flap assembly is mounted on the outboard end of the fan housing.

Preferably, the fan housing has an additional louver closure.

Preferably, the damper flap assembly is mounted on the fan housing at the inner end.

Preferably, a heating wire is provided to heat the seal to prevent freezing.

Preferably, the air inlet is arranged at the ceiling and/or on the wall of the accommodation area, communicating with the roof space above the accommodation area.

Preferably, each air inlet includes a filter assembly carried in the roof space.

Preferably, the containment area is sealed against entry of pathogen-laden air, except for the inlet and exhaust fans.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a damper damper assembly for a fan housing in which a fan is mounted, the fan being capable of operating at high and low speeds, wherein the damper damper assembly is mounted on the fan housing, the damper damper Components include:

a mounting plate having an opening through which air passes and a flange surrounding the opening;

a damper flap suspended at the upper edge by a hinge and pivoting about the upper edge so as to extend across the opening in the closed position, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the damper flap engages a flange surrounding the opening;

the damper flap is movable to an open position by pivoting on the hinge away from the flange under the effect of forward airflow from the fan when the fan is operating at low or high speeds;

Therein is provided an abutment member which holds the damper flap in a slightly open position against opposing wind forces when the fan is operating at low speed.

Preferably, the abutment member is retractable to allow closing of the damper flap.

Preferably, the abutment member is operable by a remote control.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a damper flap assembly is provided for mounting on a fan construction having a fan housing and a fan mounted in the housing;

The damper flap assembly includes:

a mounting plate having an opening through which air passes and a flange surrounding the opening;

a pivotally mounted damper flap arranged to extend across the opening in a closed position when the fan is not operating, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the damper flap engages a flange surrounding the opening;

the damper flap is movable from a closed position via a partially open position to a fully open position by pivoting on the hinge away from the flange under forward air flow from the fan;

and a biasing structure for applying a force to the damper flap, the spring biasing structure being arranged to bias the damper flap into the closed position on one side of the partially open position and on the opposite side of the partially open position Bias the damper flap into the fully open position on one side.

Preferably, the damper flap is suspended at the upper edge by a hinge and pivots about the upper edge.

Preferably, a resiliently deformable seal is provided between the outer peripheral portion of the damper flap and the flange, arranged to seal the damper flap when the fan is not operating, to prevent the reverse direction of air passage through the fan housing. flow.

Preferably, wherein the biasing structure comprises a spring for providing a spring force.

Preferably, the biasing arrangement includes a cam surface engaging the cam follower, wherein the spring applies a spring force between the cam follower and the cam surface.

Preferably, the cam follower is attached to the damper flap.

Preferably, the cam follower is mounted on a lever attached to the damper flap for pivotal movement therewith.

Preferably, the cam surface is pivotally mounted and the spring is arranged to pivot the cam surface in a direction that applies a force to the cam follower.

Preferably, operable means are provided for applying additional force to the biasing structure to increase the force.

Preferably, the operable means is dependent on the operation of the fan.

Preferably, the cam surface includes a recess in the partially open position so that when the fan is running at minimum speed against a strong opposing wind, a force is applied to the damper flap to tend to hold the damper flap in the partially open position.

Preferably, the biasing structure is arranged to apply a force to the damper flap when the fan is running at a minimum speed against a strong opposing wind force to tend to hold the damper flap in the partially open position.

Preferably, the mounting plate includes a shroud having a top wall extending over the top of the damper guard and a downwardly turned forward flange running downwardly and downwardly along the damper guard. Extends forward to push air away from the walls of the building.

Preferably, the downwardly turned front flange extends parallel to the damper flap in the fully open position.

Preferably, the downwardly turned forward flange extends to the bottom edge of the flange at or beyond the bottom edge of the damper flap.

Preferably, the mounting plate includes a shroud having a bottom wall extending forwardly from the mounting plate and a downwardly turned front flange extending downwardly and forwardly to direct air Push off the wall of the building.

Preferably, an abutment member is provided which holds the damper flap in a slightly open position against opposing wind forces when the fan is operating at low speed.

Preferably, the abutment member is retractable to allow closing of the damper flap.

Preferably, the biasing structure includes an engagement member acting on the center of the damper flap along the centerline of the flap to equalize the forces on the edges of the damper flap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a damper flap assembly is provided for mounting on a fan construction having a fan housing and a fan mounted in the housing;

The damper flap assembly includes:

a mounting plate having an opening through which air passes and a flange surrounding the opening;

a pivotally mounted damper flap arranged to extend across the opening in a closed position when the fan is not operating, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the damper flap engages a flange surrounding the opening;

the damper flap is movable from a closed position via a partially open position to a fully open position by pivoting on the hinge away from the flange under forward air flow from the fan;

wherein the mounting plate includes a shroud having a top wall extending over the top of the damper guard and a downwardly turned forward flange extending downwardly and forwardly along the damper guard extended.

Preferably, the downwardly turned front flange extends parallel to the damper flap in the fully open position.

Preferably, the downwardly turned forward flange extends to the bottom edge of the flange at or beyond the bottom edge of the damper flap.

Preferably the enclosure has a bottom wall extending forwardly from the mounting plate and a downwardly turned front flange extending downwardly and forwardly to push air away from the building wall .

According to another aspect of the present invention, a damper flap assembly is provided for mounting on a fan construction having a fan housing and a fan mounted in the housing;

The damper flap assembly includes:

a mounting plate having an opening through which air passes and a flange surrounding the opening;

a pivotally mounted damper flap arranged to extend across the opening in a closed position when the fan is not operating, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the damper flap engages a flange surrounding the opening;

The damper baffle has a front surface facing away from the fan forward and a rear surface facing the fan;

the damper flap is movable from a closed position via a partially open position to a fully open position by pivoting on the hinge away from the flange under forward air flow from the fan;

the damper flap is suspended by a hinge member adjacent an upper edge of the damper flap and pivots about a hinge axis of the hinge member;

The hinge member comprises a transverse support at the hinge axis and at least one support arm extending from the transverse support to the upper The edge extends adjacently, and the at least one support arm is connected to the damper flap by a connecting member at a location below the top edge of the damper flap.

Preferably, the connecting member is arranged at a position near or below the transverse centerline of the damper flap.

Preferably, said at least one arm is connected to the damper flap only at said connecting member to allow flexing of the top and bottom edges of the damper flap relative to said connecting member.

Preferably, the at least one support arm includes a depending portion extending along and spaced from the front surface of the baffle member.

Preferably at least one bracket is provided, said at least one bracket being secured to the front surface of the fender member and with which said depending portion of said at least one support arm engages.

Preferably, the suspension portion comprises a rod and the rod is engaged through the aperture of the bracket.

Preferably, the lateral support is positioned at a position in a vertical plane that is behind the rear surface of the apron member.

Preferably, the transverse support is positioned at a level above the top edge of the apron member.

Preferably, the flapper member moves to the closed position solely by gravity.

Preferably, a spring bias is provided which applies a biasing force to said at least one arm in both directions towards the open position and towards the closed position.

Preferably, the spring biasing arrangement comprises two springs which are independently adjustable.

Preferably said two springs are arranged to provide different forces to the damper flap such that independent adjustments provide different changes in biasing force.

Preferably, one of the two springs is arranged on one side of the hinge member and the other is arranged on the other side of the hinge member.

Preferably, said at least one arm comprises two arms spaced laterally so that each arm is positioned on a respective side of the vertical centerline of the baffle member.

Preferably, the two arms are mounted on two separate parts of the cross support so that the arms can pivot independently.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a damper flap assembly is provided for mounting on a fan construction having a fan housing and a fan mounted in the housing;

The damper flap assembly includes:

a mounting plate having an opening through which air passes and a flange surrounding the opening;

a pivotally mounted damper flap arranged to extend across the opening in a closed position when the fan is not operating, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the damper flap engages a flange surrounding the opening;

The damper baffle has a front surface facing away from the fan forward and a rear surface facing the fan;

the damper flap is movable from a closed position via a partially open position to a fully open position by pivoting on the hinge away from the flange under forward air flow from the fan;

the damper flap is suspended by a hinge member adjacent an upper edge of the damper flap and pivots about a hinge axis of the hinge member;

The hinge member includes a transverse support at the hinge axis and two suspension arms laterally spaced such that each suspension arm is positioned on a respective side of the vertical centerline of the flapper member.

Preferably, each of said arms is connected to the damper flap by a connecting member arranged at a position near or below the transverse centerline of the damper flap.

Preferably, the suspension arms each extend along and are spaced apart from the front surface of the apron member.

Preferably, the lateral support is positioned at a position in a vertical plane that is behind the rear surface of the apron member.

Preferably, the two arms are mounted on two separate parts of the cross support so that the arms can pivot independently.

Preferably, the flapper member moves to the closed position solely by gravity.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a damper flap assembly is provided for mounting on a fan construction having a fan housing and a fan mounted in the housing;

The damper flap assembly includes:

a mounting plate having an opening through which air passes and a flange surrounding the opening;

a pivotally mounted damper flap arranged to extend across the opening in a closed position when the fan is not operating, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the damper flap engages a flange surrounding the opening;

The damper baffle has a front surface facing away from the fan forward and a rear surface facing the fan;

the damper flap is movable from a closed position via a partially open position to a fully open position by pivoting on the hinge away from the flange under forward air flow from the fan;

the damper flap is suspended by a hinge member adjacent an upper edge of the damper flap and pivots about a hinge axis of the hinge member and at least one support arm;

wherein a spring biasing structure is provided which applies a biasing force to said at least one arm in both directions towards the open position and towards the closed position;

And wherein the spring biasing structure includes two springs that can be adjusted independently.

Preferably said two springs are arranged to provide different forces to the damper flap such that independent adjustments provide different changes in biasing force.

Preferably, one of the two springs is arranged on one side of the hinge member and the other is arranged on the other side of the hinge member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a damper flap assembly is provided for mounting on a fan construction having a fan housing and a fan mounted in the housing;

The damper flap assembly includes:

a mounting plate having an opening through which air passes and a flange surrounding the opening;

a pivotally mounted damper flap arranged to extend across the opening in a closed position when the fan is not operating, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the damper flap engages a flange surrounding the opening;

The damper baffle has a front surface facing away from the fan forward and a rear surface facing the fan;

the damper flap is movable from a closed position via a partially open position to a fully open position by pivoting on the hinge away from the flange under forward air flow from the fan;

the damper flap is suspended by a hinge member adjacent an upper edge of the damper flap and pivots about a hinge axis of the hinge member and at least one support arm;

wherein a spring biasing structure is provided which applies a biasing force to said at least one arm in both directions towards the open position and towards the closed position;

said at least one arm is connected to a shaft that pivots about its longitudinal axis;

wherein the spring biasing structure comprises a first lever connected to the shaft and a spring acting on the lever to pivot the shaft;

wherein a second lever and an intermeshing gear connecting the first lever and the second lever are provided so that the first lever and the second lever co-move in opposite directions as the shaft pivots;

and wherein a spring is connected between the two levers and passes through an over-center position when the levers rotate, thereby biasing the first lever in a first direction on one side of the over-center position and on the other side of the over-center position The first lever is biased in a second direction.

The configuration defined herein, by virtue of its shape and configuration, allows the closure of the flap using only the force of gravity. However, in some cases, a spring biasing structure is provided which applies a biasing force to the at least one arm in one or both directions towards the open position and towards the closed position.

When used, preferably the spring biasing arrangement comprises two springs which are independently adjustable.

Preferably said two springs are arranged to provide different forces to the damper flap such that independent adjustments provide different changes in biasing force.

Preferably, one of the two springs is arranged on one side of the hinge member and the other is arranged on the other side of the hinge member.

Preferably, said at least one arm comprises two arms spaced laterally so that each arm is positioned on a respective side of the vertical centerline of the baffle member.

Preferably, the two arms are mounted on two separate parts of the cross support so that the arms can pivot independently.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a damper flap assembly for mounting on a fan construction having a fan housing and a fan mounted in the housing;

The damper flap assembly includes:

a mounting plate having an opening through which air passes and a flange surrounding the opening;

a pivotally mounted damper flap arranged to extend across the opening in a closed position when the fan is not operating, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the damper flap engages a flange surrounding the opening;

The damper baffle has a front surface facing away from the fan forward and a rear surface facing the fan;

the damper flap is movable between the partially open position from the closed position to the fully open position by pivoting away from the flange on the hinge under the action of forward airflow from the fan;

the damper flap is suspended by a hinge member adjacent an upper edge of the damper flap and pivots about a hinge axis of the hinge member;

The hinge member includes a transverse support at the hinge axis and two suspension arms laterally spaced such that each suspension arm is positioned on a respective side of the vertical centerline of the flapper member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a damper flap assembly for mounting on a fan construction having a fan housing and a fan mounted in the housing;

The damper flap assembly includes:

a mounting plate having an opening through which air passes and a flange surrounding the opening;

a pivotally mounted damper flap arranged to extend across the opening in a closed position when the fan is not operating, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the damper flap engages a flange surrounding the opening;

The damper baffle has a front surface facing away from the fan forward and a rear surface facing the fan;

the damper flap is movable between the partially open position from the closed position to the fully open position by pivoting away from the flange on the hinge under the action of forward airflow from the fan;

the damper flap is suspended by a hinge member adjacent an upper edge of the damper flap and pivots about a hinge axis of the hinge member and at least one support arm;

wherein a spring biasing structure is provided which applies a biasing force to said at least one arm in both directions towards the open position and towards the closed position;

And wherein the spring biasing structure includes two springs that can be adjusted independently.

The structures described herein can be applied not only to the animal containment industry, but to any other industry where ventilation is required, such as industrial, commercial, residential applications or any other place where backflow must be controlled for whatever reason.

A key point of this new automatic mechanism described here is when the fan is not running at all or when it is running at low speed against the opposing force of a strong wind (in the latter case, the cover is opened slightly and mechanically automatically held in this position), controlling almost 100% backflow (when the cover is tightly closed), for example to prevent any pathogens from penetrating in air-filtered confinement buildings.

The second key point is that this new automatic structure increases the efficiency of the fan by more than 15% when the fan is running at full speed compared to conventional dampers used in agriculture. This can be explained by the mechanism applying a force to help the flap open at its maximum opening thereby avoiding or reducing pressure drop. Fan efficiency drops even more when conventional fans get dirty. Units with an abutment option increase the efficiency of the fan when the fan is running at minimum speed, due to the design of the external outlet allowing blocking of any relative wind from any direction, thus allowing the air to be directed even in the case of strong relative wind The outside is completely free to drain.

The seal may be carried on an outer peripheral portion of the damper flap.

Preferably, the seal comprises deformable fins which can be easily deformed under the action of relatively small forces involved in the action of gravity on the damper flap and the action of back pressure from opposing airflows, whereby This achieves a sealing effect.

Typically, the opening is rectangular, but other shapes are possible, especially circular.

Preferably the mounting plate includes a shroud extending from the hinge over the top of the damper flap to maintain protection from falling contaminants such as snow, preferably the shroud has a downwardly turned flange to engage the damper The flapper prevents pivotal movement of the damper flap beyond a predetermined angle.

Preferably, an abutment member is provided, such as a pin carried on the mounting plate, for holding the damper flap in the slightly open position, the abutment member being retractable, for example by an electrically operable remote control, to Allows the damper flap to close. The key point is that there is an abutment member which is used to hold the baffle slightly open to allow low airflow to escape protected against wind forces. Other shapes and configurations of abutment members may be employed, and they may be actuated in many ways other than the previously described electric solenoids.

Preferably a latch is provided to provide a closing force for holding the damper flap in the closed position, providing increased closing force when the flap is closed, but capable of release as long as the airflow generates sufficient force to overcome the latch to the open position. The latch may be a magnetic strip around the perimeter of the damper flap or a magnet positioned at the bottom of the damper flap. Other types of latches or systems may be used, such as springs or counterweights, etc. to help hold the flap in the closed position, the latch releasing whenever the airflow operates to move the flap away from the closed position.

Preferably, the damper flap comprises a flat panel, which may be an insulating panel of foam material or a similarly rigid flat member. Baffles of other configurations may be used, which may not necessarily be insulating.

Preferably, the damper flap assembly is mounted on the outboard end of the fan housing, in which case the fan housing may hold or include an additional louver closure at the wall opening.

Alternatively, the damper flap assembly may be mounted to the fan housing at a wall opening within a building.

A heating wire may be provided to heat the seal to prevent freezing.

Preferably, the hinge is a flexible strip extending from the damper flap to the mounting plate where it is mounted on the shim strip. Other types of hinges can also be used for this purpose, they resist clogging or freezing, but they do not restrict airflow.

Preferably, the air inlet is arranged at the ceiling of the accommodation area, communicating with the roof space above the accommodation area. However, the filtered air inlets can have other locations, and many different shed ventilation designs can be used. Preferably, each air inlet includes a filter assembly carried in the roof space. However, the air flow entering the roof space through the eaves can be filtered by externally mounted filters added to the outside of the building. It is of course desirable that, except for the inlet and exhaust fans, the containment area be sealed against entry of pathogen-laden air.

The structure described above can have two distinct and independent purposes. In air-filtered sheds for pigs as well as sheds for poultry, the first priority is to limit the infiltration of viruses contained in the return air to the fan shutters when the fans are not running. The second is to limit wind impact on the fans when they are running at slow or minimum speeds to prevent air backflow of pathogenic contaminants.

It has been determined that conventional louvers used in agricultural fans do not adequately seal against backflow and viral contamination.

Thus, the flapper and pin action controls the fan minimum draft rate when the fan is facing wind force. This can be used in an air filtered shed or even a shed without an air filter.

The addition of a pin at the bottom of the panel serves to enable a continuous minimum opening which can vary from 0.5 to 6 inches depending on remote adjustment of the pin. Then, even if the slow-running fan is facing high winds, this damper will remain open and air can be easily blown out by the fan, preventing pathogen-contaminated air from flowing back into the air-filtered shed. In the case of sheds that are not air-filtered, the goal is not to prevent virus transmission, but simply to control the minimum ventilation rate, even in windy conditions or no windy conditions. The aim is to improve the air quality in the shed even when the wind is facing the fan. This will allow the operator to make easy minimum ventilation adjustments and reduce energy costs for fan operation and building heating.

To have better control of the minimum ventilation rate, the standard louvers fitted to the fans can be removed.

In filtering buildings, this configuration may allow a reduction in the number of fans in the first and second ventilation stages by using larger fans, thereby reducing the risk of viral contamination by air recirculation and also reducing energy consumption. Using higher flow rates in the first and second ventilation stages will also allow reducing the number of fans in stage three and subsequent stages. In some cases, this feature will allow the avoidance of Tier 3 and subsequent Tier 3.

In non-filtered pig and poultry sheds, this feature allows better control of the minimum ventilation rate during wind periods. This has a restrictive effect on the fan airflow when the wind is coming from the direction of the fan. When the fan is running at its minimum speed, strong winds can almost completely block the airflow and cause air quality problems within the building as pollutants remain in the shed. Thus, the baffle assembly will help optimize air quality control and heating costs in the shed. Also, by using larger fans, this concept allows reducing the number of fans in the first and second ventilation stages and reducing energy consumption.

The basic concept of this improved return damper flap design includes the addition of a new type of automatic system that does not require electrical power for its operation, allowing mechanically applied pressure on the damper flap to make the damper flap when the fan is not running. The board is absolutely airtight. The second important aspect is that when the fan is running, the damper damper causes almost no airflow restriction (less than 1% compared to 15% of conventional dampers used in agricultural fans), the damper damper mechanism exerts pressure on the damper damper. Significant outward force to keep it open. A third aspect of this return damper baffle design is that it allows a reduced number (but larger size) of damper baffles to be used on large size fans, compared to traditional dampers that feature multiple louvers. Allows for much less airflow restriction.

Such a novel return damper flap system, as described in more detail below, may have one or more of the following features and advantages.

It can be used with variable speed fans or single speed fans, which is different from competing products.

Its mechanism allows significant force to be exerted on the damper flap to prevent any filtering of air when the fan is not running, and to keep the damper flap partially or fully open when the fan is running. The main thing to note is that the same mechanism does both, keeping the damper flap closed when the fan is not running, and keeping the damper flap partially or fully open when the fan is running.

It is a simple, low cost and maintenance free mechanical system that does not require electricity, compared to the expensive dampers currently on the market where the shutters are activated by an electric motor.

This return damper flap also features a rubber band on its edge, which optimizes air tightness when the fan is not running, which compares favorably to any traditional gravity-closed damper used in agriculture. many.

The lightweight damper itself causes little airflow restriction when the fan is running, which allows for increased airflow out of the building. This way of increasing the airflow exhausted from a building by each fan when many fans are required to ventilate a building, allows the power of the fans to be reduced, and/or simply allows the use of one or more fans to be avoided, thereby saving energy.

The system saves power by increasing the cfm-per-watt ratio. With the fan running at full speed, the airflow out of the building is increased (higher cfm-per-watt ratio) for the same amount of energy.

The system can be used in any one or more of the following target markets

Animal farms that currently must or plan to have air-filtered containment buildings and where it is desirable to block the return flow of unfiltered air when the fans are not running.

Producers with high efficiencies who do not need to prepare air filters but wish to increase the exhaust air flow from the building through fans. This is achieved by replacing traditional dampers with return damper flaps, which can be installed on the interior or exterior of building walls. Damper dampers can also help reduce energy consumption and/or improve air quality in buildings.

For both types of customers, the return damper damper also eliminates the need to use traditional fan winter damper dampers (winter covers), saving annual labor costs for installation and removal, and eliminating the need to use these winter damper dampers in the summer Damper storage space as needed. Cold air infiltration through non-operating fans creates increased heating needs during colder months, which means higher energy consumption to heat the building.

Low cost, free Maintenance, most importantly airtightness to avoid infiltration of unfiltered air through fans that are not running, or through fans that need to run at minimum speed in strong relative winds.

The main advantages of airtight damper dampers for animal confinement buildings are as follows:

Prevents the infiltration of airborne parasites, undesired drafts, or backflow (for air-filtered building applications) that may transport airborne pathogens.

Replaces traditional winter coverings to prevent cold air from penetrating

When added to a traditional damper (very recommended when adding an airtight damper flap to a traditional damper for air-filtered building applications), there is no negative impact on the airflow exhausted by the fan

Increased exhaust airflow from the building when traditional fan louvers are removed in non-filtered building applications

Meets the needs of all animal farms, including those with air filtration buildings

Can also be used with variable speed fans or single speed fans (on-off) compared to those competing products in the market that are only used with individual fans

for all fan sizes

easy to install

The mechanism is simple and does not require electricity

Maintenance free and reduced corrosion on sheet metal exterior walls of animal confinement buildings

Closes automatically when the fan is turned off or stopped for any reason

No dust or dirt

Easy pressure washer cleaning

Specifically designed to push exhaust air away from the building, which is otherwise known to cause corrosion of exterior walls

Prevents air, pathogens, dust, or dirt from penetrating the building when mounted on an exterior wall, keeps the fan area clean, and allows easy access to the fan without having to remove the return damper damper, thereby eliminating the potential risk of infiltration of airborne pathogens .

The higher the negative pressure in the building, the better the airtightness of the damper flap.

It is especially important in such constructions that the damper flaps close or remain airtightly closed when the fans are not operating and that the damper flaps themselves do not create any restriction when the fans are operating.

As described herein, the new airtight return damper damper can be installed on the interior wall of the building (see Figure 8), or on the exterior wall (Figure 3).

This airtight return damper damper can be installed on any type of fan ranging from 10" to 55".

As described below, the new airtight return damper damper is usually installed on the outer wall of the building (Figure 9), but it can also be installed on the inner wall.

The airtight return damper damper can be installed on any internal fan from 10" to 55", but it can also be used on larger size fans.

This new damper flap mechanism also allows the return damper flap to be kept at its minimum opening setting when the fan is running at low speed in strong relative winds to prevent wind from affecting the outward airflow. In air-filtered buildings, when the fan stops running, the minimum opening function of the mechanism is automatically deactivated via a solenoid (optional), which causes the damper flap to close immediately.

In traditional non-filtered buildings, the idea is to completely remove and replace the standard louvers with airtight damper dampers, but here, the damper dampers do not need to be as airtight as in air-filtered building applications, the main The goal is to prevent penetration of airborne viruses. The damper flap and its innovative mechanism still offer several advantages:

The damper flap does not cause airflow restriction regardless of when the fan is operating, which increases the exhaust capacity of the fan for a given power, improving energy efficiency by increasing the cfm-per-watt ratio.

In winter, the damper damper mechanism automatically closes and makes the return damper damper airtight to prevent any infiltration of undesired cold air through the non-operating fans, thereby eliminating the need to install traditional winter coverings on the fan outlets,

The damper flap mechanism also allows locking of the return damper flap at its minimum opening setting when the fan is running at low speeds to prevent wind from affecting outward airflow. In air filtered animal containment buildings, when the fan is not running, the damper damper locking mechanism is automatically deactivated by the solenoid, which causes the damper damper to close immediately.

As described below, the new airtight return damper damper can be installed on the interior wall of the building (see Figure 8), or on the exterior wall (Figure 3)

This airtight return damper damper can be installed on any type of fan ranging from 10" to 55".

As described herein, the new airtight return damper damper is usually installed on the outer wall of the building (Figure 9), but it can also be installed on the inner wall, and in this case, there is no conflict with wind control.

The airtight return damper damper can be installed on any internal fan from 10" to 55", but it can also be used on larger size fans.

The airtight return damper damper can also be used on any type of fan or air duct inlet or outlet in the commercial, institutional and industrial markets. In winter, the damper flap can be closed to avoid heat loss and save energy, or left open while the fan is running. It can also maintain the minimum opening setting when minimum airflow control is required in the presence of strong relative winds, in which case the automatic minimum opening function of the mechanism represents an interesting and valuable feature.

The return damper flap mechanism allows the damper flap to be closed when needed, or to keep the damper flap open while the fan is running, both of which save energy.

The structure can also be used in the residential market, for example as a dryer damper, furnace fan damper, air exchange damper or furnace inlet and outlet dampers. In winter, the damper flaps can be closed to avoid heat loss and save energy, or left fully or partially open while the fan is running without causing airflow restriction, which also saves energy.

The invention may also be configured as a combination comprising: a fan; a fan housing for directing air downstream of the fan; and a damper flap assembly as defined above.

Preferably the fan has a variable speed motor which is controlled by varying the frequency of the power supply.

Preferably, the fan housing includes a cone shaped to maximize the efficiency of air flow downstream of the fan, and the damper flap assembly is mounted on the rear end of the cone.

Description of drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a shed comprising a fan construction according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the shed of Fig. 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged scale cross-sectional view along the same line as Figure 2, showing a fan configuration with the closure flap in an open position;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the fan configuration of FIG. 3 .

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view on a further enlarged scale than that of Figure 3, showing only a portion of the fan configuration with the closure flap in the closed position and the magnet at the bottom of the flap;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view on a further enlarged scale than that of Figure 3, showing only a portion of the fan configuration with the closure flap in a partially open position, held open by the pin;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment on a further enlarged scale than that of Figure 3, showing only a portion of the fan configuration, with the closure flap in the closed position and the magnets on the perimeter of the flap;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3 showing a modified fan configuration with the closure flap assembly at the inlet end at the wall opening within the building.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3 showing a modified fan configuration without external ducting on the fan case so that the closure flap assembly is mounted directly to the fan case at a wall opening outside the building physically.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3 showing a modified fan configuration providing more than one row of closure baffles.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment, showing

The shroud is modified and includes an additional mechanism (partially shown) to apply a spring force to the damper flap to bias the damper flap into fully open and fully closed positions, and is shown in the fully closed position Damper.

12 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of FIG. 11 showing in greater detail an additional mechanism to apply a spring force to the damper flap to bias the damper flap into fully open and fully closed positions, and The damper flap is shown in the fully open position.

Figure 13 is an isometric view from the front and one side.

Figure 14 is a side elevational view similar to Figure 12, showing on a larger scale an additional mechanism for applying spring force to the damper flap, showing the damper flap in the fully closed position, and showing the applied Optional solenoid for additional force to move the damper flap to the partially open position.

Figure 15 is a side elevational view similar to Figure 12, showing on a larger scale an additional mechanism for applying spring force to the damper flap to keep the damper flap closed when required, showing the damper flap in the fully closed position damper flapper, and shows an optional solenoid that increases spring force when needed.

Figure 16 is a side elevation view similar to Figure 12 showing an alternative mechanism for applying spring force to the damper flap to keep the damper flap closed when desired.

17 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 12 showing an alternative mechanism for a single speed fan that applies spring force to hold the damper flap closed or fully open as required.

Figure 18 is a side elevational view of the housing and baffle member showing only another alternative mechanism for mounting and controlling the baffle member.

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of the housing and bezel member of FIG. 18 .

Figure 20 is an isometric view of the housing and barrier member of Figure 18 showing an alternative configuration of the spring biasing system.

Figure 21 is a side elevational view of the housing and baffle member showing only another alternative mechanism for mounting and controlling the baffle member.

Figure 22 is a side elevational view of the housing and barrier member, showing only another alternative mechanism for controlling the barrier member.

In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the different views.

Detailed ways

In FIGS. 1 and 2 , an animal enclosure 100 is shown comprising a peripheral wall 101 defining a containment area 102 . Roof 103 defines a roof space 104 above canopy 105 .

A plurality of air inlets 106 provide access to air into the containment area, wherein each air inlet 106 has an air filtration system 107 for removing pathogens from the incoming air, thereby preventing the spread of disease to the animals.

A plurality of exhaust fans 110 are positioned at spaced locations around the wall for generating air flow out of the containment area to create an air negative pressure within the shed to draw replacement air into the containment area through the air inlet 106 . Except for the inlet and exhaust fans, the containment area is sealed against entry of pathogen-laden air.

The exhaust fan can be driven at variable speeds including at least high and low speeds, and can be turned off when not required. Turning off fans where possible reduces energy usage. High fan speeds are required at maximum temperatures to provide the required levels of ventilation and cooling. Lower fan speeds are required at other times. The system can be computer controlled to ensure adequate ventilation and cooling while minimizing energy use.

As shown in FIG. 3 , each fan has a fan housing 17 defining a duct extending from an end plate 17A mounted in the wall 101 . The plates and ducts form circular or rectangular channels for air to escape from the wall openings. A fan 18 having a motor 18A and fan blades 18B is mounted in the duct of the fan housing to drive air outward from the wall opening to the open end 17C of the fan housing 17 . Thus, the open end portion 17C forms an opening spaced outwardly from the wall 101 .

Thus, the fan housing defines an inlet opening 17D at the wall and an outlet duct 17 extending through the wall to an outlet opening 17C outside the wall.

A damper flap assembly 120 is mounted on the fan housing and includes a mounting plate or plate 12 having an opening 12A through which air passes and a flange 12B which surrounds the opening and defines a top flange. 12C, bottom flange 12B and side flanges. A flexible rubber seal or silicon 10 allows sealing the connection between the fan case 17 and the mounting plate 12 .

The damper flap 1 in the form of a styrofoam or similar sheet is covered on each surface with a plastic sheet and the plastic sheet covers the edges. The panel or baffle 1 is suspended by a hinge 16 at its upper edge where it joins a top flange 12C. The panel 1 is able to pivot about its upper edge to hang from the hinge under the force of gravity. Thus, the panel 1 is able to extend across the opening 12A in the closed position, with the outer peripheral portions 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D ( FIG. 4 ) of the damper flap engaging the flanges 12B, 12C around the opening 12A.

The damper flap 1 is movable to an open position by pivoting away from the flanges 12B, 12C on the hinge 16 under pressure from a forward air flow 18F generated by a fan 18 , as shown in FIG. 3 .

Resiliently deformable fin seals 2 are provided on the peripheral portions 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D to act between the outer peripheral portion of the damper flap and the flange. The seal surrounds the opening 12A and is arranged to seal the damper flap against reverse flow of air through the fan housing 18R.

The seal comprises deformable fins 2A (Fig. 6) which can be easily depressed and provide an effective seal under low back pressure from negative air pressure in the building.

The mounting plate 12 includes a top cover 13 extending outwardly from the hinge 16 over the top of the damper flap 1, and the mounting plate 12 includes a downwardly turned flange 14 having a bottom edge 14A to engage the damper flap 1 and prevent the pivotal movement of the damper flap 1 beyond a predetermined angle. The cover 13 may also include side panels 11 which prevent air from engaging the sides of the baffle 1 .

In operation, the flap is held open by the high velocity air flow from the fan 18 in the forward direction 18F. With the fan turned off when air flow is not required, the flap is closed by gravity until it engages the plate 12 to seal. In this case, back pressure on the baffle keeps it closed, creating a seal that prevents any polluted air from flowing back into the building. This is especially important at certain times of the year, such as fall or spring when outdoor temperatures are not high enough to require high fan flow, and when minimal ventilation leads to humid air and slowed movement, leading to high levels of pollution.

In order to keep the flap slightly open when the fan is driven at a lower speed for less air movement, an abutment member 7 is provided to abut the bottom edge portion 1C to hold the damper flap in the slightly open position. The abutment member 7 ( FIG. 6 ) includes a pin 7A that can be retracted on a solenoid 7B mounted on the plate behind the plate 12 below the fan housing 17 to allow closure of the damper flap. 6 on. Thus, the pin can be electrically operated by the remote control to fully retract to allow closure, and to adjust to set the desired amount of opening according to the desired air flow.

To increase the closing pressure to compensate for air back pressure, a magnet latch is provided to provide the closing force to hold the damper flap in the closed position. This may include a magnetic strip 20 ( FIG. 7 ) around the perimeter of the damper flap that mates with a metal strip 21 on the mounting plate 12 .

Alternatively, the magnet latch comprises a magnet 3 ( FIG. 7 ) carried on a support plate 4 at the bottom edge of the damper flap and cooperating with a metal plate 5 on a mounting plate 12 .

A heating wire 8 may be provided to heat the seal to prevent freezing.

Hinge 16 ( FIG. 3 ) is a flexible strip that runs across the top of flap 1 , from damper flap 1 to mounting plate 12 where it mounts to shim strap 15 . Other types of hinges may be used.

In some cases, typical additional louver closures 19 remain at the wall openings to provide internal closure when the fan is off.

The structure described above includes a fan housing having an outer duct extending outwardly from the wall, the damper flap assembly being mounted on the outer end of the duct.

In Figure 8, a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3 is shown showing a modified fan configuration with the damper flap assembly at the inlet end at the wall opening. In this case, the device is located in front of a louver structure 19 which can be removed or which can remain in place. Except for this modification, the configuration is the same as that described above. In Figure 8, the damper flap will not limit the wind effect at low speeds because it is mounted upstream of the fan. Thus, in this case, the goal is simply to prevent the back flow of contaminated reverse flow air. Thus, no solenoid abutment is required. A solenoid may be provided to open the damper when it is restricted by freezing and/or to maintain a minimum opening when the fan is running at minimum speed. A duct 22, which may be rectangular or circular, is located between the damper flap and the fan inlet. The pipe is suitably fixed to the wall.

In Fig. 9, a cross-sectional view similar to that of Fig. 3 is shown showing another modified fan configuration without ducts so that its damper flap assembly is mounted directly at the outer surface of the wall. In this structure, a wire mesh 18D is provided on the inner surface at the fan 18B as a protective cover and a fan venturi 18G. In this construction, the shutter 23 is mounted on the outside of the wall, the box of which is inserted into the wall. An end duct 24 may also be provided between the wall and the damper flap. Except for this modification, the configuration is the same as that described above.

In Fig. 10, a structure with two rows of baffles 120 is shown. This structure can be used, for example, with a 36-inch fan. Damper dampers can be installed on the inside or outside of a building, as described above. In some configurations, there may also be more than two rows and more than one column of baffles, such as for a 55 inch fan.

Turning now to Figures 11 to 17, the following additional elements have been added:

Reference numeral 32 is a circular extension lip where the baffle closes over the edge.

Reference numeral 33 is a rod or flat bar attached at one end to the hinge and at the other end to the center of the flap so that the flap closes tightly on the edge of the circular extension lip 32 . In Figure 13, it should be noted that the rod 33 or engagement member acts on the center of the circular damper flap along the centerline of the flap to equalize the forces on the peripheral edge or edges of the damper flap.

Reference numeral 34 is a heating cable mounted on the periphery of the baffle and/or on the periphery of the circular extension lip to prevent freezing and is optional.

Number 35 is a stainless steel rod hinge.

Reference numeral 36 is a hood or cover which acts as a wind damper. This part protects the damper flap from rain and snow and provides a nozzle or opening for air to escape while resisting backflow by the wind over the flap. The cover shown at 36 in FIGS. 11 and 13 has a horizontal top wall 36A extending forwardly over the top of the damper flap and its hinge; The edge extends down and forward along the damper flap to bottom edge 36C. The shroud has a width slightly wider than the fan and baffle to accommodate the baffle, and the shroud defines side walls 36D and 36E. As shown in FIG. 12, the forward flange 36B, which is turned downward, extends parallel to the damper flap in the fully open position, wherein the bottom edge 36C of the flange is at or beyond the bottom edge 30A of the damper flap 30, so that the entire flap The board is housed in the enclosure. The cover also has a bottom wall 36F extending forwardly from the mounting plate and a downwardly turned front flange 49 extending downwardly and forwardly from the front edge of wall 36F. Deflectors are provided to create a shield against strong reverse winds and to reduce or prevent drag forces on the walls of the shed which are known to cause rust on the outside of the sheet metal of animal sheds important reason. The purpose of this section is to move the air away from the building as it exits the fan. Additionally, the shroud side, top and bottom walls are joined to form a nozzle directing air outward and downward from its mouth 36G which is in a forward and downward facing inclined plane.

Reference numeral 37 shown in the enlarged views of FIGS. 12 and 14 is a spring bias structure which helps to control the opening and closing of the shutter. A spring biased structure is arranged to apply a force to the damper flap. The spring biasing structure 37 includes a cam plate 42 pivotally mounted on a pin 40 carried on the housing. The cam plate 42 has a cam surface 42A that engages the cam follower roller 39 . The spring 43 applies a spring force to the cam so that the cam rotates about the pin 40 in an upward or downward direction and applies a force from the cam surface 42A to the cam follower roller 39 . A cam follower roller 39 is attached to the flapper 30 by a lever 38 to apply force to the flapper by the rod 33 at the hinge 35 .

In FIG. 14, the cam surface 42A is shaped to control the force applied to the roller 39, thereby controlling the force applied to the flap. In this embodiment, the surface 42A includes a peak 42B located halfway along the surface between the left-hand end 48 in the fully open position and the right-hand end 46 in the fully closed position. Thus, as shown, to the left of the peak, the roller 39 will move towards the left under the spring force of the spring 43 which biases the surface upwardly towards the roller. Symmetrically, to the right of the peak, the roller 39 will move towards the right. Thus, the spring biasing arrangement is arranged to bias the damper flap into the fully closed position to the right of the partially open position at peak 42B, and to bias the damper flap fully open on the opposite side of the partially open position. in position.

One end of the spring is attached to a chain 43 which is connected to a hole 41 in the housing. The other end of the spring is attached to a screw 45, or other connecting member that attaches the spring to the damper housing.

This mechanism allows inward pressure to be applied to the flap as it closes so that when the fan is stopped, the flap closes tightly and remains tightly closed. The pressure can be adjusted by adjusting the spring pressure. When the fan is at minimum speed, this mechanism will keep the baffle at the minimum opening to reduce the inward pressure drop caused by strong reverse wind force or the baffle's own weight. This mechanism will help keep the flap open when the fan is running at maximum speed and reduces pressure drop to improve fan performance. The spring tension can be adjusted to adjust the flapper pressure on the edge of the lip edge.

In position 46 of the rollers 39, the biasing mechanism exerts an inward force on the flaps to close them tightly.

In addition to peak 42B, surface 42A includes raised section 42C between location 47 and end location 46 . In position 47 of the roller 39, the biasing structure acts through the raised portion 42C to exert a slight outward force on the baffle to keep it open at the minimum opening when the fan is running at minimum speed to reduce the Pressure drop across the fan due to strong reverse wind or the weight of the baffle itself.

In position 48 of the rollers 39, the biasing structure exerts an outward force on the flap to hold the flap fully open when the fan is running at maximum speed, thereby reducing stress on the fan due to the flap's own weight. pressure drop and maximize fan performance.

Additionally, a solenoid 50 (optional) is shown in FIG. 14 , which operates in response to actuation of the fan, positioned to apply an outward force directly to the lever 38 when the lever is in position 46 . Thus, when the fan is activated, the solenoid 50 exerts a thrust on the lever 38 to maintain the minimum opening of the flap as required. When the fan is stopped, the solenoid is also deactivated, retracting to its original position, allowing the flapper to close. The solenoid does not exert any force on the flap to close the flap. Solenoids can also be installed in the previous configuration as shown in FIG. 6 at sections 7, 7A and 7B.

In addition, a solenoid 51 that operates in the same manner as the solenoid 50 is shown in FIG. 15 . In this case, however, the solenoid is located at the end of the spring 44 to exert an increased force on the spring 44 . This can be used to apply inward pressure on the baffle when the fan is not running to maximize the airtightness of the baffle. When the fan is activated, the solenoid moves outward to reduce the spring force and to reduce the pressure on the flapper when the fan is running at maximum speed so as not to reduce the fan's performance or the fan's airflow. Solenoids 50 and 51 can be mounted on the unit in a number of ways to securely close the flapper, allowing for minimum opening and helping to keep the flapper fully open when the fan is at maximum speed.

Thus, as mentioned above, operable means are provided, such as solenoids 50 or 51, to apply additional force to the spring bias structure, thereby increasing the force when required. The operable means is dependent on the operation of the fan such that it operates when the fan is activated and uses power from the operation of the fan. The cam surface 42A includes a recess at the partially open position 47 to apply a spring force to the damper flap to tend to retain the damper flap in the partially open position. However, additional force to the right or left will overcome this partial constraint and allow the flapper to move to the fully open and fully closed positions as desired.

The solenoid can be mounted in a variety of ways and can be replaced with a simple adjustable pin that can be opened or closed manually or automatically with variable adjustment.

Turning now to Figure 16, an alternative configuration of the spring biasing configuration is shown, shown at 53, in which the cam 53A has a surface 53B which is straight, thereby omitting the peaks previously described. However, this structure also operates through the geometry of the system, biasing the damper flap into the closed position on one side of the partially open position and biasing the damper flap into the fully open position on the other side of the partially open position middle. This is achieved in that the cam roller 53C has a top dead center position when the cam surface 53B is horizontal and the lever 38 is vertical. To the left of this position, the roller moves towards the left. To the right of this position, the roller moves towards the right.

Turning now to FIG. 17, another alternative embodiment for applying a spring force to the flap is shown so that on one side of the partially open position the damper flap is biased into a tightly closed position and on one side of the partially open position. The opposite side biases the damper flap into the fully open position. In this structure 60 there are two levers 60A and 60B, one end of which is pivotally connected to each other at pin 60C, the other end of lever 60B is connected to the housing, and the other end of lever 60A is connected to the shutter. Spring 60D applies a spring force to the lever structure. Additionally, the spring and lever configuration also has a top dead center position where the spring 60D exerts an outward force on one side in one direction toward the open position and on the other side in a direction toward the tightly closed position. The other direction applies an inward force.

The main important points in this article are as follows:

This device is used both to close the flap tightly and to apply an outward force to maintain the open position, thereby reducing or avoiding pressure drop and maintaining or improving fan airflow or performance.

This device is used to apply pressure at the center of the baffle to apply pressure evenly on the periphery of the edge, even in the event of undesired small deformations on the edge.

The inward and outward force can be adjusted.

The cams can have different shapes or designs to adapt the mechanism to the desired purpose.

The unit can be used with any type of fan, duct, inlet and outlet.

For airtightness, it is important to use the correct seal.

Butt-engaging flappers (retractable or non-retractable) (automatic or not) (for air-filtered or non-air-filtered equipment) will allow the flapper to maintain a certain minimum flapper opening so that even in The minimum ventilation rate can also be controlled under strong reverse wind conditions.

The shroud is designed to avoid air flow directly onto the building and to keep air away from the building.

The system is used in air-filtered and non-air-filtered equipment (agricultural, industrial, etc. sectors).

The system can be installed on the outside or inside of the building.

The device provides enhanced fan performance by reducing pressure drop while increasing the airtightness of the baffle compared to conventional louvers.

The structure considers four reasons so that it is always airtight and free of freezing problems in cold seasons.

Turning now to Figures 18, 19 and 20, there is shown an alternative construction of a cylindrical housing 70 mounted on the fan housing and a circular disk-shaped baffle member 71, the circular disk The disc-shaped flapper member pivotally moves between an open position and a closed position, as shown, the circular disc-shaped flapper member abuts against the rim 72 of the housing 70 in the closed position.

Accordingly, the damper flap assembly includes a mounting plate defined by the housing having an opening through which air passes and a flange 72 surrounding the opening. In this figure, the mounting plate is not shown, just the flange which is about 4 inches deep. The depth of the flange will vary depending on the fan case it is installed in. For example, if the outer perimeter of the fan case is very sloped, it would need to have a larger flange to cover it. The flange is then mounted on a mounting plate (not shown for ease of illustration). A pivotally mounted circular damper flap 71 is arranged to extend across the opening in a closed position when the fan is not operating, with an outer peripheral edge portion 73 of the damper flap 71 engaging a flange 72 surrounding the opening. The damper flap 71 is formed as a flat circular disk and has a front surface 74 facing forwardly away from the fan and a rear surface 75 facing the fan. The damper baffle 71 is formed as a flat circular disk, but can be designed in other shapes and structures as required.

The damper flap is suspended by a hinge member 76 adjacent an upper edge 77 of the damper flap 71 and pivots about a hinge axis 78 of the hinge member. Hinge member 76 includes a transverse support 79 at the hinge axis and two support arms 80 and 81 extending from transverse support 79 near upper edge 77 . The arms are symmetrically arranged at spaced apart positions on respective sides of the vertical centerline CL2. The arm includes first horizontal portions 80A and 81A, in the direction of the damper flap forward to a position forward of the damper flap. The arm also includes vertically depending portions 80A and 80B each connected to the front surface 74 of the damper flap 71 at a location below the top edge 77 of the damper flap 71 by connecting members 80C and 81C.

The connecting members 80C and 81C are arranged at positions near or below the transverse centerline CL1 of the damper guard and are connected to the damper guard 71 only at the connecting members to allow the top edge 77 and the bottom edge of the damper guard to 77A flexes relative to the connecting member, and thereby flexes relative to the arm.

Accordingly, depending portions 80B and 81B extend along and are spaced apart from front surface 74 of baffle member 71 to move independently of the front surface upon flexing action of the baffle member.

The connecting members 80C and 81C are formed by brackets fastened to the front surface 74 of the fender member 71, the suspension portions 80B and 81B each comprising a rod which engages in a horizontal flange of the bracket through holes 80D, 81D. middle.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , the lateral support 79 is located at a position in a vertical plane VP ( FIG. 18 ), which is rearward of the apron member 71 , and at a height above the top edge 77 of the apron member. behind surface 75 .

The two arms 80 and 81 are mounted on two separate parts 79A and 79B of the transverse support 79 so that the arms can pivot independently. That is, part 79A is supported between outer support wall 76A and intermediate support wall 76B, and part 79B is supported between outer support wall 76D and intermediate support wall 76E. All support walls are suspended from the top plate 76C and form a rigid frame structure from which the cross member 79 pivots. While the frame 76 holds the cross member 79 in a fixed position on the line 78, the space between the walls 76B and 76E allows the parts 79A and 79B to pivot or rotate relative to each other to allow the baffle member to flex.

The flapper member may be used without a spring bias so that the flapper member closes under the force of gravity. However, in some configurations, a spring biasing structure 90 is provided, which is biased by two springs 93 and 94 through levers 91 and 92 towards the arms 80 and 81 to apply a biasing force. The springs are arranged in a similar manner as previously described so that the levers 91, 92 have an over-centre action. Springs 93 and 94 are independently adjustable to provide different forces to the damper flap such that independent adjustments provide different changes in biasing force. The spring 93 is arranged on one side of the hinge member, and the spring 94 is arranged on the other side of the hinge member.

In Figure 21, the same flapper member and housing are shown, but using a modified spring arrangement 176 comprising two springs in the cam and cam follower 177 of the previous arrangement.

In Figure 22, the same flapper member and housing are shown, but using a modified spring arrangement 180 comprising a single spring and two levers. Thus, the flap 71 pivots on the aforementioned arm, on the transverse axis 181 . Control of the rotation of the shaft 181 is obtained by a gear 184 meshing with a second gear 185 . Rotation of the gears about their respective axes is controlled by a pair of levers 182 and 183 and a spring 186 connecting the levers. Thus, in the open position shown, the lever is biased by the spring 186 so that the lever 182 and flapper 71 , carried on the shaft 181 , rotate in a direction towards the open position. When the flapper is closed due to the downward flow of air, the levers 182 and 183 are rotated in separate directions to extend the springs to their maximum length when the lever 182 is at the 12.00 o'clock position and the lever 183 is at the 6.00 o'clock position. After this position, the lever moves over center, the spring pulls them together, and the lever 182 rotates in a clockwise direction, biasing the flapper 71 into the closed position against the flange 72 .

Thus, the spring biasing structure comprises a first lever 182 connected to the shaft 181 and a spring 186 acting on the lever 182 to pivot the shaft 181 . Meshing gears 184, 185 connect the first and second levers for common movement in opposite directions as the shafts pivot. A spring 186 is connected between the two levers 182 and 183, and passes through the over-center position OC when the levers rotate, thereby biasing the first lever 182 in the first direction D1 on one side of the over-center position, and in the over-center position OC. The first lever 182 is biased in the second direction D2 on the other side.

Since various modifications are possible in the invention described hereinabove, and many apparently widely different embodiments are possible within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is therefore included in All matter contained in the accompanying specification should be interpreted as illustrative only and not restrictive.

Claims (72)

1. a damper board component is used for Stable, and wherein this Stable comprises:

Housing region;

Feed a plurality of air intakes of housing region, wherein each air intake has air filtering system, to be used for discharging pathogen from the air of introducing, propagates into animal thereby ward off disease;

And a plurality of scavenger fan structures, it flows for generation of the air that leaves housing region, thereby the air of changing is drawn in the housing region by air intake;

Each fan structure comprises:

Blower-casting;

Fan, it is installed in the blower-casting;

And the damper board component, it is installed on the blower-casting, and this damper board component comprises:

Installing plate, it has opening and flange, and air passes this opening, and this flange is around this opening;

The air door baffle plate, it is suspended at upper edge by the articulated section, and pivots around this top edge, crosses this opening thereby extend in closing position, and wherein the neighboring part of air door baffle plate engages with the flange that centers on opening;

Leave flange by pivoting in the articulated section under the effect that this air door baffle plate can flow at the air forward from fan and move to open position;

And resilience deformable seal part, it is between the neighboring part and flange of air door baffle plate, is arranged to seal the air door baffle plate, to prevent that air is by the reverse flow of blower-casting.

2. fan structure according to claim 1, wherein the seal is carried on the neighboring part of air door baffle plate.

3. fan structure according to claim 1 and 2, wherein the seal comprises the deformable fin.

4. according to each described fan structure in the aforementioned claim, wherein installing plate comprises the top covering, and this top covering extends from the articulated section in the over top of air door baffle plate.

5. fan structure according to claim 4, wherein the top covering has the flange under turning to, to engage the air door baffle plate and to prevent that the pivoting action of air door baffle plate from surpassing predetermined angular.

6. according to each described fan structure in the aforementioned claim, wherein be provided with abutting member, when fan during with low-speed running, the opposite wind-force of this abutting member opposing remains on the air door baffle plate in the position of opening slightly.

7. according to each described fan structure in the aforementioned claim, wherein abutting member can be withdrawn, to allow closed air door baffle plate.

8. fan structure according to claim 6, wherein abutting member can be operated by remote control.

9. fan structure according to claim 1 wherein is provided with breech lock, and this breech lock is provided for the air door baffle plate is remained on closing force in the closing position.

10. fan structure according to claim 9, wherein breech lock comprises around the magnetic stripe of the periphery of air door baffle plate and/or at the magnet at the place, bottom of baffle plate.

11. according to each described fan structure in the aforementioned claim, wherein the air door baffle plate comprises the flat panel that can be completely cut off.

12. according to each described fan structure in the aforementioned claim, wherein the damper board component is installed on the outboard end of blower-casting.

13. according to each described fan structure in the aforementioned claim, wherein blower-casting has extra shutter closure member.

14. according to each described fan structure in the aforementioned claim, wherein the damper board component is installed on the blower-casting at the inner end place.

15. according to each described fan structure in the aforementioned claim, wherein be provided with the heating wire rod, this heating wire rod is used for the heating seal in case stagnant ice freezes.

16. according to each described fan structure in the aforementioned claim, wherein air intake is arranged in the ceiling place and/or wall of housing region, is communicated with the roof space of housing region top.

17. fan structure according to claim 16, wherein each air intake comprises the filter assemblies that is carried in the roof space.

18. according to each described fan structure in the aforementioned claim, wherein, except entrance and scavenger fan, housing region is sealed and air that do not allow to contain pathogen enters.

19. a fan structure, it comprises:

Blower-casting;

Fan, it is installed in the blower-casting;

This fan can be with high speed and low-speed handing;

And the damper board component, it is installed on the blower-casting, and this damper board component comprises:

Installing plate, it has opening and flange, and air passes this opening, and this flange is around this opening;

The air door baffle plate, it is suspended at upper edge by the articulated section, and pivots around this top edge, crosses this opening thereby extend in closing position, and wherein the neighboring part of air door baffle plate engages with the flange that centers on opening;

This air door baffle plate can leave flange by pivoting in the articulated section during with low speed or high speed operation at fan and move to open position under the effect from the stream of air forward of fan;

Wherein be provided with abutting member, when fan during with low-speed running, the opposite wind-force of this abutting member opposing remains on the air door baffle plate in the position of opening slightly.

20. fan structure according to claim 19, wherein abutting member can be withdrawn, to allow closed air door baffle plate.

21. fan structure according to claim 20, wherein abutting member can be operated by remote control.

22. a damper board component, it is used for being installed in fan structure, and this fan structure has blower-casting and the fan that is installed in the blower-casting;

This damper board component comprises:

Installing plate, it has opening and flange, and air passes this opening, and this flange is around this opening;

The air door baffle plate of An Zhuaning pivotally, it is arranged to extend in closing position when fan does not move and crosses this opening, and wherein the neighboring part of air door baffle plate engages with the flange that centers on this opening;

Leave flange and move to the fully open position from closing position by way of partially opening the position by pivoting in the articulated section under the effect that the air door baffle plate can flow at the air forward from fan;

And voltage biasing structure, it is used for applying power to the damper plate, the spring voltage biasing structure is arranged to, and on partially opening a side of position the air door baffle plate is biased in the closing position, and on partially opening the relative opposite side of position the air door baffle plate is biased in the fully open position.

23. damper board component according to claim 22, wherein the air door baffle plate is suspended at upper edge by the articulated section, and pivots around this top edge.

24. according to claim 22 or 23 described damper board components, wherein be provided with resilience deformable seal part, it is between the neighboring part and flange of air door baffle plate, is arranged to sealing air door baffle plate when fan does not move, to prevent that air is by the reverse flow of blower-casting.

25. according to each described damper board component in the claim 22 to 24, wherein voltage biasing structure comprises be used to the spring that spring force is provided.

26. damper board component according to claim 25, wherein voltage biasing structure comprises the cam face that engages with cam follower, and its medi-spring applies spring force between cam follower and cam face.

27. damper board component according to claim 26, wherein cam follower is attached to the air door baffle plate.

28. damper board component according to claim 27, wherein cam follower is installed on the lever, and this lever is attached to the air door baffle plate to move pivotally with this air door baffle plate.

29. damper board component according to claim 27, wherein cam face is installed pivotally, and spring is arranged to make cam face to pivot along the direction that applies power to cam follower.

30. according to each described damper board component in the claim 22 to 29, but wherein be provided with operating means, but should be used for applying extra power to voltage biasing structure by operating means, with increase power.

31. damper board component according to claim 30, but wherein be somebody's turn to do the operation that operating means depends on fan.

32. damper board component according to claim 29, wherein cam face is included in the recess that partially opens the position, thereby apply power to the damper plate when moving when the strong reverse wind-force of fan opposing and with minimum speed, partially open in the position to be tending towards the air door baffle plate remained on.

33. according to each described damper board component in the claim 22 to 32, apply power to the damper plate when wherein voltage biasing structure is arranged to move when the strong reverse wind-force of fan opposing and with minimum speed, partially open in the position to be tending towards the air door baffle plate remained on.

34. according to each described damper board component in the claim 22 to 33, wherein installing plate comprises cover, anterior lip under this cover has roof and turns to, this roof extends in the over top of air door baffle plate, anterior lip under this turns to down and is onwards extended along the air door baffle plate, air is pushed away the wall of building.

35. damper board component according to claim 34, the anterior lip under wherein turning to be in a fully open position in the air door baffle plate extend abreast.

36. damper board component according to claim 35, the anterior lip under wherein turning to are at the bottom margin place of air door baffle plate or surpass the bottom margin of air door baffle plate and extend to the bottom margin of flange.

37. according to each described damper board component in the claim 22 to 36, wherein installing plate comprises cover, this cover have diapire and and turn under anterior lip, this diapire extends forward from installing plate, anterior lip under this turns to down and is onwards extended, air is pushed away the wall of building.

38. according to each described damper board component in the claim 22 to 37, wherein be provided with abutting member, when fan during with low-speed running, the opposite wind-force of this abutting member opposing remains on the air door baffle plate in the position of opening slightly.

39. according to the described damper board component of claim 38, wherein abutting member can be withdrawn, to allow closed air door baffle plate.

40. according to each described damper board component in the claim 22 to 39, wherein voltage biasing structure comprises engagement member, this engagement member acts on the central authorities of air door baffle plate along its centre line, with the power on the edge of balanced air door baffle plate.

41. a damper board component, it is used for being installed in fan structure, and this fan structure has blower-casting and the fan that is installed in the blower-casting;

This damper board component comprises:

Installing plate, it has opening and flange, and air passes this opening, and this flange is around this opening;

The air door baffle plate of An Zhuaning pivotally, it is arranged to extend in closing position when fan does not move and crosses this opening, and wherein the neighboring part of air door baffle plate engages with the flange that centers on this opening;

Leave flange and move to the fully open position from closing position by way of partially opening the position by pivoting in the articulated section under the effect that the air door baffle plate can flow at the air forward from fan;

Wherein installing plate comprises cover, the anterior lip under this cover has roof and turns to, and this roof extends in the over top of air door baffle plate, and the anterior lip under this turns to down and is onwards extended along the air door baffle plate.

42. according to the described damper board component of claim 41, the anterior lip under wherein turning to be in a fully open position in the air door baffle plate extend abreast.

43. according to claim 41 or 42 described damper board components, the anterior lip under wherein turning to is at the bottom margin place of air door baffle plate or surpass the bottom margin of air door baffle plate and extend to the bottom margin of flange.

44. according to each described damper board component in the claim 41 to 43, wherein cover have diapire and and turn under anterior lip, this diapire extends forward from installing plate, and the anterior lip under this turns to down and is onwards extended, air is pushed away the wall of building.

45. a damper board component, it is used for being installed in fan structure, and this fan structure has blower-casting and the fan that is installed in the blower-casting;

This damper board component comprises:

Installing plate, it has opening and flange, and air passes this opening, and this flange is around this opening;

The air door baffle plate of An Zhuaning pivotally, it is arranged to extend in closing position when fan does not move and crosses this opening, and wherein the neighboring part of air door baffle plate engages with the flange that centers on this opening;

The air door baffle plate has the front surface that deviates from fan forward and towards the rear surface of fan;

Leave flange and move to the fully open position from closing position by way of partially opening the position by pivoting in the articulated section under the effect that the air door baffle plate can flow at the air forward from fan;

The air door baffle plate suspends by the articulated element adjacent with the top edge of air door baffle plate, and pivots around the hinge axes of articulated element;

Articulated element comprises horizontal support piece and at least one support arm, this horizontal support piece is in the hinge axes place, described at least one support arm is adjacent to extend from horizontal support piece and top edge forward on the direction of the position in the place ahead of air door baffle plate at the air door baffle plate, and described at least one support arm is connected to the air door baffle plate by the position of connecting elements below the top of air door baffle plate.

46. according to the described damper board component of claim 45, wherein said connecting elements is arranged near the cross central line of air door baffle plate or the position of below.

47. according to claim 45 or 46 described damper board components, described at least one arm only is connected to the air door baffle plate at described connecting elements place, with the top that allows the air door baffle plate and bottom margin with respect to described connecting elements deflection.

48. according to each described damper board component in the claim 45 to 47, wherein said at least one support arm comprises foil portion, this foil portion extends and spaced apart with the front surface of baffle component along the front surface of baffle component.

49. according to each described damper board component in the claim 45 to 48, wherein be provided with at least one carriage, described at least one carriage is fastened to the front surface of baffle component, and the described foil portion of described at least one support arm engages with this carriage.

50. according to each described damper board component in the claim 45 to 49, wherein foil portion comprises bar, and the hole of this bar by carriage engages.

51. according to each described damper board component in the claim 45 to 50, wherein horizontal support piece is positioned at the position in the vertical plane, this vertical plane is in the back of the rear surface of baffle component.

52. according to each described damper board component in the claim 45 to 51, wherein horizontal support piece is positioned at the height place of the top top of baffle component.

53. according to each described damper board component in the claim 45 to 52, wherein baffle component only moves to closing position by the gravity effect.

54. according to each described damper board component in the claim 45 to 53, wherein be provided with the spring voltage biasing structure, this spring voltage biasing structure is along applying biasing force towards open position with towards the both direction of closing position to described at least one arm.

55. according to each described damper board component in the claim 45 to 54, its medi-spring voltage biasing structure comprises two springs can regulating independently.

56. according to the described damper board component of claim 55, wherein said two springs are arranged to provide different power to the damper plate, make independent regulation provide the difference of biasing force to change.

57. according to claim 55 or 56 described damper board components, a spring in wherein said two springs is arranged on the side of articulated element, another spring is arranged on the opposite side of articulated element.

58. according to each described damper board component in the claim 45 to 57, wherein said at least one arm comprises laterally isolated two arms, thereby each arm is positioned on the respective side of vertical center line of baffle component.

59. according to the described damper board component of claim 58, wherein said two arms are installed on two independent parts of horizontal support piece, make arm to pivot independently.

60. a damper board component, it is used for being installed in fan structure, and this fan structure has blower-casting and the fan that is installed in the blower-casting;

This damper board component comprises:

Installing plate, it has opening and flange, and air passes this opening, and this flange is around this opening;

The air door baffle plate of An Zhuaning pivotally, it is arranged to extend in closing position when fan does not move and crosses this opening, and wherein the neighboring part of air door baffle plate engages with the flange that centers on this opening;

The air door baffle plate has the front surface that deviates from fan forward and towards the rear surface of fan;

Leave flange and move to the fully open position from closing position by way of partially opening the position by pivoting in the articulated section under the effect that the air door baffle plate can flow at the air forward from fan;

The air door baffle plate suspends by the articulated element adjacent with the top edge of air door baffle plate, and pivots around the hinge axes of articulated element;

Articulated element comprises the horizontal support piece that is in the hinge axes place and isolated two suspension arms laterally, thereby each suspension arm is positioned on the respective side of vertical center line of baffle component.

61. according to the described damper board component of claim 60, each in the wherein said arm is connected to the air door baffle plate by connecting elements, this connecting elements is arranged near the cross central line of air door baffle plate or the position of below.

62. according to claim 60 or 61 described damper board components, each front surface along baffle component of wherein said suspension arm extends and is spaced apart with the front surface of baffle component.

63. according to each described damper board component in the claim 60 to 62, wherein horizontal support piece is positioned at the position in the vertical plane, this vertical plane is in the back of the rear surface of baffle component.

64. according to each described damper board component in the claim 60 to 63, wherein said two arms are installed on two independent parts of horizontal support piece, make arm to pivot independently.

65. according to each described damper board component in the claim 60 to 64, wherein baffle component only moves to closing position by the gravity effect.

66. a damper board component, it is used for being installed in fan structure, and this fan structure has blower-casting and the fan that is installed in the blower-casting;

This damper board component comprises:

Installing plate, it has opening and flange, and air passes this opening, and this flange is around this opening;

The air door baffle plate of An Zhuaning pivotally, it is arranged to extend in closing position when fan does not move and crosses this opening, and wherein the neighboring part of air door baffle plate engages with the flange that centers on this opening;

The air door baffle plate has the front surface that deviates from fan forward and towards the rear surface of fan;

Leave flange and move to the fully open position from closing position by way of partially opening the position by pivoting in the articulated section under the effect that the air door baffle plate can flow at the air forward from fan;

The air door baffle plate suspends by the articulated element adjacent with the top edge of air door baffle plate, and pivots around hinge axes and at least one support arm of articulated element;

Wherein be provided with the spring voltage biasing structure, this spring voltage biasing structure is along applying biasing force towards open position with towards the both direction of closing position to described at least one arm;

And its medi-spring voltage biasing structure comprises two springs can regulating independently.

67. according to the described damper board component of claim 66, wherein said two springs are arranged to provide different power to the damper plate, make independent regulation provide the difference of biasing force to change.

68. according to claim 66 or 67 described damper board components, a spring in wherein said two springs is arranged on the side of articulated element, another spring is arranged on the opposite side of articulated element.

69. a damper board component, it is used for being installed in fan structure, and this fan structure has blower-casting and the fan that is installed in the blower-casting;

This damper board component comprises:

Installing plate, it has opening and flange, and air passes this opening, and this flange is around this opening;

The air door baffle plate of An Zhuaning pivotally, it is arranged to extend in closing position when fan does not move and crosses this opening, and wherein the neighboring part of air door baffle plate engages with the flange that centers on this opening;

The air door baffle plate has the front surface that deviates from fan forward and towards the rear surface of fan;

Leave flange and move to the fully open position from closing position by way of partially opening the position by pivoting in the articulated section under the effect that the air door baffle plate can flow at the air forward from fan;

The air door baffle plate suspends by the articulated element adjacent with the top edge of air door baffle plate, and pivots around hinge axes and at least one support arm of articulated element;

Wherein be provided with the spring voltage biasing structure, this spring voltage biasing structure is along applying biasing force towards open position with towards the both direction of closing position to described at least one arm;

Described at least one arm is connected to one, and this axle pivots around its longitudinal axis;

Its medi-spring voltage biasing structure comprises first lever that is connected with axle and acts on the lever so that the spring that axle pivots;

Wherein be provided with second lever and connect first lever and the meshing gear of second lever, the associated movement in opposite direction so that first lever and second lever pivot along with axle;

And its medi-spring is connected between two levers, and passes through the center when lever rotates, thereby at side upper edge first direction bias voltage first lever of crossing the center, and at opposite side upper edge second direction bias voltage first lever of crossing the center.

70. an assembly, it comprises:

Fan;

Blower-casting, it is used for the air in guiding fan downstream;

And according to each described damper board component in the aforementioned claim.

71. according to the described assembly of claim 70, wherein fan has variable speed motor, controls this variable speed motor by the frequency that changes power supply.

72. according to claim 70 or 71 described assemblys, wherein blower-casting comprises cone, the shape of this cone forms the air stream maximizing efficiency that makes the fan downstream, and the damper board component is installed on the rearward end of cone.

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