AND SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to components for directing and/or controlling air flow in ducted heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and in particular, to improved components and a system of such components. PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority from:

Australian Provisional Patent Application 2009905858, titled "Y PIECE CLIPPING SYSTEM", and filed on 1 December 2009.

The entire content of this application is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The increasingly high cost of electricity and the strong trend towards refrigerated air-conditioning has increased the demand for more sophisticated control systems for air conditioning systems which can more precisely control air flow to given rooms through the use of dampers. Most dampers are an assembly comprising a disc shaped blade pivotally mounted in an elongate tubular housing between an inlet and an outlet thereof. This disc shaped blade may be rotated about its pivotal mounting between positions normal or parallel to the direction of elongation of the housing. In this way, fluid flow through the housing may be either largely unimpeded or substantially obstructed. Nearly all HVAC installations make use of flexible ducting (flex) made from flexible plastic over a metal wire coil to make round, flexible ducting. Where a damper is employed, a length of this flexible ducting is connected to both inlet and outlet ends of the damper housing.

A damper is generally fitted to the last section of ducting prior to the diffuser (i.e. the air outlet).

Commonly, a damper is attached to ducting immediately downstream of a branch fitting such as a branch take off or Y piece. It is common therefore for a Y piece to have two zone dampers attached thereto by way of flex ducting. Typically, a branch fitting such as a Y piece will comprise integral spigots for attachment of the ducting thereto. A short length of flex ducting extends from a spigot of the branch fitting to the damper, and then a further length of ducting extends from the damper to the diffuser. In each case, the flex ducting is secured by way of being taped onto the fitting at each end thereof. It will be apparent then that the process of connecting these elements via the flex ducting is quite involved, and that the completed assembly is quite volumous, which is a problem in many installations, due to truss construction and low roof pitches.

It is an object of the invention to provide one or more improved HVAC components and/or a system of these that ameliorates the above stated difficulties, or which at the least provides a useful alternative to known components and/or arrangements, such as those discussed above.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention may be said to reside in a system of components for directing and or controlling fluid flow in ducted heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, where each of the components forming part of the system is adapted to form a component-to-component attachment between itself and at least one other of the system components.

In one form, the components of the system include:

a branch fitting;

a reducer fitting;

a damper fitting; and

an outlet fitting. It will be apparent that the system may incorporate other fittings so adapted.

In one form, the following components are adapted for mechanical part-to-part attachment thereof:

the branch fitting and the damper fitting;

the branch fitting and the reducer fitting;

the branch fitting and the outlet fitting;

the branch fitting to a further branch fitting;

the reducer fitting and the outlet fitting;

the damper fitting and the reducer fitting; and the damper fitting and the outlet fitting.

In one form, the attachment is a mechanical attachment. In one form, attachment is via a 'snap-fit'.

In one form, each of the components is moulded from a plastjc material, such as a thermoplastic.

In another aspect, the invention may be said to reside in component for directing and/or controlling fluid flow in a ducted heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the component having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, at least one of which comprises features for forming a component-to-component attachment between itself and either of a fluid inlet or outlet of a further HVAC component.

In one form, the component is a damper fitting.

In one form, the component is a branch fitting.

In one form, the component is a reducer fitting. In one form, the component is an outlet fitting.

In one form, the outlet fitting comprises an outlet adapted for the connection of flexible ducting thereto.

In one form, the outlet fitting is adapted to be converted into a damper fitting via the inclusion of damper blade supports.

In one form, the branch fitting is one of a 'Y-piece', or branch take-off fitting having a first outlet that is aligned with the inlet, and a further outlet or outlets to one or both sides of the first outlet. In another aspect, the invention may be said to reside in an assembly of components for directing and/or controlling fluid flow in a ducted heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, at least one component of the assembly having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, at least one of which comprises features via which a component-to-component attachment is effected between itself and either of a fluid inlet or outlet of a further HVAC component in the assembly.

In one form, each component of the assembly comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, at least one of which comprises features via which a component-to-component attachment is effected between itself and either of a fluid inlet or outlet of a further HVAC component in the assembly. In another aspect, the invention may be said to reside in a system of HVAC components, where each of the components forming part of the system is adapted for direct interconnection between itself and at least one other of the system components.

In one form, each of the system components is adapted for direct interconnection between itself and at least two other system components.

In one form, components are so adapted by incorporation of complementary mating portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of this disclosure it will now be described with respect to one or more exemplary embodiments, which shall be described herein with the assistance of drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a top view of an exploded assembly of fittings comprising a branch fitting, a reducer fitting and two outlet fittings; Figure 2 is a top view of the assembly of fittings illustrated in Figure 1 , these being assembled so that each fitting is directly connected to at least one other fitting in the assembly;

Figure 3a is an exploded view of two half pieces of the branch fitting illustrated in Figure 1 ; Figure 3b illustrates the assembled branch fitting;

Figures 4 through 9 each illustrate a top view of an assembly of fittings similar to that illustrated in Figure 2, but differing in some respect, be this in size or composition of fittings; Figure 10 is a perspective view of an assembly of fittings comprising a branch fitting equipped with a manual damper fitting;

Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an assembly of fittings comprising a branch fitting equipped with a reducer fitting and a manual damper fitting;

Figure 12 is an exploded top view of an assembly of fittings comprising a branch fitting, a reducer fitting and two motorised damper fittings; Figure 13 is a top view of the assembly of fittings illustrated in Figure 1, these being assembled so that each fitting is directly connected to at least one other fitting in the assembly;

Figure 14 is a detail cross-sectional view through the connection between a branch fitting and an outlet fitting;

Figure 15 is a detail cross-sectional view through the connection between each of a branch fitting, a reducer fitting and an outlet fitting; Figure 16 is a detail exploded view of the connection between two half pieces of a branch fitting at a point between the outlets;

Figure 17 is a detail view of the mating edge of one of the half pieces of a branch fitting at a point between the outlets;

Figures 18 and 19 are detail exploded views of the mating edges of two half pieces of a branch fitting at a point between the inlet and an outlet;

Figures 20 and 21 are detail views of the connection between two half pieces of a branch at a point between the inlet and an outlet; and

Figures 22 through 28 are perspective views of connector fittings of varying sizes and proportions.

In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated an assembly of HVAC fittings comprising a branch fitting 10 (in this case a 300 x 250 x 250 i.e. 300mm inlet and 2 x 250mm outlets), a reducer fitting 20 (250 to 200 i.e. 250mm inlet and 200mm outlet) and a pair of outlet fittings 30 (200mm).

In Figure 4 there is illustrated an assembly of HVAC fittings comprising a branch fitting 10 (a 200 x 150 x 150), and a pair of outlet fittings 30 (150mm).

In Figure 5 there is illustrated an assembly of HVAC fittings comprising a branch fitting 10 (250 x 250 x 200), a reducer fitting 20 (200 to 150) and a pair of outlet fittings 30 (a 250mm and a 150mm). In Figure 6 there is illustrated an assembly of HVAC fittings comprising a branch fitting 10 (400/350 x 350 x 350), a reducer fitting 20 (350 to 300) and a pair of outlet fittings 30 (a 350mm and a 300mm).

In Figure 7 there is illustrated an assembly of HVAC fittings comprising a branch fitting 10 (400/350 x 350 x 350), a reducer fitting 20 (350 to 250) and a pair of outlet fittings 30 (a 350mm and a 250mm).

In Figure 8 there is illustrated an assembly of HVAC fittings comprising a branch fitting 10 (500/450 x 450 x 450), a reducer fitting 20 (450 to 400) and a pair of outlet fittings 30 (a 450mm and a 400mm). In Figure 9 there is illustrated an assembly of HVAC fittings comprising a branch fitting 10 (500/450 x 450 x 450), a reducer fitting 20 (450 to 350) and a pair of outlet fittings 30 (a 450mm and a 350mm).

Each of the components discussed above is moulded from a thermoplastic material and forms part of a system of components, where each component of the system is adapted for direct (i.e. ^' component-to- component) interconnection (or attachment) between itself and at least one other of the system components. All of the above serve to illustrate the variety of sizes and combinations available as part of the system according to the present invention.

With reference to Figures 3a and 3b, it can be seen that the branch fitting 10 comprises an inlet 12 and at least two outlets 14, and is, in this exemplary embodiment, a Ύ-fitting' comprised of two almost identical half pieces 16 adapted to connect along a join line extending lengthwise along the fitting 10.

Equally, the branch fitting 10 may be a branch take off (BTO) fitting having a first outlet that is aligned with the inlet, and a further outlet or outlets to one or both sides of the first outlet.

With reference to Figures 16 through 21 ; where it can be seen that located along a mating edge 15 of each half piece 16 are complimentary connecting portions adapted to mechanically connect the two half pieces 16 with a snap fit. More particularly, located at spaced apart locations along the mating edge 15 of each half piece 16 are a series of cantilever snap fit tabs 80, and a series of apertures 82, where each aperture in one half piece 16 is adapted to accept an aligned cantilever snap fit tab 80 projecting from the other half piece 16 with a snap fit. The snap-fit or clip together design of the branch fitting 10 means that the two half pieces 16 can be placed into the roof space via a manhole and then quickly assembled. It also means that the branch fitting 10 can be freighted in its disassembled state for reduced freight costs. On the run design changes are also simplified by the clip together design. To aid secure attachment of the flexible ducting (often referred to as flex) thereto, the outer surface of the inlet 12 is covered with a series of ribs 18 (i.e. is ribbed) and diametrically tapered towards its end so as to form a spigot.

In and of themselves, the outlets 14 to the branch fitting 10 are not adapted for the connection of ducting thereto. Instead, both outlets 14 of the branch fitting 10 are adapted for end to end interconnection with other fittings (20, 30, and 40) similarly adapted. The outlets 10 are so adapted by the incorporation of features which interlock with complementary features incorporated into the other system components or fittings.

With reference to Figures 14 and 15 in particular, it can be seen that where two fittings having ends of substantially the same diameter are adapted to interconnect, then located at spaced apart locations around the circumference of one fitting are a series of cantilever snap fit tabs 90, and located around the circumference of the other fitting are a series of aligned apertures 92, where each aperture 92 is adapted to accept one of the cantilever snap fit tabs 90 projecting from the first fitting with a snap fit. Alternatively, each fitting may incorporate an array of aligned cantilever snap fit tabs 90 and apertures 92.

It can also be seen that where two fittings have interlocking ends, then the end of one fitting inserts inside of the end of the other so that there is a short overlap of the two fittings, that aids secure interconnection of these and prevents leakage of air from the fitting.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that where an outlet 14 from the branch fitting 10 is to have a length of flexible duct attached thereto, then this outlet 14 must be fitted with an outlet fitting 30.

The outlet fitting 30 has the overall shape of a short length of tubing having an inlet end 32 an outlet end 34. The inlet end 32 is adapted by the incorporation of features which interlock with complementary features incorporated into other system fittings. The outlet fitting 30 diametrically tapers down from the inlet end 32 toward the outlet end 34. Along its length, the outer surface of the outlet fitting 30 is covered in a series of ribs 36 so as to aid secure attachment of flexible ducting thereto.

Where an outlet 14 from the branch fitting 10 is to have a length of flexible duct of lesser diameter attached thereto, then a reducer fitting 20 (see Figure 1) must be fitted between the outlet 14 to the branch fitting 10 and an appropriately sized outlet fitting 20.

The reducer fitting 20 has the overall shape of a short length of tubing having an inlet end 22 an outlet end 24. Both the inlet end 22 and the outlet end 24 incorporate features (90 and 92) which interlock with complementary features incorporated into other system components. Typically, the reducer fitting diametrically tapers down from the inlet end 22 toward the outlet end 24. Theoretically however, the reducer fitting 20 could be used to step up diameters also.

Where fluid flow downstream of the outlet 14 from the branch fitting 10 must be throttled or controlled, then a damper fitting 40 (see Figures 10 and 1 1 ) can be fitted to the outlet 14 of the branch fitting 10.

The damper fitting 40 comprises a disc shaped blade 42 pivotally mounted in a tubular housing between an inlet end and an outlet end thereof. This disc shaped blade 42 may be rotated about its pivotal mounting between positions normal or parallel to the direction of elongation of the housing. In this way, fluid flow through the housing may be either largely unimpeded or substantially obstructed. The inlet end of the damper fitting 40 incorporates features (90 and 92) which interlock with complementary features incorporated into other system fittings, as discussed above. The outlet end of the damper fitting 40 is both ribbed and diametrically tapered to aid secure attachment of the flexible ducting thereto. In use then, each of the outlets 14 to the branch fitting 10 may be utilised in one of the following ways:

1. An outlet fitting 30 can be snap-fitted thereto (see left outlet 14 in Figure 1).

2. A reducer fitting 20 may be snap-fitted thereto (see the right outlet 14 in Figure 1). The outlet to the reducer fitting 20 may then be fitted with either of a further reducer fitting 20 or an outlet fitting 30 (see right outlet 14 in Figure 1 ).

3. A damper fitting 40 may be snap fitted thereto.

The damper fitting 40 may be either of a manual damper fitting 40b (i.e. manually adjusted) or motorised one 40a (i.e. with automated adjustment). With reference to Figure 13, it can be seen that the motorized damper fitting 40a has been designed in such a way that it can be clipped directly to an outlet 14 of the Y piece 10, without the need for a short piece of ducting (flex).

When the motorised damper fitting 40a is attached the motor 41 that rotates blade 42 is located on the side of the Y piece 10, where all preceding systems have the motors mounted on the top, thus creating the possibility that the outlet 14 will be significantly and unintentionally restricted by the damper blades. The side mounting overcomes this problem. Further, it provides additional protection against accidental . damage to the motor, and reduces the height of the overall fitting which is useful for low pitched roof spaces.

A manual damper fitting 40b is illustrated in Figures 10 and 1 1. The blade 42 of this manual damper fitting 40b may be locked in any position between fully open and fully closed, for the purpose of balancing the airflow therethrough. This functionality is facilitated by the incorporation of an adjustment bracket 44 that is keyed directly to a shaft like projection 45 extending from the blade 40, about which the blade pivots. There is an arcuate slot 46 in this adjustment bracket 44 and a shank of a screw 48 passes through this slot 46 and screws into the body of the manual damper fitting 40b. In use then, the position of the blade 42 may be adjusted by loosening the screw 48, turning the bracket 44, and then tightening the screw 48 when the blade 42 is in the desired position.

Any of the connector fittings 30 according to the present invention (i.e. as illustrated in Figures 22 through 28) are adapted to be converted into a manual damper fitting 40b by virtue of being equipped with the opposing pivot ^' points 38 via which the disc shape blade 42 can be pivotably supported therein.

Figures 4 through 9 illustrate branch fittings 10 of differing nominal diameters. These diameters are marked (dimensions in millimetres) below the respective illustrations for illustrative purposes.

Similarly, Figures 22 through 28 illustrate connector fittings 30 of differing nominal diameters. These diameters are indicated (dimensions in millimetres) for illustrative purposes.

Branch fittings of the prior art incorporated outlets having a series of downward steps integrally moulded therein. The installer would select the extent of step down required, and the cut off the redundant portion of the outlet. This is wasteful of material, where the cost of this discarded material is accounted for in the total cost of the component, despite the redundancy of portions of this.

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An advantage of the system according to the present invention allows the installer to take a branch fitting 10 and build this to their specific requirements by adding reducers 20 and outlet fittings 30 as required. A further advantage of the system according to the present invention is that an outlet fitting 30 is adapted to be turned into a manual damper fitting 40b by the addition of a blade 42. The dual role played by the outlet fitting 30 reduces the number of components required in the system.

Yet a further advantage of the system according to the present invention is that either of a manual 40b (see Figures 10 or 1 1) or motorised damper 40a (see Figure 13) can be connected directly to an outlet 14 of a branch fitting 10 (i.e. without a length of flexible ducting joining them). This simplifies assembly of the components and reduces the space consumed by these in the roof cavity.

Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It. will be appreciated that various modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention. Therefore, the invention should be understood to include all such modifications in its scope.