FR3086752A1 - FOLDING FRAME FOR FLOWMETER AND CORRESPONDING FLOWMETER - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a flow meter and a frame (1) intended to define the opening of a flexible hood of said flow meter, having a plurality of uprights (20) connected together by articulations (2, 3) so as to form a deformable monobloc periphery between at least: - an unfolded position in which said uprights (20) extend in a plane (P) of use, to define said opening; - A folded position in which said uprights (20) are brought together, extending parallel to each other to form a bundle.

Description

Folding frame for flow meter and corresponding flow meter

1. Field of the invention

The field of the invention is that of the measurement of fluid flow rate, in particular of an air flow, for example at the outlet of an air diffuser, or mouth, of an air conditioning installation. This measurement is carried out using a flow measurement device, otherwise called a flow meter or balometer, comprising a hood, generally foldable, having an opening capable of being pressed against the air diffuser, and directing the air towards measuring equipment, including in particular a pressure gauge.

More particularly, the invention relates to a frame defining this opening of such a flow meter as well as the corresponding flow meter.

2. Prior art and its drawbacks

Conventionally, to measure the flow of a liquid or gaseous fluid, it is known to use a flow meter.

Such devices can also make it possible to control and balance the air flow rates at the outlet of a blowing or extracting mouth, such as an air mouth.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow meter according to the prior art, currently marketed by the Applicant. Such a flow meter 9 is, in known manner, provided with a sealed hood 90 connected to a base 91. The upper part of the flow meter can be placed opposite a mouth present for example on a ceiling. This upper part corresponds to the free end of the hood 90 located opposite the base 91, defined by a frame 92.

A measurement grid, fixed to the base 91, allows the measurement to be taken by means of a plurality of points distributed over the entire surface of the grid. Measurements can be made using differential pressure sensors, calibrated and compensated for atmospheric pressure and temperature.

So as to ensure a good seal of the flow meter 9 when the hood 90 is arranged against a mouth, the flow meter 9 therefore comprises a frame 92 formed around the periphery of its open end and on which the fabric of the hood 90, the fabric is mounted being held in place by an elastic.

More particularly, the frame 92 may have a suitable profile, for example at C, in which the elastic formed on the outline of this fabric is inserted, which is, in fact, kept positioned.

This rigid frame 92 is conventionally made up of a plurality of separate parts which are connected to one another, for example by interlocking.

One drawback of this type of frame is that it creates mounting complexity. Indeed, the parts constituting the frame can sometimes seem similar at first sight which can cause improper mounting of the entire frame and therefore have harmful consequences on the tightness of the flow meter, which is not satisfactory.

Another drawback of this type of frame is that there is a risk of losing parts of the frame, because it is made up of a plurality of relatively space-saving elements. The loss of one or more elements resulting in the impossibility of stiffening the frame which is no longer complete which necessitates the replacement of the latter.

Yet another drawback of such a frame is the risk of deterioration of the various elements which constitute the frame. Indeed, after a number of assemblies and disassembly of the frame, the shape of the elements can be altered which can cause mounting difficulties and / or problems with the sealing of the hood.

Another disadvantage is that such a frame is bulky, in the disassembled position: the overall dimensions cannot be reduced beyond the length of each side (generally at least 60 cm), unless provision is made for dismantling the frame each time use, which is not desirable. Transport therefore requires a bulky suitcase or similar equipment.

Yet another drawback of such a frame for a flowmeter is that it is necessary to dismantle it very often, for example at each passage of the door (for frames having a bulk greater than the opening) when measurements are to be made different parts, which turns out to be relatively long and tedious for the user.

3. Objectives of the invention

The present invention aims in particular to at least partially overcome some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, an objective of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide a flowmeter frame, and a corresponding flowmeter, the mounting of which is facilitated.

Another objective of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide such a flowmeter frame, and a corresponding flowmeter, which makes it possible to ensure good sealing of the hood.

Another objective of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide such a flowmeter frame, and a corresponding flowmeter, making it possible to simplify the mounting and the use of the device, while limiting the cost price.

Yet another objective of at least one embodiment is to provide such a flowmeter frame, and a corresponding flowmeter, which makes it possible to optimize maintenance and to limit premature wear of the various elements constituting the frame.

Yet another objective of at least one embodiment is to provide such a flowmeter frame, and a corresponding flowmeter, simplifying handling for a user, in particular when several measurements have to be made in different rooms.

Yet another objective of at least one embodiment is to provide such a flowmeter frame, and a corresponding flowmeter, having a reduced bulk in the folded position, and which are easily transportable.

4. Statement of the invention

These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved using a frame for a flow meter, intended to define the opening of a flexible hood of said flow meter, having a plurality of uprights connected together by joints so as to form a deformable one-piece periphery between at least:

an unfolded position in which said uprights extend in a plane of use, to define said opening;

a folded position in which said uprights are brought closer to each other, extending parallel to each other to form a bundle.

Thus, the invention proposes a new and inventive approach making it possible to at least partially resolve some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, by the implementation of a frame for a flowmeter whose uprights are connected together by articulations, the folding and / or unfolding of such a frame prove to be facilitated for a user who, instead of having to mount or dismantle the frame before each use, only needs to fold or unfold the frame.

As a result, the risk of loss of a constituent element is limited or even non-existent, likewise the deterioration of the elements due to too many assemblies and disassemblies.

In addition, the implementation of such a frame for a flowmeter offers the user a significant saving of time because it is sufficient to simply pass the frame from the folded position to the unfolded position to use it, and conversely to store and transport it. The ease of folding and unfolding of such a frame is therefore not negligible for a user.

Another advantage is that, in particular, the hood fabric can remain mounted on the frame even when the latter is in the folded position, which also represents a significant saving of time for a user who has to carry out a plurality of measurements in one limited time interval. Furthermore, such a folded frame has a relatively small footprint in terms of volume.

Such a reduction in size can, for example, make it possible to simplify the transport of such a frame in a suitcase, for example. The assembly to be transported thus has a limited size. This also makes it easier to move from one room to another, even when the opening between the rooms does not allow the passage of the deployed flowmeter: folding and then unfolding are rapid, while depending on the approach of the prior art, disassembly and reassembly are necessary.

According to a characteristic of at least one embodiment, the frame comprises hinges mounted at the corners of said frame, when it is in the unfolded position, connecting two by two sides of said unfolded frame.

Simple mechanical means are thus used between the sides, so that a user can move the frame from the unfolded position to the folded position, and vice versa, in a relatively short period of time.

According to a particular embodiment, said hinges comprise first connection means mounted respectively on one end of one of said uprights, forming at least one connection belonging to the group comprising:

the pivot connections, and the ball joints.

According to a particular embodiment, in the unfolded position, said hinges extend in said plane of use and, in the folded position, said hinges are brought close to each other at a first end of said bundle.

This makes it possible to implement a frame for a flowmeter whose size is relatively limited, whether in the unfolded position or in the folded position.

According to a particular embodiment, at least two of said uprights are connected together by an articulation to form a rectilinear side of said frame, in its unfolded position.

According to a particular embodiment, said articulation comprises second complementary connection means mounted respectively at one end of one of said uprights, comprising at least one connection belonging to the group comprising:

the pivot connections, and the ball joints.

This also makes it possible to implement simple mechanical means between the sides so that a user can move the frame from the unfolded position to the folded position, and vice versa, in a relatively short period of time.

According to a particular embodiment, in the unfolded position, said articulations extend in said plan of use and, in the folded position, said articulations are brought closer to one another.

According to a particular embodiment, the frame further comprises a locking system making it possible to lock said frame in the unfolded position and / or in the folded position.

This keeps the frame in the unfolded position in particular, during use. If necessary, locking in the folded position can also be provided.

The invention also relates to a flow meter provided with a frame as described above.

According to the various embodiments and variants, the invention thus makes it possible to obtain flow meters having an optimized weight, a reduced folded space requirement, great ease of folding and unfolding, a foldable and unfoldable frame with the fabric of the flow meter, a intuitive use and / or optimized packaging size.

5. List of figures

Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of simple illustrative example, and not limiting, in relation to the figures, among which:

FIG. 1 shows a frame for a flow meter according to a first embodiment of the invention, in an unfolded position;

Figures 2 to 4 shows a frame for flow meter according to the first embodiment of the invention, during folding;

FIG. 5 shows a frame for a flow meter according to a first embodiment of the invention, in a folded position;

Figures 6 and 7 show two types of joints implemented on a frame according to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 5;

Figures 8 to 10 show a frame for flowmeter according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates frames having different dimensions, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5, as well as their section S when viewed from above; and Figure 12 shows a prior art flow meter.

6. Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

We now present, in relation to FIGS. 1 to 7, a first embodiment of the invention.

As described above, a flow meter is, in known manner, equipped with a waterproof and foldable hood, connected to a base. The flow meter is placed opposite a mouth at the free end of the hood opposite the base.

So as to ensure correct deployment of the hood and good sealing of the flow meter when the hood is arranged against a mouth, the flow meter also comprises, according to the invention, a foldable frame 1 on which the fabric of the hood is mounted.

This frame generally has four sides interconnected so as to form a deformable square or rectangular periphery between at least:

an unfolded position in which the uprights 20 forming the sides 2 extend in a plane P of use to define the opening of the hood;

a folded position in which the uprights 20 on the sides 2 are brought together to form a bundle (that is to say the uprights extend next to each other, defining a compact assembly of substantially equal height to that of the uprights, or the largest amount, increased by the size of the hinges and joints).

During a folding operation, these uprights extend in a direction D orthogonal to the plane P of use, as illustrated in the figures.

The frame can thus easily pass from a folded position to a deployed position, and vice versa. The folded frame is compact and can be easily transported. Before installation on site, it is easy to unfold. Once placed on the opening of the hood, it remains mounted on it.

FIG. 1 illustrates such a frame 1 in an unfolded position, the frame extending in the plane P of use.

In this embodiment, the frame 1 is composed of four sides 2 forming the one-piece periphery.

This periphery is, in the illustrated embodiment, substantially square. Therefore, in the unfolded position, the sides have a parallel direction two by two and have a direction orthogonal to the two juxtaposed sides. In variants, it can also be rectangular. Several of these variants are illustrated in FIG. 11.

Thus, it is possible to envisage several dimensions of frames, suitable for as many hoods, in particular with the following dimensions, in mm:

square frames:

610x610, corresponding to frame 1 illustrated in the first embodiment;

720x720, corresponding to frame 1;

1020x1020, corresponding to frame 1 ';

rectangular frames:

1320x720, corresponding to frame 10, and

1520x420, corresponding to the 10 'frame.

It should be noted that all of these envisaged frames have a substantially identical section S, the dimensions of which are, in these embodiments, 208.7 × 82.5 mm.

These sides 2 are connected together, two by two, by hinges 3 which form the corners of the periphery.

In other words, the frame 1 comprises first hinges placed at the location of the corners of the frame 1 when it is deployed, and connecting the sides 2 in pairs by first complementary connecting means 21, 31.

The frame being composed, in this embodiment, of four sides 2, it in fact comprises four first hinges 3.

These comprise first complementary connecting means which may be in the form of a ball joint carried by one side, a ball joint being situated at each of the ends of one side, intended to cooperate with an orifice carried by a hinge, a orifice being formed at each end of the hinge.

They can also be, as illustrated in the present embodiment, in the form of a pin 21 located at one end of the side 2 and pivoting in a housing 31 formed at one end of the hinge 3.

Thus, according to different embodiments, the first connection means comprise at least one connection belonging to the group comprising:

the pivot connections, and the ball joints.

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the sides 2 are also each formed of two portions, or uprights 20, essentially rectilinear connected together by a hinge 4a, 4b by means of second complementary connecting means. Therefore, in this embodiment, the frame 1 comprises eight portions 20 and four joints 4a, 4b, in the form of two joints 4a alternating with two joints 4b. For each of these portions 20, and as illustrated in particular in FIG. 1, one end is connected to a hinge 3 and one end is connected to a joint.

The two types of joints of this embodiment, namely the joint 4b and the joint 4a, are more particularly presented respectively in FIGS. 6 and 7

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the articulation 4b has two branches 40b and a central portion 42b, each of the two branches 40b being connected to the central portion 42b by means of a pivot link 41b.

Each of the pivot connections 41b is arranged so that the branches 40b pivot relative to the central portion 42b along an axis transverse to this central portion (corresponding to the axis Dx illustrated in FIG. 1).

The articulation 4a, illustrated in FIG. 7, has two branches 40a and a central portion 42a, each of the two branches 40a being connected to the central portion 42a by means of a pivot link 41a.

Each of the pivot connections 41a is arranged so that the branches 40a pivot relative to the central portion 42a along an axis transverse to this central portion (corresponding to the axis Dz illustrated in FIG. 1). In other words, during folding, these joints are arranged so as to "return towards the inside of the frame".

These joints 4a, 4b are arranged alternately on the frame 1, the two joints 4a being opposite one another and the two joints 4b being opposite one of the other.

In this way, the articulations 4a are placed so that the uprights 20 connected to the articulations 4a can pivot along the axis Dz, and the articulations 4b are placed so that the uprights 20 connected to the articulations 4b can pivot around the axis Dx orthogonal to the axis Dy (visible in Figure 1), the axes Dy and Dx belonging to the plane P.

Because the portions 20 are identical, the joints 4a, 4b are placed in the middle of each of the sides 2.

As with the corner hinges, the side joints can, according to an alternative embodiment, be in the form of a ball joint formed at one end of each of the portions 20 and intended to cooperate with an orifice formed on a end of each of the joints 4a, 4b.

They can also be in the form of a pin formed at one end of each of the portions 20 and mounted to pivot in a housing formed on one end of each of the joints.

Thus, according to different embodiments, the second connection means comprise at least one connection belonging to the group comprising:

the pivot connections, and the ball joints.

We now present, in relation to FIGS. 1 to 5, different positions that frame 1 can take.

Figure 1 thus shows the frame 1 in the unfolded position, in which the sides 2 extend in a plane P of use.

In this unfolded position, the hinges 3 also extend in the plane P of use. It is the same for the joints 4a, 4b.

Figures 2 to 4 show the frame 1 in different positions during its folding.

Thus, in Figure 2, two of the sides 2 are folded in half, at the joints 4b.

In this position, the portions 20 of the two folded sides 2 have pivoted with respect to their joints 4b, around the respective axis Dx so that the portions 20 are found below their respective joint 4b.

It should be noted that the term “below” refers to positioning as illustrated in this figure 2.

In FIG. 2, the portions 20 have each pivoted by an angle approximately equal to 45 degrees relative to their respective articulation 4, along the axis Dx passing through the two articulations 4b.

In other words, the portions 20 have each pivoted at an angle approximately equal to 45 degrees relative to their respective articulation, along the axis Dx which is substantially parallel to the direction of the juxtaposed sides.

FIG. 3 illustrates a frame 1 when the pivoting along the axis Dx of the portions 20 on the two sides folded relative to the joints 4b is carried out in its entirety. The frame here has a general U shape.

As illustrated, the two portions of each of the two folded sides meet opposite and the hinges 3 of the frame 1 are brought together in pairs.

FIG. 4 illustrates the frame 1 in a position where the portions 20 forming part of the two folded sides 2 are brought closer to the two sides which were not folded in FIG. 3, by pivoting around the axis Dz at the joints 4a connecting these portions 20 on both sides which were not folded in FIG. 3. The frame here has a general T shape.

The two sides which were not folded in FIG. 3 are here completely folded, by pivoting of the portions 20 making them up around the articulations 4a connecting them. The pivoting of these portions 20 is done on the same principle as the pivoting of the portions 20 of the first two sides as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The four hinges 3 are, in this configuration, grouped together.

Figure 5 illustrates the frame 1 in the folded position. The frame here has a crenellated shape.

In this position, the sides 2 extend in the direction Dz illustrated in this figure and in Figure 1, this direction being orthogonal to the plane P of use and orthogonal to the directions Dx and Dy.

More particularly, the portions 20 are brought together and extend in the direction Dz orthogonal to the plane P of use.

As illustrated in Figure 5, in the folded position, the hinges 3 are all close to each other and located in the same plane. Similarly, in this folded position, the joints 4a, 4b are brought closer to each other and located in the same plane.

It should be noted that the joints are located in the same plane because the frame has a square shape. In the case of a rectangular-shaped frame, such as the frames 10 and 10 'illustrated in FIG. 11, the joints 4a and 4b are located two by two in the parallel planes in the folded position.

For their part, the frames 1, 1 '' and 1 'are square in shape and have joints 4a, 4b which are, in the folded position, in the same plane.

In FIG. 5, and with respect to FIG. 1, the portions 20 have each pivoted at an angle approximately equal to 90 degrees relative to their respective articulation 4a, 4b.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the frame 1 can also comprise a locking system making it possible to lock the frame in its unfolded position. This locking system can in particular act on one or more joints. It may for example be a button, which it is necessary to push in, or to move, to allow folding of the joint, and consequently of the frame.

We now present, in relation to FIGS. 8 to 10, a second embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, the frame 1 'is similar to the frame 1 of the first embodiment, apart from the fact that the means for connecting the hinges 3' to the sides 2 'here comprise pivot connections of axis Dx or Dy , unlike the Dz axis links in the first embodiment

Thus, in this embodiment the complementary connecting means of the hinges 3 'at the sides 2' are in the form of a ball joint formed at one end of the portion 20 'and cooperating with an orifice formed on one end of the hinge 3 '.

Figure 8 shows such a frame 1 'in an unfolded position.

In this position, and as for the frame of the first embodiment, the four sides 2 'of the frame 1' extend in the same plane.

Figure 9 shows the frame 1 'in a partially folded position.

Unlike frame 1, the four sides 2 'are folded simultaneously (substantially like an umbrella bed) and all of the portions 20' perform a simultaneous rotational movement relative to the joints 4 '. Thus in this embodiment, all the pivot connections of the articulations 4 ′ are of axis Dx or Dy.

It should be noted that the joints 4 ′ are here all the same, and are substantially identical to the joints 4b presented in the context of the first embodiment.

This synchronized folding of the four sides 2 ′ is made possible by the presence of the ball joint connections connecting each of the hinges 3 ′ and the sides 2 ′.

Figure 10 shows the frame 1 'in the folded position.

In this position, and as for the frame 1, the sides 2 'of the frame 1' extend in the direction Dz illustrated in this figure 10, this direction being orthogonal to the plane P of use.

More particularly, the portions 20 ′ are brought together and extend in the direction D orthogonal to the plane P of use.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, in the folded position, the hinges 3 'are brought closer to one another. Likewise, in this folded position, the joints are brought together.

Note that the hinges 3 'grouped together form a square here, the volume from this square including the entire frame 1'.

Obviously, provision could be made for embodiments in which the frame would have a different number of sides.

Thus, one could provide an embodiment in which the frame has eight sides so as to form an octagon, the frame then also comprising eight hinges.

One could also provide embodiments in which each of the sides has more than two portions, interconnected by joints, the number of joints also varying with the number of portions making up each side of the frame.

Claims (9)

1. Frame (1) for flow meter, intended to define the opening of a flexible hood of said flow meter, having a plurality of uprights (20) connected together by articulations (2, 3) so as to form a deformable monobloc periphery between at least: an unfolded position in which said uprights (20) extend in a plane (P) of use, to define said opening; a folded position in which said uprights (20) are brought together, extending parallel to each other to form a bundle. 2. Frame (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises hinges (3) mounted at the corners of said frame (1), when it is in the unfolded position, connecting sides (2) two by two of said unfolded frame. 3. Frame (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said hinges (3) comprise first connecting means (21, 31) mounted respectively on one end of one of said uprights (20), forming at least one connection belonging to the group comprising: the pivot connections, and the ball joints. 4. Frame (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, in the unfolded position, said hinges (3) extend in said plane (P) of use and in that, in the folded position, said hinges (3) are brought close to each other at a first end of said bundle. 5. Frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least two of said uprights (20) are interconnected by an articulation (4a, 4b) to form a side (2) rectilinear of said frame, in its unfolded position. 6. Frame (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said articulation (4a, 4b) comprises second complementary connecting means mounted respectively at one end of one of said uprights (20), comprising at least one connection belonging to group including: the pivot connections, and the ball joints. 7. Frame (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, in the unfolded position, said joints (4a, 4b) extend in said plane (P) of use and in that, in the position folded back, said joints (4a, 4b) are brought together. 5 8. Frame (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a locking system making it possible to lock said frame (1) in the unfolded position and / or in the folded position. 9. Flow meter comprising a flexible hood having an opening defined by a frame (1), characterized in that said frame has a plurality of uprights (20) 10 interconnected by joints (2, 3) so as to form a periphery deformable monoblock between at least: an unfolded position in which said uprights (20) extend in a plane (P) of use, to define said opening; a folded position in which said uprights (20) are brought together, extending parallel to each other to form a bundle.