Electrically powered air diffusers

Abstract

An air diffuser 10 is provided which comprises a motor 54 , an airflow control element 60 and a transmission between the motor 54 and the airflow control element 60 whereby, when the motor 54 is activated, the control element 60 is displaced either in the direction which allows airflow to increase or in the direction which decreases airflow and wherein the motor 54 is a stepping motor. The motor 54 is mounted on a stationary support structure 22, 26 on a side of the control element 60 , opposite from the supply of air to the diffuser 10.

1 . An air diffuser comprising a casing, a motor, an airflow control element and a transmission between the motor and the airflow control element whereby, said transmission being configured such that, when the motor is activated, rotational movement of the motor is transferred via the transmission to displace the control element relative to the casing either in a direction which allows airflow to increase or in the opposite direction which decreases airflow, characterised in that said motor is a stepping motor.  
     
     
         2 . An air diffuser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the control element is disposed on a side of the motor from which air is supplied to the diffuser.  
     
     
         3 . An air diffuser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said transmission includes a threaded shaft that is rotatable by activation of the motor and said control element is received on the threaded shaft, to be displaced longitudinally along the shaft in screw fashion when it rotates.  
     
     
         4 . An air diffuser as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said transmission includes a threaded shaft that is rotatable by activation of the motor and said control element is received on the threaded shaft, to be displaced longitudinally along the shaft in screw fashion when it rotates.  
     
     
         5 . An air diffuser as claimed in  claim 2 , which includes a stationary support structure that is connected to the casing and wherein said motor is attached to the support structure.  
     
     
         6 . An air diffuser as claimed in  claim 4 , which includes a stationary support structure that is connected to the casing and wherein said motor is attached to the support structure.