Air duct structure, air duct components and fans

Abstract

This invention relates to an air duct structure, air duct assembly, and fan. The air duct structure includes a volute and a volute tongue; the volute includes a first side plate and a second side plate spliced ​​with the first side plate, and a bearing bracket and a motor bracket are provided on the first or second side plate; wherein, both the first and second side plates extend along the length direction of the air duct cavity, so that the volute tongue, bearing bracket, and motor bracket are integrally formed with the first or second side plate. The mold used for injection molding the volute tongue, bearing bracket, motor bracket, and the first or second side plate can be smoothly ejected along the target direction. After the mold is ejected, the second side plate is assembled with the first side plate to form a complete air duct structure. This eliminates the need to first injection mold the volute tongue, bearing bracket, and motor bracket separately and then fix them to the volute with screws, which not only reduces mold costs and the number of screws, but also facilitates the installation of the air duct assembly and improves production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a duct structure, duct assembly and fan. Background Technology

[0002] As a crucial component of fans, the air duct assembly is primarily used to deliver air to the external environment. However, due to the unique arc-shaped profile of the air duct assembly's casing, the volute tongue, bearing bracket, and motor bracket cannot be integrally molded onto the casing. This necessitates that the volute tongue, bearing bracket, and motor bracket be injection molded separately and then secured to the casing with screws. This not only increases mold costs but also makes the assembly of the air duct assembly time-consuming and labor-intensive. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an air duct structure, air duct components, and fan to address the problem of time-consuming and labor-intensive assembly of the aforementioned air duct components.

[0004] An air duct structure includes: a volute and a volute tongue, wherein the volute and the volute tongue cooperate to form an air duct cavity;

[0005] The volute includes: a first side plate and a second side plate spliced ​​with the first side plate, wherein a bearing bracket and a motor bracket are provided on the first side plate or the second side plate;

[0006] The first side plate and the second side plate both extend along the length of the air duct cavity, so that the volute tongue, the bearing bracket, and the motor bracket are integrally formed with the first side plate or the second side plate.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first side plate and the second side plate are snap-fitted together.

[0008] In one embodiment, a mounting boss is provided on the end of the first side plate near the second side plate;

[0009] The second side plate is snapped onto the mounting boss by the first buckle.

[0010] In one embodiment, a stop groove is provided on the end of the first side plate near the second side plate, and a stop rib is provided on the end of the second side plate near the first side plate.

[0011] The length directions of both the stop rib and the stop groove are the same as the length direction of the second side plate, and the stop rib is confined within the stop groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the wall of the first side plate near the second side plate also has a limiting step surface, and the end face of the second side plate near the first side plate overlaps the limiting step surface, so that the connection between the second side plate and the first side plate is smooth.

[0013] In one embodiment, the volute tongue, the bearing bracket, the motor bracket, and the first side plate are integrally formed.

[0014] A first limiting member is provided between the second side plate and the bearing bracket or / and between the second side plate and the motor bracket. The first limiting member is used to limit the second side plate in the width direction of the air duct cavity.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first limiting member includes: a limiting opening formed on the bearing bracket or the motor bracket and a first limiting protrusion disposed on the second side plate, wherein the first limiting protrusion is limited to the limiting opening.

[0016] In one embodiment, the air duct outlet is formed between the first side plate and the volute tongue;

[0017] The end of the second side plate closest to the first side plate bends toward the center of the air duct cavity, while the end of the second side plate furthest from the first side plate bends away from the center of the air duct cavity.

[0018] An air duct assembly, the air duct assembly comprising: the air duct structure described in any one of the preceding claims;

[0019] The cross-flow impeller is located within the air duct cavity of the air duct structure;

[0020] The bearings are mounted on the bearing brackets of the duct structure and connected to the cross-flow impeller; and

[0021] A motor mounted on the motor bracket of the air duct structure and used to drive the cross-flow fan wheel to rotate.

[0022] A fan, the fan comprising: a housing and the air duct assembly described above;

[0023] The air duct assembly is disposed inside the housing, and the air outlet of the air duct assembly is aligned with the air outlet of the housing.

[0024] In one embodiment, the housing includes a front housing and a rear housing;

[0025] The front housing is provided with a plurality of first screw posts spaced apart along the length of the air duct cavity of the air duct assembly, and the rear housing is provided with a plurality of second screw posts spaced apart along the length of the air duct cavity of the air duct assembly. The first screw posts are fixedly connected to the corresponding second screw posts by fasteners.

[0026] In one embodiment, a plurality of fixed posts are provided on the first side plate of the air duct assembly, which are spaced apart along the length of the air duct cavity of the air duct assembly.

[0027] The first screw posts located on the same end of the front housing pass through the corresponding fixing posts and are fixedly connected to the second screw posts.

[0028] In one embodiment, the housing includes a front housing and a rear housing;

[0029] The air duct assembly is fixed to the front shell by a first limiting buckle assembly, and the air duct assembly is fixed to the rear shell by a second limiting buckle assembly.

[0030] In one embodiment, a duct cavity outlet aligned with the air outlet of the housing is formed between the first side plate of the duct assembly and the volute tongue.

[0031] The end of the second side plate, which is away from the air duct assembly, in the first side plate has a first sealing step surface;

[0032] At the air outlet, a first guide rib and a first sealing boss are sequentially arranged along the direction from the volute tongue to the first side plate, protruding toward the center of the air duct cavity of the air duct assembly. The first guide rib is used to open the first side plate until the first sealing step surface abuts against the first sealing boss.

[0033] In one embodiment, a duct cavity outlet aligned with the air outlet of the housing is formed between the first side plate of the duct assembly and the volute tongue.

[0034] The volute of the air duct assembly has a second sealing step surface at the end near the air outlet;

[0035] At the air outlet of the housing, a second guide rib and a second sealing boss are sequentially arranged along the direction from the first side plate to the volute tongue, protruding toward the center of the air duct cavity. The second guide rib is used to open the volute tongue until the second sealing step surface abuts against the second sealing boss.

[0036] As described above, the air duct structure, air duct components, and fan include a volute housing with a first side plate and a second side plate connected to each other. Both the first and second side plates extend along the length of the air duct cavity, allowing the mold used for injection molding of the volute tongue, bearing bracket, motor bracket, and the first or second side plate to be easily ejected along the target direction. After the mold is ejected, the first and second side plates are assembled to form a complete air duct structure. This eliminates the need to first injection mold the volute tongue, bearing bracket, and motor bracket separately and then fix them to the volute housing with screws. This not only reduces mold costs and the number of screws but also facilitates the installation of the air duct components and improves production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an existing air duct assembly;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a duct structure without a motor bracket provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a top view of a housing with an air duct structure installed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly between the air duct structure and the front shell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0042] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly between the air duct structure and the rear shell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The labels in the attached diagram are explained as follows:

[0045] 100 - Air duct assembly;

[0046] 100a - Air duct cavity;

[0047] 100b - Air duct outlet;

[0048] 110 - volute;

[0049] 111 - First side plate;

[0050] 1111 - Install the boss;

[0051] 1111a - Stop groove;

[0052] 1111b - Limiting step surface;

[0053] 1112 - Fixed column;

[0054] 1113 - First sealing step surface;

[0055] 112 - Second side plate;

[0056] 1121 - First buckle;

[0057] 1122 - Reinforcing strip;

[0058] 113 - Bearing bracket;

[0059] 114 - Motor bracket;

[0060] 115 - First limiting component;

[0061] 115a - Limiting opening;

[0062] 1151 - First limiting protrusion;

[0063] 1152 - Limiting rib;

[0064] 1153 - Reinforcing ribs;

[0065] 120-Cochlear tongue;

[0066] 121 - Second sealing step surface;

[0067] 200 - Housing;

[0068] 210 - Front shell;

[0069] 211 - First screw post;

[0070] 212 - First guide rib;

[0071] 213 - First sealing boss;

[0072] 214 - Second guide rib;

[0073] 215 - Second sealing boss;

[0074] 216 - Second buckle;

[0075] 220 - Back cover;

[0076] 221 - Second screw post;

[0077] 222 - Second limiting component;

[0078] M-Vortex;

[0079] N-cochlear tongue;

[0080] S-Impeller. Detailed Implementation

[0081] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0082] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0083] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0084] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0085] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0086] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0087] It should be noted that, as Figure 1 As shown, the existing fan's air duct assembly includes: a volute M, a volute tongue N, an impeller S, and a motor (not shown in the attached figure); the impeller S is mounted in the air duct cavity formed between the volute tongue N and the volute M via a rubber bearing (not shown in the attached figure) and is driven to rotate by the motor. The motor is mounted on the volute M via a motor bracket and the rubber bearing via a bearing bracket.

[0088] Specifically, in order to ensure airflow, such as Figure 1 As shown, the volute M is typically arranged around the impeller S to ensure that the volute clearance is within a reasonable range. Since the impeller S has a cylindrical outer profile, the volute M is also designed as an arc-shaped structure curving towards the impeller S. This results in the air duct cavity formed between the volute tongue N and the volute M having narrow ends and a wide middle section. Figure 1 The widths of the upper and lower regions of the air duct cavity shown are smaller than the width of the middle region. Therefore, if the volute tongue N, bearing bracket, and motor bracket are all integrally molded onto the volute housing M, the mold cannot be aligned with... Figure 1 The mold exits in the up, down, left, and right directions as shown. If the mold is to exit along... Figure 1 Forced demolding in either the bottom-up or top-down direction, as shown, can lead to minor issues like molded part deformation and scratches, which in turn can alter the dimensional parameters of the volute (M) (e.g., volute clearance), resulting in poor fan airflow. In severe cases, it can even render the mold unusable. If the mold is forced to eject along... Figure 1 If the mold is ejected from left to right as shown, the volute tongue N will block the mold from ejecting; similarly, if the mold is to eject along... Figure 1 If the mold is ejected from the left as shown, the volute M will block the mold from ejecting. To address this, the existing volute tongue N, bearing bracket, and motor bracket are all injection molded independently and then fixed to the volute M with screws. This not only increases the cost of the mold but also makes the assembly of the air duct components time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0089] It should also be noted that the length direction mentioned below refers to the up-down direction when the fan is in normal use.

[0090] To address the aforementioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides an air duct structure 100, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it includes: a volute 110 and a volute tongue 120, which mate to form an air duct cavity 100a (see...). Figure 3 The volute 110 includes a first side plate 111 and a second side plate 112 spliced ​​with the first side plate 111. A bearing bracket 113 and a motor bracket 114 are provided on the first side plate 111 or the second side plate 112 (see...). Figure 4 The first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112 both extend along the length of the air duct cavity 100a, so that the volute tongue 110, the bearing bracket 113, and the motor bracket 114 are integrally formed with the first side plate 111 or the second side plate 112. It should be noted that, for the convenience of describing the structure of the air duct structure 100, the following description takes the bearing bracket 113 and the motor bracket 114 being set in the first side plate 111 as an example.

[0091] As an example, for a vertically placed fan, the motor bracket 114 is mounted at the bottom of the first side plate 111, and the bearing bracket 113 is mounted at the top of the second side plate 112.

[0092] The air duct structure 100 described above can be applied to the air duct assembly in a fan. The volute 110 includes a first side plate 111 and a second side plate 112 connected to each other. Both the first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112 extend along the length of the air duct cavity, so that the mold used to integrally form the volute tongue 120, the bearing bracket 113, and the motor bracket 114 with the first side plate 111 or the second side plate 112 is ejected along the target direction. After the mold is ejected, the second side plate 112 can be assembled with the first side plate 111 to form a complete air duct structure 100. This eliminates the need to first injection mold the volute tongue 120, the bearing bracket 113, and the motor bracket 114 separately and then fix them to the volute 110 with screws. This not only reduces mold costs and the number of screws, but also facilitates the installation of the air duct assembly and improves production efficiency.

[0093] Regarding the positional relationship between the first side plate 111, the second side plate 112, and the volute tongue 120, the present invention provides two methods:

[0094] The first method, such as Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the first side plate 111 and the volute 120 mate to form the air duct outlet 100b, and the volute 120, bearing bracket 113, and motor bracket 114 are integrally formed with the first side plate 111. The mold used for injection molding the first side plate 111, volute 120, bearing bracket 113, and motor bracket 114 includes a moving mold and a stationary mold, wherein the stationary mold is embedded in the gap between the moving mold and the volute 120. During injection molding, the moving mold first drives the injection molded part along... Figure 3 The movement shown is from bottom to top, causing the stationary mold to exit the film, and then the moving mold continues to move along... Figure 3 The moving mold moves from bottom to top as shown until it is ejected from the injection molded part. It should be noted that, to ensure the moving mold can smoothly eject from the injection molded part, the distance between the first side plate 112 and the stationary mold is maintained along [the specified direction] before the stationary mold exits the mold. Figure 3 The increase is shown from bottom to top.

[0095] In the second method, the second side plate 112 and the volute tongue 120 cooperate to form the air duct cavity outlet 100b, and the volute tongue 120, bearing bracket 113, and motor bracket 114 are integrally formed with the first side plate 111, which is equivalent to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second side plate 112 shown is located below the first side plate 111. In this case, the mold used for injection molding the first side plate 111, the volute tongue 120, the bearing bracket 113, and the motor bracket 114 includes two molds, one of which is along... Figure 3 The film exits from right to left as shown, while another mold exits along... Figure 3 The membrane exits from left to right as shown.

[0096] Based on the cooperation between the first side plate 111 and the volute tongue 120 to form the air duct outlet 100b, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the width is greatest at the connection point between the first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112 in the air duct cavity 100a. This facilitates the connection between the first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112 are snap-fitted together. This facilitates the assembly of the second side plate 112 onto the first side plate 111, and also facilitates the replacement of the second side plate 112 or the first side plate 111 on which the motor bracket 114 and bearing bracket 113 are formed.

[0098] Specifically, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2As shown, a mounting boss 1111 is provided on the end of the first side plate 111 near the second side plate 112; the second side plate 112 is engaged with the mounting boss 1111 by a plurality of first snap-fits 1121. This simplifies the structure of the first side plate 111 on which the motor bracket 114 and bearing bracket 113 are formed, reducing mold costs. Of course, in application, the first snap-fits 1121 can also be provided on the first side plate 111 and the mounting boss 1111 on the second side plate 112.

[0099] Optionally, the mounting boss 1111 is integrally formed on the first side plate 111, and the first buckle 1121 is integrally formed on the second side plate 112.

[0100] Optionally, the number of first buckles 1121 can be set to one or more. When multiple buckles are set, the multiple first buckles 1121 are distributed at intervals along the length direction of the second side plate 112.

[0101] Optionally, the first buckle 1121 is mounted on the outer wall of the second side plate 112 by a fastener. The fastener may include two fixing plates spaced apart along the length of the second side plate 112. The fixing plates may be generally triangular in shape, with one side of the fixing plate integrally formed with the outer wall of the second side plate 112, and the other side of the fixing plate integrally formed with the first buckle 1121.

[0102] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, a stop groove 1111a is provided on the end of the first side plate 111 near the second side plate 112, and a stop rib 1122 is provided on the end of the second side plate 112 near the first side plate 112. The length direction of both the stop rib 1122 and the stop groove 1111a is the same as the length direction of the second side plate 112, and the stop rib 1122 is confined within the stop groove 1111a. The cooperation between the stop rib 1122 and the stop groove 1111a prevents the second side plate 112 from bending or deforming due to excessive length. As an example, the stop groove 1111a is formed on the mounting boss 1111.

[0103] Optionally, the stop rib 1122 is mounted on the outer wall of the second side plate 112 via a mounting plate. The mounting plate can be integrally formed with both the second side plate 112 and the stop rib 1122. Furthermore, the free end of the stop rib 1122 is configured as an inverted truncated pyramid structure, facilitating its quick insertion into the stop groove 1111a.

[0104] Optionally, the number of stop ribs 1122 can be set to one or more. When multiple stop ribs 1122 are provided, they are distributed at intervals along the length direction of the second side plate 112. In addition, the stop ribs 1122 can be distributed alternately with the first buckle 1121.

[0105] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the wall of the first side plate 111 near the second side plate 112 also has a limiting step surface 1111b. The end face of the second side plate 112 near the first side plate 111 overlaps the limiting step surface 1111b, so that the connection between the second side plate 112 and the first side plate 111 is smooth. In this way, the profile of the volute 110 can be kept continuous, which can not only avoid wind obstruction or air leakage, but also ensure that the air can pass smoothly through the air duct cavity 100a, reducing the loss of air volume, and also prevent the high-speed airflow from causing abnormal noise in the air duct when it encounters the step. As an example, the limiting step surface 1111b is provided on the mounting boss 111.

[0106] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the volute 120, bearing bracket 113, motor bracket 114, and first side plate 111 are integrally formed; a first limiting member 115 is provided between the second side plate 112 and the bearing bracket 113 or / and between the second side plate 112 and the motor bracket 114, the first limiting member 115 being used to limit the second side plate 112 in the width direction of the air duct cavity 100a. Thus, if the connection between the second side plate 112 and the first side plate 111 is not secure, the first limiting member 115 can prevent the second side plate 112 from shaking in its own length direction and in the width direction of the air duct cavity 100a. It should be noted that the bearing bracket 113 and the motor bracket 114 respectively abut against both ends of the second side plate 112 to limit the second side plate 113 in the length direction of the air duct cavity 100a. As an example, a first limiting member 115 is provided between the second side plate 112 and the bearing bracket 113 and between the second side plate 112 and the motor bracket 114.

[0107] Specifically, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5As shown, the first limiting member 115 includes: a limiting opening 115a formed on the bearing bracket 113 or the motor bracket 114, and a first limiting protrusion 1151 provided on the second side plate 112, the first limiting protrusion 1151 being limited to the limiting opening 115a. As an example, at least one wall of the limiting opening 115a is provided with a limiting rib 1152 extending toward its own center, the first limiting protrusion 1151 abutting against the limiting rib 1152. Thus, when the size of the limiting opening 115a is too large, the limiting rib 1152 can abut against the first limiting protrusion 1151, thereby limiting the first limiting protrusion 1151.

[0108] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, reinforcing ribs 1153 are provided on the side wall of the limiting opening 115a away from the air duct cavity 100a. In this way, the strength of the limiting opening 115a itself can be improved.

[0109] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the limiting opening 115a is formed in the bearing bracket 113 or motor bracket 114 at the end away from the volute tongue 120, and the first limiting protrusion 1151 is provided on the end face of the second side plate 112 distributed along the length direction of the air duct cavity 100a. When the second side plate 112 is assembled on the first side plate 111, the second side plate 112 is moved to... Figure 2 The first side plate 111 is shown above, and the first limiting protrusions 1151 at both ends of the second side plate 112 are aligned with the limiting openings 115a on the bearing bracket 113 and the motor bracket 114, respectively, and then along... Figure 2 As shown, the second side plate 112 is lowered from top to bottom until the first limiting protrusions 1151 at both ends of the second side plate 112 are limited to the limiting openings 115a on the bearing bracket 113 and the motor bracket 114.

[0110] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an air duct outlet 100b is formed between the first side plate 111 and the volute tongue 120; the end of the second side plate 112 closest to the first side plate 111 bends towards the center of the air duct cavity 100a, while the end of the second side plate 112 furthest from the first side plate 111 bends away from the center of the air duct cavity 100a. This type of structure of the second side plate 112 can increase the air intake of the air duct structure 100 and ensure that the user has operating space when disassembling and cleaning the cross-flow fan.

[0111] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a duct assembly, which includes: a duct structure 100 as described in any of the above claims; a cross-flow impeller located in a duct cavity 100a of the duct structure 100; a bearing mounted on a bearing bracket 113 of the duct structure 100 and connected to the cross-flow impeller; and a motor mounted on a motor bracket 114 of the duct structure 100 and used to drive the cross-flow impeller to rotate.

[0112] The air duct assembly described above can be applied to a fan. The volute 110 includes a first side plate 111 and a second side plate 112 connected to each other. Both the first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112 extend along the length of the air duct cavity, so that the mold used to integrally form the volute tongue 120, the bearing bracket 113, and the motor bracket 114 with the first side plate 111 or the second side plate 112 is molded along the target direction. After the mold is molded, the second side plate 112 can be assembled with the first side plate 111 to form a complete air duct structure 100. This eliminates the need to first injection mold the volute tongue 120, the bearing bracket 113, and the motor bracket 114 separately and then fix them to the volute with screws. This not only reduces mold costs and the number of screws, but also facilitates the installation of the air duct assembly and improves production efficiency.

[0113] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a fan, such as Figure 3 As shown, the fan includes: a housing 200 and the aforementioned air duct assembly; the air duct assembly is disposed within the housing 200.

[0114] As described above, the fan housing 110 includes a first side plate 111 and a second side plate 112 connected to each other. Both the first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112 extend along the length of the air duct cavity, so that the mold used to integrally form the volute tongue 120, the bearing bracket 113, and the motor bracket 114 with the first side plate 111 or the second side plate 112 is molded along the target direction. After the mold is molded, the second side plate 112 can be assembled with the first side plate 111 to form a complete air duct structure 100. This eliminates the need to first injection mold the volute tongue 120, the bearing bracket 113, and the motor bracket 114 separately and then fix them to the volute housing 110 with screws. This not only reduces mold costs and the number of screws, but also facilitates the installation of air duct components and improves production efficiency.

[0115] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, there are a front shell 210 and a rear shell 220; the front shell 210 is provided with a plurality of first screw posts 211 spaced apart along the length direction of the air duct cavity 100a of the air duct assembly, and the rear shell 220 is provided with a plurality of second screw posts 221 spaced apart along the length direction of the air duct cavity 100a of the air duct assembly. The first screw posts 211 are fixedly connected to the corresponding second screw posts 221 by fasteners.

[0116] Optionally, both the front shell 210 and the rear shell 220 are arc-shaped plate structures, and both ends of the front shell 210 are assembled to the rear shell 220 using the mounting method described above. It is understood that both ends of the front shell 210 are provided with first screw posts 211 spaced apart along the length of the front shell 210, and both ends of the rear shell 220 are provided with second screw posts 221 spaced apart along the length of the rear shell 220.

[0117] Optionally, the first screw post 211 is integrally formed on the front housing 210, and the second screw post 221 is integrally formed on the rear housing 220.

[0118] Based on the premise that the front shell 210 and the rear shell 220 are fixedly connected by screw posts as described above, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first side plate 111 is provided with a plurality of fixing posts 1112 spaced apart along the length of the air duct cavity 100a; a plurality of first screw posts 211 located at the same end of the front shell 210 pass through the corresponding fixing posts 1112 and are fixedly connected to the corresponding second screw posts 221. In this way, after the rear shell 220 is assembled on the front shell 210, the air duct structure 100 can also be fixed, saving the number of screws required and facilitating the assembly of the fan.

[0119] Optionally, a plurality of fixing posts 1112 are disposed on the end of the first side plate 111 near the second side plate 112 and extend in a direction away from the first side plate 111; wherein, the fixing posts 1112 are provided with interconnected hollow grooves and through holes in sequence along the direction from the first side plate 111 to the second side plate 112, and the wall of the hollow groove away from the center of the air duct cavity 100a and the wall near the air duct cavity outlet 100b are both provided with openings; the head of the first screw post 211 passes through the hollow groove and through hole of the corresponding fixing post 1112 and is inserted into the corresponding second screw post 221; the head of the second screw post 221 abuts against the wall of the corresponding fixing post 1112 away from the air duct cavity outlet 100b.

[0120] During assembly, the head of the first screw post 211 is first inserted into the corresponding second screw post 221 by passing through the hollow groove and through hole of the corresponding fixing post 1112 in sequence, and then the corresponding second screw post 221 is abutted against the wall of the corresponding fixing post 1112 away from the outlet 100b of the air duct cavity. Then, the screw of the fastener (e.g., a self-tapping screw) is passed through the inner cavity of the second screw post 221 and driven into the first screw post 211 to form a self-tapping thread in the first screw post 211, thereby achieving the connection between itself and the first screw post 211. The head of the self-tapping screw is limited to the mounting step in the second screw post 221, thereby achieving the assembly of the front shell 210, the rear shell 220 and the volute 110.

[0121] As an example, one end of the fixing post 1112 is integrally formed and connected to the outer wall of the first side plate 111, while the other end of the fixing post 1112 protrudes through the mounting boss 1111 on the first side plate 111 and extends toward the second side plate 112. The first buckle 1121 and the fixing post 1112 can be distributed alternately.

[0122] In some embodiments of the present invention, the air duct assembly is fixed to the front housing 210 by a first limiting latch assembly. Optionally, the first limiting latch assembly includes: a plurality of second latches 216 disposed on the front housing 210 (see...). Figure 4 ) and multiple locking holes provided on the bearing bracket 113 and / or the motor bracket 114; the second buckle 216 is fastened into the corresponding locking hole.

[0123] In some embodiments of the present invention, the air duct assembly is fixed to the rear housing 220 by a second limiting buckle assembly 222. Optionally, as... Figure 7 As shown, the second limiting buckle assembly includes: a second limiting protrusion disposed on the rear shell 220 and a limiting through groove disposed on the bearing bracket 113, the motor bracket 114 or / and the second side plate 112, wherein the second limiting protrusion is limited in the limiting through groove.

[0124] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, an air duct cavity outlet 100b corresponding to the air outlet of the housing 200 is formed between the first side plate 111 and the volute tongue 120 of the air duct assembly; a first sealing step surface 1113 is provided on the end of the first side plate 111 away from the second side plate 112; at the air outlet, a first guide rib 212 and a first sealing boss 213 protruding toward the center of the air duct cavity 100a are sequentially arranged along the direction from the volute tongue 120 to the first side plate 111, wherein the first guide rib 212 is used to open the first side plate 111 until the first sealing step surface 1113 abuts against the first sealing boss 213. It should be noted that, as Figure 6 As shown, after the air duct assembly is assembled into the housing 200, the distance between the end face of the first guide rib 212 furthest from the air outlet and the first sealing step surface 1113 is greater than the distance between the end face of the first side plate 111 closest to the air outlet and the first sealing step surface 1113; in addition, the length of the first sealing boss 213 is the same as the length of the air duct cavity 100a. Thus, the cooperation of the first guide rib 212, the first sealing boss 213, and the first sealing step surface 1113 facilitates the rapid assembly of the air duct structure 100 and avoids gaps between the second side plate 112 and the front housing 210, preventing air leakage.

[0125] As an example, a grille is installed at the air outlet of the front shell 210, and the first sealing boss 213 and the first guide rib 212 can be integrally formed on the grille.

[0126] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, an air duct cavity outlet 100b corresponding to the air outlet of the housing 200 is formed between the first side plate 111 and the volute tongue 120 of the air duct assembly; the volute tongue 120 of the air duct assembly has a second sealing step surface 121 near the end of the air outlet; at the air outlet, a second guide rib 214 and a second sealing boss 215 are sequentially arranged along the direction from the first side plate 111 to the volute tongue 120, wherein the second guide rib 214 is used to open the volute tongue 120 until the second sealing step surface 121 abuts against the second sealing boss 215. It should be noted that, as Figure 3 As shown, after the air duct assembly is assembled into the housing 200, the distance between the end face of the second guide rib 214 furthest from the air outlet and the second sealing step surface 121 is greater than the distance between the end faces of the volute tongue 120 closest to the air outlet; in addition, the length of the second sealing boss 215 is the same as the length of the air duct cavity 100a. Thus, the cooperation of the second guide rib 214, the second sealing boss 215, and the second sealing step surface 121 facilitates the rapid assembly of the air duct structure 100 and avoids gaps between the volute tongue 120 and the front housing 210, preventing air leakage.

[0127] Specifically, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the sidewall of the volute tongue 120 facing the first side plate 111 and the sidewall of the second guide rib 214 away from the first side plate 111 are both inclined outwards, so that the volute tongue 120 can slide along the second guide rib as the second guide rib 214 opens the volute tongue 120. In this way, after the volute tongue 120 is opened by the second guide rib 214, the second sealing step surface 121 can quickly abut against the second sealing boss 215, which facilitates the rapid assembly of the air duct structure 100.

[0128] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0129] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A duct structure, characterized in that, include: The volute and the volute tongue cooperate to form an air duct cavity; The volute includes: a first side plate and a second side plate snapped together with the first side plate. A bearing bracket and a motor bracket are provided on the first side plate or the second side plate. The side wall of the volute tongue facing the first side plate is inclined outward. The first side plate and the second side plate both extend along the length of the air duct cavity, so that the volute tongue, the bearing bracket, and the motor bracket are integrally formed with the first side plate or the second side plate.

2. The air duct structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A mounting boss is provided on the end of the first side plate near the second side plate; The second side plate is snapped onto the mounting boss by the first buckle.

3. The air duct structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A stop groove is provided on the end of the first side plate near the second side plate, and a stop rib is provided on the end of the second side plate near the first side plate. The length directions of the stop rib and the stop groove are the same as the length direction of the second side plate, and the stop rib is confined within the stop groove.

4. The air duct structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first side plate has a limiting step surface on the wall near the second side plate, and the end face of the second side plate near the first side plate overlaps the limiting step surface so that the connection between the second side plate and the first side plate is smooth.

5. The air duct structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The volute tongue, the bearing bracket, and the motor bracket are integrally formed with the first side plate; A first limiting member is provided between the second side plate and the bearing bracket or / and between the second side plate and the motor bracket. The first limiting member is used to limit the second side plate in the width direction of the air duct cavity.

6. The air duct structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first limiting member includes: a limiting opening formed on the bearing bracket or the motor bracket and a first limiting protrusion disposed on the second side plate, wherein the first limiting protrusion is limited to the limiting opening.

7. The air duct structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, An air duct outlet is formed between the first side plate and the volute tongue; The end of the second side plate closest to the first side plate bends toward the center of the air duct cavity, while the end of the second side plate furthest from the first side plate bends away from the center of the air duct cavity.

8. A duct assembly, characterized in that, The air duct assembly includes: the air duct structure according to any one of claims 1-7; The cross-flow impeller is located within the air duct cavity of the air duct structure; The bearings are mounted on the bearing brackets of the duct structure and connected to the cross-flow impeller; and A motor mounted on the motor bracket of the air duct structure and used to drive the cross-flow fan wheel to rotate.

9. A fan, characterized in that, The fan includes: a housing and the air duct assembly as described in claim 8; The air duct assembly is housed within the housing.

10. The fan according to claim 9, characterized in that, The housing includes: a front housing and a rear housing; The front housing is provided with a plurality of first screw posts spaced apart along the length of the air duct cavity of the air duct assembly, and the rear housing is provided with a plurality of second screw posts spaced apart along the length of the air duct cavity of the air duct assembly. The first screw posts are fixedly connected to the corresponding second screw posts by fasteners.

11. The fan according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first side plate of the air duct assembly is provided with a plurality of fixed posts that are spaced apart along the length of the air duct cavity of the air duct assembly. The first screw posts located on the same end of the front housing pass through the corresponding fixing posts and are fixedly connected to the second screw posts.

12. The fan according to claim 9, characterized in that, The housing includes: a front housing and a rear housing; The air duct assembly is fixed to the front shell by a first limiting buckle assembly, and the air duct assembly is fixed to the rear shell by a second limiting buckle assembly.

13. The fan according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, A duct cavity outlet, aligned with the air outlet of the housing, is formed between the first side plate of the air duct assembly and the volute tongue. The end of the second side plate, which is away from the air duct assembly, in the first side plate has a first sealing step surface; At the air outlet, a first guide rib and a first sealing boss are sequentially arranged along the direction from the volute tongue to the first side plate, protruding toward the center of the air duct cavity of the air duct assembly. The first guide rib is used to open the first side plate until the first sealing step surface abuts against the first sealing boss.

14. The fan according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, A duct cavity outlet, aligned with the air outlet of the housing, is formed between the first side plate of the air duct assembly and the volute tongue. The volute of the air duct assembly has a second sealing step surface at the end near the air outlet; At the air outlet, a second guide rib and a second sealing boss are sequentially arranged along the direction from the first side plate to the volute tongue, protruding toward the center of the air duct cavity. The second guide rib is used to open the volute tongue until the second sealing step surface abuts against the second sealing boss.

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