Automatic air pressure balancing device

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the field of household appliance technology, and specifically relates to an automatic air pressure balancing device, which is composed of several major parts such as a shell, a gear ring, a screw, a first motor, a worm, a second motor, and a connecting sleeve. The device achieves intermittent balance of air pressure by controlling the different positional relationships between the airway in the screw and the first air hole on the shell, staggering, pressing or aligning. The air pressure balancing device avoids the long-term opening working mode of the traditional air pressure balancing device, and effectively solves the contradiction between the stability of the internal environment, energy consumption and air resistance. When the present invention is working, the internal and external air pressure balance is achieved only at the moment before the door needs to be opened, ensuring that the door is labor-saving and convenient to open, and is well sealed when the door is not opened. At the same time, the internal airflow path of the present invention is straight, and has the characteristics of low air flow rate and atmospheric resistance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular relates to an automatic air pressure balancing device. Background Art

[0002] In modern household appliances, there are a large number of closed cavities and cabinets, which are difficult to open due to the effect of air pressure. The refrigerator is a typical example, which has good airtightness, a large door, and a certain temperature difference between the inside and outside, and the effect of air pressure is obvious. In order to facilitate the opening of the refrigerator door, it is one of the feasible ways to set a penetrating air pressure balance structure on the refrigerator cabinet, which eliminates the air pressure difference by connecting the inside and outside of the refrigerator cabinet. However, it was found in practice that if the opening in the air pressure balance structure is too large, it will have a greater impact on the temperature and humidity in the refrigerator, and will also increase energy consumption. If the opening in the air pressure balance structure is too small, the air flow resistance is large when the door is opened, which will still cause a large door opening resistance and affect the user experience. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides an automatic air pressure balancing device to overcome the problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention is realized by the following technical scheme: an automatic air pressure balancing device, including a housing, a gear ring, a screw, a first motor, a worm, a second motor, and a connecting sleeve. The gear ring can be rotatably clamped in the housing, and a worm gear is provided on the outer side of the gear ring, and a thread is provided on the inner side; the screw is axially inserted into the gear ring and meshed with the thread on the inner side of the gear ring. The first motor is fixed in the housing and drives the worm to rotate; the worm meshes with the worm gear on the outer side of the gear ring. The second motor is fixed in the housing and drives the connecting sleeve to rotate; the connecting sleeve is axially embedded in the screw; the connecting sleeve and the screw cannot move relative to each other in the circumferential direction, but can slide axially. A group of air passages are axially penetrated in the screw; at least one side of the housing is against the end face of the screw, which is recorded as the first side surface; a group of first air holes are penetrated in the first side surface; the positions of the first air holes and the air passages correspond one to one; the side of the housing opposite to the first side surface is recorded as the second side surface; a group of second air holes are penetrated in the second side surface. The air pressure balance device achieves intermittent balance of air pressure by controlling the different positional relationships between the airway and the first air hole, staggering, pressing or aligning. The air pressure balance device avoids the long-term operation mode of the traditional air pressure balance device, and effectively solves the contradiction between the stability of the internal environment, energy consumption and air resistance.

[0005] Furthermore, a positioning groove is provided on the outer side of the gear ring along the circumferential direction; a flange cooperating with the positioning groove is provided on the inner wall of the shell; and the gear ring is rotatably clamped in the shell through the cooperation between the positioning groove and the flange.

[0006] Furthermore, the connecting sleeve is cylindrical in shape, with at least one protruding bump on the side; an axial hole with the same cross section as the connecting sleeve is opened in the center of the screw; and the connecting sleeve is embedded in the axial hole. Therefore, the connecting sleeve and the screw cannot move relative to each other in the circumferential direction, but can slide axially.

[0007] Preferably, the worm sleeve is arranged on the output shaft of the first motor; and the connecting sleeve is arranged on the output shaft of the second motor.

[0008] Furthermore, the air channels are distributed in a circular array around the rotation center line of the screw; preferably, there are eight air channels.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a sealing gasket; the sealing gasket is provided with a group of through holes corresponding to the position of the airway; the sealing gasket is located between the first side surface and the screw rod, and is attached to the screw rod or to the first side surface. The sealing gasket is preferably a rubber gasket. The provision of the sealing gasket can improve the sealing performance.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a PCB circuit board, an air pressure sensor, and an angular displacement sensor; the air pressure sensor, the angular displacement sensor, the first motor, and the second motor are all electrically connected to the PCB circuit board; the air pressure sensor monitors the air pressure difference on both sides of the first side; and the angular displacement sensor monitors the angle of the screw. Taking the application of air pressure balance inside and outside the refrigerator cabinet as an example, the air pressure balance device is installed on the cabinet and connects the inside and outside of the cabinet. Therefore, the air pressure difference on both sides of the first side is the air pressure difference on both sides of the cabinet. The air pressure sensor can be fixed on the shell or arranged according to actual needs. The air pressure sensor detects the difference in air pressure on both sides of the cabinet and feeds it back to the PCB circuit board.

[0011] Furthermore, the angular displacement sensor includes a magnet and a Hall element; the magnet is fixed on the screw; the PCB circuit board is fixed in the housing and opposite to the magnet, and the Hall element is integrated on the PCB circuit board. The difference in the relative position between the Hall element and the magnet causes the Hall element to be subjected to different magnetic fields and generate corresponding signals. Therefore, the rotation angle of the screw can be easily determined by the cooperation between the magnet and the Hall element.

[0012] Furthermore, the working method of the above automatic air pressure balancing device is as follows:

[0013] (S1) The PCB circuit board receives a start command signal. The issuance of the start command signal can be set according to the actual application scenario, including but not limited to the following methods: it can be issued by manually operating the control interface on the touch screen, it can also be issued by manually operating a button, or it can be issued by the program when a certain condition is met.

[0014] (S2) The first motor rotates to drive the gear ring to rotate, causing the screw to leave the first side surface.

[0015] (S3) The PCB circuit board receives the signal of the first motor rotating and controls the second motor to rotate.

[0016] (S4) The second motor rotates to drive the screw to rotate, and the angular displacement sensor detects that the screw rotates to a specified position, at which time the airway is aligned with the position of the first air hole; the PCB circuit board receives a signal from the angular displacement sensor and controls the second motor to stop rotating.

[0017] (S5) The gas passes through the second air hole, the air passage and the first air hole to achieve air pressure balance; the air pressure sensor detects the air pressure balance and transmits a signal to the PCB circuit board, and the PCB circuit board sends a signal indicating the next step of work. The signal indicating the next step of work is set according to the actual application scenario, including but not limited to the following methods: the operator can be prompted to perform manual operations through sound or human-computer interaction interface, or the signal can be sent to the actuator to perform a certain operation.

[0018] (S6) After receiving the air pressure balance signal from the air pressure sensor, the PCB circuit board sends a reset signal to the first motor and the second motor, and the first motor and the second motor rotate in opposite directions to reset the screw; after the reset, the first air hole and the air channel are completely offset from each other, and the first side surface and the screw are pressed against each other.

[0019] Beneficial effects: According to the above technical solutions, the automatic air pressure balancing device provided by the present invention has the following advantages: the automatic air pressure balancing device provided by the present invention can achieve internal and external air pressure balance only at the moment before the door needs to be opened, while the traditional balancing device generally keeps the cabinet in an air pressure balance state for a long time. When applied to a refrigerator, the present invention can achieve internal and external air pressure balance at the moment before the door is opened, ensuring that the door is labor-saving and convenient to open. When the door is not opened, the inside and outside are airtightly isolated, ensuring that the temperature and humidity in the refrigerator are not affected by the external environment. In addition, the automatic air pressure balancing device provided by the present invention has a straight airflow path and has the characteristics of small air flow resistance, which is better than the condition in which the airflow is partially diverted in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 and 2 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 , 4 7 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a gear ring;

[0023] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of the X area in the middle.

[0025] In the figure, the housing 1, the gear ring 2, the screw 3, the first motor 4, the worm 5, the second motor 6, the connecting sleeve 7, the sealing gasket 8, the air duct 31, the first side 11, the first air hole 12, the second side 13, the second air hole 14, the positioning groove 21, the flange 15, the bump 71, the shaft hole 32, the PCB circuit board 91, the magnet 92, and the Hall element 93. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present invention is further illustrated by specific examples below. The examples are only for illustration and are not intended to be limiting.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] An automatic air pressure balancing device, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, it includes a housing 1, a gear ring 2, a screw 3, a first motor 4, a worm 5, a second motor 6, and a connecting sleeve 7. The gear ring 2 is rotatably clamped in the housing 1, and a worm gear is provided on the outer side of the gear ring 2, and a thread is provided on the inner side; the screw 3 is axially penetrated in the gear ring 2 and meshed with the thread on the inner side of the gear ring 2. The first motor 4 is fixed in the housing 1 and drives the worm 5 to rotate; the worm 5 meshes with the worm gear on the outer side of the gear ring 2. The second motor 6 is fixed in the housing 1 and drives the connecting sleeve 7 to rotate; the connecting sleeve 7 is axially embedded in the screw 3; the connecting sleeve 7 and the screw 3 cannot move relative to each other in the circumferential direction, but can slide axially. A group of air passages 31 are axially penetrated in the screw 3; at least one side of the shell 1 is in contact with the end face of the screw 3, which is recorded as the first side face 11; a group of first air holes 12 are penetrated in the first side face 11; the positions of the first air holes 12 and the air passages 31 correspond one to one; the side of the shell 1 opposite to the first side face 11 is recorded as the second side face 13; a group of second air holes 14 are penetrated in the second side face 13.

[0029] In this embodiment, a positioning groove 21 is circumferentially formed on the outer side of the gear ring 2 ; a flange 15 cooperating with the positioning groove 21 is formed on the inner wall of the housing 1 ; the gear ring 2 is rotatably clamped in the housing 1 through the cooperation between the positioning groove 21 and the flange 15 .

[0030] In this embodiment, the connecting sleeve 7 is cylindrical in shape as a whole, and a raised bump 71 is provided on the side surface; an axial hole 32 having the same cross section as the connecting sleeve 7 is opened in the center of the screw rod 3; and the connecting sleeve 7 is embedded in the axial hole 32 .

[0031] In this embodiment, the worm 5 is sleeved on the output shaft of the first motor 4 ; and the connecting sleeve 7 is disposed on the output shaft of the second motor 6 .

[0032] In this embodiment, the air passages 31 are distributed in a ring array around the rotation center line of the screw 3 .

[0033] In this embodiment, a sealing gasket 8 is further included; a group of through holes corresponding to the position of the airway 31 are provided on the sealing gasket 8; the sealing gasket 8 is located between the first side surface 11 and the screw rod 3, and is attached to the screw rod 3.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] An automatic air pressure balancing device, such as Figure 1 , 2 , 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8, it includes a housing 1, a gear ring 2, a screw 3, a first motor 4, a worm 5, a second motor 6, and a connecting sleeve 7. The gear ring 2 is rotatably clamped in the housing 1, and the gear ring 2 is provided with worm teeth on the outside and threads on the inside; the screw 3 is axially penetrated in the gear ring 2 and meshed with the threads on the inside of the gear ring 2. The first motor 4 is fixed in the housing 1 and drives the worm 5 to rotate; the worm 5 meshes with the worm teeth on the outside of the gear ring 2. The second motor 6 is fixed in the housing 1 and drives the connecting sleeve 7 to rotate; the connecting sleeve 7 is axially embedded in the screw 3; the connecting sleeve 7 and the screw 3 cannot move relative to each other in the circumferential direction, but can slide axially. A group of air passages 31 are axially penetrated in the screw 3; at least one side of the shell 1 is in contact with the end face of the screw 3, which is recorded as the first side face 11; a group of first air holes 12 are penetrated in the first side face 11; the positions of the first air holes 12 and the air passages 31 correspond one to one; the side of the shell 1 opposite to the first side face 11 is recorded as the second side face 13; a group of second air holes 14 are penetrated in the second side face 13.

[0036] In this embodiment, a positioning groove 21 is circumferentially formed on the outer side of the gear ring 2 ; a flange 15 cooperating with the positioning groove 21 is formed on the inner wall of the housing 1 ; the gear ring 2 is rotatably clamped in the housing 1 through the cooperation between the positioning groove 21 and the flange 15 .

[0037] In this embodiment, the connecting sleeve 7 is cylindrical in shape as a whole, and a raised bump 71 is provided on the side surface; an axial hole 32 having the same cross section as the connecting sleeve 7 is opened in the center of the screw rod 3; and the connecting sleeve 7 is embedded in the axial hole 32 .

[0038] In this embodiment, the worm 5 is sleeved on the output shaft of the first motor 4 ; and the connecting sleeve 7 is disposed on the output shaft of the second motor 6 .

[0039] In this embodiment, the air passages 31 are distributed in a ring array around the rotation center line of the screw 3 .

[0040] In this embodiment, a sealing gasket 8 is further included; a group of through holes corresponding to the position of the airway 31 are provided on the sealing gasket 8; the sealing gasket 8 is located between the first side surface 11 and the screw rod 3, and is attached to the screw rod 3.

[0041] In this embodiment, the sealing gasket 8 is a rubber gasket.

[0042] In this embodiment, it also includes a PCB circuit board 91, an air pressure sensor, and an angular displacement sensor; the air pressure sensor, the angular displacement sensor, the first motor 4, and the second motor 6 are all electrically connected to the PCB circuit board 91; the air pressure sensor monitors the air pressure difference on both sides of the first side surface 11; and the angular displacement sensor monitors the angle of the screw 3.

[0043] In this embodiment, the angular displacement sensor includes a magnet 92 and a Hall element 93 ; the magnet 92 is fixed on the screw 3 ; the PCB circuit board 91 is fixed in the housing 1 and is opposite to the magnet 92 , and the Hall element 93 is integrated on the PCB circuit board 91 .

[0044] The working method of the automatic air pressure balancing device provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0045] (S1) The PCB circuit board 91 receives an opening command signal;

[0046] (S2) The first motor 4 rotates to drive the gear ring 2 to rotate, so that the screw rod 3 leaves the first side surface 11;

[0047] (S3) The PCB circuit board 91 receives a signal indicating that the first motor 4 rotates, and controls the second motor 6 to rotate;

[0048] (S4) The second motor 6 rotates to drive the screw 3 to rotate, and the angular displacement sensor detects that the screw 3 rotates to a specified position, at which time the air channel 31 is aligned with the first air hole 12; the PCB circuit board 91 receives a signal from the angular displacement sensor and controls the second motor 6 to stop rotating;

[0049] (S5) The gas passes through the second air hole 14, the air passage 31 and the first air hole 12 to achieve air pressure balance; the air pressure sensor detects the air pressure balance and transmits a signal to the PCB circuit board 91, and the PCB circuit board 91 sends a signal indicating the next step of work;

[0050] (S6) After receiving the air pressure balance signal from the air pressure sensor, the PCB circuit board 91 sends a reset signal to the first motor 4 and the second motor 6, and the first motor 4 and the second motor 6 rotate in the opposite direction to reset the screw 3; after the reset, the first air hole 12 and the air channel 31 are completely offset from each other, and the first side surface 11 and the screw 3 are pressed against each other.

[0051] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be pointed out that a person skilled in the art can make several improvements without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements should also be regarded as within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic air pressure balancing device, characterized in that: It comprises a housing (1), a gear ring (2), a screw (3), a first motor (4), a worm (5), a second motor (6), and a connecting sleeve (7); The gear ring (2) is rotatably clamped in the housing (1); the gear ring (2) is provided with worm teeth on the outside and threads on the inside; the screw rod (3) is axially inserted into the gear ring (2) and meshes with the threads on the inside of the gear ring (2); The first motor (4) is fixed in the housing (1) and drives the worm (5) to rotate; the worm (5) is meshed with the worm teeth on the outside of the gear ring (2); The second motor (6) is fixed in the housing (1) and drives the connecting sleeve (7) to rotate; the connecting sleeve (7) is axially embedded in the screw rod (3); the connecting sleeve (7) and the screw rod (3) cannot move relative to each other in the circumferential direction, but can slide axially; A group of air passages (31) are axially penetrated in the screw (3); at least one side of the housing (1) is in contact with the end face of the screw (3), which is denoted as a first side face (11); a group of first air holes (12) are penetrated in the first side face (11); the positions of the first air holes (12) and the air passages (31) correspond one to one; a side of the housing (1) opposite to the first side face (11) is denoted as a second side face (13); a group of second air holes (14) are penetrated in the second side face (13); The outer side of the gear ring (2) is provided with a positioning groove (21) along the circumferential direction; the inner wall of the housing (1) is provided with a flange (15) that cooperates with the positioning groove (21); the gear ring (2) is rotatably clamped in the housing (1) through the cooperation between the positioning groove (21) and the flange (15); The connecting sleeve (7) is cylindrical in shape as a whole, and is provided with at least one raised bump (71) on the side surface; an axial hole (32) having the same cross-section as the connecting sleeve (7) is provided in the center of the screw rod (3); and the connecting sleeve (7) is embedded in the axial hole (32); It also includes a sealing gasket (8); the sealing gasket (8) is provided with a group of through holes corresponding to the position of the air passage (31); the sealing gasket (8) is located between the first side surface (11) and the screw rod (3), and is attached to the screw rod (3) or to the first side surface (11); It also includes a PCB circuit board (91), an air pressure sensor, and an angular displacement sensor; the air pressure sensor, the angular displacement sensor, the first motor (4), and the second motor (6) are all electrically connected to the PCB circuit board (91); the air pressure sensor monitors the air pressure difference between the two sides of the first side surface (11); and the angular displacement sensor monitors the angle of the screw rod (3); The working method of the automatic air pressure balancing device comprises the following steps: (S1) the PCB circuit board (91) receives an opening command signal; (S2) the first motor (4) rotates to drive the gear ring (2) to rotate, so that the screw (3) leaves the first side surface (11); (S3) the PCB circuit board (91) receives a signal indicating that the first motor (4) is rotating, and controls the second motor (6) to rotate; (S4) the second motor (6) rotates to drive the screw (3) to rotate, and the angular displacement sensor detects that the screw (3) rotates to a specified position, at which time the air channel (31) is aligned with the first air hole (12); the PCB circuit board (91) receives a signal from the angular displacement sensor and controls the second motor (6) to stop rotating; (S5) gas passes through the second air hole (14), the air passage (31) and the first air hole (12) to achieve air pressure balance; the air pressure sensor detects the air pressure balance and transmits a signal to the PCB circuit board (91), and the PCB circuit board (91) sends a signal indicating the next work step; (S6) After receiving the air pressure balance signal from the air pressure sensor, the PCB circuit board (91) sends a reset signal to the first motor (4) and the second motor (6), so that the first motor (4) and the second motor (6) rotate in the opposite direction to reset the screw (3); after the reset, the first air hole (12) and the air channel (31) are completely offset from each other, and the first side surface (11) and the screw (3) are pressed against each other.

2. The automatic air pressure balancing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The worm (5) is sleeved on the output shaft of the first motor (4); and the connecting sleeve (7) is sleeved on the output shaft of the second motor (6).

3. The automatic air pressure balancing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air channels (31) are distributed in a circular array around the rotation center line of the screw (3).

4. The automatic air pressure balancing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing gasket (8) is a rubber gasket.

5. The automatic air pressure balancing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angular displacement sensor comprises a magnet (92) and a Hall element (93); the magnet (92) is fixed on the screw rod (3); the PCB circuit board (91) is fixed in the housing (1) and is located opposite to the magnet (92); the Hall element (93) is integrated on the PCB circuit board (91).

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