An air inlet passage structure for realizing left and right flow separation and a range hood

Abstract

The application relates to an air inlet channel structure realizing left-right flow separation and a range hood, which comprises a shell, the shell is internally provided with an air inlet channel, a rotatable flow separation module is arranged in the air inlet channel, the flow separation module divides the air inlet channel into a left air inlet channel and a right air inlet channel, the rotatable flow separation module opens or closes the left air inlet channel or the right air inlet channel, and the side of the flow separation module facing the air inlet is a guide curve surface capable of guiding the airflow blocked by the flow separation module in the closed side air inlet channel to the opened side air inlet channel. The application closes the unused side air inlet channel by rotating the flow separation module, meanwhile, the flow separation module guides the airflow blocked by the flow separation module in the closed side air inlet channel to the opened side air inlet channel, the flow rate of the opened side air inlet is increased, and the exhaust rate of the oil fume is accelerated. The application also relates to a range hood provided with the air inlet channel structure realizing left-right flow separation, which can guide the airflow blocked by the flow separation module to the opened side air inlet channel and strengthen the oil fume exhaust efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of range hood technology, specifically, it relates to an air intake channel structure that achieves left and right airflow separation and a range hood. Background Technology

[0002] A range hood is a kitchen appliance used to purify the kitchen environment. Typically installed above cooking equipment, it quickly extracts, purifies, and exhausts the fumes produced during cooking. As an important kitchen appliance, range hoods have become increasingly common in homes.

[0003] Currently, range hoods mainly consist of a smoke collection hood, filter, duct, fan, and other components. When the range hood is working, the fan rotates at high speed inside, creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the hood. This allows outside air to flow through the duct into the hood, expelling the cooking fumes. The structure of the duct determines the exhaust volume and the noise level generated during operation.

[0004] For dual-duct range hoods, most ordinary households tend to use only one side when cooking, resulting in wasted airflow from the other side. To address this, a diversion module is designed into the air intake duct to achieve left-right airflow splitting. By splitting the airflow left and right, users can close the air intake duct on the unused side while cooking, increasing the airflow velocity at the intake on the used side. This improves smoke extraction efficiency and reduces noise.

[0005] An existing Chinese patent discloses a range hood with adjustable air vent area and a baffle rotation type, including a housing, a fan, an air inlet, and an air outlet. The air inlet is equipped with an adjustable device, which includes at least one baffle and a rotating shaft. The baffle is movably connected to the rotating shaft, and the baffle is movablely connected to the housing through a connecting device. The baffle is equipped with a wind control part, and the adjustable device is equipped with a limit device.

[0006] In the existing structure, vortices are formed at the wind deflector, which affects the airflow velocity at the air inlet.

[0007] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an air inlet channel structure and range hood that realizes left and right airflow diversion, which can guide the blocked airflow to the open side air inlet channel, thereby increasing the air inlet flow rate.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0010] An air intake channel structure for achieving left and right airflow splitting includes an outer shell, an air intake channel inside the outer shell, and a rotatable airflow splitting module inside the air intake channel. The airflow splitting module divides the air intake channel into a left air intake channel and a right air intake channel. Rotating the airflow splitting module opens or closes the left air intake channel or the right air intake channel. The side of the airflow splitting module facing the air inlet is a guide surface that can guide the airflow blocked by the airflow splitting module in the closed air intake channel to the open air intake channel.

[0011] Preferably, the diversion module includes a flow guide located at the air inlet. The flow guide is a horizontally extending semi-circular arc plate, with the arc surface of the flow guide facing downwards to form a flow guide surface.

[0012] Preferably, the diversion module rotates around a horizontally extending shaft, and the shaft is coaxial with the center of the guide section.

[0013] Preferably, the diversion module further includes a shielding part, which extends radially from both ends of the arc surface of the guide part. The distance between the extended end of the shielding part and the center of the guide part is greater than the distance between the center of the guide part and the left side wall of the air inlet channel, and greater than the distance between the center of the guide part and the right side wall of the air inlet channel.

[0014] Preferably, the shielding part includes a first side plate disposed on the left and a second side plate disposed on the right. The lower end of the first side plate is connected to the left end of the arc surface of the guide part, the lower end of the second side plate is connected to the right end of the arc surface of the guide part, and the upper ends of the first side plate and the second side plate are connected.

[0015] Preferably, the upper ends of the first side plate and the second side plate are connected by a top, which is located in the radial direction of the guide portion and is an upwardly protruding arc plate.

[0016] Preferably, the diversion module is a barrel-shaped structure that extends horizontally after the flow guide, the first side plate, the top, and the second side plate are connected in sequence, and the two ends of the barrel-shaped structure are closed by the first closing plate and the second closing plate.

[0017] Preferably, noise reduction holes are provided on both the first and second side plates, and sound-absorbing cotton is provided inside the diversion module.

[0018] Preferably, the first closing plate has a recessed area, in which a rotary motor is mounted on the housing, the rotating shaft is the rotor of the rotary motor, and the diversion module is detachably mounted on the rotor of the rotary motor.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a range hood having an air intake channel structure as described above for achieving left and right airflow separation.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0021] 1. This invention sets up a diversion module in the air intake channel and a rotary motor in the diversion module, allowing the diversion module to rotate in the air intake channel. During cooking, the user can rotate the diversion module to close the air intake channel on the unused side, increase the airflow rate of the air intake on the used side, and accelerate the emission rate of oil fumes.

[0022] 2. By installing the diversion module in a detachable manner, this invention facilitates the removal and cleaning of the diversion module later, avoiding the reduction in the range hood's oil fume emission efficiency due to the accumulation of a large amount of dirt on the diversion module after prolonged use, thus extending the service life of the range hood.

[0023] 3. This invention sets the guide section of the diversion module at the air inlet as a semi-circular arc plate. The arc surface of the guide section reduces the resistance when the air is introduced, and at the same time, it guides the blocked airflow to the open side air inlet channel, which speeds up the airflow and improves the working efficiency of the range hood.

[0024] 4. By setting noise reduction holes on the first and second sides and placing sound-absorbing cotton inside the diversion module, the present invention reduces the noise generated by the airflow blowing towards the diversion module when the diversion module rotates to the outer shell, thereby enhancing user comfort.

[0025] 5. The present invention connects the top of the first side and the top of the second side by setting the top of the arc shape, which avoids the deformation of the top of the current distribution module due to pressure when the current distribution module is rotated to the maximum angle and contacts the shell, thus extending the service life of the current distribution module.

[0026] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a front view of an air inlet channel structure that realizes left and right flow splitting according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a left view of an air inlet channel structure that realizes left and right flow splitting according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a flow-dividing module for an air inlet channel structure that realizes left and right flow diversion according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4This is a front view of a flow-dividing module of an air intake channel structure that realizes left and right flow diversion according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a right view of the flow-dividing module of an air intake channel structure that realizes left and right flow diversion according to the present invention.

[0033] In the diagram: 1. Outer shell; 2. Air inlet; 3. Air outlet; 4. Air inlet channel; 5. Diverter module; 51. Guide section; 52. First side plate; 53. Second side plate; 54. First closing plate; 55. Second closing plate; 56. Top; 57. Shielding section; 6. Recessed area; 7. Rotary motor; 8. Rotating head; 9. Shell; 10. Support section; 11. Noise reduction hole; 12. First inclined surface; 13. Second inclined surface; 14. Extension section; 15. Locking position.

[0034] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are 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 limiting this invention.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 5As shown in the figure, this embodiment of the invention introduces an air intake channel structure for achieving left and right airflow splitting, including a housing 1, with an air inlet 2 at the bottom and an air outlet 3 at the top, forming an air intake channel 4 between the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 3. A rotatable air diversion module 5 is provided within the air intake channel 4. When not rotated, the air diversion module 5 is located in the center of the air intake channel 4, dividing the air intake channel 4 into a left air intake channel and a right air intake channel. When the air diversion module 5 rotates to its maximum angle, it opens or closes either the left or right air intake channel. The side of the air diversion module 5 facing the air inlet 2 has a guide surface that directs airflow blocked by the air diversion module 5 in the closed air intake channel to the open air intake channel.

[0039] Typically, a range hood contains a fan. When the range hood is working, the fan rotates at high speed inside the range hood, creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the range hood. This allows the cooking fumes from outside the range hood to move into the range hood through the air intake duct and then be discharged.

[0040] When a user cooks food on the left side of the range hood, most of the fumes are exhausted through the left air intake duct, while less fumes are exhausted through the right air intake duct, resulting in wasted airflow on the right and low efficiency in fume extraction. In this embodiment, the user can rotate the diversion module 5 to the right to block the right air intake duct, increasing the airflow velocity in the left air intake duct and accelerating fume extraction.

[0041] When a user cooks on the right side of the range hood, most of the cooking fumes are exhausted from the right-side air intake. While airflow exists in the left-side air intake at the same time, most of the air passing through it is just air, resulting in wasted airflow and a lower rate of fume extraction. In this embodiment, the user rotates the diversion module 5 to its maximum left angle, blocking the left-side air intake and increasing the airflow velocity in the right-side air intake, thus increasing the fume extraction rate.

[0042] In this embodiment, the guide section 51 is a semi-circular arc plate, with its arc surface facing downwards to form a guide surface. The diversion module 5 also includes a shielding section 57, which extends radially from the top of the guide section 51. The distance between the extended end of the shielding section 57 and the center of the guide section 51 is greater than the distance between the center of the guide section 51 and the left side wall of the air inlet channel 4, and also greater than the distance between the center of the guide section 51 and the right side wall of the air inlet channel 4. When the diversion module 5 is rotated to its maximum angle, the shielding section 57 opens or closes the left or right air inlet channel. The guide section 51 can divert the airflow blocked by the diversion module 5 in the closed air inlet channel to the open air inlet channel, increasing the flow velocity in the open air inlet channel.

[0043] In this embodiment, the shielding part 57 includes a first side plate 52 disposed on the left and a second side plate 53 disposed on the right. The first side plate 52 and the second side plate 53 are rectangular in shape. The upper ends of the first side plate 52 and the second side plate 53 are connected by a top 56, which is located in the radial direction of the guide part 51 and is an upwardly protruding arc plate.

[0044] By setting the top 56 as an upwardly protruding arc plate structure, the top of the diverter module 5 is prevented from being deformed by pressure when it rotates to the maximum angle and contacts the outer casing 1, thus extending the service life of the diverter module 5.

[0045] The diversion module 5 is a barrel-shaped structure that extends horizontally after the flow guide 51, the first side plate 52, the top 56, and the second side plate 53 are connected in sequence. The two ends of the barrel-shaped structure are closed by the first closing plate 54 and the second closing plate 55.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the first closing plate 54 of the diversion module 5 has a recessed area 6, and a rotary motor 7 is installed in the recessed area 6. The rotary motor 7 has a rotating head 8. There is a corresponding insertion hole in the recessed area 6 for the rotating head 8, and the diversion module 5 is detachably installed on the rotating head 8 through the insertion hole.

[0048] When the range hood is working, the rotary motor 7 is powered on, and the rotating head 8 rotates, simultaneously driving the diversion module 5 to rotate. Once the diversion module 5 reaches its maximum angle, it blocks one side of the air intake channel. Due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the range hood, the diversion module 5 rotates in the opposite direction due to atmospheric pressure. At this time, the rotating head 8 continues to rotate the diversion module 5. The atmospheric pressure on the diversion module 5 and the rotational force exerted by the rotating head 8 cancel each other out, allowing the diversion module 5 to maintain its maximum rotation angle and block one side of the air intake channel. The fumes can only be exhausted through the other side of the air intake channel. The air intake area of ​​the air inlet 2 decreases, and the flow velocity within the air intake channel 4 increases, accelerating the fume emission rate.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the rotary motor 7 has a housing 9 that covers it. The housing 9 has an opening at the rotor 8 of the rotary motor 7, which facilitates the insertion of the rotor 8 into the diverter module 5. The housing 9, the rotary motor 7, and the outer shell 1 all have corresponding screw holes, and the rotary motor 7 and the housing 9 are fixed to the outer shell 1 by bolts.

[0051] The rotary motor 7 generates vibration and noise during operation. In this embodiment, a housing 9 is installed on the outside of the rotary motor 7. After the rotary motor 7 is mounted on the outer casing 1, the housing 9 is located between the rotary motor 7 and the outer casing 1. The vibration generated by the rotary motor 7 during operation is transmitted to the outer casing 1 through the housing 9, thereby reducing the vibration generated by the rotary motor 7 during operation and reducing the noise generated by the rotary motor 7 during operation.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, noise reduction holes 11 are provided on both the first side plate 52 and the second side plate 53, and sound-absorbing cotton is also installed inside the diversion module 5. When the diversion module 5 is rotated to its maximum angle and contacts the outer shell 1, the diversion module 5 blocks one side of the air inlet channel, and noise is generated when the air inlet blows towards the diversion module 5, affecting the user's use.

[0054] When noise waves encounter obstacles during propagation, they travel from one medium to another. Due to the different acoustic properties of the two media, part of the sound wave is reflected back from the surface of the obstacle, while the other part is transmitted into the obstacle. Noise reduction can be achieved by utilizing the different characteristic impedances of the media.

[0055] In this embodiment, a noise reduction hole 11 is provided on the diversion module 5. After the noise passes through the noise reduction hole 11, it enters the interior of the diversion module 5 and is reflected multiple times inside the diversion module 5. At the same time, sound-absorbing cotton is installed inside the diversion module 5. Each time the noise is reflected, the sound-absorbing cotton absorbs the sound energy of the noise, thereby greatly reducing the reflected sound and weakening the overall noise.

[0056] Example 4

[0057] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the first closing plate 54 of the diversion module 5 has a recessed area 6, the rotary motor 7 is located in the recessed area 6, and the rotary motor 7 has a rotating head 8. The diversion module 5 is detachably mounted on the rotating head 8 through a socket, and the second closing plate 55 of the diversion module 5 can be detached from the diversion module 5.

[0058] After prolonged use of the range hood, the diversion module 5 becomes heavily soiled due to prolonged contact with cooking fumes. This can cause the noise reduction holes 11 on the diversion module 5 to become clogged, weakening its noise reduction capabilities. Additionally, some of the dirt may remain on the rotating motor 7 within the recessed area 6, making it difficult for the diversion module 5 to rotate and affecting the normal operation of the range hood.

[0059] In this embodiment, by installing the diversion module 5 in a detachable manner, users can easily disassemble the diversion module 5 for cleaning after prolonged use of the range hood. Simultaneously, the second closing plate 55 of the diversion module 5 can be removed from the diversion module 5, facilitating internal cleaning by the user, improving the noise reduction effect of the diversion module 5, and extending the service life of the range hood.

[0060] Example 5

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the diversion module 5 is installed on the rotor head 8 of the rotary motor 7 through a socket. The rotary motor 7 and the outer casing 1 have corresponding screw holes, and the rotary motor 7 is fixed to the outer casing 1 by bolts. The outer casing 1 located at the air inlet 2 has a support part 10, and the bottom surface of the diversion module 5 is in contact with the support part 10.

[0062] The screw hole corresponding to the rotary motor 7 on the outer casing 1 is subjected to pressure from the rotary motor 7 and the shunt module 5 through the bolts. At the same time, the rotary motor 7 will generate vibration when it is working. The vibration is transmitted to the outer casing 1 through the bolts, which may cause the bolts to loosen and affect the normal operation of the shunt module 5.

[0063] In this embodiment, by providing a support part 10 on the outer shell 1, the bottom surface of the diversion module 5 contacts the support part 10, allowing the support part 10 to share the weight of the diversion module 5 and the motor 7. At the same time, the vibration generated when the rotary motor 7 is working will also be transmitted through the support part 10, reducing the vibration when the rotary motor is working.

[0064] Example 6

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer casing 1 has a first inclined surface 12 and a second inclined surface 13 located on both sides of the air inlet channel 4. The top of the first inclined surface 12 slopes towards the second inclined surface 13, and the top of the second inclined surface 13 slopes towards the first inclined surface 12. The air inlet 2 is located at the bottom of the first inclined surface 12 and the second inclined surface 13. The air inlet 2 is relatively wide, allowing it to cover a larger area of ​​the stovetop, giving users more freedom to choose its location while cooking, thus improving user convenience. Meanwhile, the air outlet 3 has a smaller area, increasing the airflow velocity within the air inlet channel 4 and accelerating the emission efficiency of cooking fumes.

[0066] In addition, by setting a first inclined surface 12 and a second inclined surface 13 on both sides of the air inlet channel 4, the diversion module 5 only needs to rotate a small angle to block one side of the air inlet channel, making the size of the diversion module 5 more flexible and reducing the manufacturing cost of the diversion module 5.

[0067] Example 7

[0068] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the outer casing 1 also includes an extension portion 14 located at the air outlet 3. The extension portion 14 extends in a direction away from the air outlet 3 and is provided with a locking position 15 that cooperates with the outer casing 1. By adding the extension portion 14 at the air outlet 3, the area of ​​the top of the outer casing 1 is increased. When the air intake channel structure of the present invention that realizes left and right airflow is installed in the range hood, it is possible to continue to add other structures included in the range hood, such as the fan, to the top of the outer casing 1, making the assembly of the range hood more convenient and reducing the manufacturing cost of the range hood.

[0069] Example 8

[0070] This embodiment introduces a range hood with an air intake channel structure that achieves left and right airflow separation, as described above. When the range hood is working, the fan rotates at high speed inside, creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the range hood. This allows cooking fumes from outside to move into the range hood through the air intake channel and be expelled. While cooking, the user can control the rotation direction of the airflow separation module 5 according to the cooking position, increasing the efficiency of the range hood in removing cooking fumes.

[0071] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0072] Except where at least some of such features and / or processes or units are mutually exclusive, any combination may be used to combine all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and all processes or units of any method or apparatus so disclosed. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature that serves the same, equivalent, or similar purpose.

[0073] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments.

[0074] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A range hood having an air intake channel structure for achieving left and right air diversion, comprising an outer shell (1), an air intake channel (4) inside the outer shell (1), and a rotatable diversion module (5) provided inside the air intake channel (4), the diversion module (5) dividing the air intake channel into a left air intake channel and a right air intake channel, and rotating the diversion module (5) opening or closing the left air intake channel or the right air intake channel; Its features are, The splitting module (5) includes: The air guide (51) is located at the air inlet (2). The air guide (51) is a horizontally extending semi-circular arc plate. The arc surface of the air guide (51) is set downward to form a guide surface. The shielding part (57) extends radially from the top of the guide part (51) along the guide part (51). The distance between the extended end of the shielding part (57) and the center of the guide part (51) is greater than the distance between the center of the guide part (51) and the left side wall of the air inlet channel (4), and is also greater than the distance between the center of the guide part (51) and the right side wall of the air inlet channel (4). The diversion module (5) rotates around a horizontally extending pivot, and the pivot is coaxial with the center of the guide section (51). The outer casing (1) located at the air inlet (2) has a support part (10), and the bottom surface of the diversion module (5) is in contact with the support part (10).

2. The range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shielding part (57) includes a first side plate (52) on the left and a second side plate (53) on the right. The lower end of the first side plate (52) is connected to the left end of the arc surface of the guide part (51), the lower end of the second side plate (53) is connected to the right end of the arc surface of the guide part (51), and the upper ends of the first side plate (52) and the second side plate (53) are connected.

3. A range hood according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper end of the first side plate (52) and the upper end of the second side plate (53) are connected by a top (56). The top (56) is located in the radial direction of the guide section (51) and is an upwardly protruding arc plate.

4. A range hood according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diversion module (5) is a barrel-shaped structure that extends horizontally after the flow guide (51), the first side plate (52), the top (56) and the second side plate (53) are connected in sequence. The two ends of the barrel-shaped structure are closed by the first closing plate (54) and the second closing plate (55).

5. A range hood according to claim 4, characterized in that, Noise reduction holes (11) are provided on the first side plate (52) and the second side plate (53), and the diversion module (5) is filled with sound-absorbing cotton.

6. A range hood according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first closing plate (54) has a recessed area (6), in which there is a rotary motor (7) mounted on the outer shell (1), the rotating shaft is the rotating head (8) of the rotary motor (7), and the diversion module (5) is detachably mounted on the rotating head (8).

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