Ductwork components and air conditioners

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an air duct assembly and an air conditioner. The air duct assembly includes: a volute housing with two air outlets disposed opposite to each other; an impeller assembly disposed within the volute housing; and an adjusting assembly rotatably connected to the volute housing. The adjusting assembly includes a first adjusting member and a second adjusting member respectively disposed on opposite sides of the air outlets. The first adjusting member is away from the impeller assembly, and the second adjusting member is close to the impeller assembly and abuts against the first adjusting member to block the air outlets. The first adjusting member being close to the impeller assembly and the second adjusting member being away from the impeller assembly opens the air outlets. This technical solution effectively solves the technical problem of low air volume when a single air outlet is used in an air conditioner with distributed air outlets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of household appliances, and more particularly to a duct assembly and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Centrifugal fans are crucial air-dissipating components in air conditioners. They utilize a high-speed rotating impeller to accelerate gas, then decelerate and change its flow direction, converting kinetic energy into potential energy (pressure). As living standards improve, people's demands for the comfort of airflow from air conditioners are also increasing. Currently, air conditioners that utilize a single centrifugal fan to simultaneously deliver air to both the top and bottom are highly favored in the market.

[0003] In related technologies, centrifugal fans that can simultaneously discharge air from the top and bottom have a significantly different volute profile in their duct system compared to the complete shape of the volute profile in traditional single-outlet air vents. As a result, when the air conditioner discharges air from the top or bottom, the air volume is small, the indoor temperature difference changes slowly, which seriously affects the user's comfort and reduces the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides an air duct assembly and an air conditioner to solve the technical problem of low air volume when an air conditioner with distributed air outlets in a top and bottom configuration is discharging air through a single outlet.

[0005] Therefore, in a first aspect, this disclosure provides a duct assembly, comprising:

[0006] The volute includes two air outlets positioned opposite each other;

[0007] The impeller assembly is located inside the volute casing;

[0008] An adjustment assembly is rotatably connected to the volute. The adjustment assembly includes a first adjustment member and a second adjustment member respectively disposed on opposite sides of the air outlet. The first adjustment member is away from the impeller assembly, and the second adjustment member is close to the impeller assembly. The second adjustment member abuts against the first adjustment member to block the air outlet. The first adjustment member is close to the impeller assembly, and the second adjustment member is away from the impeller assembly to open the air outlet.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the volute is provided with a limiting groove that extends away from the second adjusting member. The first adjusting member includes an adjusting part and a limiting part connected together. The adjusting part is rotatably connected to the volute and extends towards the second adjusting member. The limiting part is received in the limiting groove.

[0010] In one possible implementation, when the first adjusting member approaches the impeller assembly to open the air outlet, the distance between the end of the adjusting member near the limiting part and the rotation center of the impeller assembly is R1; the distance between the rotation center of the second adjusting member and the rotation center of the impeller assembly is R2; when the second adjusting member abuts against the first adjusting member to block the air outlet, the distance between the end of the adjusting member near the limiting part and the rotation center of the impeller assembly is R3, wherein R1 < R2 < R3.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the opening end of the limiting groove is provided with a first limiting boss, which extends toward the first adjusting member, and the side of the limiting part away from the adjusting part is provided with a second limiting boss, which extends away from the adjusting part.

[0012] The first adjusting member is close to the impeller assembly, and the second limiting boss abuts against the first limiting boss.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the limiting portion is provided with an abutment notch, which is positioned toward the second adjusting member;

[0014] The second adjusting member abuts against the first adjusting member, with one end of the second adjusting member inserted into the abutment notch.

[0015] In one possible implementation, a transition fillet is provided between the adjusting part and the limiting part.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the second adjusting member includes a shaft and a windbreak, the windbreak being rotatably connected to the volute via the shaft.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the cross-section of the windbreak is any one of arc-shaped, wavy, sinusoidal, and straight; and / or,

[0018] The second adjusting member also includes a sealing part, which is located on the outside of the windproof part; the second adjusting member abuts against the first adjusting member, and the sealing part abuts against the first adjusting member.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the adjustment assembly further includes a drive member for driving the first adjustment member and / or the second adjustment member toward or away from the impeller assembly.

[0020] Secondly, this disclosure also provides an air conditioner including an air duct assembly as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0021] According to the air duct assembly and air conditioner provided in this disclosure, the air duct assembly includes: a volute housing with two air outlets disposed opposite to each other; an impeller assembly disposed within the volute housing; and an adjusting assembly rotatably connected to the volute housing. The adjusting assembly includes a first adjusting member and a second adjusting member respectively disposed on opposite sides of the air outlets. The first adjusting member is away from the impeller assembly, and the second adjusting member is close to the impeller assembly, and the second adjusting member abuts against the first adjusting member to block the air outlets. The first adjusting member is close to the impeller assembly, and the second adjusting member is away from the impeller assembly to open the air outlets. This technical solution optimizes the specific structure of the air duct assembly to improve the integrity of the volute profile in the air duct system, thereby increasing the air volume of a centrifugal fan capable of simultaneously discharging air upwards and downwards when discharging air from a single outlet, increasing the rate of change of indoor temperature difference, improving user comfort, and enhancing the user experience. Specifically, the air duct assembly is configured as a combination of at least a volute, an impeller assembly, and an adjustment assembly. The volute has two air outlets, allowing a single centrifugal fan to simultaneously discharge air from both the top and bottom. The impeller assembly is located inside the volute, and its outer wall and the inner wall of the volute enclose each other to form an air duct. The adjustment assembly includes a first adjustment member and a second adjustment member, both of which are rotatably connected to the volute and are respectively located on opposite sides of the air outlets. Thus, by adjusting the second adjustment member to abut against the first adjustment member, the entire air outlet can be isolated, achieving single-sided air discharge from the centrifugal fan and increasing the air volume of the single-sided outlet. Alternatively, by adjusting the first adjustment member to be closer to the impeller assembly while simultaneously adjusting the second adjustment member to abut against the inner wall of the volute, the integrity of the volute profile can be improved, reducing noise generated by air movement within the air duct. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In addition, in the drawings, the same parts use the same reference numerals, and the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0023] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the air duct assembly provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 A partial view of the air duct assembly provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 A top view of the air duct assembly in a single-sided air outlet state provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Another enlarged view of a portion of the image;

[0028] Figure 6 A top view of the air duct assembly with air outlets on both sides provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 7 A first-view view of the first adjusting member provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 8 A second view of the first adjusting member provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 9 A first-view view of the second adjusting member provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a second perspective view of the second adjustment member provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] 100. Volute; 101. Air outlet; 102. Limiting groove; 103. First limiting boss;

[0035] 200. Impeller assembly;

[0036] 300. Adjustment component; 310. First adjustment member; 311. Adjustment part; 312. Limiting part; 313. Second limiting boss; 314. Abutment notch; 315. Transition fillet; 320. Second adjustment member; 321. Shaft part; 322. Windproof part; 330. Drive member. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0038] Firstly, see [the following] Figures 1 to 10 This disclosure provides an air duct assembly, including: a volute 100, an impeller assembly 200, and an adjustment assembly 300.

[0039] The volute 100 includes two air outlets 101 that are positioned opposite to each other;

[0040] Impeller assembly 200 is disposed inside volute 100;

[0041] An adjustment assembly 300 is rotatably connected to the volute 100. The adjustment assembly 300 includes a first adjustment member 310 and a second adjustment member 320 respectively disposed on opposite sides of the air outlet 101. The first adjustment member 310 is away from the impeller assembly 200, and the second adjustment member 320 is close to the impeller assembly 200 and abuts against the first adjustment member 310 to block the air outlet 101. The first adjustment member 310 is close to the impeller assembly 200, and the second adjustment member 320 is away from the impeller assembly 200 to open the air outlet 101.

[0042] In this embodiment, by optimizing the specific structure of the air duct component, the integrity of the volute 100-type line in the air duct system is improved, thereby increasing the air volume of the centrifugal fan that can simultaneously achieve air outlet at the top and bottom when it is discharging air from a single outlet 101, increasing the rate of change of indoor temperature difference, improving user comfort, and enhancing the user experience.

[0043] Specifically, the air duct assembly is configured as a combination of at least a volute 100, an impeller assembly 200, and an adjusting assembly 300. The volute 100 has two air outlets 101, allowing a single centrifugal fan to simultaneously discharge air from both the top and bottom. The impeller assembly 200 is disposed inside the volute 100, and its outer wall and the inner wall of the volute 100 enclose each other to form an air duct. The adjusting assembly 300 includes a first adjusting member 310 and a second adjusting member 320, both of which are rotatably connected. The volute 100 is respectively located on opposite sides of the air outlet 101. Thus, by adjusting the second adjusting member 320 to abut against the first adjusting member 310, the entire air outlet 101 can be isolated, realizing single-sided air outlet of the centrifugal fan and increasing the air volume of the single-sided air outlet 101; or, by adjusting the first adjusting member 310 to be close to the impeller assembly 200, while adjusting the second adjusting member 320 to abut against the inner wall of the volute 100, the integrity of the volute 100 profile can be improved and the noise generated by the movement of air in the air duct can be reduced.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the volute 100 is provided with a limiting groove 102, which extends in a direction away from the second adjusting member 320. The first adjusting member 310 includes an adjusting part 311 and a limiting part 312 connected together. The adjusting part 311 is rotatably connected to the volute 100 and extends in a direction close to the second adjusting member 320. The limiting part 312 is received in the limiting groove 102.

[0045] In this embodiment, the specific structure of the first adjusting member 310 is optimized. Specifically, the first adjusting member 310 is configured as a composite component including at least an adjusting part 311 and a limiting part 312. The adjusting part 311 is used to adjust the size of the airflow space in this section of the duct, so as to make the volute 100 profile of the duct more complete. The limiting part 312 is used to be received in the limiting groove 102 to limit the position of the adjusting part 311 and prevent the adjusting part 311 from hitting / colliding with the impeller assembly 200. When the adjusting part 311 moves toward the impeller assembly 200, the limiting part 312 moves away from the limiting groove 102; when the adjusting part 311 moves away from the impeller assembly 200, the limiting part 312 moves toward the limiting groove 102.

[0046] In one example, the adjustment part 311 has an arc surface facing the impeller assembly 200, thereby reducing air resistance passing over the arc surface. For example, but not limited to, the adjustment part 311 is an arc-shaped plate with a certain curvature, which is adapted to the inner wall of the volute 100 so that the side of the adjustment part 311 away from the impeller assembly 200 can abut against the inner wall of the volute 100.

[0047] In one example, the limiting part 312 is a flat plate structure.

[0048] In one possible implementation, when the first adjusting member 310 approaches the impeller assembly 200 to open the air outlet 101, the distance between the end of the adjusting part 311 near the limiting part 312 and the rotation center of the impeller assembly 200 is R1; the distance between the rotation center of the second adjusting member 320 and the rotation center of the impeller assembly 200 is R2; when the second adjusting member 320 abuts against the first adjusting member 310 to block the air outlet 101, the distance between the end of the adjusting part 311 near the limiting part 312 and the rotation center of the impeller assembly 200 is R3, wherein R1 < R2 < R3.

[0049] In this embodiment, the configuration positions of the first adjusting member 310 and the second adjusting member 320 are optimized. Specifically, the gradually expanding spiral annular air duct formed by the outer wall of the impeller assembly 200 and the sequentially connected adjusting part 311, inner wall of the volute 100, second adjusting member 320 (another set of adjusting components 300 at one end of the closed air outlet 101), adjusting part 311 (another set of adjusting components 300 at one end of the closed air outlet 101), inner wall of the volute 100, and second adjusting member 320 makes the profile of the volute 100 of the centrifugal fan with dual air outlets 101 more complete. While increasing the air volume of the single air outlet 101, it reduces the noise generated by the movement of air in the air duct, thereby improving user comfort.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the opening end of the limiting groove 102 is provided with a first limiting boss 103, which extends toward the first adjusting member 310, and the side of the limiting part 312 away from the adjusting part 311 is provided with a second limiting boss 313, which extends toward the direction away from the adjusting part 311.

[0051] The first adjusting member 310 is close to the impeller assembly 200, and the second limiting boss 313 abuts against the first limiting boss 103.

[0052] In this embodiment, the cooperation method between the limiting groove 102 and the limiting part 312 is optimized. Specifically, a first limiting boss 103 is provided at the opening end of the limiting groove 102, and a second limiting boss 313 is provided on the limiting part 312. It is intended that the movement limit position of the limiting part 312 will be limited by the abutting engagement of the second limiting boss 313 and the first limiting boss 103, thereby limiting the movement limit position of the adjusting part 311.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the limiting part 312 is provided with an abutment notch 314, which is disposed toward the second adjusting member 320;

[0054] The second adjusting member 320 abuts against the first adjusting member 310, and one end of the second adjusting member 320 is inserted into the abutment notch 314.

[0055] In this embodiment, the specific structure of the limiting part 312 is optimized to improve the connection method between the limiting part 312 and the second adjusting member 320. Specifically, an abutment notch 314 is provided on the limiting part 312, which extends away from the second adjusting member 320. This facilitates the insertion of the second adjusting member 320 into the abutment notch 314, thereby improving the tightness of the connection between the second adjusting member 320 and the first adjusting member 310.

[0056] In one possible implementation, a transition fillet 315 is provided between the adjusting part 311 and the limiting part 312.

[0057] In this embodiment, the specific structure of the first adjusting member 310 is further optimized. Specifically, the first adjusting member 310 is configured as a composite component including at least an adjusting part 311, a transition fillet 315, and a limiting part 312. The adjusting member is rotatably connected to the volute 100, the transition fillet 315 connects the adjusting part 311 and the limiting part 312, and the limiting part 312 is accommodated in the limiting groove 102. In this way, the air resistance encountered by the air flowing through the transition fillet 315 is reduced by the arc-shaped surface of the transition fillet 315, thereby improving the air outlet efficiency and air outlet effect of the centrifugal fan; at the same time, the arc-shaped surface structure also makes the air duct of the entire centrifugal fan approach the complete volute profile, which helps to reduce the noise generated by the movement of air in the air duct at this point.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the second adjusting member 320 includes a shaft portion 321 and a windproof portion 322, the windproof portion 322 being rotatably connected to the volute 100 via the shaft portion 321.

[0059] In this embodiment, the specific structure of the second adjusting member 320 is optimized. Specifically, the second adjusting member 320 is configured as a composite component including at least a shaft portion 321 and a windbreak portion 322, one end of which is connected to the shaft portion 321, which is rotatably connected to the volute housing 100. This simplifies the structure of the second adjusting member 320, which is beneficial for miniaturizing the centrifugal fan.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the cross-section of the windbreak 322 is any one of arc-shaped, wavy, sinusoidal, and straight.

[0061] In this embodiment, the specific shape of the windbreak 322 is set. Specifically, the windbreak 322 can be set into various shapes according to actual needs. For example, but not limited to, to reduce wind resistance, the windbreak 322 can be set as a curved windbreak plate.

[0062] Of course, in other embodiments, to overcome the space limitations inside the volute 100, the wind baffle 322 can also be configured as a flat wind baffle.

[0063] In a specific example, shaft 321 is a rotating shaft, and windbreak 322 is a windbreak plate. The wide side of the windbreak plate is connected to the rotating shaft, and the wide side of the windbreak plate extends in the same direction as the rotating shaft. The windbreak plate has a width direction, and in the direction perpendicular to the width of the windbreak plate, the cross-sectional shape of the windbreak plate can be, for example, but not limited to, any of the following: arc-shaped, wavy, sinusoidal, and straight. It should be explained that the width direction of the windbreak plate refers to the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

[0064] In another specific example, shaft 321 is a rotating shaft, and windbreak 322 is a windbreak plate. The wide side of the windbreak plate is connected to the rotating shaft, and the wide side of the windbreak plate extends in the same direction as the rotating shaft. The windbreak plate has a width direction, and in the width direction, the cross-sectional shape of the windbreak plate can be, for example, but not limited to, any of the following: arc-shaped, wavy, sinusoidal, and straight.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the second adjusting member 320 further includes a sealing portion (not shown in the figure), which is located on the outside of the windproof portion 322; the second adjusting member 320 abuts against the first adjusting member 310, and the sealing portion abuts against the first adjusting member 310.

[0066] In this embodiment, the specific structure of the second adjusting member 320 is further optimized. Specifically, the second adjusting member 320 is configured as a composite component including at least a shaft portion 321, a windproof portion 322, and a sealing portion. The shaft portion 321 is rotatably connected to the volute housing 100, the windproof portion 322 is connected to the shaft portion 321, and the sealing portion is disposed on the windproof portion 322. When the second adjusting member 320 abuts against the first adjusting member 310, the sealing portion is located between the first adjusting member 310 and the windproof portion 322. In this way, on the one hand, the impact force on the first adjusting member 310 when the second adjusting member 320 abuts against the first adjusting member 310 is reduced, and on the other hand, the sealing portion can also improve the sealing performance at the abutment point between the second adjusting member 320 and the first adjusting member 310, preventing air from escaping from the gaps at the connection point and causing noise.

[0067] In one example, the sealing part is a soft rubber sleeve, which is fitted onto the end of the windproof part 322 away from the shaft part 321. Of course, in other embodiments, the sealing part can also be a soft rubber layer, which is encapsulated on the side of the windproof part 322 away from the shaft part 321.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the adjustment assembly 300 further includes a drive 330 for driving the first adjustment 310 and / or the second adjustment 320 toward or away from the impeller assembly 200.

[0069] In this embodiment, the specific structure of the adjustment component 300 is optimized. Specifically, the adjustment component 300 is configured as a combination of at least a first adjustment member 310, a second adjustment member 320, and a drive member 330. The drive member 330 is used to drive the first adjustment member 310 to rotate, so that the first adjustment member 310 moves closer to or further away from the impeller assembly 200; at the same time, the drive member 330 is also used to provide torque to the first adjustment member 310, so that the first adjustment member 310 maintains the same position for a long time. The drive member 330 is also used to drive the second adjustment member 320 to rotate, so that the second adjustment member 320 moves closer to or further away from the impeller assembly 200; at the same time, the drive member 330 is also used to provide torque to the second adjustment member 320, so that the second adjustment member 320 maintains the same position for a long time. For example, but not limited to, the drive member 330 is a stepper motor.

[0070] In one example, there are two drive members 330, which are used to drive the first adjustment member 310 and the second adjustment member 320 respectively.

[0071] Secondly, this disclosure also provides an air conditioner, including the air duct assembly described above. The specific structure of the air duct assembly is the same as described in the above embodiments. Since this air conditioner adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

[0072] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0073] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement it. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A duct assembly, characterized in that, include: The volute includes two air outlets positioned opposite each other; The impeller assembly is disposed within the volute. An adjustment assembly is rotatably connected to the volute. The adjustment assembly includes a first adjustment member and a second adjustment member respectively disposed on opposite sides of the air outlet. The first adjustment member is away from the impeller assembly, and the second adjustment member is close to the impeller assembly. The second adjustment member abuts against the first adjustment member to block the air outlet. The first adjustment member is close to the impeller assembly, and the second adjustment member is away from the impeller assembly to open the air outlet. The volute is provided with a limiting groove, which extends away from the second adjusting member. The first adjusting member includes an adjusting part and a limiting part connected together. The adjusting part is rotatably connected to the volute and extends towards the second adjusting member. The limiting part is received in the limiting groove. When the first adjusting member approaches the impeller assembly to open the air outlet, the distance between the end of the adjusting member near the limiting part and the rotation center of the impeller assembly is R1; the distance between the rotation center of the second adjusting member and the rotation center of the impeller assembly is R2; when the second adjusting member abuts against the first adjusting member to block the air outlet, the distance between the end of the adjusting member near the limiting part and the rotation center of the impeller assembly is R3, wherein R1 < R2 < R3; The first adjusting member further includes a transition fillet, which is located between the adjusting part and the limiting part.

2. The air duct assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening end of the limiting groove is provided with a first limiting boss, which extends toward the first adjusting member. The side of the limiting part away from the adjusting part is provided with a second limiting boss, which extends away from the adjusting part. The first adjusting member is close to the impeller assembly, and the second limiting boss abuts against the first limiting boss.

3. The air duct assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting part is provided with an abutting notch, and the abutting notch is oriented toward the second adjusting member; The second adjusting member abuts against the first adjusting member, and one end of the second adjusting member is inserted into the abutment notch.

4. The air duct assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second adjusting member includes a shaft and a windproof part, the windproof part being rotatably connected to the volute via the shaft.

5. The air duct assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-section of the windbreak is any one of arc-shaped, wavy, sinusoidal, and straight; and / or, The second adjusting member further includes a sealing part, which is disposed on the outside of the windproof part; the second adjusting member abuts against the first adjusting member, and the sealing part abuts against the first adjusting member.

6. The air duct assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment assembly further includes a drive member for driving the first adjustment member and / or the second adjustment member to move closer to or away from the impeller assembly.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the air duct assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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