Air guide device and clothes drying apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a wind guide device and a clothes drying device, which comprises a cover, a volute tongue and a flap. The volute tongue divides a partial space of the cover into a first air outlet flow channel and a second air outlet flow channel, and is provided with a receiving cavity and an opening. A first end of the flap extends into the receiving cavity from the opening and can swing relative to the volute tongue. The flap has a first limit position for opening the first air outlet flow channel and closing the second air outlet flow channel, and a second limit position for closing the air outlet flow channel and opening the second air outlet flow channel. The flap is switched between the first limit position and the second limit position under the action of wind. The wind guide device of the embodiment of the application is driven by the volute tongue and the flap, and the flap is driven to turn over with the wind to assist the airflow to flow. Whether the flap swings forward or reverses, the wind guide device has approximately the same air volume output, thereby meeting the performance requirements of the forward and reverse rotation of the drying drum.

Description

[0001] This application is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202111308010.8 and application date of November 5, 2021, and claims the priority of the above-mentioned Chinese patent application. The entire content of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby introduced into this application as a reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of clothing care, and in particular to an air guide device and a clothes drying device. Background Art

[0003] The clothes drying equipment is equipped with an air circulation passage and an impeller arranged on the air circulation passage. The impeller drives the air flow on the air circulation passage. The air in the clothes drying drum enters the air circulation passage for dehumidification and heating. The dehumidified and heated air enters the clothes drying drum again from the end of the air circulation passage.

[0004] Clothes drying equipment generally uses the same motor to drive the impeller and the dryer drum at the same time. In some occasions, the dryer drum needs to be able to rotate forward and reverse alternately, that is, the motor needs to rotate forward and reverse, which will also cause the impeller to rotate forward or reverse. Figure 1 When the impeller 8 rotates forward in the volute 7, the volute tongue 7' cuts the airflow, and the impeller 8 has a larger air output. Figure 2 When the impeller 8 rotates in reverse, the air volume decreases sharply and is very low, which cannot meet the drying performance requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application hope to provide an air guide device and a clothes drying device that can have a large air output under different working conditions.

[0006] The embodiment of the present application provides an air guide device, comprising:

[0007] housing;

[0008] a volute tongue fixedly disposed in the housing, the volute tongue dividing a local space of the housing into a first air outlet channel and a second air outlet channel, the volute tongue being provided with a receiving cavity and an opening;

[0009] A flap is provided in the housing, wherein the first end of the flap extends from the opening into the accommodating cavity and can swing relative to the volute tongue. The flap swings around its first end, and the flap has a first extreme position in which the first air outlet flow channel is opened and the second air outlet flow channel is closed, and a second extreme position in which the first air outlet flow channel is closed and the second air outlet flow channel is opened.

[0010] The flap can swing between the first extreme position and the second extreme position under the action of wind.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air-guiding device includes an impeller, the impeller is rotatably disposed in the housing, and the flap is disposed on the air outlet side of the impeller.

[0012] In some embodiments, the length of the flap is greater than the distance between its swing point and any inner side wall of the cover shell; in the first extreme position, the second end of the flap abuts against one of the inner side walls of the cover shell, and in the second extreme position, the second end of the flap abuts against the other inner side wall of the cover shell.

[0013] In some embodiments, the air guide device includes a vibration damper, which is disposed at the second end of the flap, and the second end of the flap abuts against the inner side wall of the cover shell through the vibration damper.

[0014] In some embodiments, the opening is provided on a side of the volute tongue facing away from the impeller.

[0015] In some embodiments, the volute tongue is connected to the cover shell along an axial first end parallel to the impeller rotation axis, the axial second end of the volute tongue is open, the opening passes through the axial second end of the volute tongue along a direction parallel to the impeller rotation axis, and the first end of the flap can be stuck into the opening from one axial side of the opening.

[0016] In some embodiments, the air guiding device includes a cover plate, which covers the opening.

[0017] In some embodiments, one of the cover plate and the snail tongue is provided with a slot, and the other is provided with a hook, and the hook is detachably engaged with the slot.

[0018] In some embodiments, a first boss is provided at a portion of the cover shell located within the accommodating cavity, a second boss is provided on the inner side of the cover plate, and the first end of the flap has a first axial hole and a second axial hole coaxially arranged, the first boss is inserted into the first axial hole, and the second boss is inserted into the second axial hole.

[0019] In some embodiments, a mounting seat is provided on the outside of the volute tongue, and the first end of the flap is mounted to the mounting seat and can swing relative to the volute tongue.

[0020] In some embodiments, along the swinging axis of the flap, the snail tongue includes a first sub-segment and a second sub-segment, the first sub-segment is connected to the cover shell, the second sub-segment is axially spliced ​​with the first sub-segment, one of the mounting seats is provided on the first sub-segment, and the other mounting seat is provided on the second sub-segment. Shafts are provided on both axial sides of the first end of the flap, and the shafts are rotatably provided on the mounting seats. The two mounting seats constrain the first end of the flap between the two.

[0021] In some embodiments, the volute tongue has a first volute tongue portion and a second volute tongue portion at opposite ends along the circumference of the impeller.

[0022] In some embodiments, the volute tongue includes a first circumferential wall, a second circumferential wall, and a third circumferential wall, and the first circumferential wall, the second circumferential wall, and the third circumferential wall are connected in sequence; the second circumferential wall is arranged close to the impeller and is formed into an arc segment matching the outer contour of the impeller, the first circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall respectively extend from the two ends of the second circumferential wall in a direction away from the impeller and close to each other, the transition between the first circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall defines the second volute tongue portion, and the transition between the third circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall defines the first volute tongue portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the included angle between the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall is an acute angle; and the included angle between the third peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall is an acute angle.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cover shell and the volute tongue are an integrally formed structure.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cover is open on one side along the swing axis of the flap, the air inlet and the air outlet of the cover are both located at the open part of the cover, and the area of ​​the open part of the cover outside the air inlet and the air outlet serves as the area to be closed.

[0026] In some embodiments, the flow width of the first air outlet channel is 0.8 to 1.2 times the flow width of the second air outlet channel.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first volute tongue portion and the second volute tongue portion have the same shape and are symmetrically arranged.

[0028] The present application also provides a clothes drying device, including:

[0029] clothes dryer;

[0030] Circulation air duct;

[0031] And the air guide device described in any embodiment of the present application, the airflow in the circulating air duct is guided to the drying drum through the cover.

[0032] The air guide device of the embodiment of the present application, under the action of the volute tongue and the flap, drives the flap to flip with the wind to assist the flow of air. Regardless of whether the flap swings forward or backward, the air guide device has roughly the same air volume output, that is, it can have a large air output under different working conditions, thereby meeting the performance requirements of the forward and reverse rotation of the dryer.

[0033] In the air-guiding device of the embodiment of the present application, since the first end of the flap extends into the accommodating cavity, no airflow gap is formed between the volute tongue and the flap, and the volute tongue plays a shielding and protective role for the first end of the flap, reducing the chance of lint getting stuck in the rotating connection of the flap; it can also make full use of the space, making the structure more compact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram of an air guide device in the related art, wherein the impeller rotates forward, and the dotted lines and arrows schematically illustrate the air flow path;

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the impeller reversing, with dashed lines and arrows illustrating the airflow path;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of an air guide device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Explosion diagram of

[0038] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another view of the structure shown, wherein the impeller rotates forward, and the dashed lines and arrows illustrate the airflow path;

[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of impeller reversal, dashed lines and arrows schematically illustrate the airflow path;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of an air guide device according to a second embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of another view of the structure shown.

[0042] Description of Reference Numerals

[0043] Air guide device 100;

[0044] Cover 1; first protrusion 13; plate 11; side panel 12; connecting seat 121; through hole 121a; first air outlet channel 1a;

[0045] Second air outlet channel 1b; impeller 2;

[0046] Flap 3; first axial hole 3a; second axial hole 3b; shaft portion 31;

[0047] Snail tongue 4; first snail tongue portion 41; second snail tongue portion 42; accommodating chamber 4a; opening 4b; slot 4c; first peripheral wall 401; second peripheral wall 402; third peripheral wall 403; first subsection 4'; second subsection 4"; mounting seat 43;

[0048] Cover plate 5; second protrusion 51; hook 52;

[0049] Vibration damper 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0051] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0052] The embodiment of the present application provides a wind guide device 100, see Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 , including a cover shell 1, a volute tongue 4 and a flap 3.

[0053] Exemplarily, the air guide device 100 includes an impeller 2 rotatably disposed within the housing 1; the impeller 2 draws air from one axial direction. It should be noted that the airflow of the air guide device 100 can be generated by the rotation of the impeller 2 or by an external power source. In the present embodiment, the airflow generated by the rotation of the impeller 2 is used as an example.

[0054] The volute tongue 4 is fixedly mounted within the housing 1. Specifically, it resides within the internal flow path of the housing 1 and remains stationary relative to the housing 1. This facilitates accurate positioning and calibration of the volute tongue 4 during assembly. It is understood that the position and shape of the volute tongue 4 significantly influence the flow characteristics of the airflow. Therefore, once the design and manufacturing shape of the volute tongue 4 are finalized, its installation position must be precise and prevented from oscillating.

[0055] The volute tongue 4 divides the local space of the housing into a first air outlet channel 1a and a second air outlet channel 1b. For example, the volute tongue 4 divides the space on the air outlet side of the impeller 2 into a first air outlet channel 1a and a second air outlet channel 1b. The volute tongue 4 is used to cut the airflow generated by the impeller 2 when the impeller 2 rotates.

[0056] In the embodiment of the present application, the impeller 2 takes in air axially and discharges air radially, that is, the impeller 2 and the cover 1 cooperate to form a centrifugal fan structure.

[0057] The volute tongue 4 has a first volute tongue portion 41 and a second volute tongue portion 42 at opposite ends along the circumference of the impeller. The first volute tongue portion 41 and the second volute tongue portion 42 are located on opposite sides of the volute tongue 4 along the circumference of the impeller 2. For example, see Figure 5 During the forward rotation of the impeller 2, the second volute tongue portion 42 is located on the leeward side of the volute tongue 4, and the first volute tongue portion 41 is located on the windward side of the volute tongue 4 to cut the airflow. Figure 6 During the reverse rotation of the impeller 2 , the first volute tongue portion 41 is located on the leeward side of the volute tongue 4 , and the second volute tongue portion 42 is located on the windward side of the volute tongue 4 to cut the airflow.

[0058] Among them, see Figure 5 The first volute tongue portion 41 is configured to guide the airflow to the first air outlet channel 1a when the impeller 2 rotates forward. That is, when the impeller 2 rotates forward, the first volute tongue portion 41 cuts the airflow generated by the impeller 2 so that the airflow is sent out from the first air outlet channel 1a.

[0059] See also Figure 6 The second volute tongue portion 42 is configured to direct the airflow to the second air outlet channel 1b when the impeller 2 rotates inversely. That is, when the impeller 2 rotates inversely, the second volute tongue portion 42 cuts the airflow generated by the impeller 2 so that the airflow is sent out from the second air outlet channel.

[0060] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the terms forward and reverse are merely used to indicate that the directions of rotation of the two are opposite, and do not refer to specific directions. Figure 5 The counterclockwise direction is defined as forward rotation, and the clockwise direction is defined as reverse rotation. In other embodiments, Figure 5 The clockwise direction is defined as forward rotation, and the counterclockwise direction is defined as reverse rotation.

[0061] The flap 3 is disposed within the housing 1. Its first end, near the tongue 4, is rotatably connected to the housing 1 and / or tongue 4. The flap 3 swings as a unit about its first end. The flap's swing axis is parallel to the impeller's rotation axis. The second end of the flap 3 is a free end. In other words, the flap's rotational centerline is located on or adjacent to the tongue 4. Consequently, there is virtually no gap between the flap 3 and tongue 4, effectively guiding airflow.

[0062] It should be noted that the first end of the flap 3 close to the snail tongue 4 is rotatably connected to the cover 1 and / or the snail tongue 4 in three situations. The first situation is that the first end of the flap 3 close to the snail tongue 4 is only connected to the cover 1, that is, it is installed on the cover 1; the second situation is that the first end of the flap 3 close to the snail tongue 4 is only connected to the snail tongue 4, that is, it is installed on the snail tongue 4; the third situation is that the first end of the flap 3 close to the snail tongue 4 is connected to both the cover 1 and the snail tongue 4, that is, the installation of the first end of the flap 3 close to the snail tongue 4 is jointly realized by the cover 1 and the snail tongue 4.

[0063] The flap 3 has a first limit position (refer to Figure 5 ), and a second limit position having the first outlet flow channel 1a closed and the second outlet flow channel 1b opened (refer to Figure 6 In the first limit position, since the flap 3 closes the second air outlet channel 1b, the airflow out of the first air outlet channel 1a will not flow back into the second air outlet channel 1b. In the second limit position, since the flap 3 closes the first air outlet channel 1a, the airflow out of the second air outlet channel 1b will not flow back into the first air outlet channel 1a.

[0064] The flap 3 can swing between a first extreme position and a second extreme position under the action of wind. For example, in the embodiment of the present application, the flap 3 swinging under the action of wind from the impeller 2 is described as an example. That is, the impeller 2 selectively rotates forward or reverse so that the wind from the impeller 2 drives the flap 3 to switch between the first extreme position and the second extreme position. In other words, the flap 3 is driven by wind to flip, without the need for an additional power device. Since the volute tongue 4 remains stationary relative to the housing 1 and does not move, only the flap 3 needs to move. Therefore, the flap 3 can be made relatively light and thin, easily flipped under the action of wind, and highly reliable.

[0065] The air guide device 100 of the embodiment of the present application, under the action of the volute tongue and the flap, and by driving the flap to flip with the wind through wind force to assist the flow of air, has a roughly similar air volume output regardless of whether the flap swings forward or backward, that is, it can have a large air output under different working conditions, thereby meeting the performance requirements of the forward and reverse rotation of the clothes dryer.

[0066] In the air guide device 100 of the present embodiment, under the action of the first volute tongue portion 41, the second volute tongue portion 42, and the flap 3, when the impeller 2 rotates forward, the second volute tongue portion 42 cuts the airflow, and when the impeller 2 rotates reversely, the first volute tongue portion 41 cuts the airflow. Furthermore, the wind force from the impeller 2 drives the flap 3 to flip with the wind, thereby assisting the airflow. Therefore, regardless of whether the impeller 2 rotates forward or reversely, the air guide device 100 outputs a large air volume.

[0067] Please refer to Table 1, which shows comparative experimental data of the air guide device 100 according to an embodiment of the present application and a comparative example.

[0068] Table 1: Comparative experimental data of the air guide device 100 of an embodiment of the present application and a comparative example

[0069]

[0070]

[0071] Among them, the comparative example is the Figure 1 Air guide shown.

[0072] As can be seen from Table 1, the air guide device 100 of the embodiment of the present application has a roughly similar air volume output regardless of whether the impeller 2 rotates forward or reverse, thereby meeting the performance requirements of, for example, forward and reverse rotation of a clothes dryer.

[0073] In the related art, the switching of the air duct is achieved by setting a movable volute. Since the volute needs to move within the housing, a large safety distance needs to be maintained between the volute and the impeller to prevent interference between the volute and the impeller. This results in the housing having a larger left-right dimension at the location where the volute is installed. In addition, the volute is used to cut the airflow when the impeller rotates. As a key component of the air duct, the distance between the volute and the rotating edge of the impeller, the relative position of the volute and the center of rotation of the impeller, and other parameters have a great influence on the air outlet performance of the air guide device. When the volute is designed as a movable component, the volute may not move properly, and its relative position to the impeller may change after a period of use, which may lead to unstable air outlet performance of the air guide device.

[0074] In the air guide device of the embodiment of the present application, since the volute tongue 4 is always fixed, the volute tongue 4 will not interfere with the impeller 2 after assembly. Therefore, the distance between the volute tongue 4 and the rotation center of the impeller 2 remains unchanged. In this way, during the design and assembly process, the distance between the volute tongue 4 and the rotation center of the impeller 2 can be made smaller, making the air guide device compact and ensuring that the air outlet performance of the air guide device is relatively stable.

[0075] The flap 3 is located on the side of the volute tongue 4 facing away from the impeller 2. The flap 3 swings around the inner end of the flap 3, which is closer to the impeller 2. In other words, the inner end of the flap 3 is closer to the impeller 2, and the outer end of the flap 3 is farther away from the impeller. Along the direction of airflow, the volute tongue 4 is located between the inner end of the flap 3 and the impeller 2.

[0076] During the swinging process of the flap 3, the swinging center of the flap 3 is located near the inner end of the impeller 2. Therefore, the part where the swinging linear velocity of the flap 3 is the largest is at the outer end of the flap 3 away from the impeller 2. Therefore, the flap 3 is always flipping outward, and there is basically no need to consider the relative position relationship between the impeller 2 and the volute tongue 4, and it does not affect the size of the cover at the impeller 2 and the volute tongue 4, so that the size of the cover along the left and right sides is smaller and the structure is compact.

[0077] For example, see Figure 6 The flow width H1 of the first air outlet channel 1a is 0.8 to 1.2 times the flow width H2 of the second air outlet channel 1b, that is, H1 = H2 * (0.8 to 1.2), for example, 0.8, 0.87, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.04, 1.1, etc. In other words, the volute tongue 4 is approximately located in the middle of the housing 1 along the width direction.

[0078] In this embodiment, the flow width H1 of the first air outlet duct 1a and the flow width H2 of the second air outlet duct 1b are the same or have a small difference. Therefore, regardless of whether the impeller 2 rotates forward or reverse, a roughly similar amount of air enters the first air outlet duct 1a or the second air outlet duct 1b, and the air guide device outputs a roughly similar amount of air. When the air guide device is used in a clothes drying device, regardless of whether the clothes drying drum rotates forward or reverse, the air guide device can provide a large air volume to meet the required air volume for drying clothes.

[0079] For example, in some embodiments, the flow width H1 of the first air outlet duct 1a is 8 cm (centimeter) to 10 cm, for example, 8 cm, 8.3 cm, 8.8 cm, 9 cm, 9.4 cm, 9.5 cm, 9.7 cm, 10 cm, etc.; the flow width H2 of the second air outlet duct 1b is 8 cm to 10 cm, for example, 8 cm, 8.3 cm, 8.8 cm, 9 cm, 9.4 cm, 9.5 cm, 9.7 cm, 10 cm, etc. When the air guide device is used in a clothes drying device, this width range can ensure that the air guide device has an appropriate air volume that meets the drying performance while making the structure of the air guide device relatively compact.

[0080] Exemplarily, the air output of the air guide device when the impeller 2 rotates forward is a first air output, and the air output of the air guide device when the impeller 2 rotates reversely is a second air output. The first air output is 0.8 to 1.2 times the second air output, for example, 0.8, 0.83, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.04, 1.1, 1.7, 1.2, etc.

[0081] In this embodiment, the air guide device can provide a substantially similar air volume regardless of whether the impeller 2 rotates forward or reverse. When the air guide device is used in a clothes drying device, the air guide device can provide a large air volume regardless of whether the clothes drying drum of the clothes drying device rotates forward or reverse, meeting the air volume required for drying clothes.

[0082] For example, see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first volute tongue portion 41 and the second volute tongue portion 42 have the same shape and are symmetrically arranged. It can be understood that when the impeller 2 rotates forward, the airflow is cut by the first volute tongue portion 41, and when the impeller 2 rotates reversely, the airflow is cut by the second volute tongue portion 42.

[0083] It should be noted that the symmetrical arrangement refers to the following: the midline L between the first volute tongue portion 41 and the second volute tongue portion 42 (refer to Figure 6 ) passes through the rotation center of the impeller 2, and the first volute tongue portion 41 and the second volute tongue portion 42 are symmetrical about the center line L.

[0084] In this embodiment, regardless of whether the impeller 2 rotates forward or reverse, the ability of the first volute tongue portion 41 and the second volute tongue portion 42 to cut the airflow is basically the same. Therefore, the airflow flow performance when the airflow flows through the first volute tongue portion 41 or the second volute tongue portion 42 is similar, so that the flow performance of the airflow guided by the air guide device is relatively stable.

[0085] The specific structure of the flap 3 is not limited, for example, it can be a straight plate, a curved plate, etc.

[0086] Exemplarily, the flap 3 extends substantially from the volute tongue 4 toward the air outlet side of the housing 1 , so that the flap 3 can have a guiding effect while selectively closing the first air outlet channel 1 a or the second air outlet channel 1 b .

[0087] See also Figure 5 The length of the flap is greater than the distance between its swing point and any inner sidewall of the housing 1. Thus, in the first extreme position, the second end of the flap 3 abuts against one of the inner sidewalls 12b of the housing 1. At this point, the flap 3 blocks the second air outlet channel 1b but does not block the first air outlet channel 1a, thus not affecting the flow of air from the first air outlet channel 1a. The flap 3 prevents the airflow from the first air outlet channel 1a from flowing back into the second air outlet channel 1b. During airflow, the airflow can flow along the surface of one side of the flap 3, providing a diversion effect.

[0088] See also Figure 6 In the second extreme position, the second end of the flap 3 rests against the other inner sidewall 12a of the housing 1. At this point, the flap 3 blocks the first airflow channel 1a but does not block the second airflow channel 1b, preventing airflow from the second airflow channel 1b from flowing back into the first airflow channel 1a. During airflow, the airflow can flow along the surface on the other side of the flap 3, providing a diversion effect.

[0089] That is to say, the switching control between the first air outlet channel 1a and the second air outlet channel 1b can be achieved by rotating the same flap 3, and the structure is simple.

[0090] For example, see Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 The air guide device 100 includes a vibration damper 6 , which is disposed at the second end of the flap 3 . The second end of the flap 3 abuts against the inner side walls 12 a and 12 b of the housing 1 through the vibration damper 6 .

[0091] The vibration damper 6 is made of a material with cushioning and vibration-damping properties, such as rubber, foam plastic, etc. In this embodiment, when the flap 3 abuts the inner sidewalls 12a, 12b of the housing 1, the flap 3 does not directly contact the inner sidewalls of the housing 1. Instead, the flap 3 contacts the inner sidewalls 12a, 12b of the housing 1 through the vibration damper 6. The vibration damper 6 prevents the flap 3 from directly impacting the inner sidewalls of the housing 1. This not only avoids the generation of harsh impact sounds that affect the user experience, but also reduces the risk of the flap 3 breaking due to prolonged impact.

[0092] The specific structure and shape of the vibration damping member 6 are not limited, as long as it has the function of damping vibration and preventing the flap 3 from directly contacting the inner side walls 12 a and 12 b of the housing 1 .

[0093] For example, the vibration damping member 6 is in a shell shape and covers the second end of the flap 3 .

[0094] For another example, the vibration damper 6 includes two spring plates, which are clamped at the second end of the flap 3. When the flap 3 abuts against one inner sidewall 12a of the housing 1, one of the spring plates contacts the inner sidewall 12a. When the flap 3 abuts against the other inner sidewall 12b of the housing 1, the other spring plate contacts the inner sidewall 12b.

[0095] It should be noted that the relative position relationship between the first end of the flap 3 and the volute tongue 4 is not limited.

[0096] For example, in the first embodiment of this application, please refer to Figures 3 to 6 The first end of the flap 3 extends into the interior of the volute tongue 4 and can swing relative to the volute tongue 4. In this way, there is basically no air leakage between the first end of the flap 3 and the volute tongue 4, and the structure can be made compact.

[0097] For example, see Figure 4The volute tongue 4 is provided with a receiving cavity 4a and an opening 4b. The first end of the flap 3 extends into the receiving cavity 4a through the opening 4b. It should be noted that the size of the opening 4b must meet the swinging amplitude requirements of the flap 3. In this embodiment, no airflow gap is formed between the volute tongue 4 and the flap 3. The volute tongue 4 provides a shielding and protective function for the first end of the flap 3, reducing the chance of lint getting stuck at the flap's rotating connection. It also fully utilizes space, resulting in a more compact structure.

[0098] For example, please refer to Figure 4 The opening 4b is provided on the side of the volute tongue 4 away from the impeller 2. The airflow will not blow directly toward the opening 4b, so that the fluff can be prevented from entering from the opening 4b and accumulating in the accommodating chamber 4a, thereby preventing the fluff from blocking the normal rotation of the flap 3.

[0099] For example, see Figure 4 The volute tongue 4 is connected to the housing 1 along the axial first end parallel to the rotation axis of the impeller 2, the axial second end of the volute tongue 4 is open, and the opening 4b passes through the axial second end of the volute tongue 4 along the direction parallel to the rotation axis of the impeller 2. The first end of the flap 3 can be inserted into the opening 4b from the axial side of the opening 4b for easy assembly.

[0100] For example, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The air guide device 100 includes a cover plate 5, which covers the opening of the volute tongue 4. After the flap 3 is assembled, the cover plate 5 is installed on the opening of the volute tongue 4. The cover plate 5 can prevent lint from entering the accommodating chamber 4a through the opening of the volute tongue 4.

[0101] It can be understood that the shape of the cover plate 5 only needs to be adapted to the shape of the opening of the volute tongue 4 .

[0102] It should be noted that the first end of the flap 3 is not limited to any particular assembly method; the first end of the flap 3 may be mounted on the volute tongue 4 and / or the housing 1. For example, in some embodiments, the flap 3 is mounted only on the volute tongue 4; in other embodiments, the flap 3 is mounted only on the housing 1; and in still other embodiments, the flap 3 is mounted on both the volute tongue 4 and the housing 1.

[0103] For example, see Figure 4 The portion of the housing 1 located in the accommodating cavity 4a is provided with a first protrusion 13, and the inner side of the cover plate 5 is provided with a second protrusion 51. The inner side of the cover plate 5 refers to the side of the cover body 5 facing the accommodating cavity 4a.

[0104] See also Figure 4The first end of the flap 3 has a coaxially arranged first axial hole 3a and second axial hole 3b. During assembly, the first boss 13 is inserted into the first axial hole 3a, initially positioning the flap 3. Subsequently, when the cover 5 is replaced, the second boss 51 is inserted into the second axial hole 3b. Once the cover 5 is in place, the flap 3 is positioned at its axially opposite ends by the first boss 13 and the second boss 51.

[0105] It should be noted that the first protruding column 13 and the second protruding column 51 are located on the same straight line, and the flap 3 rotates around the straight line.

[0106] It should be noted that there is a clearance fit between the first boss 13 and the first shaft hole 3 a , and there is a clearance fit between the second boss 51 and the second shaft hole 3 b .

[0107] In this embodiment, the installation method of the flap 3 is simple, and during the assembly process, the operator does not need to extend his hands into the narrow accommodating cavity 4a, which facilitates the assembly operation.

[0108] The specific shape of the first protrusion 13 is not limited, for example, it can be cylindrical, prism, etc., which is not limited here. Similarly, the specific shape of the first protrusion 14 is not limited, for example, it can be cylindrical, prism, etc., which is not limited here.

[0109] It should be noted that the first axial hole 3a and the second axial hole 3b may be interconnected along the axial direction, or may be spaced apart from each other along the axial direction, which is not limited here.

[0110] The assembly method of the cover plate 5 and the volute tongue 4 is not limited, and can be detachable or non-detachable.

[0111] For example, see Figure 4 One of the cover plate 5 and the volute tongue 4 is provided with a slot 4c, and the other is provided with a hook 52, which removably engages with the slot 4c. During assembly, the cover plate 5 only needs to be gently pressed against the volute tongue 4 until the hook 52 is locked into the slot 4c. No screws or other fastening methods are required, making assembly simple.

[0112] It is understandable that the number of the hooks 52 and the slots 4c is not limited, as long as the cover 5 and the volute tongue 4 can be reliably engaged.

[0113] It can be understood that in some embodiments, all the hooks 52 may be arranged on the cover plate 5, and all the slots 4c may be arranged on the volute tongue 4; in other embodiments, all the hooks 52 may be arranged on the volute tongue 4, and all the slots 4c may be arranged on the cover plate 5; in still other embodiments, part of the hooks 52 and part of the slots 4c are arranged on the cover plate 5, and another part of the hooks 52 and part of the slots 4c are arranged on the volute tongue 4, the hooks 52 on the cover plate 5 are engaged with the slots 4c on the volute tongue 4, and the slots 4c on the cover plate 5 are engaged with the hooks 52 on the volute tongue 4.

[0114] In the second embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 A mounting seat 43 is provided on the outside of the volute tongue 4, and the first end of the flap 3 is mounted on the mounting seat 43 and can swing relative to the volute tongue 4. In other words, the first end of the flap 3 does not extend into the interior of the volute tongue 4, so that the flap 3 can be easily mounted on the volute tongue 4.

[0115] For example, see Figure 7 and Figure 8 Along the axial direction of the impeller 2, the volute tongue 4 includes a first sub-segment 4' and a second sub-segment 4", and the first sub-segment 4' is connected to the casing 1. For example, the first sub-segment 4' and the casing 1 are an integrally formed structure. The second sub-segment 4' is spliced ​​with the first sub-segment 4' along the axial direction.

[0116] During assembly, the second sub-segment 4 ″ is assembled on one axial side of the first sub-segment 4 ′, and a screw passes through the second sub-segment 4 ″ and is screwed into the first sub-segment 4 ′.

[0117] For example, one mounting seat 43 is provided on the first sub-segment 4', and another mounting seat 43 is provided on the second sub-segment 4", and shaft portions 31 are provided at both axially opposite ends of the first end of the flap 3. The shaft portions 31 are rotatably provided on the mounting seats 43, and the two mounting seats 43 constrain the first end of the flap 3 therebetween.

[0118] During assembly, first insert one shaft portion 31 of the flap 3 into the mounting seat 43 of the first sub-segment 4', then align the second sub-segment 4' axially with the first sub-segment 4', and align the mounting seat 43 on the second sub-segment 4' with the other shaft portion 31 of the flap 3, and put the mounting seat 43 on the second sub-segment 4' onto the corresponding shaft portion 31, and screw through the second sub-segment 4' and screw into the first sub-segment 4'. The installation and positioning of the first end of the flap 3 is achieved by splicing the second sub-segment 4' and the first sub-segment 4'. The structure is simple and the assembly process is also simple.

[0119] Exemplarily, the snail tongue 4 includes a first circumferential wall 401, a second circumferential wall 402, and a third circumferential wall 403. The first circumferential wall 401, the second circumferential wall 402, and the third circumferential wall 403 are connected in sequence to form the above-mentioned accommodating cavity 4a. One end of the first circumferential wall 401 and one end of the third circumferential wall 403 are spaced apart to form the above-mentioned opening 4b.

[0120] The arc-shaped transition portion between the first circumferential wall 401 and the second circumferential wall 402 defines the second volute tongue portion 42 , and the arc-shaped transition portion between the third circumferential wall 403 and the second circumferential wall 402 defines the first volute tongue portion 41 .

[0121] It should be noted that the first circumferential wall 401 , the second circumferential wall 402 , and the third circumferential wall 403 have a certain extension dimension along the rotation axis direction of the impeller 2 .

[0122] The second circumferential wall 402 is disposed close to the impeller, and is formed into an arc segment substantially identical to the outer contour of the impeller, so that the volute tongue 4 can be disposed as close to the impeller as possible without interfering with the impeller.

[0123] It should be noted that if a large amount of wind flows through the gap between the second peripheral wall 402 and the impeller, this part of the wind will continue to circulate in the space around the impeller and will not be sent out from the cover. This will increase the energy consumption of the impeller and reduce the air output of the air guide device.

[0124] In the embodiment of the present application, the distance between the second circumferential wall 402 and the impeller can be controlled to a minimum safe distance, reducing the amount of air discharged through the gap between the second circumferential wall 402 and the impeller, further increasing the air output of the air guide device 100. In addition, regardless of whether the impeller rotates forward or reverse, the gap between the second circumferential wall 402 and the impeller is small, and the air guide device has a large air output.

[0125] Exemplarily, the first circumferential wall 401 and the second circumferential wall 402 extend from both ends of the second circumferential wall 402 in a direction away from the impeller and toward the centerline of the second circumferential wall 402. In this embodiment, the first circumferential wall 401 extends from the first end of the second circumferential wall 402 in a direction away from the impeller and toward the centerline of the second circumferential wall 402, and the third circumferential wall 403 extends from the second end of the second circumferential wall 402 in a direction away from the impeller and toward the centerline of the second circumferential wall 402, thereby forming the first circumferential wall 401 and the second circumferential wall 402 as guide slopes.

[0126] The center line of the second peripheral wall 402 refers to a symmetrical center line of the projection of the second peripheral wall 402 in a plane projection perpendicular to the rotation axis of the impeller.

[0127] When the impeller rotates forward, the first peripheral wall 401 guides the wind to be discharged from the second air outlet channel. When the impeller rotates backward, the second peripheral wall 402 guides the wind to be discharged from the first air outlet channel.

[0128] In addition, in this embodiment, the included angle between the first peripheral wall 401 and the second peripheral wall 402 is an acute angle, and the transition connection between the two forms an arc-shaped second volute tongue portion 42, so that the second volute tongue portion 42 can better cut the airflow.

[0129] The included angle between the third peripheral wall 403 and the second peripheral wall 402 is an acute angle, and the transitional connection between the two forms an arc-shaped first volute tongue portion 41 , so that the first volute tongue portion 41 can better cut the airflow.

[0130] In some embodiments, the cover shell 1 and the volute tongue 4 are an integrally formed structure, for example, integrally injection molded. In this way, the connection between the volute tongue 4 and the cover shell 1 has good structural strength, and the volute tongue 4 and the cover shell 1 do not need to be assembled on the assembly line, saving assembly time.

[0131] In other embodiments, the cover shell 1 and the volute tongue 4 may also be independent components, which are then assembled together by welding or fusion.

[0132] In the embodiment of the present application, the shape of the blades of the impeller 4 is not limited, for example, they can be straight blades, or curved blades with a small outlet angle (less than 15°).

[0133] The specific shape of the cover 1 can be adaptively changed according to the application scenario.

[0134] For example, in some embodiments, the interior of the housing 1 forms a relatively closed space.

[0135] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The housing 1 is open along the axial direction of the impeller 2 toward the air inlet. The air inlet and air outlet of the housing 1 are both located at the open portion of the housing 1. The remaining area of ​​the open portion of the housing 1, outside the air inlet and air outlet, serves as a to-be-enclosed area. Certain portions of the product are applied to cover the to-be-enclosed area, thereby forming a relatively enclosed space. In this embodiment, the air inlet and air outlet of the housing 1 are both located on the same side of the housing 1.

[0136] For example, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The housing 1 includes a plate body 11 and a side panel 12. The plate body 11 is located on one axial side of the impeller 2, wherein the plate body 11 and the air inlet side of the impeller 2 are located on opposite axial sides of the impeller 2. The side panel 12 surrounds the edge of the plate body 11, and the plate body 11 and the side panel 12 define an open space.

[0137] In order to facilitate other structures to close the opening of the cover 1, a plurality of connecting seats 121 are provided on the outer side of the side panel 12. The connecting seats 121 have through holes 121a. During assembly, the screws pass through the through holes 121a and are screwed into other structures.

[0138] The application fields of the air guide device 100 of the embodiment of the present application are not limited. For example, the embodiment of the present application is described by taking the air guide device 100 applied to a clothes drying device as an example.

[0139] An embodiment of the present application provides a clothes drying device, including a housing, a clothes drying drum, a circulating air duct, a motor, and an air guide device 100 of any embodiment of the present application.

[0140] The clothes drying drum is arranged in the box body, and an air inlet hole is arranged at the rear end of the clothes drying drum.

[0141] For example, the first end of the motor shaft is used to output driving force to the clothes dryer. For example, the first end of the motor shaft drives the clothes dryer to rotate via a belt. The second end of the motor shaft drives the impeller 2 to rotate. In other words, the motor shaft drives the clothes dryer and impeller 2 to rotate simultaneously.

[0142] The airflow in the circulating duct is directed through the housing 1 into the clothes drying drum. Specifically, the airflow in the housing 1 enters the clothes drying drum through the air inlet. As the impeller 2 rotates, it pumps the airflow from the housing 1 into the clothes drying drum. Simultaneously, negative pressure is generated at the air inlet of the impeller 2, and the airflow in the circulating duct is replenished into the housing 1 under the action of this negative pressure.

[0143] It should be noted that the circulating air duct is equipped with a condensing device for cooling and dehumidifying, and a heating element for heating the dehumidified gas.

[0144] The drying process and principle of the drying equipment are as follows: the dry hot air flow enters the drying drum through the air inlet from the air outlet of the cover 1. In the drying drum, the dry hot air flow flows through the surface of the wet clothes, exchanges heat and moisture with the wet clothes, absorbs moisture in the clothes, and turns into humid hot air flow. The humid hot air flow enters the circulating air duct. The condensing device in the circulating air duct condenses and dehumidifies to form a low-temperature dry air flow. The low-temperature dry air flow is heated by the heating element to form a dry hot air flow. The dry hot air flow enters the air guide cover for guidance and then enters the drying drum again. This cycle operates continuously to achieve continuous and efficient drying of clothes.

[0145] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, the clothes drying device includes a base, an evaporator and a condenser, the box cover is arranged above the base, the condensing device is the evaporator of the heat pump system, the heating element is the condenser of the heat pump system, the evaporator and the condenser are arranged on the base, the evaporator and the condenser are both located on the circulating air duct, and the evaporator is located upstream of the condenser along the direction of air flow, and the air flow from the clothing processing chamber flows through the evaporator and the condenser in sequence, and then enters the air guide rear cover.

[0146] Exemplarily, the box body includes a left support plate, a right support plate and a back plate, and the back plate is connected between the left support plate and the right support plate.

[0147] The assembly relationship between the air guide device 100 and the housing is not limited. For example, in some embodiments, the air guide device 100 is disposed on the rear side of the back panel of the housing, the front side of the housing 1 is open, and the back panel encloses the area to be enclosed at the open portion of the housing 1. The back panel is provided with ventilation holes located at the open portion of the housing 1, and air from the housing 1 enters the clothes drying drum through the ventilation holes and the air inlet.

[0148] In the description of this application, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present application. In this application, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine different embodiments or examples described in this application and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0149] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An air guide device for clothes drying equipment, characterized in that: include: Cover (1); a volute tongue (4) fixedly arranged in the housing, the volute tongue (4) dividing a local space of the housing into a first air outlet channel (1a) and a second air outlet channel (1b), the volute tongue (4) being provided with a receiving cavity (4a) and an opening (4b); a flap (3) provided in the housing (1), wherein the first end of the flap (3) extends from the opening (4b) into the accommodating cavity (4a) and is capable of swinging relative to the volute tongue (4); the flap (3) swings around its first end; the flap (3) has a first extreme position for opening the first air outlet channel (1a) and closing the second air outlet channel (1b); and a second extreme position for closing the first air outlet channel (1a) and opening the second air outlet channel (1b); the flap can swing between the first extreme position and the second extreme position under the action of wind; The volute tongue (4) has a first volute tongue portion (41) and a second volute tongue portion (42) at two opposite ends along the circumference of the impeller, wherein the first volute tongue portion (41) and the second volute tongue portion (42) are used to cut the airflow generated by the impeller; The volute tongue (4) comprises a first circumferential wall (401), a second circumferential wall (402), and a third circumferential wall (403), wherein the first circumferential wall (401), the second circumferential wall (402), and the third circumferential wall (403) are connected in sequence; the second circumferential wall (402) is arranged close to the impeller (2) and is formed into an arc segment matching the outer contour of the impeller (2); the first circumferential wall (401) and the third circumferential wall (403) respectively extend from both ends of the second circumferential wall (402) in a direction away from the impeller (2) and close to each other; the transition between the first circumferential wall (401) and the second circumferential wall (402) defines the second volute tongue portion (42); the transition between the third circumferential wall (403) and the second circumferential wall (402) defines the first volute tongue portion (41); the first volute tongue portion (41) and the second volute tongue portion (42) are respectively arc-shaped.

2. The air guide device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air guide device comprises an impeller (2), the impeller (2) is rotatably arranged in the housing (1), and the flap is arranged on the air outlet side of the impeller.

3. The air guide device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the flap (3) is greater than the distance between its swing point and any inner side wall of the cover (1); in the first extreme position, the second end of the flap (3) abuts against one of the inner side walls of the cover (1); in the second extreme position, the second end of the flap (3) abuts against the other inner side wall of the cover (1).

4. The air guide device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The wind guide device includes a vibration damping member (6), which is arranged at the second end of the flap (3), and the second end of the flap (3) abuts against the inner side wall of the cover shell (1) through the vibration damping member (6).

5. The air guide device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The opening (4b) is arranged on a side of the volute tongue (4) facing away from the impeller (2).

6. The air guide device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The volute tongue (4) is connected to the housing (1) along an axial first end parallel to the rotation axis of the impeller (2), the axial second end of the volute tongue (4) is open, the opening (4b) passes through the axial second end of the volute tongue (4) along a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the impeller (2), and the first end of the flap (3) can be inserted into the opening (4b) from one axial side of the opening (4b).

7. The air guide device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The air guide device comprises a cover plate (5), and the cover plate (5) covers the opening of the volute tongue (4).

8. The air guide device according to claim 7, characterized in that: One of the cover plate (5) and the volute tongue (4) is provided with a card slot (4c), and the other is provided with a card hook (52), and the card hook (52) is detachably engaged with the card slot (4c).

9. The air guide device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The housing (1) is provided with a first convex column (13) at a portion located within the accommodating cavity (4a), a second convex column (51) is provided on the inner side of the cover plate (5), a first end of the flap (3) has a first axial hole (3a) and a second axial hole (3b) coaxially arranged, the first convex column (13) is inserted into the first axial hole (3a), and the second convex column (51) is inserted into the second axial hole (3b).

10. The air guide device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A mounting seat (43) is provided on the outside of the volute tongue (4), and the first end of the flap (3) is mounted on the mounting seat (43) and can swing relative to the volute tongue (4).

11. The air guide device according to claim 10, characterized in that: Along the swinging axis of the flap, the volute tongue (4) includes a first sub-segment (4') and a second sub-segment (4"), the first sub-segment (4') is connected to the cover shell, the second sub-segment (4") is axially spliced ​​with the first sub-segment (4'), one of the mounting seats (43) is provided on the first sub-segment (4'), and the other mounting seat (43) is provided on the second sub-segment (4"), and shaft portions (31) are provided on both axial sides of the first end of the flap, and the shaft portions (31) are rotatably provided on the mounting seats (43), and the two mounting seats (43) constrain the first end of the flap between the two.

12. The air guide device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The included angle between the first peripheral wall (401) and the second peripheral wall (402) is an acute angle; and the included angle between the third peripheral wall (403) and the second peripheral wall (402) is an acute angle.

13. The air guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The cover shell (1) and the volute tongue (4) are an integrally formed structure.

14. The air guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The cover (1) is open on one side along the swing axis of the flap, the air inlet and the air outlet of the cover (1) are both located at the open portion of the cover (1), and the remaining area of ​​the open portion of the cover (1) outside the air inlet and the air outlet serves as an area to be closed.

15. The air guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The flow width of the first air outlet flow channel (1a) is 0.8 to 1.2 times the flow width of the second air outlet flow channel (1b).

16. The air guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The first volute tongue portion (41) and the second volute tongue portion (42) have the same shape and are symmetrically arranged.

17. A clothes drying device, characterized in that: include: clothes dryer; Circulation air duct; And the air guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the airflow in the circulating air duct is guided to the clothes drying drum through the cover (1).

Images