Centrifugal fan collector installation structure, centrifugal fan and range hood

Abstract

This invention relates to a collector mounting structure for a centrifugal fan, a centrifugal fan, and a range hood. The collector mounting structure includes a locking knob rotatably mounted on a connecting ring; a self-locking device is also provided on the volute housing, the self-locking device including an electromagnetic lock and a Hall sensor. The electromagnetic lock includes a locking tongue, and the locking knob has a locking position on the side facing the electromagnetic lock. Both the electromagnetic lock and the Hall sensor are electrically connected to the control unit of the centrifugal fan. A magnet is provided on the locking knob, and the Hall sensor cooperates with the magnet to identify the rotational position of the locking knob. When the locking knob is in the aforementioned second position, the control unit controls the locking tongue of the electromagnetic lock to move towards the locking position of the locking knob and form a limiting engagement with the locking position. The advantages are: the collector is easy to install and remove, securely installed, and allows operators to effectively identify whether the collector is installed correctly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of centrifugal fan technology, and in particular to a collector mounting structure for a centrifugal fan, a centrifugal fan, and a range hood. Background Technology

[0002] A range hood is a kitchen appliance used to purify the kitchen environment by quickly removing harmful cooking fumes produced during cooking, thus improving the kitchen atmosphere. The volute is a crucial component of the range hood, typically consisting of a front cover, a rear cover, and a ring wall between the two covers. A collector is installed at the air inlet on the front cover. Traditionally, the front cover and collector of the volute are assembled together using screws, making disassembly and assembly inconvenient.

[0003] To address this, Chinese invention patent application CN201010576162.1 (authorization announcement CN102478269B) discloses a volute and a range hood equipped with such a volute. The volute has at least one engaging protrusion on its surface facing the air inlet. A front baffle has engaging notches at its air inlet, the same number as the engaging protrusions, corresponding one-to-one with each engaging protrusion, allowing the corresponding engaging protrusion to pass through. The inner surface of the front baffle has engaging channels at the air inlet, the same number as the engaging protrusions, corresponding one-to-one with each engaging notch, and connected to the corresponding engaging notch. The engaging protrusions can pass through the corresponding engaging notches, thereby rotating the volute around the center of the air inlet. The engaging protrusions can also enter the corresponding engaging channels, thus engaging the volute onto the front baffle. In the aforementioned patent application, the volute and the air inlet ring are connected by a rotating snap-fit ​​mechanism. To prevent the air inlet ring from coming out backward after installation, a corresponding anti-backward protrusion needs to be set in the snap-fit ​​channel. This structural design makes the disassembly and assembly of the air inlet ring somewhat difficult. In particular, the anti-backward protrusion requires the user to use a special tool to make the snap-fit ​​protrusion come out backward, which is time-consuming, laborious, and inefficient.

[0004] There are also installation structures that connect the collector to the volute using a snap-fit ​​connection. For example, Chinese utility model patent application CN202121628486.5 (authorization announcement number: CN215861006U) discloses a connection structure between the inlet ring and the volute for a centrifugal fan, including: a volute having an air inlet; an inlet ring connected to the air inlet of the volute, including an annular guide portion and an annular wall extending radially outward from the guide portion; the annular wall and the volute are detachably connected together by a snap-fit ​​assembly, the snap-fit ​​assembly including a snap-fit ​​on the inner side of the annular wall and a socket on the volute for inserting the snap-fit. While the snap-fit ​​connection method is convenient for assembly and disassembly, it also has certain drawbacks. During long-term operation or under high wind pressure, the snap-fit ​​connection may loosen due to uneven stress or fatigue, thus affecting the sealing and stability between the inlet ring and the volute. On the other hand, it is difficult for operators to accurately identify whether the air inlet ring is installed correctly; they can only rely on experience or subjective feelings to identify it.

[0005] Therefore, the existing collector installation structure of centrifugal fans still needs further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a centrifugal fan collector installation structure that is easy to disassemble and assemble, securely installed, and allows operators to effectively identify whether the collector is installed in place, in light of the current state of the prior art.

[0007] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a centrifugal fan that uses the collector mounting structure of the centrifugal fan described above, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0008] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a range hood that uses the above-mentioned centrifugal fan, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve the first technical problem is: a collector installation structure for a centrifugal fan, comprising:

[0010] The volute includes a front side plate, a rear side plate, and an annular wall connecting the front side plate and the rear side plate, wherein an air inlet is provided on the front side plate;

[0011] The collector, connected to the air inlet of the front panel, includes an annular guide portion and a connecting ring extending radially outward from the guide portion;

[0012] It also includes a locking knob that is rotatably mounted on the connecting ring. The locking knob has a laterally protruding limiting buckle on the part located on the rear side of the connecting ring. A limiting hole that runs through the front and rear is provided on the front side plate. The limiting buckle of the locking knob can pass through the limiting hole and can rotate and switch between a first position opposite to the limiting hole and a second position misaligned with the limiting hole.

[0013] The volute is also equipped with a self-locking device, which includes an electromagnetic lock and a Hall sensor. The electromagnetic lock includes a locking tongue, and the locking knob has a locking position on the side facing the electromagnetic lock. The electromagnetic lock and the Hall sensor are both electrically connected to the control unit of the centrifugal fan. The locking knob is equipped with a magnet, and the Hall sensor cooperates with the magnet to identify the rotation position of the locking knob. Thus, when the locking knob is in the second position mentioned above, the control unit controls the locking tongue of the electromagnetic lock to move toward the locking position of the locking knob and form a limiting cooperation with the locking position.

[0014] The aforementioned "locking position" can be a groove or socket structure provided on the locking knob, which allows the end of the electromagnetic lock's bolt to be inserted into it, thereby forming a limit in the circumferential direction.

[0015] In the interaction between a Hall sensor and a magnet, deflected charge carriers accumulate on one side of the Hall sensor, making that side negatively charged, while the other side is positively charged due to a lack of electrons, thus creating a potential difference, i.e., the Hall voltage. The Hall voltage is related to factors such as magnetic field strength and control current, and the Hall sensor can convert this into an electrical signal output. When the magnet moves closer to or further away from the Hall sensor, the magnetic field strength increases or decreases, and the Lorentz force on the charge carriers increases or decreases accordingly, causing a corresponding change in the Hall voltage and the electrical signal output by the sensor. This can serve as a device for identifying the rotational position of the locking knob. Preferably, when the locking knob is in the first position, the magnet on the locking knob is away from the Hall sensor in the direction of rotation of the locking knob; when the locking knob is in the second position, the magnet on the locking knob is closer to the Hall sensor in the direction of rotation of the knob.

[0016] To facilitate the installation and rotation of the locking knob on the connecting ring, the connecting ring is provided with a shaft hole. The locking knob includes a knob body, a locking rod, and a locking fastener. The knob body and the locking fastener are located on the front and rear sides of the connecting ring, respectively, and are connected by a locking rod passing through the shaft hole. The locking fastener includes a connecting post and a limiting protrusion extending from the connecting post to the side. The locking rod and the knob body are detachably connected, and the first end of the locking rod can limit the movement of the knob body in the axial and circumferential directions. The magnet is provided on the knob body.

[0017] To simplify the detachable assembly structure between the locking rod, the locking fastener, and the knob body, the connecting column has an axially opened movable channel. The second end of the locking rod is slidably disposed in the movable channel, and the second end of the locking rod is limited in the circumferential direction by a keyway engagement with the inner wall of the movable channel. The first end of the locking rod has a limiting pin protruding radially outward. The knob body defines a locking chamber, and a first mounting port is provided on the side facing the locking fastener, allowing the first end of the locking rod and its limiting pin to extend into the locking chamber. An elastic element is also provided in the movable channel, which acts on the locking rod and makes the locking rod always tend to move axially away from the knob body. The inner wall of the locking chamber has a limiting groove on the side adjacent to the first mounting groove. After the limiting pin of the locking rod passes through the first mounting groove into the locking chamber and rotates a certain angle, it can be locked into the limiting groove under the action of the elastic element.

[0018] To prevent the connecting ring of the current collector from affecting the sensing sensitivity between the magnet on the locking knob and the Hall sensor, the knob body includes a limiting plate located on the front side of the connecting ring and a knob operation part protruding on the front side of the limiting plate. When the locking knob is in the second position, a portion of the limiting plate protrudes beyond the outer peripheral edge of the connecting ring, and the magnet is provided on the inner side of the portion of the limiting plate protruding beyond the outer peripheral edge of the connecting ring.

[0019] To adapt to the rotation of the locking knob and further improve the sensing sensitivity between the magnet and the Hall sensor on the locking knob, the knob body has a connecting channel on the side facing the locking element. The bottom wall of the connecting channel has a first mounting port that extends into the locking chamber. The connecting ring has a fixing sleeve at the shaft hole position on the side facing the knob body. The locking rod passes through the fixing sleeve and is connected to the knob body. The fixing sleeve extends into the connecting channel, and the outer peripheral wall of the fixing sleeve is threaded to the inner peripheral wall of the connecting channel. This allows the knob body to move closer to or further away from the connecting ring axially when rotating in both directions. When the locking knob is in the first position, it moves away from the connecting ring axially. When the locking knob is in the second position, it moves closer to the connecting ring axially.

[0020] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem is as follows: a centrifugal fan, including a volute and a collector, wherein an air inlet is provided on the front side plate of the volute, and the collector is detachably installed at the air inlet of the volute. The collector adopts the collector installation structure of the centrifugal fan described above. A limiting hole is provided on the front side plate of the volute, which is through the front and rear for the limiting protrusion to pass through. The locking knob, as its position relative to the connecting ring changes, has at least a locking state in which the limiting protrusion is limited to the rear side of the outer periphery of the limiting hole to prevent the limiting protrusion from disengaging forward from the limiting hole, and an unlocking state in which the limiting protrusion is moved to a position opposite to the limiting hole to allow the limiting protrusion to disengage forward from the limiting hole.

[0021] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the third technical problem is: a range hood, including a housing and a centrifugal fan disposed in the housing, wherein the centrifugal fan is the centrifugal fan described above.

[0022] To avoid the presence of the front panel from adversely affecting the sensing sensitivity between the magnet and the Hall sensor, the housing includes a front panel with a third mounting port opposite to the air inlet of the volute. The connecting ring of the collector abuts against the front side of the peripheral edge of the third mounting port. The peripheral edge of the third mounting port has a first through hole opposite to the limiting hole, through which the rear end of the locking knob and the limiting protrusion on its rear end can pass.

[0023] To further improve the sensing sensitivity between the magnet on the locking knob and the Hall sensor, a second through hole is provided on the periphery of the third mounting port, which is opposite to the magnet on the locking knob in the second position.

[0024] To minimize the amount of flue gas entering the location of the electromagnetic lock through the second through hole and to prevent the electromagnetic lock from being contaminated by oil, a rotatable baffle plate located on the inner side of the front panel is also included. The baffle plate is linked to the locking knob through a transmission component, so that the baffle plate rotates during the rotation of the locking knob. When the locking knob is in the first position, the baffle plate closes the second through hole, and when the locking knob is in the second position, the baffle plate opens the second through hole.

[0025] The linkage between the baffle plate and the locking knob can be achieved through a linkage transmission assembly, a gear transmission assembly, etc. The locking knob has an annular toothed portion on the part located behind the connecting ring, and the baffle plate has a sector toothed portion with its rotation axis as the center line. The annular toothed portion meshes with the sector toothed portion or is connected to it through a gear transmission assembly.

[0026] As an improvement, the front panel is also provided with a third through hole for the bolt of the electromagnetic lock to pass through.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are as follows: The collector is connected to the front plate of the volute using a locking knob. When the collector needs to be installed on the front plate of the volute, simply pass the limiting protrusion of the locking knob through the limiting hole on the front plate of the volute and rotate it a certain angle. The limiting protrusion will then be locked to the rear side of the outer periphery of the limiting hole, preventing it from dislodging forward and remaining in a locked state. When the collector needs to be disassembled, turn the locking knob to the position where the limiting rib aligns with the limiting hole. In this way, the limiting protrusion can disengage forward from the limiting hole to unlock. The locking and unlocking method using a locking knob is more convenient for operators, the disassembly process is less strenuous, and it is less likely to loosen or detach due to fan vibration, ensuring the reliable connection between the collector and the front plate of the volute. Building upon this, the volute is also equipped with a self-locking device. This device uses a Hall sensor in conjunction with a magnet located on the locking knob (i.e., a non-contact locking detection device) to effectively identify the rotational position of the locking knob. When the knob is detected to have rotated to the second position, the latch of the electromagnetic lock of the self-locking device moves toward the locking position of the locking knob and forms a limiting engagement with the locking position, further ensuring the reliability of the collector installation. Operators can also observe whether the latch of the electromagnetic lock is engaged with the locking position of the locking knob to identify whether the knob has rotated to the correct position, ensuring that the collector is clearly installed and eliminating anxiety and risks caused by not being able to identify whether the collector is installed correctly, thus improving the user experience. In the preferred solution, the adjustable axial displacement of the magnet of the locking knob solves the balance problem between magnetic force and Hall element triggering (if the magnet is too small, it cannot trigger the Hall sensor; if the magnet is too large, the attraction is too strong and it will stick to the iron panel during disassembly, affecting the disassembly experience. In addition, if the magnet is too large, the cost is high, and there will be a situation where the Hall sensor will detect a signal even if the knob is not in the correct position). This reduces costs and improves the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the current collector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the locking knob of the current collector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5This is a cross-sectional view of the components of the locking knob of the current collector according to an embodiment of the present invention, in an exploded state.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the inner side of the centrifugal fan according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the front panel of the casing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a partial sectional perspective view of a range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the back of the front panel in an embodiment of the present invention (the locking knob is in the unlocked state);

[0037] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the back of the front panel in an embodiment of the present invention (the locking knob is in the locked state). Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0039] The specification and claims of this invention use terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the invention. However, these terms are used herein merely for ease of explanation and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

[0040] Figures 1-10 A preferred embodiment of the centrifugal fan collector, centrifugal fan, and range hood of the present invention is shown. The range hood includes a housing 5 and a centrifugal fan disposed within the housing 5. An air inlet 110 is provided on the front side wall (i.e., the front panel 51) of the housing 5, through which external fumes can enter the housing 5. When the centrifugal fan is running, it generates negative pressure, and external fumes are drawn into the housing 5 through the air inlet 110. The bottom of the housing 5 is also provided with oil cups 54 extending to the left and right for receiving oil flowing down from the housing 5. The front of the housing 5 is also provided with a smoke baffle 53 that can deflect back and forth relative to the housing 5. The smoke baffle 53 is connected to the main body of the housing 5 by a hinge mechanism, specifically, it can deflect forward to open the air inlet and deflect backward to block and close the air inlet. The hinge mechanism for driving the deflection of the smoke baffle can be a conventional hinge mechanism in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here.

[0041] See Figure 2 The centrifugal fan includes a volute 1, an impeller 21 rotatably disposed within the volute 1, and a motor 22 for driving the impeller 21 to rotate. The volute 1 includes a front side plate 11, a rear side plate 12, and an annular wall 13 connecting the front side plate 11 and the rear side plate 12. A corresponding air inlet 110 is provided on the front side plate 11. A collector is provided at the air inlet 110 of the front side plate 11 of the volute 1. The collector includes an annular guide section 31 and a connecting ring 32 extending radially outward from the guide section 31. The guide section 31 of the collector generally includes a radial guide section 31 with an arc-shaped cross-section and an axial guide section 31 extending circumferentially from the inner side of the radial guide section 31. A filter screen 30 is also provided at the central opening of the guide section 31 of the collector. The connecting ring 32 of the collector is a flat annular plate structure that can fit against the outer periphery of the air inlet 110 of the front side plate of the volute 1. A filter screen 30 is also attached to the inner opening of the flow guide section 31 of the collector, which is used to filter oil fumes and balance the airflow.

[0042] See Figure 3 In this embodiment, the connecting ring 32 of the collector has an outwardly extending lug 321 at its outer periphery, and a locking knob 4 is rotatably mounted on the lug 321. The locking knob 4 includes a knob body 40, a locking member 43, and a locking rod 46. The knob body 40 includes a limiting plate 42 and a knob operating part 41 protruding from the front side of the limiting plate 42, wherein the knob operating part 41 is a straight knob. The lug 321 of the connecting ring 32 has a shaft hole 3210 for the locking rod 46 to pass through. The locking member 43 includes a connecting post 44 and a limiting protrusion 45 extending laterally from the connecting post 44. The connecting posts 44 of the knob body 40 and the locking element 43 are located on the front and rear sides of the connecting ring 32, respectively, and are connected by a locking rod 46 passing through the shaft hole 3210. The locking rod 46 and the knob body 40 are detachably connected, and the first end of the locking rod 46 can limit the movement of the knob body 40 in both the axial and circumferential directions. The second end of the locking rod 46 is detachably connected to the connecting post 44 of the locking element 43, and the second end of the locking rod 46 can limit the movement of the locking element 43 in both the axial and circumferential directions.

[0043] See Figures 3-5To simplify the detachable assembly structure between the locking rod 46, the locking fastener 43, and the knob body 40, the connecting post 44 has an axially opened movable channel 440. The second end of the locking rod 46 is slidably disposed in the movable channel 440, and the second end of the locking rod 46 is limited in the circumferential direction by a keyway engagement with the inner wall of the movable channel 440. Specifically, the outer peripheral wall of the second end of the locking rod 46 has outwardly protruding convex keys 463, two of which are symmetrically arranged. The inner peripheral wall of the movable channel 440 has sliding grooves 441 opened along its length direction, two of which are corresponding. The two convex keys 463 are respectively slidably limited in the two sliding grooves 441 of the movable channel 440. Through the cooperation of the aforementioned protruding key 463 and the sliding groove 441, on the one hand, the locking rod 46 and the locking fastener 43 can be limited in the circumferential direction, so that when the locking rod 46 rotates, it can drive the locking fastener 43 to rotate; on the other hand, it can ensure the stability of the relative movement between the locking rod 46 and the locking fastener 43 in the axial direction. The outer peripheral wall of the second end of the locking rod 46 also has an outwardly protruding limiting stop 462, the outer edge of the limiting stop 462 is circular, and the aforementioned protruding key 463 is correspondingly set at the outer edge of the limiting stop 462. The connecting post 44 of the locking fastener 43 has a second mounting port 442 communicating with the movable channel 440 at the end away from the knob body 40, and a through hole 443 communicating with the movable channel 440 at the end of the connecting post 44 facing the knob body 40. The locking rod 46 can be inserted into the movable channel 440 through the second mounting port 442, and the first end of the locking rod 46 can protrude through the through hole 443. The diameter of the through hole 443 is adapted to the outer diameter of the main body of the locking rod 46, but smaller than the outer diameter of the limiting stop 462 on the locking rod 46. Therefore, the periphery of the through hole 443 can be used to restrict the axial movement of the locking rod 46. An elastic element 47, a spring, is also provided within the movable channel 440 of the locking member 43 and is sleeved outside the locking rod 46. The first end of the spring abuts against the limiting stop 462 of the locking rod 46, and the second end abuts against the peripheral edge of the through hole 443 in the movable channel 440. Under the elastic force of the elastic element 47, the locking rod 46 always tends to move axially away from the knob body 40.

[0044] The first end of the locking rod 46 has a limiting pin 461 that protrudes radially outward. The limiting pin 461 can be integrally set on the first end of the locking rod 46, or it can be installed on the first end of the locking rod 46 as a separate part.

[0045] The limiting plate 42 of the knob body 40 defines a locking chamber 420. A first mounting opening 422, which is strip-shaped, is provided on the side facing the locking member 43, allowing the first end of the locking rod 46 and its limiting pin 461 to extend into the locking chamber 420. The inner wall of the locking chamber 420 has a limiting groove 421 on the side adjacent to the first mounting opening 422. The limiting groove 421 is strip-shaped and circumferentially offset from the first mounting opening 422. After the limiting pin 461 of the locking rod 46 passes through the first mounting opening 422 into the locking chamber 420 and rotates a certain angle, it can be engaged in the limiting groove 421 under the action of the elastic member 47, thereby achieving axial tension between the knob body and the locking member 43.

[0046] The knob body 40 also has a connecting channel 423 on the side facing the locking member 43, and the bottom wall of the connecting channel 423 has the aforementioned first mounting opening 422. The connecting ring 32 also has a fixing sleeve 48 at the shaft hole 3210 on the side facing the knob body 40. The fixing sleeve 48 can be embedded in the shaft hole 3210 of the connecting ring 32, or it can be fixed to the connecting ring 32 on the side facing the knob body 40 by adhesive bonding. The locking rod 46 passes through the fixing sleeve 48 and is connected to the knob body 40. Specifically, the size and shape of the connecting channel 423 of the knob body 40 are adapted to the outer contour of the fixing sleeve 48. The fixing sleeve 48 can extend into the connecting channel 423, and the outer peripheral wall of the fixing sleeve 48 is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the connecting channel 423 by threads. Thus, when the knob body 40 rotates in both directions, it can move closer to or further away from the connecting ring 32 under thread adjustment.

[0047] The limiting protrusion 45 of the locking member 43 protrudes radially outward from the peripheral wall of the connecting post 44, and there is a certain gap between the front end of the limiting protrusion 45 and the limiting plate 42 of the knob body 40. In the preferred embodiment, the limiting protrusion 45 is a rib structure extending axially from the connecting post 44, and the size of the limiting protrusion 45 relative to the connecting post 44 gradually increases from back to front, that is, the outer edge of the limiting protrusion 45 forms a guide slope, so that the limiting protrusion 45 can easily pass through the limiting hole 111 of the front side plate of the volute 1 during installation.

[0048] The front side plate of the volute 1 has a through-hole 111. The locking knob 4's locking protrusion 45 can pass through the locking hole 111 and, after rotating a certain angle, is locked at the rear side of the outer periphery of the locking hole 111 on the front side plate. Specifically, as the locking knob 4 rotates relative to the connecting ring 32, it has at least a locked state in which the locking protrusion 45 is locked at the rear side of the outer periphery of the locking hole 111 to prevent the locking protrusion 45 from disengaging forward from the locking hole 111, and an unlocked state in which the locking protrusion 45 is moved to a position opposite to the locking hole 111, allowing the locking protrusion 45 to disengage forward from the locking hole 111. As can be seen from the foregoing, during the rotation of the knob body 40 from the unlocked position to the locked position, the knob body 40 moves closer to the connecting ring 32 under thread adjustment; during the rotation of the knob body 40 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the knob body 40 moves away from the connecting ring 32 under thread adjustment.

[0049] See Figure 6 To effectively indicate that the locking knob 4 is in the locked state and further improve the installation efficiency of the collector, the front side plate facing the inner wall of the volute 1 also has two positioning protrusions spaced circumferentially along the locking knob 4. When the locking knob 4 is in the locked state, the limiting protrusion 45 is positioned between the two positioning protrusions 112. The distance between the two positioning protrusions 112 is adapted to the thickness of the limiting protrusion 45 of the locking knob 4, thereby effectively limiting the left and right swing of the limiting protrusion 45, so that the locking knob 4 can be stably kept in the locked state. The top of the aforementioned positioning protrusion 112 can adopt a smooth outward convex curved surface design so that the front end of the limiting protrusion 45 can smoothly pass over the corresponding positioning protrusion and be positioned between the two positioning protrusions during the rotation of the locking knob 4. The design of the limiting protrusion 112 also provides a tactile indication that the locking knob 4 has been turned into place during rotation, improving the user experience.

[0050] In this embodiment, the connecting ring 32 has outwardly extending pins 322 at its outer peripheral edge, and a first positioning socket 113 is provided on the front side plate for inserting the pins 322. The position where the pins 322 meet the connecting ring 32 is tilted backward to form a limiting step. After the pins 322 of the collector are installed in place, the aforementioned limiting step allows the collector to deflect backward around the position of the pins 322, thereby allowing the connecting ring 32 of the collector to better fit against the outer side plate of the volute 1. To prevent air leakage and uneven force distribution in other positions after the collector is installed, this embodiment has two pins 322. The positions of the two pins 322 and the position of the locking knob 4 are located on opposite sides of the connecting ring 32, thereby ensuring the reliability of the collector installation.

[0051] See Figure 6 and Figure 7The range hood housing 5 includes a front panel 51, which has a third mounting port 511 opposite to the air inlet 110 of the volute 1. The third mounting port 511 is also a matching circular or near-circular structure. To facilitate the flow of flue gas, the outer periphery of the front panel 51 gradually slopes backward to the location of the third mounting port 511, while the peripheral edge of the third mounting port 511 is a flat structure. The connecting ring 32 of the collector abuts against the front side of the peripheral edge of the third mounting port 511 on the front panel 51; that is, the peripheral edge of the third mounting port 511 is embedded between the connecting ring 32 of the collector and the front side plate of the volute 1. The third mounting port 511 has a first through hole 512 on its peripheral edge for the locking element 43 and the locking rod 46 to pass through. The first through hole 512 is opposite to the limiting hole 111, and the shape and size of the first through hole 512 are basically the same as those of the limiting hole 111. This structural design allows for the installation and removal of the collector without disassembling the front panel 51 of the housing 5, thus facilitating the cleaning operation of the impeller 21 and the inside of the volute 1.

[0052] A second positioning socket 513 is also provided at the periphery of the third mounting port 511 on the front panel 51. The second positioning socket 513 is opposite to the first positioning socket 113 on the front side plate of the volute 1. When installing the collector, the pin 322 on the connecting ring 32 of the collector can pass through the second positioning socket 513 and be inserted into the first positioning socket 113 of the volute 1.

[0053] See also Figure 2 A sealing ring 52 is also provided between the peripheral edge of the third mounting port 511 of the front panel 51 and the front side plate of the volute 1. The peripheral edge of the air inlet 110 of the front side plate of the volute 1 has a forward-folded second flange 114, and the inner edge of the sealing ring 52 has a side-protruding protrusion 521, making the cross-section of the sealing ring 52 stepped. The protrusion 521 of the sealing ring 52 is sandwiched between the second flange 114 and the peripheral edge of the third mounting port 511 of the panel, while the rest of the sealing ring 52, excluding the protrusion 521, is sandwiched between the peripheral edge of the third mounting port 511 of the front panel 51 and the front side plate of the volute 1. This installation structure design of the sealing ring 52 effectively ensures the sealing between the front panel 51 and the volute 1 and keeps them close together to reduce vibration and noise.

[0054] The sealing ring 52 has at least two positioning posts 522 arranged sequentially along the circumference on the side facing the volute 1. The front side plate of the volute 1 has at least two positioning holes 115 for each positioning post 522 to be inserted into. After the sealing ring 52 is embedded in the positioning holes 115 of the front side plate of the volute 1 through the positioning posts 522, the reliability of the installation of the sealing ring 52 and the accuracy of the installation position can be guaranteed, thus improving the installation efficiency.

[0055] The outer periphery of the connecting ring 32 of the collector also has a first flange 323 that bends backward. The height of the first flange 323 can be about 2-3mm. When the collector is installed in place, the first flange 323 can abut against the periphery of the third mounting port 511 of the front panel 51 to increase the strength of the collector in the stress-free position, ensure the overall flatness, and thus better contact with the volute 1. To further reduce air leakage, the side of the connecting ring 32 facing the volute 1 is in close contact with the protrusion 521 of the sealing ring 52.

[0056] In this embodiment, the collector is connected to the front plate of the volute 1 using a locking knob 4. When the collector needs to be installed on the front plate of the volute 1, simply pass the limiting protrusion 45 of the locking knob 4 through the limiting hole 111 on the front plate of the volute 1 and rotate it a certain angle. The limiting protrusion 45 will then be locked to the rear side of the outer periphery of the limiting hole 111 and will not come out of the limiting hole 111. When the collector needs to be disassembled, rotate the locking knob 4 to the position where the limiting protrusion 45 is opposite to the limiting hole 111. In this way, the limiting protrusion 45 can come out of the limiting hole 111 and be unlocked. The locking and unlocking method using the locking knob 4 makes it more convenient for operators to operate, the disassembly process is less strenuous, and it is less likely to loosen or come off due to fan vibration, ensuring the reliability of the connection between the collector and the front plate of the volute 1.

[0057] See Figures 8-10The limiting plate 42 of the locking knob 4 has a portion protruding from the outer peripheral edge of the connecting ring 32. A magnet 424 is provided on the side of the limiting plate 42 that protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the connecting ring 32, facing the location of the volute 1. In order to realize the installation position detection and safety locking of the current collector, an electromagnetic lock 6 and a Hall sensor 64 are also provided on the outside of the annular wall 13 of the volute 1 near the locking knob 4. Because the locking knob 4 is equipped with a magnet 424, rotating the locking knob 4 will drive the magnet 424 to move. When the locking knob 4 is turned clockwise to the limit position, the magnet 424 will transmit a signal to the Hall sensor 64 (or reed switch) on the rear side. After the Hall sensor senses the magnetic field of the magnet 424, it will send a signal, and then the system will power on the electromagnetic lock 6. The locking tongue 61 of the electromagnetic lock 6 will move upward (a third through hole 515 is provided on the front panel 51 for the locking tongue 61 to pass through), and lock with the locking position 425 on the knob body 40 of the locking knob 4, thereby locking the locking knob 4. At this time, the range hood can work normally. If the locking knob 4 is not rotated to the right position, it means that the collector is not installed reliably, and the Hall sensor 64 will not be triggered. At this time, the range hood system is not powered, and the impeller 21 will not rotate. This can avoid the risk of the user touching the rotating impeller 21 if the collector is not installed properly during disassembly. Specifically, there is a mounting bracket 62 on the side of the volute 1. Inside the mounting bracket 62 is a protective cover, in which the electromagnetic lock 6 and the Hall sensor 64 are installed. The purpose of the protective cover is to reduce the contamination of components by oil fumes. It is secured with screws. The electromagnetic lock 6 is also treated to prevent oil contamination. Specifically, it uses a retractable rubber oil-proof sleeve 63. The oil-proof sleeve 63 is conical in shape. Its small end is locked in the slot of the locking tongue 61 of the electromagnetic lock 6, and its other large end is locked in the slot of the plastic outer shell of the electromagnetic lock 6. In this way, the inside of the electromagnetic lock 6 can be protected from oil.

[0058] The "locking position" of the locking knob 4 can be a groove or socket structure provided on the locking knob, which allows the end of the electromagnetic lock tongue 61 to be inserted into it, thereby forming a limit in the circumferential direction.

[0059] The Hall sensor 64 mainly relies on the magnetic field of the sensing magnet 424 to release an electrical signal. However, its sensing is affected by the size and distance of the magnet 424. Since there is an iron panel between the magnet 424 on the knob body 40 and the Hall sensor 64, i.e., separated by the front panel 51, there will definitely be a distance between the magnet 424 and the Hall sensor 64, preventing them from making contact. The iron panel will shield the magnetic field, so a hole (the second through hole 514) can be made in the iron panel to remove the shield. However, for aesthetic reasons and to prevent oil stains from entering and making cleaning difficult, the hole should not be too large. However, the magnetism of the magnet 424 should not be too strong. If it is too strong, it will increase the size and cost. In addition, if the attraction is too strong when disassembling, it will stick to the iron panel, affecting the disassembly experience. If the magnet 424 is too strong, the Hall sensor 64 may sense the signal before the knob is in position, causing the whole machine to power on prematurely. Therefore, the balance between the magnetism of the magnet 424 and the Hall sensor is particularly important. In this embodiment, the knob body 40 and the intermediate fixing sleeve 48 are screwed together. When the locking knob 4 is in the current collector disassembly state, the locking knob 4 will rotate counterclockwise. Driven by the thread of the intermediate fixing sleeve 48, the locking knob 4 will gradually rise during the counterclockwise rotation, increasing the distance between the magnet 424 and the iron panel, so that the current collector will not be affected by the attraction of the magnet 424 when disassembling. When locking to the right, the locking knob 4 will drive the magnet 424 to move downward as it rotates to the right. When it is rotated to the right, the magnet 424 is closest to the iron panel. At this time, the magnet 424 will transmit the magnetic field signal to the Hall sensor 64 through the opening of the iron panel, so as to provide a reminder that the installation is in place.

[0060] Because the iron panel has openings to allow for normal magnetic field transmission, when users disassemble the current collector to clean the exterior and remove oil stains, the openings can become clogged with grease from the cloth. This can affect signal transmission and reduce user experience (oil residue in the openings). To address this issue, a linkage structure is created to integrate the rotation of the locking knob 4. A ring-shaped toothed portion 444 is provided on the connecting post 44 of the locking knob 43. A transmission gear 490 and a baffle plate 491 with fan-shaped teeth 492 at its end are also provided on the rear side of the front panel 51. Both the transmission gear 490 and the baffle plate 491 are rotatably mounted on the front panel 51 via corresponding pins. When the locking knob 4 rotates the annular toothed part 444, the power is transmitted to the baffle plate 491 through the transmission gear 490, which in turn drives the baffle plate 491 to rotate. When the locking knob 4 is in the dismounted position (i.e., in the unlocked position), the baffle plate 491 is positioned precisely at the second through hole 514 on the panel. At this time, when the user cleans the outer surface of the range hood, oil stains will not be wiped into the second through hole 514. When the knob is turned clockwise to lock, the baffle plate 491 will follow the rotation of the knob and move away from the second through hole 514 on the panel, ensuring that the Hall sensor 64 can receive the magnetic induction of the magnet 424, and ensuring that the locking tongue 61 of the electromagnetic lock 6 can extend and lock.

[0061] Considering the power consumption of the entire unit in standby mode, the electromagnetic lock 6 in this embodiment is a bistable electromagnetic lock. That is, the bolt 61 only needs a momentary power supply to move forward or backward, and no power consumption is required in other states, after which it will maintain this state. The unlocking operation of the electromagnetic lock 6 can be achieved through additional button or touch operation, or by rotating the locking knob in the reverse direction. Specifically, there is a slight circumferential gap between the locking position 425 on the locking knob and the end of the bolt 61 of the electromagnetic lock, which allows the locking knob 4 to rotate in the reverse direction a certain distance (in this process, it will pass the corresponding positioning protrusion 112) to achieve unlocking.

[0062] In this embodiment, the collector is connected to the front plate of the volute using a locking knob. When installing the collector onto the front plate of the volute, simply pass the locking knob's limiting protrusion through the limiting hole on the front plate of the volute and rotate it a certain angle. The limiting protrusion will then be locked at the rear edge of the limiting hole's outer perimeter, preventing it from dislodging forward. When disassembling the collector, rotate the locking knob until the limiting rib aligns with the limiting hole. This allows the limiting protrusion to disengage forward from the limiting hole, unlocking the collector. This locking and unlocking method using a locking knob makes operation more convenient, reduces effort during disassembly, and prevents loosening or detachment due to fan vibration, ensuring a reliable connection between the collector and the front plate of the volute. Building upon this, the volute is also equipped with a self-locking device. This device uses a Hall sensor in conjunction with a magnet located on the locking knob (i.e., a non-contact locking detection device) to effectively identify the rotational position of the locking knob. When it detects that the knob has rotated to the second position, the latch of the electromagnetic lock of the self-locking device moves toward the locking position of the locking knob and forms a limiting engagement with the locking position, further ensuring the reliability of the collector installation. Operators can also observe (either visually or by listening to the sound of the electromagnetic lock latch extending and retracting) whether the electromagnetic lock latch is engaged with the locking position of the locking knob to identify whether the knob has rotated to the correct position, ensuring that the collector is clearly installed and eliminating anxiety and risks caused by not being able to identify whether the collector is installed correctly, thus improving the user experience.

Claims

1. A collector mounting structure for a centrifugal fan, comprising: The volute (1) includes a front side plate (11), a rear side plate (12) and an annular wall (13) connecting the front side plate (11) and the rear side plate (12), wherein an air inlet (110) is provided on the front side plate (11); The collector, connected to the air inlet (110) of the front side plate (11), includes an annular guide section (31) and a connecting ring (32) extending radially outward from the guide section (31); The feature is that it also includes a locking knob (4) rotatably disposed on the connecting ring (32), the locking knob (4) having a laterally protruding limiting buckle (45) on the part located on the rear side of the connecting ring (32), the front side plate (11) having a limiting hole (111) that runs through the front and rear, the limiting buckle (45) of the locking knob (4) can pass through the limiting hole (111) and can rotate and switch between a first position opposite to the limiting hole (111) and a second position misaligned with the limiting hole (111); The volute (1) is also provided with a self-locking device, which includes an electromagnetic lock (6) and a Hall sensor (64). The electromagnetic lock (6) includes a locking tongue (61). The locking knob (4) has a locking position (425) on the side facing the electromagnetic lock (6). The electromagnetic lock (6) and the Hall sensor (64) are electrically connected to the control unit of the centrifugal fan. The locking knob (4) is provided with a magnet (424). The Hall sensor (64) and the magnet (424) cooperate to identify the rotation position of the locking knob (4). When the locking knob (4) is in the second position, the control unit controls the locking tongue (61) of the electromagnetic lock (6) to move toward the locking position (425) of the locking knob (4) and form a limiting cooperation with the locking position (425).

2. The collector mounting structure for a centrifugal fan according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the locking knob (4) is in the first position, the magnet (424) on the locking knob (4) is far away from the Hall sensor (64) in the rotation direction of the locking knob (4); when the locking knob (4) is in the second position, the magnet (424) on the locking knob (4) is close to the Hall sensor (64) in the rotation direction of the knob.

3. The collector mounting structure for a centrifugal fan according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting ring (32) is provided with a shaft hole (3210). The locking knob (4) includes a knob body (40), a locking rod (46), and a locking fastener (43). The knob body (40) and the locking fastener (43) are located on the front and rear sides of the connecting ring (32) respectively, and are connected by the locking rod (46) passing through the shaft hole (3210). The locking fastener (43) includes a connecting post (44) and a limiting protrusion (45) extending from the connecting post (44) to the side. The locking rod (46) and the knob body (40) are detachably connected, and the first end of the locking rod (46) and the knob body (40) can be limited in the axial and circumferential directions of the locking rod (46). The magnet (424) is provided on the knob body.

4. The collector mounting structure for a centrifugal fan according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting post (44) has an axially opened movable channel (440). The second end of the locking rod (46) is slidably disposed in the movable channel (440), and the second end of the locking rod (46) is limited in the circumferential direction by a keyway engagement with the inner wall of the movable channel (440). The first end of the locking rod (46) has a limiting pin (461) that protrudes radially outward. The knob body (40) defines a locking chamber (420) inside, and a side facing the locking fastener (43) is provided for the first end of the locking rod (46) and its limiting pin (461) to extend into the locking chamber (420). The first mounting port (422) in the 0) is provided with an elastic element (47) in the movable channel (440). The elastic element (47) acts on the locking rod (46) and makes the locking rod (46) always have the tendency to move away from the knob body (40) along its axial direction. The inner wall of the locking chamber (420) is provided with a limiting groove (421) on the side adjacent to the first mounting port (422). After the limiting pin (461) of the locking rod (46) passes through the first mounting port (422) and enters the locking chamber (420), it rotates a certain angle and can be locked into the limiting groove (421) under the action of the elastic element (47).

5. The collector mounting structure for a centrifugal fan according to claim 4, characterized in that: The knob body (40) includes a limiting plate (42) located on the front side of the connecting ring (32) and a knob operation part (41) protruding on the front side of the limiting plate (42). When the locking knob (4) is in the second position, a portion of the limiting plate (42) is exposed outside the outer peripheral edge of the connecting ring (32), and the magnet (424) is provided on the inner side of the portion of the limiting plate (42) that is exposed outside the outer peripheral edge of the connecting ring (32).

6. The collector mounting structure for a centrifugal fan according to claim 5, characterized in that: The knob body (40) also has a connecting channel (423) on the side facing the locking member (43). The bottom wall of the connecting channel (423) has a first mounting port (422) that extends into the locking chamber (420). The connecting ring (32) also has a fixing sleeve (48) on the side facing the knob body (40) at the shaft hole (3210). The locking rod (46) passes through the fixing sleeve (48) and is connected to the knob body (40). The fixing sleeve (48) extends into the connecting channel. In (423), the outer peripheral wall of the fixed sleeve (48) and the inner peripheral wall of the connecting channel (423) are connected by threads, so that when the knob body (40) rotates in the forward and reverse directions, it can move closer to or further away from the connecting ring (32) in the axial direction. When the locking knob (4) is in the first position, the locking knob (4) is far away from the connecting ring (32) in the axial direction. When the locking knob (4) is in the second position, the locking knob (4) is close to the connecting ring (32) in the axial direction.

7. A centrifugal fan, comprising a volute (1) and a collector, wherein an air inlet (110) is provided on the front side plate (11) of the volute (1), and the collector is detachably installed at the air inlet (110) of the volute (1), characterized in that: The collector adopts the collector mounting structure of the centrifugal fan according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The front side plate (11) of the volute (1) is provided with a limiting hole (111) that runs through the front and rear for the limiting buckle (45) to pass through. The locking knob (4) has at least a locking state in which the limiting buckle (45) is limited to the rear side of the outer periphery of the limiting hole (111) to restrict the limiting buckle (45) from disengaging forward from the limiting hole (111) as its rotational position relative to the connecting ring (32) changes, and an unlocking state in which the limiting buckle (45) is moved to a position opposite to the limiting hole (111) to allow the limiting buckle (45) to disengage forward from the limiting hole (111).

8. A range hood, comprising a housing (5) and a centrifugal fan disposed within the housing (5), characterized in that: The centrifugal fan is the centrifugal fan described in claim 7.

9. The range hood according to claim 8, characterized in that: The housing (5) includes a front panel (51), which has a third mounting port (511) opposite to the air inlet (110) of the volute (1). The connecting ring (32) of the collector is attached to the front side of the peripheral edge of the third mounting port (511). The peripheral edge of the third mounting port (511) has a first through hole (512) opposite to the limiting hole (111) and through which the rear end of the locking knob (4) and the limiting protrusion (45) on its rear end can pass.

10. The range hood according to claim 9, characterized in that: The third mounting port (511) is also provided with a second through hole (514) on its peripheral edge, which is opposite to the magnet (424) on the locking knob (4) in the second position.

11. The range hood according to claim 10, characterized in that: It also includes a rotatable baffle plate (491) located on the inner side of the front panel (51). The baffle plate (491) is linked to the locking knob (4) through a transmission component, so that the baffle plate (491) rotates during the rotation of the locking knob (4). When the locking knob (4) is in the first position, the baffle plate (491) closes the second through hole (514). When the locking knob (4) is in the second position, the baffle plate (491) opens the second through hole (514).

12. The range hood according to claim 11, characterized in that: The locking knob (4) has an annular toothed portion (444) on the portion located behind the connecting ring (32), and the baffle plate (491) has a fan-shaped toothed portion (492) with its rotation axis as the center line. The annular toothed portion (444) meshes with the fan-shaped toothed portion (492) or is connected to it by a gear (490) transmission assembly.

13. The range hood according to claim 9, characterized in that: The front panel (51) is also provided with a third through hole (515) through which the bolt (61) of the electromagnetic lock (6) passes.

Images