Volute mechanism and air conditioner with same

Abstract

The volute mechanism comprises a volute, an air door assembly, a driving assembly and a transmission component, the volute is provided with a fan cavity and a first air outlet channel communicated with the fan cavity, a sliding groove is formed in the volute, the sliding groove is communicated with the first air outlet channel, the air door assembly is assembled in the sliding groove, and the driving assembly is assembled in the sliding groove. The transmission part is connected with the driving assembly and the air door assembly at the same time, and the driving assembly can drive the air door assembly to slide in the sliding groove through the transmission part so as to open or close the first air outlet channel. According to the rotary air door, a conventional rotary air door is improved into the mode that the air door assembly slides in the sliding groove of the volute so as to open or close the first air outlet channel, and after the air door assembly closes the first air outlet channel, the air door assembly can be supported by the volute in the sliding groove, so that the air door assembly transfers force to the volute; therefore, the driving assembly does not bear the torque.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically relating to a volute mechanism and an air conditioner having the same. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements, people are increasingly focusing on the comfort of air conditioning. Currently, most air conditioners use rotating volutes or rotating dampers to achieve vertical airflow, thereby satisfying people's pursuit of comfort. However, the volute or damper is usually directly connected to the motor shaft, with the motor directly driving the volute or damper to rotate and open or close the air outlet. In this type of structure, the motor will bear a large torque when the rotating volute or damper is in the closed state. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the present invention provides a volute mechanism that can solve the technical problem that the motor will bear a large torque when the rotating volute tongue or rotating damper in the air conditioner is directly connected to the motor shaft and the rotating volute tongue or rotating damper is in the closed state.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a volute mechanism, comprising a volute, a damper assembly, a drive assembly, and a transmission component. The volute has a fan chamber and a first air outlet channel communicating with the fan chamber. A sliding groove is constructed on the volute, and the sliding groove communicates with the first air outlet channel. The damper assembly is assembled within the sliding groove. The transmission component is connected to both the drive assembly and the damper assembly. The drive assembly can drive the damper assembly to slide along the sliding groove via the transmission component to open or close the first air outlet channel.

[0005] In some embodiments, the air outlet of the first air outlet channel is located below the fan cavity, and the slide is also located below the fan cavity.

[0006] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a motor and a gear, the motor being mounted on the volute and the gear being mounted on the output shaft of the motor. The transmission component includes a first transmission body rotatably mounted on the volute, the first transmission body having teeth formed thereon, the first transmission body engaging with the gear through the teeth.

[0007] In some embodiments, the damper assembly includes a damper and a mating component assembled on the damper. The transmission component further includes a second transmission body connected to the first transmission body, the second transmission body having a guide groove. The damper is assembled in the groove, and the mating component extends from the groove and is inserted into the guide groove.

[0008] In some embodiments, the mating component is a first roller; and / or, the second transmission body is provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0009] In some embodiments, the motor and the transmission components are distributed on both sides of the volute.

[0010] In some embodiments, the damper assembly includes a damper and a second roller mounted on the damper, the damper sliding along the groove via the second roller.

[0011] In some embodiments, the number of second rollers assembled on the damper is at least two, with each second roller distributed on both sides of the damper.

[0012] In some embodiments, the volute further has a second air outlet channel communicating with the fan cavity, the air outlet of the second air outlet channel being located above the fan cavity.

[0013] In some embodiments, a centrifugal fan is installed inside the fan cavity, and the damper assembly includes a damper having an inner arc surface facing the fan cavity. After the damper assembly closes the first air outlet channel, the inner arc surface is recessed in a direction away from the fan cavity, and the curvature circle corresponding to the inner arc surface and the fan cavity are on the same side of the damper.

[0014] The present invention also provides an air conditioner including the aforementioned volute mechanism.

[0015] The present invention provides a volute mechanism and an air conditioner having the same, which have the following beneficial effects: By modifying the conventional rotary damper so that the damper assembly slides within the groove of the volute to open or close the first air outlet channel, when the damper assembly closes the first air outlet channel, the damper assembly will be supported by the volute within the groove, thereby transferring the force from the damper assembly to the volute, and thus the drive assembly will not bear the torque. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 A rear view of the damper assembly of the volute mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention closing the first air outlet channel; Figure 2 A front view of the damper assembly of the volute mechanism of this embodiment of the invention closing the first air outlet channel; Figure 3A rear view showing the opening of the first air outlet channel in the damper assembly of the volute mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A front view of the damper assembly of the volute mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention, showing the opening of the first air outlet channel; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the volute mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the damper assembly of the volute mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a rear view of the transmission component of the volute mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a front view of the transmission component of the volute mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the damper assembly of the volute mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention being supported by the volute when subjected to wind pressure; Figure 10 This is a comparative schematic diagram showing the working mode of a rotary damper in the prior art and the working mode of the damper assembly in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows: 1. Volute; 2. Damper assembly; 21. Damper; 22. First roller; 23. Second roller; 3. Drive assembly; 31. Motor; 32. Gear; 4. Transmission component; 41. First transmission body; 42. Gear; 43. Second transmission body; 5. Fan cavity; 6. First air outlet channel; 7. Slide groove; 8. Guide groove; 9. Second air outlet channel. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0021] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0022] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0023] See also Figures 1 to 10 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a volute mechanism is provided, including a volute 1, a damper assembly 2, a drive assembly 3, and a transmission component 4. The volute 1 has a fan chamber 5 and a first air outlet channel 6 communicating with the fan chamber 5. A sliding groove 7 is constructed on the volute 1, and the sliding groove 7 communicates with the first air outlet channel 6. The damper assembly 2 is assembled in the sliding groove 7. The transmission component 4 is connected to both the drive assembly 3 and the damper assembly 2. The drive assembly 3 can drive the damper assembly 2 to slide along the sliding groove 7 to open or close the first air outlet channel 6 through the transmission component 4.

[0024] In this technical solution, by modifying the conventional rotary damper to allow the damper assembly 2 to slide along the groove 7 of the volute 1 to open or close the first air outlet channel 6, when the damper assembly 2 closes the first air outlet channel 6, it is supported by the volute 1 within the groove 7. This allows the damper assembly 2 to transfer force to the volute 1, thus the drive assembly 3 does not bear torque. It is understandable that since the damper assembly 2 does not open or close the first air outlet channel 6 by rotation, but rather by sliding along the groove 7, the drive assembly 3 needs to use the transmission component 4 to change the direction of force transmission to achieve the opening or closing of the first air outlet channel 6 by the damper assembly 2. It should be noted that the groove refers to the guiding and clearance space for the damper assembly 2 during sliding; it does not mean that the groove must be smooth.

[0025] See also Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the air outlet of the first air outlet channel 6 is located below the fan cavity 5, and the slide 7 is also located below the fan cavity 5.

[0026] See Figure 10 As shown, traditional rotary dampers are integrated below the fan cavity 5 of the volute 1. During rotation, they span a large area vertically, as indicated by dimension b in the figure, resulting in significant space occupation and sometimes making installation difficult. In contrast, this application constructs a sliding groove 7 below the fan cavity 5. The damper assembly 2 slides along the groove 7 in a roughly translational manner to open or close the first air outlet channel 6. This reduces the area spanned vertically by the damper assembly 2, as indicated by dimension a in the figure, where a is significantly smaller than b. Therefore, this improved method occupies less space, facilitating the installation of the damper assembly 2. Furthermore, the smaller installation space allows for an expansion of the fan cavity 5, increasing the air intake space.

[0027] See also Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the drive assembly 3 includes a motor 31 and a gear 32. The motor 31 is assembled on the volute 1, and the gear 32 is mounted on the output shaft of the motor 31. The transmission component 4 includes a first transmission body 41, which is rotatably assembled on the volute 1. The first transmission body 41 has teeth 42 formed on it, and the first transmission body 41 meshes with the gear 32 through the teeth 42.

[0028] In this embodiment, because the gear 32 mounted on the output shaft of the motor 31 meshes with the teeth 42 formed on the first transmission body 41, when the motor 31 rotates, the gear 32 mounted on the output shaft of the motor 31 drives the first transmission body 41 to rotate, thereby realizing the motor 31 driving the transmission component 4 to rotate. This transmission method is simple and reliable. Specifically, the teeth 42 include multiple sequentially distributed teeth, and the first transmission body 41 has a fan-shaped structure, with each tooth of the teeth 42 formed on the arc-shaped edge of the fan-shaped structure. The first transmission body 41 is designed as a fan-shaped structure rather than a complete gear, which can save installation space.

[0029] See also Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the damper assembly 2 includes a damper 21 and a mating component assembled on the damper 21. The transmission component 4 also includes a second transmission body 43 connected to the first transmission body 41. The second transmission body 43 has a guide groove 8. The damper 21 is assembled in the slide groove 7. The mating component extends out from one side of the slide groove 7 and is inserted into the guide groove 8.

[0030] In this technical solution, by having the mating component assembled on the damper 21 extend from one side of the slide groove 7 and insert into the guide groove 8 of the second transmission body 43, when the motor 31 drives the transmission component 4 to rotate, the rotation of the transmission component 4 is converted into the approximate vertical movement of the mating component along the guide groove 8 and the approximate lateral movement of the damper 21 along the slide groove 7, thereby realizing the conversion of the rotational movement of the motor 31 into the approximate translation of the damper assembly 2. Specifically, the second transmission body 43 has a strip-shaped structure, and the guide groove 8 extends along the length direction of the second transmission body 43.

[0031] See Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the second transmission body 43 is provided with reinforcing ribs. Because the second transmission body 43 connects both the damper assembly 2 and the first transmission body 41, it is subjected to forces at both ends. By providing reinforcing ribs, the structural strength of the second transmission body 43 can be improved, preventing it from being easily damaged under the forces at both ends. Preferably, there are multiple reinforcing ribs, which are arranged in a crisscross pattern on the second transmission body 43, thus further enhancing the structural strength of the second transmission body 43.

[0032] See Figure 6 As shown, the mating component is the first roller 22, which reduces frictional resistance and makes the sliding smoother when the mating component slides along the guide groove 8. Specifically, the length of the guide groove 8 is greater than the diameter of the first roller 22.

[0033] Referring to Figure 5, the motor 31 and the transmission component 4 are distributed on both sides of the volute 1. This allows for the utilization of space on both sides of the volute 1, thereby improving space utilization and avoiding the increase in the height of one side of the volute 1 caused by distributing the motor 31 and the transmission component 4 on the same side.

[0034] See Figure 6 As shown, the damper assembly 2 includes a damper 21 and a second roller 23 assembled on the damper 21. The damper 21 slides along the slide groove 7 via the second roller 23.

[0035] In this embodiment, the second roller 23 makes the damper 21 slide with less frictional resistance and smoother sliding when it slides in the groove 7.

[0036] See Figure 6 As shown, the number of second rollers 23 assembled on the damper 21 is at least two, and each second roller 23 is distributed on both sides of the damper 21.

[0037] In this technical solution, increasing the number of second rollers 23 can further reduce the frictional resistance when the damper 21 slides in the slide groove 7. Moreover, the distribution of each second roller 23 on both sides of the damper 21 also makes the force on the damper 21 more balanced and the movement more stable when it slides in the slide groove 7. Preferably, each second roller 23 does not extend beyond the damper 21, which helps to save space.

[0038] See also Figure 2 and Figure 4 The volute 1 also has a second air outlet channel 9 that communicates with the fan cavity 5, and the air outlet of the second air outlet channel 9 is located above the fan cavity 5.

[0039] In this embodiment, the second air outlet channel 9 increases the diversity of air outlets. When the damper assembly 2 opens the first air outlet channel 6, air can be outleted both vertically; when the damper assembly 2 closes the first air outlet channel 6, air can only be outleted vertically.

[0040] See Figure 1 As shown, a centrifugal fan (not shown) is installed inside the fan cavity 5. The damper 21 has an inner arc surface facing the fan cavity 5. After the damper assembly 2 closes the first air outlet channel 6, the inner arc surface is concave in the direction away from the fan cavity 5, and the curvature circle corresponding to the inner arc surface and the fan cavity 5 are on the same side of the damper 21. The curvature of the arc structure is usually expressed by its curvature, which is derived from the curvature circle corresponding to the arc structure.

[0041] In this technical solution, because a centrifugal fan is installed inside the fan cavity 5, the shape of the fan cavity 5 satisfies a logarithmic spiral curve, generally roughly circular. The junction of the fan cavity 5 and the first air outlet channel 6 disrupts the circular shape of the fan cavity 5. After the damper assembly 2 closes the first air outlet channel 6, the inner arc surface of the damper 21 effectively repairs the junction of the fan cavity 5 and the first air outlet channel 6, allowing the damper profile to achieve a good transition connection with the fan cavity 5 of the volute. This well-transitioned profile increases the airflow of the second air outlet channel 9 and reduces noise. In contrast, the traditional rotary damper has a straight plate shape. After the damper is closed, the straight plate-shaped damper profile cannot achieve a good transition connection with the arc line of the fan cavity 5. This poorly transitioned profile will inevitably reduce the airflow of the upper outlet and increase noise. If the rotary damper is made in an arc shape to match the fan cavity 5, it will not transition smoothly with the first air outlet channel 6 when open, resulting in significant air obstruction. Therefore, only the sliding damper assembly 2 of this application, which is made in an arc shape, can form a good transition connection with the fan cavity 5 without obstructing the airflow. Preferably, the damper 21 of this application is arc-shaped. It can be understood that when the damper 21 is arc-shaped, the slide groove 7 is also arc-shaped.

[0042] See also Figure 1 and Figure 9 As shown, when the damper assembly 2 closes the first air outlet channel 6 so that only the air outlet is at the top, the damper assembly 2 is still subjected to the wind pressure from the centrifugal fan. This is because the damper assembly 2 is supported by the volute 1 in the slide groove 7, so the force of the wind pressure acting on the damper assembly 2 is also transferred to the volute 1, and the drive assembly 3 will not bear the torque.

[0043] The present invention also provides an air conditioner including the aforementioned volute mechanism.

[0044] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that, without conflict, the advantageous technical features of the above-mentioned methods can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0045] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A volute mechanism, characterized in that, The device includes a volute (1), a damper assembly (2), a drive assembly (3), and a transmission component (4). The volute (1) has a fan chamber (5) and a first air outlet channel (6) communicating with the fan chamber (5). A groove (7) is constructed on the volute (1), and the groove (7) is communicating with the first air outlet channel (6). The damper assembly (2) is assembled in the groove (7). The transmission component (4) is connected to both the drive assembly (3) and the damper assembly (2). The drive assembly (3) can drive the damper assembly (2) to slide along the groove (7) through the transmission component (4) to open or close the first air outlet channel (6).

2. The volute mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlet of the first air outlet channel (6) is located below the fan cavity (5), and the slide groove (7) is also located below the fan cavity (5).

3. The volute mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly (3) includes a motor (31) and a gear (32). The motor (31) is mounted on the volute (1), and the gear (32) is mounted on the output shaft of the motor (31). The transmission component (4) includes a first transmission body (41). The first transmission body (41) is rotatably mounted on the volute (1). The first transmission body (41) has teeth (42) formed on it. The first transmission body (41) meshes with the gear (32) through the teeth (42).

4. The volute mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The damper assembly (2) includes a damper (21) and a mating component assembled on the damper (21). The transmission component (4) also includes a second transmission body (43) connected to the first transmission body (41). The second transmission body (43) has a guide groove (8). The damper (21) is assembled in the slide groove (7). The mating component extends out of the slide groove (7) and is inserted into the guide groove (8).

5. The volute mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mating component is a first roller (22); and / or, the second transmission body (43) is provided with reinforcing ribs.

6. The volute mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The motor (31) and the transmission component (4) are distributed on both sides of the volute (1).

7. The volute mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The damper assembly (2) includes a damper (21) and a second roller (23) assembled on the damper (21), the damper (21) sliding along the groove (7) via the second roller (23).

8. The volute mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of the second rollers (23) assembled on the damper (21) is at least two, and each second roller (23) is distributed on both sides of the damper (21).

9. The volute mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The volute (1) also has a second air outlet channel (9) that communicates with the fan cavity (5), and the air outlet of the second air outlet channel (9) is located above the fan cavity (5).

10. The volute mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, A centrifugal fan is installed inside the fan cavity (5). The damper assembly (2) includes a damper (21). The damper (21) has an inner arc surface facing the fan cavity (5). After the damper assembly (2) closes the first air outlet channel (6), the inner arc surface is recessed in a direction away from the fan cavity (5), and the curvature circle corresponding to the inner arc surface and the fan cavity (5) are on the same side of the damper (21).

11. An air conditioner, characterized in that it includes the volute mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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