Volute fan, range hood and control method of volute fan
By designing a specialized cleaning duct system and a sound-absorbing support structure in the range hood, combined with impeller operation at different speeds, the problem of incomplete blade cleaning is solved, achieving comprehensive cleaning of the blades and volute, reducing noise and improving smoke extraction efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HANGZHOU ROBAM APPLIANCES CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
In existing range hoods, the impeller and volute are not very effective at cleaning, especially the windward and leeward sides of the blades cannot be completely covered, which leads to the accumulation of grease, reduces smoke extraction efficiency, increases energy consumption and noise, and may cause fires.
Design a volute fan, including first and second cleaning pipes that spray cleaning medium onto the windward and leeward sides of the blades respectively, and support the cleaning pipes with a silencer. Combined with the operation of impellers at different speeds, ensure that the cleaning medium covers the entire blade surface and the inner wall of the volute.
It achieves full coverage cleaning of both the windward and leeward sides of the blades, reduces noise, improves smoke extraction efficiency and cleaning effect, and prevents bacterial growth.
Smart Images
Figure CN122014675A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to a volute fan, a range hood, and a control method for the volute fan. Background Technology
[0002] In the structure of a range hood, the volute fan is the core power component, comprising a volute, impeller, and motor. The range hood uses the motor to drive the impeller to rotate within the volute, generating negative pressure to draw away cooking fumes and exhaust them outdoors. Over time, grease and particulate matter inevitably accumulate on the impeller surface and the inner wall of the volute. This accumulated grease not only reduces the range hood's exhaust efficiency, increases energy consumption and noise, but can also breed bacteria and even cause fires.
[0003] In response, related technologies propose cleaning oil stains by externally spraying cleaning media. Specifically, the range hood also includes a liquid storage tank, a liquid delivery pipe connected to the liquid storage tank, and a cleaning pipe connected to the liquid delivery pipe. The cleaning pipe extends into the volute casing, along the rotation direction of the impeller. The blades have a windward side and a leeward side, with the windward side facing inward and the leeward side facing outward. The cleaning pipe is used to spray cleaning media onto the leeward side of the blades. Because the blades on the impeller surface are usually arc-shaped and densely distributed, the leeward sides of adjacent blades overlap. Consequently, during spraying, the cleaning media cannot cover the entire leeward side of the blades due to the obstruction between the blades, and the windward side of the blades also cannot be sprayed with cleaning media, resulting in poor cleaning effect. In addition, since the volute casing is fixed, spraying can only cover a local area of the volute, resulting in poor cleaning effect as well. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a volute fan, a range hood, and a control method for the volute fan, so as to improve the cleaning effect on the inner wall of the volute and the impeller.
[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a volute fan, the volute fan comprising: Snail shell; An impeller includes an impeller frame rotatably disposed within the volute, and a plurality of blades uniformly disposed on the impeller frame along the circumferential direction of the impeller frame, the blades having a windward side and a leeward side disposed opposite to each other along the rotation direction of the impeller; The cleaning assembly includes a first cleaning tube and a second cleaning tube, both of which are used to deliver a cleaning medium and are inserted through the volute. The spray end of the first cleaning tube faces the windward side of the blade, and the spray end of the second cleaning tube faces the leeward side of the blade.
[0006] As a preferred technical solution for the volute fan, the volute fan further includes a first silencing component and a second silencing component. Both the first silencing component and the second silencing component are disposed outside the volute and are fixedly connected to the volute. The first cleaning pipe passes through the first silencing component, and the second cleaning pipe passes through the second silencing component.
[0007] As one of the preferred technical solutions for the volute fan, the first silencing component is provided with a first silencing cavity, the first cleaning pipe passes through the first silencing cavity, and the first silencing component is also provided with a plurality of first silencing holes connecting the first silencing cavity and the outside. The second silencing component has a second silencing cavity inside, the second cleaning tube passes through the second silencing cavity, and the second silencing component also has a number of second silencing holes that connect the second silencing cavity to the outside.
[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the volute fan, the windward surface includes a first receiving area and a first shielding area. The first cleaning pipe has a first spraying area. The plurality of blades include adjacent first blades and second blades, and along the rotation direction of the impeller, the first blade is located downstream of the second blade. When both the first blade and the second blade are located in the first spraying area, the first receiving area of the second blade is opposite to the spraying end of the first cleaning pipe. The first blade shields the first shielding area of the second blade between the spraying end of the first cleaning pipe. The impeller is configured to allow the cleaning medium droplets collected in the first receiving area of the second blade to flow to the first shielding area when rotating at a first rotational speed; and / or. The leeward side includes a second shower area and a second shielding area. The second cleaning pipe has a second spray area. The plurality of blades include a third blade and a fourth blade arranged adjacent to each other. Along the rotation direction of the impeller, the third blade is located upstream of the fourth blade. When both the third blade and the fourth blade are located in the second spray area, the second shower area of the fourth blade is opposite to the spray end of the second cleaning pipe. The third blade shields the second shielding area of the fourth blade between the spray end of the second cleaning pipe. The impeller is configured to allow the cleaning medium droplets collected in the second shower area of the third blade to flow to the second shielding area when rotating at a first rotation speed.
[0009] As one of the preferred technical solutions for a volute fan, the impeller is configured such that when it rotates at a second speed, the cleaning medium droplets collected on the leeward and windward sides of each blade are flung to the inner wall of the volute.
[0010] As one of the preferred technical solutions for the volute fan, the cleaning component includes a plurality of first cleaning pipes, which are evenly and spaced apart along the axial direction of the impeller. The cleaning assembly includes a plurality of second cleaning tubes, which are evenly and spaced apart along the axial direction of the impeller.
[0011] As a preferred technical solution for the volute fan, the cleaning assembly further includes a first branch pipe connected to a plurality of first cleaning pipes, a second branch pipe connected to a plurality of second cleaning pipes, and a main inlet pipe connected to the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, wherein the main inlet pipe is used to input the cleaning medium.
[0012] Secondly, the present invention provides a range hood, the range hood including a range hood body, the range hood further including a volute fan as described in any of the above-mentioned solutions, the volute fan being installed in the range hood body.
[0013] Thirdly, the present invention provides a control method for a volute fan, wherein the control method for the volute fan is implemented using any of the above-described schemes of the volute fan, and the control method for the volute fan includes: Get cleaning instructions; The impeller operates at a first rotational speed and the first cleaning pipe and the second cleaning pipe spray cleaning agent simultaneously for a first set time. The impeller speed is adjusted to not exceed the set speed and maintained for a second set time; The impeller operates at a second rotational speed for a third set time; wherein, when the impeller operates at the second rotational speed, droplets on the surface of the blades can be flung to the inner wall of the volute, and the second rotational speed, the first rotational speed, and the set rotational speed decrease sequentially; Set the fourth time to stand still.
[0014] As a preferred technical solution for the control method of the volute fan, after a fourth set time of stillness, it also includes: The impeller operates at a first rotational speed and the first and second cleaning pipes spray water simultaneously for a fifth set time. The impeller operates at a second rotational speed for a sixth set time.
[0015] As a preferred technical solution for the control method of the volute fan, after the impeller operates at a second speed for a sixth predetermined time, it further includes: The impeller operates at the third rotational speed and heats the air flowing into the volute fan.
[0016] The volute fan provided by this invention has at least the following beneficial effects: 1) Cleaning medium is sprayed onto the windward side of the blade through the first cleaning pipe inside the volute to clean the oil stains on the windward side, and cleaning medium is sprayed onto the leeward side of the blade through the second cleaning pipe to clean the oil stains on the leeward side, so that both the windward and leeward sides of the blade can be effectively cleaned, thus improving the cleaning effect.
[0017] 2) By setting the first and second silencers outside the volute, the noise generated during the impeller rotation is absorbed. In addition, the first silencer supports the first cleaning pipe outside the volute, and the second silencer supports the second cleaning pipe outside the volute, which can also absorb the noise generated during the passage of the cleaning medium through the first cleaning pipe and the second silencer.
[0018] 3) The noise generated by the range hood can enter the first silencing chamber through the first silencing hole and the second silencing chamber through the second silencing hole. It is continuously reflected in the first and second silencing chambers and consumes energy, thus achieving a noise reduction effect.
[0019] 4) The windward side is divided into a first spray area and a first shielding area. After the adjacent first blade and second blade enter the first spray area of the first cleaning pipe, the first cleaning pipe can spray the cleaning medium directly to the first spray area of the second blade located downstream. When the cleaning medium gathers into droplets, as the impeller rotates at the first speed, the droplets flow towards the first shielding area under the action of inertia, thereby making the cleaning medium cover the first shielding area, so that the cleaning medium can cover the entire windward side of the blade. The leeward side is divided into a second spray area and a second shielded area. After the adjacent third and fourth blades enter the second spray area of the second cleaning pipe, the second cleaning pipe can directly spray the cleaning medium onto the second spray area of the fourth blade located upstream. When the cleaning medium gathers into droplets, as the impeller rotates at the first speed, the droplets flow towards the second shielded area under the action of inertia, thereby covering the second shielded area with the cleaning medium. Thus, the cleaning medium can completely cover the entire leeward side of the blade.
[0020] 5) When the impeller rotates at the second speed, the droplets on the windward and leeward sides of the blades can be detached from the blades under the action of centrifugal force and thrown onto the inner wall of the volute casing, thereby cleaning the oil stains on the inner wall of the volute casing.
[0021] 6) Multiple first cleaning tubes and multiple second cleaning tubes effectively cover the entire blade along its length, ensuring a good cleaning effect.
[0022] 7) The cleaning medium can be diverted through the main inlet pipe to the first and second diversion pipes, and then through the first diversion pipe to each first cleaning pipe for spraying, and through the second diversion pipe to each second cleaning pipe for spraying, thus simplifying the pipeline layout.
[0023] The fume extractor provided by this invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The range hood includes the aforementioned volute fan, which can reliably self-clean oil stains on the blade surface.
[0024] The control method for the volute fan provided by this invention has at least the following beneficial effects: 1) The control method of the volute fan, upon receiving a cleaning command, involves running the impeller at a first speed while simultaneously spraying cleaning agent through the first and second cleaning pipes for a first set time, allowing the cleaning agent to fully adhere to the surface of the blades; then, adjusting the impeller speed to not exceed the set speed and continuing for a second set time, allowing the cleaning agent on the blade surface to fully react with the oil stains; then, running the impeller at a second speed for a third set time, causing the cleaning agent droplets on the blade surface to be flung onto the inner wall of the volute, using the physical impact force of the cleaning agent droplets to impact the oil stains, ensuring full contact between the cleaning agent and the oil stains; then, allowing it to stand for a fourth set time, utilizing the chemical action of the cleaning agent to reliably clean the oil stains on the inner wall of the volute.
[0025] 2) After cleaning the oil stains adhering to the blades and the inner wall of the volute, the impeller is run at the first speed and water is sprayed simultaneously from the first and second cleaning pipes for a fifth set time to clean the impeller surface. Then the impeller is run at the second speed for a sixth set time to splash the water on the impeller surface onto the inner wall of the volute and clean the inner wall of the volute.
[0026] 3) After cleaning the blades and impeller surfaces, heated air is introduced into the air duct to improve the drying efficiency of water on the blades and volute surfaces. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of the range hood in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the volute fan in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the volute fan in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the volute fan in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 6 for Figure 3 Enlarged view at point B; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning component in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a first partial structure of the cleaning component in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a second partial structure of the cleaning component in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a first flowchart of the control method for the volute fan in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a second flowchart of the control method for the volute fan in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] In the picture: 1. Volute casing; 11. Front plate of volute casing; 12. Rear plate of volute casing; 13. Volute casing surround plate; 14. Air duct; 2. Impeller; 21. Blade; 211. Windward side; 2111. First rain-receiving area; 2112. First sheltered area; 212. Leeward side; 2121. Second rain-receiving area; 2122. Second sheltered area; 21a. First blade; 21b. Second blade; 21c. Third blade; 21d. Fourth blade; 22. Impeller frame; 3. Cleaning components; 31. First cleaning tube; 32. Second cleaning tube; 33. First diversion tube; 34. Second diversion tube; 35. Main inlet tube; 4. Smoke hood; 5. First silencing component; 51. First silencing cavity; 52. First silencing hole; 6. Second silencer component; 61. Second silencer cavity; 62. Second silencer hole. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.
[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "under," and "below" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly below and diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0032] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0033] This embodiment provides a range hood that can be applied in a kitchen environment to treat the oil fumes generated during cooking, thereby ensuring clean kitchen air.
[0034] Specifically, the range hood includes a volute fan and a range hood body. The volute fan is located inside the range hood body. When the volute fan is working, the negative pressure generated during cooking draws the fumes into the range hood body and then discharges the fumes into the exhaust duct through the volute fan, and finally into the outside through the exhaust duct.
[0035] For example, please refer to Figure 1The smoke hood body may include a main unit housing (not shown in the attached drawings) and a smoke collection hood 4. The smoke collection hood 4 is fixedly installed below the main unit housing and has a smoke inlet. The volute fan may be installed inside the main unit housing or inside the smoke collection hood 4. This embodiment exemplarily provides a design where the volute fan is installed inside the main unit housing.
[0036] It should be noted that the volute fan is not limited to use in range hoods. In other embodiments, the volute fan can also be used in other kitchen appliances such as integrated stoves.
[0037] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 The volute fan includes a volute 1, an impeller 2, and a cleaning component 3. The impeller 2 includes an impeller frame 22 rotatably disposed within the volute 1, and multiple blades 21 evenly distributed along the circumference of the impeller frame 22. The cleaning component 3 sprays a cleaning medium onto the surface of the impeller 2 to remove oil stains, thereby improving the exhaust efficiency of the range hood, reducing the energy consumption and noise of the volute fan, and preventing bacterial growth.
[0038] The cleaning medium can be any cleaning agent that can remove oil stains through a chemical reaction, and the cleaning medium can also be water.
[0039] In some embodiments, the volute fan further includes a motor, which is connected to the impeller 2 via a transmission, and the motor is used to drive the impeller 2 to rotate.
[0040] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The volute 1 includes a front plate 11, a rear plate 12, and a surrounding plate 13. The surrounding plate 13 is disposed between the rear plate 12 and the front plate 11, and the front plate 11, rear plate 12, and surrounding plate 13 enclose a chamber and an air outlet communicating with the chamber. The front plate 11 is provided with a main air inlet communicating with the chamber, and the main air inlet, the chamber, and the air outlet form an air duct 14. The impeller 2 is disposed at the main air inlet. When the impeller 2 rotates, the fumes are discharged into the exhaust pipe through the air duct 14.
[0041] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Along the rotation direction of the impeller 2, the blade 21 includes a windward side 211 and a leeward side 212. The leeward side 212 is closer to the inner wall of the volute 1 than the windward side 211, while the windward side 211 is closer to the rotation center of the impeller 2 than the leeward side 212.
[0042] The rotation direction of impeller 2 is as follows: Figure 3 As indicated by the middle arrow ab, when impeller 2 rotates in this direction, it can drive the oil fumes into the range hood body.
[0043] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The blades 21 are arc-shaped. When the impeller 2 rotates, the arc-shaped blades 21 can reduce impact loss when in contact with air, improve the working efficiency of the volute fan, and reduce noise. Of course, in other embodiments, the blades 21 can also be configured as straight plates.
[0044] Specifically, along the rotation direction of the impeller 2, the outer end of the blade 21 is located downstream of the inner end of the blade 21.
[0045] In related technologies, when cleaning blades by external spraying, the cleaning medium is usually sprayed directly onto the leeward side of the blades. This results in the windward side of the blades not being effectively cleaned, affecting the cleaning effect.
[0046] For this, please refer to Figure 3 In this embodiment, the cleaning component 3 includes a first cleaning pipe 31 and a second cleaning pipe 32. Both the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 are used to transport cleaning media, and both the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 are inserted into the volute 1. The spray end of the first cleaning pipe 31 faces the windward side 211 of the blade 21, and the spray end of the second cleaning pipe 32 faces the leeward side 212 of the blade 21. With this configuration, the cleaning media can be sprayed onto the windward side 211 of the blade 21 through the first cleaning pipe 31 to clean the oil stains on the windward side 211, and the cleaning media can be sprayed onto the leeward side 212 of the blade 21 through the second cleaning pipe 32 to clean the oil stains on the leeward side 212, so that both the windward side 211 and the leeward side 212 of the blade 21 can be effectively cleaned, improving the cleaning effect.
[0047] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The first cleaning pipe 31 sprays the cleaning medium vertically upwards, and the second cleaning pipe 32 sprays the cleaning medium vertically downwards. In other embodiments, the spraying directions of the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 can be set to other angles as needed.
[0048] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The spray end of the first cleaning pipe 31 and the spray end of the second cleaning pipe 32 do not extend beyond the inner wall of the volute enclosure 13, so as to ensure that the fumes can flow smoothly in the air duct 14. Preferably, the spray end of the first cleaning pipe 31 and the spray end of the second cleaning pipe 32 are flush with the inner wall of the volute enclosure 13.
[0049] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 2 to 4The cleaning component 3 includes multiple first cleaning pipes 31, which are evenly and spaced apart along the axial direction of the impeller 2; the cleaning component 3 also includes multiple second cleaning pipes 32, which are evenly and spaced apart along the axial direction of the impeller 2. Specifically, the length direction of the blade 21 is parallel to the axial direction of the impeller 2, so that the multiple first cleaning pipes 31 and the multiple second cleaning pipes 32 can effectively cover the entire blade 21 along its length direction, ensuring a good cleaning effect on the blade 21.
[0050] Specifically, in this embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 Multiple first cleaning pipes 31 are distributed along a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the impeller 2, and multiple second cleaning pipes 32 are also distributed along a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the impeller 2, facilitating assembly and maintenance. In other embodiments, the multiple first cleaning pipes 31 may also be distributed along the circumferential direction of the impeller 2, and the multiple first cleaning pipes 31 may be spaced apart along the axial direction of the impeller 2; or, the multiple second cleaning pipes 32 may also be distributed along the circumferential direction of the impeller 2, and the multiple second cleaning pipes 32 may be spaced apart along the axial direction of the impeller 2.
[0051] In some embodiments, the cleaning assembly 3 further includes a plurality of first atomizing nozzles (not shown in the figures) and a plurality of second atomizing nozzles (not shown in the figures), with the plurality of first atomizing nozzles correspondingly mounted to the spray ends of a plurality of first cleaning pipes 31 and the plurality of second atomizing nozzles correspondingly mounted to the spray ends of a plurality of second cleaning pipes 32. This arrangement allows the first cleaning pipes 31 and the second cleaning pipes 32 to spray the cleaning medium in the form of water mist, ensuring that the cleaning medium is evenly distributed on the surface of the blade 21 and reducing waste of the cleaning medium. It should be noted that as the spraying time accumulates, the cleaning medium droplets on the surface of the blade 21 will gradually increase in size to water droplets.
[0052] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The cleaning assembly 3 also includes a first diversion pipe 33 connected to a plurality of first cleaning pipes 31, a second diversion pipe 34 connected to a plurality of second cleaning pipes 32, and a main inlet pipe 35 connected to the first diversion pipes 33 and the second diversion pipes 34. The main inlet pipe 35 is used to input the cleaning medium. With this configuration, the cleaning medium can be diverted through the main inlet pipe 35 to the first diversion pipes 33 and the second diversion pipes 34, then diverted through the first diversion pipes 33 to each of the first cleaning pipes 31 and sprayed out through the first atomizing nozzle, and then diverted through the second diversion pipes 34 to each of the second cleaning pipes 32 and sprayed out through the second atomizing nozzle, thus simplifying the pipeline layout.
[0053] In some embodiments, the cleaning assembly 3 further includes a cleaning agent tank (not shown in the figures) and a water tank (not shown in the figures), and the main inlet pipe 35 can selectively communicate with the cleaning agent tank (not shown in the figures) and the water tank (not shown in the figures), wherein the cleaning agent tank is used to store cleaning agent and the water tank is used to store water. Thus, cleaning agent or water can be sprayed onto the surface of the blade 21 through the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32.
[0054] Specifically, when cleaning the oil stains on the surface of blade 21, the oil stains can first be removed from the surface of blade 21 by chemical reaction between the cleaning agent and the oil stains, and then cleaned with water to ensure the cleaning effect.
[0055] In some embodiments, the cleaning assembly 3 further includes a water pump (not shown in the figures) disposed on the main inlet pipe 35, which, driven by the water pump, delivers cleaning agent in the cleaning agent tank or water in the water tank to the main inlet pipe 35.
[0056] In some embodiments, the cleaning assembly 3 further includes a solenoid valve (not shown in the figures), configured to selectively connect either the detergent tank or the water tank to the main inlet pipe 35. Specifically, the solenoid valve has a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface. The first interface is connected to the detergent tank via a pipe, the second interface is connected to the water tank via a pipe, and the third interface is connected to the main inlet pipe 35. The solenoid valve allows the third interface to selectively connect to either the first or second interface. When the solenoid valve connects the third interface to the first interface, the second interface is disconnected, allowing detergent from the detergent tank to enter the main inlet pipe 35, causing the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 to spray detergent onto the surface of the blade 21. When the solenoid valve connects the third interface to the second interface, the first interface is disconnected, causing the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 to spray water onto the surface of the blade 21. Preferably, the solenoid valve can also simultaneously disconnect the first, second, and third interfaces.
[0057] In other embodiments, both the detergent tank and the water tank can be connected to the main inlet pipe 35 via pipelines. A first switch valve is installed on the pipeline between the detergent tank and the main inlet pipe 35, and a second switch valve is installed on the pipeline between the water tank and the main inlet pipe 35. When the first switch valve is open and the second switch valve is closed, the detergent tank is connected to the main inlet pipe 35, so that the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 spray detergent onto the surface of the blade 21. When the first switch valve is closed and the second switch valve is open, the water tank is connected to the main inlet pipe 35, so that the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 spray water onto the surface of the blade 21.
[0058] In related technologies, impellers with curved blades are used. The blades are densely distributed on the impeller surface, which causes the windward and leeward sides of adjacent blades to overlap along the direction of impeller rotation. As a result, during spraying, the cleaning medium cannot cover the entire windward and leeward sides of the blades due to the obstruction between the blades.
[0059] For this, please refer to Figure 5 In this embodiment, the windward surface 211 includes a first receiving area 2111 and a first shielding area 2112. The first cleaning pipe 31 has a first spraying area. The plurality of blades 21 include a first blade 21a and a second blade 21b arranged adjacent to each other. Along the rotation direction of the impeller 2, the first blade 21a is located downstream of the second blade 21b. When both the first blade 21a and the second blade 21b are located in the first spraying area, the first receiving area 2111 of the second blade 21b is opposite to the spraying end of the first cleaning pipe 31. The first blade 21a shields the first shielding area 2112 of the second blade 21b between the spraying end of the first cleaning pipe 31. The impeller 2 is configured to allow the cleaning medium droplets collected in the first receiving area 2111 of the second blade 21b to flow to the first shielding area 2112 when rotating at a first speed. With this configuration, when the first blade 21a and the second blade 21b enter the first shielding area 2112, the first cleaning pipe 31 can directly spray the cleaning medium onto the first receiving area 2111 of the second blade 21b. When the cleaning medium gathers into droplets, as the impeller 2 rotates at the first speed, the droplets flow towards the first shielding area 2112 under inertia, thereby covering the first shielding area 2112 with the cleaning medium. Thus, the cleaning medium can completely cover the entire windward surface 211 of the blade 21, ensuring that the entire windward surface 211 can be reliably cleaned.
[0060] It should be noted that the first spray area can simultaneously cover multiple blades 21 of the impeller 2. Preferably, the first spray area can simultaneously cover 4 to 6 blades 21 of the impeller 2.
[0061] Furthermore, for the first cleaning pipe 31, along the rotation direction of the impeller 2, each blade 21 is a second blade 21b relative to its downstream adjacent blade 21, and a first blade 21a relative to its upstream adjacent blade 21.
[0062] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 6The leeward side 212 includes a second shower area 2121 and a second shielding area 2122. The second cleaning pipe 32 has a second spray area. The plurality of blades 21 include a third blade 21c and a fourth blade 21d arranged adjacently. Along the rotation direction of the impeller 2, the third blade 21c is located upstream of the fourth blade 21d. When both the third blade 21c and the fourth blade 21d are located in the second spray area, the second shower area 2121 of the fourth blade 21d is opposite to the spray end of the second cleaning pipe 32. The third blade 21c shields the second shielding area 2122 of the fourth blade 21d between the spray end of the second cleaning pipe 32. The impeller 2 is configured to allow the cleaning medium droplets collected in the second shower area 2121 of the third blade 21c to flow to the second shielding area 2122 when rotating at a first speed. With this configuration, when the third blade 21c and the fourth blade 21d enter the second shielding area 2122, the second cleaning pipe 32 can directly spray the cleaning medium onto the second receiving area 2121 of the fourth blade 21d. When the cleaning medium gathers into droplets, as the impeller 2 rotates at the first speed, the droplets flow towards the second shielding area 2122 under inertia, thereby covering the second shielding area 2122 with the cleaning medium. Thus, the cleaning medium can completely cover the entire leeward side 212 of the blade 21, ensuring that the entire leeward side 212 can be reliably cleaned.
[0063] It should be noted that the second spray area can simultaneously cover multiple blades 21 of the impeller 2. Preferably, the second spray area can simultaneously cover 4 to 6 blades 21 of the impeller 2.
[0064] In addition, for the second cleaning pipe 32, along the rotation direction of the impeller 2, each blade 21 is a third blade 21c relative to its downstream adjacent blade 21 and also a third blade 21c relative to its upstream adjacent blade 21.
[0065] In this embodiment, the first rotational speed is related to the model of impeller 2 and the fluidity of the products after the reaction between the cleaning medium and the oil. The magnitude of the first rotational speed can be determined according to the model of impeller 2 and the fluidity of the cleaning medium. For example, the first rotational speed can be 10-30 revolutions per minute. When impeller 2 rotates, the droplets on the surface of blade 21 can cover the entire blade 21 under the action of inertia, and will not be thrown off due to excessive rotational speed of impeller 2.
[0066] It should be noted that when the impeller 2 rotates in the opposite direction, the droplets on the surface of the blade 21 can also cover the entire blade 21 under the action of inertia.
[0067] In related technologies, since the volute is fixed, spraying can only cover a local area of the worm gear, resulting in poor cleaning effect on the volute.
[0068] In this embodiment, the impeller 2 is configured to rotate at a second rotational speed such that the cleaning medium droplets collected on the leeward side 212 and windward side 211 of each blade 21 are flung onto the inner wall of the volute 1. Specifically, the second rotational speed is greater than the first rotational speed. In this embodiment, by rotating the impeller 2 at the second rotational speed, the droplets on the windward side 211 and leeward side 212 of the blade 21 can detach from the blade 21 under the action of centrifugal force and be flung onto the inner wall of the volute casing 13, thereby cleaning the oil stains on the inner wall of the volute casing 13.
[0069] In this embodiment, the second rotational speed is related to the impeller 2 model and the viscosity of the products resulting from the reaction between the cleaning medium and the oil. The magnitude of the second rotational speed can be determined based on the impeller 2 model and the viscosity of the products resulting from the reaction between the cleaning medium and the oil. For example, the second rotational speed can be 800-1200 rpm.
[0070] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 ,as well as Figures 7 to 9 The volute fan also includes a first silencer 5 and a second silencer 6. Both the first silencer 5 and the second silencer 6 are disposed outside the volute 1 and are fixedly connected to the volute 1. A first cleaning pipe 31 passes through the first silencer 5, and a second cleaning pipe 32 passes through the second silencer 6. Specifically, the first silencer 5 and the second silencer 6 are both fixedly disposed on the outer wall of the volute enclosure 13. This arrangement serves two purposes: firstly, the first silencer 5 can support the first cleaning pipe 31, and the second silencer 6 can support the second cleaning pipe 32; secondly, the first silencer 5 and the second silencer 6 can also absorb the noise generated during the rotation of the impeller 2, as well as the noise generated during the passage of the cleaning medium through the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second silencer 6, thereby achieving a noise reduction effect.
[0071] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The first silencing component 5 has a first silencing cavity 51, through which a first cleaning pipe 31 passes. The first silencing component 5 also has several first silencing holes 52 connecting the first silencing cavity 51 to the outside. The second silencing component 6 has a second silencing cavity 61, through which a second cleaning pipe 32 passes. The second silencing component 6 also has several second silencing holes 62 connecting the second silencing cavity 61 to the outside. In this embodiment, the noise generated by the range hood can enter the first silencing cavity 51 through the first silencing holes 52 and the second silencing cavity 61 through the second silencing holes 62. The noise is continuously reflected within the first and second silencing cavities, consuming energy and achieving a noise reduction effect.
[0072] In some embodiments, both the first silencing cavity 51 and the second silencing cavity 61 are generally triangular prisms. The triangular prism shape of the first silencing cavity 51 and the second silencing cavity 61 can effectively disrupt the propagation path of sound waves, thereby better absorbing and reflecting noise and improving the noise reduction effect. Of course, in other embodiments, the first silencing cavity 51 and the second silencing cavity 61 can be configured with other shapes as needed, such as quadrangular prisms.
[0073] In some embodiments, one side of the first muffler 5 and one side of the second muffler 6 are integrally fitted with the outer wall of the volute casing 13, so that the first muffler 5 and the second muffler 6 can be stably fixed to the volute casing 13.
[0074] In some embodiments, an oil drain hole is provided at the bottom of the volute 1, which is used to discharge the wastewater collected at the bottom of the volute 1 out of the air duct 14. Specifically, the oil drain hole is connected to the oil storage tank through an oil guide passage.
[0075] This embodiment also provides a control method for a volute fan, which is implemented using the aforementioned volute fan.
[0076] Please refer to Figure 10 The control method for the volute fan includes the following steps.
[0077] S100: Receive cleaning instructions.
[0078] Specifically, the cleaning command can be actively issued by the user by operating the self-cleaning button or by sending a self-cleaning command to the range hood through the terminal. Alternatively, the thickness of the oil stains can be automatically detected by the fluorescence intensity acquisition unit set in the volute 1. When the controller determines that the thickness of the oil stains exceeds the set thickness, it will be automatically triggered.
[0079] It should be noted that step S100 occurs when the range hood is idle, and is not triggered during the operation of the range hood exhausting fumes.
[0080] S200: The impeller 2 operates at a first rotational speed and the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 spray cleaning agent simultaneously for a first set time.
[0081] In step S200, when the impeller 2 runs at the first speed, each blade 21 circulates through the first spray area and the second spray area, so that the surface of each blade 21 can be sprayed with cleaning agent. When the cleaning agent gathers into droplets, under the action of inertia, the droplets can completely cover the windward side 211 and the leeward side 212 of each blade 21.
[0082] The first preset time can be pre-set in the controller, for example, 120 seconds. The first preset time can also be determined based on the thickness of the oil stains on the surface of the blade 21, the type of cleaning agent, the spray flow rate of the first cleaning pipe 31, and the spray flow rate of the second cleaning pipe 32. Specifically, a first correspondence between the thickness of the oil stains on the surface of the blade 21, the type of cleaning agent, the spray flow rate of the first cleaning pipe 31, the spray flow rate of the second cleaning pipe 32, and the first preset time can be pre-stored in the controller. The spray flow rates of the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 are collected by a flow meter. The type of cleaning agent is manually set, and the thickness of the oil stains on the surface of the blade 21 is collected by a fluorescence intensity acquisition unit. Based on the acquired data and the first correspondence, the first preset time is determined. The type of cleaning agent includes its chemical composition and concentration.
[0083] Understandably, after the first set time, the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 stop spraying cleaning agent, and the impeller 2 stops rotating. This can be achieved by turning off the water pump.
[0084] S300: The impeller 2 speed is adjusted to not exceed the set speed and is maintained for the second set time.
[0085] Step S300 allows the cleaning agent on the surface of the blade 21 to react fully with the oil stains, thereby decomposing and softening the oil stains.
[0086] The set rotational speed is lower than the first rotational speed. When the impeller 2 moves at the set rotational speed, the droplets can peristalse on the surface of the blades 21, allowing the cleaning agent to come into more thorough contact with the oil stains and improving the cleaning effect. The specific value of the set rotational speed can be set according to actual needs. For example, the set rotational speed can be 5 revolutions per minute.
[0087] The second set time can be preset in the controller, for example, 300 seconds. The second set time can also be determined based on the thickness of the oil stains on the surface of the blade 21 and the type of cleaning agent. Specifically, a second correspondence between the thickness of the oil stains on the surface of the blade 21, the type of cleaning agent, and the second set time can be stored in the controller in advance, and the second set time can be determined based on the obtained thickness of the oil stains on the surface of the blade 21 and the type of cleaning agent, combined with the second correspondence.
[0088] It should be noted that in step S300, the impeller 2 can also be kept stationary. Since the cleaning agent droplets have covered the surface of the blade 21, the cleaning agent can reliably wet the oil stains, thereby ensuring a reliable cleaning effect.
[0089] S400: Impeller 2 operates at the second speed and continues for the third set time.
[0090] When the second rotational speed is greater than the first rotational speed, and the impeller 2 is running at the second rotational speed, the droplets on the surface of the blade 21 can be flung to the inner wall of the volute 1.
[0091] Through step S400, the cleaning agent droplets on the surface of the blade 21 can be flung to the inner wall of the volute 1. The physical impact force of the cleaning agent droplets impacts the oil stains, allowing the cleaning agent to come into full contact with the oil stains. Furthermore, the chemical action of the cleaning agent enables it to reliably clean the oil stains on the inner wall of the volute 1.
[0092] It is understandable that when the impeller 2 operates at the second rotation speed for the third set time, the droplets on the surface of the blade 21 can be sufficiently shaken off. The third set time can be preset, for example, 60 seconds.
[0093] Preferably, step S400 further includes the following step: during a third set time period, the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 intermittently spray cleaning agent. This setting can compensate for the cleaning agent after the oil stains on the surface of the blade 21 have reacted, and at the same time, it can also utilize the impact force of the droplets being flung off the blade 21 at high speed to impact the oil stains, thereby improving the cleaning effect.
[0094] It should be noted that after step S400 is completed, impeller 2 stops rotating.
[0095] S500: Set the fourth time to stand still.
[0096] Step S500 allows the oil stains adhering to the inner wall of the volute 1 to fully react with the cleaning agent, thereby cleaning the inner wall of the volute 1.
[0097] The fourth setting time can be preset, for example, 300 seconds.
[0098] The fourth setting time can also be determined based on the thickness of the oil stains on the inner wall surface of the volute 1 and the type of cleaning agent. Specifically, the thickness of the oil stains on the inner wall of the volute 1 can be collected by the fluorescence intensity acquisition unit, and then the fourth setting time can be determined by combining the type of cleaning agent and the second correspondence.
[0099] The control method for the volute fan provided in this embodiment, after obtaining a cleaning command, enables the impeller 2 to run at a first speed while the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 simultaneously spray cleaning agent for a first set time; then the speed of the impeller 2 is adjusted to not exceed the set speed and continues for a second set time; then the impeller 2 runs at a second speed and continues for a third set time; then it is left to stand for a fourth set time, which enables reliable cleaning of the oil stains attached to the blades 21 and the inner wall of the volute 1.
[0100] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11The control method for the volute fan also includes the following steps following step S500.
[0101] S600: The impeller 2 operates at a first rotational speed and the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 spray water simultaneously for a fifth set time.
[0102] Specifically, the water tank can be controlled to supply water to the main inlet pipe 35 by controlling the solenoid valve.
[0103] In step S600, the impeller 2 operates at a first rotational speed, which allows water to cover the entire surface of the blade 21, thereby washing away the oil stains on the blade 21 with water.
[0104] The fifth setting time can be preset according to actual needs, such as 180 seconds.
[0105] Understandably, the water spraying stops after step S600.
[0106] S700: Impeller 2 operates at the second speed for a set time.
[0107] Through step S700, water on the surface of impeller 2 can be flung onto the inner wall of volute 1, thereby washing away the oil stains on the surface of volute 1 and drying the blades 21. In addition, when the oil stains on the inner wall of volute 1 accumulate to the bottom of volute 1, the inner wall of volute 1 can also be dried.
[0108] The water that is flung onto the inner wall of the volute 1 falls and collects at the oil drain hole at the bottom of the volute 1 under the influence of gravity, and is then transported to the oil storage tank through the oil guide passage. The sixth setting time can be set in advance according to the actual situation, such as 30 seconds.
[0109] In some embodiments, step S700 is followed by: S800: Impeller 2 operates at the third speed to heat the air flowing into the volute fan.
[0110] The incoming air can be heated by an electric heater installed inside the casing of the range hood. Heating the air allows it to enter the air duct 14, improving the drying efficiency of water on the surfaces of the blades 21 and the volute 1. In this embodiment, the third rotational speed can be set according to the impeller 2 model and the temperature of the hot air.
[0111] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11 The control method for the volute fan also includes a next step located between step S100 and step S200.
[0112] S110: Obtain the first liquid level of the water tank and the second liquid level of the detergent tank.
[0113] S120: Determine whether the first liquid level exceeds the first set liquid level and whether the second liquid level exceeds the second set liquid level.
[0114] If yes, then execute S200; otherwise, execute S130.
[0115] S130: Issues a reminder to the user to replenish the cleaning medium.
[0116] The second liquid level can be detected by a first liquid level sensor installed in the medium tank, and by a second liquid level sensor installed in the water tank.
[0117] Specifically, when the first liquid level is lower than the first set liquid level, the user is reminded to add cleaning agent; when the second liquid level is lower than the second set liquid level, the user is reminded to add water.
[0118] Steps S110 to S130 can prevent insufficient cleaning agent or water during the cleaning process, which could lead to cleaning failure of oil stains inside the worm gear blower.
[0119] The control method for the volute fan provided in this embodiment, after cleaning the oil stains on the blades 21 and the inner wall of the volute 1 with a cleaning agent, involves the impeller 2 running at a first speed while the first cleaning pipe 31 and the second cleaning pipe 32 simultaneously spray water for a fifth set time, which washes the oil stains on the surface of the blades 21. Then, the impeller 2 runs at a second speed for a sixth set time, which spins the water off the surface of the blades 21 and washes the oil stains on the inner wall of the volute 1 with water. The oil stains are collected by gravity and discharged from the oil drain hole at the bottom of the volute 1, and the inner wall of the volute 1 is dried, thus completing the cleaning of the blades 21 and the inner wall of the volute 1.
[0120] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of disclosure in this invention is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-disclosed concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this invention.
Claims
1. A volute fan, characterized in that, include: Snail shell (1); The impeller (2) includes an impeller frame (22) rotatably disposed within the volute (1) and a plurality of blades (21) uniformly disposed on the impeller frame (22) along the circumferential direction of the impeller frame (22). The blades (21) have a windward side (211) and a leeward side (212) disposed opposite to each other along the rotation direction of the impeller (2). The cleaning assembly (3) includes a first cleaning tube (31) and a second cleaning tube (32). Both the first cleaning tube (31) and the second cleaning tube (32) are used to transport cleaning media, and both the first cleaning tube (31) and the second cleaning tube (32) are inserted through the volute (1). The spray end of the first cleaning tube (31) faces the windward side (211) of the blade (21), and the spray end of the second cleaning tube (32) faces the leeward side (212) of the blade (21).
2. The volute fan according to claim 1, characterized in that, The volute fan also includes a first silencing component (5) and a second silencing component (6). The first silencing component (5) and the second silencing component (6) are both disposed outside the volute (1), and the first silencing component (5) and the second silencing component (6) are both fixedly connected to the volute (1). The first cleaning pipe (31) passes through the first silencing component (5), and the second cleaning pipe (32) passes through the second silencing component (6).
3. The volute fan according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first silencing component (5) is provided with a first silencing cavity (51), the first cleaning tube (31) passes through the first silencing cavity (51), and the first silencing component (5) is also provided with a plurality of first silencing holes (52) connecting the first silencing cavity (51) and the outside. The second silencing component (6) is provided with a second silencing cavity (61), the second cleaning tube (32) passes through the second silencing cavity (61), and the second silencing component (6) is also provided with a number of second silencing holes (62) that connect the second silencing cavity (61) and the outside.
4. The volute fan according to claim 1, characterized in that, The windward surface (211) includes a first shower area (2111) and a first shielding area (2112). The first cleaning pipe (31) has a first spray area. The plurality of blades (21) include adjacent first blades (21a) and second blades (21b), and along the rotation direction of the impeller (2), the first blade (21a) is located downstream of the second blade (21b). When both the first blade (21a) and the second blade (21b) are located in the first spray area, the second... The first receiving area (2111) of the blade (21b) is opposite to the spray end of the first cleaning pipe (31), the first blade (21a) is shielded between the first shielding area (2112) of the second blade (21b) and the spray end of the first cleaning pipe (31), and the impeller (2) is configured to allow the cleaning medium droplets collected in the first receiving area (2111) of the second blade (21b) to flow to the first shielding area (2112) when rotating at a first speed; and / or; The leeward side (212) includes a second shower area (2121) and a second shielding area (2122). The second cleaning pipe (32) has a second spray area. The plurality of blades (21) include adjacent third blades (21c) and fourth blades (21d), and along the rotation direction of the impeller (2), the third blade (21c) is located upstream of the fourth blade (21d). When both the third blade (21c) and the fourth blade (21d) are located in the second spray area, the... The second receiving area (2121) of the fourth blade (21d) is opposite to the spray end of the second cleaning pipe (32), the third blade (21c) is shielded between the second shielding area (2122) of the fourth blade (21d) and the spray end of the second cleaning pipe (32), and the impeller (2) is configured to allow the cleaning medium droplets collected in the second receiving area (2121) of the third blade (21c) to flow to the second shielding area (2122) when rotating at a first speed.
5. The volute fan according to claim 1, characterized in that, The impeller (2) is configured such that when it rotates at a second speed, the cleaning medium droplets collected on the leeward side (212) and the windward side (211) of each blade (21) are flung to the inner wall of the volute (1).
6. The volute fan according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The cleaning assembly (3) includes a plurality of first cleaning tubes (31), which are evenly and spaced apart along the axial direction of the impeller (2). The cleaning component (3) includes a plurality of second cleaning tubes (32), which are evenly and spaced apart along the axial direction of the impeller (2).
7. The volute fan according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cleaning assembly (3) further includes a first diversion pipe (33) connected to a plurality of first cleaning pipes (31), a second diversion pipe (34) connected to a plurality of second cleaning pipes (32), and a main inlet pipe (35) connected to the first diversion pipe (33) and the second diversion pipe (34), the main inlet pipe (35) being used to input the cleaning medium.
8. A range hood, characterized in that, The range hood includes a range hood body, and the range hood further includes a volute fan as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the volute fan is installed in the range hood body.
9. A control method for a volute fan, characterized in that, The control method of the volute fan, implemented by any one of claims 1-7, includes: Get cleaning instructions; The impeller (2) operates at a first rotational speed and the first cleaning pipe (31) and the second cleaning pipe (32) spray cleaning agent simultaneously for a first set time. The impeller (2) speed is adjusted to not exceed the set speed and is maintained for a second set time; The impeller (2) operates at a second rotation speed for a third set time; wherein, when the impeller (2) operates at the second rotation speed, droplets on the surface of the blades (21) can be flung to the inner wall of the volute (1), and the second rotation speed, the first rotation speed and the set rotation speed decrease sequentially; Set the fourth time to stand still.
10. The control method for a volute fan according to claim 9, characterized in that, After the fourth set time of stillness, it also includes: The impeller (2) operates at a first rotational speed and the first cleaning pipe (31) and the second cleaning pipe (32) spray water simultaneously for a fifth set time. The impeller (2) operates at a second rotational speed for a sixth set time.
11. The control method for a volute fan according to claim 10, characterized in that, After the impeller (2) operates at a second rotational speed for a sixth predetermined time, it further includes: The impeller (2) operates at the third speed and heats the air flowing into the volute fan.