Flow guide and air management device provided with same

Abstract

The invention relates to a flow guide and an air management device provided with the same. In the present invention, a nozzle (20) is formed at an inlet of a curved surface (18) having a predetermined radius of curvature formed on the surface of a flow guide (14). The nozzle (20) may have a constant section (21 ', 21' ') in which the interval from the drive fan (32) or the heat exchanger (30) is constant in the direction of the rotational axis of the drive fan (32), and a variable section (21) in which the interval changes. The distances from the constant sections (21 ', 21' ') to the drive fan (32) or the heat exchanger (30) are different from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a flow guide for guiding airflow and an air management device provided thereon. Background Technology

[0002] Air management systems are devices designed to maintain optimal air quality in indoor spaces for specific purposes. For example, in summer, they may expel heat from the room to the outside, thus relatively lowering the indoor air temperature. Conversely, in winter, they may relatively raise the temperature of the air exhausted from the air management system, making the indoor temperature relatively higher than the outdoor temperature. Alternatively, they may purify the air in a designated space and then re-export it into that space.

[0003] In the air management device described above, which is a wall-mounted air conditioner, a crossflow fan is used to generate airflow. The air flowing out of the crossflow fan is enhanced by being guided by the curved surface of the flow guide and is discharged to the outside.

[0004] In Korean Patent No. 10-0406035, which is existing document 1, the airflow generated by the crossflow fan in a wall-mounted air conditioner flows out of the crossflow fan and is guided by a duct member. The duct member does not restrict the area from which air flows from the heat exchanger to the crossflow fan. Furthermore, it does not obstruct the transfer of condensate generated in the heat exchanger to the crossflow fan.

[0005] Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-1999-0007257, which is existing document 2, discloses a wall-mounted air conditioner of the same type as existing document 1. However, in existing document 2, the receiving part corresponding to the pipe component of existing document 1 does not have a structure that restricts the flow of air from the heat exchanger to the blower, nor does it have a structure that blocks the transfer of condensate generated in the heat exchanger to the blower.

[0006] Right now, Figure 1 This illustration shows a conventional air conditioner where air passing through the heat exchanger 1 is transferred and flows through the crossflow fan 3 to the flow guide 5. There is no obstruction between the heat exchanger 1 and the crossflow fan 3 to prevent condensation. Therefore, as the area where air enters the crossflow fan 3 from the heat exchanger 1 becomes relatively wider, the guiding starting point GP, where the flow guide 5 begins to guide the air out of the crossflow fan 3, is located upstream of the flow guide 5. Consequently, there is a problem that the airflow out of the crossflow fan 3 cannot be effectively enhanced.

[0007] To solve the problems mentioned above, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a nozzle 7 is provided in the flow guide 5 to restrict the airflow area, which functions to prevent condensate overflow. Furthermore, the nozzle 7 is formed as a partition wall perpendicular to the flow direction of air flowing from the heat exchanger 1 to the crossflow fan 3. This allows the airflow through the heat exchanger 1 to flow towards the crossflow fan 3, resulting in a stripping effect at the end of the nozzle 7, where it collides with the blades 4 of the crossflow fan 3 at a relatively high velocity. Figure 3 It can be seen that the configuration of the nozzle 7 is constant, so the distance between the nozzle 7 and the heat exchanger 1 and the crossflow fan 3 is constant in all regions.

[0008] Therefore, the collision noise generated throughout the entire area of ​​the nozzle 7 has a constant frequency, resulting in a significant increase in noise due to peak noise caused by frequency overlap. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] The object of the present invention is to solve the existing problems as described above, such that the distance between the surface of the nozzle formed in the flow guide and the heat exchanger is different in the axial direction of the drive fan.

[0011] In this invention, the angle of the surface of the nozzle forming the flow guide varies along the axial direction of the driving fan depending on the position.

[0012] In this invention, the nozzle of the flow guide has a configuration in which it does not contact the arc of the extension portion of the flow guide.

[0013] Technical solutions to the problem

[0014] According to the features of the invention for achieving the objectives described above, in the invention, the distance from the nozzle surface at the inlet of the flow guide to the heat exchanger or drive fan can vary depending on the interval.

[0015] The flow guide of the present invention is disposed opposite to the drive fan at a predetermined interval in the airflow path and is provided with a curved surface for guiding the airflow. The distance between the surface of the nozzle at the inlet of the flow guide and the drive fan can have different values ​​in the axial direction of the drive fan depending on the region.

[0016] The surface of the nozzle can be provided with a constant range that is constant with respect to the distance between the nozzle and the drive fan, and a variable range that is variable with respect to the distance between the nozzle and the drive fan.

[0017] The constant interval includes a first constant interval and a second constant interval, and the interval between the nozzle and the driving fan can be different in the first constant interval and the second constant interval.

[0018] The angles of the nozzle surfaces in the first constant interval and the second constant interval can be different from each other.

[0019] The relationship between the width l1 of the first constant interval, the width l2 of the second constant interval, and the length B of a segment driving the fan can be 1.4 < 2. (l1+l2) / B<1.6.

[0020] The nozzle may be an offset nozzle that is offset by a specified distance from an imaginary line extending the curved surface of the flow guide.

[0021] The air management device of the present invention may include: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a drive fan forming an airflow through the inlet and the outlet; a heat exchanger for the airflow using the drive fan to pass through and for heat exchange between the air and a working fluid; and a flow guide for guiding the air discharged from the drive fan and having a predetermined curved surface opposite to the outer surface of the drive fan to guide the air; in the inlet of the flow guide, a nozzle may be provided in a region where the air flowing from the heat exchanger enters the drive fan after passing through, the distance between the surface of the nozzle and the drive fan or the heat exchanger may be formed to vary along the axial direction of the drive fan depending on the region.

[0022] The surface of the nozzle may be provided with a constant range that is constant with respect to the distance between the nozzle and the drive fan, and a variable range that is variable with respect to the distance between the nozzle and the drive fan.

[0023] The constant interval can be set to include a plurality of intervals with different values.

[0024] The constant interval includes a first constant interval and a second constant interval, and the interval between the nozzle and the driving fan or heat exchanger can be different in the first constant interval and the second constant interval.

[0025] The angles of the nozzle surfaces in the first constant interval and the second constant interval can be different from each other.

[0026] The relationship between the width l1 of the first constant interval, the width l2 of the second constant interval, and the length B of a segment driving the fan can be 1.4 < 2. (l1+l2) / B<1.6.

[0027] The nozzle may be an offset nozzle that is offset by a specified distance from an imaginary line extending the curved surface of the flow guide.

[0028] Invention Effects

[0029] In the flow guide and air management device provided therewith according to the present invention, at least one of the following effects can be achieved.

[0030] In this invention, the distance between the surface of the nozzle formed on the flow guide and the outer surface of the heat exchanger and / or crossflow fan is different in the axial direction of the driving fan. According to the configuration described above, the points where the flow passing through the heat exchanger is stripped from the nozzle tip are dispersed, thereby allowing for variation in the points of impact with the blades and the magnitude of the impact force. Therefore, the frequency of noise generated by the nozzle is dispersed, thereby reducing overall noise and flow loss.

[0031] In particular, in this invention, the angle of the surface forming the nozzle varies along the axial direction of the drive fan. In other words, the angle of the surface of the nozzle opposite the heat exchanger or the drive fan varies regularly or irregularly along the axial direction of the drive fan. Therefore, the point at which the flow passing through the heat exchanger is stripped from the nozzle tip varies along the axial direction of the drive fan, thereby dispersing the frequency of noise generated by the nozzle. Thus, the frequency overlap of noise is minimized, thereby reducing noise.

[0032] In this invention, a variable range of spacing between the heat exchanger or drive fan and the nozzle formed on the flow guide can be provided, along with a constant range of spacing. In particular, the distance between the surface of the constant range and the drive fan or heat exchanger can be varied. Due to the features of the configuration described above, noise generated at the nozzle can be minimized.

[0033] Furthermore, in this invention, the nozzle is designed so that it does not overlap with the arc of the extension portion of the flow guide. That is, the nozzle formed on the flow guide is designed as an off-set nozzle. Therefore, power consumption and noise can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the flow through a crossflow fan in the prior art when the flow guide does not use a nozzle.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the flow through a crossflow fan in the case of a flow guide using a nozzle in the prior art.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the constant distance between the surface of the nozzle, the heat exchanger, and the crossflow fan in the prior art.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the composition of important parts of the air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a side sectional view showing the configuration of an air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a chassis provided with a flow guide constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the nozzle of an embodiment of the present invention, shown from another direction.

[0042] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration and angle of the nozzle in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram showing a segment of the driving fan in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the experimental results related to the lengths of constant and variable intervals in embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a partial perspective view showing the relationship between the heat exchanger, nozzle, and drive fan in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating that the nozzle in an embodiment of the present invention is an offset nozzle.

[0047] Figure 14 This is a graph showing the noise values ​​of the nozzle of the present invention and conventional nozzles at various frequencies.

[0048] Figure 15 The diagram uses arrows to represent and illustrate the operational state of airflow in embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. When assigning reference numerals to the constituent elements of the various drawings, it should be noted that the same reference numerals should be assigned to the same constituent elements, even if they are labeled in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 4 A cross-sectional perspective view of an air management device employing a preferred embodiment of the flow guide of the present invention is shown. Figure 5A side sectional view is shown. The flow guide 14 of this embodiment can be used in various types of air management devices. The figures show applications of this embodiment in both wall-mounted and split-type air management devices. However, the flow guide 14 of this embodiment can be used in various air management devices.

[0051] The exterior of the illustrated air management device can be formed by a cover 10. The cover 10 can form most of the front, top, back, sides, and bottom of the air management device. Of course, a portion of the exterior of the air management device can also be made of other components, but the cover 10 can constitute most of the exterior of the air management device.

[0052] A chassis 12 is provided inside the enclosure 10. The chassis 12 is a component capable of mounting various parts, forming the frame of the air conditioner. In this embodiment, referring to... Figure 5 The chassis 12 forms the rear appearance. The shape of the chassis 12 is not limited to that shown in the figure and can have various shapes.

[0053] In this embodiment, a flow guide 14 is formed on a portion of the chassis 12. The flow guide 14 is the portion that guides managed air to be expelled to the outside of the enclosure 10. The space formed by the flow guide 14 may be part of a fan mounting space 16. The fan mounting space 16 is the portion surrounded by the flow guide 14 and the heat exchanger 30, which will be described below.

[0054] In the illustrated example, the inner surface of the fan mounting space 16, which serves as the surface of the flow guide 14, is formed by a curved surface 18 having a predetermined radius of curvature. This curved surface 18 faces the outer surface of the drive fan 32, which will be described below, and forms a flow path between them. The radius of curvature of the curved surface 18 can be configured to gradually increase towards the lower portion relative to the upstream portion. That is, the radius of curvature of the curved surface 18 of the flow guide 14 can be varied at each point in the airflow direction.

[0055] The radius of curvature of the curved surface 18 can be formed to be larger than the radius of the drive fan 32. Therefore, a nozzle 20 is present in the initial region of the curved surface 18. The nozzle 20 is formed across the entire width of the flow guide 14 at the upstream inlet. The nozzle 20 also serves to prevent condensate generated in the heat exchanger 30 from overflowing towards the drive fan 32. The nozzle 20 also serves to regulate the area where the air passing through the heat exchanger 30 enters the drive fan 32, thereby expanding the effective outlet and guiding the air flowing out of the drive fan 32 to the flow guide 14 more quickly.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 20 is configured to include a variable range 21 and constant ranges 21' and 21" respectively. The variable range 21 is the range in which the distance between the heat exchanger 30 and the drive fan 32 varies depending on their position (in the axial direction of the drive fan 32). The constant ranges 21' and 21" are ranges in which the distance between the heat exchanger 30 and the drive fan 32 is constant regardless of their position (in the axial direction of the drive fan 32).

[0057] Within the constant intervals 21' and 21" there is a first constant interval 21' and a second constant interval 21". The first constant interval 21' protrudes towards the drive fan 32, and the second constant interval 21" protrudes towards the heat exchanger 30. Here, the width of the first constant interval 21' and the second constant interval 21" is referred to as l1, and the width of the variable interval 21 is referred to as l2.

[0058] Furthermore, the angle of the first constant interval 21' relative to the horizontal plane is A, and the angle of the second constant interval 21" relative to the horizontal plane is A+α. This is in Figure 9 China has made it clear.

[0059] Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the first constant interval 21', the variable interval 21, and the second constant interval 21" are alternately set. However, unlike the illustrated embodiment, there can be multiple constant intervals 21' and 21" respectively. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, there are only the first constant interval 21' and the second constant interval 21", but there can be a third constant interval, a fourth constant interval, etc. The angles of these constant intervals relative to the horizontal plane can also be more diverse than in the illustrated embodiment.

[0060] The configuration of the constant intervals 21' and 21" is regular in the illustrated embodiment, but the configuration of the constant intervals 21' and 21" can also be irregular.

[0061] Examples of configurations for the constant and variable intervals can include various embodiments. For instance, in the case of three constant intervals, they can be configured in the order of first constant interval, variable interval, second constant interval, variable interval, third constant interval, variable interval, and first constant interval. That is, various configurations can be made to avoid frequency overlap of noise and the occurrence of peaks.

[0062] In this invention, a configuration for improving the performance of the nozzle 20 is described. Essentially, noise is reduced by dispersing the frequency of the generated noise. This is achieved by periodically varying the nozzle angle to disperse the stripping points without obstructing the flow path. In this case, if a variable period (=2) If (l1 + l2) is less than twice the length B of a segment (between the blades 33 configured as a cylinder) that drives the fan 32, the power consumption and noise are improved compared to existing nozzles. If the following correlation exists, the best performance can be achieved. For reference, the correlation between the variable cycle and the length B of a segment of the drive fan 32 is more important than the ratio of l1 and l2.

[0063] 1.4 < 2 (l1 + l2) / B < 1.6

[0064] 2 (l1 + l2) / B < 2.0

[0065] This relational expression is obtained through experiments, which means that the flow separation structure dispersed by the nozzle 20 needs to be less than the length B of a segment of the drive fan 32. For reference, when the cutting shape of the stabilizer 34 also has a three-dimensional profile, it needs to be designed to be out-of-phase with each other.

[0066] On the other hand, the nozzle 20 is an off-set nozzle. That is, as Figure 13 shown, the nozzle 20 is offset from the extension line of the curved surface 18 of the flow guide 14. That is, one side surface of the nozzle 20 is located radially outside the arc of the curved surface 18. At this time, the offset value is approximately at the level of 1 mm.

[0067] As described above, if an off-set nozzle is used as the nozzle 20, the power consumption and noise are relatively reduced compared to existing nozzles, as shown in the following table.

[0068] [Table 1]

[0069] In the above table, L1 and L2 are offset values, and L1 < L2. It can be seen that compared with existing nozzles, when an off-set nozzle is used, the power consumption (reduced by 1.9%) and noise (reduced by 0.2 dB) are reduced. However, the offset value cannot be increased infinitely. For example, the distance from the heat exchanger 30 may become a limiting condition.

[0070] Then, there is an air inlet 22 on one side of the cover 10. The air inlet 22 can be on the top surface of the cover 10. The air inlet 22 serves as an entrance for the air in the indoor space outside the cover 10 to flow into the inside of the cover 10. When the cover 10 is viewed from the front, the air inlet 22 can be formed to extend longitudinally to the left and right on the top surface of the cover 10.

[0071] A front exhaust port 24 may be provided on the lower front of the cover 10. The front exhaust port 24 is the part that discharges controlled air. When the cover 10 is viewed from the front, the front exhaust port 24 may also be formed by extending relatively long left and right sides on the front of the cover 10.

[0072] The bottom surface of the cover 10 may have a bottom outlet 26. The bottom outlet 26 may be located adjacent to the front outlet 24. That is, the bottom outlet 26 may be located on the front side of the bottom surface of the cover 10. Air can be discharged towards the front and lower part of the cover 10 through the front outlet 24 and the bottom outlet 26.

[0073] To control the opening and closing of the bottom surface discharge port 26 and the flow direction of the air discharged from the bottom surface discharge port 26, guide vanes 28 can be provided. A detailed description of the specific structure of the guide vanes 28 is omitted.

[0074] A heat exchanger 30 may be located inside the enclosure 10. The heat exchanger 30 is a portion that allows the working fluid of the heat exchange cycle to exchange heat with air drawn in from the indoor space through the intake 22. Within the heat exchanger 30, the working fluid circulating in the heat exchange cycle exchanges heat with the air drawn in from the indoor space. The heat exchanger 30 may be configured to surround approximately half of the outer surface of the drive fan 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 30 is configured to surround an angular region approximately halfway along the cross-section of the drive fan 32.

[0075] The drive fan 32 draws in air from the indoor space through the intake 22 and creates a flow that discharges air through the front exhaust 24 or the bottom exhaust 26. The drive fan 32 can be a crossflow fan. The drive fan 32 has a plurality of blades 33 arranged in a cylindrical shape. The drive fan 32 is cylindrical in shape and draws in air through one outer surface. The air drawn into the drive fan 32 can pass through an internal region opposite the curved surface 18 of the flow guide 14 and be discharged along the curved surface 18.

[0076] The outer surface of the drive fan 32 is disposed adjacent to the curved surface 18 of the flow guide 14 with a predetermined gap. The radius of the drive fan 32 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the curved surface 18. Therefore, the gap between the outer surface of the drive fan 32 and the curved surface 18 of the flow guide 14 increases as it moves from the upstream portion of the flow guide 14 to the downstream portion.

[0077] A stabilizer 34 is disposed opposite to the downstream portion of the curved surface 18 of the flow guide 14. The stabilizer 34 forms a flow path for airflow on one side and is located adjacent to the front outlet 24 and the bottom outlet 26.

[0078] A baffle 36 may be provided in the flow path corresponding to the region adjacent to the downstream portion of the flow guide 14. When the front outlet 24 or the bottom outlet 26 is viewed from the front, the baffle 36 can adjust the airflow direction in the left-right direction.

[0079] The following describes the operation of the flow guide according to the present invention, which has the configuration described above, and the air management device provided thereon.

[0080] The air management device of this invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, is a split-type air conditioner with an indoor unit. The indoor unit is also wall-mounted. In the air management device described above, working fluid from the outdoor unit passes through the heat exchanger 30, and air entering the air-conditioned space through the intake 22 via the drive fan 32 undergoes heat exchange while passing through the heat exchanger 30.

[0081] Air undergoing heat exchange (e.g., becoming relatively cold) in the heat exchanger 30 enters the drive fan 32, which then ejects it toward the curved surface 18 opposite the flow guide 14. During this process, the air exiting the heat exchanger 30 passes through the nozzle 20. As described above, the nozzle 20 has a variable range 21 and constant ranges 21' and 21".

[0082] Within the constant intervals 21' and 21" there are also a first constant interval 21' and a second constant interval 21"; for example, the distance from the heat exchanger 30 to the first constant interval 21' is different from the distance to the second constant interval 21". Therefore, the time it takes for the flow to exit the heat exchanger 30 and reach the first constant interval 21' is different from the time it reaches the second constant interval 21". Consequently, the time points at which flow stripping occurs in the first constant interval 21' and the second constant interval 21" will necessarily be different.

[0083] Therefore, the point of collision and the magnitude of the force between the blades 33 and the driving fan 32 will inevitably change. Consequently, the peak noise level is dispersed, and the overall noise level is reduced. Figure 14 As can be seen, in the existing nozzle, the area A, indicated by the dashed line, generates significant noise, while in the nozzle 20 of the present invention, it can be confirmed that the collision noise in the corresponding area is relatively reduced.

[0084] on the other hand, Figure 15The arrows indicate that the air in the indoor space is drawn in through the intake 22, then guided along the curved surface 18 of the flow guide 14 through the heat exchanger 30 and the drive fan 32, and then discharged into the indoor space through the front discharge port 24 or the bottom discharge port 26.

[0085] Although the invention has been described with all constituent elements of an embodiment of the invention combined into one or more actions, the invention is not necessarily limited to this embodiment. That is, within the scope of the invention, all constituent elements may also be selectively combined into more than one action.

Claims

1. A flow guide, disposed opposite to a driving fan at a predetermined interval in an airflow path, and provided with a curved surface for guiding airflow, wherein, The distance between the surface of the nozzle located at the inlet of the flow guide and the drive fan varies depending on the region along the axial direction of the drive fan.

2. The flow guide according to claim 1, wherein, The surface of the nozzle is provided with a constant interval relative to the distance between the nozzle and the drive fan, and a variable interval relative to the distance between the nozzle and the drive fan.

3. The flow guide according to claim 2, wherein, The constant interval includes a first constant interval and a second constant interval. The distance between the nozzle and the driving fan is different in the first constant interval and the second constant interval.

4. The flow guide according to claim 3, wherein, The angles of the nozzle surfaces in the first constant interval and the second constant interval are different from each other.

5. The flow guide according to claim 4, wherein, The relationship between the width l1 of the first constant interval, the width l2 of the second constant interval, and the length B of a segment driving the fan is 1.4 < 2. (l1+ l2) / B<1.

6.

6. The flow guide according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The nozzle is an offset nozzle that is offset from an imaginary line extending the curved surface of the flow guide by a specified distance.

7. An air management device, wherein, include: The cover has an inlet and an outlet; Drive the fan to create an airflow that passes through the inlet and the outlet; A heat exchanger through which air is circulated by the driving fan, and through which heat is exchanged between the air and the working fluid; as well as A flow guide, which guides the air expelled from the drive fan, and has a defined curved surface opposite to the outer surface of the drive fan to guide the air; In the inlet of the flow guide, a nozzle is provided in the area where air flowing from the heat exchanger enters the drive fan. The distance between the surface of the nozzle and the drive fan or the heat exchanger is formed to vary along the axial direction of the drive fan depending on the area.

8. The air management device according to claim 7, wherein, The surface of the nozzle is provided with a constant interval that is constant with respect to the distance between the nozzle and the drive fan, and a variable interval that is variable with respect to the distance between the nozzle and the drive fan.

9. The air management device according to claim 8, wherein, The constant interval is provided with a plurality of intervals having different values.

10. The air management device according to claim 8, wherein, The constant interval includes a first constant interval and a second constant interval. In the first constant interval and the second constant interval, the spacing between the nozzle and the driving fan or heat exchanger is formed differently.

11. The air management device according to claim 10, wherein, The angles of the nozzle surfaces in the first constant interval and the second constant interval are different from each other.

12. The air management device according to claim 11, wherein, The relationship between the width l1 of the first constant interval, the width l2 of the second constant interval, and the length B of a segment driving the fan is 1.4 < 2. (l1+l2) / B<1.

6.

13. The air management device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein, The nozzle is an offset nozzle that is offset from an imaginary line extending the curved surface of the flow guide by a specified distance.

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