Fan system and range hood having the same

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of fan system and range hood with the fan system, fan system includes: volute, the cover plate of the volute is provided with air inlet;Impeller, be located in volute, and can be driven by motor relative volute circumferential rotation;Air inlet ring, it is circumferentially located at the air inlet of the volute, the air inlet ring has annular radial guide portion and by the inner periphery of radial guide portion axial extension axial guide portion, the end surface of axial guide portion extends into the air inlet of the volute;Still include: at least two telescopic actuator, circumferentially spaced action on the air inlet ring, for driving air inlet ring relative air inlet axial movement, and the telescopic stroke of each actuator can be independently adjusted, so that air inlet ring can be relative to the edge of air inlet tilt or parallel to the edge of air inlet.The present application can improve backflow, reduce working noise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of kitchen appliance technology, specifically relating to a fan system and a range hood having the fan system. Background Technology

[0002] Range hoods operate on the principles of fluid dynamics. A centrifugal fan installed inside the hood draws in cooking fumes, while a filter removes some of the grease particles. The centrifugal fan consists of a casing, an impeller housed within the casing, and a motor that drives the impeller. As the impeller rotates, a negative pressure suction is generated at the center of the fan, drawing the cooking fumes from below into the fan. After being accelerated by the fan, the fumes are collected by the casing and guided outwards.

[0003] To guide oil fumes into the fan and improve the fume extraction effect, existing technologies include setting an air inlet ring (also called a collector) at the air inlet of the volute casing. For example, Chinese patent application No. 202011565983.5, entitled "A Double Impeller Counter-rotating Multi-blade Centrifugal Fan" (Publication No. CN112664471A), discloses a double impeller counter-rotating multi-blade centrifugal fan, including a fan volute casing, an outer impeller, an inner impeller, a fan motor, and a fixed bracket for the double impeller forward and reverse rotation mechanism. An air inlet is opened at the end of the fan volute casing along the axis of the inner impeller, and an air outlet is opened on the radial side of the fan volute casing along the inner impeller. A collector is provided at the air inlet of the fan volute casing, and the inner diameter of the collector is not greater than the inner diameter of the inner impeller.

[0004] In conventional centrifugal fan structures, the axial distance between the inlet ring and the impeller front ring is kept constant. When the airflow enters the volute cavity after being rectified by the blades, it presents a uniform flow state. However, due to the varying resistance at the rear end of the volute, a localized vortex enhancement effect occurs, particularly in the impeller front ring region near the inlet, where airflow boundary layer separation easily occurs, forming a recirculation zone. This flow separation not only causes energy loss and reduces efficiency but also induces noise degradation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fan system that improves recirculation and reduces operating noise in light of the existing technology.

[0006] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a range hood having the above-mentioned fan system.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a fan system, comprising:

[0008] The volute has an air inlet on its cover plate;

[0009] The impeller is located inside the volute and can rotate circumferentially relative to the volute under the drive of the motor;

[0010] An air inlet ring is provided circumferentially at the air inlet of the volute. The air inlet ring has an annular radial guide portion and an axial guide portion extending axially from the inner periphery of the radial guide portion. The end face of the axial guide portion extends into the air inlet of the volute.

[0011] Its characteristic is that it also includes:

[0012] At least two telescopic actuators act on the air inlet ring at circumferential intervals to drive the air inlet ring to move axially relative to the air inlet, and the extension stroke of each actuator can be adjusted independently so that the air inlet ring can be tilted relative to the edge of the air inlet or parallel to the edge of the air inlet.

[0013] Since the circumferential pressure distribution inside the volute is different, this invention controls the extension and retraction stroke of each actuator. If the extension and retraction strokes of each actuator are the same or different, the position of the air inlet ring can be adjusted so that the air inlet ring is parallel to the edge of the air inlet or tilted relative to the edge of the air inlet. In this way, the air inlet ring can be adjusted according to the circumferential airflow, thereby improving airflow and reducing operating noise.

[0014] When the air inlet ring is tilted relative to the edge of the air inlet, the distance between the end face of the axial guide and the end face of the impeller is not equal in the circumferential direction. This is to match the different circumferential pressures inside the volute, reduce backflow, and ensure the air intake effect.

[0015] When the extension and retraction strokes of each actuator are inconsistent, it is necessary to ensure that the air inlet ring can be moved to an inclined state. For example, the extension and retraction strokes of each actuator in the circumferential direction should increase or decrease sequentially.

[0016] Preferably, the air inlet ring can move axially relative to the air inlet under the drive of the actuator to:

[0017] The first state in which the end face of the axial guide extends into the impeller;

[0018] The second state is characterized by the end face of the axial guide extending beyond the impeller and forming a gap between it and the end face of the impeller.

[0019] The air inlet ring of the present invention can be moved axially relative to the air inlet to a first state or a second state under the drive of the actuator. The position of the air inlet ring can be adjusted according to the working condition of the fan system. For example, when the air inlet ring is in the second state, a gap is formed between the air inlet ring and the impeller, which is beneficial to improve the airflow and air intake, improve the airflow efficiency, and reduce noise. Conversely, when the air inlet ring is in the first state, the air inlet ring is relatively close to the impeller, which is beneficial to improve the backflow and local vortex of the airflow in the volute, improve the airflow efficiency, and reduce noise.

[0020] Preferably, taking the position of the fan system when it is placed vertically and the air inlet is facing forward as the reference, the end face of the impeller is the initial face, the side in front of the initial face is recorded as positive, and the side in back of the initial face is recorded as negative, and the travel t of the end face of the axial guide is -10~10mm.

[0021] Preferably, the actuators are disposed within the volute and are equipped with a pressure detection device for detecting the air pressure value in the area where each actuator is located, and a controller connecting the pressure detection device and the actuator, so that each actuator operates according to the air pressure value in its area. The circumferentially arranged actuators can adjust the air inlet ring according to the circumferential pressure distribution inside the volute.

[0022] Furthermore, let P be the air pressure value of the area where each actuator is located, t = -0.1P+10, where P is 0~200Pa. This allows the position of the inlet ring to be adjusted according to the circumferential pressure distribution inside the volute. During normal operation, the volute is generally under negative pressure (at which point the outlet resistance of the volute is low). When the outlet resistance of the volute is high, and the airflow returns to the inlet, P becomes a positive pressure value greater than 0 (e.g., P is 0~200Pa). At this time, each actuator of the present invention can extend and retract according to the air pressure value of its area to adjust the position and angle of the inlet ring, thereby reducing backflow. For example, when the resistance at the outlet of the volute is high, backflow in the impeller end face area increases. At this time, the actuator works to drive the inlet ring, either entirely or partially, closer to the impeller, reducing leakage and backflow, improving airflow conditions, and lowering noise. When the resistance at the outlet is low, the actuator works to drive the inlet ring, either entirely or partially, away from the impeller, thereby increasing the airflow and improving the fan's efficiency. In the above scheme, the actuator can be an existing telescopic electric cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, motor-driven lead screw and nut, etc.

[0023] Preferably, the actuator is a cylinder, with the cylinder body connected to the volute and the cylinder piston connected to the air inlet ring. The air inlet ring can be driven to move axially by the extension and retraction of the cylinder piston.

[0024] By controlling the movement stroke of each cylinder piston, whether the movement stroke of each cylinder piston is the same or not, the position of the air inlet ring can be adjusted so that the dimensions of the above-mentioned gap are equal or different at various points in the circumferential direction, and thus can be adjusted according to the airflow inside the volute.

[0025] Preferably, the cylinder body is located inside the volute and has an air inlet. In the initial state, the piston extends relative to the cylinder body, driving the air inlet ring to move to the second state; when air enters through the air inlet, the piston retracts relative to the cylinder body, driving the air inlet ring to move to the first state. That is, the cylinder can utilize the airflow inside the volute to operate, while also breaking up local vortices.

[0026] In the above embodiments, preferably, the outer periphery of the air inlet ring is connected to the cover plate of the volute by an inclined guide wall, and the inclination angle of the guide wall changes as the air inlet ring moves. In the first state, the inclination angle of the guide wall relative to the volute cover plate is smaller than that in the second state. The guide wall and the air inlet ring work together to guide the airflow. Simultaneously, the guide wall, whose inclination angle changes with the movement of the air inlet ring, can match the airflow conditions in different states of the air inlet ring, reducing airflow resistance.

[0027] Furthermore, an elastically deformable guide ring is provided between the air inlet ring and the cover plate of the volute, and a portion of the guide ring is the aforementioned guide wall.

[0028] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a range hood, characterized in that it has a fan system as described above.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: the circumferential pressure distribution inside the volute is different. The present invention controls the extension and retraction stroke of each actuator. If the extension and retraction stroke of each actuator is the same or not the same, the position of the air inlet ring can be adjusted so that the air inlet ring is parallel to the edge of the air inlet or inclined relative to the edge of the air inlet. In this way, the air inlet ring can be adjusted according to the circumferential airflow, thereby improving airflow and reducing operating noise.

[0030] Furthermore, the air inlet ring of the present invention can be moved axially relative to the air inlet to a first state or a second state under the drive of the actuator. The position of the air inlet ring can be adjusted according to the working condition of the fan system. For example, when the air inlet ring is in the second state, a gap is formed between the air inlet ring and the impeller, which is beneficial to improve the airflow and air intake, improve the airflow efficiency, and reduce noise. Conversely, when the air inlet ring is in the first state, the air inlet ring is relatively close to the impeller, which is beneficial to improve the backflow and local vortex of the airflow in the volute, improve the airflow efficiency, and reduce noise. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention (the air inlet ring is in the second state).

[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of section B;

[0033] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of section C;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a partial structural cross-sectional view of the air inlet ring in the first state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fan system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of a partial structure of the fan system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the fan system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cylinder structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 9 This is another structural schematic diagram of the cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] like Figures 1-9 As shown, this is a preferred embodiment of the fan system of the present invention and a range hood having the fan system. The fan system is a centrifugal fan, including a volute 21 and an impeller 22 disposed in the volute 21.

[0041] The volute 21 has a front cover plate, a rear cover plate, and an annular wall. The front cover plate has a circular air inlet 211. The rear cover plate is spaced apart from the front cover plate in the front-rear direction, and the rear cover plate has a circular air inlet 212 opposite to the air inlet 211. The annular wall connects the front and rear cover plates, and its two ends in the circumferential direction, together with the corresponding portions of the front and rear cover plates, define an upward-facing air outlet 210 at the top of the volute. The annular wall has a volute tongue 214 extending integrally in the front-rear direction near the air outlet 210.

[0042] Driven by the motor, the impeller 22 can rotate circumferentially relative to the volute, thereby driving the oil fume airflow to enter the volute through the air inlet 211 and the air outlet 212, and then discharge it through the air outlet 210.

[0043] The fan system of this embodiment also includes an air inlet assembly 3, which has an integrally connected air inlet plate 31, a guide plate 32, and a side plate 34. The air inlet plate 31 is detachably mounted on the front side of the volute 21. The center of the air inlet plate 31 has an opening corresponding to the air inlet 211 of the volute 21, and the edge of the opening has an air inlet ring 310 for guiding the oil fume airflow into the air inlet 211. The air inlet ring 310 has an annular radial guide portion 311 and an axial guide portion 312 extending axially from the inner periphery of the radial guide portion 311. The rear end of the axial guide portion 312 extends into the air inlet 211 of the volute 21. At the same time, the air inlet ring 310 can move axially relative to the air inlet 211 under the drive of the actuator, and has:

[0044] The first state in which the rear end face of the axial guide section 312 extends into the impeller 22;

[0045] The second state is characterized by the rear end face of the axial guide section 312 extending out of the impeller 22 and forming a gap between it and the front end face of the impeller 22.

[0046] In this embodiment, taking the position of the fan system when it is placed vertically with the air inlet 211 facing forward as the reference, the end face of the impeller 22 is the initial face, with the side in front of the initial face recorded as positive and the side behind the initial face recorded as negative. The travel distance t of the end face of the axial guide 312 is -10~10mm. Figure 3 The travel t of the end face of the axial guide section 312 is a positive number with a maximum value of 10 mm. Figure 4 The travel t of the end face of the axial guide section 312 is negative, with a minimum value of -10mm.

[0047] This embodiment has at least two extendable actuators, circumferentially spaced within the volute 21, that act on the air inlet ring 310 to drive it to move axially relative to the air inlet 211. The extension / retraction stroke of each actuator is independently adjustable, allowing the air inlet ring 310 to be tilted relative to or parallel to the edge of the air inlet 211. This embodiment also includes a pressure detection device for detecting the air pressure in the area where each actuator is located, and a controller connecting the pressure detection device and the actuators, so that each actuator operates according to the air pressure in its area.

[0048] In this embodiment, the actuator is a cylinder 7. The cylinder body 71 of the cylinder 7 is located inside and connected to the volute 21, and has an air inlet 711. The piston 72 of the cylinder 7 passes forward through the front cover of the volute and connects to the air inlet ring 310. In the initial state, the piston 72 extends relative to the cylinder body 71, driving the air inlet ring 310 to move to the second state; when air enters through the air inlet 711, the piston 72 retracts relative to the cylinder body 71, driving the air inlet ring 310 to move to the first state.

[0049] In the initial state, the piston 72 extends relative to the cylinder block 71 of the cylinder 7. For example... Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, an elastic element 73 can be provided in the first chamber of the cylinder 71. The elastic element 73 acts on the piston 72 so that the piston always has a tendency to extend forward. The second chamber of the cylinder 71 (the second chamber is located in front of the first chamber) has the above-mentioned air inlet 711. When the airflow in the volute enters the second chamber through the air inlet 711, the air pressure can push the piston 72 to move backward against the elastic force of the elastic element 73 and contract relative to the cylinder 71.

[0050] Similarly, as Figure 8As shown, in this embodiment, a specific gas (such as air) can also be filled in the first chamber of the cylinder 71. The pressure generated by the specific gas acts on the piston, causing the piston to always tend to extend forward. The second chamber of the cylinder 71 (located in front of the first chamber) has the aforementioned air inlet 711. When the airflow in the volute enters the second chamber through the air inlet 711, the air pressure can push the piston 72 to move backward and contract relative to the cylinder 71. During this process, the gas in the second chamber is further compressed.

[0051] This embodiment has multiple cylinders 7, arranged at circumferential intervals. By controlling the stroke of the pistons in each cylinder—whether the strokes are the same or different—the position of the air inlet ring can be adjusted so that the aforementioned gaps are equal or unequal at various points in the circumferential direction, thereby allowing adjustment based on the airflow conditions inside the volute. Furthermore, the cylinders can utilize the airflow inside the volute to operate, while simultaneously breaking up local vortices.

[0052] When the impeller rotates, the circumferential pressure distribution inside the volute varies. In this embodiment, each cylinder is equipped with a pressure detection device to detect the air pressure in its respective area. Based on the air pressure detected by the pressure detection device inside the volute, the piston movement of each cylinder is adjusted, solving the problem of adjusting the axial position of the air inlet ring and achieving improved flow effect through pressure drive inside the volute.

[0053] This embodiment establishes a relationship between the travel stroke t of the air inlet ring and the volute (the circumferential pressure value at the air inlet). t is negatively correlated with the air pressure value P (optionally 0-200Pa) in the area where each actuator is located, t=-0.1P+10.

[0054] The control method in this embodiment is as follows: 1. After the range hood starts running → 2. The fan system starts running → 3. The piston of the cylinder returns to the maximum stroke position (t=10mm) → 4. The pressure detection device on each cylinder detects the pressure value of its respective area → 5. Determine whether the pressure value is 0~200Pa. If yes, move according to the stroke of t=-0.1P+10, and wait for 10s before returning to step 4. The pressure detection device on each cylinder detects the pressure value of its respective area. If no, wait for 10s and continue to detect the pressure value. Then determine whether the fan system is turned off. If the fan system is turned off, the process ends. If the fan system is not turned off, return to step 5 and determine whether the pressure value is 0~200Pa.

[0055] In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the air inlet ring 310 (i.e. the outer periphery of the radial guide portion 311) and the air inlet plate 31 are connected by an inclined guide wall 81. The inclination angle of the guide wall 81 changes as the air inlet ring 310 moves. In the first state, the inclination angle of the guide wall 81 relative to the air inlet plate 31 is smaller than the inclination angle of the guide wall 81 relative to the volute 21 cover plate in the second state.

[0056] In order to connect the inclined guide wall 81 between the outer periphery of the air inlet ring 310 and the air inlet plate 31, in this embodiment, a guide ring 8 capable of elastic deformation is provided between the outer periphery of the air inlet ring 310 and the air inlet plate 31. The outer peripheral wall of the guide ring 8 is the aforementioned guide wall 81, and the inner peripheral wall of the guide ring 8 is provided with a circumferentially extending annular slot 82. The guide ring 8 can deform as the air inlet ring moves. The design of the annular slot 82 ensures that the pressure inside and outside the guide ring can be balanced during the deformation process.

[0057] The aforementioned guide vane 32 extends forward and downward from the upper edge of the air inlet vane 31.

[0058] There are two side plates 34, extending forward from the left and right sides of the air inlet plate 31, respectively. The two side plates 34, together with the air inlet plate 31 and the guide plate 32, define a forward-facing concave cavity. At the same time, each side plate 34 has multiple flow equalization holes 340 distributed at intervals to connect the concave cavity with the air inlet 212 of the volute 21. The number and size of the flow equalization holes 340 are designed according to actual needs.

[0059] The air intake assembly in this embodiment also includes a filter screen 33, which is located at the open end and has diamond-shaped mesh openings. The filter screen 33 provides good airflow rectification and helps reduce incoming flow resistance, while condensed oil on its surface can slide off smoothly.

[0060] The range hood in this embodiment includes a housing 1 and a fan system 2.

[0061] The front of the housing 1 is provided with a panel 11 that slopes backward from top to bottom. The panel 11 has an oil fume inlet 110 for external oil fumes to enter the housing 1. The front of the housing 1 also has a baffle plate that can open and close the oil fume inlet 110 (the baffle plate is prior art and will not be described in detail here). The bottom of the housing 1 is provided with an oil cup 4 to collect the oil flowing down from inside the housing 1. Again, the oil cup is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0062] The fan system 2 is housed inside the housing 1. In this embodiment, the volute 21 is tilted forward at a 15° angle. Correspondingly, the air inlet plate 31 is tilted forward at a 15° angle. The opening of the recess is opposite to the fume inlet 110. The front end of the guide plate 32 is located above the panel 11 and corresponds to the portion of the panel 11 located above the fume inlet 110.

[0063] In this embodiment, the air inlet assembly with a concave cavity can gather and guide the oil fume airflow. A portion of the oil fume airflow is guided into the centrifugal fan through the air inlet ring 310, while the other portion flows through the equalization holes on both sides to the air inlet 212 of the volute 21. Simultaneously, the oil on the front side of the air inlet plate flows down under its own weight and is collected in the oil cup. The oil on the lower surface of the guide plate flows to the front end of the guide plate under its own weight and then drips onto the panel component. The oil on the panel component flows down along the panel component and is collected in the oil cup. Similarly, the oil on the side plate 34 flows down under its own weight and is collected in the oil cup.

[0064] The range hood of the present invention can be controlled by a voice module, which is equipped with a controller, a voice receiving module, and a voice parsing module. The voice receiving module receives user commands, and the voice parsing module parses the commands. Based on the parsed commands, the controller controls the fan system and other components to perform corresponding operations, thereby realizing intelligent control of the range hood and improving the user experience.

[0065] The specification and claims of this invention use terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the invention. However, these terms are used herein merely for ease of explanation and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

[0066] The term "radial" is also used in the specification and claims of this invention, meaning essentially along the inside-out direction, and is not limited to the radial direction that passes through the center of the circle, but can also be slightly deviated from the radial direction.

Claims

1. A fan system, comprising: The volute (21) has an air inlet (211) on its cover plate; The impeller (22) is located inside the volute (21) and can rotate circumferentially relative to the volute (21) under the drive of the motor; An air inlet ring (310) is provided circumferentially at the air inlet (211) of the volute (21). The air inlet ring (310) has an annular radial guide portion (311) and an axial guide portion (312) extending axially from the inner periphery of the radial guide portion (311). The end face of the axial guide portion (312) extends into the air inlet (211) of the volute (21). Its features It also includes: At least two telescopic actuators act on the air inlet ring (310) at circumferential intervals to drive the air inlet ring (310) to move axially relative to the air inlet (211), and the extension stroke of each actuator can be adjusted independently so that the air inlet ring (310) can be tilted relative to the edge of the air inlet (211) or parallel to the edge of the air inlet (211).

2. The fan system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet ring (310) can move axially relative to the air inlet (211) under the drive of the actuator to: The first state in which the end face of the axial guide section (312) extends into the impeller (22); The second state is characterized by the end face of the axial guide section (312) extending out of the impeller (22) and forming a gap between it and the end face of the impeller (22).

3. The fan system according to claim 2, characterized in that: With the fan system placed vertically and the air inlet (211) facing forward as the reference, the end face of the impeller (22) is the initial face. The face in front of the initial face is recorded as positive, and the face behind the initial face is recorded as negative. The travel t of the end face of the axial guide (312) is -10~10mm.

4. The fan system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The actuator is located inside the volute (21) and is provided with a pressure detection device for detecting the air pressure value of the area where each actuator is located, and a controller connecting the pressure detection device and the actuator, so that each actuator works according to the air pressure value of its area.

5. The fan system according to claim 4, characterized in that: Let the air pressure value of each actuator region be P, t = -0.1P + 10, where P is 0~200Pa.

6. The fan system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The actuator is a cylinder (7), the cylinder body (71) of the cylinder (7) is connected to the volute (21), and the piston (72) of the cylinder (7) is connected to the air inlet ring (310).

7. The fan system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cylinder body (71) of the cylinder (7) is located inside the volute (21) and is provided with an air inlet (711). In the initial state, the piston (72) extends relative to the cylinder body (71) and drives the air inlet ring (310) to move to the second state. When air enters through the air inlet (711), the piston (72) retracts relative to the cylinder body (71) and drives the air inlet ring (310) to move to the first state.

8. The fan system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: The outer periphery of the air inlet ring (310) is connected to the cover plate of the volute (21) by an inclined guide wall (81), and the inclination angle of the guide wall (81) changes with the movement of the air inlet ring (310). In the first state, the inclination angle of the guide wall (81) relative to the cover plate of the volute (21) is smaller than that in the second state.

9. The fan system according to claim 8, characterized in that: A guide ring (8) capable of elastic deformation is provided between the air inlet ring (310) and the cover plate of the volute (21), and a portion of the guide ring (8) is the aforementioned guide wall (81).

10. A range hood, characterized in that... The system comprises a wind turbine system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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