Volute, fan assembly, air conditioner indoor unit and air conditioner

Abstract

This invention provides a volute, a fan assembly, an indoor air conditioning unit, and an air conditioner. The volute includes a body (1), the air outlet surface of which has alternating protrusions (2) and recesses (3) along the axial direction of the volute. Adjacent protrusions (2) are spaced apart by a first distance S. The body (1) has a throat (4) and an air outlet end (5). Both the protrusions (2) and the recesses (3) extend from the throat (4) to the air outlet end (5). The starting end (6) and the ending end (7) of the protrusions (2) and the recesses (3) are located between the throat (4) and the air outlet end (5), with the starting end (6) being closer to the throat (4) than the ending end (7). According to the volute of this invention, the axial disturbance of airflow during the operation of the cross-flow fan can be improved, the stability of the internal airflow can be enhanced, and the operating efficiency of the cross-flow fan can be increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more specifically, to a volute, a fan assembly, an indoor air conditioning unit, and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Cross-flow fans, with their significant large air volume and low noise characteristics, have become an indispensable key component in the air conditioning industry. The core components of this type of fan include the impeller and the volute, which work together to ensure that the air conditioning system can deliver a stable and high-speed airflow, thereby meeting users' needs for air conditioning performance.

[0003] However, for ease of manufacturing and assembly, the impeller of a cross-flow fan is often designed to consist of multiple segments connected by seams. While this design simplifies the manufacturing process, it introduces the problem of uneven airflow distribution: at the impeller seams, the airflow velocity drops significantly, while the central part of the impeller maintains a higher airflow velocity. When the airflow passes through the impeller and enters the volute, this velocity distribution difference leads to a unique flow phenomenon: the high-speed airflow in the central parts of both sides of the impeller naturally converges towards the seam, forming an axially turbulent airflow pattern.

[0004] This axial disturbance not only weakens the stability of the airflow, but may also cause unstable fluctuations in the internal airflow, reducing the overall operating efficiency of the cross-flow fan. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a volute, a fan assembly, an indoor air conditioning unit, and an air conditioner that can improve the axial airflow disturbance during the operation of a cross-flow fan, enhance the stability of the internal airflow, and improve the operating efficiency of the cross-flow fan.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a volute is provided, comprising a body, wherein the air outlet surface of the body is formed with alternating protrusions and depressions along the axial direction of the volute, and adjacent protrusions are spaced apart by a first distance S. The body has a volute throat and an air outlet end, and both the protrusions and depressions extend in the direction from the volute throat to the air outlet end. The starting end and the ending end of the protrusions and depressions are located between the volute throat and the air outlet end, with the starting end being closer to the volute throat than the ending end.

[0007] Furthermore, an alternating protrusion and an adjacent depression along the axial direction form a cycle of change. Within a cycle of change, the apex of the protrusion forms the peak of the cycle of change, and the bottom of the depression forms the trough of the cycle of change.

[0008] Furthermore, along the axis of the volute, the axial length of each variation cycle is the same.

[0009] Furthermore, along the axial direction of the volute, the structure of the protrusions and depressions is the same in each cycle of change.

[0010] Furthermore, the edges of the starting ends of the protrusions and depressions are continuous and / or the edges of the ending ends of the protrusions and depressions are continuous.

[0011] Furthermore, along the direction from the throat to the air outlet end, the profiles of both the raised crest and the recessed trough are arcs.

[0012] Furthermore, between the starting end and the ending end of the protrusion, a first cross-section is made of the volute with a plane perpendicular to the air outlet surface and extending along the axial direction of the volute. Within the first cross-section, the shape of the volute is a spline curve, an arc, a straight line, or a combination of at least two of these.

[0013] Furthermore, within the first cross-section, the volute is wavy, U-shaped, or serrated.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a wind turbine assembly is provided, comprising:

[0015] A cross-flow fan blade has at least two impeller sections, with adjacent impeller sections connected by a joint.

[0016] The aforementioned volute houses the cross-flow fan.

[0017] Furthermore, a set of protrusions and depressions corresponds to a set of impellers and seams, with the protrusions corresponding to the seam settings and the depressions corresponding to the impeller settings. The offset distance of the protrusions relative to the seams towards both ends is [1 / 4S, 0].

[0018] Furthermore, the axial convex and concave changes in the volute are matched with the number of sections of the impeller of the cross-flow fan blade, wherein the peaks of the convex changes are aligned with the seam, and the troughs are aligned with the center of the impeller.

[0019] Furthermore, when the profiles of both the convex crests and concave troughs are arcs, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the cross-flow fan blades, the maximum distance between the profiles of the convex crests and concave troughs is 'a', the impeller diameter is 'D', and 0.03D≤a≤0.07D; and / or, in a section perpendicular to the central axis of the cross-flow fan blades, the center of the cross-flow fan blades is 'O', the apex of the throat is 'A', the point on the profile of the crest with the maximum distance from the profile of the trough is 'B', the line connecting point O and point A is 'OA', the line connecting point O and point B is 'OB', and the angle between 'OA' and 'OB' is 'α', and 30°≤α≤145°.

[0020] Furthermore, when the profiles of both the raised crests and the recessed troughs are curved, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the cross-flow blades, the distance between the profiles of the raised crests and the recessed troughs gradually decreases from the middle to both sides.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, an indoor air conditioning unit is provided, comprising a volute, an indoor heat exchanger, an impeller, and a volute tongue, wherein the volute is the aforementioned volute, the impeller is located within the space enclosed by the volute and the indoor heat exchanger, and the volute tongue is disposed on the air outlet side of the impeller.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, an indoor air conditioning unit is provided, including a fan assembly and an indoor heat exchanger, wherein the fan assembly is the aforementioned fan assembly, and the indoor heat exchanger is disposed on the air inlet side of the fan assembly.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided, comprising the aforementioned volute or the aforementioned fan assembly.

[0024] According to the technical solution of the present invention, the volute includes a body, and the air outlet surface of the body forms alternating protrusions and depressions along the axial direction of the volute. There is a first distance S between adjacent protrusions. The body has a volute throat and an air outlet end. The protrusions and depressions extend along the direction from the volute throat to the air outlet end. The starting end and the ending end of the protrusions and depressions are located between the volute throat and the air outlet end, and the starting end is closer to the volute throat than the ending end. The volute features alternating convex and concave protrusions along the axial direction on its outlet surface. These protrusions create a convex structure between adjacent impellers of the cross-flow fan, bringing the lower-velocity airflow areas at the impeller ends closer to the volute and the higher-velocity areas further away. This design reduces eddies in the lower-velocity areas, allowing them to be closer to the volute, while providing more space for airflow output in the higher-velocity areas. This results in the airflow from the impeller adhering more closely to the volute, improving impeller efficiency and effectively increasing airflow. The convex structure also physically isolates the airflow at both ends of the protrusion, preventing the high-speed airflow in the middle of adjacent impeller sections from attracting each other and converging. This reduces axial fluctuations in the output airflow between adjacent impeller sections, improves airflow stability, prevents the formation of significant axial characteristics within the volute, reduces localized accumulation or dispersion of airflow in the axial direction, and improves the uniformity of airflow distribution. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a wind turbine assembly according to an embodiment of the related technology is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the AA-direction cross-section structure;

[0028] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the structure of a fan assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the AA-direction cross-section structure;

[0030] Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 6 The diagram shows the air velocity distribution structure of the cross-flow fan;

[0032] Figure 7 The diagram shows the airflow direction structure of the cross-flow fan;

[0033] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the starting and ending points of the protrusions and recesses of the volute according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the convex and concave profiles of the volute casing according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0035] Figure 10 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the volute shell according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0037] 1. Body; 2. Protrusion; 3. Depression; 4. Throat; 5. Air outlet end; 6. Starting end; 7. Terminal; 8. Change cycle; 9. Crest; 10. Trough; 11. Cross-flow fan blade; 12. Impeller; 13. Seam; 14. Indoor heat exchanger; 15. Volute tongue. Detailed Implementation

[0038] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0039] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the related technology, the air conditioning indoor unit using a cross-flow fan includes an impeller 12 and a volute body 1. The volute body 1 has a conventional structure with no features in the axial direction. The speed is high in the middle of a single impeller section and low at the joints at both ends. When the airflow exits the impeller, the flow state inside the volute is as follows: due to the low speed at the joints, the high-speed airflow in the middle of the two impellers 12 on both sides will attract each other to the joints. This phenomenon of mutual interference between sections results in a strong axial characteristic of the airflow inside the cross-flow fan, which is prone to instability.

[0040] Figure 6 The diagram shows the flow velocity at the impeller outlet of a cross-flow fan. Analysis by the inventors revealed that the flow distribution at the outlet of each impeller section exhibits a certain pattern in the axial direction. The flow velocity gradually decreases in region L near joint 13, reaching its maximum in region H near the center of each impeller section 12. This is due to the flow resistance at joint 13 and the fact that joint 13 cannot perform work on the airflow. Because of this velocity distribution characteristic, as the airflow moves away from impeller 12, [further details are needed]. Figure 7 As shown, since a conventional volute has no axial features, when the airflow runs within the volute, the high-speed airflow in the middle of the impeller 12 attracts each other towards the joint 13, causing the airflow in the plane of the joint 13 to rise at the far end (Coanda effect). Under this flow pattern, there is strong interference between the airflow between the two impeller sections 12. When there is a fluctuation in the output airflow of one impeller section 12, it will quickly propagate to the adjacent impeller, resulting in poor stability.

[0041] To solve the above problems, see [reference] Figures 3 to 10 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the volute includes a body 1. The air outlet surface of the body 1 has alternating protrusions 2 and recesses 3 arranged along the axial direction of the volute. There is a first distance S between adjacent protrusions 2. The body 1 has a volute throat 4 and an air outlet end 5. The protrusions 2 and recesses 3 both extend in the direction from the volute throat 4 to the air outlet end 5. The starting end 6 and the ending end 7 of the protrusions 2 and recesses 3 are both located between the volute throat 4 and the air outlet end 5. The starting end 6 is closer to the volute throat 4 than the ending end 7.

[0042] The volute has alternating protrusions 2 and recesses 3 arranged along the axial direction on the air outlet surface of the main body 1. The protrusions 2 form a protruding structure between adjacent impellers 12 of the cross-flow fan blades, so that the area with lower airflow velocity at the end of the impeller 12 is closer to the volute, and the area with higher airflow velocity is farther away from the volute. This structural design reduces eddies in the area with lower airflow velocity and brings it closer to the volute, while the area with higher airflow velocity has more space to output airflow. This makes the airflow output by the impeller 12 fit the volute more closely, which can improve the working efficiency of the impeller 12 and thus effectively increase the air volume. The protruding structure can physically isolate the high-speed airflow of the impeller 12 at both ends of the protrusion 2, restricting the high-speed airflow in the middle of the two adjacent impeller sections 12 from attracting each other and getting closer. This helps to reduce the axial fluctuation between the output airflow of the two adjacent impeller sections 12, improve the stability of the airflow, avoid the formation of obvious axial characteristics in the volute, reduce the local accumulation or dispersion of airflow in the axial direction, and improve the uniformity of airflow distribution. The above structure can effectively improve the airflow state inside the volute, reduce eddies and backflow, improve airflow efficiency and volume, reduce operating noise, and enhance the user experience and energy efficiency of the air conditioner indoor unit and air conditioner.

[0043] Figure 5The wave structure shown is the projection of the volute's cross-section onto the air outlet surface, which is to facilitate the display of the volute's cross-sectional structure on the air outlet surface.

[0044] In one embodiment, a protrusion 2 and an adjacent depression 3 arranged alternately along the axial direction form a variation cycle 8. Within a variation cycle 8, the apex of the protrusion 2 forms the peak 9 of the variation cycle 8, and the bottom of the depression 3 forms the trough 10 of the variation cycle 8.

[0045] The periodic arrangement of crests 9 and troughs 10 can be adapted to the periodic arrangement of the impeller 12 of the cross-flow fan blade 11, helping to balance the airflow velocity in different regions of the impeller 12. When the airflow exits the impeller 12, the velocity in the central region is higher, while the velocity in the end region is lower. Designing the variation period of the troughs and crests to be consistent with the arrangement period of the impeller of the cross-flow fan blade ensures that when assembling the volute and the cross-flow fan blade 11, the variation period of the protrusions 2 and recesses 3 on the air outlet surface of the volute is adapted to the arrangement period of the impeller 12. Each period of protrusions 2 and recesses 3 can have a good matching relationship with the corresponding impeller 12, so that the lower velocity region is affected by the closer volute wall, while the high velocity airflow has a wider channel in the trough region, thereby reducing the mutual attraction between airflows of different velocities, suppressing axial disturbance, and improving airflow stability. The periodic arrangement of crests 9 and troughs 10 can also reduce the design and manufacturing difficulty of the volute, facilitating the mass production of the volute and helping to reduce production costs.

[0046] The periodically changing peaks 9 and troughs 10 make the airflow distribution inside the volute more uniform. Axially, the airflow is no longer concentrated in a certain area or fluctuates strongly along the axis, but is guided by the design of the protrusions 2 and depressions 3 on the volute, making the entire air outlet process smoother, reducing the phenomenon of local airflow accumulation or dispersion, and improving the air supply effect and comfort.

[0047] Due to the homogenization of airflow distribution and the suppression of axial disturbances, the periodic design of crests 9 and troughs 10 also helps to reduce noise during operation, avoid turbulent noise caused by uneven airflow or strong fluctuations, and improve the quietness performance of the air conditioner.

[0048] In one embodiment, the axial length of each variation cycle 8 is the same along the axial direction of the volute.

[0049] When the axial length of the cycle 8 matches the axial length of the impeller 12, each cycle 8 can precisely correspond to a segment of the impeller 12. This matching allows the airflow to flow smoothly along a preset path when passing through the volute, reducing the collision between the airflow and the volute wall, lowering fluid resistance, and thus improving the airflow efficiency and the working efficiency of the impeller 12.

[0050] The axial length of the 8-wave cycle is the same, meaning that the airflow regions guided by each crest and trough within the volute are of equal length in the axial direction. This prevents significant dimensional changes in the airflow exiting the impeller, avoiding abrupt changes in airflow velocity, helping to maintain airflow stability and uniformity, and reducing noise and vibration caused by airflow disturbances.

[0051] Because the axial length of the changing cycle 8 is consistent with the axial length of the impeller, the airflow in each impeller segment can obtain corresponding volute structure support, thereby reducing axial fluctuations in airflow and increasing air volume. At the same time, the periodic matching of crests and troughs helps optimize the radial distribution of airflow, making the air outlet more uniform, improving air quality, and enhancing the comfort of the air conditioner.

[0052] The consistent axial length design of the volute and impeller simplifies the manufacturing process of the volute and facilitates precise assembly of the impeller and volute. This design reduces manufacturing costs, improves production efficiency, and ensures the stability and reliability of the air conditioner's internal structure.

[0053] In one embodiment, the structures of the protrusions 2 and the depressions 3 in each variation cycle 8 are the same along the axial direction of the volute. This means that the structures of the protrusions 2 and the depressions 3 are the same in different variation cycles, so that the volute structure in each variation cycle 8 is the same. This sameness means that the structure is the same in the cross section passing through the central axis of the cross-flow fan blade 11 and perpendicular to the air outlet surface, or the structure is the same in the cross section parallel to the central axis of the cross-flow fan blade 11 and perpendicular to the air outlet surface.

[0054] Within each cycle 8, the structures of protrusion 2 and depression 3 are identical, meaning that their guiding and resistance effects on airflow in the axial direction are balanced. This balance helps maintain a uniform axial velocity distribution of airflow, avoiding airflow velocity fluctuations caused by local structural differences, thereby improving the uniformity of airflow throughout the duct and reducing airflow disturbance.

[0055] The protrusion 2 and the recess 3 have the same structure in each axial variation cycle 8, which simplifies the manufacturing process of the volute and reduces manufacturing difficulty and cost. At the same time, the consistency of the structure also makes the assembly process more convenient and precise, which helps to improve production efficiency and product quality.

[0056] In one embodiment, the edges of the starting ends of the protrusion and the recess are continuous and / or the edges of the ending ends of the protrusion and the recess are continuous, such that the starting ends 6 and / or the ending ends 7 of the protrusion 2 and the recess 3 coincide. Specifically, the protrusion 2 coincides with the starting end 6 of the recess 3, or the protrusion 2 coincides with the ending end 7 of the recess 3, or both the starting ends 6 and the ending ends 7 of the protrusion 2 and the recess 3 coincide.

[0057] The continuous edge lines of the starting ends of the protrusion 2 and the depression 3 mean that the edge lines of the protrusion 2 and the depression 3 at the starting ends are continuous, and the two edge lines are located on the same straight line or the same curve, so that the starting ends of the protrusion 2 and the depression 3 start from the same straight line or curve, and the starting ends of the protrusion 2 and the depression 3 coincide.

[0058] The continuous edge lines of the ends of protrusion 2 and depression 3 mean that the edge lines of protrusion 2 and depression 3 at their ends are continuous, and the two edge lines are located on the same straight line or the same curve, so that the ends of protrusion 2 and depression 3 end on the same straight line or curve, and the ends of protrusion 2 and depression 3 coincide.

[0059] The overlapping design of the protrusion 2 and the recess 3 at the starting end 6 and / or the terminal end 7 ensures a smooth transition of airflow during one cycle 8 as it enters and exits the volute. This smooth transition reduces abrupt changes encountered by the airflow as it enters from the volute throat 4 to the outlet end 5, preventing the generation of eddies and airflow separation, thereby improving airflow smoothness, reducing flow resistance, and facilitating stable airflow delivery.

[0060] By aligning the starting ends 6 and / or ending ends 7 of the protrusion 2 and the recess 3, the continuity of airflow in the axial direction can be ensured, avoiding airflow disturbances caused by structural discontinuities. This design helps reduce axial airflow fluctuations, improves airflow stability and uniformity within the duct, and thus enhances the overall air delivery effect of the air conditioning system.

[0061] The design of the starting ends 6 and / or ending ends 7 of the protrusion 2 and the recess 3 coinciding reduces airflow collisions and friction at structural transition points, thereby reducing noise caused by structural abrupt changes and improving the quietness performance of the air conditioner. Furthermore, it simplifies the manufacturing process of the volute, reducing the machining difficulty of the protrusion 2 and recess 3 on the volute. In mold design, injection molding, stamping, and other manufacturing processes, this design helps reduce production defects and increase yield.

[0062] In one embodiment, along the direction from the throat 4 to the air outlet end 5, the profiles of the peak 9 of the protrusion 2 and the trough 10 of the depression 3 are both arcs.

[0063] The curved design improves the smoothness of airflow, significantly reduces the resistance of airflow when passing through the volute, helps the airflow transition more smoothly, avoids turbulence and eddies generated when the airflow encounters sharp angles or straight edges, reduces flow resistance, and improves the fluidity of the airflow.

[0064] The curved crests 9 and troughs 10 help guide airflow smoothly along its natural flow path, reducing airflow fluctuations and instability. This design is particularly helpful in areas with large airflow velocity variations, such as impeller joints, providing more stable and controllable airflow guidance and avoiding airflow disturbances caused by abrupt changes in local structure.

[0065] The curved design of the crests 9 and troughs 10 better matches the airflow output characteristics of the impeller 12, helping to improve the impeller's work efficiency within the volute. The curved design ensures a smooth airflow path inside the volute, reducing unnecessary fluid losses and thus increasing airflow output.

[0066] In one embodiment, between the starting end 6 and the terminal end 7 of the protrusion 2, a first cross-section is made of the volute with a plane perpendicular to the air outlet surface and extending along the axial direction of the volute. Within the first cross-section, the shape of the volute is a spline curve, an arc, a straight line, or a combination of at least two of these.

[0067] By selecting spline curves, arcs, or straight lines as the profile of the first section of the volute, the flow path of airflow within the volute can be precisely controlled. Spline curves and arcs can provide smoother airflow guidance, reducing airflow turbulence and separation, while straight profiles can, in some cases, help guide airflow in a specific direction, improving airflow directionality and controllability.

[0068] Different profile designs can further optimize the impeller's working efficiency within the volute. Spline curves or arc profiles help distribute airflow more evenly, reducing axial fluctuations at the impeller outlet and improving impeller efficiency and airflow output. Straight profiles, on the other hand, can provide more direct airflow guidance under specific conditions, helping to increase wind speed in a particular direction.

[0069] By adjusting the profile shape within the first cross section, different protrusions and recesses can be designed, allowing the volute's structural design to flexibly adapt to different impeller designs, air conditioner internal space arrangements, and air outlet requirements. This design flexibility helps optimize airflow performance under different operating conditions and meet the needs of various application scenarios.

[0070] The structure of the protrusions 2 and depressions 3 of the volute can be obtained by spline curves or curves in the form of arcs, broken lines, etc., spline curves or fitting.

[0071] In one embodiment, within the first cross-section, the volute is wavy, U-shaped, or serrated.

[0072] In one embodiment, within the first cross-section, the shape of the volute is a sine curve or a cosine curve.

[0073] See also Figures 5 to 10As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fan assembly includes: a cross-flow fan blade 11 and the aforementioned volute, the cross-flow fan blade 11 having at least two impeller sections 12, adjacent two impeller sections 12 being connected by a joint 13; the cross-flow fan blade 11 is located inside the volute.

[0074] The improved volute, with its alternating convexities 2 and recesses 3 along the axial direction, optimizes the airflow matching between the impeller 12 and the volute. When the airflow from at least two sections of the impeller 12 passes through the joint 13, the crests 9 of the volute and the joint 13 work together to block the airflow on both sides of the crests 9, and the troughs 10 work together with the impeller 12. This ensures that the high-speed airflow from the impeller 12 has a larger flow space, allowing the airflow to pass through more evenly and stably. It also reduces airflow disturbance caused by the joint 13, thereby improving the uniformity and stability of the entire air conditioning system.

[0075] By applying the aforementioned volute to the wind turbine assembly, the wind turbine assembly also acquires the advantages of the volute.

[0076] In one embodiment, a set of protrusions 2 and recesses 3 are provided corresponding to a set of impellers 12 and seams 13, with protrusions 2 corresponding to seams 13 and recesses 3 corresponding to impellers 12. The offset distance of protrusions 2 relative to seams 13 at both ends is [1 / 4S, 0].

[0077] By setting a set of protrusions 2 and recesses 3 corresponding to the impeller 12 and the joint 13, the axial distribution of airflow can be effectively controlled. The offset distance between the protrusions 2 and the joint 13 is no greater than 1 / 4S, that is, the offset distance is less than 1 / 4 of the cycle. This can effectively reduce airflow loss and vortex phenomena at the joint while ensuring a larger matching range between the protrusions 2 and the joint 13 of the volute. The offset distance between the recesses 3 and the impeller 12 is no greater than 1 / 4S, that is, the offset distance is less than 1 / 4 of the cycle. This provides a wider channel for high-speed airflow, which helps to improve the uniformity of airflow and reduce the instability of local airflow.

[0078] The offset distance of the protrusion 2 relative to the joint 13 is set in the range of [1 / 4S, 0], where S is the distance between two adjacent impeller sections 12. This offset design can effectively isolate the airflow on both sides of the axial direction by using the protrusion 2, which can reduce the attraction of high-speed airflow from the middle of the impeller 12 to the joint 13, thereby reducing the mutual interference of airflow between adjacent impellers 12 and improving the air delivery stability and efficiency of the fan assembly.

[0079] The wave-shaped volute design, especially the specific matching of the protrusions 2 and recesses 3, helps reduce the noise level when airflow passes through the volute. The protrusions 2 and the seam 13 are correspondingly positioned within the aforementioned offset distance range, which can reduce the noise caused by the unstable airflow velocity at the seam 13. At the same time, the recesses 3 and the impeller 12 are correspondingly positioned within the aforementioned offset distance range, which helps the airflow to flow more smoothly, reducing turbulence and impact noise, and overall reducing the noise of the air conditioner during operation.

[0080] In addition, the offset distance between the protrusion 2 and the joint 13 is no more than 1 / 4S, that is, the offset distance is less than 1 / 4 of the cycle. This can reduce the requirements for the structural design of the protrusion 2, reduce the machining accuracy and positional accuracy requirements of the protrusion 2 and the recess 3 on the volute, make the machining of the volute more tolerant, and reduce the machining cost.

[0081] In one embodiment, the variation period 8 formed by the axial protrusions 2 and recesses 3 of the volute is matched with the number of sections of the impeller 12 of the cross-flow fan blade 11, wherein the crests 9 of the protrusions 2 in each variation period 8 are aligned with the seam 13 and the troughs 10 are aligned with the center of the impeller 12.

[0082] Matching the specific positions of crests 9 and troughs 10 can significantly improve the airflow uniformity of the crossflow fan and reduce axial airflow fluctuations. Aligning crest 9 with seam 13 helps provide additional airflow guidance in the seam area where airflow velocity is low, preventing excessive attraction of high-speed airflow from the center of impeller 12 to the seam; aligning trough 10 with the center of impeller 12 provides a wider flow space for high-speed airflow, which helps to distribute airflow more evenly and reduces instability factors in the axial characteristics of the airflow.

[0083] By optimizing the volute's structural design, the positions of the protrusions 2 and recesses 3 within each cycle 8 are precisely matched with the airflow output characteristics of the impeller 12. This significantly improves the working efficiency of the cross-flow fan blades 11, thereby increasing the airflow and air pressure of the fan assembly. This design reduces unnecessary airflow resistance, enabling the cross-flow fan to output more airflow with lower energy consumption, thus improving overall efficiency.

[0084] The volute's changing cycle 8 is matched to the number of sections in the impeller 12, and the precise design of the peaks 9 and troughs 10 within each cycle effectively reduces the noise during cross-flow fan operation. This is primarily because the structure of the peaks 9 and troughs 10 helps disperse airflow energy as it flows within the volute, preventing turbulence noise generated by localized high-speed airflow. Simultaneously, this matching design reduces axial airflow disturbance, lowering the noise level caused by airflow fluctuations.

[0085] The specific arrangement of the crests 9 and troughs 10 not only optimizes airflow performance but also enhances the structural strength of the volute. Aligning the crests 9 with the seam 13 increases the stability of the volute in the seam area, while aligning the troughs 10 with the center of the impeller 12 helps balance the forces on the volute and reduce vibration during operation. Furthermore, this design allows for a tighter fit between the volute and the cross-flow fan blades 11, optimizing the internal space layout of the air conditioner and contributing to a slimmer and smaller design.

[0086] The precise matching of protrusion 2 and recess 3 helps to improve the accuracy of manufacturing and assembly. During the design process, the position and shape of protrusion 2 and recess 3 can be accurately calculated based on the number of impeller sections 12 and airflow characteristics, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the position of peak 9 and trough 10 within each change cycle 8, reducing manufacturing errors and assembly difficulty, and helping to improve product quality and consistency.

[0087] The improved fan assembly significantly enhances the comfort and energy efficiency of air conditioners through optimizations in airflow uniformity, noise reduction, and increased air volume and pressure. Users experience smoother, quieter airflow, improving the comfort of their living or working environment. Simultaneously, the air conditioner operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and operating costs, and contributing positively to environmental protection and energy conservation.

[0088] In one embodiment, when the profiles of the crest 9 of the protrusion 2 and the trough 10 of the depression 3 are both arcs, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the cross-flow fan blade 11, the maximum distance between the profile of the crest 9 of the protrusion 2 and the profile of the trough 10 of the depression 3 is a, and the diameter of the impeller 12 is D, where 0.03D≤a≤0.07D.

[0089] By controlling the maximum distance 'a' between the crest 9 of protrusion 2 and the trough 10 of depression 3 to be between 0.03 and 0.07 times the diameter D of impeller 12, the airflow distribution within the volute can be precisely adjusted, ensuring that the airflow output by impeller 12 is properly matched with the internal structure of the volute. This design helps improve the working efficiency of the cross-flow fan, thereby increasing the airflow output of the air conditioner and improving the cooling or heating effect.

[0090] In one embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the cross-flow fan blade 11, the center of the cross-flow fan blade 11 is point O, the apex of the throat 4 is point A, the point with the greatest distance between the profile of the crest 9 and the profile of the trough 10 is point B, the line connecting point O and point A is OA, the line connecting point O and point B is OB, and the angle between OA and OB is α, where 30°≤α≤145°.

[0091] The curves of wave crest 9 and trough 10 are designed as arcs. This smooth transition helps reduce turbulence and eddies in the airflow within the casing, thereby lowering the noise level of the cross-flow fan during operation. Simultaneously, controlling the range of the included angle α (i.e., the maximum distance position angle) ensures smoother airflow, further reducing noise and improving the quietness of the air conditioner.

[0092] Matching the positions of crests 9 and troughs 10, and controlling the maximum distance 'a' and the maximum distance position angle 'α' between them, helps improve the axial stability of the airflow. Aligning crest 9 with seam 13 reduces the attraction of high-speed airflow towards the seam; aligning trough 10 with the center of impeller 12 provides a wider flow space for high-speed airflow, thereby reducing axial fluctuations in airflow and improving the stability of air delivery.

[0093] By adjusting the maximum distance 'a' and the maximum distance position angle 'α' between the crest 9 and the trough 10, the structural design of the volute can be optimized, allowing the volute to fit more tightly with the impeller 12 of the cross-flow fan blade 11, saving space inside the air conditioner. This design helps improve the compactness and slimness of the air conditioner, meeting market demands for miniaturization and aesthetics.

[0094] In one embodiment, when the profiles of the crest 9 of the protrusion 2 and the trough 10 of the depression 3 are both arcs, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the cross-flow fan blade 11, the distance between the profile of the crest 9 of the protrusion 2 and the profile of the trough 10 of the depression 3 gradually decreases from the middle to both sides.

[0095] By designing the profiles of the crests 9 and troughs 10 as curved lines, the stress distribution of the volute is improved, enhancing its structural strength. The curved structure is also easier to implement during manufacturing, contributing to improved volute durability and operational stability, and extending the air conditioner's lifespan. The optimized air duct design reduces airflow resistance and noise, while simultaneously increasing the impeller 12's efficiency, thereby lowering the air conditioner's energy consumption. Under the same operating conditions, the improved air conditioner can output the same or more airflow with lower energy consumption, improving the energy efficiency ratio and achieving the goals of energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0096] The specific values ​​for the structural design of the protrusions 2 and recesses 3 of the volute need to be determined based on the operating conditions (pipeline resistance) and running status (speed, temperature, humidity, etc.) of the crossflow fan. The profile of the crest can be the profile extending from the outlet surface of the newly designed volute or the existing volute along the direction from the throat 4 to the outlet end 5. Based on the newly designed volute or the existing volute, after determining the profile of the crest, the trough can be designed within the limits of this volute profile. The trough can be obtained by spline curves, arcs, broken lines, etc., by splicing or fitting curves, ensuring its smoothness while ensuring that the maximum distance between the trough and the crest does not exceed the limit of 'a', and the position angle of the maximum distance does not exceed the limit of 'α'.

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes a volute, an indoor heat exchanger 14, an impeller 12, and a volute tongue 15. The volute is the aforementioned volute, the impeller 12 is located in the space enclosed by the volute and the indoor heat exchanger 14, and the volute tongue 15 is disposed on the air outlet side of the impeller 12.

[0098] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes a fan assembly and an indoor heat exchanger 14, wherein the fan assembly is the aforementioned fan assembly, and the indoor heat exchanger 14 is disposed on the air inlet side of the fan assembly.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner includes the aforementioned volute or the aforementioned fan assembly.

[0100] This application effectively improves the airflow state inside the volute by setting alternating protrusions 2 and recesses 3 on the air outlet surface of the volute, and matching them with the impeller 12 and seam 13 in the cross-flow fan blade 11. This design not only reduces airflow eddies and backflow inside the volute, improving airflow efficiency and volume, but also reduces noise, enhances the user experience and energy efficiency of the air conditioner indoor unit and air conditioner, and has a significant positive effect on optimizing the performance of the cross-flow fan.

[0101] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0102] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0103] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A volute, characterized in that, The body (1) includes an air outlet surface of which alternating protrusions (2) and recesses (3) are formed along the axial direction of the volute. There is a first distance S between adjacent protrusions (2). The body (1) has a volute throat (4) and an air outlet end (5). Both the protrusions (2) and the recesses (3) extend along the direction from the volute throat (4) to the air outlet end (5). The starting end (6) and the ending end (7) of the protrusions (2) and the recesses (3) are located between the volute throat (4) and the air outlet end (5). The starting end (6) is closer to the volute throat (4) than the ending end (7).

2. The volute according to claim 1, characterized in that, An alternating protrusion (2) and an adjacent depression (3) arranged along the axial direction form a variation cycle (8). Within a variation cycle (8), the apex of the protrusion (2) forms the peak (9) of the variation cycle (8), and the bottom of the depression (3) forms the trough (10) of the variation cycle (8).

3. The volute according to claim 2, characterized in that, Along the axial direction of the volute, the axial length of each variation cycle (8) is the same.

4. The volute according to claim 2, characterized in that, Along the axial direction of the volute, the protrusions (2) and the recesses (3) have the same structure in each variation cycle (8).

5. The volute according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The edges of the starting ends (6) of the protrusion (2) and the recess (3) are continuous and / or the edges of the ending ends (7) of the protrusion (2) and the recess (3) are continuous.

6. The volute according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Along the direction from the volute (4) to the air outlet end (5), the curves of the peak (9) of the protrusion (2) and the trough (10) of the depression (3) are both arcs.

7. The volute according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Between the starting end (6) and the end end (7) of the protrusion (2), a first cross section is made of the volute with a plane perpendicular to the air outlet surface and extending along the axial direction of the volute. In the first cross section, the shape of the volute is a spline curve, an arc, a straight line, or a combination of at least two of them.

8. The volute according to claim 7, characterized in that, Within the first cross-section, the volute is wavy, U-shaped, or serrated.

9. A fan assembly, characterized in that, include: A cross-flow fan blade (11) has at least two impeller sections (12), with adjacent impeller sections (12) connected by a joint (13); The volute according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cross-flow fan blade (11) is located inside the volute.

10. The wind turbine assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, A set of protrusions (2) and recesses (3) are provided corresponding to a set of impellers (12) and seams (13). The protrusions (2) are provided corresponding to the seams (13), and the recesses (3) are provided corresponding to the impellers (12). The offset distance of the protrusions (2) relative to the seams (13) to both ends is [1 / 4S, 0].

11. The wind turbine assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The variation period (8) formed by the convex (2) and concave (3) along the axial direction of the volute is matched with the number of sections of the impeller (12) of the cross-flow fan (11), wherein the peak (9) of the convex (2) in each variation period (8) is opposite to the seam (13), and the trough (10) is opposite to the middle of the impeller (12).

12. The wind turbine assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the profiles of the crest (9) of the protrusion (2) and the trough (10) of the depression (3) are both arcs, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the cross-flow fan blade (11), the maximum distance between the profile of the crest (9) of the protrusion (2) and the profile of the trough (10) of the depression (3) is a, the diameter of the impeller (12) is D, 0.03D≤a≤0.07D; and / or, in a section perpendicular to the central axis of the cross-flow fan blade (11), the center of the cross-flow fan blade (11) is point O, the apex of the volute (4) is point A, the point on the profile of the crest (9) that is furthest from the profile of the trough (10) is point B, the line connecting point O and point A is OA, the line connecting point O and point B is OB, and the angle between OA and OB is α, 30°≤α≤145°.

13. The wind turbine assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the profiles of the peak (9) of the protrusion (2) and the trough (10) of the depression (3) are both arcs, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the cross-flow fan blade (11), the distance between the profile of the peak (9) of the protrusion (2) and the profile of the trough (10) of the depression (3) gradually decreases from the middle to both sides.

14. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, comprising a volute, an indoor heat exchanger (14), an impeller (12), and a volute tongue (15), characterized in that, The volute is the volute according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the impeller (12) is located in the space enclosed by the volute and the indoor heat exchanger (14), and the volute tongue (15) is disposed on the air outlet side of the impeller (12).

15. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, comprising a fan assembly and an indoor heat exchanger (14), characterized in that, The fan assembly is the fan assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 13, and the indoor heat exchanger (14) is disposed on the air inlet side of the fan assembly.

16. An air conditioner, characterized in that, It includes the volute according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the wind turbine assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

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