Flow control device, air conditioning system, control method thereof, and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a flow control device, an air conditioning system, a control method thereof and a vehicle, relates to the technical field of vehicles, and aims to solve the problem of poor downstream flow channel form of a fan impeller of an air conditioning system. The flow control device is applied to the air conditioning system, and the flow control device comprises a flow collecting device and a backflow device. The flow collecting device is suitable for being connected to an upstream flow channel of a fan of the air conditioning system. The backflow device is connected to the flow collecting device and is suitable for being connected to a downstream flow channel of the fan of the air conditioning system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a mobility control device, an air conditioning system and its control method, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the continuous development of new energy vehicles, passengers have increasingly higher requirements for the comfort of the passenger cabin. As a core component of the passenger cabin's heating, cooling, defrosting, and dehumidifying functions, the vehicle's air conditioning system directly affects passenger comfort in terms of noise, airflow, and other related performance aspects. However, the design of air conditioning system ducts is often constrained by limited space, resulting in poor downstream flow patterns of the fan impeller, such as the generation of vortices or uneven airflow, which in turn leads to higher noise levels within the air conditioning system ducts. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a flow control device, an air conditioning system and its control method and vehicle, which aims to solve the problem of poor downstream flow channel morphology of the fan impeller in the air conditioning system.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a flow control device applied to an air conditioning system. The flow control device includes a collector and a return device. The collector is adapted to be connected to the upstream flow channel of the fan in the air conditioning system. The return device is connected to the collector and is adapted to be connected to the downstream flow channel of the fan in the air conditioning system.

[0005] Since the upstream flow channel of the fan is a low-pressure area, and the collector is connected to the upstream flow channel of the fan impeller in the air conditioning system, the flow control device can utilize this low-pressure area as a power source. The collector is connected to this low-pressure area, while the return flow device can be placed in areas with poor flow field morphology (e.g., regions with unfavorable flow field morphology) in the downstream flow channel of the fan. In this way, the low pressure in the low-pressure area can be transferred to the return flow device through the collector, causing the return flow device to generate an active suction effect, transporting the gas from areas with poor flow field morphology (e.g., vortices) to the upstream low-pressure area. This allows the downstream flow channel to re-attach, resulting in a more uniform and orderly flow. This improves the flow field morphology in the downstream flow channel, thereby reducing noise within the air conditioning system duct. Simultaneously, reduced flow resistance allows for increased airflow in the air conditioning system, improving overall performance.

[0006] In one possible structural design, the recirculation device is suitable for placement in areas with poor flow field morphology in the downstream flow channel of the fan.

[0007] In one possible structural design, the fan includes an impeller, a collector adapted to be connected to the upper flow channel of the impeller, and / or a return flow device adapted to be connected to the lower flow channel of the impeller.

[0008] In one possible structural design, the flow control device also includes a control valve connected between the reflux device and the collector, which is suitable for controlling the on / off state of the reflux device and the collector or the flow rate.

[0009] In one possible structural design, the flow control device includes a connecting pipe, one end of which is connected to a flow collector and the other end of which is connected to a return flow device.

[0010] In one possible structural design, the flow control device further includes a control valve, and the connecting pipes include: a first pipe and a second pipe, wherein the first pipe connects the flow collector and one end of the control valve, and the second pipe connects the return device and the other end of the control valve.

[0011] In one possible structural design, multiple return flow devices are provided, all of which are connected to the collection device, and all of which are used in the downstream flow channel of the fan in the air conditioning system.

[0012] In one possible structural design, the flow control device further includes a control valve, which has a collecting valve port and multiple return valve ports. The collecting valve port is connected to a collecting device, and the multiple return valve ports are respectively connected to multiple return devices. The collecting valve port can be selectively connected to one or more of the multiple return valve ports.

[0013] In one possible structural design, the flow control device also includes a controller electrically connected to the control valve for controlling the on / off state of the manifold valve and multiple return valves or the flow rate.

[0014] In one possible structural design, the control valve includes a solenoid valve.

[0015] In one possible structural design, the flow collection device includes a first housing, on which a first opening and a second opening are connected. The first opening is located in the upstream flow channel of the fan of the air conditioning system, and the second opening is connected to the return flow device.

[0016] In one possible structural design, the first housing includes a first body and a first pipe interface connected to each other. The first body has a first opening, and the first pipe interface has a second opening. The first pipe interface is connected to a return flow device.

[0017] In one possible structural design, a first flow channel is provided in the first body, one end of the first flow channel is connected to a first opening, and the other end is connected to a second opening; along the direction from the first opening to the second opening, the equivalent diameter of at least part of the first flow channel gradually decreases.

[0018] In one possible structural design, there are multiple first openings, and all of the multiple first openings are connected to a second opening.

[0019] In one possible structural design, the first housing is provided with a first connecting structure, which is adapted to be connected to an air conditioning system.

[0020] In one possible structural design, the first housing is provided with a first sealing groove, which surrounds the first opening; the current collecting device also includes a first sealing ring, at least a portion of which is disposed within the first sealing groove.

[0021] In one possible structural design, the recirculation device includes a second housing with a third opening and a fourth opening that are connected to each other. The third opening is used for the downstream flow channel of the fan in the air conditioning system, and the fourth opening can be connected to the collection device.

[0022] In one possible structural design, the second housing includes a second body and a second pipeline interface connected together. The second body has a third opening, and the second pipeline interface has a fourth opening. The second pipeline interface is connected to the current collection device.

[0023] In one possible structural design, the second body has a second flow channel, one end of which is connected to a third opening; the second pipe interface has a third flow channel, one end of which is connected to the other end of the second flow channel, and the other end of the third flow channel is connected to a fourth opening; the angle A between the extension direction of the second flow channel and the extension direction of the third flow channel satisfies: A≥90°.

[0024] In one possible structural design, the second housing is provided with a second sealing groove, which surrounds the third opening; the reflux device also includes a second sealing ring, at least a portion of which is disposed within the second sealing groove.

[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an air conditioning system, including the flow control device described in the first aspect above.

[0026] In one possible structural design, the air conditioning system further includes a fan, an air inlet duct, and an air outlet duct. The air inlet duct is located on the air inlet side of the fan in the air conditioning system, and at least a portion of the upstream flow channel is formed in the air inlet duct. The air outlet duct is located on the air outlet side of the fan in the air conditioning system, and at least a portion of the downstream flow channel is formed in the air outlet duct. A collection device is located in the air inlet duct, and a return device is located in the air outlet duct.

[0027] Thirdly, this application also provides a control method for an air conditioning system. The control method is applied to an air conditioning system, which includes the flow control device described above. The control method includes controlling the on / off state of the collector and the return device according to the operating mode of the air conditioning system.

[0028] In one possible structural design, multiple return flow devices are provided, each connected to a collection flow device. The flow control device further includes a control valve connected between the collection flow device and the multiple return flow devices. Controlling the connection and disconnection of the collection flow device and the multiple return flow devices according to the operating mode of the air conditioning system includes: sending a control signal corresponding to the current operating mode of the air conditioning system to the control valve; each of the multiple operating modes of the air conditioning system corresponds one-to-one with a multiple control signal, and the control signal indicates whether the collection flow device is connected or disconnected from its corresponding return flow device in the current operating mode; the control valve receives the control signal from the controller and controls the connection and disconnection of the collection flow device and the corresponding return flow device according to the control signal.

[0029] In one possible structural design, the flow control device further includes a control valve, which has a collecting valve port and multiple return valve ports. The collecting valve port is connected to a collecting device, and the multiple return valve ports are respectively connected to multiple return devices. The collecting valve port can be selectively connected to one or more of the multiple return valve ports. Controlling the on / off state of the collecting device and the corresponding return device according to a control signal includes: controlling the on / off state of the collecting valve port and the corresponding return valve port according to a control signal.

[0030] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a vehicle including the flow control device described in the first aspect above, or the air conditioning system described in the second aspect above.

[0031] It should be noted that the technical effects of the implementation methods of the second to fourth aspects can be found in the technical effects of the corresponding implementation methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 1 One of the schematic diagrams of the flow control device in the diagram; Figure 3 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 1 The second schematic diagram of the flow control device in the diagram; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control valve and controller provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 3 One of the structural schematic diagrams of the central current collector device; Figure 6 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the central current collector (Part 2); Figure 7 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction; Figure 8 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 3 One of the structural schematic diagrams of the intermediate reflux device; Figure 9 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the intermediate reflux device (Part 2); Figure 10 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 9 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction; Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a control method for an air conditioning system provided in this application embodiment.

[0034] Figure label: 1000 - Air Conditioning System; 100 - Flow control device; 200 - Fan; 300 - Inlet duct; 400 - Outlet duct; 10-Collector; 11-First housing; 111-First body; 1111-First opening; 1112-First flow channel; 1113-First connecting structure; 1114-First sealing groove; 112-First pipeline interface; 1121-Second opening; 12-First sealing ring; 20 - Reflux device; 21 - Second housing; 211 - Second body; 2111 - Third opening; 2112 - Second flow channel; 2113 - Second connection structure; 2114 - Second sealing groove; 212 - Second pipeline interface; 2121 - Fourth opening; 2122 - Third flow channel; 22 - Second sealing ring; 30 - Control valve; 31 - Combiner valve port; 32 - Return valve port; 40 - Connecting pipe; 41 - First pipe; 42 - Second pipe; 50 - Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0037] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "fifth," and "sixth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "fifth," and "sixth" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0038] In embodiments of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, for example, as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, when describing pipelines, the terms "connected" and "linked" as used in this application have the meaning of establishing electrical connection. The specific meaning needs to be understood in conjunction with the context.

[0040] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0041] In the embodiments of this application, "parallel," "perpendicular," and "equal" include the described situation and situations similar to the described situation, where the range of similarity is within an acceptable deviation range, which is determined by those skilled in the art taking into account the measurement under discussion and the error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, where the acceptable deviation range for approximate parallelism can be, for example, a deviation within 5°; "perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, where the acceptable deviation range for approximate perpendicularity can also be, for example, a deviation within 5°. "Equal" includes absolute equality and approximate equality, where the acceptable deviation range for approximate equality can be, for example, a difference between the two equals being less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0042] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0043] To facilitate understanding, the terminology used in the embodiments of this application will be explained first.

[0044] Flow separation: refers to the boundary layer that originally flowed along the surface of an object being forced to leave the surface due to an excessive adverse pressure gradient, forming a "separation bubble" or "free shear layer" that detaches from the surface, accompanied by large-scale eddies, turbulence, and a sharp increase in pressure drag.

[0045] This application provides a vehicle. The vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a range-extended electric vehicle, a gasoline-powered vehicle, etc. The vehicle can also be a sedan, a truck, a bus, a lorry, a trailer, etc.

[0046] This application provides a vehicle comprising a body and wheels. The body includes a passenger compartment for occupants. The wheels are mounted beneath the body to support it and are capable of rolling on a road surface to enable vehicle movement.

[0047] The vehicle may also include an air conditioning system, which may also be called an on-board air conditioning system, that is, an air conditioning system installed on the vehicle. The air conditioning system can regulate the temperature, humidity and airflow speed in the passenger space, thereby providing a comfortable in-vehicle environment for the passengers.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of an air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioning system 1000 may include: a fan 200, an air inlet duct 300, and an air outlet duct 400.

[0049] The fan 200 includes a motor, a volute, and an impeller. The impeller is rotatably connected to the volute and driven by the motor. For example, the impeller can be connected to the motor's output shaft via gear or belt drive. The impeller may include one or more blades and a hub. The impeller performs work on the air, thereby generating airflow. Driven by the motor, the impeller rotates at high speed. The blades push the surrounding air, creating a low-pressure zone at the center of the impeller, thus drawing air in through the inlet. The volute, a casing outside the impeller, collects all the high-speed air ejected from the impeller's outer periphery, preventing the airflow from becoming scattered and turbulent. Furthermore, the volute guides the airflow along a spiral path, ultimately concentrating it at the outlet for directional delivery.

[0050] Additionally, the air intake duct 300 is located on the air intake side of the fan 200 of the air conditioning system 1000. The air intake duct 300 has an inlet and a first fan 200 interface. This inlet serves as the air intake port of the air conditioning system 1000 and can connect to the external space of the vehicle. The first fan 200 interface connects to the internal space of the volute. Optionally, the air intake duct 300 can be constructed from independent ducts, meaning it can be directly constructed from fittings (such as corrugated pipes, rigid plastic pipes, etc.). Optionally, the air intake duct 300 can also be constructed by interlocking and assembling multiple structural components on the vehicle (such as sheet metal parts, interior panels, dashboard frames, etc.) to form a sealed internal channel. These structural components are not ducts themselves, but together they function as ducts. Optionally, the air intake duct 300 can also be constructed from cavities inside vehicle components (such as air box housings, air conditioning housings, brackets, or decorative panels, etc.). In particular, vehicle components can be machined with cavities during casting or injection molding, which serve as airflow channels without the need for additional enclosure.

[0051] Furthermore, the air outlet duct 400 is located on the air outlet side of the impeller of the fan 200 in the air conditioning system 1000. The air outlet duct 400 has an outlet and a second fan 200 interface. The outlet is the air outlet of the air conditioning system 1000, which can connect to the passenger space inside the vehicle. The second fan 200 interface connects to the internal space of the volute. The structural composition of the air outlet duct 400 can be the same as or different from the aforementioned air inlet duct 300; this embodiment does not limit this aspect.

[0052] In this way, the air intake duct 300 can provide airflow with low resistance to the impeller of the fan 200, ensuring that air can be smoothly drawn in, while the air outlet duct 400 can deliver the airflow output by the fan 200 to the vehicle's passenger space.

[0053] Figure 2 and Figure 3 All of these are provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the flow control device in the diagram, wherein, Figure 2and Figure 3 These are schematic diagrams of the flow control device at different angles. Please refer to some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The air conditioning system 1000 also includes a flow control device 100, which includes a collector 10 and a return device 20.

[0054] The air collector 10 is disposed in the air inlet duct 300 and is adapted to be connected to the upstream flow channel of the fan 200 in the air conditioning system 1000. At least a portion of the upstream flow channel is formed in the air inlet duct 300. The upstream flow channel of the fan 200 refers to the area through which the airflow travels from the air inlet of the air conditioning system 1000 to the fan 200. That is, the air collector 10 can be connected to any area through which the airflow travels from the air inlet of the air conditioning system 1000 to the fan 200. For example, the air collector 10 can be adapted to be connected to the upstream flow channel of the impeller of the fan 200 in the air conditioning system 1000, wherein the upstream flow channel of the fan 200 impeller refers to the area through which the airflow travels from the air inlet of the air conditioning system 1000 to the impeller of the fan 200.

[0055] Additionally, a recirculation device 20 is disposed in the air outlet duct 400 and connected to the collector device 10. It is adapted to be connected to the downstream flow path of the fan 200 impeller in the air conditioning system 1000, with at least a portion of the downstream flow path formed in the air outlet duct 400. The downstream flow path refers to the area through which the airflow travels from the fan 200 to the air outlet in the cockpit; that is, the recirculation device 20 can be connected to any area through which the airflow travels from the fan 200 to the air outlet in the cockpit. For example, the recirculation device 20 can be adapted to be connected to the downstream flow path of the fan 200 impeller in the air conditioning system 1000, wherein the downstream flow path of the fan 200 impeller refers to the area through which the airflow travels from the air inlet of the air conditioning system 1000 to the fan 200 impeller.

[0056] It should be noted that the recirculation device 20 can be located in a region of poor flow field morphology downstream of the fan 200. This region of poor flow field morphology includes flow separation regions and vortex shedding regions. The flow separation region refers to a relatively stable, low-velocity stagnant area formed when the airflow cannot adhere to the wall due to the adverse pressure gradient. The vortex shedding region refers to the periodic, alternating generation of vortices with opposite rotation directions on both sides of a non-streamlined object (such as a cylinder or the trailing edge of a thick blade) as the fluid flows over it. These vortices are carried away by the main flow, forming two neatly arranged vortex streets downstream. This process continuously generates new vortices, while old vortices are shed and transported downstream.

[0057] Since the upstream flow channel of the fan 200 impeller is a low-pressure area, and the collector 10 is connected to the upstream flow channel of the fan 200 impeller in the air conditioning system 1000, the flow control device 100 can utilize the low-pressure area of ​​the upstream flow channel of the fan 200 impeller as a power source. The collector 10 is connected to this low-pressure area, while the return flow device 20 can be arranged in the area with poor flow field morphology in the downstream flow channel of the fan 200 impeller (which can be obtained through simulation experiments). In this way, the low pressure in the low-pressure area can be transferred to the return flow device 20 through the collector 10, causing the return flow device 20 to generate an active suction effect, transporting the gas from the area with poor flow field morphology (e.g., vortices) to the upstream low-pressure area. This allows the downstream flow channel to reattach, thus becoming more uniform and orderly. This improves the flow field morphology in the downstream channel and suppresses flow separation, thereby reducing noise in the air conditioning system 1000 duct. At the same time, the reduced flow resistance allows for an increase in the air volume of the air conditioning system 1000, resulting in improved overall performance.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a control valve and controller provided in an embodiment of this application. For some embodiments of this application, please refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The flow control device 100 also includes a control valve 30, which is connected between the return device 20 and the collection device 10 and is suitable for controlling the on / off state or flow rate of the return device 20 and the collection device 10.

[0059] In one possible structural design, the control valve 30 can be a solenoid valve. In this case, the solenoid valve can be directly connected to the vehicle's air conditioning control system or vehicle controller 50, automatically controlling the on / off state or flow rate of the return flow device 20 and the collection device 10 based on real-time operating conditions, thereby improving the intelligence level and operating efficiency of the flow control device 100. In another possible structural design, the control valve 30 can also be a pneumatic valve, hydraulic valve, or electric valve, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this to any particular type.

[0060] Thus, when control valve 30 is opened, the low-pressure area where the collector 10 is located is connected to the return device 20, causing the return device 20 to generate a suction effect, thereby improving the shape of the downstream flow channel. When control valve 30 is closed, the low-pressure area where the collector 10 is located is no longer connected to the return device 20, and the suction effect stops. In this way, the opening and closing of control valve 30 can flexibly adapt to different operating conditions and meet the different requirements of the downstream flow channel shape under different operating conditions.

[0061] Please refer to some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 and Figure 3The flow control device 100 includes a connecting pipe 40, one end of which is connected to the collecting device 10, and the other end of which is connected to the return device 20. It should be noted that the structural composition of the connecting pipe 40 can be referred to the description of the air inlet pipe 300 above, and will not be repeated in detail in this embodiment.

[0062] Thus, the connecting pipe 40 forms a low-pressure airflow channel, allowing the low pressure at the collecting device 10 to act on the return device 20 through the connecting pipe 40, thereby generating a continuous suction effect at the return device 20 without additional power.

[0063] Please refer to some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The flow control device 100 also includes a control valve 30, and the connecting pipe 40 includes a first pipe 41 and a second pipe 42. The first pipe 41 connects the flow collector 10 to one end of the control valve 30, and the second pipe 42 connects the return device 20 to the other end of the control valve 30. That is, the first pipe 41 is used to connect the control valve 30 to the flow collector 10, and the second pipe 42 is used to connect the control valve 30 to the return device 20.

[0064] The first pipe 41 and the second pipe 42 may have the same or different structures, and this application embodiment does not limit this. Specifically, the structure of the first pipe 41 and the second pipe 42 can be referred to the description of the air inlet pipe 300 above, and this application embodiment will not repeat it in detail.

[0065] Thus, when the control valve 30 is opened, the low pressure of the manifold 10 can flow through the first pipe 41, the control valve 30, and the second pipe 42 to the return device 20, causing a suction effect that draws the gas to the low-pressure region, thereby improving the flow field morphology. When the control valve 30 is closed, the return device 20 stops working. Since the connecting pipe 40 includes the first pipe 41 and the second pipe 42, the segmented design of the first pipe 41 and the second pipe allows for flexible spatial arrangement of the manifold 10, the control valve 30, and the return device 20. The length and direction of the first pipe 41 and the second pipe 42 can be set according to the internal structure of the air conditioning system 1000, thus improving the applicability of the flow control device 100.

[0066] In some embodiments of this application, multiple return flow devices 20 are provided, all connected to the collection device 10, and all are used in the downstream flow channel of the fan 200 impeller in the air conditioning system 1000. In this way, the flow control device 100 can simultaneously or selectively extract from multiple areas of poor flow field morphology in the downstream flow channel, thereby making the velocity distribution of the entire downstream flow channel more uniform and reducing vortex structures. Compared to a solution with only one return flow device 20, this solution can more comprehensively improve the downstream flow channel of the fan 200, effectively reduce broadband noise caused by multi-region turbulence, and reduce overall flow resistance, further improving the air volume and energy efficiency of the air conditioning system 1000. In other embodiments of this application, only one return flow device 20 is provided; this application does not limit this.

[0067] In some embodiments of this application, the flow control device 100 further includes a control valve 30, which has a collecting valve port 31 and multiple return valve ports 32. Exemplarily, the control valve 30 can be a multi-channel solenoid valve, such as a three-way valve, four-way valve, five-way valve, six-way valve, or seven-way valve, etc., and this application does not limit this. The control valve 30 can be selected according to the number of return devices 20, and this application does not limit this as well.

[0068] The flow collecting valve port 31 is connected to the flow collecting device 10, and the multiple return valve ports 32 are respectively connected to the multiple return devices 20. The flow collecting valve port 31 can be selectively connected to one or more of the multiple return valve ports 32.

[0069] In addition, one end of the first pipe 41 can be connected to the manifold valve port 31, and the other end can be connected to the manifold device 10. Multiple second pipes 42 can be provided, with one end of each second pipe 42 connected to a corresponding return valve port 32, and the other end of each second pipe 42 connected to a corresponding return device 20.

[0070] Since multiple return valve ports 32 are connected to multiple return devices 20 located at different positions below the impeller of the fan 200, and the collection valve port 31 can be selectively connected to one or more return valve ports 32, when noise is prominent in a certain area of ​​the air conditioning system 1000, the return device 20 at the corresponding position can be controlled to generate a suction effect, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the flow field. If multiple areas need improvement simultaneously, multiple return valve ports 32 can be connected at the same time, thereby achieving coordinated flow control at multiple positions.

[0071] Please refer to some embodiments of this application. Figure 3 and Figure 4The flow control device 100 also includes a controller 50, which is electrically connected to the control valve 30 and is used to control the on / off state or flow rate of the manifold valve port 31 and multiple return valves. The controller 50 can be the air conditioning system 1000 controller 50, the vehicle infotainment system controller 50, or a controller 50 independent of both the air conditioning system 1000 controller 50 and the vehicle infotainment system controller 50; this embodiment does not limit the specific type of controller.

[0072] In this way, the controller 50 can receive signals from the air conditioning system 1000 in real time and determine the connection of the manifold valve 31 and the corresponding return valve 32 according to the preset strategy. Through the precise control of the control valve 30 on / off or the flow rate by the controller 50, the air conditioning system 1000 can adaptively adjust the flow field morphology of the downstream flow channel under different operating conditions.

[0073] Figure 5 and Figure 6 All of these are provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the current collector device, wherein, Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are schematic diagrams of the current collection device from different perspectives. Figure 7 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction, as shown in some embodiments of this application, please refer to... Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The collector device 10 includes a first housing 11, on which a first opening 1111 and a second opening 1121 are connected. The first opening 1111 is located in the upstream flow channel of the impeller of the fan 200 of the air conditioning system 1000, and the second opening 1121 is connected to the return device 20. Thus, the first opening 1111 serves as an intake port, introducing the low pressure in the area above the impeller into the inner cavity of the first housing 11, maintaining a stable low-pressure environment inside the entire housing; while the second opening 1121 serves as a low-pressure output port, transmitting the low pressure inside the first housing 11 to the return device 20.

[0074] To facilitate the connection between the first pipe and the first housing 11, in some embodiments of this application, the first housing 11 includes a first body 111 and a first pipe interface 112 connected together. The first body 111 has a first opening 1111, and the first pipe interface 112 has a second opening 1121. The first pipe interface 112 is connected to the return device 20. Thus, the return device 20 can be connected to the collector 10 through the first pipe interface 112 on the first body 111, facilitating installation and disassembly and improving the production efficiency of the air conditioning system 1000.

[0075] In one possible structural design, the first body 111 is provided with a first flow channel 1112, one end of the first flow channel 1112 is connected to the first opening 1111, and the other end is connected to the second opening 1121.

[0076] Optionally, along the direction from the first opening 1111 to the second opening 1121, the equivalent diameter of at least a portion of the first flow channel 1112 gradually decreases. That is, along the direction from the first opening 1111 to the second opening 1121, the inner diameter of a portion of the first flow channel 1112 gradually decreases. Since the flow velocity gradually increases as the airflow moves from a larger cross-section to a smaller cross-section, while the static pressure further decreases, the pressure at the second opening 1121 can be lower than the original low pressure at the first opening 1111, thereby enabling the flow collecting device 10 to generate a stronger negative pressure suction force. Optionally, along the direction from the first opening 1111 to the second opening 1121, the equivalent diameter of the first flow channel 1112 remains unchanged; this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0077] In one possible structural design, multiple first openings 1111 are provided, and all of the multiple first openings 1111 are connected to the second opening 1121. This expands the intake range of the low-pressure region and increases the flow rate of the suction air. In another possible structural design, only one first opening 1111 may be provided; this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0078] In some embodiments of this application, the first housing 11 is provided with a first connecting structure 1113, which is adapted to be connected to the air conditioning system 1000. Exemplarily, the first connecting structure 1113 can be a connecting hole, a threaded hole, a slot, a hook, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0079] Thus, the first housing 11 can be connected to the air intake duct 300 of the air conditioning system 1000 through the first connecting structure 1113. The first connecting structure 1113 facilitates the connection of the first housing 11 to the air intake duct 300, thereby providing convenience for later maintenance or repair.

[0080] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first housing 11 is provided with a first sealing groove 1114, which surrounds the first opening 1111. The collecting device 10 also includes a first sealing ring 12, at least a portion of which is disposed within the first sealing groove 1114. The first sealing ring 12 is adapted to seal the gap between the first housing 11 and the air inlet duct 300.

[0081] The first sealing ring 12 can be a rubber sealing ring, a plastic sealing ring, a metal sealing ring, or a ceramic sealing ring, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0082] Thus, by setting a first sealing ring 12 between the first housing 11 and the air inlet pipe 300, external air can be prevented from being sucked in from the joint surface between the housing and the pipe, avoiding damage to the low-pressure environment of the upstream flow channel of the fan 200 impeller due to air leakage, and ensuring that the collection device 10 stably provides suction force to the return device 20.

[0083] Figure 8 and Figure 9 All of these are provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the intermediate reflux device, wherein, Figure 8 and Figure 9 These are schematic diagrams of the reflux device from different perspectives. Figure 10 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 9 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction, as shown in some embodiments of this application, please refer to... Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The return flow device 20 includes a second housing 21, on which a third opening 2111 and a fourth opening 2121 are connected. The third opening 2111 is used for the downstream flow channel of the impeller of the fan 200 in the air conditioning system 1000, and the fourth opening 2121 can communicate with the collection device 10. The fourth opening 2121 can communicate with the third opening 2111.

[0084] Thus, the third opening 2111 serves as an air inlet, introducing gas from the area below the impeller into the second housing 21, while the second opening 1121 serves as a gas outlet, through which gas inside the second housing 21 is transferred to the return device 20.

[0085] To facilitate the connection between the second pipeline and the second housing 21, please refer to some embodiments of this application. Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The second housing 21 includes a second body 211 and a second pipe interface 212 connected to each other. The second body 211 has a third opening 2111, and the second pipe interface 212 has a fourth opening 2121. The second pipe interface 212 is connected to the manifold 10. In this way, the manifold 10 can be connected to the return device 20 through the second pipe interface 212 on the second body 211, which facilitates installation and disassembly and helps to improve the production efficiency of the air conditioning system 1000.

[0086] In one possible structural design, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10The second body 211 has a second flow channel 2112, one end of which is connected to a third opening 2111. The second pipe interface 212 has a third flow channel 2122, one end of which is connected to the other end of the second flow channel 2112, and the other end of which is connected to a fourth opening 2121. The angle A between the extension direction of the second flow channel 2112 and the extension direction of the third flow channel 2122 satisfies: A ≥ 90°. For example, the angle A can be 90°, 120°, 150°, or 180°, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0087] Since the included angle A ≥ 90°, it avoids excessively sharp airflow turns that could lead to localized pressure loss, making the airflow smoother and more orderly when entering the third flow channel 2122. This reduces internal turbulence noise and energy loss during low-pressure transmission. It also ensures that the return flow device 20 can stably and efficiently draw in the downstream flow field.

[0088] In one possible structural design, the second housing 21 is provided with a second sealing groove 2114, which surrounds the third opening 2111; the reflux device 20 also includes a second sealing ring 22, at least a portion of which is disposed within the second sealing groove 2114. The second sealing ring 22 is adapted to seal the gap between the second housing 21 and the air outlet duct 400.

[0089] The second sealing ring 22 can be a rubber sealing ring, a plastic sealing ring, a metal sealing ring, or a ceramic sealing ring, etc., and this embodiment does not limit the type. Thus, by providing the second sealing ring 22 between the second housing 21 and the air outlet duct 400, external air can be prevented from being drawn in from the joint surface between the housing and the duct, ensuring that the airflow in areas with poor flow field morphology within the air outlet duct can be stably drawn into the collection device 10.

[0090] Figure 11 A flowchart of a control method for an air conditioning system provided in this application embodiment, the control method being applied to the air conditioning system 1000 described above, the control method comprising: Control the on / off state of the manifold and return flow devices according to the operating mode of the air conditioning system.

[0091] For example, the air conditioning system can operate in the air conditioning blowing mode, such as blowing on the face, blowing on the feet, or defrosting. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0092] The operating mode of the air conditioning system corresponds to the on / off status of the collector and multiple return devices. For example, there can be 6 return devices. When the air conditioning system is in the face blowing mode, the collector can be connected to 4 of the 6 return devices, while the other two return devices are disconnected. When the air conditioning system is in the defrost mode, the collector can be connected to all 6 return devices.

[0093] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 11 As shown, according to the operating mode of the air conditioning system, the on / off state of the collector and return device is controlled, including the following steps S110-S120.

[0094] S110. Based on the current operating mode of the air conditioning system, the controller sends a control signal corresponding to the current operating mode to the control valve.

[0095] The air conditioning system has multiple operating modes, each corresponding to a specific control signal. For example, if the system is currently operating in the first mode, a first control signal is sent; if it is currently operating in the second mode, a second control signal is sent. The control signals indicate whether the current collector is connected to or disconnected from its corresponding return device in the current operating mode. For instance, when the return device includes a first return device, a second return device, and a third return device, if control signal A is used, the current collector can connect to its corresponding first and second return devices, while the third return device is disconnected. If control signal B is used, the current collector can connect to its corresponding second and third return devices, while the first return device is disconnected. If control signal C is used, the current collector can connect to all three of its corresponding return devices.

[0096] S120: The control valve receives the control signal from the controller and controls the on / off state of the current collector and the corresponding return device according to the control signal.

[0097] For example, when the control signal is A, the current collector is connected to the first return device and the second return device according to control signal A. For example, when the control signal is B, the current collector is connected to the second return device and the third return device according to control signal B. For example, when the control signal is C, the current collector is connected to the first return device, the second return device, and the third return device according to control signal C.

[0098] Specifically, controlling the on / off state of the current collection device and the corresponding return device according to the control signal can include: controlling the on / off state of the current collection valve port and the corresponding return valve port according to the control signal. For example, when the control signal is A, the current collection valve port connected to the current collection device is connected to the return valve port connected to the first return device and the return valve port connected to the second return device, respectively, according to control signal A. For example, when the control signal is B, the current collection valve port connected to the current collection device is connected to the return valve port connected to the second return device and the return valve port connected to the third return device, according to control signal B. In this way, the air conditioning system can send one-to-one corresponding control signals to the control valves according to the operating mode, and the control valves can selectively open and close the current collection valve port and multiple return valve ports. This allows the flow control device to accurately match the current operating requirements of the air conditioner.

[0099] In the description of the embodiments of this application, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0100] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A flow control device (100) applied to an air conditioning system (1000), characterized in that, The flow control device (100) includes: A flow collector (10) is adapted to be connected to the upstream flow channel of the fan in the air conditioning system; A return flow device (20) is connected to the collection device (10) and is adapted to be connected to the downstream flow channel of the fan in the air conditioning system.

2. The flow control device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fan includes an impeller, the collector (10) is adapted to be connected to the upper flow channel of the impeller; and / or the return flow device (20) is adapted to be connected to the lower flow channel of the impeller.

3. The flow control device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow control device (100) further includes a control valve (30), which is connected between the return device (20) and the collection device (10) and is adapted to control the on / off state or flow rate of the return device (20) and the collection device (10).

4. The flow control device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow control device (100) includes a connecting pipe (40), one end of which is connected to the flow collecting device (10), and the other end of which is connected to the return device (20).

5. The flow control device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow control device (100) further includes a control valve (30), and the connecting pipe (40) includes a first pipe (41) and a second pipe (42). The first pipe (41) is connected between the flow collecting device (10) and one end of the control valve (30), and the second pipe (42) is connected between the return device (20) and the other end of the control valve (30).

6. The flow control device (100) according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Multiple return flow devices (20) are provided, and all of the multiple return flow devices (20) are connected to the collection device (10), and all of the multiple return flow devices (20) are used in the downstream flow channel of the fan of the air conditioning system.

7. The flow control device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flow control device (100) further includes a control valve (30), which has a collecting valve port (31) and a plurality of return valve ports (32). The collecting valve port (31) is connected to the collecting device (10), and the plurality of return valve ports (32) are respectively connected to a plurality of the return devices (20). The collecting valve port (31) can be selectively connected to one or more of the plurality of return valve ports (32).

8. The flow control device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a controller (50), which is electrically connected to the control valve (30) and is used to control the on / off state or flow rate of the manifold valve port (31) and the plurality of return valves.

9. The flow control device (100) according to claim 5 or 7, characterized in that, The control valve (30) includes a solenoid valve.

10. The flow control device (100) according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The recirculation device (20) is suitable for being located in the region of poor flow field morphology in the downstream flow channel of the fan.

11. The flow control device (100) according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The collection device (10) includes a first housing (11), on which a first opening (1111) and a second opening (1121) are connected. The first opening (1111) is located in the upstream flow channel of the fan of the air conditioning system, and the second opening (1121) is connected to the return device (20).

12. The flow control device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first housing (11) includes a first body (111) and a first pipe interface (112) connected to each other. The first body (111) is provided with the first opening (1111), and the first pipe interface (112) is provided with the second opening (1121). The first pipe interface (112) is connected to the return device (20).

13. The flow control device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first body (111) is provided with a first flow channel (1112), one end of the first flow channel (1112) is connected to the first opening (1111), and the other end is connected to the second opening (1121); Along the direction from the first opening (1111) to the second opening (1121), the equivalent diameter of at least a portion of the first flow channel (1112) gradually decreases.

14. The flow control device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first opening (1111) is provided in multiple ways, and all of the first openings (1111) are connected to the second opening (1121).

15. The flow control device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first housing (11) is provided with a first connecting structure (1113), which is adapted to be connected to the air conditioning system.

16. The flow control device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first housing (11) is provided with a first sealing groove (1114), which surrounds the first opening (1111); the current collecting device (10) further includes a first sealing ring (12), at least a portion of which is disposed in the first sealing groove (1114).

17. The flow control device (100) according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The return flow device (20) includes a second housing (21), on which a third opening (2111) and a fourth opening (2121) are connected. The third opening (2111) is used to be located in the downstream flow channel of the fan of the air conditioning system, and the fourth opening (2121) can be connected to the collection device (10).

18. The flow control device (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The second housing (21) includes a second body (211) and a second pipeline interface (212) connected to each other. The second body (211) is provided with the third opening (2111), and the second pipeline interface (212) is provided with the fourth opening (2121). The second pipeline interface (212) is connected to the current collection device (10).

19. The flow control device (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second body (211) is provided with a second flow channel (2112), one end of which is connected to the third opening (2111); the second pipe interface (212) is provided with a third flow channel (2122), one end of which is connected to the other end of the second flow channel (2112), and the other end of which is connected to the fourth opening (2121); The angle A between the extension direction of the second flow channel (2112) and the extension direction of the third flow channel (2122) satisfies: A≥90°.

20. The flow control device (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The second housing (21) is provided with a second sealing groove (2114), which surrounds the third opening (2111); the reflux device (20) further includes a second sealing ring (22), at least a portion of which is disposed in the second sealing groove (2114).

21. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, Includes the flow control device (100) according to any one of claims 1-20.

22. The air conditioning system according to claim 21, characterized in that, The system includes a fan (200), an air inlet duct (300), and an air outlet duct (400). The air inlet duct (300) is located on the air inlet side of the fan of the air conditioning system, and at least a portion of the upstream flow channel is formed in the air inlet duct (300). The air outlet duct (400) is located on the air outlet side of the fan of the air conditioning system, and at least a portion of the downstream flow channel is formed in the air outlet duct (400). The flow collection device (10) is located in the air inlet duct (300), and the return flow device (20) is located in the air outlet duct (400).

23. A control method for an air conditioning system, applied to an air conditioning system, characterized in that, The air conditioning system includes the flow control device (100) according to any one of claims 1-20; The control method includes controlling the switching on and off of the collector device (10) and the return device (20) according to the operating mode of the air conditioning system.

24. The control method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The reflux device (20) is provided in multiple ways, and each of the multiple reflux devices (20) is connected to the flow collecting device (10); the flow control device (100) further includes a control valve (30), which is connected between the flow collecting device (10) and the multiple reflux devices (20); The step of controlling the connection and disconnection of the collector device (10) and the multiple return devices (20) according to the current operating mode of the air conditioning system includes: sending a control signal corresponding to the current operating mode to the control valve according to the current operating mode of the air conditioning system, wherein the multiple operating modes of the air conditioning system correspond one-to-one with the multiple control signals, and the control signals are used to indicate whether the collector device (10) is connected or disconnected from its corresponding return device (20) under the current operating mode; The control valve receives the control signal from the controller and controls the switching of the current collection device (10) and the opposite return device (20) according to the control signal.

25. The control method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The flow control device (100) further includes a control valve (30), which has a flow collecting port (31) and a plurality of flow returning ports (32). The flow collecting port (31) is connected to the flow collecting device (10), and the plurality of flow returning ports (32) are respectively connected to a plurality of the flow returning devices (20). The flow collecting port (31) can be selectively connected to one or more of the plurality of flow returning ports (32). The control of the flow collection device (10) and the corresponding return device (20) according to the control signal includes: controlling the flow collection valve port (31) and the corresponding return valve port (32) according to the control signal.

26. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the flow control device (100) according to any one of claims 1-20, or the air conditioning system (1000) according to any one of claims 21-22.

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