Multi-branch independent air volume regulation and control closed central dust collection system

Abstract

This application relates to a closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches. The system includes a central vacuum unit, a central controller, and a circulation network. The circulation network includes a main inlet circulation line, a main outlet circulation line, and at least two parallel circulation branches. Each circulation branch is equipped with a variable frequency fan, a wind speed measuring device, and a pipe valve. The central controller receives signals from each wind speed measuring device on all circulation branches and, based on the currently set target wind speed value, independently controls the frequency and speed of each variable frequency fan on each circulation branch, thereby achieving precise and independent closed-loop control of the wind speed in each circulation branch. The advantages of this application are that it effectively solves the problem of wind speed allocation when multiple circulation branches are working simultaneously or at different times, achieving on-demand wind speed distribution without interference between branches, effectively improving the stability of the entire system and enhancing the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air purification and cleaning equipment technology, and in particular to a closed central dust collection system with independent airflow control for multiple branches. Background Technology

[0002] A centralized vacuum system is a device that uses a fixed vacuum unit connected to various dust-generating points via a network of ducts for centralized cleaning. Traditional centralized vacuum systems typically use a single vacuum unit with a fan speed control system to drive multiple parallel vacuum points. When only one vacuum point is operating, the system can provide sufficient and constant airflow. However, when two or more vacuum points are used simultaneously, the altered duct resistance characteristics make it difficult to stably adjust the actual airflow in each circulation branch, failing to meet normal cleaning needs and resulting in a poor user experience.

[0003] To solve this problem, a solution of multiple vacuuming systems is usually adopted. Some solutions attempt to install simple mechanical valves on the central vacuum cleaner branch, but this cannot achieve precise control. When one vacuuming point is turned on, turned off, or the fan speed is adjusted, it will seriously interfere with the fan speed of other branches, and it cannot automatically adjust according to the system status, making it impractical.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a central vacuum system that can intelligently and automatically and independently and precisely control the airflow of multiple branch lines in order to achieve on-demand distribution of suction power and optimization of system energy consumption. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, this application provides a closed central vacuum system with independent air volume control for multiple branches.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this application, a closed central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches is provided, including a central vacuum unit, a central controller, and a circulation pipe network;

[0007] The circulating pipeline network includes a circulating air inlet main pipeline, a circulating air outlet main pipeline, and at least two parallel circulating branch pipelines;

[0008] Each of the aforementioned circulation branches is equipped with at least one variable frequency fan, a wind speed measuring device, and a pipeline valve;

[0009] The input terminal of the central controller is connected to each of the wind speed measuring devices via signal lines, and its output terminal is connected to each of the variable frequency fans and each of the pipeline valves via control lines.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the pipeline valve includes a branch air inlet valve and a branch air outlet valve, and the two ends of each of the circulating branches are respectively connected to the circulating air outlet main pipeline and the circulating air inlet main pipeline through the branch air inlet valve and the branch air outlet valve.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the circulation branch is provided with the branch air inlet valve, the variable frequency fan, the wind speed measuring device and the branch exhaust valve in sequence along the airflow direction.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, a dust-generating working chamber is further included, which is connected to the circulation branch through the pipe interface.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the starting end of the circulating air outlet main pipe and the ending end of the circulating air inlet main pipe are both connected to the central vacuum cleaner host.

[0014] The circulating air outlet main line, the circulating air inlet main line, the central vacuum cleaner, and any one of the circulating branch lines together form a closed-loop circulation circuit.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, the wind speed measuring device is a differential pressure wind speed sensor, a thermal wind speed sensor, or an ultrasonic wind speed sensor.

[0016] In one embodiment of this application, the variable frequency fan is a vortex fan, a centrifugal fan, or a vacuum pump.

[0017] In one embodiment of this application, the branch air inlet valve and the branch air outlet valve are butterfly valves, ball valves, and gate valves.

[0018] In one embodiment of this application, the central dust collection unit employs mechanical dust removal, dry dust removal, wet dust removal, electrostatic dust removal, or a combination of dust removal methods.

[0019] One beneficial effect of this application is that it provides a closed central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches. This system can ensure that each activated branch can obtain a stable and set airflow under any working condition, thereby solving the problem of airflow interference when multiple branches are used simultaneously or at different times.

[0020] Other features and advantages of this application will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present application and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0022] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the working process of a closed central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 1 The one-to-one correspondence between the component names and the reference numerals in the figures is as follows:

[0024] 1. Centralized vacuum cleaner unit; 2. Centralized controller; 3. Circulation piping network; 3A. Main circulation exhaust pipe; 3B. Main circulation intake pipe;

[0025] 31. First circulation branch; 311. First branch inlet valve; 312. First variable frequency fan; 313. First wind speed measuring device; 31a. First pipeline inlet; 31b. First pipeline outlet; 310. First dust-generating working chamber; 314. First branch exhaust valve;

[0026] 32. Second circulation branch; 321. Second branch air inlet valve; 322. Second variable frequency fan; 323. Second wind speed measuring device; 32a. Second pipeline inlet; 32b. Second pipeline outlet; 320. Second dust-generating working chamber; 324. Second branch exhaust valve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Various exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application.

[0028] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the scope of this application and its application or use.

[0029] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0030] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0031] The specific embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] In this article, terms such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate the relative positional relationship between related parts, rather than to define the absolute position of these related parts.

[0033] In this article, "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish one another, and not to indicate degree of importance, order, or prerequisite for each other.

[0034] In this document, terms such as “equal” and “same” are not strict mathematical and / or geometric limitations, but also include errors that are understandable to those skilled in the art and permissible in manufacturing or use.

[0035] This application provides a closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches. The system includes a central vacuum unit and a circulation duct network, which comprises a main inlet circulation duct, a main outlet circulation duct, and multiple parallel circulation branch ducts. Its innovation lies in the inclusion of a variable frequency fan and a wind speed measurement device on each circulation branch. The system also includes a central controller that receives signals from each wind speed sensor and, based on the currently set target wind speed value, independently controls the frequency and speed of each variable frequency fan on each circulation branch, thereby achieving precise and independent closed-loop control of the wind speed in each circulation branch. The advantages of this application are that it effectively solves the problem of wind speed allocation when multiple branches are working simultaneously or at different times, achieving on-demand wind speed distribution without interference between branches, and effectively improving the stability of the entire system.

[0036] For ease of understanding, please refer to the following: Figure 1 The specific structure and working principle of the closed central vacuum system with multi-branch independent airflow control of this application are described in detail with reference to an embodiment.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a closed central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches, including a central vacuum unit 1, a central controller 2, and a circulation network 3. The circulation network 3 forms the airflow channel of the system, including a circulating air intake main line 3B, a circulating air outlet main line 3A, and at least two circulation branches connected in parallel between these two main lines.

[0038] Each circulation branch is equipped with at least one variable frequency fan and at least one wind speed measuring device, and is also equipped with controlled pipeline valves.

[0039] In some embodiments, when multiple parallel circulation branches exist, the central controller 2 can control the opening or closing of different branches according to actual task requirements. The closed central vacuum system with multi-branch independent airflow control of this application adopts an expandable design, which can add circulation branches without affecting the original configuration to adapt to different working conditions.

[0040] The input of the central controller 2 is connected via signal lines to each wind speed measuring device on all circulation branches to collect real-time wind speed data. Its output is connected via control lines to each variable frequency fan and each pipeline valve drive on all circulation branches, thereby enabling independent control of the power source and on / off state of each branch.

[0041] In one specific embodiment, the central controller 2 is configured to open the pipe valves on the target circulation branch, receive the detection signal from the wind speed measuring device on each circulation branch when the pipe valves are open, and output control signals to the variable frequency fan on the branch precisely and independently based on the detection signal and the currently set target wind speed value to adjust its speed. Regardless of whether a single or multiple circulation branches are working simultaneously, the variable frequency fan in each activated circulation branch runs at the currently set target wind speed value, thereby realizing the independent closed-loop control of the air volume of each circulation branch by the central controller 2.

[0042] The central controller 2 provides centralized management and independent connection and control, offering the hardware foundation for independent and precise regulation of airflow in each branch. This changes the inherent "all systems operate in tandem, all systems fail" model of traditional single-fan systems, effectively solving the problem of airflow distribution in different circulation branches when multiple branches of a closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow regulation operate simultaneously or at different times. It achieves on-demand airflow distribution, ensuring that the airflow speeds of each circulation branch do not interfere with each other, effectively improving the stability of the entire closed-loop central vacuum system and avoiding energy waste. In some embodiments, the central controller 2 is an independent control unit, which can be implemented using a programmable logic controller (PLC), a microcontroller, an industrial computer, or an embedded system.

[0043] In some embodiments, the wind speed measuring device can be a differential pressure anemometer, such as a pitot tube, which calculates wind speed by measuring dynamic pressure; a thermal anemometer, which reflects wind speed by measuring the cooling effect of a thermal element; or an ultrasonic anemometer, which calculates wind speed by measuring the time difference of ultrasonic wave propagation. In a preferred embodiment, to obtain fast response and high accuracy, a thermal anemometer is selected, with its probe inserted into the center of the branch pipe to transmit the wind speed signal to the central controller 2 in real time.

[0044] In some embodiments, the variable frequency fan can be a vortex fan suitable for applications requiring higher air pressure, a centrifugal fan suitable for applications requiring larger air volume, or a vacuum pump suitable for harsh applications requiring high negative pressure. In one embodiment, to balance air volume and air pressure and achieve smooth speed regulation, a backward centrifugal variable frequency fan is selected, and the fan speed is steplessly adjusted by regulating the output frequency of its matching frequency converter, for example, within the range of 20Hz to 50Hz.

[0045] In some embodiments, the pipeline valves include branch inlet valves and branch outlet valves. Each circulation branch is connected to the main circulation outlet pipeline 3A and the main circulation inlet pipeline 3B at both ends via the branch inlet valve and branch outlet valve, respectively. The branch inlet valve and branch outlet valve can be an electric butterfly valve, an electric ball valve, or an electric gate valve. In some embodiments, a normally closed electric butterfly valve is selected, which has a simple structure, low flow resistance, and fast response speed.

[0046] By installing controlled dedicated valves at both ends of the branch lines, physical isolation and precise on / off control of the airflow in each branch line are achieved. This not only ensures the independence of branch line start-up and shutdown but also effectively prevents gas short-circuiting or leakage when a single branch line is closed, maintaining the airtightness and operational efficiency of the entire system. Using electric valves facilitates receiving commands from the central controller 2, enabling automated control.

[0047] In some embodiments, along the airflow direction, see Figure 1 In the direction of the arrow, the airflow flows from 3A to 3B. The branch inlet valve, the variable frequency fan, the wind speed measuring device, and the branch exhaust valve are sequentially installed on the circulation branch. Each component is independently arranged in the pipeline in a discrete manner.

[0048] This specific layout sequence has significant performance advantages. Placing the variable frequency fan upstream of the wind speed measuring device ensures that the wind speed measuring device can sense the flow field directly created and stabilized by the variable frequency fan. This allows the measured value to more accurately reflect the adjustment effect of the variable frequency fan, improves the accuracy and response speed of the central controller 2 in controlling the circulating branch, and enhances the precision and response speed of the regulation.

[0049] In some embodiments, the closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches also includes a dust-generating chamber. This dust-generating chamber is connected in series to the circulation branches via a pipe interface, becoming an integral part of the closed-loop circulation system. The dust-generating chamber enables the circulation branches to perform targeted dust removal in specific spaces, integrating airflow circulation and dust collection functions, thus improving practicality and vacuuming efficiency.

[0050] Specifically, each circulation branch can be equipped with a corresponding dust-generating chamber and a pipe interface for connecting the dust-generating chamber in series. For example, in the first circulation branch 31, a first dust-generating chamber 310 is provided downstream, and a first pipe inlet 31a and a first pipe outlet 31b are respectively provided on both sides of the first dust-generating chamber 310. Through the first pipe inlet 31a and the first pipe outlet 31b, the first dust-generating chamber 310 can be connected in series to the first circulation branch, so that the circulating airflow can enter and pass through the dust-generating chamber 310 when flowing through the branch, thereby directionally and precisely removing the dust generated therein.

[0051] In some embodiments, the starting end of the circulating air outlet main pipe 3A and the ending end of the circulating air inlet main pipe 3B are respectively sealed and connected to the corresponding interfaces of the central vacuum cleaner 1. Thus, the circulating air outlet main pipe 3A, the circulating air inlet main pipe 3B, the central vacuum cleaner 1, and any one of the circulating branches together form a closed circulation loop, allowing the airflow to circulate within the system without exchanging gases with the external environment, thereby ensuring the airtightness and stability of the system operation.

[0052] Under the action of this closed-loop circulation, dust generated from multiple dust collection points can be centrally collected and processed in the central dust collection unit 1, effectively reducing the workload of operation and maintenance. At the same time, compared with the solution of using multiple dust collectors, the system in this embodiment can significantly reduce equipment investment and operating costs, and has a lower overall cost advantage.

[0053] In some embodiments, the dust removal principle of the central dust collection unit 1 can be mechanical dust removal such as cyclone separators, dry dust removal such as bag filters, cartridge filters, wet dust removal such as venturi scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, or a combination of the above principles. For example, for collecting wood shavings and dust generated during wood processing, a combined dust removal method of "cyclone separation + cartridge filtration" can be used.

[0054] The following describes the operation of a closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branch lines, according to one embodiment. (Combined with...) Figure 1 The following explanation uses the first circulation branch 31 as an example to illustrate its wind speed control process.

[0055] The first branch air inlet valve 311 is connected to the circulating air outlet main line 3A, and is connected to the circulating air inlet main line 3B through the first branch air exhaust valve 314. Downstream of the first branch air inlet valve 311, the first variable frequency fan 312, the first wind speed measuring device 313, the first dust-generating working chamber 310, and the first branch air exhaust valve 314 are arranged in sequence.

[0056] The input terminal of the central controller 2 is connected via signal lines or wireless connection to the wind speed measuring devices on all circulation branches, such as the first wind speed measuring device 313 and the second wind speed measuring device 323. Its output terminal is connected via independent control lines to the variable frequency fan (such as the first variable frequency fan 312), the branch air inlet valve (such as the first branch air outlet valve 314), and the branch air outlet valve (such as the first branch air inlet valve 311) on each circulation branch.

[0057] When the first circulation branch 31 needs to be activated, the central controller 2 first issues a control command to open the first branch air inlet valve 311 and the first branch air outlet valve 314, and start the first variable frequency fan 312. Afterward, the closed-loop central vacuum system enters a closed-loop control process. Specifically, the central controller 2 reads the target wind speed value Sv of the first circulation branch in real time and receives the measured wind speed value Pv fed back by the first wind speed measuring device 313; subsequently, the central controller 2 calculates the deviation e = Sv - Pv between the target value and the measured value, and generates a control signal accordingly, such as adjusting the speed of the first variable frequency fan 312 through a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithm, so that the measured wind speed is stabilized at the target value.

[0058] When it is necessary to shut down the first circulation branch 31, the central controller 2 controls the first variable frequency fan 312 to stop running and closes the first branch air inlet valve 311 and the first branch air outlet valve 314, thereby completing the shutdown process of the branch.

[0059] Because each circulation branch is equipped with an independent variable frequency fan, wind speed measurement device, and pipeline valves, the start-up, shutdown, wind speed setting, and real-time adjustment of any circulation branch will not interfere with other parallel circulation branches, thus achieving true independent control of each circulation branch by the system. Regardless of how other branches start, stop, or adjust, the central controller 2 can quickly compensate for any disturbances inside or outside the system, ensuring that the wind speed of each circulation branch remains constant at the currently set target wind speed value, significantly improving the system's stability and energy efficiency.

[0060] The following is an example of the airflow circulation path of a closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branch lines. Combined with... Figure 1 Taking the first circulation branch 31 as an example, its airflow process is explained.

[0061] The clean air purified in the central vacuum cleaner 1 enters the circulating air outlet main pipe 3A to complete the purified air delivery; the clean airflow then enters the first circulating branch pipe 31 through the first branch air inlet valve 311, where it flows sequentially through the first variable frequency fan 312 to obtain independent power and the first wind speed measuring device 313 for real-time wind speed monitoring; subsequently, the airflow enters the first dust-generating working chamber 310, carrying and removing the dust generated in the chamber, transforming it into dust-laden gas; the dust-laden gas then flows through the first branch exhaust valve 314 into the circulating air inlet main pipe 3B to complete the collection and aggregation of dust-laden gas; finally, the airflow returns to the central vacuum cleaner 1 for purification, thus forming a complete circulation loop that operates continuously in a closed system without exchanging gas with the outside.

[0062] The various embodiments of this application have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical applications, or technological improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. The scope of this application is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches, characterized in that, Includes a central vacuum cleaner unit (1), a central controller (2), and a circulation pipe network (3); The circulating pipeline (3) includes a circulating air inlet main pipeline (3B), a circulating air outlet main pipeline (3A), and at least two parallel circulating branches; Each of the aforementioned circulation branches is equipped with at least one variable frequency fan, a wind speed measuring device, and a pipeline valve; The input terminal of the central controller (2) is connected to each of the wind speed measuring devices via a signal line, and its output terminal is connected to each of the variable frequency fans and each of the pipeline valves via a control line.

2. The closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pipeline valves include branch air inlet valves and branch air outlet valves. The two ends of each of the circulating branches are connected to the circulating air outlet main pipeline (3A) and the circulating air inlet main pipeline (3B) respectively through the branch air inlet valve and the branch air outlet valve.

3. The closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The circulation branch is provided with the branch air inlet valve, the variable frequency fan, the wind speed measuring device and the branch exhaust valve in sequence along the airflow direction.

4. The closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a dust-generating work chamber, which is connected to the circulation branch through the pipe interface.

5. The closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The starting end of the circulating air outlet main pipe (3A) and the ending end of the circulating air inlet main pipe (3B) are both connected to the central vacuum cleaner host (1); The circulating air outlet main line (3A), the circulating air inlet main line (3B), the central vacuum cleaner (1), and any one of the circulating branch lines together form a closed-loop circulation circuit.

6. The closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches according to claim 3, characterized in that, The wind speed measuring device is a differential pressure wind speed sensor, a thermal wind speed sensor, or an ultrasonic wind speed sensor.

7. The closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches according to claim 3, characterized in that, The variable frequency fan is a vortex fan, centrifugal fan, or vacuum pump.

8. The closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches according to claim 2, characterized in that, The branch air inlet valve and the branch air outlet valve are butterfly valves, ball valves, and gate valves, respectively.

9. The closed-loop central vacuum system with independent airflow control for multiple branches according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central dust collection unit (1) adopts mechanical dust removal, dry dust removal, wet dust removal, electrostatic dust removal or mixed dust removal.

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