Ambient air management device

Abstract

An ambient air management device includes a housing including an air inlet through which air is drawn, an airflow generation unit configured to move air through the housing, and an air entrainment assembly. The air entrainment assembly includes an airflow guide defining an air outlet at an end of the airflow guide through which air flows, and a collar having a first end and a second end and extending at least partially around the airflow guide. A perimeter of the air outlet has a greater length than a perimeter of the first end, thereby defining one or more airflow channels extending at least partially along the collar and between the collar and the airflow guide. In use, ambient air is drawn at least partially along or through the one or more airflow channels and out of the first end of the collar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an ambient air management device. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional household fans typically consist of a set of blades mounted to rotate around an axis, and a drive mechanism for rotating the set of blades to generate airflow. Utility Model Content

[0003] One aspect of this invention provides an ambient air management device, comprising: (i) a housing including an air inlet through which air is drawn into the device; (ii) an airflow generating unit configured to move air at least partially through the housing; and (iii) an air entrainment assembly including: (a) an airflow guide defining a through-hole that defines an air outlet at an end of the airflow guide through which air flows out of the device; and (b) a collar having a first end and a second end, the collar extending at least partially around the airflow guide. The first end of the collar is arranged closer to the air outlet than the second end. The periphery of the air outlet has a greater length than the periphery of the first end, thereby defining one or more airflow channels extending at least partially along the collar and between the collar and the airflow guide. In use, ambient air is drawn in at least partially along (or through) one or more airflow channels and discharged from the first end of the collar. The ambient air drawn in along (or through) one or more airflow channels is entrained and accelerated by an airflow (referred to herein as the main airflow) from the air outlet.

[0004] Ambient air management devices (which may alternatively be referred to as airflow components, fans, air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or heaters) offer advantages over conventional ambient air management devices. For example, the geometry interacts with the ambient air, manipulating the path of entrained air so that, for a given acoustic power level, the mainstream velocity can be increased. The presence of a collar manipulates the entrained airflow to increase the emission factor at the air outlet. References to the emission factor in this document describe the limitations of the component, and a higher emission factor implies fewer limitations. One way to increase the emission factor via a collar is by creating an accelerating air cone around the main airflow. Thus, the entrained air cone can extend around the main airflow, where the entrained airflow moves at a slower speed than the main airflow, which is faster at the center. This can act as a diffuser for the main airflow, thereby reducing the overall limitations of the system. Thus, the device can use the entrained airflow to diffuse the mainstream, increasing the static pressure at the plane at the air outlet. For example, due to the increased emission factor, ambient air management devices can also improve energy efficiency compared to ambient air management devices without a collar. In examples where the device can purify the air, it can also purify the room more quickly. The increased purification speed is likely because the product can operate at a higher flow rate for the same sound power level. Higher flow rates of purified air will clean the room more quickly.

[0005] In the example, the second end of the collar is positioned upstream of the airflow flowing through or out of the device. In other words, the second end can be positioned upstream of the airflow exiting from the vent (i.e., the main airflow). Therefore, the second end of the collar can be positioned upstream of the first end of the collar. The second end can be positioned closer to the airflow generator than the first end.

[0006] In this example, the collar is annular (so the periphery at the first and second ends is circular). In other examples, the periphery at the first and second ends can have any shape, and can be the same shape or different shapes.

[0007] In this example, the airflow guide is tubular, causing the through-hole to form a channel. Therefore, the air outlet is located at the end of the channel.

[0008] In the example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the collar at the second end is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the collar at the first end (causing the collar to flare outward toward the second end).

[0009] The air flowing out of the air outlet (and through the through-hole) is air from the airflow generation unit (not ambient air), and therefore can be referred to as the main airflow.

[0010] In the example, the airflow generating unit is arranged within the housing. In the example, the airflow generating unit includes an impeller to draw air into the housing and remove it from the air outlet. In the example, the airflow generating unit includes a compressor. In some examples, the compressor may include a motor, an impeller, and a stator assembly.

[0011] In certain examples, multiple airflow channels exist, and these channels are distributed around the airflow guide, such as in a uniform distribution. The sides of the airflow channels may be defined by the inner surface of the collar and the outer surface of the airflow guide. In other examples, the airflow channels may be defined by other surfaces, such as one or more tubular structures arranged between the collar and the airflow guide.

[0012] In the example, the airflow channels are separated from each other, preventing air flowing along one airflow channel from entering the other. In a specific example, the airflow guide is coupled to or adjacent to a collar at its first end. In other cases, the airflow channels may be connected rather than completely separated from each other.

[0013] In the example, the collar has a length measured between a first end and a second end, wherein the collar is arranged relative to the air outlet such that at least 50% of the collar length is upstream of the air outlet relative to the air flowing out of the air outlet. This configuration means that most of the collar is arranged closer to the airflow generating unit, which ensures efficient use of material and minimizes the device height, while manipulating the airflow to increase the emission coefficient and provide acoustic attenuation.

[0014] The length of the collar can be measured along an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the air outlet. The length can also be measured along the average airflow path. Alternatively, the length can be the average length of the collar.

[0015] In one example, the collar is arranged relative to the air outlet such that at least 80% of its length is upstream of the air outlet. In another example, the collar is arranged relative to the air outlet such that at least 90% of its length is upstream of the air outlet. This configuration can help increase the emission coefficient of the outlet. In yet another example, the collar is arranged relative to the air outlet such that at least 95% of its length is upstream of the air outlet.

[0016] In a specific example, the collar is arranged relative to the air outlet such that 100% of the collar length is upstream of the air outlet relative to the air flowing out of it. Therefore, the first end of the collar can be flush / at the same height as the air outlet, or the first end can be offset upstream of the air outlet.

[0017] In one example, the first end of the collar is offset between 2 mm and 7 mm upstream of the air outlet. In a specific example, the first end of the collar is offset approximately 5 mm upstream of the air outlet. Therefore, in this example, there is a distance of 2 mm to 7 mm between the first end and the air outlet. The offset / distance is measured along an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the air outlet or along the average airflow path. In other words, the first end of the collar may be offset upstream of the air outlet by between 0.003 times and 0.011 times the periphery of the collar at the first end, for example, 0.0079 times the periphery of the collar at the first end.

[0018] In the example, the first end of the collar is flush with the air outlet. It has been found that aligning the first end with the air outlet provides the aforementioned advantages without increasing the height profile of the device. Therefore, in some examples, there is a 0 mm offset between the first end and the air outlet, which is measured along an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the air outlet or along the average airflow path.

[0019] In other examples, the first end of the collar is offset downstream of the air outlet. Therefore, the first end of the collar can extend "above" the air outlet. It has been found that for a fixed RPM of air generation units (e.g., impellers), extending the height of the collar above the air outlet further increases the airflow velocity.

[0020] The inventors have discovered that a collar with a length greater than approximately 80 mm can improve the performance of the device. In other words, the length can be greater than approximately 0.13 times the perimeter of the collar at the first end, or greater than approximately 0.35 times the diameter of the collar at the first end. In particular, the inventors have discovered that the length of the collar can affect both acoustic performance and flow velocity, even if the collar may not directly interact with the main airflow from the air outlet. Therefore, in the example, the collar has a length greater than approximately 80 mm, or greater than approximately 0.13 times the perimeter of the collar at the first end, or greater than approximately 0.35 times the diameter of the collar at the first end, measured between the first and second ends.

[0021] In a specific example, the length is between approximately 80 mm and approximately 120 mm, or between approximately 0.13 and 0.19 times the periphery of the collar at the first end, or between approximately 0.35 and 0.52 times the diameter of the collar at the first end. Lengths within this range provide a balance between offering the aforementioned advantages and maintaining a compact design.

[0022] In the example, the air outlet has an area A1, and one or more airflow channels have a combined area A2 and an outlet area ratio A. exit The combined area is limited to the plane arranged at the air outlet, with an outlet area ratio greater than or equal to about 0.275 and less than about 1, where Aexit =A1 / (A1+A2)

[0023] A exit Therefore, it describes the ratio of the space available in the plane defined by the air outlet to the total area within the main flow and collar. Keep A exit Performance improvements are provided between 0.275 and 1. If A exit Too low (<0.275) could mean a smaller usable area for mainstream applications, and this limitation would necessitate increased power in the air generation unit, resulting in a louder product. exit This will also affect noise attenuation. Low A exit This means that a larger percentage of the exit area is blocked, thus providing attenuation for noise sources inside the product. The inventors have discovered that A within this range exit This provides a balance between the above considerations.

[0024] The inventors have discovered that A values ​​greater than 0.275 exit Performance improvements are provided, where performance is defined as the main airflow rate when the product is operated at 60 dB(A) ref 20 μPa. Performance improvements are measured relative to the same device excluding the air entrainment assembly. In the example, the two devices compared include cones, which will be discussed below.

[0025] A1 is the cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet (i.e., the area through which air flows).

[0026] A2 is defined as the area within the plane of the collar that includes the air outlet, excluding the air outlet area A1. If the first end of the collar deviates from the plane, A2 should be taken at the plane of the air outlet, where the dimensions of the collar are projected onto the plane of the air outlet. A2 is the combined cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel (i.e., the area through which ambient air flows).

[0027] In the example, A exit Between approximately 0.3 and approximately 0.5. In other examples, A exit Between approximately 0.4 and approximately 0.45, such as approximately 0.42.

[0028] As mentioned above, A exit It can be less than 1. For example, if A2 = 0, A exit =1 (This is possible if the air outlet is circular and occupies all the space within the collar). With A exit A1 becomes closer to 1, and A2 becomes closer to 0. Therefore, A exit It must be less than 1. When A exit As A approaches 1, A2 approaches 0. exitA value less than 1 means that A2 cannot be zero (i.e., there must be some entrainment region).

[0029] In the example, the perimeter ratio P is greater than about 1 and less than or equal to about 2.15, where P = P1 / P2, P1 is the perimeter of the air outlet, and P2 is the perimeter of the first end of the collar.

[0030] Therefore, P determines the spatial rate of mixing and influences the entrainment rate at the air exit. A high P implies a large shear perimeter in the main airflow and a high potential for entraining air. P must be chosen such that there is a sufficient shear distance to entrain air. This can be compared with A. exit Pairing, A exit Balance can be used to restrict the area entrained by air with the main airflow and the exit velocity.

[0031] In the example, P is between approximately 1.8 and approximately 2.1. In other examples, P is between approximately 1.8 and approximately 1.9, such as approximately 1.82.

[0032] In the example, the entrainment inlet area A3 is defined between the collar and the airflow guide. The entrainment inlet area is the minimum cross-sectional area through which ambient air is drawn in through the collar and the airflow guide (once drawn in through the airflow channel and entrained by the main airflow, ambient air becomes entrained air). The entrainment area is greater than A. entrainment Greater than or equal to approximately 0 and less than or equal to approximately 0.5, where A entrainment =A3 / A2.

[0033] A entrainment The ratio of the inlet area for entraining air to the outlet area for entraining air is described. This limits the likelihood that the entrained flow will be drawn into the collar. The range includes 0 because there may be no inlet area (i.e., A3 = 0, e.g., when the second end of the collar is closed), and the design will still provide useful benefits because the collar can still manipulate the entrained air in a useful manner. The inventors have empirically found that an upper limit of 0.5 provides virtually no performance improvement.

[0034] A3 is measured on a plane perpendicular to the airflow surface (e.g., the inner surface) of the collar. As mentioned above, the minimum area between the collar and the airflow guide must be used. This can be the point where the gap between the collar and the airflow guide is narrowest. A3 is therefore the minimum cross-sectional area that the entrained flow must pass through when entering the collar.

[0035] A3 extends around the airflow guide.

[0036] A3 must also include all entrained flow upstream of the exit plane. If the collar is perforated (e.g., has one or more air inlets formed along the collar), A3 should also include the area of ​​the perforation downstream of the measurement plane.

[0037] In the example, A entrainment Between approximately 0.1 and approximately 0.3. In other examples, A entrainment Between about 0.1 and about 0.2, for example, about 0.15.

[0038] In the example, A2 cannot be zero (i.e., there must be some entrainment area).

[0039] In one embodiment, the ambient air management device further includes a cone, at least partially disposed within a through-hole of the airflow guide. This cone helps to smooth the flow of air leaving the air outlet.

[0040] In the example, the apex of the cone is positioned upstream of the air outlet relative to the air flowing out from it. The inventors have discovered that positioning the apex upstream of the air outlet can protect the airflow generating unit, such as a compressor, during a fall. In one example, the distance between the apex and the plane defined by the air outlet is approximately 12 mm when measured along an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the air outlet.

[0041] In the example, the apex of the cone is arranged relative to the air outlet such that the distance between the apex and the plane defined by the air outlet, when measured along an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the air outlet, is between approximately -5 mm and approximately +12 mm. Negative values ​​indicate that the distance is measured in the downstream direction, while positive values ​​indicate that the distance is measured in the upstream direction. Positioning the apex upward (closer to the downstream direction or in the downstream direction) has the advantage of reducing eddies in the airflow and straightening the flow. Positioning the apex downward (in the upstream direction) can make the outlet less restrictive (if A1 remains constant).

[0042] In the example, the collar and airflow deflector are configured such that ambient air is drawn through a second end of the collar, flows along one or more airflow channels, and exits from a first end of the collar. Opening the second end of the collar to allow ambient air to flow into the collar and along its length allows the airflow to be directed relative to the airflow exiting the air outlet, thus increasing the emission coefficient. Therefore, the airflow channels are open at both ends. In the example, a gap is defined between the collar and the airflow deflector at the second end. In some cases, the collar additionally or alternatively includes one or more air inlets formed along the collar, and ambient air is drawn through one or more air inlets. In the example, most (or all) of the inlets are closer to the second end than the first end. In an alternative example, the second end of the collar is closed, such that ambient air is drawn through the first end of the collar, at least partially along or through one or more airflow channels, and exits from the first end of the collar.

[0043] In the example, the perimeter of the air outlet is essentially star-shaped. Therefore, the air outlet can be star-shaped. It has been found that the star shape, especially when coupled with a circular collar, provides a particularly effective mechanism for entraining air into the main airflow.

[0044] A star shape includes multiple arms, protrusions, projections, or points that form the star shape. Therefore, in this example, the air outlet includes multiple arms that form the star shape of the air outlet.

[0045] In the example, the air outlet includes approximately six to ten arms forming a star shape. In a particular example, the air outlet includes eight arms forming the star shape.

[0046] In the example, the air outlet includes a plurality of star-shaped arms forming the air outlet, with airflow channels defined between each adjacent arm, thereby forming a plurality of airflow channels extending at least partially along a collar and between the collar and the airflow guide. A first subset of the plurality of airflow channels has a first radial width, and a second subset of the plurality of airflow channels has a second radial width, the second radial width being greater than the first radial width. Therefore, each arm can have different radial lengths on both sides. The inventors have discovered that channels of different (e.g., alternating) widths provide improvements in device performance.

[0047] In the example, there are an equal number of channels in the first subset and the second subset, such as four channels in each subset.

[0048] The radial width is measured radially from the collar toward the center of the air outlet and parallel (i.e., along) the plane defined by the air outlet.

[0049] In the example, channels with different radial widths are arranged to alternate in size around the collar.

[0050] In the example, the periphery of the first end of the collar is substantially circular. Additionally or alternatively, the periphery of the second end of the collar is substantially circular.

[0051] In the example, the ambient air management device also includes an air handling unit configured to regulate one or more characteristics of the air in the intake device. In the example, the one or more characteristics may be one or more of the following: air purification (e.g., air quality level), temperature (heating or cooling), speed, and humidity.

[0052] In this example, the ambient air management device is a stand-alone ambient air management device. For example, the device can be configured to be placed on the floor, workbench, etc. during normal use.

[0053] In this example, the ambient air management device is a floor-standing ambient air management device. For example, the device can be configured to be placed on the floor during normal use.

[0054] In the example, the ambient air management device is at least one of the following: an air purifier, a fan, an air conditioner, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air heater, and an air cooler.

[0055] In the example above, the periphery of the air outlet has a longer length than the periphery of the first end. In other examples, the periphery may have the same length. In other examples, the periphery of the air outlet has a shorter length than the periphery of the first end. This could be a case where the periphery of the collar at the first and / or second ends has the same shape as the periphery of the air outlet.

[0056] Therefore, another aspect of the present invention provides an ambient air management device, comprising: (i) a housing including an air inlet through which air is drawn in; (ii) an airflow generating unit configured to move air at least partially through the housing; and (iii) an air entrainment assembly including: (a) an airflow guide defining a through-hole that defines an air outlet at an end of the airflow guide through which air flows out of the device; and (b) a collar having a first end and a second end, the collar extending at least partially around the airflow guide. The first end of the collar is arranged closer to the air outlet than the second end. The periphery of the first end has a length equal to or greater than the periphery of the air outlet, thereby defining one or more airflow channels extending at least partially along the collar and between the collar and the airflow guide. In use, ambient air is drawn at least partially along or through one or more airflow channels and exits the first end of the collar.

[0057] In the example, the perimeter ratio P is greater than about 0 and less than about 1, where P = P1 / P2, P1 is the perimeter of the air outlet, and P2 is the perimeter of the first end of the collar. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 This is a perspective view based on the example ambient air management device 100;

[0059] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the device;

[0060] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the device, in which the collar has been removed;

[0061] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the individual collar;

[0062] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top view of the device;

[0063] Figure 6 This is a side cross-sectional view of the air entrainment assembly;

[0064] Figure 7 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the air entrainment assembly;

[0065] Figure 8 The airflow velocities are shown with and without the collar.

[0066] Figure 9 This is a side view of another example device;

[0067] Figure 10 These are schematic diagrams showing different areas and perimeter lengths of the device; and

[0068] Figure 11 Two perspective views of two alternative air entrainment components are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0069] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An ambient air management device 100 is depicted according to an example. In this example, device 100 is an air purifier and is primarily designed to stand on the floor or tabletop in a room or other environment during normal use. Figure 1 A perspective view of the device 100 is shown, and Figure 2 A side view of the device 100 is shown. The device 100 includes a housing 102 (also referred to as body 102), and the housing 102 includes an air inlet 104 through which air can be drawn into the device 100 during operation. In this example, the air inlet 104 includes a plurality of inlet openings in the form of orifices or holes formed in the housing 102. An airflow generating unit, which may include an impeller (its location is determined by...), may also be included. Figure 2 The dashed outline 144 (marked in the image) indicates that air from the room / environment is drawn into the housing 102 via the air inlet 104. Therefore, the airflow generation unit can move air through the housing 102.

[0070] In this example, device 100 also includes an air handling unit configured to regulate one or more characteristics of the air drawn into the device. In this example, the one or more characteristics may be one or more of the following: air purification (e.g., air quality level), temperature (heating or cooling), speed, and humidity. In this example, the air handling unit forms part of airflow generating unit 144, but in other examples, they may be separate.

[0071] The device 100 also includes an air entrainment assembly 106, which includes an airflow guide 108 and a collar 110. The airflow guide 108 defines a through-hole through which air flows, and the through-hole defines an air outlet 112 at an end (in this case, the tip) of the airflow guide 108. Thus, air drawn into the housing 102 passes through the housing, along the airflow guide 108, and exits the air outlet 112, for example, in the general direction of the dashed arrow PA. The airflow drawn into the housing 102 via the air inlet 104 and exiting the air outlet 112 is referred to herein as the main airflow (PA).

[0072] In this example, the perimeter of air outlet 112 is essentially star-shaped. The air outlet 112 in this example has eight arms forming the star shape.

[0073] The collar 110 is annular and extends around the airflow guide 108. Figure 3 A perspective view of the device 100 for removing collar 110 is shown. Figure 4 A perspective view of the collar 110 is shown separately.

[0074] The collar 110 has a first end 110a (also referred to as the top end) and a second end 110b (also referred to as the bottom end). The collar 110 has a length L extending between the first end 110a and the second end 110b, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the first end 110a of the collar 110 is arranged closer to the air outlet 112 than the second end 110b. As will be discussed later, in this example, there is a gap or interval between the collar 110 and the airflow guide 108 at the second end 110b. The second end 110b of the collar 110 is arranged upstream of the air outlet 112 relative to the main airflow PA flowing from the air outlet 112.

[0075] In this example, the periphery of the collar 110 at the first end 110a is substantially circular. Figure 4 As shown, the periphery of the collar 110 at the second end 110b is substantially circular and is also larger than the periphery at the first end 110b. Therefore, the collar 110 is wider at the second end 110b and thus flares outward toward the second end 110b.

[0076] In addition to the fact that the air outlet 112 is star-shaped and the collar 110 is circular, the periphery of the air outlet 112 has a longer length than the periphery of the first end 110a, and therefore, a plurality of airflow channels 114 are formed between the collar 110 and the airflow guide 108. Each airflow channel 114 extends at least partially along the inner surface of the collar 110 and the outer surface of the airflow guide 108. Each airflow channel 114 is defined between each pair of arms forming the star shape of the air outlet 112. Thus, in this example, there are eight airflow channels 114. The plurality of airflow channels 114 are distributed around the air outlet 112.

[0077] Figure 5 A top view of the device 100 is shown, particularly a top view of the air entrainment assembly 106. The airflow channel 114 extends generally in the direction away from the page.

[0078] The existence of this airflow channel 114 means that when the main airflow PA flows out from the air outlet 112, ambient air can be drawn along (or through) the airflow channel 114. In this example, with the first end 110a and the second end 110b of the collar 110 "open," ambient air is drawn into the airflow channel 114 from the second end 110b along the interior of the collar 110 and exits from the first end 110a. The ambient airflow is... Figure 2 Arrow AA is shown in the diagram. Alternatively, the ambient airflow AA can be referred to as entrained airflow. The gap / spacing between the inner surface of the collar 110 and the outer surface of the airflow guide 108 at the second end 110b means that the second end 110b of the collar 110 is open to allow ambient air to flow into the airflow passage 114.

[0079] Figure 6 A side view cross-section of the air entrainment assembly 106 is shown, in which the gap between the airflow guide 108 and the collar 110 (at the second end 110b) is more clearly visible. Figure 7 A perspective cross-section of the air entrainment assembly 106 is shown. (See figure) Figure 6 As most clearly shown, the through-hole of the airflow guide 108 has a cross-sectional width that increases further away from the air outlet 112 (i.e., "upstream" of the air outlet 112 and in Figure 6 (In the downward direction away from air outlet 112).

[0080] In some cases, the collar 110 additionally or alternatively includes one or more air inlets formed through the collar 110, and ambient air is drawn through one or more air inlets and into the airflow passage 114. For example, instead of drawing ambient air into the airflow passage 114 via the open second end 110b, air may be drawn into the airflow passage 114 via the air inlets formed through the collar 110, in addition to drawing ambient air into the airflow passage 114 via the open second end 110b (examples of this arrangement are in...). Figure 11 (As shown in the image).

[0081] like Figure 8 As shown, the presence of collar 110 manipulates the ambient airflow AA to form an accelerated air 'cone' around the main airflow PA, which reduces losses due to expanding the airflow into the room / environment. Figure 8 This shows the case when the collar is not present (in Figure 8 (in the left figure) and when a collar is present (in Figure 8 The airflow speed (in the right figure).

[0082] As discussed, by surrounding the main airflow PA exiting from air outlet 112 with the ambient airflow AA, the velocity of the main airflow PA can be increased for a given acoustic power level of device 100. Therefore, the use of collar 110 helps to reduce the acoustic power level of device 110. Thus, device 100 allows for increasing the velocity while maintaining a given acoustic power level, or alternatively allows for decreasing the acoustic power level while maintaining a given velocity.

[0083] The inventors conducted a series of experiments measuring the power level (SWL) of the device 100 with and without the collar 110 at 2 RPMs. This was conducted at different flow rates. The inventors found that the acoustic power level decreased for a given flow rate for all tested flow rates.

[0084] As discussed, the air outlet 112 has a star shape formed by multiple "arms" on the star. In some examples, the arms extend lengthwise to the inner surface of the collar 110, thereby separating each of the airflow channels 114 from one another.

[0085] like Figure 5As most clearly shown, although each arm has the same radial length R1 measured from the center C of the air outlet, the two sides of each arm can have different radial lengths R2 and R3, where the first side of a particular arm has length R2 and the second side of a particular arm has length R3, where R2 is greater than R3. When each of the multiple arms has the same form, the difference in length results in adjacent airflow channels 114 having different radial widths (and different cross-sectional areas). Therefore, in the multiple airflow channels 114, a first subset of the multiple airflow channels has a first radial width R4, and a second subset of the multiple airflow channels has a second radial width R5, which is greater than the first radial width R4. For example, the first subset may include airflow channel 114a, and the second subset may include airflow channel 114b. In this example, there are 4 channels within each subset. Therefore, the dimensions of the airflow channels 114 alternate around the center C.

[0086] The radial width of channel 114 is measured radially from the inner surface of collar 110 and toward the center C of air outlet 112, and is parallel (i.e., along) the plane 118 defined by air outlet 112 (see...). Figure 2 ).exist Figure 5 In the middle, the plane of air outlet 112 is located within the plane of the page.

[0087] As described above, the collar 110 has a length L measured between a first end 110a and a second end 110b. Figure 2 As shown, collar 110 is arranged relative to air outlet 112 such that 100% of the length L of collar 110 is located upstream of air outlet 112 relative to the main airflow PA exiting air outlet 112. The length of collar 110 is measured along axis 116, which is perpendicular to the plane 118 defined by air outlet 112. Therefore, the first end 110a of collar 110 is offset upstream of air outlet 112, such that air outlet 112 is arranged above the first end 110a of collar 110, as... Figure 2 As shown. However, in other examples, at least 50% of the length L of the collar 110 is upstream of the air outlet 112. In this example, there is a distance D of approximately 5 mm between the first end 110a and the air outlet 112, where the offset / distance is measured along axis 116. In other examples, the first end 110a may be offset downstream of the air outlet 112, as shown in... Figure 9 In the example device 100 shown, the first end 110a and the air outlet 112 may be flush with each other / at the same height.

[0088] As discussed, the inventors have discovered that a collar 110 with a length L greater than approximately 80 mm can improve the performance of device 100. To determine this, the inventors conducted a series of experiments that determined how the mainstream velocity of the main airflow PA varied based on the length L of the collar 110 (compared to device 100 without the collar 110). In these experiments, for each different length of collar 110, for each test, the first end 110a was maintained at a constant distance D from the air outlet 112. The inventors found that, generally, a longer length L provides improved performance (i.e., a greater variation / increase in mainstream velocity). It was found that for this particular experiment, no performance increase was observed at lengths less than 80 mm.

[0089] As can be seen throughout the accompanying drawings, the device 100 also includes a cone 120, which is at least partially disposed within the through-hole of the airflow guide 108. The cone 120 helps to smooth the flow of the main airflow PA. Specifically... Figure 1-3 As shown, the apex 120a of the cone 120 is positioned upstream of the air outlet 112 relative to the air flowing out of the air outlet 112, and is positioned upstream of the first end 110a of the collar 110 relative to the air flowing out of the air outlet 112. In a variant, for example... Figure 9 In the variant shown, vertex 120a can be positioned downstream of first end 110a and downstream of air outlet 112.

[0090] like Figure 10 As shown, the air outlet 112 has an area A1, such as a cross-sectional area, defined in a plane 118 arranged at the air outlet 112. Therefore, the main airflow PA flows through this area.

[0091] The airflow passage 114 has a combined / sum area A2, such as a cross-sectional area. A2 is therefore a combined cross-sectional area through which the airflow passage and the ambient airflow AA flow. The combined area A2 is defined at plane 118. In the example where the first end 110a of the collar 110 is offset from plane 118, A2 is obtained at plane 118 of the air outlet 112, where the dimensions of the collar 110 and the airflow passage 114 are projected onto plane 118.

[0092] In the exemplary device 100, preferably, the outlet area is greater than A. exit Greater than or equal to about 0.275 and less than about 1, where A exit =A1 / (A1+A2). Therefore, the export area is greater than A1 / (A1+A2). exit This describes the ratio of the space available for the main channel at plane 118 to the total area within collar 110.

[0093] During testing, the inventors found that an outlet area ratio greater than 0.275 provided a performance improvement, where performance was defined as the main airflow rate when the product was running at 60 dB(A) ref 20 μPa. The performance improvement was measured relative to the same device without the air entrainment assembly. In the example, the two devices compared included a cone 120.

[0094] like Figure 10 As shown, the air outlet 112 has a periphery P1, and the first end 110a of the collar 110 has a periphery P2.

[0095] In the exemplary device 100, preferably, the perimeter ratio P is greater than about 1 and less than or equal to about 2.15, where P = P1 / P2. The perimeter ratio P determines the spatial rate of mixing and affects the entrainment rate at the air outlet 112. During testing, the inventors found that a perimeter ratio P less than or equal to about 2.15 provided performance improvements.

[0096] like Figure 10 As shown, the entrainment inlet area A3 is defined between the collar 110 and the airflow guide 108, wherein the entrainment inlet area is the minimum cross-sectional area through which the ambient airflow AA flows between the collar 110 and the airflow guide 108.

[0097] A3 is measured on a plane perpendicular to the airflow surface (e.g., the inner surface) of the collar 110, such as... Figure 11 As shown in the diagram on the left side. As mentioned above, the minimum area between the collar 110 and the airflow guide 108 must be used. This can be the point where the gap between the collar 110 and the airflow guide 108 is narrowest. A3 is therefore the minimum cross-sectional area that the entrained flow must pass through as it enters the collar, which can be determined at point 134 in this example.

[0098] A3 must also include all entrained flow entering upstream of the first end 110a. If the collar is perforated (e.g., having one or more air inlets formed along the collar, such as...), Figure 11 (As shown in the attached diagram on the right), then A3 must also include the area of ​​the perforation downstream of the measuring plane. Therefore, as... Figure 11 As shown, area A3 can be determined at point 134 (to ensure that air inlet 136 is taken into account), and if area A3 is determined at point 138, the combined cross-sectional area of ​​air inlet 136 must be added to the area A3 determined at point 136.

[0099] In the exemplary device 100, it is preferable that the air entrainment area is greater than A. entrainment Greater than or equal to approximately 0 and less than or equal to approximately 0.5, where A entrainment =A3 / A2. A entrainmentThe ratio of the inlet area A3 for entraining air to the outlet area A2 for entraining air is described. This defines the possibility that the entrained flow is drawn into the collar 110. The range includes 0 because there may be no inlet area (i.e., A3 = 0, for example when the second end 110b of the collar is closed).

[0100] During testing, the inventors discovered that an air entrainment area less than or equal to approximately 0.5 was greater than that of A. entrainment Performance improvements have been provided.

Claims

1. An ambient air management device, comprising: A housing, the housing including an air inlet through which air is drawn into the device; An airflow generating unit is configured to move the air at least partially through the housing; Air entrainment assembly, including: An airflow deflector defining a through-hole, the through-hole defining an air outlet at an end of the airflow deflector, through which air flows out of the device; and A collar having a first end and a second end, the collar extending at least partially around the airflow guide; Its features are: The first end of the collar is arranged closer to the air outlet than the second end; The periphery of the air outlet has a longer length than the periphery of the first end, thereby defining one or more airflow channels that extend at least partially along the collar and between the collar and the airflow guide; and During use, ambient air is at least partially drawn in along one or more airflow channels and exits from the first end of the collar.

2. The ambient air management device according to claim 1, characterized in that... The collar has a length measured between the first end and the second end, characterized in that the collar is arranged relative to the air outlet such that at least 50% of the length of the collar is upstream of the air outlet relative to the air flowing out of the air outlet.

3. The ambient air management device according to claim 2, characterized in that... The collar is arranged relative to the air outlet such that at least 90% of the length of the collar is upstream of the air outlet.

4. The ambient air management device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The collar is arranged relative to the air outlet such that 100% of the length of the collar is upstream of the air outlet relative to the air flowing out of the air outlet.

5. The ambient air management device according to claim 3, characterized in that... The first end of the collar is flush with the air outlet.

6. The ambient air management device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that... The first end of the collar is offset downstream of the air outlet.

7. The ambient air management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The collar has a length measured between the first end and the second end, the length being greater than 80 mm or greater than 0.13 times the perimeter of the collar at the first end or greater than 0.35 times the diameter of the collar at the first end.

8. The ambient air management device according to claim 7, characterized in that... The length is between 80 mm and 120 mm, or between 0.13 and 0.19 times the periphery of the collar at the first end, or between 0.35 and 0.52 times the diameter of the collar at the first end.

9. The ambient air management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The air outlet has an area of ​​A1; The one or more airflow channels have a combined area A2, the combined area being defined in a plane arranged at the air outlet; and Export area ratio A exit Greater than or equal to 0.275 and less than 1, where A exit =A1 / (A1+A2) 10. The ambient air management device according to claim 9, characterized in that... A exit It is between 0.3 and 0.

5.

11. The ambient air management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The perimeter ratio P is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 2.15, where P = P1 / P2, P1 is the perimeter of the air outlet, and P2 is the perimeter of the first end of the collar.

12. The ambient air management device according to claim 11, characterized in that... P is between 1.8 and 2.

1.

13. The ambient air management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The one or more airflow channels have a combined area A2, which is defined in a plane arranged at the air outlet; The entrainment inlet area A3 is defined between the collar and the airflow guide, and the entrainment inlet area is the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​ambient air flowing between the collar and the airflow guide; and Air entrainment area ratio A entrainment Greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 0.5, where A entrainment =A3 / A2.

14. The ambient air management device according to claim 13, characterized in that... A entrainment Between 0.1 and 0.

3.

15. The ambient air management device according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a cone, the cone being at least partially disposed within a through-hole of the airflow guide.

16. The ambient air management device according to claim 15, characterized in that... The apex of the cone is positioned upstream of the air outlet, relative to the air flowing out of the air outlet.

17. The ambient air management device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that... The apex of the cone is arranged relative to the air outlet such that the distance between the apex and the plane defined by the air outlet is 12 mm, the distance being measured along an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the air outlet.

18. The ambient air management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The collar and the airflow guide are configured such that ambient air is drawn through a second end of the collar, along one or more airflow channels, and out of a first end of the collar.

19. The ambient air management device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that... The second end of the collar is closed, such that the ambient air is drawn through the first end of the collar, at least partially along the one or more airflow channels, and exits the first end of the collar.

20. The ambient air management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The perimeter of the air outlet is star-shaped.

21. The ambient air management device according to claim 20, characterized in that... The air outlet includes six to ten arms forming a star shape.

22. The ambient air management device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that: The air outlet includes multiple arms forming a star shape; The airflow channels are defined between each adjacent arm of the plurality of arms, thereby forming a plurality of airflow channels that extend at least partially along the collar and between the collar and the airflow guide; and A first subset of the plurality of airflow channels has a first radial width, and a second subset of the plurality of airflow channels has a second radial width, the second radial width being greater than the first radial width.

23. The ambient air management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The periphery of the first end of the collar is circular.

24. The ambient air management device according to any one of the preceding claims further includes an air handling unit configured to adjust one or more characteristics of the air drawn into the device.

25. The ambient air management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The ambient air management device is a stand-alone ambient air management device.

Images