Ducting system

Abstract

The present invention provides a ducting system that can move large volumes of fluid while suppressing noise. [Solution] The duct device 1 includes a housing 10. The housing 10 includes an inlet partition wall 51 that extends along the Y direction and separates a first inlet chamber 23 and a second inlet chamber 24 in the X direction, each communicating with an inlet passage 15 defined inside the inlet pipe 13, and an outlet partition wall 52 that extends along the Y direction and separates a first outlet chamber 25 and a second outlet chamber 26 in the X direction, each communicating with an outlet passage 16 defined inside the outlet pipe 14. The first centrifugal fan 32 rotates about a first rotation axis P1 to draw fluid in the first inlet chamber 23 in a direction along the first rotation axis P1 and discharge it to the first outlet chamber 25, and the second centrifugal fan 42 rotates about a second rotation axis P2 to draw fluid in the second inlet chamber 24 in a direction along the second rotation axis P2 and discharge it to the second outlet chamber 26.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a duct device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a duct device that forcibly moves a fluid such as air with a fan for ventilation or blowing has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In order to increase the flow rate of the gas circulated by such a duct device, it is necessary to increase the rotational speed of the fan. However, when the rotational speed of the fan is increased, the noise associated with the rotation of the fan becomes large. Such noise becomes particularly problematic when the duct device is installed in a building such as a residence.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In view of such problems of the prior art, the present invention has been made, and an object thereof is to provide a duct device capable of moving a large flow rate of fluid while suppressing noise.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a ducting device is provided that can move a large flow rate of fluid while suppressing noise. The ducting device comprises a housing, an inlet pipe attached to a first end of the housing and extending in the direction of flow, an outlet pipe attached to a second end of the housing opposite to the first end and extending in the direction of flow, and a first centrifugal fan and a second centrifugal fan disposed inside the housing. The housing includes an inlet partition wall that extends in the direction of flow and separates a first inlet chamber and a second inlet chamber in a width direction perpendicular to the direction of flow, each communicating with an inlet passage defined inside the inlet pipe, and an outlet partition wall that extends in the direction of flow and separates a first outlet chamber and a second outlet chamber in the width direction, each communicating with an outlet passage defined inside the outlet pipe. The first centrifugal fan is configured to rotate around a first rotation axis, thereby drawing in the first fluid from the first inlet chamber in a direction along the first rotation axis and discharging it into the first outlet chamber. The second centrifugal fan is configured to rotate around a second rotation axis, thereby drawing in the second fluid from the second inlet chamber in a direction along the second rotation axis and discharging it into the second outlet chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a ducting device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the ducting system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a rear view of the ducting device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the cross-section along line BB in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the CC line in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the DD line in Figure 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the duct apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In Figures 1 to 7, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Also, in Figures 1 to 7, the scale and dimensions of each component may be exaggerated, or some components may be omitted. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish components from one another and do not represent a specific rank or order.

[0008] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a duct device 1 in one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a front view, and Figure 3 is a rear view. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the duct device 1 includes a housing 10 that is substantially rectangular in shape. A flange portion 11 is provided at the -Y direction end (first end) of the housing 10, and flange portions 12 are provided at the +Y direction end (second end). A cylindrical inlet pipe 13 extending in the Y direction is attached to the flange portion 11, and a cylindrical outlet pipe 14 extending in the Y direction is attached to the flange portion 12. In this embodiment, the inlet pipe 13 and the outlet pipe 14 are arranged coaxially.

[0009] The inlet pipe 13 and outlet pipe 14 are connected to a conduit (not shown) through which a fluid (e.g., air) can flow. The operation of the duct device 1 forces the fluid from the inlet pipe 13 to move to the outlet pipe 14, thereby providing ventilation and airflow. For example, such a duct device 1 can be placed under the floor, in the attic, or between floors to provide ventilation and airflow within a building. In this embodiment, the "flow direction" in which the fluid flows is the Y direction, the "width direction" perpendicular to the flow direction is the X direction, and the "height direction" perpendicular to both the flow direction and the width direction is the Z direction.

[0010] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the housing 10 includes a central base 50, an inlet partition wall 51 extending from the base 50 in the -Y direction, an outlet partition wall 52 extending from the base 50 in the +Y direction, a first fan partition wall 53 extending from the base 50 so as to gradually move away from the inlet partition wall 51 in the -X direction, a second fan partition wall 54 extending from the base 50 so as to gradually move away from the inlet partition wall 51 in the +X direction, and an outer wall 55. A circular opening 57 is formed in the first fan partition wall 53, and a circular opening 58 is also formed in the second fan partition wall 54.

[0011] A first inlet chamber 23 is defined within the housing 10 by a first fan partition wall 53 and an inlet partition wall 51. This first inlet chamber 23 communicates with an inlet flow path 15 defined inside the inlet pipe 13. A second inlet chamber 24 is defined within the housing 10 by a second fan partition wall 54 and an inlet partition wall 51. This second inlet chamber 24 also communicates with the inlet flow path 15 inside the inlet pipe 13. Thus, the first inlet chamber 23 and the second inlet chamber 24, which each communicate with the inlet flow path 15 inside the inlet pipe 13, are separated in the X direction by the inlet partition wall 51.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer wall 55 and the outlet partition wall 52 define a first outlet chamber 25 and a second outlet chamber 26 within the housing 10. The first outlet chamber 25 and the second outlet chamber 26 each communicate with an outlet passage 16 defined inside the outlet pipe 14. Thus, the first outlet chamber 25 and the second outlet chamber 26, which each communicate with an outlet passage 16 inside the outlet pipe 14, are separated in the X direction by the outlet partition wall 52.

[0013] A first fan housing chamber 21 is defined within the housing 10 by a first fan partition wall 53 and an outer wall 55. A first fan unit 30 is placed in this first fan housing chamber 21. This first fan unit 30 includes a first casing 31 housed within the first fan housing chamber 21, a first centrifugal fan 32 rotatable about a first rotation axis P1, a first motor 33 for rotating the first centrifugal fan 32, and a first cover 34 for sealing the first fan housing chamber 21. A so-called sirocco fan can be used as the first centrifugal fan 32.

[0014] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of Figure 5. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the first casing 31 includes a nozzle section 35 connected to an opening 57 in the first fan partition wall 53 and a connecting section 36 connected to the first outlet chamber 25. The connecting section 36 extends tangentially to the first centrifugal fan 32. The space within the first casing 31 communicates with the first inlet chamber 23 via the opening 57 and the nozzle section 35, and with the first outlet chamber 25 via the connecting section 36.

[0015] The first centrifugal fan 32 rotates when driven by the motor 33, drawing the fluid (first fluid) in the first inlet chamber 23 through the opening 57 and nozzle 35 in a direction along the first rotation axis P1, and discharging this fluid from the connection 36 toward the first outlet chamber 25 (tangentially). As shown in Figure 5, the first rotation axis P1 is inclined in the Y direction (-Y direction) toward the inlet passage 15 with respect to the X direction. The first rotation axis P1 may be parallel to the X direction, but by inclining toward the inlet passage 15 with respect to the X direction in this way, the fluid in the first inlet chamber 23 can be efficiently drawn in by the first centrifugal fan 32. This inclination angle is preferably between 5 and 25 degrees, and more preferably between 10 and 20 degrees.

[0016] A second fan housing chamber 22 is defined within the housing 10 by the second fan partition wall 54 and the outer wall 55. A second fan unit 40 is disposed in this second fan housing chamber 22. This second fan unit 40 includes a second casing 41 housed within the second fan housing chamber 22, a second centrifugal fan 42 rotatable about a second rotation axis P2, a second motor 43 for rotating the second centrifugal fan 42, and a second cover 44 for sealing the second fan housing chamber 22. As the second centrifugal fan 42, a so-called sirocco fan can be used.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D of FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, the second casing 41 includes a nozzle portion 45 connected to the opening 58 of the second fan partition wall 54 and a connection portion 46 connected to the second outlet chamber 26. The connection portion 46 extends in the tangential direction of the second centrifugal fan 42. The space within the second casing 41 communicates with the second inlet chamber 24 via the opening 58 and the nozzle portion 45, and communicates with the second outlet chamber 26 via the connection portion 46.

[0018] The second centrifugal fan 42 rotates by the drive of the motor 43 to suck the fluid (second fluid) in the second inlet chamber 24 in the direction along the second rotation axis P2 via the opening 58 and the nozzle portion 45, and discharges this fluid from the connection portion 46 toward the second outlet chamber 26 (in the tangential direction). As shown in FIG. 5, the second rotation axis P2 is inclined in the Y direction (in the -Y direction) toward the inlet flow path 15 with respect to the X direction. The second rotation axis P2 may be parallel to the X direction, but by being inclined in the Y direction toward the inlet flow path 15 with respect to the X direction in this way, the fluid in the second inlet chamber 24 can be efficiently sucked by the second centrifugal fan 42. This inclination angle is preferably from 5 degrees to 25 degrees, and more preferably from 10 degrees to 20 degrees.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, in the housing 10, there are arranged a control box 91 that houses a control circuit and a substrate for controlling the motors 33 and 43, and a switch box 92 that has a switch for switching on and off the power supply of the duct device 1 and a power connector.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the first centrifugal fan 32 is located below the second centrifugal fan 42. As shown in FIG. 6, the connection portion 36 of the first casing 31 is inclined downward (-Z direction) with respect to the Y direction, and the first outlet chamber 25 is also inclined downward (-Z direction) with respect to the Y direction and extends to the outlet flow path 16. The inclination angle of the connection portion 36 of the first casing 31 and the first outlet chamber 25 with respect to the Y direction is preferably from 5 degrees to 25 degrees, and more preferably from 10 degrees to 20 degrees. By inclining the connection portion 36 extending in the tangential direction of the first centrifugal fan 32 and the first outlet chamber 25 connected thereto in this way, the height of the duct device 1 along the Z direction can be reduced.

[0021] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the connection portion 46 of the second casing 41 is inclined upward (+Z direction) with respect to the Y direction, and the second outlet chamber 26 is also inclined upward (+Z direction) with respect to the Y direction and extends to the outlet flow path 16. The inclination angle of the connection portion 46 of the second casing 41 and the second outlet chamber 26 with respect to the Y direction is preferably from 5 degrees to 25 degrees, and more preferably from 10 degrees to 20 degrees. By inclining the connection portion 46 extending in the tangential direction of the second centrifugal fan 42 and the second outlet chamber 26 connected thereto in this way, the height of the duct device 1 along the Z direction can be reduced.

[0022] In this embodiment, the fluid flowing through the inlet passage 15 in the inlet pipe 13 is divided into a first inlet chamber 23 and a second inlet chamber 24 by the inlet partition wall 51. The fluid in the first inlet chamber 23 (first fluid) is drawn into the first centrifugal fan 32 from the lower region of the first inlet chamber 23, and the fluid in the second inlet chamber 24 (second fluid) is drawn into the second centrifugal fan 42 from the upper region of the second inlet chamber 24. The first centrifugal fan 32 discharges the drawn-in fluid downward toward the first outlet chamber 25 via the connection part 36, and the second centrifugal fan 42 discharges the drawn-in fluid upward toward the second outlet chamber 26 via the connection part 46. The fluid discharged downward and the fluid discharged upward thus merge in the outlet passage 16.

[0023] In this embodiment, the direction in which the connection portion 36 and the first outlet chamber 25 are inclined (-Z direction) is opposite to the direction in which the connection portion 46 and the second outlet chamber 26 are inclined (+Z direction). Therefore, in addition to the effect of reducing the height along the Z direction as described above, the effect of effectively mixing and merging the fluid discharged from the first outlet chamber 25 (first fluid) and the fluid discharged from the second outlet chamber 26 (second fluid) in the outlet flow path 16 is obtained.

[0024] To evaluate the noise level when operating duct device 1 with this configuration, the A-weighted time-averaged sound pressure level was measured at a position 1.0 m away in the +Z direction (above position) and a position 1.0 m away in the X direction (side position) from duct device 1, and the results were as follows. The background noise at the side and above positions was 14.9 dB. [Table 1] From the results above, it can be seen that the duct device 1 of this embodiment can suppress noise when moving a large flow rate of fluid more effectively than conventional duct devices.

[0025] The terms used herein to indicate positional relationships, such as "up," "down," "above," and "below," are used only to specify the relative relationship between elements in relation to the illustrated embodiments, and do not specify an absolute positional relationship. Therefore, it should be noted that if the position or orientation of the device changes, the direction that these terms refer to will also change accordingly.

[0026] As described above, the duct device according to the present invention can employ the following configuration. [Configuration 1] Housing and An inlet pipe attached to the first end of the housing and extending in the direction of flow, An outlet pipe is attached to the second end of the housing opposite to the first end, and extends along the flow direction, A first centrifugal fan and a second centrifugal fan are arranged inside the above housing. Equipped with, The above housing is An inlet partition wall that extends along the flow direction and separates a first inlet chamber and a second inlet chamber, each communicating with an inlet passage defined inside the inlet pipe, in a width direction perpendicular to the flow direction, An outlet partition wall extends along the flow direction described above and separates a first outlet chamber and a second outlet chamber in the width direction, each communicating with an outlet passage defined inside the outlet pipe. Includes, The first centrifugal fan described above is configured to rotate about a first rotation axis, thereby drawing in the first fluid in the first inlet chamber in a direction along the first rotation axis and discharging it into the first outlet chamber. The second centrifugal fan described above is configured to rotate about a second rotation axis, thereby drawing the second fluid in the second inlet chamber in a direction along the second rotation axis and discharging it into the second outlet chamber. Ductwork system.

[0027] [Configuration 2] The first rotating shaft described above is inclined in the flow direction toward the inlet passage with respect to the width direction, The second rotation axis described above is inclined in the flow direction toward the inlet passage with respect to the width direction, Ducting device of configuration 1.

[0028] [Configuration 3] The first outlet chamber described above extends toward the outlet passage, inclined in a height direction perpendicular to both the flow direction and the width direction with respect to the flow direction. The second outlet chamber described above extends toward the outlet passage, inclined in the height direction with respect to the flow direction. A ducting device with configuration 1 or 2.

[0029] [Structure 4] The first outlet chamber described above extends downward inclined toward the outlet flow path, The second outlet chamber described above extends in an upward inclination toward the outlet flow path described above. A ducting device consisting of one of configurations 1 to 3.

[0030] [Composition 5] The duct device of configuration 4 wherein the first centrifugal fan is located below the second centrifugal fan.

[0031] [Composition 6] A ducting device according to any of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are arranged coaxially.

[0032] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be implemented in various different forms within the scope of its technical concept. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0033] 1. Duct System 10 Housing 13 Inlet pipe 14 Outlet pipe 15 Inlet channel 16 Outlet channel 21. First Fan Containment Chamber 22 Second Fan Containment Room 23. First Entrance Room 24 Second Entrance Room 25. First Exit Room 26. Second Exit Room 30 First Fan Unit 32. First centrifugal fan 40 Second Fan Unit 42. Second centrifugal fan 51 Entrance partition wall 52 Exit partition wall 53 First fan partition wall 54 Second fan partition wall 55 Outside wall 57,58 aperture P1 First axis of rotation P2 Second axis of rotation

Claims

1. Housing and An inlet pipe attached to the first end of the housing and extending in the direction of flow, An outlet pipe is attached to the second end of the housing opposite to the first end, and extends along the flow direction, A first centrifugal fan and a second centrifugal fan are arranged inside the housing. Equipped with, The aforementioned housing is An inlet partition wall extends along the flow direction and separates a first inlet chamber and a second inlet chamber, each communicating with an inlet passage defined inside the inlet pipe, in a width direction perpendicular to the flow direction, An outlet partition wall extends along the flow direction and separates a first outlet chamber and a second outlet chamber in the width direction, each communicating with an outlet passage defined inside the outlet pipe. Includes, The first centrifugal fan is configured to rotate about a first rotation axis, thereby drawing the first fluid in the first inlet chamber in a direction along the first rotation axis and discharging it into the first outlet chamber. The second centrifugal fan is configured to rotate about a second rotation axis, thereby drawing the second fluid in the second inlet chamber in a direction along the second rotation axis and discharging it into the second outlet chamber. Ductwork system.

2. The first rotating shaft is inclined in the flow direction toward the inlet passage with respect to the width direction, The second rotation axis is inclined in the flow direction toward the inlet passage with respect to the width direction, The ducting device according to claim 1.

3. The first outlet chamber extends toward the outlet passage, inclined in a height direction perpendicular to both the flow direction and the width direction with respect to the flow direction. The second outlet chamber extends toward the outlet passage, inclined in the height direction with respect to the flow direction. The ducting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first outlet chamber extends inclined downward toward the outlet flow path, The second outlet chamber extends inclined upward toward the outlet flow path, The ducting device according to claim 3.

5. The duct apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first centrifugal fan is located below the second centrifugal fan.

6. The duct apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are arranged coaxially.

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