Ventilation system

Abstract

The present invention provides a ventilation system that can improve the efficiency of a centrifugal blower and thus reduce power consumption. [Solution] A ventilation device comprising an external housing having an intake opening 212 and a discharge opening 214, and a centrifugal blower housed in the external housing, wherein the centrifugal blower comprises a scroll casing formed with an intake port and a discharge port, and the ventilation device comprises a flow divider member 248 coupled to a side plate at a position facing the intake opening, which divides the air from the intake opening toward the side plate, the flow divider member having a first edge and a second edge arranged to face each other in the vertical direction, the flow divider member having a curved surface portion that extends outward between the first edge and the second edge, the curved surface portion having an inclination that is smaller as it approaches the first edge and larger as it approaches the second edge with respect to the vertical direction, and the flow divider member maintaining an outwardly convex curved outer shape between the first edge and the second edge in a plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation device. In particular, the present invention relates to a ventilation device provided with a centrifugal blower.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a ventilation device provided with a centrifugal blower is known. The ventilation device is installed, for example, in a suspended state on the ceiling of a room, sucks in the indoor air, and discharges this to the outside.

[0003] The ventilation device of Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a double-suction centrifugal blower is incorporated in a box having a suction-side opening and a discharge-side opening. The air from the suction-side opening is sucked into a suction port provided in the scroll casing of the centrifugal blower. The suction port is formed in the side plate on the motor side of the scroll casing and the counter-motor side plate on the side opposite to the motor side. A flow dividing member is provided at a position facing the suction-side opening of the scroll casing. Thereby, the air from the suction-side opening collides with the flow dividing member and is distributed in the directions of the side plates on the motor side and the counter-motor side.

[0004] In the ventilation device of Patent Document 1, the flow dividing member includes a tip portion having a triangular cross section. Therefore, the flow dividing member of Patent Document 1 forms a corner portion in the air flow path surface. Generally, since a flow separation phenomenon occurs at the corner portion of the flow path surface, turbulent flow and / or vortex flow occurs around the suction port of the side plate. Further, the overall flow of the air after flow division (in other words, the main flow) substantially advances in the horizontal direction along the flat side surface portion of the flow dividing member. Therefore, it is difficult to efficiently suck all of the air flow after flow division from the suction port of the side plate in the rotational direction of the centrifugal impeller. This reduces the efficiency of the centrifugal blower and thus increases the power consumption of the ventilation device. Further, the turbulent flow and / or vortex flow increases the noise of the ventilation device.

[0005] In particular, when ventilation systems are used indoors, noise caused by air intake and discharge becomes a problem. Conventionally, as a means of reducing noise from ventilation systems, sound-absorbing members have been provided on the inner surface of the outer casing that houses the centrifugal blower. In the ventilation system of Patent Document 1, the flow divider is formed by a first sound-absorbing member. In addition, a second sound-absorbing member is fixed on the inner surface of the box at a position facing both intake ports of the scroll casing. The first and second sound-absorbing members constitute the intake-side sound-dampening structure of the ventilation system. Furthermore, a third and a fourth sound-absorbing member are arranged to form the outlet of the scroll casing, and a fifth sound-absorbing member is positioned between the outlet of the scroll casing and the discharge-side opening of the box. The third, fourth, and fifth sound-absorbing members constitute the discharge-side sound-dampening structure of the ventilation system.

[0006] In the ventilation device described in Patent Document 1, the second sound-absorbing member is provided on only two of the four faces of the box-shaped structure (in other words, the hexahedron) that forms the airflow path inside the ventilation device. In other words, of the four faces of the box-shaped structure that form the airflow path, there are two faces on which the sound-absorbing member is not provided. With such a ventilation device as described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to sufficiently reduce noise.

[0007] In response to this, one might consider providing sound-absorbing materials on three sides of the box-shaped structure. However, if, for example, sound-absorbing materials are provided on the side surfaces located in the left-right direction of the airflow when the ventilation system is installed, and on the bottom surface, liquids containing oil and other substances from the air will fall onto the sound-absorbing material on the bottom surface. The fallen liquid will be absorbed by the sound-absorbing material and accumulate inside, causing the sound-absorbing material to become soiled. In particular, when a ventilation system is installed in a restaurant kitchen, the air drawn in contains a lot of oil. In this case, the oil-containing liquid absorbed by the sound-absorbing material will accumulate on the bottom surface, causing soiling. To catch the excess oil, a separate oil pan needs to be installed in the ventilation system.

[0008] Furthermore, vibration of the external casing can generally be a problem with ventilation systems. This vibration can amplify the noise from the ventilation system. This is particularly noticeable when the external casing is made from relatively thin steel plates.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the ventilation system has excellent maintainability. In conventional ventilation systems equipped with centrifugal blowers, an inspection window for maintenance is usually partially formed on the side of the outer housing facing the motor side of the scroll casing. In this case, cleaning tools or the hands of workers inserted through the inspection window may interfere with the motor, potentially hindering maintenance work. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-250203 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a ventilation device can be provided that can improve the efficiency of a centrifugal blower and thus reduce power consumption.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a ventilation device capable of significantly reducing noise can be provided.

[0013] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a ventilation device that can prevent oil from accumulating on the bottom surface of the ventilation device.

[0014] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a ventilation device can be provided that can reduce vibrations of the external enclosure.

[0015] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a ventilation system can be provided that allows for easy maintenance work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a ventilation device is provided comprising an external housing having an intake opening for drawing in air and an exhaust opening for discharging air, and a centrifugal blower housed in the external housing. The centrifugal blower includes a scroll casing formed with an intake port for drawing in air from the intake opening and an exhaust port connected to the exhaust opening. The intake port is formed in at least one of the side plates of the scroll casing. The ventilation device includes a flow divider member coupled to the side plate at a position facing the intake opening, which divides the air from the intake opening toward the side plate. The flow divider member has a first edge and a second edge arranged to face each other in the vertical direction. The flow divider member has a curved surface portion that extends outward between the first edge and the second edge. The curved surface portion has an inclination that is smaller towards the first edge and larger towards the second edge with respect to the vertical direction. In a plan view, the flow divider member maintains an outwardly convex curved outer shape between the first edge and the second edge. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view of a ventilation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic overhead perspective view showing the inside of the ventilation system. [Figure 3] This is a front perspective view partially showing the inside of the ventilation system. [Figure 4] This is a top view showing the operation of the flow divider in the first embodiment in comparison with the operation of a conventional flow divider. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the operation of the flow divider according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram, corresponding to Figure 5, explains the operation of a conventional flow divider. [Figure 7] This figure shows a modified example of a flow diversion member. [Figure 8] This is an overhead perspective view corresponding to Figure 2, schematically showing the inside of a ventilation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is an overall perspective view of a ventilation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is an upper perspective view schematically showing the inside of the ventilation device of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is a horizontal sectional view of the ventilation device along line A-A of FIG. 9. [Figure 12] It is a vertical sectional view of the ventilation device along line B-B of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a vertical sectional view of the ventilation device along line C-C of FIG. 12.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, the first to third embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the following description is merely an example and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the following embodiments. Also, in the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0019] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a ventilation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view schematically showing the inside of the ventilation device. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view partially showing the inside of the ventilation device. FIG. 4 is a top view showing the operation of the flow dividing member of the first embodiment in comparison with the operation of a conventional flow dividing member. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the flow dividing member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5 for explaining the operation of a conventional flow dividing member. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of the flow dividing member.

[0020] (Overall Outline of Ventilation Device 200) The ventilation device 200 according to the first embodiment comprises an external housing 210 and a centrifugal blower 230 housed in the external housing 210. In the illustrated example, the external housing 210 has a substantially box-like (in other words, hexahedral) shape with an intake opening 212 and a discharge opening 214. The external housing 210 can be formed from one or more steel plates. Air can be drawn into the external housing 210 through the intake opening 212, and air can be discharged from the external housing 210 through the discharge opening 214. Connecting components 216 can be attached to the intake opening 212 and the discharge opening 214 of the external housing 210, respectively, to connect to an intake duct and a discharge duct, respectively. However, the connecting components 216 may be an integral part of the external housing 210. The ventilation device 200 may be installed and used, for example, suspended from the ceiling indoors of a building. The external housing 210 may have suspension fittings (not shown) used to suspend the ventilation device 200 from the ceiling.

[0021] (Regarding the external enclosure 210) The external housing 210 has an upper surface portion 218 positioned vertically above the ventilation device 200 when it is installed, and a lower surface portion 220 positioned vertically below it. For the sake of clarity, the upper surface portion 218 is not shown in Figure 2. The external housing 210 also has a first end surface portion 222 on which the intake opening 212 is formed, and a second end surface portion 224 on which the discharge opening 214 is formed. The external housing 210 also has a first side surface portion 226 and a second side surface portion 228 positioned in the left-right direction of the airflow (indicated by the arrows in Figure 2) entering from the intake opening 212 when the ventilation device 200 is installed. Sound-absorbing members 250 can be provided on the first side surface portion 226 and the second side surface portion 228 of the external housing 210.

[0022] As an example, as shown in Figure 2, one of the first side portion 226 and the second side portion 228 (the second side portion 228 in the illustrated example) can be configured to be completely separable from the external housing 210 and used as an inspection door for maintenance of the ventilation device 200. However, this is not limited to this embodiment.

[0023] In the first embodiment and the second and third embodiments described below, "length direction" refers to a substantially horizontal direction from the first end face portion 222 to the second end face portion 224 or from the second end face portion 224 to the first end face portion 222 when the ventilation devices 200, 200A, and 200B are installed, and "width direction" refers to a substantially horizontal direction from the first side portion 226 to the second side portion 228 or from the second side portion 228 to the first side portion 226 when the ventilation devices 200, 200A, and 200B are installed. Furthermore, "height direction" refers to a substantially vertical direction when the ventilation devices 200, 200A, and 200B are installed.

[0024] (Regarding centrifugal blower 230) As shown in Figure 3, the centrifugal blower 30 comprises a scroll casing 236 including two opposing side plates 238 and 240 and a scroll member 242 sandwiched between the two side plates 238 and 240. A centrifugal impeller 232 having a drive shaft driven by a motor unit 234 is arranged inside the scroll member 242. In the illustrated example, of the two side plates 238 and 240, one side plate 238 constitutes the motor side plate where the motor unit 234 is located, and the other side plate 240 constitutes the anti-motor side plate, which is the side opposite to the motor unit 234 (in other words, the impeller side).

[0025] The scroll casing 236 forms a passage for air that is drawn into the centrifugal impeller 232 and discharged from the centrifugal impeller 232. The scroll casing 236 has an intake port 244 that draws in air from the intake-side opening 212 of the external housing 210. The scroll casing 236 also has an outlet port 246 (see Figure 11 of the third embodiment) that is connected to the discharge-side opening 214 of the external housing 210.

[0026] While not limiting to this embodiment, for example, as shown in Figure 2, the upper and lower sides of the scroll casing 236 may be open. The upper side of the scroll casing 236 may be closed by the upper surface portion 218 of the external housing 210, and the lower side of the scroll casing 236 may be closed by the bottom surface portion 220 of the external housing 210. In other words, the upper edges of the side plates 238 and 240 may be connected to the upper surface portion 218, and the lower edges of the side plates 238 and 240 may be connected to the bottom surface portion 220. Furthermore, the upper and lower edges of the flow divider members 248 described below may also be connected to the upper surface portion 218 and the bottom surface portion 220, respectively. Here, "connection" includes not only configurations in which the members in question are directly connected to each other, but also configurations in which they are indirectly connected via another member in between.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, in the first embodiment, the motor-side side plate 238 is positioned facing the second side portion 228 of the external housing 210, and the non-motor-side side plate 240 is positioned facing the first side portion 226 of the external housing 210. However, conversely, the motor-side side plate 238 may be positioned facing the first side portion 226 of the external housing 210, and the non-motor-side side plate 240 may be positioned facing the second side portion 228 of the external housing 210. In other embodiments, for example, the motor-side side plate 238 may be positioned facing the bottom portion 220 of the external housing 210, and the non-motor-side side plate 240 may be positioned facing the top portion 218 of the external housing 210.

[0028] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, each of the motor-side side plate 238 and the non-motor-side side plate 240 A suction port 244 (see Figure 3) is formed in the scroll casing 236. However, according to other embodiments, the scroll casing 236 may have more than two suction ports 244. Alternatively, a suction port 244 may be formed in only one of the two side plates 238, 240 of the scroll casing 236.

[0029] (Regarding the flow divider 248) For example, as shown in Figure 2, in the ventilation device 200 according to the first embodiment, a flow divider member 248 is provided in the scroll casing 236 at a position facing the intake-side opening 212 of the external housing 210. The flow divider member 248 is coupled to the side plates 238 and 240. The flow divider member 248 can divide the air drawn in from the intake-side opening 212 in the direction of the side plates 238 and 240 of the scroll casing 236 (in the illustrated example, the left-right direction of the airflow). As a result, an airflow path (in other words, a divided airflow path) is formed between the inner surface of the first side portion 226 of the external housing 210 and the outer surface of the flow divider member 248. Similarly, an airflow path (in other words, a divided airflow path) is formed between the inner surface of the second side portion 228 of the external housing 210 and the outer surface of the flow divider member 248 (see Figure 4(A)).

[0030] Figure 3 is a front perspective view partially showing the interior of the ventilation device 200. In other words, Figure 3 is a view of the interior of the ventilation device 200 from the side of the intake opening 212 of the external housing 210. For the sake of explanation, the top surface 218 of the external housing 210 is omitted from the illustration. Also, to indicate the position of the intake opening 212 of the external housing 210, the connecting component 216 provided at the intake opening 212 is shown with dashed lines.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the flow divider member 248 according to the first embodiment is composed of a plate material having a first edge 248a and a second edge 248b that face each other in the vertical direction (in other words, the vertical direction) when the ventilation device 200 is installed. As described above, in the first embodiment, the first edge 248a may be configured to be connected to the upper surface 218 of the external housing 210, and the second edge 248b may be configured to be connected to the bottom surface 220. The flow divider member 248 has a curved surface that extends outward between the first edge 248a and the second edge 248b. The curved surface has an inclination with respect to the vertical direction. In the first embodiment, the flow divider member 248 can have an inclination with respect to the vertical direction throughout, from the first edge 248a to the second edge 248b. In other words, the curved portion can terminate at a first edge 248a on the vertically upward side, and at a second edge 248b on the vertically downward side.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the inclination of the curved surface of the flow divider 248 changes with respect to the vertical direction. Specifically, the inclination of the curved surface with respect to the vertical direction decreases as it approaches the first edge 248a (in this embodiment, as it approaches the top surface 218) and increases as it approaches the second edge 248b (in this embodiment, as it approaches the bottom surface 220). As a result, the flow divider 248 can have the steepest inclination at the first edge 248a and the gentlest inclination at the second edge 248b in the height direction.

[0033] Furthermore, during the molding of the metal and / or resin material constituting the flow divider 248, a small portion that does not have a vertical inclination may occur at the first edge 248a and / or the second edge 248b. Such linear portions that may occur at the edges of the flow divider 248 may be included in the curved portion of this embodiment. However, the curved portion may be formed between the first edge 248a and the second edge 248b, with a small gap between them and the first edge 248a and / or the second edge 248b.

[0034] Furthermore, the flow diversion member 248 is curved outward in a convex shape with respect to its width. In other words, as shown in Figure 4(A), for example, the flow diversion member 248 maintains an outwardly curved shape with respect to its width, between the first edge 248a and the second edge 248b in a plan view. The specific method of joining the flow divider 248 to the side plates 238 and 240 is not particularly limited. For example, the flow divider 248 can be joined to the side plates 238 and 240 by joining the edges (not shown) of the opposing sides of the flow divider 248 in the width direction to the surfaces of the side plates 238 and 240, respectively. Alternatively, the flow divider 248 may be joined to the side plates 238 and 240 by overlapping joints. When the flow divider 248 and the side plates 238 and 240 are joined by overlapping joints, the portion between the joints should be curved outward in a convex shape overall.

[0035] For example, as shown in Figure 4(A), it is preferable that the flow divider 248 extends to a position that partially covers the side plates 238 and 240 in the direction of airflow (in other words, to a position between the edges of the side plates 238 and 240 and the intake port 244). Furthermore, it is preferable that the second edge 248b of the flow divider 248 extends in the width direction beyond the side plates 238 and 240 to the vicinity of the first side portion 226 and the second side portion 228 of the external housing 210.

[0036] As described above, the flow divider member 248 according to the first embodiment includes a curved surface portion that extends outward with respect to the vertical direction, and in plan view (in other words, in the horizontal plane), it is curved outward in a convex shape overall. The inclination of the curved surface portion with respect to the vertical direction decreases as it approaches one edge (i.e., the first edge portion 248a) and increases as it approaches the other edge (i.e., the second edge portion 248b). Furthermore, the overall outward convex curvature in plan view is maintained from one edge (i.e., the first edge portion 248a) to the other edge (i.e., the second edge portion 248b).

[0037] (Regarding the effect) In the first embodiment, the flow divider 248 configured as described above can form a curved flow path surface with respect to the airflow. By the outer surface of the flow divider 248 curving outward in a convex shape throughout the horizontal plane, air from the intake opening 212 of the external housing 210 can be guided along the curve of the flow divider 248 toward the side plates 238 and 240, as shown in Figure 4(A), and introduced into an intake port 244 (not shown). The curvature of the flow divider 248 prevents the flow separation phenomenon caused by the corners of conventional flow dividers. For example, as shown in Figure 4(B), if a conventional triangular (or V-shaped) flow divider 1 is installed in the ventilation device 200, the conventional flow divider 1 forms corners that protrude into the airflow path surface. Such corners cause a separation phenomenon in the airflow, resulting in turbulence and / or vortices in the airflow toward the side plates 238 and 240. Turbulence and / or eddies hinder the smooth introduction of air into the centrifugal blower 230. Consequently, the efficiency of the centrifugal blower 230 decreases. In addition, turbulence and / or eddies increase the noise of the ventilation device 200.

[0038] In contrast, in the first embodiment, no corners protruding from the flow path surface are formed by the conventional flow divider 1. Therefore, flow separation is prevented, and thus the generation of turbulence and / or eddies can be prevented. Furthermore, the increase in noise caused by the generation of turbulence and / or eddies can be prevented.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(A), it is preferable that the flow divider 248 extends to a position that partially covers the side plates 238 and 240 in the direction of airflow (in other words, to a position between the edges of the side plates 238 and 240 and the intake port 244). This allows the air to be smoothly guided along the curve of the flow divider 248 to the vicinity of the intake port 244.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the flow divider 248 according to the first embodiment acts to distribute air according to the inclination of the curved surface with respect to the vertical direction. Specifically, the air flowing along the flow divider 248 flows more towards the side with a gentler inclination of the curved surface, i.e., the side closer to the second edge 248b. However, the air preferentially flows to the side with the steeper incline of the curved portion, that is, the side closer to the first edge 248a. In other words, a main flow of air is formed on the side closer to the first edge 248a. Therefore, a swirling flow can be easily generated around the intake port 244 of the side plates 238 and 240 in a direction that coincides with the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller 232 (clockwise when viewed from the motor section 234 side in the example of Figure 5). This allows air to be introduced into the centrifugal blower 230 at a large volumetric flow rate. Therefore, the centrifugal blower 230 can be operated at high efficiency. In particular, it is preferable that the second edge 248b of the flow divider 248 extends to the vicinity of the first side portion 226 and the second side portion 228 of the external housing 210. This allows a larger volume of air, including the air flowing near the first side portion 226 and the second side portion 228, to be directed towards the side of the flow divider 248 closer to the first edge portion 248a.

[0041] In contrast, Figure 6 shows the airflow when a conventional triangular (or V-shaped) cross-section diversion member 1 is installed in the ventilation device 200. As indicated by the arrows in Figure 6, the air as a whole forms a substantially unbiased parallel flow along the vertically extending planar portion of the diversion member 1 in the direction of the side plates 238 and 240. In this case, the flow direction, which does not coincide with the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller 232, hinders the efficient operation of the centrifugal blower 230.

[0042] Thus, in the ventilation device 200 of the first embodiment, the flow divider 248 does not cause separation in the airflow, so turbulence and / or eddies do not occur. Therefore, the air after the flow divider can be smoothly introduced into the centrifugal blower 230. In addition, noise caused by turbulence and / or eddies does not occur.

[0043] Furthermore, in the ventilation device 200 of the first embodiment, the flow divider 248 can form a main flow in a direction along the rotational direction of the centrifugal impeller 232. This allows the air after the flow divider to be efficiently introduced into the centrifugal blower 230.

[0044] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the operating efficiency of the centrifugal blower 230 and, consequently, the ventilation device 200 can be improved, and the power consumption of the ventilation device 200 can be reduced. In addition, the generation of noise from the ventilation device 200 can be suppressed.

[0045] (modified version) In the first embodiment, the curved portion of the flow divider 248 can be formed simply by curving a plate made of at least one of metal and resin. However, the flow divider 248 may also include sound-absorbing material. For example, the flow divider 248 may be made of sound-absorbing material alone. The sound-absorbing material may be made of, for example, at least one of glass wool and foam. If the flow divider 248 is made of sound-absorbing material alone, the sound-absorbing material can be molded, for example, to have an external shape similar to that of the flow divider 248 in the first embodiment. However, the sound-absorbing material may have a solid columnar shape.

[0046] Furthermore, the flow divider 248 may comprise a plate-shaped or columnar body formed from at least one of metal and resin, and a sound-absorbing material fixed to the outer surface of the body. In this case, the body can be formed to have the same external shape as the flow divider 248 of the first embodiment, and the sound-absorbing material can be fixed along the external shape of the body. The sound-absorbing material may be a sheet-like member fixed to the body by adhesive or the like.

[0047] Furthermore, the sound-absorbing material may have the form of multiple strip-shaped bodies wrapped around the outer surface of the main body. That is, the curved portion of the flow divider 248 may be an approximate curved surface as long as it can achieve substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment (for example, prevention of turbulence and / or vortex generation caused by the corners of the flow divider, formation of a main flow along the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller, etc.). Figure 7 is a front view showing a modified example of the flow divider 248 (in other words, the suction side opening 21 of the external housing 210) This is a view from side 2. In this example, multiple strips of sound-absorbing material (1, 2, 3, 4...) are wrapped around the surface of the main body of the flow-dividing member 248. There may be slight steps between the multiple strips, but even in that case, a curved surface can be formed that produces substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment. The number of strips is not particularly limited. Furthermore, this modification can also be applied to the flow-dividing member 248 of the second and third embodiments described below.

[0048] [Second Embodiment] Figure 8 is an overhead perspective view corresponding to Figure 2, showing a ventilation device 200A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Similar to Figure 2, the top surface portion 218 is omitted from the illustration in Figure 8.

[0049] In the ventilation device 200A according to the second embodiment, the vertical orientation of the flow divider member 248 in the installed state of the ventilation device 200A differs from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the second edge 248b of the flow divider member 248 is connected to the upper surface 218 of the external housing 210, and the first edge 248a of the flow divider member 248 is connected to the bottom surface 220 of the external housing 210. Thus, the flow divider member 248 in the second embodiment is positioned inverted vertically compared to that of the first embodiment. Also, as shown by the arrow in Figure 8, in the centrifugal blower 230 of the second embodiment, the centrifugal impeller 232 is set to rotate counterclockwise (i.e., in the opposite direction to that of the first embodiment) when viewed from the motor unit 234. In other configurations, the ventilation device 200A of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the ventilation device 200 of the first embodiment.

[0050] (Regarding the effect) In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, no protruding corners are formed on the flow path surface by the conventional flow divider 1. Therefore, flow separation is prevented, and thus the generation of turbulence and / or eddies can be prevented. Consequently, air can be smoothly introduced into the centrifugal blower 230. In addition, noise caused by the generation of turbulence and / or eddies can be prevented.

[0051] Furthermore, due to the inclination of the curved portion of the flow divider 248 with respect to the vertical, the air flowing along the flow divider 248 preferentially flows to the side with a steeper inclination of the curved portion, i.e., the side closer to the first edge 248a (in the second embodiment, the side closer to the bottom portion 220), rather than the side with a gentler inclination of the curved portion, i.e., the side closer to the second edge 248b (in the second embodiment, the side closer to the top portion 218). In other words, a main flow of air is formed on the underside of the external housing 210. Therefore, a swirling flow in a direction coinciding with the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller 232 (in the second embodiment, counterclockwise when viewed from the motor portion 234 side) can be easily generated around the intake ports 244 (see Figure 3) of the side plates 238 and 240. This allows air to be introduced into the centrifugal blower 230 at a large volumetric flow rate. Consequently, the centrifugal blower 230 can be operated at high efficiency.

[0052] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 9 to 13. Figure 9 is an overall perspective view of the ventilation device 200B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a schematic upper perspective view showing the interior of the ventilation device 200B. Figure 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the ventilation device 200B along line AA in Figure 9. Figure 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view (lengthwise cross-sectional view) of the ventilation device 200B along line BB in Figure 11, and Figure 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view (widthwise cross-sectional view) of the ventilation device 200B along line CC in Figure 12.

[0053] The third embodiment differs from the ventilation device 200A of the second embodiment in that the ventilation device 200B may include a second sound-absorbing member 252 fixed to the bottom surface 220 of the external housing 210. In this respect, the first side surface 226 and the second in the second embodiment In the third embodiment, the sound-absorbing member 250 fixed to the side portion 228 is referred to as the first sound-absorbing member 250. The third embodiment also differs from the second embodiment in that a projection 254 is provided on the bottom portion 220. In other configurations, the ventilation device 200B of the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the ventilation device 200A of the second embodiment.

[0054] In the third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the air flowing along the flow divider 248 preferentially flows to the side with the steeper incline of the curved portion, that is, the side closer to the first edge 248a connected to the bottom portion 220. In other words, a main flow of air is formed on the underside of the external housing 210. Therefore, a swirling flow can be easily generated around the intake ports 244 (see Figure 3) of the side plates 238 and 240 in a direction that coincides with the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller 232 (counterclockwise when viewed from the motor portion 234 side in the third embodiment). This allows air to be introduced into the centrifugal blower 230 at a large volumetric flow rate. Therefore, the centrifugal blower 230 can be operated at high efficiency.

[0055] Thus, in the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, air flows at a large volumetric flow rate on the underside of the external housing 210. Consequently, noise due to airflow tends to be greater on the underside of the external housing 210 compared to the upper side. This can be a problem when the ventilation device 200B is used indoors, especially when it is suspended from the ceiling into the room.

[0056] (Regarding the first sound-absorbing member 250) In the third embodiment, the first sound-absorbing member 250 is fixed to the inner surfaces of the first side portion 226 and the second side portion 228, which are located in the left-right direction of the airflow (indicated by the arrows in Figure 11) entering from the intake-side opening 212 of the external housing 210. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the first sound-absorbing member 250 can substantially extend in the longitudinal direction from the first end surface portion 222 of the external housing 210. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12, for example, the first sound-absorbing member 250 may extend in the height direction from the top of the second sound-absorbing member 252 (described later) or from the bottom surface portion 220 of the external housing 210 to the top surface portion 218 of the external housing 210. However, the first sound-absorbing member 250 only needs to be fixed to the first side portion 226 and the second side portion 228 so as to at least partially cover them. The specific dimensions and arrangement of the first sound-absorbing member 250 are not particularly limited. The first sound-absorbing member 250 can be formed from conventionally known materials and can be fixed to the first side portion 226 and the second side portion 228 in conventionally known ways. The first sound-absorbing member 250 can be attached to the inner surfaces of the first side portion 226 and the second side portion 228, for example, by adhesive.

[0057] (Regarding the second sound-absorbing member 252) In the ventilation device 200B of the third embodiment, a second sound-absorbing member 252 can be provided, which is fixed to the bottom surface 220 of the external housing 210. This makes it possible to reduce noise that increases on the underside of the external housing 210. The second sound-absorbing member 252 may be a sheet-like member having a predetermined thickness. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the second sound-absorbing member 252 may include a first edge portion 256 facing the first end surface portion 222 of the external housing 210 and a second edge portion 258 facing the second end surface portion 224 of the external housing 210. The second sound-absorbing member 252 may also include side edges (reference numerals omitted) facing the first side surface portion 226 and the second side surface portion 228 of the external housing 210, respectively.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figure 10, the second sound-absorbing member 252 is fixed to the upper part of the projection 254 provided on the bottom surface 220. This allows the second sound-absorbing member 252 to extend in the length and width directions, spaced apart from the bottom surface 220, so as to form a space between it and the bottom surface 220. For example, as shown in Figure 13, inside the external housing 210 (i.e., when the second side surface 228 shown in Figure 10 is closed), the second sound-absorbing member 252 extends between the first side surface 226 and the second side surface 228 of the external housing 210, and the bottom surface 220 The width dimension may be substantially the same as the width of the second sound-absorbing member 252. In this case, the first sound-absorbing member 250 may be positioned on top of the second sound-absorbing member 252. However, the first sound-absorbing member 250 may extend to the bottom surface 220 of the external housing 210, in which case the side edge of the second sound-absorbing member 252 may be positioned facing the inner surface of the first sound-absorbing member 250. In this embodiment, the relative arrangement between the first sound-absorbing member 250 and the second sound-absorbing member 252 is not particularly limited.

[0059] The second sound-absorbing member 252 can be formed from a known sound-absorbing material, such as glass wool and / or foam. The second sound-absorbing member 252 may be formed from a single layer or from multiple layers. Preferably, the second sound-absorbing member 252 has oil-adsorbing properties. If the second sound-absorbing member 252 is formed from multiple layers, it is preferable that at least one layer is made of an oil-adsorbing material. Because the second sound-absorbing member 252 has oil-adsorbing properties, oil in the air can be adsorbed onto the second sound-absorbing member 252, which is positioned at a distance from the bottom surface 220. Therefore, it is possible to prevent oil from accumulating on the bottom surface 220. This eliminates the need for an oil pan, which is conventionally required. It also makes cleaning the bottom surface 220 easier. This is particularly advantageous when the ventilation device 200B is installed in a restaurant kitchen or the like.

[0060] (Regarding the protrusion 254) As described above, in this embodiment, the second sound-absorbing member 252 is fixed to the upper part of the projection 254 provided on the bottom surface 220. This allows a lower space S (see Figure 13, etc.) to be formed between the bottom surface 220 and the second sound-absorbing member 252. Furthermore, as will be described later, in this embodiment, a portion of the intake air from the intake-side opening 212 of the ventilation device 200B can be supplied to the lower space S. The ventilation device 200B may include a supply unit for supplying a portion of the intake air to the lower space S and a discharge unit for discharging a portion of the intake air from the lower space S. This allows airflow to be generated in the lower space S.

[0061] Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, for example, by positioning the first edge portion 256 at a distance from the first end face portion 222, a supply opening 260 can be formed to supply a portion of the air from the suction side opening 212 into the lower space S. Also, by positioning the second edge portion 258 at a distance from the second end face portion 224, a discharge opening 262 can be formed to discharge air from the lower space S. However, in other embodiments, the supply opening 260 may be formed, for example, by forming a notch (in other words, a recess) on the end face of the first edge portion 256. In this case, the portion of the end face of the first edge portion 256 other than the notch may be positioned without substantially any gap from the first end face portion 222. Similarly, the discharge opening 262 may be formed, for example, by forming a notch on the end face of the second edge portion 258. In this case, the portion of the end face of the second edge portion 258 other than the notch portion may be arranged without substantially any gap between it and the second end face portion 224. In this way, a supply opening 260 can be formed inside the external housing 210 between the first edge portion 256 and the first end face portion 222 for supplying a portion of the air from the suction side opening 212 into the lower space S. In addition, a discharge opening 262 can be formed between the second edge portion 258 and the second end face portion 224 for discharging air from the lower space S.

[0062] However, the supply opening 260 and the discharge opening 262 can also be formed in part of the external housing 210. For example, separate openings from the suction-side opening 212 and the discharge-side opening 214 may be formed at positions facing the lower space S on the first end face portion 222 and the second end face portion 224. Alternatively, the supply opening 260 and the discharge opening 262 may be formed between the first side portion 226 and the second side portion 228 of the external housing 210 and the side edge portion of the second sound-absorbing member 252. In this case, the side edge portion of the second sound-absorbing member 252 may be provided with, for example, a notch. A supply opening 260 may be formed near the first end face portion 222, and a discharge opening 262 in the form of a notch may be formed near the second end face portion 224.

[0063] In the third embodiment, the projection 254 can form a lower space S between the bottom surface 220 of the external housing 210 and the second sound-absorbing member 252. The number of projections 254 is not particularly limited. As long as they have the shape and dimensions to form a lower space S between the second sound-absorbing member 252 and the bottom surface 220, a single projection 254 may be provided within the external housing 210. In this embodiment, multiple projections 254 can be provided. Specifically, partition members, for example, angle members with an L-shaped cross-section as shown in Figure 13, can be fixed to the bottom surface 220 as projections 254. Multiple partition members as projections 254 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the external housing 210 from the first end surface 222 to the second end surface 224 and be arranged substantially parallel to each other. This makes it possible to form multiple fluid channels extending in the longitudinal direction within the lower space S. Multiple fluid channels are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction of the external housing 210, each forming a channel with a relatively small cross-sectional area. However, multiple partition members may extend in the width direction from the first side portion 226 to the second side portion 228 and be arranged substantially parallel to each other. This makes it possible to form multiple fluid channels extending in the width direction within the lower space S. In this case, the supply opening 260 and the discharge opening 262 may be formed between the first side portion 226 and the second side portion 228 of the external housing 210 and the side edge of the second sound-absorbing member 252.

[0064] Furthermore, the example shown is not limited to the partition wall members with various cross-sectional shapes that can be used as projections 254. Also, for example, by processing the bottom surface 220, ribs protruding from the inner surface of the bottom surface 220 and extending in the length or width direction may be formed. Also, as part of the second sound-absorbing member 252, ribs protruding from the lower surface of the second sound-absorbing member 252 and extending in the length or width direction may be formed. By forming the projections 254 as ribs integrated with the bottom surface 220 or the second sound-absorbing member 252, cleaning of the lower space S becomes easier. In addition, multiple projections 254 having a pin shape arranged in rows or randomly can be provided. By providing multiple projections 254, air passages with a relatively small cross-sectional area can be formed between adjacent projections 254. The relatively small cross-sectional area of ​​the passages can suppress noise in the air passing through the passages.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, the upper side of the scroll casing 236 may be closed by the upper surface 218 of the external housing 210, and the lower side of the scroll casing 236 may be closed by the bottom surface 220 of the external housing 210. In other words, when the ventilation device 200B is installed, the upper and lower edges of the side plates 238 and 240 of the scroll casing 236 may be connected to the upper surface 218 and bottom surface 220 of the external housing 210. Therefore, the projection 254 may be provided on the bottom surface 220 in a position that does not interfere with the side plates 238 and 240 of the scroll casing 236 and the flow divider 248. In addition, the second sound-absorbing member 252 fixed to the upper part of the projection 254 may be arranged along the outer shape of the side plates 238, 240 and the flow divider member 248 (in other words, surrounding the side plates 238, 240 and the flow divider member 248).

[0066] (Regarding the effect) The operation of the third embodiment will now be described in detail. The sound absorption effect of the ventilation device 200B can be enhanced by the synergistic effect of the second sound-absorbing member 252 provided on the bottom surface 220 of the external housing 210 and the first sound-absorbing member 250 provided on the first side surface 226 and the second side surface 228. In particular, the second sound-absorbing member 252 provided on the bottom surface 220 of the external housing 210 can reduce noise generated on the underside of the external housing 210. This is particularly advantageous when the ventilation device 200B is suspended and used indoors. On the other hand, the second sound-absorbing member 252 provided on the bottom surface 220 absorbs liquids containing oil and other substances in the air. The liquid falls. If the liquid that falls accumulates inside the second sound-absorbing member 252, the second sound-absorbing member 252 will be contaminated. However, in the third embodiment, a portion of the air from the intake opening 212 can be supplied to the lower space S of the second sound-absorbing member 252 via the supply opening 260 and discharged from the lower space S via the discharge opening 262. This creates an airflow within the lower space S. Therefore, the second sound-absorbing member 252 can be dried (in other words, air-dried). Thus, contamination of the second sound-absorbing member 252 due to the accumulation of oil, etc., can be prevented.

[0067] Specifically, as shown by the arrows in Figure 12, air drawn into the interior of the external housing 210 from the intake opening 212 enters the space above the second sound-absorbing member 252 and also enters the lower space S of the second sound-absorbing member 252 through the supply opening 260. In this embodiment, a small cross-sectional area flow path can be formed in the lower space S by a plurality of protrusions 254 in the form of a partition wall member. The flow path extends in the longitudinal direction from the first end face portion 222 to the second end face portion 224 (in other words, from the intake opening 212 to the discharge opening 214 of the ventilation device 200B). Therefore, a high-velocity airflow can be generated in the lower space S. This allows the second sound-absorbing member 252 to be dried quickly. As shown in Figure 12, the air supplied into the lower space S flows in the longitudinal direction, repeatedly colliding with the bottom surface 220 and the second sound-absorbing member 252, and is discharged through the discharge opening 262 into the space above the second sound-absorbing member 252. Therefore, the air discharged through the discharge opening 262 can be drawn into the centrifugal blower 230 through the intake port 244 of the scroll casing 236.

[0068] The higher the airflow velocity in the lower space S, the greater the drying effect. Therefore, for example, the height dimension of the lower space S can be determined by considering the balance between the drying effect and the sound absorption effect in the lower space S. In this case, for example, the Helmholtz resonance calculation formula can be used.

[0069] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the rigidity of the external housing 210 can be increased by the projection 254 provided on the bottom surface 220 of the external housing 210. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the external housing 210 from vibrating and amplifying noise. This is particularly advantageous when the external housing 210 is made of relatively thin steel plate.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the entirety of the second side portion 228 located on the motor side of the centrifugal blower 230 constitutes an inspection door for maintenance of the ventilation device 200B. This maximizes the inspection window so that cleaning tools or the hands of workers inserted through the inspection window do not interfere with the motor. It also facilitates cleaning work on the bottom portion 220, including replacement of the second sound-absorbing member 252. However, in other embodiments, the inspection door may be formed by a part of the second side portion 228. Alternatively, the inspection door may be formed by all or part of the first side portion 226 located on the side opposite the motor.

[0071] Thus, the ventilation device 200B of the third embodiment can include a first sound-absorbing member 250 fixed to the first side portion 226 and the second side portion 228 located in the left-right direction of the intake airflow, and a second sound-absorbing member 252 fixed to the bottom portion 220. In other words, sound-absorbing members can be provided on the three surfaces that form the intake airflow path. Therefore, compared to the prior art, noise, especially on the intake side, can be sufficiently reduced. Furthermore, the second sound-absorbing member 252 can reduce noise generated on the underside of the external housing 210, which is particularly advantageous when the ventilation device 200B is used in a suspended state indoors. In addition, if the flow divider member 248 is equipped with a sound-absorbing member, the noise of the ventilation device 200B can be further reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, in the ventilation device 200B of the third embodiment, the second sound-absorbing member 252 can be positioned at a distance from the bottom surface 220 via a projection 254 provided on the bottom surface 220. Therefore, it is possible to prevent liquids containing oil, etc., absorbed by the second sound-absorbing member 252 from accumulating on the bottom surface 220. In addition, the projection 254 provided on the bottom surface 220 can reinforce the external housing 210. Therefore, it is possible to prevent amplification of noise due to vibration of the external housing 210.

[0073] Furthermore, in the ventilation device 200B of the third embodiment, a portion of the intake air can be supplied to the lower space S between the second sound-absorbing member 252 and the bottom surface 220 via the supply opening 260, and discharged from the lower space S via the discharge opening 262. This creates an airflow within the lower space S, allowing the second sound-absorbing member 252 to dry quickly. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second sound-absorbing member 252 from being contaminated by liquids containing oil or the like that absorbed by the second sound-absorbing member 252.

[0074] Furthermore, in the ventilation device 200B of the third embodiment, the entire side portion 228 of one of the external housings 210 can be configured as an inspection door. Therefore, cleaning work on the bottom portion 220, including replacement of the second sound-absorbing member 252, can be easily performed.

[0075] In addition, unlike the first to third embodiments, another embodiment of the present invention provides a ventilation device in which the motor-side side plate 238 is positioned facing the bottom surface 220 of the external housing 210, and the non-motor-side side plate 240 is positioned facing the top surface 218 of the external housing 210. In this case, the air from the intake-side opening 212 is divided by a flow divider 248 coupled to the side plates 238 and 240, so as to flow towards the lower side plate 238 and the upper side plate 240. In this case, the first edge 248a and the second edge 248b of the flow divider 248 can be coupled to the first side surface 226 and the second side surface 228 of the external housing 210 so as to face each other horizontally.

[0076] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, the present invention includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, any combination or omission of the components described in the claims and specification is possible to the extent that at least a part of the above-mentioned problems can be solved or at least a part of the effects can be achieved.

[0077] The present invention includes the following embodiments. 1. An external housing having an intake opening for drawing in air and an outlet opening for discharging air, A ventilation device comprising a centrifugal blower housed in an external enclosure, The centrifugal blower comprises a scroll casing having an inlet for drawing in air from an inlet opening and a discharge port connected to a discharge opening, the inlet being formed on at least one of the side plates of the scroll casing. The ventilation device includes a flow divider that is connected to the side plate at a position facing the intake opening and divides the air from the intake opening toward the side plate. The flow divider has a first edge and a second edge that are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction, and the flow divider has a curved surface that extends outward between the first edge and the second edge, and the curved surface has an inclination that decreases as it approaches the first edge and increases as it approaches the second edge with respect to the vertical direction. The flow-dividing member is a ventilation device that, in a plan view, maintains an outwardly convex curved shape between the first edge and the second edge. 2. The ventilation device described in 1. A ventilation device in which the curved portion terminates at a second edge such that the greatest inclination is at the second edge with respect to the vertical direction. 3. A ventilation device as described in 1. or 2., A ventilation device in which the curved portion terminates at a first edge such that it has the smallest inclination at the first edge with respect to the vertical direction. 4. A ventilation device as described in any of 1. to 3., The flow-dividing member extends to a position that partially covers the side plate in the direction of airflow, in this ventilation device. 5. A ventilation device described in any of 1. to 4., The ventilation device has an external housing that, when the ventilation device is installed, has side portions located in the left-right direction of the airflow entering from the intake opening, and the second edge extends horizontally to the side portion of the external housing. 6. A ventilation device as described in any of items 1 to 5, The flow divider is a ventilation device equipped with sound-absorbing material. 7. The ventilation device described in 6. The flow divider is a ventilation device made solely of sound-absorbing material. 8. The ventilation device described in 6. A ventilation device comprising a flow divider having a body formed from at least one of metal and resin, and a sound-absorbing material being a sheet-like sound-absorbing material attached to the surface of the body. 9. The ventilation device described in 6. A ventilation device comprising a flow divider having a body formed from at least one of metal and resin, and a sound-absorbing material being a plurality of strips of sound-absorbing material wrapped around the surface of the body. 10. A ventilation device as described in any of items 6 to 9, A ventilation device in which the sound-absorbing material is formed of at least one of glass wool and foam. 11. A ventilation device described in any of items 1 to 10, A ventilation device in which the first edge is connected to the upper surface of the external housing when the ventilation device is installed, and the second edge is connected to the bottom surface of the external housing when the ventilation device is installed. 12. A ventilation device described in any of items 1 to 10, A ventilation device in which the first edge is connected to the bottom surface of the external housing when the ventilation device is installed, and the second edge is connected to the top surface of the external housing when the ventilation device is installed. 13. The ventilation device described in 12. The external enclosure has side sections located in the left-right direction of the airflow entering from the intake opening when the ventilation device is installed, and the ventilation device further... A first sound-absorbing member fixed to the side surface, A second sound-absorbing member fixed to the bottom surface, A ventilation device comprising a second sound-absorbing member fixed to the upper part of a projection provided on the bottom surface, thereby creating a space between the second sound-absorbing member and the bottom surface. 14. The ventilation device described in 13. The ventilation device comprises a supply unit that supplies a portion of the air from an intake opening into the space, and a discharge unit that discharges a portion of the air from the space. 15. The ventilation device described in 14. The external housing comprises a first end face portion having an intake opening and a second end face portion having a discharge opening. The second sound-absorbing member includes a first edge portion facing the first end face portion and a second edge portion facing the second end face portion. A ventilation device having an opening for supplying air between a first edge and a first end face, and an opening for discharging air between a second edge and a second end face. 16. A ventilation device described in any of items 13 to 15, A ventilation device with multiple protrusions on its bottom surface. 17. The ventilation device described in 16. A ventilation device comprising multiple protrusions that extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the external housing from a first end face to a second end face. 18. The ventilation device described in 17. A ventilation device comprising multiple protrusions, including a partition member fixed to the bottom surface. 19. The ventilation device described in 17. A ventilation device comprising multiple protrusions, including ribs formed on the bottom surface or a second sound-absorbing member. 20. The ventilation device described in 16. A ventilation device in which multiple protrusions have a pin shape. twenty one. A ventilation device described in any of items 13 to 20, The second sound-absorbing component is a ventilation device with oil-adsorbing properties. twenty two. A ventilation device described in any of items 13 to 21, A ventilation device in which the second sound-absorbing member is formed of at least one of glass wool and foam. twenty three. A ventilation device described in any of items 13 to 22, The second sound-absorbing component is a sheet-like member consisting of a single layer or multiple layers; this is a ventilation device. 24. A ventilation device as described in any of items 13 to 23, The side of the external housing faces the motor side and the non-motor side of the scroll casing. A ventilation device in which at least one side portion, in whole or in part, forms an inspection door for the ventilation device. [Industrial applicability]

[0078] The present invention can be widely applied to ventilation systems equipped with centrifugal blowers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] S lower space 200, 200A, 200B Ventilation System 210 External enclosure 212 Suction side opening 214 Discharge side opening 216 Connecting parts 218 Top part 220 Bottom part 222 First end face 224 Second end face 226 First side section 228 Second side section 230 Centrifugal blower 232 Centrifugal impeller 234 Motor section 236 Scroll Casing 238 Motor side plate 240 Anti-motor side plate 242 Scroll member 244 Inlet 246 Discharge port 248 Flow Diversion Member 248a First edge 248b Second edge 250 First sound-absorbing member 252 Second sound-absorbing member 254 Protrusion 256 First edge 258 Second edge 260 Supply opening 262 Discharge opening

Claims

1. An external housing having an intake opening for drawing in air and an outlet opening for discharging air, A ventilation device comprising a centrifugal blower housed in the aforementioned external housing, The centrifugal blower comprises a scroll casing having an intake port for drawing in air from the intake side opening and an outlet port connected to the discharge side opening, wherein the intake port is formed on at least one of the side plates of the scroll casing. The ventilation device includes a flow divider that is connected to the side plate at a position facing the intake side opening and divides the air from the intake side opening toward the side plate, The flow divider member has a first edge and a second edge arranged to face each other in the vertical direction, and the flow divider member has a curved surface portion that extends outward between the first edge and the second edge, and the curved surface portion has an inclination with respect to the vertical direction that becomes smaller as it approaches the first edge and larger as it approaches the second edge. The flow-dividing member is a ventilation device that, in a plan view, maintains an outer shape that is curved outward in a convex manner between the first edge and the second edge.

2. A ventilation device according to claim 1, A ventilation device wherein the curved portion terminates at the second edge such that it has the greatest inclination at the second edge with respect to the vertical direction.

3. A ventilation device according to claim 1, A ventilation device in which the curved portion terminates at the first edge such that it has the smallest inclination at the first edge with respect to the vertical direction.

4. A ventilation device according to claim 1, The ventilation device wherein the flow divider extends to a position that partially covers the side plate in the direction of airflow.

5. A ventilation device according to claim 1, The external housing has side portions located in the left-right direction of the airflow entering from the intake opening when the ventilation device is installed, and the second edge portion extends horizontally to the side portions of the external housing, wherein the external housing is a ventilation device.

6. A ventilation device according to claim 1, The aforementioned flow divider is a ventilation device equipped with sound-absorbing material.

7. A ventilation device according to claim 6, The aforementioned flow-dividing member is formed solely of the sound-absorbing material, in a ventilation device.

8. A ventilation device according to claim 6, A ventilation device wherein the flow divider comprises a body formed from at least one of metal and resin, and the sound-absorbing material is a sheet-shaped sound-absorbing material attached to the surface of the body.

9. A ventilation device according to claim 6, A ventilation device wherein the flow divider comprises a body formed from at least one of metal and resin, and the sound-absorbing material is a plurality of strip-shaped sound-absorbing materials wrapped around the surface of the body.

10. A ventilation device according to claim 6, The sound-absorbing material is formed from at least one of glass wool and foam in a ventilation device.

11. A ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A ventilation device in which the first edge is connected to the upper surface of the external housing when the ventilation device is installed, and the second edge is connected to the bottom surface of the external housing when the ventilation device is installed.

12. A ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A ventilation device in which the first edge is connected to the bottom surface of the external housing when the ventilation device is installed, and the second edge is connected to the top surface of the external housing when the ventilation device is installed.

13. A ventilation device according to claim 12, The external housing has side portions located in the left-right direction of the airflow entering from the intake opening when the ventilation device is installed, and the ventilation device further comprises A first sound-absorbing member fixed to the aforementioned side portion, A second sound-absorbing member fixed to the bottom surface, A ventilation device comprising the second sound-absorbing member, wherein the second sound-absorbing member is fixed to the upper part of a projection provided on the bottom surface, thereby forming a space between the second sound-absorbing member and the bottom surface.

14. A ventilation device according to claim 13, The ventilation device comprises a supply unit that supplies a portion of the air from the intake opening into the space, and a discharge unit that discharges a portion of the air from the space.

15. A ventilation device according to claim 14, The external housing comprises a first end face portion on which the suction-side opening is formed and a second end face portion on which the discharge-side opening is formed. The second sound-absorbing member includes a first edge portion facing the first end face portion and a second edge portion facing the second end face portion, A ventilation device in which an opening for supplying is formed between the first edge and the first end face, and an opening for discharging is formed between the second edge and the second end face.

16. A ventilation device according to claim 13, A ventilation device having a plurality of the aforementioned protrusions on its bottom surface.

17. A ventilation device according to claim 16, The plurality of protrusions extend in the longitudinal direction of the external housing from the first end face to the second end face and parallel to each other, in a ventilation device.

18. A ventilation device according to claim 17, The ventilation device includes a partition wall member fixed to the bottom surface, wherein the plurality of protrusions are part of the partition wall member.

19. A ventilation device according to claim 17, The ventilation device includes a plurality of protrusions, which include ribs formed on the bottom surface or the second sound-absorbing member.

20. A ventilation device according to claim 16, The aforementioned plurality of protrusions are pin-shaped, and the ventilation device is provided.

21. A ventilation device according to claim 13, The second sound-absorbing member is a ventilation device having oil-adsorbing properties.

22. A ventilation device according to claim 13, The ventilation device wherein the second sound-absorbing member is formed of at least one of glass wool and foam.

23. A ventilation device according to claim 13, The ventilation device wherein the second sound-absorbing member is a sheet-like member consisting of a single layer or multiple layers.

24. A ventilation device according to claim 13, The side portion of the external housing faces the motor side and the non-motor side of the scroll casing. A ventilation device in which at least one of the side portions, in whole or in part, forms an inspection door for the ventilation device.

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