Airflow path

Abstract

To provide an air blowing flow passage that can prevent inclusion of foreign matter, and can reduce a pressure loss generated in fluid having flowed in.SOLUTION: An air blowing flow passage is arranged on an outlet of an air blower, and comprises a first plate part in which an inlet part connected to the air blower is formed, and a second plate part facing the first plate part to form a flow passage for fluid supplied from the inlet part. The flow passage is a narrow flow passage in which a distance between the first plate part and the second plate part is shorter than a distance in a direction in which the fluid flows. An end part of the first plate part and an end part of the second plate part serve as an outlet part. The air blowing flow passage comprises a flow guide connected to the first plate part and the second plate part, extending toward the outlet part from the inlet part, and partitioning the flow passage into a plurality of split flow passages. The flow passage cross-sectional areas of the split flow passages increase toward the outlet part from the inlet part or do not change.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air flow path. [Background technology]

[0002] Some airflow channels through which fluids such as air flow are provided with blade members at the inlet port, which serves as the inlet of the channel, or the outlet port, which serves as the outlet. These blade members can prevent foreign matter from entering and act as screens for the fluid inlet and outlet. Patent Document 1 describes a structure in which louvers and flaps are provided at the inlet and outlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-255255 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The air flow path is used to discharge fluid supplied from a fluid machine, such as a blower, located upstream to a target area. Here, downstream of the fluid machine, the direction of the fluid flow becomes unstable due to swirling or drift caused by the fluid machine. Furthermore, pressure loss also occurs due to changes in the area through which the fluid passes, caused by the thickness of the louver's blade members.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an air flow path that can prevent the intrusion of foreign matter and reduce the pressure loss that occurs in the flowing fluid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air flow path of the present disclosure is an air flow path arranged at the outlet of a blower, and comprises: a first plate portion having an inlet portion connected to the blower; and a second plate portion facing the first plate portion and forming a passage for fluid supplied from the inlet portion; the flow path is a thin flow path in which the distance between the first plate portion and the second plate portion is short compared to the distance in the direction of flow of the fluid; the end portion of the first plate portion and the end portion of the second plate portion form an outlet portion; and a flow guide connecting the first plate portion and the second plate portion and extending from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion, dividing the passage into a plurality of divided flow paths; the divided flow paths have a flow path cross-sectional area that does not increase or change from the inlet portion to the outlet portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter and reduce the pressure loss that occurs in the inflowing fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an air blower having an air flow path according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the air flow path. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the flow guide. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of another air flow path. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of another air flow path. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of another air flow path. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing an air blower having an air flow path according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view that schematically shows a cross section of the air flow path of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view that schematically shows a cross section of an air flow path according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and when there are multiple embodiments, the present disclosure also includes configurations that combine the various embodiments. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially identical, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments described below can be variously omitted, substituted, or modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0010] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a blower having an air flow path according to a first embodiment. The blower 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called air conditioner that supplies temperature-adjusted air to a target area. The blower 10 of this embodiment can be used, for example, as an air conditioning system for a vehicle. The blower 10 includes a fluid machine 12, a heat exchanger 14, and an air flow path 16.

[0011] The fluid machine 12 is, for example, a blower, and includes a plurality of internal blades, a casing that covers the blades, and a drive source that rotates the blades. The fluid machine 12 rotates the blades using a motor, causing air (a jet) to flow in a predetermined direction.

[0012] The heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the circulating air to heat or cool the air. The heat exchanger 14 has, for example, a Peltier element, and serves as a heating or cooling source by controlling the current flowing through the Peltier element. The heat exchanger 14 is connected to the fluid machine 12 and is disposed upstream of the fluid machine 12. The heat exchanger 14 is provided with a suction port 18 that is open to the atmosphere. A structure such as a louver is disposed in the suction port 18 to prevent foreign matter from entering. When the fluid machine 12 is operating, air flows into the heat exchanger 14 through the suction port 18, and the heat exchanger 14 heats or cools the air and supplies it to the fluid machine 12.

[0013] The air flow path 16 is connected to the fluid machine 12 via a connection part 20 at the outlet of the fluid machine 12. In other words, the air flow path 16 is arranged downstream of the fluid machine 12, and air that has been sucked in through the suction port 18 and passed through the heat exchanger 14 and the fluid machine 12 flows into the air flow path 16.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an air flow path, Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view taken along line AA in Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2.

[0015] The air flow path 16 has a first plate portion 22, a second plate portion 24, a flow guide 42, and a guide plate 44. The first plate portion 22 is a flat plate and has an inlet portion 32, which is an opening that connects to the opening portion 20. The second plate portion 24 is arranged opposite the first plate portion 22. The opening portion 24 has an opening 38 formed in a position facing the inlet portion 32. The inlet portion 32 and the opening portion 28 can be various shapes, such as rectangular, circular, elliptical, or polygonal. The first plate portion 22 and the second plate portion 24 are plates arranged parallel to each other with their widest surfaces facing each other.

[0016] The air flow path 16 forms a flow path 30 with the first plate portion 22 and the second plate portion 24. The air flow path 16 is arranged so that the distance between the first plate portion 22 and the second plate portion 24 is shorter than the widest surface of the first plate portion 22 and the second plate portion 24, making the flow path 30 a narrow flow path. The ends of the first plate portion 22 and the second plate portion 24 are open, forming an outlet portion 34. The flow path 30 guides air flowing in from the inlet portion 32 to the outlet portion 34. In this embodiment, the first plate portion 22 and the second plate portion 24 are flat plates, but they may also have corners or arcs in cross section. The outlet portion 34 does not have to be located across the entire area between the first plate portion 22 and the second plate portion 24. In other words, a portion of the opening between the first plate portion 22 and the second plate portion 24 may be blocked.

[0017] A plurality of flow guides 42 are arranged in the flow path 30. The flow guides 42 are plate-shaped members that contact both the first plate portion 22 and the second plate portion 24 and extend from the inlet portion 32 toward the outlet portion 34. In this embodiment, the flow guide 42 is arranged at a position spaced apart from the inlet portion 32 in the direction of fluid flow in the flow path 30 and contacts the outlet portion 34. The plurality of flow guides 42 are arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction intersecting the direction of fluid flow in the flow path 30, and divide the flow path 30 into a plurality of divided flow paths 36. The number of flow guides 42 is not particularly limited. For example, five flow guides 42 can be arranged on each side, but the number of flow guides 42 on each side may be four or less, six or more. The number of flow guides arranged on each side may also be different.

[0018] The guide plates (opening flow guides) 44 are disposed at the opening 38. The guide plates 44 are plate-shaped members extending from the inlet 32 ​​toward the opening 38 and are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the plates. The guide plates 44 move away from the center of the opening 38 as they move from the inlet 32 ​​toward the opening 42. The shapes of the guide plates 44 may be the same or different. The guide plates 44 have smooth walls, i.e., curved shapes without corners, and the inclination angle with respect to the straight line from the inlet 32 ​​to the opening 38 increases as they move toward the opening 38. The guide plates 44 change the direction of the flow from the inlet 32 ​​toward the opening 38 from the direction from the inlet 32 ​​toward the opening 42 toward the outlet 38.

[0019] The blower 10 is configured as described above, and when the fluid machine 16 is operating, air flows in through the intake port 18. The air drawn into the intake port 18 passes through the heat exchanger 14 and the fluid machine 12, and flows into the inlet 32 ​​through the connection portion 20. The blower 10 is heated or cooled by the heat exchanger 14, and its temperature is adjusted. The blower 10 may also be provided with a filter or the like to capture impurities contained in the air. A humidity adjustment mechanism may also be provided.

[0020] In the air flow path 16, a portion of the air that flows into the inlet portion 32 flows through the flow path 30 and is discharged from the outlet portion 34, and the remaining portion of the air that flows into the inlet portion 32 is discharged from the opening portion 38. The flow path 30 changes the flow of the air that flows into the inlet portion 32 along the extension direction of the flow path 30. The air that flows into the flow path 30 also flows into each of the divided flow paths 36 divided by the flow guide 42. The air that flows into the divided flow paths 36 is discharged from the outlet portion 34 at the portion where the divided flow paths 36 are connected. A portion of the air that flows into the inlet portion 32 flows along the guide plate 44 and is discharged from the opening portion 38.

[0021] The air flow path 16 includes a flow path 30 formed by the first plate portion 22 and the second plate portion 24 downstream of the inlet portion 32 connected to the air supply source. By guiding the fluid through the flow path 30, the fluid can be guided from the inlet portion 32 to the outlet portion 34 through a flow path whose cross-sectional area does not increase or decrease. This reduces the pressure loss of the inflowing air. In other words, the absence of a widening or narrowing section that serves as a header reduces the pressure loss of the fluid. Furthermore, by forming the flow path using the plate-shaped first plate portion 22 and the second plate portion 24, the width of the flow path can be narrowed, and the width of the outlet portion 34 can also be narrowed. This prevents foreign matter from entering the flow path 30. Furthermore, by providing flow guides 42 in the flow path 30 and forming multiple divided flow paths without increasing or decreasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, the amount of air discharged from the outlet portion 34 can be averaged. In other words, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a large amount of air is discharged from the portion of the outlet 34 close to the inlet 32 ​​and a small amount of air is discharged from the portion of the outlet 34 far from the inlet 32.

[0022] Furthermore, by providing the air flow path 16 with an opening 38 and arranging a guide plate 44 at the opening 38, it is possible to discharge a portion of the air that has flowed in through the opening 38. Furthermore, by discharging a portion of the air through the opening 38, the flow rate of the jet flowing through the flow path 30 can be reduced, and the speed at which the jet flows when passing through can be reduced, thereby reducing the pressure loss in the flow path 30.

[0023] The guide plates 44 preferably have an inclination angle θ1 between the tangent to the end on the opening 38 side and the second plate portion 24 of 30° or more. Furthermore, of the guide plates 44, the two guide plates 44 that are arranged at the center of the opening 38 and change the flow in different directions preferably have an angle θ2 between the tangent to the end on the opening 38 side of 60° or more. This ensures that the flow will travel in a straight line and prevents the jets from attracting or merging with each other. Note that, although providing the openings 38 is preferable in order to obtain the above-mentioned effect, a structure without an opening may also be used.

[0024] Next, the flow guides 42 will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the installation positions of the flow guides. The flow guides 42 of the air flow path 16 shown in FIG. 5 are arranged radially. In the flow path 30, the area ratio of the end portions of the divided flow paths 36 on the inlet section 32 side is equal to the area ratio of the end portions on the outlet section 34 side of the divided flow paths 36 separated by the flow guides 42. For example, the area ratios on the inlet section 32 side of the divided flow paths 36 arranged on the same side (long side) of the first plate portion 22 are w1, w2, w3, and w4, and the relationship between the area ratios W1, W2, W3, and W4 on the outlet section 34 side of the corresponding divided flow paths 36 is w1:w2:w3:w4=W1:W2:W3:W4. Furthermore, if the area ratios of the divided flow paths 36 arranged on the same side (short side) of the first plate portion 22 on the inlet portion 32 side are h1, h2, h3, and h4, and the area ratios of the divided flow paths 36 on the outlet portion 34 side are H1, H2, H3, and H4, then h1:h2:h3:h4 = H1:H2:H3:H4. This allows the flow losses of the divided flow paths 36 partitioned by the flow guide 42 to be averaged, thereby reducing the overall blowout loss. Note that the area ratios need only match between the inlet and outlet sides, and the areas of the divided flow paths 36 do not need to be equally divided. In other words, the areas of adjacent divided flow paths 36 may differ as long as the expansion ratios of the divided flow paths 36 are the same.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of another airflow path. In the airflow path 16a shown in FIG. 6, the installation angles of the flow guides 42 are equal, so that the angles (local expansion angles) between the flow guides 42 installed on each side are equal. In the airflow path 16a, if the angles (local expansion angles) formed by the extension lines of adjacent flow guides 42 arranged on the same side (long side) of the first plate portion 22 are Φ1, Φ2, Φ3, and Φ4, then Φ1 = Φ2 = Φ3 = Φ4. Also, if the angles formed by the extension lines of adjacent flow guides 42 arranged on the same side (short side) of the first plate portion 22 are Φ1, Φ2, Φ3, and Φ4, then Φ1 = Φ2 = Φ3 = Φ4. In this way, by making the angles formed by the flow guides 42 equal, the flow loss of the divided flow paths 36 can be averaged, and the blowing loss of the entire flow path 30 can be reduced.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of another air flow path. The air flow path 16b shown in FIG. 7 has a fairing 60 at the upstream end of the flow guide 42b. The fairing 60 is a structure with a larger cross section than the flow guide 42b and formed with a curved surface. The fairing 60 is a member with a circular or elliptical cross section. By providing the fairing 60 in the air flow path 16b, it is possible to reduce the sudden flow separation that occurs when the air flowing into the divided flow path 36 collides with the flow guide 42b, thereby reducing the pressure loss in the flow path 30. Note that the fairing 60 is not limited to a cylindrical or elliptical member, and may be a member with a shape that has a rounded upstream end.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of another airflow path. In the airflow path 18 shown in FIG. 8, the cross section of the flow guide 42c is wing-shaped. Note that the flow guide 42c is not limited to a wing shape, and may have a shape with a smoothly curved cross section. In this way, by making the flow guide 42c wing-shaped or curved, separation of the flow near the flow guide 42c can be suppressed, and pressure loss can be further reduced.

[0028] [Second embodiment] Fig. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing a blower having an air flow path of a second embodiment. Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a cross section of the air flow path of the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a cross section of the air flow path of the second embodiment. The blower 110 shown in Figs. 9 to 11 includes a fluid machine 12, a heat exchanger 14, and an air flow path 116. The fluid machine 12 and the heat exchanger 14 are basically the same as the respective parts of the blower 10.

[0029] The fluid machine 12 is provided with a louver 70 at a connection portion with the air flow path 116. The louver 70 is a plurality of plate-like members that deflect the flow of fluid in a direction toward the outlet portion 34 of the distribution path 116. The plurality of plate-like members are arranged in parallel.

[0030] A flow guide 142 is disposed inside the air flow path 116. The air flow path 116 is formed from a rectangular plate-shaped member, and an outlet section 34 is formed on only one of the four sides. The flow guide 142 extends from the inlet section 32 toward the outlet section 34. The flow guide 142 is disposed so that its end on the inlet section 32 side divides the inlet section 32 into multiple sections in the longitudinal direction. The flow guide 142 is disposed so that its end on the outlet section 34 side divides the outlet section 34 into multiple sections in the longitudinal direction.

[0031] Even when the outlet section 34 is provided on one side, as in the case of the air supply flow path 116, by configuring the flow path 30 so that the flow path cross-sectional area does not increase or change from the inlet section 32 to the outlet section 34 and by forming divided flow paths with the flow guide 142, it is possible to reduce pressure loss, suppress the intrusion of foreign matter, and discharge uniform air from the outlet section 34.

[0032] The present disclosure discloses the following inventions, but is not limited to the following. (1) An air flow path arranged at the outlet of a blower, comprising: a first plate portion having an inlet portion connected to the blower; and a second plate portion facing the first plate portion and forming a passage for a fluid supplied from the inlet portion; the passage is a narrow passage in which the distance between the first plate portion and the second plate portion is short relative to the distance in the direction of flow of the fluid; an end portion of the first plate portion and an end portion of the second plate portion form an outlet portion; and a flow guide connecting the first plate portion and the second plate portion, extending from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion, and dividing the passage into a plurality of divided passages; the passage is an air flow path in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage either increases or does not change from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion. (2) The air flow path according to (1), wherein the flow guide includes a fairing at an end portion on the inlet side. (3) The air flow passage according to (1) or (2), wherein the flow guide has a wing-shaped or curved cross section. (4) The air flow path according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the flow path has a plurality of divided flow paths in which the area ratio of the inlets and the area ratio of the outlets are the same. (5) The airflow passage according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the flow guide has a plurality of divided passages each having the same angle. (6) The second plate portion has an opening formed at a position facing the inlet portion, and has a plurality of guide plates arranged at the opening that change the direction of the flow from the inlet portion toward the opening from the direction from the inlet portion toward the opening toward the outlet portion. The air flow path described in any one of (1) to (5). (7) The air flow path according to (6), wherein the guide plate has an inclination angle between a tangent to the end of the opening and the second plate portion of 30° or more. (8) An air flow path as described in (6) or (7), in which two of the guide plates arranged at the center of the opening and changing the flow in different directions have an angle between the tangents of the end portions on the opening side that is 60° or more. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 10. Blower 12 Fluid machinery 14 Heat exchanger 16 Air flow path 18 Intake section 20 Connection 22 1st plate part 24 2nd plate part 30 Flow path 32 Entrance 34 Exit section 36 Divided Channel 38 Opening 42 Flow Guide 44 Signboard

Claims

1. An air flow path disposed at an outlet of a blower, a first plate portion having an inlet portion connected to the blower; a second plate portion facing the first plate portion and forming a passage for the fluid supplied from the inlet portion, a flow path which is a fluid passage formed by the first plate portion and the second plate portion is a narrow flow path in which the distance between the first plate portion and the second plate portion is short relative to the distance in the direction in which the fluid flows, an end of the first plate portion and an end of the second plate portion constitute an outlet portion, a flow guide connected to the first plate portion and the second plate portion, extending from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion, and dividing the passage into a plurality of divided flow paths; The flow path has an air flow path in which a flow path cross-sectional area either increases or does not change from the inlet portion to the outlet portion.

2. The air flow path according to claim 1 , wherein the flow guide includes a fairing at an end portion on the inlet side.

3. The air flow channel according to claim 1 , wherein the flow guide has a wing-shaped or curved cross section.

4. The air flow path according to claim 1 , wherein the flow path has a plurality of divided flow paths, each of which has an inlet area ratio equal to an outlet area ratio.

5. The air flow path according to claim 1 , wherein the flow guide has a plurality of divided flow paths each having the same angle.

6. The second plate portion has an opening formed at a position facing the inlet portion, 6. The air flow path according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of guide plates arranged at the opening and configured to change the direction of the flow from the inlet portion toward the opening from the direction from the inlet portion toward the opening toward the outlet portion.

7. The air flow path according to claim 6 , wherein the guide plate has an inclination angle of 30° or more between a tangent to an end of the opening and the second plate portion.

8. The air flow path according to claim 6, wherein two of the guide plates that are arranged at the center of the opening and that change the flow in different directions have an angle between tangents of the ends of the guide plates that are on the opening side that is 60° or more.

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