Flow guide and air management device equipped with same

Abstract

An air management device according to the present invention, with respect to a flow guide for guiding the flow of discharged air generated in operating a driving fan, is provided with shaped and non-shaped sections in the flow guide to reduce noise due to air turbulence generated as the air from the driving fan collides with the flow guide.

Description

Flow guide and air management device equipped therewith

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow guide for guiding air flow and an air management device having the same.

[0002] An air management system (AMS) is a device designed to maintain the air within a given space at an optimal level for a specific purpose. For example, in the summer, an AMS can discharge indoor heat to the outside, lowering the indoor air temperature. In the winter, the AMS can also increase the temperature of the exhausted air, ensuring that the indoor temperature remains relatively higher than the outdoor temperature. Alternatively, an AMS can purify the air within a given space and then re-introduce it.

[0003] Such air management devices may include wall-mounted air conditioners. These wall-mounted air conditioners use a cross-flow fan to generate airflow. The generated air is guided along the curved surface of a flow guide, developing a flow and then discharged to the outside.

[0004] When the above cross-flow fan operates, a certain level of noise is generated. One important component of the total noise output of such a fan is blade rate tone. The passage of the blades through the vortex wall generates blade rate tone.

[0005] This tone noise causes greater problems for people listening to normal noise than broadband noise of the same intensity.

[0006] Accordingly, various efforts have been made to reduce the above-mentioned tonal noise. These efforts are disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-0200459 (Prior Document 1) and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0081757 (Prior Document 2). That is, tonal noise has been reduced by configuring the stabilizer with multiple segments, as in Prior Document 1, or by forming a noise-reduction section in the stabilizer, as in Prior Document 2.

[0007] However, the conventional technologies described above are structures only for reducing noise generated between a cross-flow fan and a stabilizer, and do not reduce noise generated between the cross-flow fan and the flow guide surrounding the cross-flow fan.

[0008] Furthermore, conventionally, the rotational flow caused by cross-flow fans was generally assumed to be two-dimensional, and the three-dimensional flow in the axial direction of the cross-flow fan that actually occurs was not considered. Therefore, under conditions where three-dimensional flow is active, it can actually hinder discharge and reduce fan performance.

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates the flow characteristics generated as airflow from a cross-flow fan follows the flow guide. In other words, this is the result of a flow analysis showing the velocity vector and the magnitude of the rotational velocity at each location on the plane between the blades of the cross-flow fan and the flow guide. Here, the direction of discharge increases as the flow guide surface expands from top to bottom, and the closer to red, the greater the velocity discharged in the rotational direction.

[0010] In addition, Fig. 2 shows a graph of noise according to the rotation speed of the cross-flow fan, showing that a loud pitch noise is generated momentarily.

[0011] That is, according to these drawings, it can be seen that the tonal noise is mainly generated when the flow discharged from the blade of the cross-flow fan collides with the wall surface of the flow guide and a counter-rotating streamwise vortex (C-rv) is generated.

[0012] Accordingly, there is a need for the design of an air management device capable of reducing the above-mentioned tonal noise.

[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems.

[0014] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a flow guide capable of reducing noise generated in a flow guide due to the rotational motion of a driving fan, and an air management device having the same.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flow guide and an air management device having the same, which can reduce power consumption and increase air volume by reducing eddies of a flow flowing along the flow guide.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flow guide and an air management device having the same that can prevent forming defects due to a forming portion when forming a groove formed on a side surface of the flow guide.

[0017] According to a feature of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose, a molded portion is provided in which a plurality of concave grooves are formed in at least a portion of the flow guide. This reduces noise generated while air flows along the flow guide through each concave groove.

[0018] According to a feature of the present invention, at least a portion of the flow guide is provided with a non-forming portion without a concave groove. This prevents forming defects due to the concave groove while the mold for forming a specific portion of the flow guide moves along the surface of the flow guide.

[0019] According to a feature of the present invention, a plurality of concave grooves forming the molded portion can be arranged in a regular manner. This structure reduces noise generated during airflow by forming a plurality of small turbulent flows as air passes through each concave groove.

[0020] According to a feature of the present invention, a plurality of concave grooves forming the molded portion can be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns.

[0021] According to a feature of the present invention, the concave groove can be formed into a groove of various shapes. The concave groove can be formed into a circular or polygonal groove.

[0022] According to a feature of the present invention, the inner surface of the concave groove can be formed to gradually narrow in diameter or width. The inner surface of the concave groove can be formed as a spherical surface, a curved surface, or an inclined surface.

[0023] According to a feature of the present invention, the curved portion of the flow guide is formed to surround the circumference of the driving fan while being spaced apart from the circumference of the driving fan by a predetermined distance.

[0024] According to a feature of the present invention, either a formed portion or a non-formed portion may be formed in the curved portion, or both a formed portion and a non-formed portion may be formed.

[0025] According to a feature of the present invention, a forming portion may be provided on two or more portions of the curved portion. The forming portion may be formed on each of the two end surfaces of the curved portion.

[0026] According to a feature of the present invention, a non-formed portion can be provided between a plurality of formed portions.

[0027] According to a feature of the present invention, the molded portion can be provided in a range of 65 to 85% of the total area of ​​the curved portion.

[0028] According to a feature of the present invention, the non-formed portion can be provided in a range of 15 to 35% of the total area of ​​the curved portion.

[0029] According to a feature of the present invention, the flow guide includes an extension portion extending from the curved portion. The extension portion is not provided with a molded portion.

[0030] According to a feature of the present invention, the molded portion is formed to have a larger area than the non-molded portion.

[0031] According to a feature of the present invention, two or more of the molded portions or non-molded portions may be provided.

[0032] According to a feature of the present invention, the molded portion may be formed on each of the two sides of the curved portion, or may be formed on the entire portion of the curved portion except for one side.

[0033] According to a feature of the present invention, the non-formed portion may be formed in the central portion of the curved portion, formed in one side of the curved portion, or provided between a plurality of formed portions.

[0034] According to a feature of the present invention, a plurality of ribs may be formed in the non-formed portion to guide air flow and reduce vortices.

[0035] According to a feature of the present invention, each rib can be formed as a long structure extending from the upstream portion of the flow guide toward the downstream portion. Air flowing along the flow guide is guided by each rib.

[0036] According to a feature of the present invention, each rib can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0037] According to another feature of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, the flow guide includes a curved portion formed as a curved surface to face the driving fan and surround a portion of the periphery of the driving fan, and side portions provided on both sides of the curved portion, and the curved portion of the flow guide may be provided with a molded portion having a plurality of concave grooves formed therein and a non-molded portion having no concave grooves formed therein, respectively.

[0038] According to a feature of the present invention, when there are multiple molded parts, the combined area of ​​each molded part may be larger than the area of ​​the non-molded part.

[0039] According to a feature of the present invention, the molded portion may be provided in a range of 65 to 85% of the total area of ​​the curved portion, and the non-molded portion may be provided in a range of 15 to 35% of the total area of ​​the curved portion.

[0040] According to a feature of the present invention, a recessed groove may be formed on the side surface of the flow guide to accommodate a portion of the end of the driving fan.

[0041] According to a feature of the present invention, a non-formed portion may be provided at a connection portion with a side portion of a curved portion where a recess is formed. Accordingly, a mold for forming the recess can be moved in the recessing direction of the recess while entering the connection portion in a direction facing the curved portion, thereby forming the recess.

[0042] According to a feature of the present invention, the non-forming portion can be formed to have a left-right width or a top-bottom height sufficient to allow a mold for forming the inlet groove to enter.

[0043] According to a feature of the present invention, the surface of the non-formed portion can be formed lower than the highest surface of the formed portion. The surface of the non-formed portion can be formed to have the same height as the lowest portion of the concave groove of the formed portion.

[0044] According to a feature of the present invention, the non-formed portion can be formed to extend from the lowest portion of the concave grooves located at the end of the formed portion to the side portion.

[0045] The flow guide according to the present invention and the air management device having the same may have at least one of the following effects.

[0046] In the present invention, a plurality of concave grooves are formed in the area where the air flow of the flow guide is guided. Accordingly, the vortex generated in the flow guide is reduced, thereby reducing noise.

[0047] Additionally, in the present invention, a number of concave grooves are designed based on the Reynolds number. This allows for smoother airflow and reduces noise generated during the process.

[0048] Additionally, in the present invention, a plurality of concave grooves are regularly formed in multiple rows and columns. This allows for the regular formation of numerous fine vortices, thereby reducing noise generated during airflow.

[0049] Figure 1 is a graph showing the rotational flow rate and velocity vector distribution for two blocks of a driving fan in the prior art in color.

[0050] Figure 2 is a graph showing the relationship between noise and rotation speed when a driving fan is driven in a conventional technology.

[0051] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal configuration of an air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal configuration of an air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the flow guide of the air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention in each direction.

[0054] Figure 7 is a front view of a flow guide of an air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 7.

[0056] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of Figure 7.

[0057] Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of an air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention in which a concave groove of a molded part is formed in a flow guide.

[0058] Figures 11 and 12 are graphs showing the relationship between noise and rotation speed when the driving fan is driven in a state where a concave groove of a molded part is formed in a flow guide of an air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of part “A” of Figure 7.

[0060] Figure 14 is an enlarged view showing another example of the arrangement of the concave groove of the molded part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 15 is an enlarged view showing another example of the shape of the concave groove of the molded part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figures 16 to 18 are schematic diagrams of each example of a concave groove of a molded part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figures 19 and 20 are state diagrams of each example when the concave groove of the molded part according to the embodiment of the present invention has a structure having a circumferential surface and a bottom surface.

[0064] Figures 21 to 28 are perspective views and front views of examples of a state in which a concave groove and a rib of a molded part are applied together to a flow guide of an air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 29 is a graph showing the relationship between the noise and the airflow when the driving fan is driven in a state where a concave groove of a noise reduction part is formed in the flow guide of the air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known structure or function is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0067] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0068] The air management device according to the present invention relates to a flow guide (300). In particular, the present invention is characterized by providing a molded portion having a structure for reducing air flow noise in the flow guide (300) and a non-molded portion for preventing molding defects during molding work.

[0069] The air management device of this embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail for each component with reference to the attached drawings 3 to 29 as follows.

[0070] Here, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal configuration of an air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of an air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] As illustrated in these drawings, the air management device of the present invention may include a housing (100) forming an exterior appearance. In the present invention, as an example, the air management device is a wall-mounted air conditioner provided indoors, and the housing (100) is a portion forming an exterior appearance of the wall-mounted air conditioner.

[0072] The housing (100) may form most of the front, top, both sides, and bottom of the air management device. Of course, some parts of the exterior of the air management device may be made of other parts, but the housing (100) may constitute most of the exterior of the air management device.

[0073] The above housing (100) may be provided with an intake port (101). The intake port (101) may be defined as an inlet through which air in an indoor space outside the housing (100) flows into the interior of the housing (100).

[0074] The above suction port (101) may be provided on either side of the housing (100). For example, the suction port (101) may be provided on the upper surface of the housing (100). The suction port (101) may be formed by opening the entire upper surface of the housing (100), or may be formed by opening only a portion of the upper surface of the housing (100). Although not shown, the suction port (101) may be formed on both sides, the front surface, or the back surface of the housing (100), or may be additionally formed on any one of the above-described surfaces.

[0075] The above housing (100) may be provided with a discharge port (102, 103). The discharge port (102, 103) may be defined as an outlet through which air flowing within the housing (100) is discharged into an indoor space.

[0076] These outlets (102, 103) may include a front outlet (102) provided on the lower front side of the housing (100). The front outlet (102) may be defined as a portion from which air is discharged forward. The front outlet (102) may also be formed to extend left and right along the front side of the housing (100) when the housing (100) is viewed from the front.

[0077] The above discharge port (102, 103) may further include a bottom discharge port (103) provided on the bottom surface of the housing (100).

[0078] The above-mentioned bottom discharge port (103) may be located at the front of the bottom surface of the housing (100). The above-mentioned bottom discharge port (103) may be located adjacent to the above-mentioned front discharge port (102). As a result, air may be discharged toward the front and bottom of the housing (100) through the above-mentioned front discharge port (102) and the above-mentioned bottom discharge port (103).

[0079] Although not shown, the discharge port (102, 103) may be provided only as the front discharge port (102) or only as the bottom discharge port (103), or may be additionally provided on at least one of the walls of the housing (100).

[0080] A heat exchanger (110) may be provided inside the above housing (100). The heat exchanger (110) may be defined as a device or structure in which the working fluid of the heat exchange cycle and the air sucked in through the suction port (101) in an indoor space exchange heat.

[0081] The heat exchanger (110) above flows a working fluid that circulates a heat exchange cycle. As a result, the working fluid passing through the heat exchanger (110) and the air sucked in from the room through the intake port (101) exchange heat with each other and are then supplied to the room through the discharge port (102, 103), thereby enabling the temperature of the indoor air to be managed.

[0082] The heat exchanger (110) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the driving fan (200). For example, as illustrated in the example, the heat exchanger (110) may be arranged to surround an angular area that is approximately half of the cross-section of the driving fan (200).

[0083] Next, the air management device of the present invention may include a driving fan (200) that forms air flow.

[0084] The above driving fan (200) can create air flow through the intake port (101) and the exhaust port (102, 103) formed in the housing (100). That is, the driving fan (200) creates air flow by sucking indoor air through the intake port (101) and discharging it through the front exhaust port (102) or the bottom exhaust port (103).

[0085] The above driving fan (200) may be a cross-flow fan (e.g., a cross-flow fan). That is, the driving fan (200) may be formed so that a plurality of blades (201) are arranged in a cylindrical shape by dividing the sections. The driving fan (200) has an overall cylindrical shape and sucks in air through one outer surface.

[0086] Next, the air management device of the present invention may include a flow guide (300) that guides the discharge flow of air.

[0087] The above-mentioned flow guide (300) can be defined as a part, structure, or component that guides air inside the housing (100) to be discharged outside the housing (100).

[0088] Figures 3 and 4 show a state in which a fluid guide (300) is installed in a housing (100), Figures 5 to 7 are state diagrams of the fluid guide (300) in different directions, and Figures 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of the fluid guide (300).

[0089] The above-mentioned flow guide (300) may be manufactured separately from the housing (100) and installed on the back surface of the housing (100). Alternatively, the flow guide (300) may be configured to form the back surface of the housing (100). Although not shown, the flow guide (300) may be formed integrally with the back surface of the housing (100).

[0090] The above-mentioned flow guide (300) includes a curved portion (310) formed in a curved shape so as to face the driving fan (200) and surround a portion of the circumference of the driving fan (200). Accordingly, air flowing due to the driving of the driving fan (200) is discharged toward an area facing the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300) and then guided along the curved portion (310).

[0091] The above curved portion (310) is installed adjacent to the driving fan (200) with a predetermined gap. The gap can be designed in consideration of the rotation speed, wind volume, diameter, etc. of the driving fan (200).

[0092] The radius of curvature of the curved surface provided by the above-mentioned curved portion (310) is formed to be larger than the radius of the above-mentioned driving fan (200). In addition, the above-mentioned curved portion (310) is arranged so that the gap between it and the above-mentioned driving fan (200) gradually increases from the upstream portion (the portion where air is supplied) to the downstream portion (the portion where air is discharged). In other words, the center of curvature of the above-mentioned curved portion (310) and the center of curvature of the above-mentioned driving fan (200) may be formed at different positions.

[0093] Meanwhile, the fluid guide (300) provides a space in which the driving fan (200) is installed. The space formed by the curved portion (310) of the fluid guide (300) may be provided as part of the space in which the driving fan (200) is installed.

[0094] The above fluid guide (300) includes side portions (320a, 320b) forming both side walls.

[0095] The two side portions (320a, 320b) above are rotatably installed with both end portions of the driving fan (200). The two side portions (320a, 320b) above may each be formed with recessed grooves (321a, 321b) that are recessed to accommodate both end portions of the driving fan (200).

[0096] Among the two side portions (320a, 320b), the recessed groove (hereinafter referred to as the “first recessed groove”) (321a) of one side portion (hereinafter referred to as the “first side portion”) (320a) is formed to receive one end of the driving fan (200). Among the two side portions (320a, 320b), the recessed groove (hereinafter referred to as the “second recessed groove”) (321b) of the other side portion (hereinafter referred to as the “second side portion”) (320b) is formed to receive the other end of the driving fan (200).

[0097] In particular, a motor installation portion (330) may be provided on the outer side of the first side portion (320a) of the fluid guide (300) so that a fan motor (omitted from the drawing) for driving the driving fan (200) may be installed. That is, one end of the driving fan (200) coupled with the fan motor is supported for rotation by the first side portion (320a). As a result, one end of the driving fan (200) coupled with the fan motor can be stably rotated.

[0098] The other end of the driving fan (200) that is not coupled with the fan motor may be configured to support rotation only partially (about half). This structure is intended to reduce the work process for forming the two side portions (320a, 320b). That is, the second side portion (320) can be formed together with the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300) only by the relative motion of two molds (e.g., a mold forming the front surface of the flow guide and a mold forming the rear surface of the flow guide).

[0099] The above two side parts (320a, 320b) are formed by a mold forming the front side of the flow guide (300) and a mold forming the rear side of the flow guide (300).

[0100] In particular, in the case of the first side portion (320a), additional work is performed and formed using a separate mold (not shown) provided for forming the first recessed groove (321a). At this time, the separate mold is a mold formed to form the first recessed groove (321a) by moving not only in the direction opposite to the curved portion (310) but also in the depth direction of the first recessed groove (321a).

[0101] The above flow guide (300) may further include an extension portion (340). The extension portion (340) extends from the curved portion (310) and serves to guide the air flow passing through the curved portion (310) toward the discharge port (102, 103) of the housing (100).

[0102] The above extension portion (340) may be formed to be positioned closer to the discharge port (102, 103) from the connection portion with the curved portion (310) and thus gradually move away from the driving fan (200).

[0103] The above extension portion (340) may be formed as a curved surface having a different radius of curvature than the curved portion (310), or may be formed as a plane made of straight lines.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a stabilizer (120) may be provided within the housing (100). The curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300) may cooperate with the stabilizer (120) to guide the flow of air. The stabilizer (120) is positioned so that a portion of it faces the extension portion (340) of the flow guide (300).

[0105] A molded portion (400) may be provided in the area where the air flow is guided among the above-mentioned flow guides (300). The molded portion (400) may be formed on a wall surface facing the driving fan (200) among the curved portions (310) of the above-mentioned flow guides (300).

[0106] The above-mentioned molding part (400) reduces noise by reducing eddies generated while the air discharged from the driving fan (200) flows under the guidance of the curved part (310). That is, by providing the molding part (400), it is possible to reduce eddies from the air flow along the surface of the flow guide (300) between the flow guide (300) and the driving fan (200), thereby reducing tone noise in which the frequency increases abruptly momentarily.

[0107] This molded portion (400) may include a plurality of concave grooves (410). In particular, the molded portion (400) may be defined as a portion (or region) where a plurality of concave grooves (410) are formed. Of course, the molded portion (400) may also be the concave grooves (410) themselves.

[0108] Each concave groove (410) forming the molded portion (400) of the above-mentioned flow guide (300) functions to reduce tonal noise by reducing vortices when air collides with the surface of the flow guide (300) or while the flow is being guided. That is, since the vortex generated when air collides with the surface of the flow guide (300) is finely divided by each of the concave grooves (410), the size of the vortex can be reduced compared to when each of the concave grooves (410) does not exist.

[0109] The above-mentioned molding part (400) may be provided on a surface of the above-mentioned flow guide (300) that faces the driving fan (200) and guides the flow of air.

[0110] In particular, the molded portion (400) may be formed on the surface of the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300). That is, considering that the largest vortex is generated when the air is discharged from the driving fan (200) and collides with the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300), the vortex can be reduced by forming the molded portion (400) having a number of concave grooves (410) at the area where the largest vortex is generated.

[0111] These multiple concave grooves (410) have the effect of reducing the pressure drag as the air flow colliding with the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300) bounces in various directions. That is, the air discharged from the driving fan (200) flows more closely to the surface of the flow guide (300) due to the fine air flow (turbulence) generated by each of the concave grooves (410). In this way, the secondary vortex generated when the air flow collides with the flow guide (300) due to the concave grooves (410) is reduced, thereby reducing the tone noise caused by the secondary vortex having a period similar to the Blade Passing Frequency (BPF). This can be clearly seen from the graphs of FIGS. 11 and 12. Looking at the graphs of FIGS. 11 and 12, it can be seen that the momentary popping tone noise is reduced compared to when there are no concave grooves (410) in FIG. 2.

[0112] Meanwhile, in order to improve the noise reduction effect by the above-described plurality of concave grooves (410), it is preferable that each concave groove (410) be designed so that the Reynolds number (Re=UD / ν) is between 11,000 and 15,000. The characteristic speed required for calculating the Reynolds number is based on the tip speed (U=RΩ) of the blade (201) forming the driving fan (200), and the characteristic length is based on the diameter (D) of the concave groove (410). Here, among the tip speeds of the blades (201) of the driving fan (200), R is the radius of the driving fan (200), and Ω corresponds to the rotational speed (rad / s) of the driving fan (200).

[0113] Based on the above Reynolds number, each concave groove (410) can be designed by considering at least one factor among the ratio of the depth (d) and the diameter (D) (d / D), the area occupied by the concave groove (410) relative to the total area (CR; Coverage Ratio), the shape of the concave groove (410), the arrangement of the concave grooves (410), and the bottom surface.

[0114] Here, the depth (d) of the concave groove (410) can be defined as the shortest distance from the surface of the curved portion (310) to the lowest point of the concave groove (410), and the diameter (D) of the concave groove (410) can be defined as the distance between symmetrical corners of the concave groove (410). This is as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0115] Considering the above Reynolds number, it is preferable that the ratio (d / D) of the depth (d) and diameter (D) of the concave groove (410) be designed to be in the range of 0.015 to 0.08. For example, the depth (d) of the concave groove (410) may be formed to be 0.9 mm, and the diameter (D) of the concave groove (410) may be formed to be 30 mm.

[0116] The area (CR) occupied by the above concave groove (410) can be defined as the area ratio of the total area of ​​the curved portion (310) occupied by all the concave grooves (410), or the area ratio of the formed portion (400) to the total area of ​​the curved portion (310). It is preferable that the area (CR) occupied by the concave groove (410) be at least 85% of the total area of ​​the air flow-guided portion of the flow guide (300) where the concave groove (410) can be formed in order to obtain a dimple effect. That is, by making the total area (CR) of the concave groove (410) be at least 85% of the total area of ​​the curved portion (310) forming the flow guide (300), a noise reduction effect caused by a large number of micro-turbulences can be obtained.

[0117] The above concave groove (410) may be formed as a groove of various shapes. For example, the shape of the above concave groove (410) may include a circle or a polygon. That is, a plurality of circular concave grooves (410) may be formed, or a plurality of polygonal concave grooves (410) may be formed. The graph of FIG. 11 shows the relationship between fan speed and noise when the above concave groove (410) is circular, and the graph of FIG. 12 shows the relationship between fan speed and noise when the above concave groove (410) is polygonal.

[0118] The above circular shape may include a shape having a circular circumference, such as an oval or a track shape.

[0119] The above polygon may include a rhombus shape.

[0120] The arrangement of the above concave grooves (410) may include an arrangement forming multiple rows and columns, as shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14. For example, they are formed to form multiple columns in the left-right width direction of the flow guide (300) (a direction perpendicular to the direction of air flow) and also formed to form multiple rows in the vertical height direction of the flow guide (300) (a direction of air flow). In other words, each concave groove (410) is arranged so as to be evenly arranged while maintaining regularity.

[0121] In particular, the plurality of concave grooves (410) can be formed to form various arrangements when viewed based on the flow direction.

[0122] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the concave grooves (410) of each row may be positioned so as not to align with the concave grooves (410) of the adjacent row in the left-right width direction (the direction perpendicular to the air flow direction). That is, when viewed with respect to the air flow direction, the concave grooves (410) of one row and the concave grooves (410) of the next row may be positioned so as not to align left-right. In this case, when viewed with respect to the air flow direction, the concave grooves (410) of one row and the concave grooves (410) of the next row may be positioned so as to align vertically.

[0123] As another example, as shown in Fig. 14, the concave grooves (410) of each row may be positioned so as not to be aligned vertically (in the direction of air flow) with the concave grooves (410) of the adjacent row. That is, when viewed with respect to the direction of air flow, the concave grooves (410) of one row and the concave grooves (410) of the next row may be positioned so as not to be aligned vertically. In this case, when viewed with respect to the direction of air flow, the concave grooves (410) of one column and the concave grooves (410) of the next column may be positioned so as to be aligned left and right.

[0124] The inner surface of the above concave groove (410) can be formed as either a curved surface or an inclined surface.

[0125] As an example, the concave groove (410) may be formed with an entire inner surface that is spherical or inclined, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0126] As another example, the concave groove (410) may be formed to have a circumferential surface and a bottom surface as shown in FIGS. 16 to 20. At this time, the circumferential surface may be formed as any one of a spherical surface, a vertical surface, or an inclined surface. Here, FIGS. 16 to 18 are simplified exemplary drawings to explain the shape of the concave groove (410), and FIGS. 19 and 20 are state diagrams of an example of a concave groove (410) having a circumferential surface and a bottom surface.

[0127] Meanwhile, a non-formed portion without the formed portion may be provided in the area where the air flow is guided among the flow guides (300). Specifically, the non-formed portion may be formed on a wall surface facing the driving fan among the curved portions of the flow guides (300). That is, a formed portion and a non-formed portion are provided together on the wall surface facing the driving fan among the curved portions of the flow guides (300), and the formed portion and the non-formed portion are provided in a separate state.

[0128] Such a non-formed portion may be defined as an area of ​​a certain size in which the above-mentioned concave grooves are not formed. In particular, the remaining portion or area of ​​the curved portion of the flow guide, excluding the formed portion in which the above-mentioned concave grooves are formed, may be defined as the non-formed portion.

[0129] The above-mentioned molded portion (400) and the above-mentioned non-molded portion (500) can be provided at various locations of the above-mentioned curved portion (310).

[0130] As an example, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the non-formed portion (500) may be formed at a connection portion with the first side portion (320a) of the curved portion (310).

[0131] That is, in the case of the first recess (321a) formed on the first side portion (320a) among the two side portions (320a, 320b) of the fluid guide (300), a separate mold is used from the mold for forming the curved portion (310), so that molding defects can be prevented during mold work using this separate mold, and the non-molding portion (500) is provided in the area adjacent to or moved by the separate mold.

[0132] Of course, a forming portion (400) may be provided in at least some of the adjacent or moved portions of the mold. However, while the mold is moved axially to form the first recessed groove (321a), vibration may occur due to each of the concave grooves (410) of the forming portion (400). This may cause a problem in that the inner surface of the first recessed groove (321a) may not be formed to have an accurate shape. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a non-forming portion (500) in which no concave groove (410) is formed in the adjacent or moved portions of the mold.

[0133] This non-forming portion (500) may be formed to have an area sufficient to allow a mold for forming the first recess (321a) of the first side portion (320a) to enter. For example, the non-forming portion (500) may be provided to the same extent as the left-right width of the mold for forming the first recess (321a).

[0134] In particular, in the above structure, the surface of the non-formed portion (500) may be formed to have the same height as the surface of the lowest portion of the concave grooves (410) of the formed portion (400). More specifically, the non-formed portion (500) may be formed to extend from the lowest portion of the concave grooves (410) located at the end of the formed portion (400) to the first side portion (320a).

[0135] Accordingly, the mold for forming the first recessed groove (321a) can be prevented from shaking (shaking) or moving out of position (e.g., eccentric movement) while moving to form the first recessed groove (321a) due to a sufficient distance from the surface of the non-forming part (500).

[0136] As another example, the non-formed portion (500) may be provided between a plurality of formed portions (400) formed in the flow guide (300).

[0137] For example, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 26, the molded portion (400) may be formed on each side of the wall surface facing the driving fan (200) of the flow guide (300), and the non-molded portion (500) may be formed between the two molded portions (400).

[0138] More specifically, the non-formed portion (500) is formed in the central portion of the curved portion (310) forming the flow guide (300), and the formed portion (400) can be formed in each of the two sides of the non-formed portion (500) among the curved portions (310).

[0139] Meanwhile, the molded portion (400) may be formed to have a larger area than the non-molded portion (500). That is, by making the total area of ​​the molded portion (400) in which the concave grooves (410) are formed larger than the total area of ​​the non-molded portion (500) in which the concave grooves (410) are not formed, the effect of reducing the vortex caused by each concave groove (410) can be obtained.

[0140] Preferably, the molded portion (400) is provided in a range of 65 to 85% of the total area of ​​the curved portion (310). That is, the area where the concave grooves (410) are formed is configured to be 65% or more of the total area of ​​the curved portion (310), thereby maximizing the eddy current reduction effect of each concave groove (410).

[0141] In addition, preferably, the non-formed portion (500) may be provided in a range of 15 to 35% of the total area of ​​the curved portion (310). That is, by making the area where the concave grooves (410) are not formed to be 35% or less of the total area of ​​the curved portion (310), the eddy current reduction effect by each concave groove (410) can be maximized.

[0142] For example, when the non-formed portion (500) is formed at the connection portion of the first side portion (320a) of the curved portion (310), the non-formed portion (500) can be formed to account for 15% of the total area of ​​the curved portion (310) by only considering the mold work for forming the first concave groove (321a). As a result, the formed portion (400) can account for 85% of the total area of ​​the curved portion (310) while maximizing the eddy current reduction effect by each concave groove (410).

[0143] As another example, when the non-formed portion (500) is formed in the central portion of the curved portion (310), the non-formed portion (500) can be formed to account for 35% of the total area of ​​the curved portion (310) in consideration of air flow. As a result, the formed portion (400) can be provided with an area corresponding to 65% of the total area of ​​the curved portion (310).

[0144] Below, the operation of the flow guide and the air management device having the same according to the aforementioned embodiment of the present invention is described. Here, the air management device is an air conditioner provided indoors as an example.

[0145] First, the air management device of the present invention performs air conditioning operation in which the working fluid from the outdoor unit passes through the heat exchanger (110) within the housing (100).

[0146] When this type of air conditioning operation is performed, the driving fan (200) operates and air is sucked into the housing (100) through the intake port (101). The sucked air undergoes heat exchange while passing through the heat exchanger (110) and is then discharged into the room through the discharge ports (102, 103). As a result, the indoor air is maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0147] During the above air conditioning operation, air enters the driving fan (200) and is discharged toward the curved portion (310) of the driving fan (200) facing the flow guide (300). The air coming out of the driving fan (200) forms a vortex while moving along the curved portion (310) as it collides with the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300).

[0148] However, since a plurality of concave grooves (410) are formed on the surface of the curved portion (310), the overall size of the vortex generated in the relevant area is reduced compared to when the plurality of concave grooves (410) do not exist. In particular, since the plurality of concave grooves (410) are regularly arranged in multiple rows and columns and are designed so that the Reynolds number (Re=UD / ν) is between 11,000 and 15,000, the vortex is further reduced.

[0149] That is, since the size of the secondary vortex generated when air collides with the flow guide (300) by the concave grooves (410) is reduced, the tone noise caused by the secondary vortex having a period similar to the discrete frequency is reduced.

[0150] The graph of the attached Fig. 2 shows the noise condition when a plurality of concave grooves (410) are not formed in the curved portion (310) of the fluid guide (300), and the graphs of Figs. 11 and 12 show the noise condition when a plurality of concave grooves (410) are formed. In this case, Fig. 11 shows the case where the concave grooves (410) are circular in shape, and Fig. 12 shows the case where the concave grooves (410) are diamond-shaped.

[0151] Through these drawings, it can be seen that when a number of concave grooves (410) are formed on the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300), noise is reduced compared to when they are not formed, and in particular, it can be confirmed that peak noise is reduced.

[0152] In this way, the flow guide of the present invention and the air management device having the same enable the air to flow in a more closely adhered state to the surface of the flow guide (300) by means of the fine vortex generated by the collision with the concave grooves (410) formed in the flow guide (300) when the air flows under the guidance of the flow guide (300). As a result, the noise generated by the air flowing while the air is discharged to the discharge ports (102, 103) while flowing between the stabilizer (120) and the flow guide (300) can be reduced.

[0153] Meanwhile, although not shown, the molded part (400) or non-molded part (500) provided to the molded part (300) in the molded part and air management device having the molded part of the present invention may be implemented in various forms different from the above-described embodiment.

[0154] As an example, at least some of the concave grooves (410) among the plurality of concave grooves (410) forming the molded portion (400) may be formed to have a different shape from the other concave grooves (410).

[0155] For example, although not shown, some of the concave grooves (410) may be formed in a circular shape, and other concave grooves (420) may be formed in a diamond shape or an oval shape.

[0156] When the shapes of the above concave grooves (410) are different, concave grooves (410) of different shapes can be provided at different locations. For example, circular concave grooves (410) can be formed to be located at the upstream portion of the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300), and oval concave grooves (410) can be formed to be located at the downstream portion.

[0157] As another example, a plurality of concave grooves (410) forming the above-mentioned molded part (400) can be formed to have different depths of penetration.

[0158] For example, the concave grooves (410) of each row can be formed with different depths.

[0159] When the depths of the above concave grooves (410) are different, the concave grooves (410) having different depths of penetration can be provided at different locations. That is, the concave grooves (410) of each row can be formed such that the depth of penetration gradually decreases (closer to the surface of the curved portion) as they move from the upstream portion to the downstream portion of the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300).

[0160] As another example, the molded portion (400) is not provided in the extension portion (340) of the flow guide (300). That is, the extension portion (340) of the flow guide (300) may be provided as a non-molded portion (500). This allows air to be smoothly discharged to the discharge port (102, 103) without generating a vortex while passing through the extension portion (340).

[0161] As another example, although not shown, the molded portion (400) may be provided in the extension portion (340) of the flow guide (300). That is, the concave grooves (410) may be additionally formed in the extension portion (340) of the flow guide (300). At this time, the concave grooves (410) formed in the extension portion (340) of the flow guide (300) may be designed to have a different Reynolds number (Re=UD / ν) from the concave grooves (410) formed in the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300). For example, the concave grooves (410) formed in the extension portion (340) may have a different shape, size, or arrangement structure from the concave grooves (410) formed in the curved portion (310).

[0162] As another example, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 28, the flow guide (300) may further include a rib (420) for guiding the direction of air flow.

[0163] The above rib (420) may be formed to protrude from the surface of the flow guide (300) through which the air flow is guided and extend in the direction of the air flow. That is, the rib (420) may be formed in a structure that extends from the upstream portion toward the downstream portion on the surface of the flow guide (300) through which the air flow is guided.

[0164] In particular, the rib (420) may be formed to extend in the direction of air flow in the non-formed portion (500) of the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300).

[0165] These ribs (420) may be provided in multiples. In this case, each of the ribs (420) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction of the non-formed portion (500).

[0166] Each of the above ribs (420) may be positioned so as to be located at the upstream and downstream portions of the non-formed portion (500), respectively. The ribs (420) positioned at the downstream portion of the non-formed portion (500) may be formed up to a portion of the extension portion (340) forming the flow guide (300).

[0167] Meanwhile, each of the ribs (420) may be formed in the molded portion (400). For example, when a non-molded portion (500) is formed at a connection portion with the first side portion (320a) of the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300), each of the ribs (420) may be formed in the molded portion (400).

[0168] Meanwhile, the attached Fig. 29 is a graph showing the relationship between noise and the rotation speed of the driving fan (200) in the case where the molding part (400) is not provided in the fluid guide (300) and in the case where the molding part (400) is provided.

[0169] That is, when comparing the noise characteristics of the conventional structure in which the concave groove (410) of the molding portion (400) of the fluid guide (300) is not provided (line ① in FIG. 29) with the noise characteristics of the embodiment of the present invention in which the concave groove (410) is formed (lines ② and ③ in FIG. 29), it can be seen that the structure in which the concave groove (410) is formed has lower overall noise. At this time, among the noise characteristics of the embodiment of the present invention, the orange graph is when the concave groove (410) is circular, and the gray graph is when the concave groove (410) is diamond-shaped.

[0170] In this way, the flow guide of the present invention and the air management device having the same can be implemented in various forms.

[0171] Although all components constituting embodiments of the present invention have been described as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined and operated in one or more combinations.

Claims

1. In a flow guide that is installed facing the driving fan at a predetermined distance on the air flow path and guides the air flow, A flow guide of an air management device characterized in that a molded portion in which a number of concave grooves are formed and a non-molded portion in which the concave grooves are not formed are provided in the portion where the flow of air is guided among the above flow guides.

2. In paragraph 1, A flow guide of an air management device characterized in that the above-mentioned plurality of concave grooves are regularly arranged in a plurality of rows and columns.

3. In paragraph 1, The above concave groove is a flow guide of an air management device formed as a circular or polygonal groove.

4. In paragraph 1, The inner surface of the above concave groove is formed as a curved surface or an inclined surface, which is a flow guide of an air management device.

5. In paragraph 1, The above fluid guide includes a curved portion formed into a curved surface to face the driving fan and surround a portion of the periphery of the driving fan, The above-mentioned molded part and non-molded part are the flow guides of the air management device formed in the above-mentioned curved part.

6. In paragraph 5, The above-mentioned molded portion is formed on each side of the curved portion, The above non-formed part is a flow guide of an air management device provided between the two formed parts.

7. In paragraph 5, The above-mentioned molded portion is provided in a range of 65 to 85% of the total area of ​​the above-mentioned curved portion, A flow guide of an air management device, characterized in that the non-formed portion is provided in a range of 15 to 35% of the total area of ​​the curved portion.

8. In paragraph 5, Including an extension portion extending from the above curved portion toward the air outlet side, A flow guide of an air management device characterized in that the above-mentioned extension part does not have the above-mentioned molding part.

9. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned molded part is a flow guide of an air management device having a larger area than the above-mentioned non-molded part.

10. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned molded portion is formed on each side of the curved portion, The above non-formed part is a flow guide of an air management device provided between the two formed parts.

11. In paragraph 1, A flow guide of an air management device in which a plurality of ribs for guiding air flow are formed in the above non-forming part.

12. In paragraph 11, Each of the above ribs is a flow guide of an air management device that extends in the direction of air flow.

13. In paragraph 11, A flow guide of an air management device in which each of the above ribs is spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of air flow.

14. In the flow guide that is installed facing the driving fan at a predetermined distance on the air flow path and guides the air flow, The above fluid guide includes a curved portion formed as a curved surface to face the driving fan and surround a portion of the driving fan's circumference, and side portions provided on both sides of the curved portion. A flow guide of an air management device, wherein a molded portion having a plurality of concave grooves formed on the curved portion of the above flow guide and a non-molded portion having no concave grooves formed are respectively provided.

15. In paragraph 14, The above-mentioned molded part is a flow guide of an air management device having a larger area than the above-mentioned non-molded part.

16. In paragraph 15, The above-mentioned molded portion is provided in a range of 65 to 85% of the total area of ​​the above-mentioned curved portion, A flow guide of an air management device, characterized in that the non-formed portion is provided in a range of 15 to 35% of the total area of ​​the curved portion.

17. In paragraph 14, At least one of the two side surfaces of the above fluid guide is provided with a recessed groove that accommodates a portion of the end of the driving fan. The above non-formed portion is a flow guide of an air management device provided at a connection portion with a side portion of the above curved portion where the above recessed groove is formed.

18. In paragraph 17, The above non-forming part is a flow guide of an air management device formed to have an area large enough to allow a mold for forming the groove of the side part to enter.

19. In paragraph 14, A flow guide of an air management device, characterized in that the surface of the non-formed portion is formed to have the same height as the surface of the lowest part of the concave groove of the formed portion.

20. In paragraph 19, The above non-formed portion is a flow guide of an air management device formed to extend from the lowest part of the concave grooves located at the end of the above-mentioned formed portion to the side part.

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