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 a noise reduction unit 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-mentioned 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 tonal noise in the past, as disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0200459 (prior document 1) and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0081757 (prior document 2). That is, in the past, tonal noise was reduced by configuring the stabilizer into a plurality of segments as in prior document 1 or by forming a noise reduction part 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 cross-flow fan, and an air management device having the same.

[0015] The purpose 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] According to a feature of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, a plurality of concave grooves are formed on the surface of the flow guide that guides the air flow to reduce noise. By reducing the vortex generated when the flow discharged from the driving fan collides with the surface of the flow guide due to each of these concave grooves, noise can also be reduced.

[0017] According to a feature of the present invention, the concave groove of the flow guide can be formed at a position adjacent to the driving fan.

[0018] According to a feature of the present invention, a curved portion is provided in a position adjacent to the driving fan among the flow guides so as to surround the driving fan, and a concave groove is formed in this curved portion. This can reduce eddies in the airflow flowing along the curved portion.

[0019] According to a feature of the present invention, the flow guide includes an extension portion extending from the curved portion in the direction of air flow. This extension portion facilitates smooth air flow to the discharge port.

[0020] According to a feature of the present invention, each concave groove formed in the flow guide may be formed in a number of randomly formed or in a number of rows and columns.

[0021] According to a feature of the present invention, the concave grooves formed in the flow guide can be positioned so as not to coincide vertically with the concave grooves of adjacent rows. This can further reduce eddies generated when the flow discharged from the driving fan collides with the flow guide.

[0022] According to a feature of the present invention, the concave grooves formed in the flow guide can be positioned so as not to coincide with the concave grooves of adjacent rows in the left-right direction. This can further reduce the vortex generated when the flow discharged from the driving fan collides with the flow guide.

[0023] According to a feature of the present invention, each concave groove formed in the flow guide can be designed by considering the area occupied by the concave grooves compared to the total area of ​​the flow guide (coverage ratio).

[0024] According to a feature of the present invention, each concave groove formed in the flow guide can be designed considering the ratio of the concave depth to the diameter. The concave depth can be defined as the shortest distance from the surface of the flow guide to the lowest point of the concave groove. The diameter can be defined as the length between the edges of the concave groove.

[0025] According to a feature of the present invention, each concave groove formed in the flow guide can be designed taking into consideration its shape.

[0026] According to a feature of the present invention, each concave groove formed in the flow guide can be designed taking into consideration the layout.

[0027] According to a feature of the present invention, the concave grooves formed in the flow guide can be formed regularly or irregularly along the direction of air flow.

[0028] According to a feature of the present invention, the concave groove formed in the flow guide may be formed as a spherical surface or as a groove including a circumferential surface and a bottom surface.

[0029] According to a feature of the present invention, each concave groove of the flow guide can be formed in any one of a circular, diamond-shaped or polygonal shape.

[0030] According to a feature of the present invention, each of the concave grooves of the flow guide can be formed so as to be in contact with at least part of each other, or can be formed so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0031] According to a feature of the present invention, the concave groove can be designed in terms of depth (d) and diameter (D) taking into account the Reynolds number. In particular, the ratio (d / D) of the depth (d) and diameter (D) of the concave groove can be in a range of 0.015 to 0.08.

[0032] According to a feature of the present invention, the area formed by each concave groove can be designed in consideration of the total area of ​​the area where the air flow of the flow guide is guided. In particular, the area formed by each concave groove can be formed to satisfy 85% or more of the total area of ​​the area where the air flow of the flow guide is guided.

[0033] According to a feature of the present invention, a rib for guiding air flow may be further formed on the surface of the flow guide through which the air flow is guided.

[0034] According to a feature of the present invention, the ribs can be formed to protrude and extend in the direction of air flow.

[0035] According to a feature of the present invention, a plurality of ribs are provided, and the plurality of ribs can be arranged to be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction of the surface through which the air flow of the flow guide is guided.

[0036] According to a feature of the present invention, each concave groove can be formed by avoiding a portion of the surface of the air guide where the air flow is guided by a rib. Each concave groove may not be formed in a portion where a rib is formed.

[0037] According to another feature of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, an air management device having a flow guide in which a plurality of concave grooves are formed can be provided.

[0038] According to a feature of the present invention, each concave groove of the flow guide can be formed on a surface facing the driving fan.

[0039] According to a feature of the present invention, an air management device includes a housing having an intake port and an exhaust port; a driving fan for creating air flow; and a flow guide for guiding the exhaust flow of air.

[0040] According to a feature of the present invention, an air management device may be provided, including a housing having an intake port for sucking in air from an indoor space and an exhaust port for discharging air into the indoor space; a driving fan for creating air flow through the intake port and the exhaust port; and a flow guide for guiding the discharge flow of air generated by rotation of the driving fan while being installed facing a portion of the circumference of the driving fan at a predetermined distance.

[0041] According to a feature of the present invention, the flow guide has a curved portion formed into a curved surface, and each concave groove can be formed in the curved portion.

[0042] According to a feature of the present invention, each concave groove formed in the flow guide can be formed to be spaced apart from each other.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Figure 2 is a graph showing the relationship between noise and rotation speed when a driving fan is driven in a conventional technology.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Figure 7 is a front view of a flow guide of an air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 7.

[0054] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of Figure 7.

[0055] Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a state in which a concave groove of a noise reduction part is formed in a flow guide of an air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] 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 noise reduction part is formed in the flow guide of the air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of part “A” of Figure 7.

[0058] Figure 14 is an enlarged view showing another example of the arrangement of the concave groove of the noise reduction part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of a main part showing another example of the shape of the concave groove of the noise reduction part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figures 16 to 18 are schematic diagrams of each example of a concave groove of a noise reduction part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figures 19 and 20 are state diagrams of each example when the concave groove of the noise reduction part according to the embodiment of the present invention has a structure having a circumferential surface and a bottom surface.

[0062] 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 noise reduction part are applied together to a flow guide of an air management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The air management device according to the present invention relates to a flow guide (300) that guides the discharge flow of air generated by the operation of a driving fan (200). In particular, the present invention has as its main feature that a noise reduction unit (400) is provided on the flow guide (300) to reduce noise caused by turbulence of air generated when the air generated from the driving fan (200) collides with the flow guide (300).

[0067] That is, a noise reduction part (400) is provided in the flow guide (300) so that noise generated by turbulence of air flow in the relevant area can be reduced by the noise reduction part (400).

[0068] 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 FIGS. 3 to 29 as follows.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The above discharge port (102, 103) may further include a bottom discharge port (103) provided on the bottom surface of the housing (100).

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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).

[0082] Next, the air management device of the present invention may include a driving fan (200) that forms air flow.

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] Next, the air management device of the present invention may include a flow guide (300) that guides the discharge flow of air.

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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).

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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).

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The above fluid guide (300) includes a side portion (320) forming both side walls.

[0094] On the side portion (320), both end portions of the driving fan (200) are rotatably installed. A recessed groove (321) may be formed on the side portion (320) to accommodate both end portions of the driving fan (200).

[0095] A motor installation part (330) may be provided on the outer side of one of the two side parts (320) of the above fluid guide (300) so that a motor (omitted from the drawing) for driving the driving fan (200) may be installed.

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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).

[0100] The above flow guide (300) may be provided with a noise reduction unit (400) to reduce noise by reducing eddies generated when the air discharged from the driving fan (200) collides with the curved portion (310) and flows under the guidance of the curved portion (310). That is, by providing the noise reduction unit (400), it is possible to reduce eddies in the air flow between the flow guide (300) and the driving fan (200), thereby reducing tone noise in which the frequency increases abruptly momentarily.

[0101] This noise reduction unit (400) may include a plurality of concave grooves (410) formed in the flow guide (300) as shown in FIGS. 5 to 10. The noise reduction unit (400) may be defined as a portion (or region) where the plurality of concave grooves (410) are formed. Of course, the noise reduction unit (400) may also be the concave grooves (410) themselves.

[0102] The plurality of concave grooves (410) formed on the surface of the above-mentioned flow guide (300) have the function of reducing tonal noise by reducing vortices when air collides with the surface of the flow guide or while the flow is being guided. That is, since the vortex generated when the 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.

[0103] The above-mentioned plurality of concave grooves (410) can be formed on a surface of the flow guide (300) that faces the driving fan (200) and guides the flow of air.

[0104] In particular, the plurality of concave grooves (410) 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 plurality of concave grooves (410) at the area where the largest vortex is generated.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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).

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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).

[0109] 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.

[0110] The area (CR) occupied by the above concave grooves (410) can be defined as the area ratio occupied by all concave grooves (410) in the total area of ​​the curved portion (310). It is preferable that the area (CR) occupied by the concave grooves (410) be at least 85% of the total area of ​​the air flow-guided portion of the flow guide (300) where the concave grooves (410) can be formed in order to obtain a dimple effect. That is, by making the total area (CR) of the concave grooves (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.

[0111] Of course, the entire area of ​​the curved portion (310) of the above-mentioned flow guide (300) may be formed as a concave groove (410), but if the concave groove (410) is formed as a circular dimple, a non-formed portion may exist between each concave groove (410).

[0112] In addition, in order to obtain a more excellent noise reduction effect, it is preferable that the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300) be formed so that there is a surface on which no concave grooves (410) are formed. Accordingly, it is preferable that each concave groove (410) is formed in a structure in which it is spaced apart from each other or at least partially in contact with other adjacent concave grooves (410).

[0113] 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 concave groove (410) is circular, and the graph of Fig. 12 shows the relationship between fan speed and noise when the concave groove (410) is polygonal.

[0114] The above polygon may include a rhombus shape. Of course, the concave groove (410) may also be formed in a non-circular and non-polygonal structure, such as an ellipse or track shape.

[0115] 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.

[0116] In particular, the plurality of concave grooves (410) can be formed to form various arrangements when viewed based on the flow direction.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] The inner surface of the above concave groove (410) can be formed as either a curved surface or an inclined surface.

[0120] As an example, the concave groove (410) may be formed with an entire inner surface that is spherical or inclined, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0121] As another example, the concave groove (410) may be formed to have a circumferential surface and a bottom surface as shown in FIGS. 17 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] Meanwhile, although not shown, the noise reduction unit (400) provided to the flow guide (300) in the flow guide of the present invention and the air management device having the same may be implemented in various forms different from the above-described embodiment.

[0132] As an example, among the plurality of concave grooves (410) forming the noise reduction portion (400), at least some of the concave grooves (410) may be formed to have a different shape from the other concave grooves (410).

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] As another example, a plurality of concave grooves (410) forming the noise reduction portion (400) may be formed to have different depths of penetration.

[0136] For example, the concave grooves (410) of each row can be formed with different depths.

[0137] 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).

[0138] As another example, the noise reduction part (400) may also be provided in the extension part (340) of the flow guide (300). That is, the concave grooves (410) may be additionally formed in the extension part (340) of the flow guide (300). At this time, the concave grooves (410) formed in the extension part (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 part (310) of the flow guide (300). For example, the concave grooves (410) formed in the extension part (340) may have a different shape, size, or arrangement structure from the concave grooves (410) formed in the curved part (310).

[0139] As another example, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 28, the noise reduction unit (400) may further include a rib (420) for guiding the direction of air flow.

[0140] The 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. For example, the rib (420) may be formed to extend in the direction of the air flow on the surface of the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300) facing the driving fan (200).

[0141] These ribs (420) may be provided in multiples. In this case, each rib (420) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction of the surface along which the air flow of the flow guide (300) is guided. Each rib (420) may be arranged to be located at the upstream and downstream portions of the curved portion (310), respectively.

[0142] The rib (420) of the noise reduction part (400) may be formed by avoiding the area where the concave groove (410) is formed, or may be formed together with the concave groove (410) at the area where the concave groove (410) is formed.

[0143] For example, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 26, the curved portion (310) of the flow guide (300) may be provided with a portion where a plurality of concave grooves (410) are formed and a portion where a plurality of ribs (420) are formed, which are distinct from each other. That is, the portion where the ribs (420) are formed may be configured so that no concave grooves (410) are formed.

[0144] In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, a plurality of concave grooves (410) and a plurality of ribs (420) may be provided together on the curved portion (310) of the fluid guide (300). That is, a rib (420) may also be formed at the location where the concave grooves (410) are formed.

[0145] As described above, when the noise reduction part (400) includes both a concave groove (410) and a rib (420), the area formed by each concave groove (410) must satisfy 65% ​​or more of the total area provided by the curved part (310) of the flow guide (300).

[0146] Meanwhile, the attached Figure 29 is a graph showing the relationship between noise and the rotation speed of the driving fan (200) in the case where the noise reduction part (400) is not provided in the fluid guide (300) and in the case where the noise reduction part (400) is provided.

[0147] 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.

[0148] In this way, the flow guide of the present invention and the air management device having the same can be implemented in various forms.

[0149] 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 plurality of concave grooves are formed on the surface through which the flow of air is guided in the above flow guide.

2. In paragraph 1, The above fluid guide is, A curved portion formed into a curved surface to face the driving fan and surround a portion of the driving fan, A flow guide of an air management device including an extension extending in the direction of air flow from the above curved portion.

3. In paragraph 2, Each of the above concave grooves is a flow guide of an air management device formed on the above curved portion.

4. In paragraph 1, A flow guide of an air management device, characterized in that each of the above concave grooves is formed to form a plurality of rows and columns.

5. In paragraph 4, A flow guide of an air management device, characterized in that the concave grooves of each row are positioned so as not to coincide vertically with the concave grooves of an adjacent row.

6. In paragraph 4, A flow guide of an air management device, characterized in that the concave grooves of each column are positioned so as not to coincide with the concave grooves of adjacent columns in the left-right direction.

7. In paragraph 1, Each of the above concave grooves is a flow guide of an air management device formed into a curved surface.

8. In paragraph 1, Each of the above concave grooves is a flow guide of an air management device including a circumferential surface and a bottom surface.

9. In paragraph 1, Each of the above concave grooves is a flow guide of an air management device formed in a circular shape.

10. In paragraph 1, Each of the above concave grooves is a flow guide of an air management device formed in a diamond shape.

11. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned concave grooves are formed to be spaced apart from each other, and are a flow guide of an air management device.

12. In paragraph 1, A flow guide of an air management device, characterized in that the ratio (d / D) of the depth (d) and diameter (D) of the above concave groove is in the range of 0.015 to 0.

08.

13. In paragraph 1, A flow guide of an air management device, characterized in that the area formed by each of the above concave grooves satisfies 85% or more of the total area of ​​the area where the air flow of the flow guide is guided.

14. In paragraph 1, A flow guide of an air management device characterized in that a rib extending in the direction of air flow is protruded and formed on the surface of the flow guide through which the air flow is guided.

15. In paragraph 14, A flow guide of an air management device in which the above ribs are provided in multiples and are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction of the surface through which the air flow of the flow guide is guided.

16. In paragraph 14, The above-mentioned concave groove is a flow guide of an air management device formed by avoiding a portion of the surface on which the air flow of the flow guide is guided by the rib.

17. A housing having an intake port through which air from an indoor space is sucked in and an exhaust port through which air is discharged into the indoor space; A driving fan that creates air flow through the above intake and exhaust ports; It includes a flow guide that is installed facing a portion of the circumference of the above driving fan at a predetermined distance and guides the discharge flow of air generated by the rotation of the above driving fan; An air management device characterized in that a number of concave grooves are formed on the surface of the above fluid guide facing the driving fan.

18. In paragraph 17, The above fluid guide is, It 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, Each of the above concave grooves is an air management device formed on the above curved portion.

19. In paragraph 17, An air management device characterized in that the ratio (d / D) of the depth (d) and diameter (D) of the above concave groove is in the range of 0.015 to 0.

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20. In paragraph 17, An air management device characterized in that the area formed by each of the above concave grooves satisfies 85% or more of the total area of ​​the area where the air flow of the flow guide is guided.

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