Patent Description:
A suction force is formed by a dust collector through negative pressure, and dust in some areas is sucked into a designated cavity, so that the cleaning effect is achieved. Compared with cleaning tools such as common brooms, the cleaning effect is better, and the cleaning tool is more and more popular. However, since dust in some areas cannot be removed by the existing dust collectors due to some reasons (such as being shielded or adhered), some dust collectors with a dust blowing function are provided, and these types of machines generally use an air outlet of a motor to blow air. The biggest disadvantage of the structure is that the dust blowing air duct is still connected to the original dust collecting air duct, so that the blown air contains dust, and secondary pollution is caused. Meanwhile, because the air outlet duct is lengthened, the wind resistance is increased, the motor is heated, and the service life of the motor is shortened, so that the structure of the dust collector is more complex, and the manufacturing cost is higher.

Document <CIT> discloses an air-flow modifying nozzle. Document <CIT> discloses an air suction/blower device. Document <CIT> discloses a blow and suction nozzle.

The invention is defined by the independent claim.

In view of this, some embodiments of the present invention provide an airflow conversion device capable of converting a flow direction of airflow and a dust collector including the same.

In some embodiments, an airflow conversion device is provided, which includes a first portion, a second portion and an impeller structure. A first flow channel is formed in the first portion. A second flow channel is formed in the second portion.

The impeller structure is configured as: when driving airflow is provided to one of the first flow channel and the second flow channel, the driving airflow makes the impeller structure to rotate. Under an action of the impeller structure, the other one of the first flow channel and the second flow channel generates airflow in an opposite direction from the driving airflow.

In some embodiments, the first portion is configured as a cylindrical structure, the first flow channel is formed inside the first portion, a first side port is formed on a side wall of the first portion, a port at a second end of the first portion constitutes a first axial port, and the first side port and the first axial port constitute two end ports of the first flow channel, respectively; and/or
the second portion is configured as a cylindrical structure, the second flow channel is formed inside the second portion, a second side port is formed on a side wall of the second portion, a port at a second end of the second portion constitutes a second axial port, and the second side port and the second axial port constitute two end ports of the second flow channel. In the following, an axial port may be named "shaft port".

In some embodiments, a first end of the first portion forms a first connecting end, and a first end of the second portion forms a second connecting end, the first connecting end being connectable to the second connecting end.

In some embodiments, the impeller structure includes a first impeller and a second impeller, the first impeller and the second impeller rotating synchronously, the first impeller and the second impeller being in opposite directions of rotation, the first impeller being located in the first flow channel, and the second impeller being located in the second flow channel.

The expression "the impellers being in opposite directions of rotation" means that a deflection direction of blades of the first impeller and a deflection direction of blades of the second impeller are in opposite directions.

In some embodiments, the impeller structure further includes a connecting shaft, the first impeller and the second impeller is provided on the connecting shaft.

In some embodiments, a first supporting structure is provided in the first flow channel, a second supporting structure is provided in the second flow channel, and the first supporting structure and the second supporting structure support the connecting shaft.

In some embodiments, the airflow conversion device further includes a rotating shaft through which the connecting shaft is rotatably connected to the first supporting structure and the second supporting structure.

In some embodiments, the airflow conversion device further includes a partition structure that partitions the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

In some embodiments, there are two partition structures, which partition the first flow channel and the second flow channel after being spliced.

In some embodiments, the partition structure includes a partition plate that is configured as a semi-circular ring structure, two of the partition plates are spliced to form a circular ring structure, and the connecting shaft passes through an inner circle of the circular ring structure.

In some embodiments, the partition structure further includes a mounting portion that is configured as a semi-cylindrical structure, an axis of the mounting portion is perpendicular to the partition plate, and an outer edge of the partition plate is connected to a radially inner side wall of the mounting portion.

In some embodiments, a first mounting seat is provided inside the first portion, a second mounting seat is provided inside the second portion, and the first mounting seat and the second mounting seat abut against both ends of the mounting portion to complete mounting of the mounting portion.

In some embodiments, a limiting structure is provided on the connecting shaft, and the limiting structure cooperates with the partition plate to limit the connecting shaft in an axial direction of the connecting shaft.

In some embodiments, the limiting structure is configured as a ring structure formed in a circumferential direction of the connecting shaft, there are two ring structures, a ring groove is formed between the two ring structures, and an inner edge of the partition plate extends into the ring groove.

In a second aspect, a dust collector is provided, which includes a body and the above airflow conversion device, the airflow conversion device being mountable to a suction opening of the dust collector.

The airflow conversion device provided by the present invention is provided with the first flow channel and the second flow channel, and enables one of the flow channels to generate airflow in the opposite direction from the driving airflow provided to the other flow channel by means of the impeller structure. The airflow conversion device is applied to air suction or air blowing equipment, so that the equipment has plentiful functions without changing the structure of the equipment.

The above and other objectives, features and advantages of the application will be clearer through the following description of the embodiments of the application with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:.

The following describes the present invention based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the drawings provided herein are for illustrative purposes, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Unless the context clearly requires, the words "including", "containing" and the like in the entire specification and claims should be interpreted as the meaning of inclusive rather than exclusive or exhaustive meaning, that is, "including but not limited to" meaning.

In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "first", "second", etc. are for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more.

An airflow conversion device provided by the present invention can be applied to air suction or blowing equipment. When the airflow conversion device is used on the air suction equipment, the air suction equipment is capable of blowing air, and when the airflow conversion device is used on the blowing equipment, the blowing equipment is capable of sucking air.

As shown in <FIG>, the airflow conversion device provided by the present invention includes a first portion <NUM>, a second portion <NUM> and an impeller structure <NUM>. A first flow channel is formed in the first portion <NUM>. A second flow channel is formed in the second portion <NUM>. The first flow channel does not communicate with the second flow channel. A portion of the impeller structure <NUM> is located in the first flow channel, and the other portion is located in the second flow channel. Driving airflow is provided to the first flow channel or the second flow channel under an action of the impeller structure <NUM> to drive the impeller structure <NUM> to rotate. Under the action of the impeller structure <NUM>, the second flow channel or the first flow channel generates airflow in an opposite direction from the driving airflow.

The first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are optionally configured as a cylindrical structure, an inner cavity of the cylindrical structure constitutes the first flow channel and the second flow channel, a first end in the axial direction of the first portion <NUM> forms a first connecting end <NUM>, a first end in the axial direction of the second portion <NUM> forms a second connecting end <NUM>, and optionally the first connecting end <NUM> and the second connecting end <NUM> are identical in radial dimension. The first connecting end <NUM> and the second connecting end <NUM> can be connected by clamping, screwing or the like. The first connecting end <NUM> and the second connecting end <NUM> are in sealing connection, for example, the first connecting end <NUM> and the second connecting end <NUM> are in sealing contact through a structure in which positioning ribs and positioning grooves are matched, or a sealing structure is provided on the first connecting end <NUM> and/or the second connecting end <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> is provided with a first positioning structure <NUM>, the second portion <NUM> is provided with a second positioning structure <NUM>, and the first positioning structure <NUM> and the second positioning structure <NUM> are matched and positioned when the first connecting end <NUM> and the second connecting end <NUM> are connected. Optionally, the first positioning structure <NUM> is configured as a cylindrical structure protruded from the first connecting end <NUM> inside the first portion <NUM>, the second positioning structure <NUM> is configured as a hole or a groove-like structure formed on an inner wall of the second portion <NUM>, and the first positioning structure <NUM> is inserted into the second positioning structure <NUM> when the first connecting end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> are connected. Optionally, there are multiple first positioning structures <NUM> and second positioning structures <NUM> at corresponding positions, and further, there are two first positioning structures and two second positioning structures.

A port of a second end, far away from a first end of the first portion <NUM>, forms a first shaft port <NUM>, and the first shaft port <NUM> enables the first flow channel to communicate with the outside. A first side port <NUM> is formed on a side wall of the first portion <NUM>, and the first side port <NUM> enables the first flow channel to communicate with the outside. Optionally, the first side port <NUM> is formed at a position close to the first connecting end <NUM>. Further, multiple first side ports <NUM> are distributed along the circumferential direction of the first portion <NUM>. The first shaft port <NUM> and the first side port <NUM> constitute two ports of the first flow channel. A port of a second end, far away from a first end of the second portion <NUM>, forms a second shaft port <NUM>, and the second shaft port <NUM> enables the second flow channel to communicate with the outside. A second side port <NUM> is formed on a side wall of the second portion <NUM>, and the second side port <NUM> enables the second flow channel to communicate with the outside. Optionally, the second side port <NUM> is formed at a position close to the second connecting end <NUM>. Further, multiple second side ports <NUM> are distributed along the circumferential direction of the second portion <NUM>. The second shaft port <NUM> and the second side port <NUM> constitute two ports of the second flow channel.

The impeller structure <NUM> includes a first impeller <NUM>, a second impeller <NUM> and a connecting shaft <NUM>. The first impeller <NUM> and the second impeller <NUM> are connected through the connecting shaft <NUM> so that the first impeller <NUM> and the second impeller <NUM> can rotate synchronously, and the first impeller <NUM> and the second impeller <NUM> are provided in opposite directions of rotation. Optionally, the first impeller <NUM>, the second impeller <NUM> and the connecting shaft <NUM> are integrally formed, or connected into an integrated structure after being split. The first impeller <NUM> extends into the first flow channel from the first connecting end <NUM> on the first portion <NUM>, and the second impeller <NUM> extends into the second flow channel from the second connecting end <NUM> on the second portion <NUM>, such that when the impeller structure <NUM> rotates, the flow directions of airflow in the first flow channel and the second flow channel are opposite since the first impeller <NUM> and the second impeller <NUM> are in opposite directions of rotation.

As shown in <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> is internally provided with a first supporting structure <NUM>. The first supporting structure <NUM> includes a first supporting portion <NUM> and a first connecting portion <NUM>. The first connecting portion <NUM> is connected to the inner wall of the first portion <NUM> and the first connecting portion <NUM>. The space inside the first portion <NUM> between the first supporting structure <NUM> and the first connecting end <NUM> constitutes a first receiving chamber for receiving the first impeller <NUM>, the first supporting portion <NUM> is located in the first receiving chamber, and optionally, the first supporting portion <NUM> is located on the axis of the first portion <NUM>. The first receiving chamber communicates with a cavity between the first supporting structure <NUM> and the first shaft port <NUM>, and the first side port <NUM> communicates with the first receiving chamber, i.e. the first receiving chamber is a portion of the first flow channel, i.e. the first impeller <NUM> is located in the first flow channel.

The second portion <NUM> is internally provided with a second supporting structure <NUM>. The second supporting structure <NUM> includes a second supporting portion <NUM> and a second connecting portion <NUM>. The second connecting portion <NUM> is connected to the inner wall of the second portion <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM>. The space inside the second portion <NUM> between the second supporting structure <NUM> and the second connecting end <NUM> constitutes a second receiving chamber for receiving the second impeller <NUM>, the second supporting portion <NUM> is located in the second receiving chamber, and optionally, the second supporting portion <NUM> is located on the axis of the second portion <NUM>. The second receiving chamber communicates with a cavity between the second supporting structure <NUM> and the second shaft port <NUM>, and the second side port <NUM> communicates with the second receiving chamber, i.e. the second receiving chamber is a part of the second flow channel, i.e. the second impeller <NUM> is located in the second flow channel.

The first supporting portion <NUM> and the second supporting portion <NUM> support the connecting shaft <NUM>. For example, the connecting shaft <NUM> is configured as a cylindrical structure, and the first supporting portion <NUM> and the second supporting portion <NUM> are configured as a columnar structure that protrudes into the connecting shaft <NUM> from both ends of the connecting shaft <NUM>, respectively, supports the connecting shaft <NUM>, and enables the connecting shaft <NUM> to rotate. It will be readily appreciated that the first supporting portion <NUM> and the second supporting portion <NUM> may also be provided in cylindrical structures into which both ends of the connecting shaft <NUM> are inserted respectively. In the present embodiment, a rotating shaft <NUM> is also provided. The rotating shaft <NUM> is penetratingly provided inside the connecting shaft <NUM>, both ends of the rotating shaft <NUM> are rotatably connected to the first supporting portion <NUM> and the second supporting portion <NUM>, and the rotating shaft <NUM> rotates in synchronization with the impeller structure <NUM>. Optionally, both ends of the rotating shaft <NUM> are inserted into the first supporting portion <NUM> and the second supporting portion <NUM>, and both ends of the connecting shaft <NUM> are fitted outside the first supporting portion <NUM> and the second supporting portion <NUM> so that the rotation of the impeller structure <NUM> is more stable.

As shown in <FIG>, the airflow conversion device further includes a partition structure <NUM>. The partition structure <NUM> isolates the space in which the first impeller <NUM> and the second impeller <NUM> are located, i.e., the partition structure <NUM> makes the first flow channel and the second flow channel unconnected. Optionally, there are two partition structures <NUM>. The two partition structures <NUM> are spliced to form a structure capable of partitioning the first flow channel and the second flow channel. The partition structure <NUM> includes partition plates <NUM>. The partition plates <NUM> are configured as a semi-circular ring structure. The two partition plates <NUM> are butted to form a complete circular ring structure. The connecting shaft <NUM> passes through an inner circle of the circular ring structure so that the first impeller <NUM> and the second impeller <NUM> are located at both sides of the partition plates <NUM>, and the connecting shaft <NUM> can rotate relative to the partition plates <NUM>. The radially outer edges of the partition plates <NUM> are in contact with the inner wall of the first portion <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM>. Optionally, the partition plates <NUM> are in sealing contact with the first portion <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM>, and the partition plates <NUM> are also in sealing contact with the connecting shaft <NUM>.

Optionally, the partition structure <NUM> further includes a mounting portion <NUM>. The mounting portion <NUM> is configured as a semi-cylindrical structure, an axis of the mounting portion <NUM> is perpendicular to the partition plate <NUM>, an outer edge of the partition plate <NUM> is connected to a radially inner side wall of the mounting portion <NUM>, and optionally, the partition plate <NUM> is located at an intermediate position of the mounting portion <NUM> in the axial direction of the mounting portion <NUM>. Correspondingly, the first portion <NUM> is internally provided with a first mounting seat <NUM>, and the first mounting seat <NUM> is configured as a cylindrical structure provided in the first receiving chamber. Optionally, the axis of the first mounting seat <NUM> is collinear with the axis of the first portion <NUM>. One end of the first mounting seat <NUM> is connected to the first connecting portion <NUM> on the first supporting structure <NUM>. The radial dimension of the mounting portion <NUM> is the same as the radial dimension of the first mounting seat <NUM>. An axial end portion of the mounting portion <NUM> abuts against the first mounting seat <NUM>. Optionally, the mounting portion <NUM> is in sealing contact with the first mounting seat <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> is internally provided with a second mounting seat <NUM>, and the second mounting seat <NUM> is configured as a cylindrical structure provided in the second receiving chamber. Optionally, the axis of the second mounting seat <NUM> is collinear with the axis of the second portion <NUM>. One end of the second mounting seat <NUM> is connected to the second connecting portion <NUM> on the second supporting structure <NUM>. The radial dimension of the mounting portion <NUM> is the same as the radial dimension of the second mounting seat <NUM>. An axial end portion of the mounting portion <NUM> abuts against the second mounting seat <NUM>. Optionally, the mounting portion <NUM> is in sealing contact with the second mounting seat <NUM>. The mounting portion <NUM> is compressed between the first mounting seat <NUM> and the second mounting seat <NUM> to complete the mounting.

As shown in <FIG>, a ring clearance is formed between the first mounting seat <NUM> and the inner wall of the first portion <NUM>, and a through hole is formed in the first mounting seat <NUM> so that the inner space of the first mounting seat <NUM> can communicate with the ring clearance through the through hole, thereby allowing the first side port <NUM> to communicate with the inside of the first mounting seat <NUM>. Also, a through hole is formed in the second mounting seat <NUM> so that the second side port <NUM> communicates with the inside of the second mounting seat <NUM>. Or, in the present embodiment, the mounting portion <NUM> is provided with communication holes <NUM>. There are multiple communication holes <NUM> at both sides of the partition plate <NUM>. The communication holes <NUM> have the same function as the through holes in the first mounting seat <NUM> and the second mounting seat <NUM>. It is also possible to simultaneously provide through holes in the mounting portion <NUM>, the first mounting seat <NUM> and the second mounting seat <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the partition structure <NUM> may also be arranged between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>, i.e., the first connecting end <NUM> on the first portion <NUM> and the second connecting end <NUM> on the second portion <NUM> are connected to the mounting portion <NUM>, where the first mounting seat <NUM> and the second mounting seat <NUM> need not be arranged.

Optionally, the connecting shaft <NUM> is provided with a limiting structure <NUM>. The limiting structure <NUM> cooperates with the partition plate <NUM> in the axial direction of the connecting shaft <NUM> to limit the connecting shaft <NUM>. The limiting structure <NUM> is optionally configured as a ring structure formed on the outer wall of the connecting shaft <NUM> along the circumferential direction thereof, there are two limiting structures <NUM>, a ring groove <NUM> is formed between the two limiting structures <NUM>, and the ring groove <NUM> is cooperatively mounted with the partition plate <NUM> so that the radially inner edge of the partition plate <NUM> can extend into the ring groove <NUM>, and the connecting shaft <NUM> is axially limited by the cooperation of the ring groove <NUM> and the partition plate <NUM>. The provision of the ring groove <NUM> also makes it easier to form a sealing fit between the connecting shaft <NUM> and the partition plate <NUM>, e.g. a seal may be provided in the ring groove <NUM>, and forms a sealing fit with the partition plate <NUM>, etc..

The airflow conversion device provided by the present invention can be mounted on a dust collector, and the second portion <NUM> is connected to a suction opening of the dust collector as a connecting end. When the dust collector works, airflow in the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> flows as shown in <FIG>, under the action of the dust collector, driving airflow is generated in the second flow channel, the second side port <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> intakes air, and the airflow flows into the second flow channel, drives the second impeller <NUM> to rotate, and then flows into an air inlet duct of the dust collector through the second shaft port <NUM>. The second impeller <NUM> rotates to drive the first impeller <NUM> to synchronously rotate. Since the first impeller <NUM> and the second impeller <NUM> are in opposite directions of rotation, under the action of the first impeller <NUM>, the first side port <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> intakes air, and airflow flows through the first flow channel and is blown out from the first shaft port <NUM>. The airflow conversion device enables the dust collector to realize a blowing function.

The airflow conversion device provided by the present invention can also be mounted on a hair dryer, and the second portion <NUM> is connected to an air outlet of the hair dryer as a connecting end. When the hair dryer works, airflow in the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> flows as shown in <FIG>, under an action of the hair dryer, driving airflow is generated in the second flow channel, and the airflow flows into the second flow channel from the second shaft port <NUM> of the second portion <NUM>, drives the second impeller <NUM> to rotate, and then is blown out from the second side port <NUM>. The second impeller <NUM> rotates to drive the first impeller <NUM> to synchronously rotate, and since the first impeller <NUM> and the second impeller <NUM> are in opposite directions of rotation, under an action of the first impeller <NUM>, the first shaft port <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> intakes air, and airflow flows through the first flow channel and is blown out from the first side port <NUM>. The airflow conversion device enables the hair dryer to realize an air suction function.

In other embodiments, it is also possible to use the first portion <NUM> as a connecting end. The first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> have the same effect as connecting ends.

According to the airflow conversion device provided by the present invention, the two impellers on the impeller structure are provided in opposite directions of rotation structurally, so that when the impeller structure rotates, one of the two portions of the airflow conversion device can suck air, and the other portion can blow air. Therefore, when the airflow conversion device is driven by air suction, the blowing function can be realized, or when the airflow conversion device is driven by blowing, the air suction function can be realized.

Those skilled in the art easily understand that the above technical solutions can be freely combined and superimposed on the premise of no conflict.

Claim 1:
An airflow conversion device, comprising a first portion (<NUM>), a second portion (<NUM>) and an impeller structure (<NUM>), wherein a first flow channel is formed in the first portion (<NUM>), a second flow channel is formed in the second portion (<NUM>), and
the impeller structure (<NUM>) is configured as: when driving airflow is provided to one of the first flow channel and the second flow channel, the driving airflow makes the impeller structure (<NUM>) to rotate, and under an action of the impeller structure (<NUM>), the other one of the first flow channel and the second flow channel generates airflow in an opposite direction from the driving airflow, wherein
the impeller structure (<NUM>) comprises a first impeller (<NUM>), a second impeller (<NUM>) and a connecting shaft (<NUM>), the first impeller (<NUM>) and the second impeller (<NUM>) rotating synchronously, a deflection direction of blades of the first impeller (<NUM>) and a deflection direction of blades of the second impeller (<NUM>) being in opposite directions, the first impeller (<NUM>) being located in the first flow channel, and the second impeller (<NUM>) being located in the second flow channel, the first impeller (<NUM>) and the second impeller (<NUM>) being provided on the connecting shaft (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the airflow conversion device further comprises two partition structures (<NUM>) which partition the first flow channel and the second flow channel after being spliced,
each of the partition structures (<NUM>) comprises a partition plate (<NUM>) that is configured as a semi-circular ring structure,
the two partition plates (<NUM>) are spliced to form a circular ring structure, and
the connecting shaft (<NUM>) passes through an inner circle of the circular ring structure.