Blower

Abstract

The blower is provided with: a housing (10B) having an air inlet hole (12a) that opens toward one side in the axial direction when the direction in which an axis (S) extends is defined as the axial direction; and a centrifugal fan (40) housed in the housing and having a plurality of blades (41) arranged in a circumferential direction centered on the axis, the centrifugal fan (40) constituting an air flow path (41a) between two adjacent blades among the plurality of blades, the plurality of blades rotating toward one side in a rotational direction centered on the axis, and the plurality of blades rotating toward the other side in the rotational direction centered on the axis. An air flow path through which air is sucked from one side in the axial direction into the air flow path through the air inlet hole, and the sucked air is blown out from the air flow path to the outside in the radial direction centered on the axial line; and one or more guides (50) having a guide surface (51) that guides the air sucked into the air flow path in such a manner that the air is sucked into the air flow path of the centrifugal fan while rotating toward one side in the rotational direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-references between related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-017709 filed on February 8, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an air blower. Background Art

[0004] Conventional blowers include a housing and a centrifugal fan. The housing has an air inlet opening on one side in the axial direction. The centrifugal fan is disposed within the housing and has multiple blades arranged circumferentially about the axis (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The centrifugal fan rotates about the axis, drawing air from the housing through the air inlet opening and into space between adjacent blades. The drawn air is then blown radially outward about the axis while rotating.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-105575

[0008] In the blower of Patent Document 1, the centrifugal fan rotates to draw air from one side in the axial direction of the housing through the air inlet hole into between two adjacent blades of the plurality of blades, and blows the drawn air radially outward.

[0009] However, as described above, the flow directions of the air drawn into the space between two adjacent blades among the plurality of blades through the air inlet hole from one side in the axial direction and the air blown out radially outward through the space between two adjacent blades among the plurality of blades are greatly different.

[0010] Therefore, according to the inventors' research, as described above, when air passing through the air intake hole from one side in the axial direction flows between two adjacent blades among the plurality of blades, the air flow becomes turbulent, which may cause noise. Summary of the Invention

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a blower that suppresses noise generation.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a blower includes: a housing having an air inlet hole, the air inlet hole opening toward one side in the axial direction when the direction in which the axis extends is defined as the axial direction;

[0013] a centrifugal fan housed in the housing and having a plurality of blades arranged in a circumferential direction about the axis, wherein an air flow path is formed between two adjacent blades of the plurality of blades, wherein the plurality of blades rotate about the axis toward one side in a rotational direction, thereby drawing air from one side in the axial direction into the air flow path through the air inlet hole, and blowing the drawn-in air from the air flow path toward the outside in a radial direction about the axis; and

[0014] One or more guides have a guide surface configured to guide the air drawn into the air flow path of the centrifugal fan so that the air is drawn into the air flow path while swirling toward one side in the rotation direction.

[0015] Therefore, from the above viewpoint, by providing one or more guides, the direction of the main flow of air sucked into the air flow path can be brought closer to the direction of the main flow of air flowing through the air flow path.

[0016] Therefore, the air guided by the one or more guides is smoothly drawn into the air flow path. This can prevent the generation of abnormal noise when the air is drawn into the air flow path.

[0017] In addition, the reference numerals in parentheses attached to each component etc. represent an example of the correspondence relationship between the component etc. and the specific component etc. described in the embodiment described later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of the vehicle air conditioner in the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view for assisting in explaining the arrangement relationship between the plurality of pre-swirl guides and the air guide housing, and the swirling flow generated by the plurality of pre-swirl guides.

[0019] Figure 2 The vehicle air conditioning device of the first embodiment Figure 1 The II-II cross-sectional view in FIG. 1 is a view for assisting in explaining the positional relationship among the plurality of pre-swirl guides, the plurality of blades, and the air intake hole forming portion constituting the vehicle air conditioner.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram for assisting in explaining the positional relationship between the plurality of pre-swirl guides, the plurality of blades, and the air intake hole forming portion in the vehicle air conditioning device according to the second embodiment, and is equivalent to Figure 2 sectional view of .

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a vehicle air conditioner in a third embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view for assisting in explaining the arrangement relationship between a plurality of pre-swirl guides and an air guide housing. Figure 1Picture.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a vehicle air conditioner in a fourth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view for assisting in explaining the arrangement relationship between a plurality of pre-swirl guides and an air guide housing. Figure 1 Picture.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a vehicle air conditioner in a fifth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view for assisting in explaining the arrangement relationship between a plurality of pre-swirl guides and an air guide housing. Figure 1 Picture.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a diagram for assisting in explaining the positional relationship among the plurality of pre-swirl guides, the plurality of blades, and the air intake hole forming portion in the vehicle air conditioning apparatus according to the sixth embodiment, and is equivalent to Figure 2 Picture.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram for assisting in explaining the positional relationship between the plurality of pre-swirl guides, the plurality of blades, and the air intake hole forming portion in the vehicle air conditioning device according to the seventh embodiment, and is equivalent to Figure 2 Picture.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the vehicle air conditioning device in the eighth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view used to assist in explaining the arrangement relationship between the plurality of pre-swirl guides and the air intake hole forming portion, and the swirl flow generated by the plurality of pre-swirl guides.

[0027] Figure 10 The vehicle air conditioning device of the eighth embodiment Figure 9 The XX cross-sectional view in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for assisting in explaining the positional relationship among the guide unit, the plurality of pre-convolution guides, and the ring portion.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the top wall portion of the scroll casing in the vehicle air conditioning device according to the eighth embodiment, cut along a virtual plane including the axis, and is a diagram for assisting in explaining the positional relationship between the plurality of pre-swirl guides and the ring portion of the guide unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying drawings. In order to simplify the description, the same or equivalent parts in the following embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0030] (First embodiment)

[0031] exist Figure 1 、 Figure 21 shows a vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of a vehicle air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment is disposed in the vehicle interior, draws in vehicle interior air or vehicle exterior air, adjusts the temperature of the drawn in air, and blows it into the vehicle interior.

[0032] Specifically, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle interior air conditioning unit 1 of the present embodiment includes an air guide housing 10A, a scroll housing 10B, a filter 20 , a heat exchanger 30 , a multi-blade fan 40 , and a plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 .

[0033] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the air guide housing 10A cut along a plane perpendicular to the axis S. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view II-II in the figure. Figure 2 , the axis S is the rotation center line of the multi-blade fan 40, and the axial direction Za is the direction in which the axis S extends.

[0034] The air guide housing 10A is formed of, for example, a resin material or a metal material, and defines an air flow path 11 for flowing air from one side to the other side in the axial direction Za. The air flow path 11 is an air flow path for guiding the air inside the vehicle interior or the air outside the vehicle interior to the air inlet hole 12a of the scroll housing 10B.

[0035] The filter 20 is disposed in the air guide housing 10A and filters the air flowing through the air flow path 11 .

[0036] The heat exchanger 30 is disposed in the air guide housing 10A and is a cooling heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the air in the air flow path 11 that has passed through the filter 20 and the refrigerant to cool the air.

[0037] Alternatively, a heating heat exchanger that heats the air by exchanging heat between the air in the air flow path 11 that has passed through the filter 20 and the refrigerant may be used as the heat exchanger 30. Both a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger may be used as the heat exchanger 30.

[0038] The scroll casing 10B is arranged on the other side of the air guide casing 10A in the axial direction Za. The scroll casing 10B is formed of, for example, a resin material or a metal material. The scroll casing 10B houses the multi-blade fan 40 .

[0039] The scroll casing 10B includes a ceiling portion 12 formed so as to cover the multi-blade fan 40 from one side in the axial direction Za. The ceiling portion 12 is provided with an air intake hole 12a that opens to one side in the axial direction Za.

[0040] The air intake hole 12a is a ventilation passage for directing air from the air flow path 11 of the air guide housing 10A to the multi-blade fan 40 in the scroll housing 10B. In this embodiment, the air intake hole 12a is formed into a circular shape centered on the axis S. The air intake hole forming portion 13 of the ceiling portion 12, which constitutes the air intake hole 12a, forms a bell-shaped mouth.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the bellmouth is formed in an arc shape convex toward one side in the axial direction Za in a cross-sectional view cut along an imaginary plane including the axis S. The bellmouth is provided over the entire circumferential direction around the axis S as the center.

[0042] The bell mouth has the effect of smoothly guiding the air in the air flow path 11 of the air guide housing 10A from the outside in the radial direction Ka (ie, the radially outer side) centered on the axis S to the other side in the axial direction Za.

[0043] The scroll casing 10B is provided with an air outlet 14 through which the air blown out from the multi-blade fan 40 is blown out.

[0044] The multi-blade fan 40 is a centrifugal fan that rotates toward one side Ra in the rotation direction about the axis S and blows air flowing in through the air inlet 12a from one side in the axial direction Za outward in the radial direction Ka about the axis S.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multi-blade fan 40 of this embodiment is a turbo fan including a plurality of blades 41 , a main plate 42 , and a ring 43 .

[0046] The plurality of blades 41 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis S. The plurality of blades 41 are formed so as to advance toward one side Ra in the rotational direction from the outside toward the inside in the radial direction Ka around the axis S.

[0047] An air flow path 41 a is provided between two adjacent blades 41 of the plurality of blades 41 . The air flow path 41 a blows air flowing in through the air inlet hole 12 a of the scroll casing 10B outward in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S by utilizing centrifugal force.

[0048] The main plate 42 is arranged on the other side of the plurality of blades 41 in the axial direction Za. The main plate 42 is formed in a disk shape centered on the axis S. The main plate 42 supports the plurality of blades 41 from the other side in the axial direction Za.

[0049] The ring 43 is arranged on one side in the axial direction Za with respect to the plurality of blades 41. The ring 43 is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis S. The ring 43 supports the plurality of blades 41 from one side in the axial direction Za.

[0050] The plurality of blades 41, the main plate 42, and the ring 43 are formed of, for example, a resin material or a metal material. The multi-blade fan 40 of this embodiment is driven by a motor (not shown) and is configured to be rotatable toward one side Ra in the rotation direction centered on the axis S.

[0051] The pre-swirl guides 50 guide the air drawn into the air flow paths 41 a of the sirocco fan 40 so that the air is drawn into the air flow paths 41 a of the sirocco fan 40 while swirling the air toward one side Ra in the rotation direction.

[0052] The outer region of each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 in the radial direction Ka, centered on the axis S, is positioned on one side in the axial direction Za relative to the ceiling portion 12 of the scroll casing 10B. That is, the outer region of each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 in the radial direction Ka, centered on the axis S, is positioned outside the air inlet port 12a of the scroll casing 10B.

[0053] The inner region of each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 in the radial direction Ka about the axis S is arranged inwardly (ie, radially inwardly) of the air inlet hole 12 a of the scroll casing 10B in the radial direction Ka about the axis S.

[0054] The plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are arranged in a circumferential direction centered on the axis S. Specifically, the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the axis S. The plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are formed from the outside to the inside of the air intake hole 12a in a radial direction Ka centered on the axis S.

[0055] The plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are respectively formed to protrude from the ceiling portion 12 and the air intake hole forming portion 13. The plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are respectively supported by the ceiling portion 12 and the air intake hole forming portion 13.

[0056] The plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are formed so as to advance toward the other side Rb in the rotational direction as they go from the inside toward the outside in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S. The other side Rb in the rotational direction is the opposite side to the one side Ra in the rotational direction.

[0057] The plurality of pre-swivel guides 50 each include side surfaces 51 and 52. The side surface 51 is a first guide surface formed on one side Ra in the rotation direction of each of the plurality of pre-swivel guides 50.

[0058] The side surface 52 is a second guide surface formed on the other side Rb in the rotational direction in each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50. The side surfaces 51 and 52 are formed so as to progress toward the other side Rb in the rotational direction from the inside toward the outside in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S.

[0059] Each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 is formed in a thin plate shape with a thickness corresponding to the distance between the side surfaces 51 and 52. A plurality of inter-guide flow paths 53 are provided between adjacent two of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50.

[0060] The side surfaces 51 and 52 of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are guide surfaces for guiding the air flowing through the plurality of inter-guide flow paths 53 so that the air passing through the air inlet hole 12a is swirled toward one side Ra in the rotation direction and is sucked into the plurality of air flow paths 41a of the multi-blade fan 40.

[0061] Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a region of each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 , which is arranged on the inner side of the air intake hole forming portion 13 in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S, is referred to as a plurality of guide inner regions 50A.

[0062] Here, as Figure 2 As shown, in the axial direction Za, the other end 50a of each of the plurality of guide inner regions 50A is provided at the same position as the other end 13a of the air intake hole forming portion 13 in the axial direction Za.

[0063] The other end portion 50a in the axial direction Zaa of each of the plurality of guide inner regions 50A is located on one side in the axial direction Zaa relative to the top surface 12c located on the other side in the axial direction Zaa of the ceiling portion 12 of the scroll casing 10B.

[0064] The forming portion end portion 13a is formed to surround the air intake hole end 12b located closest to the other side of the air intake hole 12a in the axial direction Za. The plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 of this embodiment are each made of, for example, a resin material or a metal material.

[0065] Specifically, the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 form an integral structure integrated with the scroll casing 10B. Alternatively, the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 may be independently formed relative to the scroll casing 10B. In this embodiment, in the vehicle interior air conditioning unit 1, the scroll casing 10B, the multi-blade fan 40, and the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 form a blower.

[0066] Next, the operation of the vehicle interior air conditioning unit 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0067] First, the multi-blade fan 40 is driven by the motor and rotates toward one side Ra in the rotation direction centered on the axis S. This generates an air flow from one side to the other side in the axis direction Za as indicated by arrow F in the air flow path 11 of the air guide housing 10A.

[0068] At this time, the air in the air flow path 11 passes through the filter 20 and is filtered by the filter 20. The air filtered by the filter 20 is cooled by the refrigerant while passing through the heat exchanger 30.

[0069] The cooled air passes through the inter-guide flow path 53 between two adjacent pre-swirl guides 50 among the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 , and is thereby guided by the side surfaces 51 and 52 of each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 .

[0070] Thus, the air passing through the plurality of inter-guide flow paths 53 is Figure 1 As shown by the arrow Q in FIG. 1 , the air is sucked into the plurality of air flow paths 41 a of the multi-blade fan 40 through the air intake hole 12 a while swirling toward one side Ra in the rotation direction.

[0071] That is, the air that has passed through the plurality of inter-guide flow paths 53 is smoothly drawn into the plurality of air flow paths 41 a of the multi-blade fan 40 through the air intake holes 12 a as a swirling flow.

[0072] The air drawn into each of the plurality of air flow paths 41 a is blown outward in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S by centrifugal force while rotating toward one side Ra in the rotation direction.

[0073] The air blown out from these multi-blade fans 40 is collected by the scroll casing 10B and blown out from the air outlet 14 as indicated by arrow R.

[0074] According to the present embodiment described above, the vehicle interior air conditioning unit 1 includes the scroll casing 10B having the air inlet hole 12a that opens toward one side in the axial direction Za, when the direction in which the axis S extends is defined as the axial direction Za.

[0075] The multi-blade fan 40 is a centrifugal fan in which a plurality of blades 41 rotate about the axis S toward one side Ra in the rotation direction, thereby sucking air from one side in the axis direction Za through the air inlet 12a and blowing it outward in the radial direction Ka about the axis S.

[0076] The plurality of blades 41 are housed in the scroll casing 10B and are arranged in a circumferential direction centered on the axis S. An air flow path 41 a is defined between two adjacent blades 41 among the plurality of blades 41 .

[0077] The vehicle interior air conditioning unit 1 includes a plurality of pre-swirl guides 50. The side surfaces 51 and 52 of the pre-swirl guides 50 guide the air drawn into the air flow paths 41a so that the air is drawn into the air flow paths 41a while swirling toward one side Ra in the rotation direction.

[0078] Therefore, by providing the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 , the direction of the main flow of air drawn into the plurality of air flow paths 41 a can be brought close to the direction of the main flow of air flowing through the plurality of air flow paths 41 a .

[0079] Therefore, the air flow passing through the air intake hole 12a is smoothly drawn into the plurality of air flow paths 41a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress in advance the generation of abnormal noise when the air passing through the air intake hole 12a is drawn into the plurality of air flow paths 41a.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the other end portion 50a of each of the plurality of guide inner regions 50A in the axial direction Za is provided at the same position as the other end portion 13a of the air intake hole forming portion 13 in the axial direction Za.

[0081] Therefore, the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 , the side surface 51 , and the side surface 52 can satisfactorily guide the air passing through the plurality of inter-guide flow paths 53 so that the air swirls toward the one side Ra in the rotation direction.

[0082] (Second embodiment)

[0083] In the first embodiment, the example is described in which the other end 50a of each of the plurality of guide inner regions 50A is provided at the same position in the axial direction Za as the other end 13a of the air intake hole forming portion 13 in the axial direction Za.

[0084] However, instead, in this second embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the other end portion 50a of each of the plurality of guide inner regions 50A in the axial direction Za is arranged on the other side of the air intake hole forming portion 13 in the axial direction Za relative to the other end portion 13a of the air intake hole forming portion 13 in the axial direction Za.

[0085] As described above, the forming portion end portion 13a on the other side of the axial direction Za in the air intake hole forming portion 13 is formed so as to surround the air intake hole end 12b located closest to the other side of the axial direction Za in the air intake hole 12a. Figure 3 In, with Figure 2 The same symbols denote the same components, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] The other end portion 50a of each of the plurality of guide inner regions 50A is located on the other side in the axial direction Zaa relative to the top surface 12c located on the other side in the axial direction Za of the ceiling portion 12 of the scroll casing 10B.

[0087] The air intake hole forming portion 13 has a forming portion end portion 13 a on the other side in the axial direction Za, located on the other side in the axial direction Za with respect to the top surface 12 c.

[0088] According to the present embodiment described above, as described above, the other end portion 50a in the axial direction Zaa of each of the plurality of guide inner regions 50A is arranged on the other side in the axial direction Zaa relative to the other end portion 13a in the air intake hole forming portion 13 .

[0089] Therefore, compared with the first embodiment, the other end portion 50 a in the axial direction Za of each of the plurality of guide inner regions 50A can be brought closer to the plurality of air flow paths 41 a of the multi-blade fan 40 .

[0090] Therefore, compared with the first embodiment, the side surfaces 51 and 52 can better guide the air sucked into the multiple air flow paths 41a of the multi-blade fan 40 so that the air swirls toward the one side Ra in the rotation direction.

[0091] (Third embodiment)

[0092] In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are formed in a thin plate shape.

[0093] However, instead, refer to Figure 4 The third embodiment will be described in which the plurality of pre-swivel guides 50 are each formed into a curved shape convex toward one side Ra in the rotation direction. Figure 4 In, with Figure 1 The same symbols denote the same components, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] The pre-swirl guides 50 of this embodiment each include side surfaces 51 and 52. The side surfaces 51 and 52 guide the air passing through the inter-guide flow paths 53 so that the air is drawn into the air flow paths 41a of the multi-blade fan 40 while swirling toward one side Ra in the rotation direction.

[0095] The side surface 51 is formed in an arc shape that is convex toward one side Ra in the rotation direction, and the side surface 52 is formed in an arc shape that is concave toward one side Ra in the rotation direction.

[0096] In other words, the side surface 51 is formed into an arc shape that is convex toward one side Ra in the rotational direction in a cross-sectional view cut along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis S. The side surface 52 is formed into an arc shape that is concave toward one side Ra in the rotational direction in a cross-sectional view cut along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis S.

[0097] As described above, the side surfaces 51 and 52 can appropriately guide the air passing through the plurality of inter-guide flow paths 53 so that the air is sucked into the plurality of air flow paths 41 a of the multi-blade fan 40 while swirling toward the one side Ra in the rotation direction.

[0098] (Fourth embodiment)

[0099] In the third embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the plurality of pre-swivel guides 50 are each formed in a curved shape convex toward one side Ra in the rotation direction.

[0100] However, in addition to this, in the fourth embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 is formed so that its thickness decreases as it moves from the outside toward the inside in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S.

[0101] The thickness is the dimension in the direction connecting the side surfaces 51 and 52, that is, in the thickness direction. In other words, the thickness is the distance between the side surfaces 51 and 52. Figure 5 In, with Figure 1 The same symbols denote the same components, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] According to the present embodiment described above, the side surfaces 51 and 52 can better guide the air sucked into the plurality of air flow paths 41 a of the multi-blade fan 40 so that the air is sucked into the plurality of air flow paths 41 a while swirling toward one side Ra in the rotation direction.

[0103] (Fifth embodiment)

[0104] In the first embodiment, a plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis S. However, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the interval between two pre-convolution guides 50 among the plurality of pre-convolution guides 50 is arranged to be unequal.

[0105] In this embodiment, the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis S so as to form two or more different intervals. Figure 6 In, with Figure 1 The same symbols denote the same components, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] (Sixth embodiment)

[0107] In the first embodiment, an example is described in which ten pre-swivel guides 50 are provided in the vehicle interior air conditioning unit 1. However, this is not limiting. In the sixth embodiment, in the vehicle interior air conditioning unit 1, the number of pre-swivel guides 50 may be one or more. For example, Figure 7 As shown, two pre-convolution guides 50 may be provided. Figure 7 In, with Figure 1 The same symbols denote the same components, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0108] (Seventh embodiment)

[0109] In this seventh embodiment, referring to Figure 8 The following describes an example in which one end portion 54 in the axial direction Za is formed so as to be directed toward one side of the axial direction Za as it moves from the inner side to the outer side of the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S in the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 of the first embodiment. Figure 8 In, with Figure 2 The same symbols denote the same components, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] In this embodiment, the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are respectively arranged inside the air guide housing 10A. The plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are respectively arranged outside the scroll housing 10B.

[0111] As in the first embodiment, each of the plurality of pre-swivel guides 50 includes side surfaces 51 and 52. The side surface 51 is a first guide surface formed on one side Ra in the rotation direction of each of the plurality of pre-swivel guides 50.

[0112] The side surface 52 is a second guide surface formed on the other side Rb in the rotational direction in each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50. The side surfaces 51 and 52 are formed so as to progress toward the other side Rb in the rotational direction from the inside toward the outside in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S.

[0113] The plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are respectively arranged on one side of the ceiling portion 12 of the scroll casing 10B in the axial direction Za. The plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are respectively arranged outside the intake hole forming portion 13 in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S.

[0114] For ease of description, the outer half of the radial direction Ka of each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 is referred to as the outer half region 50b. The inner half of the radial direction Ka of each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 is referred to as the inner half region 50c.

[0115] exist Figure 8 In each of the plurality of pre-convolution guides 50 , the boundary E represents the center of the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S, and represents the boundary between the outer half region 50 b and the inner half region 50 c .

[0116] In the present embodiment, in each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 , the distance between the outer end in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S and the boundary E is the same as the distance between the inner end in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S and the boundary E.

[0117] In each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 of this embodiment, one end portion 54 in the axial direction Za (i.e., one end portion in the axial direction of the guide) is formed so as to advance toward one side of the axial direction Za as it moves from the inner side of the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S toward the outer side.

[0118] Therefore, the dimension of each of the side surfaces 51 and 52 in the axial direction Za increases from the inside toward the outside in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S.

[0119] That is, in each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50, the end portion 54 on one side in the axial direction Za of the outer half region 50b is arranged on one side in the axial direction Za relative to the end portion 54 on one side in the axial direction Za of the inner half region 50c. Figure 8 In, with Figure 2 The same symbols denote the same components, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] Thus, compared with the first embodiment, the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 of this embodiment can guide a larger amount of air outside in the radial direction Ka so that the air is sucked into the multi-blade fan 40 while being drawn toward the one side Ra in the rotation direction.

[0121] Here, in the air guide housing 10A, the flow rate of air flowing into the air intake hole 12a from one side in the axial direction Za is greater inside in the radial direction Ka than outside in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S.

[0122] In each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 , the pressure loss of the airflow flowing into the air intake hole 12 a increases as the one end portion 54 is positioned toward the other side in the axial direction Za.

[0123] On the other hand, in each of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 , one end portion 54 in the inner half region 50 c in the axial direction Za is arranged on the other side of the one end portion 54 in the outer half region 50 b in the axial direction Za.

[0124] Therefore, it is possible to suppress in advance the occurrence of pressure loss of the airflow flowing into the air intake hole 12 a caused by the inner sides of the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 in the radial direction Ka.

[0125] As described above, the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 can suppress pressure loss in the air flow rate and guide a large amount of air to be sucked into the plurality of air flow paths 41 a of the multi-blade fan 40 while swirling toward one side Ra in the rotation direction.

[0126] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0127] In the first embodiment described above, the example in which the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are formed into an integrated structure respectively integrated with the ceiling portion 12 of the scroll casing 10B is described. However, instead, referring to Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 The seventh embodiment will be described in which the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are each configured independently of the scroll casing 10B.

[0128] exist Figure 9 、 Figure 10 In, with Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The same symbols denote the same components, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0129] In the seventh embodiment, if Figure 9 、 Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the plurality of pre-convolution guides 50 together with the ring portion 151 constitute a guide unit 150 .

[0130] like Figure 10 As shown, the ring portion 151 is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis S. The ring portion 151 is fitted into the air inlet hole forming portion 13. The ring portion 151 is fixed to the ceiling portion 12 of the scroll casing 10B in a state of being press-fitted into the air inlet hole forming portion 13, for example.

[0131] Alternatively, the ring portion 151 may be fixed to the ceiling portion 12 of the scroll casing 10B using an adhesive or the like.

[0132] The plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are formed to protrude from the ring portion 15 inward in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S. Therefore, the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are respectively arranged inward in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S relative to the air intake hole forming portion 13 .

[0133] The plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 of the present embodiment constitute a guide unit 150 that is an integrated structure integrated with the ring portion 151. The guide unit 150 is configured independently of the scroll casing 10B.

[0134] That is, the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are independently formed with respect to the scroll casing 10B. That is, the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are separately formed with respect to the scroll casing 10B.

[0135] According to the present embodiment described above, the plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 are respectively arranged on the inner side of the air intake hole forming portion 13 in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S by the guide unit 150 .

[0136] The plurality of pre-swirl guides 50 each include side surfaces 51 and 52. The side surfaces 51 and 52 are formed so as to progress toward the other side Rb in the rotation direction as they go from the inside toward the outside in the radial direction Ka centered on the axis S.

[0137] As described above, the side surfaces 51 and 52 of the pre-swirl guides 50 can guide the air passing through the inter-guide flow paths 53 into the air intake hole 12 a so as to swirl the air toward the one side Ra in the swirling direction.

[0138] (Other embodiments)

[0139] (1) In the first to seventh embodiments, the blower of the present disclosure is applied to the vehicle interior air conditioning unit 1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and the blower of the present disclosure may be applied to air conditioning equipment other than the vehicle interior air conditioning unit 1.

[0140] (2) In the first to seventh embodiments, a turbofan is used as the multi-blade fan 40. However, various centrifugal fans such as a sirocco fan other than a turbofan may be used as the multi-blade fan 40 instead.

[0141] (3) In the first to seventh embodiments, the air intake hole forming portion 13 of the scroll casing 10B is described as forming a bell mouth. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and the air intake hole forming portion 13 of the scroll casing 10B may not form a bell mouth.

[0142] (4) In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and appropriate changes can be made. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined except for cases where it is clear that they cannot be combined. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are of course not essential, except for cases where they are specifically clearly stated as essential and cases where they are obviously essential in principle. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, when referring to the number, value, amount, range, etc. of the constituent elements of the embodiments, they are not limited to the specific numbers, except for cases where they are specifically stated as essential and cases where they are obviously limited to specific numbers in principle. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, when referring to the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the constituent elements, etc., they are not limited to the shapes, positional relationships, etc., except for cases where they are specifically stated as essential and cases where they are obviously limited to specific shapes, positional relationships, etc. in principle.

[0143] (Remark)

[0144] [Public 1]

[0145] A blower, comprising:

[0146] A housing (10B) having an air inlet (12a) which opens toward one side of the axial direction when the direction in which the axis (S) extends is set as the axial direction;

[0147] a centrifugal fan (40) housed in the housing and having a plurality of blades (41) arranged in a circumferential direction with the axis as the center, an air flow path (41a) being formed between two adjacent blades of the plurality of blades, the plurality of blades rotating toward one side in a rotational direction with the axis as the center, thereby sucking air from one side in the axial direction into the air flow path through the air inlet hole, and blowing the sucked air outward from the air flow path in a radial direction with the axis as the center; and

[0148] One or more guides (50) have a guide surface (51) that guides the air drawn into the air flow path of the centrifugal fan so that the air is drawn into the air flow path while swirling toward one side in the rotation direction.

[0149] [Public 2]

[0150] The blower described in Publication 1, wherein:

[0151] The guide surface is formed so as to advance toward the other side in the rotation direction as it moves from the radially inner side toward the radially outer side with respect to the axis.

[0152] [Public 3]

[0153] The blower described in Publication 2, wherein:

[0154] The guide surface is a first guide surface (51) provided on one side of the rotation direction among the one or more guide members.

[0155] A second guide surface (52) is provided on the other side of the rotation direction in the one or more guide members. The second guide surface is formed so as to advance toward the other side of the rotation direction as it moves from the radial inner side toward the radial outer side, and guides the air sucked into the air flow path of the centrifugal fan in such a manner that the air swirls toward one side of the rotation direction while being sucked into the air flow path of the centrifugal fan.

[0156] [Public 4]

[0157] The blower described in Publication 3, wherein:

[0158] The first guide surface is formed in an arc shape convex toward one side of the rotation direction,

[0159] The second guide surface is formed in an arc shape that is recessed toward one side in the rotation direction.

[0160] [Public 5]

[0161] The blower described in Publication 3, wherein:

[0162] When the distance between the first guide surface and the second guide surface is taken as the thickness,

[0163] The one or more guides are formed so that the thickness decreases from the radially outer side toward the radially inner side around the axis.

[0164] [Public 6]

[0165] The blower according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 5, wherein:

[0166] The one or more guides are a plurality of guides arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction around the axis.

[0167] [Public 7]

[0168] The blower according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 6, wherein:

[0169] The plurality of guides are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0170] [Public 8]

[0171] The blower according to any one of Publications 1 to 7, wherein:

[0172] The housing includes an air intake hole forming portion (13) which forms the air intake hole.

[0173] The one or more guides are arranged radially inward of the air inlet hole forming portion, centered around the axis.

[0174] [Public 9]

[0175] The blower according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 8, wherein:

[0176] The housing includes an air intake hole forming portion (13) which forms the air intake hole.

[0177] The air intake hole forming portion includes a forming portion end portion (13a) formed to surround the air intake hole end (12b) located closest to the other side in the axial direction of the air intake hole.

[0178] When the area of ​​at least one of the guide members that is arranged radially inward with respect to the air inlet hole forming portion centered on the axis is set as the guide member inner area (50A), the other side end (50a) of the guide member inner area in the axial direction is located on the other side of the axial direction relative to the forming portion end.

[0179] [Public 10]

[0180] The blower according to any one of Publications 1 to 9, wherein:

[0181] The one or more guide members are arranged on the outside of the housing,

[0182] When the one end portion in the axial direction of the one or more guide members is set as the one end portion (54) in the axial direction of the guide member,

[0183] In the one or more guides, an outer half region (50b) centered on the axis has an end portion on one side in the axial direction of the guide compared to an inner half region (50c) centered on the axis.

[0184] [Public 11]

[0185] The blower according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 10, wherein:

[0186] The one or more guide members are provided separately from the housing.

Claims

1. A blower, characterized in that: have: A housing (10B) having an air inlet (12a) which opens toward one side of the axial direction when the direction in which the axis (S) extends is set as the axial direction; a centrifugal fan (40) housed in the housing and having a plurality of blades (41) arranged in a circumferential direction with the axis as the center, an air flow path (41a) being formed between two adjacent blades of the plurality of blades, the plurality of blades rotating toward one side in a rotational direction with the axis as the center, thereby sucking air from one side in the axial direction into the air flow path through the air inlet hole, and blowing the sucked air outward from the air flow path in a radial direction with the axis as the center; and One or more guides (50) have a guide surface (51) that guides the air drawn into the air flow path of the centrifugal fan so that the air is drawn into the air flow path while swirling toward one side in the rotation direction.

2. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide surface is formed so as to advance toward the other side in the rotation direction as it moves from the radially inner side toward the radially outer side with respect to the axis.

3. The blower according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide surface is a first guide surface (51) provided on one side of the rotation direction among the one or more guide members. A second guide surface (52) is provided on the other side of the rotation direction in the one or more guide members. The second guide surface is formed so as to advance toward the other side of the rotation direction as it moves from the radial inner side toward the radial outer side, and guides the air sucked into the air flow path of the centrifugal fan in such a manner that the air swirls toward one side of the rotation direction while being sucked into the air flow path of the centrifugal fan.

4. The blower according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first guide surface is formed in an arc shape convex toward one side of the rotation direction, The second guide surface is formed in an arc shape that is recessed toward one side in the rotation direction.

5. The blower according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the distance between the first guide surface and the second guide surface is taken as the thickness, The one or more guides are formed so that the thickness decreases from the radially outer side toward the radially inner side around the axis.

6. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one or more guides are a plurality of guides arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction around the axis.

7. The blower according to claim 6, characterized in that: The plurality of guides are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

8. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing includes an air intake hole forming portion (13) which forms the air intake hole. The one or more guides are arranged radially inward of the air inlet hole forming portion, centered around the axis.

9. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing includes an air intake hole forming portion (13) which forms the air intake hole. The air intake hole forming portion includes a forming portion end portion (13a) formed to surround the air intake hole end (12b) located closest to the other side in the axial direction of the air intake hole. When the area of ​​at least one of the guide members that is arranged radially inward with respect to the air inlet hole forming portion centered on the axis is set as the guide member inner area (50A), the other side end (50a) of the guide member inner area in the axial direction is located on the other side of the axial direction relative to the forming portion end.

10. The blower according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more guide members are arranged on the outside of the housing, When the one end portion in the axial direction of the one or more guide members is set as the one end portion (54) in the axial direction of the guide member, In the one or more guides, an outer half region (50b) centered on the axis has an end portion on one side in the axial direction of the guide compared to an inner half region (50c) centered on the axis.

11. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one or more guide members are provided separately from the housing.

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