Air supply device

By using limiting components and a cover structure in the warm air fan, the problem of difficult fan positioning was solved, achieving stable installation and efficient operation, preventing damage to electronic components and abnormal noise, and promoting the miniaturization of the device.

CN123057308APending Publication Date: 2026-11-06MINEBEAMITSUMI INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202580025668.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-20
Filing Date
2025-05-02
Publication Date
2026-11-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When the existing heater fan is fixed to the base, it is difficult to position and has poor operability.

Method used

Limiting components (such as transverse and longitudinal protrusions) are used to restrict the position of the fan relative to the housing. Positioning is achieved by the contact between the flange and the side wall. Combined with the fixing structure of the housing, this ensures the stable installation of the fan and the base.

Benefits of technology

It improves the positioning accuracy of the fan relative to the base, prevents damage to electronic components, suppresses abnormal noise and wiring disorder, and promotes the miniaturization of the device.

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Abstract

[Technical Problem] The present invention provides an air supply device that facilitates the positioning of the fan relative to the base when the fan is fixed to the base and offers excellent operability. [Solution] An air supply device comprises: a base (160); first and second fans (240, 260) disposed on the base (160); and a housing (100) having ventilation passages through which air blown from the outlets of the first and second fans passes. The base (160) has transverse protrusions (161) and longitudinal protrusions (162) that limit the position of the first and second fans relative to the housing (100).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an air supply device such as a heater or a blower. Background Technology

[0002] As a warm air fan, for example, the warm air fan described in known Patent Document 1. This technology applies a warm air fan to a cup holder, comprising: a cup-shaped container storage portion 14 for storing beverage containers; an insulating member 16, which is a heat insulation member for storing the container storage portion 14; a Peltier element 18, which abuts against the bottom surface of the container storage portion 14 to heat or cool the container storage portion 14; a radiator 20, which is disposed on the bottom side of the Peltier element 18; and a fan 22 for promoting heat exchange of the radiator 20.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-058837 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem the invention aims to solve As a type of heater fan, there exists a heater fan with multiple fans mounted on a base. The fans have a housing, which is mounted to the base using bolts or similar means, thus fixing the fans to the base. In this configuration, it is desirable to easily position the fans relative to the base.

[0005] Against the above background, the object of the present invention is to provide an air supply device that allows for easy positioning of the fan relative to the base when the fan is fixed to the base, and has excellent workability.

[0006] Solution for solving the problem The present invention is an air supply device comprising: a base; a plurality of fans disposed on the base; and a housing having an air passage through which air blown from the outlets of the plurality of fans passes, the base having a limiting portion that limits the position of the plurality of fans relative to the housing.

[0007] According to the present invention, the fan can be positioned relative to the housing by means of the limiting part, thus providing excellent workability. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the implementation method of the heater fan, viewed from a diagonal front. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the implementation method of the heater fan, viewed from a slightly rearward angle. Figure 4 (A) is a top view of the heater fan of the embodiment. Figure 4 (B) is Figure 4 Sectional view of line AA of (A), Figure 4 (C) is Figure 4 (A) BB line section view; Figure 5 This is a side view of the heater fan in the embodiment; Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the state of the heater fan in the embodiment without the control board and cover attached; Figure 7 (A) is a perspective view showing the heater fan of the embodiment without the cover attached. Figure 7 (B) is Figure 7 An enlarged view of the portion indicated by arrow B in (A); Figure 8 yes Figure 4 Sectional view of EE line in (A); Figure 9 yes Figure 5 FF line section view; Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the housing in the embodiment; Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the cover representing the implementation method; Figure 12 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view along the GG line in the middle; Figure 13 It is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the housing and the cover in the embodiment; Figure 14 (A) is a perspective view of the connector assembly portion of the embodiment, viewed from a diagonal front. Figure 14 (B) is a perspective view of the connector assembly portion of the embodiment as viewed from the oblique rear. Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the connector of the embodiment as seen from the rear side. Detailed Implementation

[0009] 1. Overall Components of a Heater Fan Reference Figures 1-9 The overall structure of the warm air fan (air supply device) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the heater fan 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It was assembled Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the heater fan 1. It should be noted that in the following description, the terms indicating "up" and "down" directions are... Figure 1The vertical direction. In addition, the entries for "front" and "back" and "left" and "right" indicate the direction. Figure 1 The "front direction" recorded in the text is the reference direction, and the "width direction" indicates the left and right directions.

[0010] exist Figure 1 In the attached drawing, reference numeral 100 refers to the housing. A warm air generating unit 200, including a heater (electronic component) 220, a first fan 240, and a second fan 260, is mounted on the housing 100. A control board 350 is mounted on the warm air generating unit 200, separated from it by a substrate platform (plate) 300. The substrate platform 300 is fixed to the housing 100, and a cover 400 is fixed to the housing 100. By fixing the cover 400 to the housing 100, a structure is formed where the cover 400 covers the housing 100. Furthermore, a structure is obtained where the substrate platform (plate) 300, the control board 350, and the heater 220 are accommodated inside the space formed by the cover 400 and the housing 100. Additionally, a connector 500 is detachably mounted on the cover 400.

[0011] In the aforementioned configuration of the warm air fan 1, the first and second fans 240 and 260 are centrifugal fans. Air drawn in from the intake ports 241 and 261 of the first and second fans 240 and 260 exits through the outlet ports 242 and 262 (see reference). Figure 3 The air heated by the heater 220 is blown towards the front of the heater 220. The details of each part will be explained below.

[0012] 2. Shell Figure 10 The housing 100 is shown. The housing 100 is injection molded from resin and therefore has a bottom wall 110, which is composed of a front bottom wall 111 and a rear bottom wall 112. The front bottom wall 111 is generally rectangular in plan view. The rear bottom wall 112 is generally trapezoidal in plan view and has a bottom surface that is one step higher than the front bottom wall 111 by a step 112a.

[0013] The sidewall 120 extends upward from both sides of the bottom wall 110. A portion (hereinafter referred to as the "connecting disc portion") 120a with an increased thickness to the right or left is formed at the center of the sidewall 120 in the front-rear direction. A flange 121 protruding to the right or left is formed at the lower end of the connecting disc portion 120a, and a through hole 121a is formed in the flange 121. A bolt is inserted into the through hole 121a and screwed into the internal thread of a mounting base for a device to which the heater fan 1 is mounted, thereby mounting the heater fan 1 to the device. Furthermore, claws 122 with their horizontal surfaces facing downward are formed at the front and rear ends of the upper end of the sidewall 120.

[0014] A rear wall 130, continuous with the side wall 120, extends upward from both sides of the rear end of the bottom wall 110. An inclined wall 140 extends from the left and right end edges of the rear wall 130 in a forward-opening manner, with its front end edge connecting to the side wall 120. A column 150 extends upward from both sides of the front end of the bottom wall 110. The column 150 has a roughly L-shaped cross-section, with rectangular notches 151 formed at its corners.

[0015] like Figure 9 As shown, the air outlets 242 and 262 of the first and second fans 240 and 260 are arranged in a row at the rear openings between each other on the rear wall 130. The air blown out from the air outlets 242 and 262 flows into the heater 220 through the lateral expansion of the inclined wall 140. The vent 201 is formed by the inclined wall 140, the rear bottom wall 112 and the aforementioned substrate platform 300 (see reference). Figure 4 (C)).

[0016] A base 160 is connected to the rear bottom wall 112. The base 160, when viewed from above, is approximately pentagonal in shape and has a width approximately equal to that of the flange 121. A pair of transverse protrusions 161, a longitudinal protrusion 162, and a second transverse protrusion 163 are formed on the rear bottom wall 112 side of the base 160. The transverse protrusions 161 are approximately U-shaped extending in the left-right direction. The longitudinal protrusions 162 are approximately I-shaped extending in the front-back direction. The second transverse protrusion 163 is a rectangle extending from the lower edge of the rear wall 130 in either the left or right direction.

[0017] A pair of hooks 164 are formed at the pentagonal protrusions of the base 160. Each hook 164 is hook-shaped and has an arm 164a extending towards the center in the width direction. A claw 164b extending forward is formed at the tip of each arm 164a. The claw 164b tapers forward, and a gap is provided between the claw 164b and the forward portion. A pair of through holes 165 are formed in front of the hooks 164. Furthermore, through holes 165 are also formed at both ends of the rear bottom wall 112 side of the base 160.

[0018] 3. Heater like Figure 1 As shown, the heater 220 is configured such that a partition plate 222 separating the upper and lower parts is arranged inside a housing 221 that is open at the front and rear. Heating wires 223 are arranged in the spaces above and below the partition plate 222. Plate-shaped terminals 224 extending upwards are mounted on both sides of the housing 221. The terminals 224 are connected to the heating wires 223 of the heater 220. The heating wires 223 can be used in various products that generate heat when an electric current flows through them. Alternatively, the heating wires 223 can also be plate-shaped.

[0019] The heater 220 is placed on the front bottom wall 111 of the housing 100. At this time, the two side edges of the front end of the housing 221 abut against the notch 151 of the column 150, and the lower edge of the rear end of the housing 221 abuts against the step 112a of the rear bottom wall 112, thus completing the positioning of the heater 220.

[0020] 4. Fan The first fan 240 includes a housing 250. The second fan 260 also includes a housing 270 identical to the housing 250. Therefore, in the following description, for the constituent elements of the second fan 260 that are identical to those of the first fan 240, reference numerals are enclosed in parentheses after the newly recorded reference numerals for the first fan 240. These reference numerals are created by changing the tens digit from 5 to 7. It should be noted that the previously recorded reference numerals are also referred to as reference numerals for the first fan 240 (and reference numerals for the second fan 260).

[0021] like Figure 8 and Figure 4 As shown in (C), the outer casing 250 (270) is composed of a bottom wall 251 (271), a side wall 252 (272), and a top wall 253 (273). It should be noted that in... Figure 8 The description of the portion above the top plate 410 of the cover 400 is omitted. A downwardly projecting flange 251a (271a) is formed on the edge of the bottom wall 251 (271) along the outlet 242 (262). The flange 251a (271a) abuts against the transverse protrusions 161 and 163 of the base 160. In addition, the side wall 252 (272) abuts against the longitudinal protrusions 162 of the base 160. Thus, the positioning of the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 relative to the housing 100 is completed.

[0022] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), an impeller 254 (274) is housed in a housing 250 (270). The impeller 254 (274) has a plurality of blades 255 (275) arranged in an annular portion around an inner space on the side of the shaft center, and exhausts gas from the inner space in a centrifugal direction through the plurality of blades 255 (275) by rotation.

[0023] like Figure 9 As shown, a spiral flow path 250a (270a) is formed on the inner side of the outer casing 250 (270). The flow path 250a (270a) has the following structure: starting from the part where the gap between the impeller 254 (274) and the outer casing 250 (270) is the smallest, and flowing from this starting point along... Figure 9 The cross-sectional area gradually increases as the flow path moves clockwise or counterclockwise. A rectangular blow-out port 242 (262) is formed at the end of the flow path 250a (270a).

[0024] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), a motor 256 (276) is disposed in the housing 250 (270), and an impeller 254 (274) is fixed on the shaft 256a (276a) of the motor 256 (276). When the motor 256 (276) rotates, the impeller 254 (274) rotates. When the impeller 254 (274) rotates, air is drawn in from the intake port 241 (261) and guided to the inside of the impeller 254 (274). This air is blown out centrifugally from the inside of the impeller 254 (274) by the action of the blades 255 (275). The air blown out from the impeller 254 (274) flows toward the outlet 242 (262) in a spiral flow path, and is blown out from the outlet 242 (262) and sent to the heater 220.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, a protrusion 257 (277) is formed at a position approximately linearly symmetrical to the sidewall 252 (272) of the outer casing 250 (270), protruding outward and extending in the vertical direction. The protrusion 257 (277) is the part that fixes the first and second fans 240 and 260 to the base 160, and has a through hole 257a (277a) extending through in the vertical direction. A pin (engaging member) 258 (278) is inserted into the through hole 257a (277a). The pin 258 (278) is composed of the following components: a shaft 258a (278a); a head 258b (278b) formed at the upper end of the shaft 258a (278a) with a diameter larger than that of the shaft 258a (278a); a small diameter portion 258c (278c) formed at the lower end of the shaft 258a (278a) with a diameter smaller than that of the shaft 258a (278a); and a tapered portion 258d (278d) formed at the lower end of the small diameter portion 258c (278c) with a diameter decreasing downward from the portion with a diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion 258c (278c).

[0026] When the small diameter portion 258c (278c) of pin 258 (278) protrudes from the through hole 257a and the cone portion 258d (278d) protrudes from the through hole 165 of base 160, the cone portion 258d (278d) engages with the back of base 160, and the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 are fixed to base 160.

[0027] 5. Substrate stage and control substrate like Figure 1As shown, the substrate platform 300 is a rectangular plate when viewed from above, and it contacts the top surface 221a of the heater 220. The blow-out port of the heater 220 is formed by the substrate platform 300, the front bottom wall 111 of the housing 100, and the pillar 150. Upward-protruding bosses 310 are formed near the four corners of the substrate platform 300. A base 311 with a diameter larger than the boss 310 is formed at the base of the boss 310. Downward-protruding arms 320 are formed at the four corners of the substrate platform 300, and claws 321 protruding forward or backward with the horizontal plane facing upward are formed at the lower ends of the arms 320. On the other hand, a recess for engaging the claws 321 is formed on the rear surface of the pillar 150 of the housing 100 (not shown). Furthermore, a recess for engaging the claws 321 is also formed on the front surface of the rear wall 130 of the housing 100 (not shown). The base plate 300 is fixed to the housing 100 by hooking the claw 321 into the recess (not shown in the figure).

[0028] like Figure 6 As shown, slits 300a are formed at the forward positions of both ends of the substrate 300, and terminals 224 of heater 220 pass through the slits 300a. An upwardly protruding arm 330 is formed behind the slits 300a, and a claw 331 is formed at the upper end of the arm 330, protruding to the left or right with the horizontal plane facing downward. The arm 330 and the claw 331 at its top end constitute an engaging portion that engages with the control substrate 350. In addition, an inclined plate (inclined portion) 390 with an upward slope facing backward is formed at the rear end of the substrate 300. The rear end edge of the inclined plate 390 is opposite to the upper edge (upper edge) of the blow outlets 242 and 262 of the first and second fans 240 and 260. Furthermore, the right front edge of the sidewall 252 of the blow-out port 242 and the front edge of the sidewall 272 of the blow-out port 262 are opposite to the rear wall 130 of the housing 100 (see reference). Figure 9 In this way, the edges of the blowout outlets 242 and 262 are opposite (in contact) to the inclined plate 390 and the rear wall 130, thus suppressing air leakage and backflow, and improving the PQ characteristics of the first fan 240 and the second fan 260.

[0029] like Figure 7 As shown in (B), a sensor support portion (flange) 340 is formed at the center of the front end face of the substrate stage 300. The sensor support portion 340 is composed of a pair of arms 341 protruding forward from the front end face of the substrate stage 300 and a support portion 342 protruding upward from the upper surface of the arms 341. The support portion 342 is composed of a base 342a of a rectangular strip protruding upward from the front end of the upper surface of the substrate stage 300 and an inclined portion 342b mounted on the upper end of the base 342a and the front end of the arms 341. The inclined portion 342b is inclined downward towards the front. A groove 342c is formed in the center of the inclined portion 342b.

[0030] like Figure 7 As shown in (A), a control substrate (substrate) 350 is mounted on a substrate stage 300. The control substrate 350 is made of a rectangular resin plate when viewed from above. Through holes 351 are formed at the four corners of the control substrate 350. The bosses 310 of the substrate stage 300 pass through the through holes 351 to position the control substrate 350, and the control substrate 350 is placed on a base 311. Slits 350a are formed at the front positions of the left and right ends of the control substrate 350, and terminals 224 of heater 220 pass through the slits 350a. The terminals 224 are connected to electronic circuits formed on the control substrate 350. A through hole (engaged portion) 350b, which is rectangular when viewed from above, is formed behind the slits 350a. The arm 330 of the substrate stage 300 passes through the through hole 350b, and the claw 331 engages with the edge of the through hole 350b.

[0031] A wiring 361, with a temperature sensor 360 connected to its end, extends from the upper surface of the control board 350. The wiring 361 extends along the groove 342c of the sensor support portion 340, causing the temperature sensor 360 to hang down in the gap between the arms 341. In other words, the temperature sensor 360 is positioned opposite the heater 220 in the direction of airflow. The temperature sensor 360 measures the temperature of the air blown from the heater 220.

[0032] Multiple (six in this example) wiring lines 370 are led out from the control board 350 to supply drive current to the first and second fans 240 and 260. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the protrusions 257 and 277 of one of the housings 250 and 270 are close to each other, forming a gap 371 between them. The gap 371 is set to be slightly wider than the diameter of the wiring 370. In other words, the width of the gap 371 is the same as or slightly larger than the width of a single wiring 370. The wiring 370 passes through the gap 371 in a neat, longitudinal row, and splits into three upper and three lower lines at the points adjacent to the gap 371. Furthermore, every three wirings 370 are hooked onto the left and right hooks 164 and wound around to the first and second fans 240 and 260, respectively, and connected to the terminals 280 and 290 provided on the first and second fans 240 and 260. In other words, the wiring 370 is fixed with slight relative movement relative to the hooks 164 by hooking into the left and right hooks 164. Multiple wirings 370 may also not supply drive current to the first and second fans 240 and 260. For example, wiring for other devices can also be routed between the first and second fans 240 and 260.

[0033] 6. Cover and connector like Figure 1As shown, the cover 400 generally consists of a top plate 410, a front side plate 420 extending downward from the front and rear edges of the top plate 410, and a rear side plate 430 (see reference). Figure 3 The cover 400 is composed of a right side plate 440 and a left side plate 450 extending downward from the left and right edges of the top plate 410. The front side plate 420 and the rear side plate 430 respectively contact the front and rear end faces of the base plate 300. Thus, the cover 400 is positioned relative to the housing 100 in the front-rear direction.

[0034] A roughly U-shaped notch 421, opening downwards, is formed in the center of the front panel 420, and a sensor cover 422 is formed around the opening of the notch 421. The notch 421 avoids the wiring 361 of the temperature sensor 360, and the sensor cover 422 covers the sensor support 340 of the substrate 300 and the temperature sensor 360 from above to prevent damage to the temperature sensor 360 caused by external forces.

[0035] like Figure 11 As shown, a pair of rectangular openings 430a are formed in the rear panel 430, and a middle plate 431 extending downwards is formed between the openings 430a. A rib (wall) 432 protruding rearwards is formed in the center of the middle plate 431. The rib 432 is inserted between the gaps between the first and second fans 240 and 260 among the multiple wirings 370, and its lower end abuts against the base 160. The middle plate 431 and the rib 432 suppress the airflow from the first and second fans 240 and 260 from flowing rearwards, i.e., against the direction of the airflow from the first and second fans 240 and 260. This structure improves the performance of the heater fan (air supply device) 1. It should be noted that, instead of the rib 432, a wall can also be formed in the base 160 to insert the gaps between the first and second fans 240 and 260. Alternatively, the gaps between the first and second fans 240 and 260 can be filled with resin.

[0036] Rectangular, frame-shaped locking portions 451 extending downward are formed at the front and rear ends of the left side plate 450. The locking portions 451 have openings 451a, and the cover 400 is fixed to the housing 100 by engaging the claws 122 of the housing 100 with the openings 451a. By attaching the cover 400 to the housing 100, the housing 100 is covered by the cover 400. The right side plate 440 also has the same locking portions 441 and openings 441a as described above (see reference). Figure 11 Furthermore, a rectangular notch 452 opening downwards is formed in the center of the left side panel 450. A wiring 380 leading from the control board 350 and connected to the connector 500 is inserted into the notch 452 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0037] like Figure 13As shown, the lower end face of the left side plate 450 abuts against the upper end face of the connecting disc portion 120a of the side wall 120 of the housing 100. Furthermore, the inward-facing surface of the left side plate 450 abuts against the side wall 120. Thus, in this embodiment, the left side plate 450 extends to a position lower than the upper end face of the side wall 120. This configuration also applies to the right side plate 440. This completes the left-right positioning of the cover 400 relative to the housing 100.

[0038] like Figure 14 As shown, a connector mounting portion 460 is integrally formed on the top plate 410 of the cover 400. The connector mounting portion 460 has a pair of feet 461 that connect to the top plate 410. Ribs 461a are provided between the feet 461. A flange 462 protruding in a forward-backward direction is formed on the upper side of the feet 461, and a connecting portion 462a is provided between the flanges 462. In addition, a recess 463 is formed between the flanges 462.

[0039] Figure 15 The connector 500 is shown. The connector 500 has a plug connection portion 510 and a housing connection portion 520. A plug for connecting to an external power source is inserted into the plug connection portion 510 and connects to a built-in plug contact. A wiring 380 is connected to the portion of the housing connection portion 520 that is in contact with the plug contact. The housing connection portion 520 has a configuration for mounting the connector 500 to the connector mounting portion 460.

[0040] A groove 521, opening at the end face of the cover joint 520, is formed at the center of the back side of the cover joint 520. A tongue (support member) 522 is formed on the sealing end wall of the groove 521, extending into the groove 521. The surface of the tongue 522 on the groove 521 side is an inclined surface 522a. Therefore, the tongue 522 can elastically deform by rotating towards the groove 521 side. Furthermore, a surface on the opposite side of the tongue 522 from the groove 521 is formed such that the vertical surface faces to the right (in... Figure 15 Claw 523 (left side in the middle).

[0041] In the front and rear directions of slot 521 (in Figure 15The connector 500 has downward-extending walls 524 on both sides (in the vertical direction). A pair of flanges (first flanges) 525 protruding towards each other are formed at the edges of the walls 524. A U-shaped engaging portion 525a is formed on the back of the connector 520 via the flanges 525, the walls 524, and the mounting portion 520. When the flange 462 of the connector mounting portion 460 is inserted into the engaging portion 525a, causing the connector 500 to slide relative to the connector mounting portion 460, the claw 523 is pressed by the connecting portion 462a, and the tongue 522 elastically deforms towards the groove 521. When the claw 523 exceeds the connecting portion 462a, the tongue 522 elastically returns to its original position, and the claw 523 engages with the edge of the connecting portion 462a. Thus, the connector 500 is fixed to the connector mounting portion 460.

[0042] In the aforementioned configuration of the heater fan 1, a transverse protrusion 161 and a longitudinal protrusion 162 are formed on the base 160, such that the flanges 251a and 271a of the first and second fans 240 and 260 abut against the transverse protrusion 161, and the sidewalls 252 and 272 abut against the longitudinal protrusion 162, thus completing the positioning of the first and second fans 240 and 260 relative to the housing 100. Therefore, the heater fan 1 exhibits excellent workability during assembly.

[0043] In particular, in the above embodiment, the transverse protrusion 161 and the longitudinal protrusion 162 are opposite to the bottom walls 251 and 271 of the first and second fans 240 and 260, so they can be easily positioned simply by placing the first and second fans 240 and 260 on the base 160 and moving them slightly forward, backward and left and right.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a substrate stage 300 is disposed between the heater 220 and the control board 350, thereby preventing damage to the control board 350 and the electronic components mounted on the control board 350 caused by the heat emitted by the heater 220, which is an electronic component.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the terminal 224 of the heater 220 passes through the slit 350a of the control substrate 350 and is connected to the electronic circuit formed on the control substrate 350, thereby preventing poor bonding with the control substrate 350 caused by the offset of the terminal 224.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the temperature sensor 360 is supported by the sensor support 340 and hangs down in front of the heater 220, thus preventing the temperature sensor 360 from shifting position and accurately detecting the temperature of the blown air.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the arm 320 formed on the substrate stage 300 is inserted into the through hole 350b formed on the control substrate 350, so that the claw 321 engages with the edge of the through hole 350b. Therefore, the control substrate 350 can be mounted on the substrate stage 300 with a single touch, improving workability.

[0048] In the heater fan 1 configured as described above, the movement of multiple wirings 370 is restricted by the gaps 371 between the housings 250 and 270 of the first and second fans 240 and 260. Therefore, even if the heater fan 1 is mounted on a vehicle or similar object and subjected to shaking or vibration, the wirings 370 will not move erratically, suppressing the generation of abnormal noise. Furthermore, the disorder and misalignment of the wirings 370 are suppressed.

[0049] In particular, in the above embodiment, the wiring 370 is hooked on the hook 164 at the part adjacent to the gap 371, which can further suppress the movement of the wiring 370 and effectively suppress the generation of abnormal sounds.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the wiring 370 is arranged neatly in a vertical column in the gap 371 between the housings 250 and 270. Therefore, the movement of the wiring 370 in the gap 371 can be restricted, and the movement of the wiring 370 from the control board 350 to the gap 371 can also be restricted. Moreover, the wiring can be arranged in a narrow space, thus contributing to the miniaturization of the overall device.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the gap 371 is formed by using protrusions 257 and 277 for fixing the first and second fans 240 and 260 to the base 160, so no special parts or components are required, and manufacturing costs can be suppressed.

[0052] Generally, in an air supply device, the fan and control circuit are connected via wiring. When the air supply device is mounted on a conveyor system such as a car, the swaying and vibration of the conveyor system are transmitted to the air supply device, and tangled wiring may cause abnormal noise. According to the above-described implementation, fixing the wiring can prevent the generation of abnormal noise.

[0053] 7. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made as described below.

[0054] (a) The limiting member is not limited to protrusions such as transverse protrusion 161 and longitudinal protrusion 162, but may form a recess on the base 160 and a protrusion abutting against the recess on the bottom wall 251, 271 of the outer shell 250, 270.

[0055] (b) The present invention can be configured as a blower fan without heater 220. Alternatively, an air purifier, a sound generating device, a noise cancellation device, a light generating device, a vibration generating device, etc., may be provided. These may also be mounted together with heater 220.

[0056] (c) There may be more than three fans.

[0057] (d) Wiring 370 can also be accommodated and fixed in the slots and recesses provided in the base 160, the first fan 240 and the second fan 260.

[0058] 8. Disclosures in the instruction manual The heater fan 1 includes: a base 160; a plurality of fans, namely a first fan 240 and a second fan 260, disposed on the base 160; and a housing 100 having a ventilation passage 201 through which air blown from the outlets 242 and 262 of the plurality of fans passes. The base 160 has limiting portions, namely a transverse protrusion 161 and a longitudinal protrusion 162, constituting limiting portions restricting the positions of the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 relative to the housing 100. The transverse protrusion 161 and the longitudinal protrusion 162 are located opposite to the bottom walls 251 and 271 of the first and second fans 240 and 260. The first fan 240, the second fan 260, and the transverse protrusion 161 and the longitudinal protrusion 162 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the opening direction of the outlets 242 and 262.

[0059] The outer casings 250 and 270 of the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 have portions fixed to the base 160. A cover 400 is provided to cover the casing 100, and the cover 400 has a wall, i.e., a rib 432, that separates the first fan 240 and the second fan 260. Alternatively, instead of the rib 432, a structure could be formed in the base 160 that separates the first and second fans 240 and 260.

[0060] A heater 220 is provided in the ventilation passage 201. A control board 350, serving as a substrate, is provided in the housing, i.e., the housing 100. A substrate platform 300, serving as a plate, is provided between the heater 220 and the control board 350. The substrate platform 300 has an arm 330 extending toward the control board 350. The arm 330 has a claw 331 at its top end, forming an engagement portion that engages with the control board 350. The claw 331 engages with the engagement portion of the control board 350, i.e., the through hole 350b. The heater 220 has a terminal 224 extending toward the control board 350, and the terminal 224 passes through the substrate platform 300, serving as a plate, and is electrically connected to the control board 350.

[0061] The substrate 300 has a sensor support 340 formed by a flange protruding in the direction of air blowing from the heater 220 to the heater 220. A temperature sensor 360 is connected to the control substrate 350. The temperature sensor 360 is suspended in front of the heater 220 by wiring 361 along the sensor support 340.

[0062] The substrate platform 300 has an inclined plate (inclined portion) 390 that is inclined at an upward slope toward the blow-outlets 242 and 262, and the inclined plate 390 is opposite to the upper edge of the blow-outlets 242 and 262. The housing 100 has a side wall 120, and the rear wall 130 of the side wall 120 on the side of the blow-outlets 242 and 262 is opposite to the right front edge of the side wall 252 of the blow-outlet 242 and the left front edge of the side wall 272 of the blow-outlet 262. The bottom walls 251 and 271 of the outer shells 250 and 270, which are continuous with the blow-outlets 242 and 262, have flanges 251a and 271a that protrude toward one side of the base 160, and the flanges 251a and 271a are opposite to the transverse protrusions 161 and longitudinal protrusions 162, which are limiting members, in the direction of the opening of the blow-outlets 242 and 262. The limiting part includes: a longitudinal protrusion 162 extending in the direction of the opening of the blow outlets 242 and 262; and a transverse protrusion 161 extending in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the opening of the blow outlets 242 and 262.

[0063] The system includes multiple wirings 370 that connect the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 to the control board 350, with the wirings 370 passing through a gap 371 between the first fan 240 and the second fan 260. A heater 220, serving as an electronic component, is electrically connected to the control board 350. The heater 220 is disposed opposite to air outlets 242 and 262. A cover 400 covers the housing 100, and the cover 400 has a wall, i.e., a rib 432, located between the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 and between the multiple wirings 370. A similar wall may also be provided on the base 160. The base 160 has hooks 164 for securing the multiple wirings. The housing 100 includes the heater 220 and the control board 350, which serve as electronic components, and has an air outlet for expelling warm air from the heater 220.

[0064] Multiple wires 370 are hooked onto a portion of the base 160 at their exit points between the first fan 240 and the second fan 260, and are wound around designated locations on the first fan 240 and the second fan 260. Hooks 164, located on a portion of the base 160, are used to hook the multiple wires 370. The first fan 240 and the second fan 260 have housings 250 and 270, which have protrusions 257 and 277 projecting toward adjacent fans. The multiple wires 370 are held by the adjacent protrusions 257 and 277. The gap between the adjacent protrusions 257 and 277 is wide enough to accommodate only one wire constituting the multiple wires 370, and the multiple wires 370 are neatly arranged in a longitudinal row within the gap between the adjacent protrusions 257 and 277. The protrusions 257 and 277 are provided with through holes 257a and 277a that extend through the rotation axis of the first fan 240 and the second fan 260. By engaging the engaging members, i.e., pins 258 and 278, inserted into the through holes 257a and 277a with the through holes 165 of the base 160, the first fan 240 and the second fan 260 are fixed to the base 160.

[0065] Industrial availability This invention can be used in the air supply devices of blower fans, heater fans, or air conditioners.

[0066] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1: Warm air fan (air supply device); 100: Housing; 110: Bottom wall; 111: Front bottom wall; 112: Rear bottom wall; 112a: Step; 120: Side wall; 120a: Connecting disc; 121: Flange; 121a: Through hole; 122: Claw; 130: Rear wall; 140: Sloping wall; 150: Column; 151: Notch; 160: Base; 161: Transverse protrusion (restricting member); 162: Longitudinal protrusion (restricting member); 163: Second transverse protrusion; 164a: Arm; 164b: Claw; 164: Hook; 165: Through hole; 200: Warm air generating part; 201: Ventilation passage; 220: Heater; 221: Housing; 222 223: Heating wire; 224: Terminal; 240: First fan; 241, 261: Inlet; 242, 262: Outlet; 250, 270: Housing; 250a, 270a: Flow path; 251, 271: Bottom wall; 252, 272: Side wall; 253, 273: Top wall; 251a, 271a: Flange; 254, 274: Impeller; 255, 275: Blade; 256, 276: Motor; 256a, 276a: Shaft; 257, 277: Protrusion; 257a, 277a: Through hole; 258, 278: Pin; 258a, 278a: Shaft; 258b, 278b: Head Part; 258c, 258c: Small diameter part; 258d, 258d: Conical part; 260: Second fan; 270: Housing; 300: Substrate platform; 310: Boss; 320: Arm; 321: Claw; 300a: Slit; 330: Arm; 331: Claw; 340: Sensor support part; 341: Arm; 342: Support part; 342a: Base; 342b: Inclined part; 342c: Slot; 350: Control substrate; 350a: Slit; 350b: Through hole; 360: Temperature sensor; 361: Wiring; 342c: Slot; 370, 380: Wiring; 390: Inclined plate (inclined part); 400: Cover; 410: Top plate ; 420: Front side plate; 421: Notch; 422: Sensor cover; 430: Rear side plate; 431: Middle plate; 432: Rib; 440: Right side plate; 441: Locking part; 441a: Opening; 450: Left side plate; 451: Locking part; 451a: Opening; 452: Notch; 460: Connector assembly part; 461: Foot; 461a: Rib; 462: Flange; 462a: Connecting part; 463: Recess; 500: Connector; 510: Plug connection part; 520: Cover assembly part; 521: Groove; 522: Tongue; 522a: Inclined surface; 523: Claw; 524: Wall; 525: Flange; 525a: Engaging part.

Claims

1. An air supply device, comprising: Base; Multiple fans are provided on the base; and The housing has a ventilation path through which air blown from the outlets of the plurality of fans passes. The base has a limiting portion that restricts the position of the plurality of fans relative to the housing.

2. The air supply device according to claim 1, wherein, The limiting part is positioned opposite the fan.

3. The air supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The limiting part has multiple limiting components. The plurality of fans and the plurality of limiting members are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the air outlet opening.

4. The air supply device according to claim 3, wherein, The fan housing has a portion that is fixed to the base.

5. The air supply device according to claim 1, wherein, The air supply device includes a cover that covers the housing. The enclosure is provided with walls that separate the plurality of fans.

6. The air supply device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing is provided with walls that separate the plurality of fans.

7. The air supply device according to claim 1, wherein, A heater is provided in the ventilation path.

8. The air supply device according to claim 7, wherein, The air supply device includes a base plate disposed on the housing. A plate is disposed between the heater and the substrate.

9. The air supply device according to claim 8, wherein, The plate has a locking portion facing the substrate. The engaging portion engages with the engaging portion of the substrate.

10. The air supply device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The heater has terminals facing the substrate. The terminal passes through the plate and is electrically connected to the substrate.

11. The air supply device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The plate has a flange that protrudes from the heater in the direction of the air blown out by the heater. A temperature sensor is connected to the substrate. The temperature sensor is suspended in front of the heater via its wiring along the flange.

12. The air supply device according to claim 8, wherein, The plate has an inclined portion that is inclined at an upward slope toward the blowout. The inclined portion is opposite to the upper edge of the air outlet of the plurality of fans.

13. The air supply device according to claim 12, wherein, The housing has a sidewall, the edge of which on the outlet side faces the side edge of one end and the side edge of the other end of the plurality of outlets of the plurality of fans.

14. The air supply device according to claim 4, wherein, The bottom wall of the housing, which is continuous with the blow-out port, has a flange that projects toward the base side, and the flange is opposite to the plurality of limiting members in the direction of the blow-out port opening.

15. The air supply device according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of limiting members include limiting members extending in the direction of the blow-out opening and limiting members extending in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the blow-out opening.

16. The air supply device according to claim 1, wherein, The air supply device includes multiple wirings that electrically connect the plurality of fans to the base plate. The multiple wirings pass through the gaps between the multiple fans.

17. The air supply device according to claim 16, wherein Electronic components are electrically connected to the substrate.

18. The air supply device according to claim 17, wherein, The electronic component is configured opposite to the blow-out port.

19. The air supply device according to claim 18, wherein, The air supply device includes a cover that covers the housing. The cover or the base is provided with a wall located between the plurality of fans and between the plurality of wirings.

20. The air supply device according to claim 19, wherein, The base has a portion for fixing the plurality of wirings.

21. The air supply device according to claim 17, wherein, The base has a housing on which the electronic components and the substrate are disposed. The housing has a blow-out port. A plate is disposed between the heater, which is the electronic component, and the substrate.

22. The air supply device according to claim 21, wherein, The plate has a locking portion facing the substrate. The engaging portion engages with the engaging portion of the substrate.

23. The air supply device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein, The heater has terminals facing the substrate. The terminal passes through the plate and is electrically connected to the substrate.

24. The air supply device according to claim 21, wherein, The plate has a flange that protrudes from the heater in the direction of the air blown out by the heater. A temperature sensor is connected to the substrate. The temperature sensor is suspended in front of the heater via its wiring along the flange.

25. The air supply device according to claim 21, wherein, The plate has an inclined portion that is inclined at an upward slope toward the blowout. The inclined portion is opposite to the upper edge of the air outlet of the plurality of fans.

26. The air supply device according to claim 20, wherein, The wiring, which emerges from between the plurality of fans, is hung on a portion of the base and wound around to the designated locations of each of the plurality of fans.

27. The air supply device according to claim 26, wherein, A portion of the base is a hook-shaped hook.

28. The air supply device according to claim 16 or 18, wherein, The plurality of fans have housings with protrusions projecting toward adjacent fans, and the plurality of wirings are held by the adjacent protrusions.

29. The air supply device according to claim 28, wherein, The gap between the adjacent protrusions has a width that can accommodate only one of the wires, and the plurality of wires are neatly arranged in a longitudinal column in the gap.

30. The air supply device according to claim 29, wherein, The protrusion has a through hole extending through the fan in the direction of the fan's rotation axis. The fan is fixed to the base by engaging a locking member inserted into the through hole with the through hole of the base.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Cup holder

    JP2015058837A