fan

Abstract

A blower has a housing (10B) with an inlet hole (12a) that is open on one side in an axial direction. The axial direction is defined by an axis (S) extending along the length of the housing. A centrifugal fan (40) is accommodated within the housing. The centrifugal fan has blades (41) arranged circumferentially around the axis. Each pair of adjacent blades defines an airflow path (41a) between them. The blades rotate in one direction around the axis, drawing air from one side through the inlet hole into the airflow path and expelling it radially outwards with respect to the axis. Additionally, at least one guide (50) is provided, which has a guide surface (51) that directs the air into the airflow path. This causes the air to swirl in the direction of rotation as it is drawn into the airflow path of the centrifugal fan.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION

[0001] This application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2023-017709, which was filed on February 8, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present revelation relates to a blower. BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventionally, blowers consist of a housing with an inlet hole open on one side in an axial direction, and a centrifugal fan located inside the housing. This fan has multiple blades arranged circumferentially around an axis (see, for example, patent document 1). As the centrifugal fan rotates around the axis, it draws air into the housing through the inlet hole on one axial side, guiding / directing / drawing the air between adjacent blades. The fan then expels this drawn-in air radially outward as it continues to rotate around the axis. DOCUMENTS ON THE STATE OF TECHNOLOGY PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0004] Patent Document 1: JP 2015-105575 A SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In the blower described in patent document 1, when the centrifugal fan rotates, it draws air into the housing through the inlet hole on one axial side, directing / guiding / drawing the air between adjacent blades from the multiple blades and then expelling this drawn-in air radially outwards.

[0006] However, as described above, the direction of airflow, which is drawn in between adjacent blades from the multiple blades through the inlet hole on one axial side, and the direction of airflow, which is expelled radially outwards between adjacent blades from the multiple blades, differ significantly.

[0007] Therefore, according to studies by the inventors, as described above, when air flows / passes through the inlet hole from an axial side and flows between adjacent blades from the multiple blades, turbulence occurs in the airflow, which can cause noise.

[0008] One purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a blower designed in such a way as to reduce noise generation.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a blower has a housing with an inlet hole that is open on one side in the axial direction. The axial direction is defined by an axis extending along a length of the housing. A centrifugal fan is accommodated within the housing. The centrifugal fan has blades arranged circumferentially around the axis. Each pair of adjacent blades defines an airflow path between them. The blades rotate in one direction around the axis, drawing air from one side through the inlet hole into the airflow path and expelling it radially outward with respect to the axis. Additionally, at least one guide is provided, having a surface that directs the air into the airflow path. This causes the air to swirl in the direction of rotation as it is drawn into the airflow path of the centrifugal fan.

[0010] According to the above point, by providing one or more guides, a main direction of the air drawn into the airflow path can be aligned (coincide) with a main direction of the airflow passing through the airflow path.

[0011] As a result, the air guided by at least one duct is drawn evenly into the airflow path. Consequently, abnormal noises that occur when air is drawn into the airflow path can be reduced.

[0012] The reference numerals in parentheses appended to the components and the like indicate an example of a correspondence between the components and the like and specific components and the like in an embodiment described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a sectional view of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a first embodiment, and is a diagram to illustrate an arrangement relationship between pre-swirl guides (pre-swirl guides) and an air guide housing as well as a swirl flow (swirl flow) caused by the pre-swirl guides. Fig. 2 is a sectional view along a line II-II in Fig. 1 of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the first embodiment and is a diagram to illustrate a positional relationship of the pre-swirl guides, vanes and a hole formation section that form the vehicle air conditioning device. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle air conditioning device according to a second embodiment and is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship of pre-swirl guides, vanes and a hole formation section and corresponds to the one in Fig. 2 shown section view. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a third embodiment, and is a sectional view to explain an arrangement relationship between pre-swirl guides and an air guide housing, corresponding to Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a fourth embodiment, and is a sectional view to explain an arrangement relationship between pre-swirl guides and an air guide housing, corresponding to Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a fifth embodiment, and is a sectional view to explain an arrangement relationship between pre-swirl guides and an air guide housing, corresponding to Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle air conditioning device according to a sixth embodiment and is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship of pre-swirl guides, vanes and a hole formation section and corresponds to the one in Fig. 2. Diagram shown. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle air conditioning device according to a seventh embodiment and is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship of pre-swirl guides, vanes and a hole formation section and corresponds to the one in Fig. 2. Diagram shown. Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a sectional view of a vehicle air conditioning device according to an eighth embodiment, and is a diagram to illustrate an arrangement relationship of pre-swirl guides and an inlet hole formation section as well as a swirl flow (turbulence flow) caused by the pre-swirl guides. Fig. 10 is a sectional view along a line XX in Fig. Figure 9 of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the eighth embodiment and is a sectional view to illustrate a positional relationship of a guide unit, the pre-swirl guides and a ring section. Fig. Figure 11 is a sectional view of a ceiling of a spiral housing (scroll housing) in the vehicle air conditioning device according to the eighth embodiment, which is cut along a virtual plane having an axis, and is a diagram to illustrate a positional relationship of the pre-swirl guides of the guide unit and the ring section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following are embodiments of the present disclosure described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, identical or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and explanations of these identical reference numerals are given to simplify the description. First embodiment

[0014] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows an interior air conditioning unit 1 of a vehicle air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. The interior air conditioning unit 1 of the present embodiment is installed in a vehicle interior, wherein the interior air conditioning unit draws in air either from inside or outside the vehicle interior, sets a temperature of an intake air and then discharges the set air into the vehicle interior.

[0015] In particular, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the indoor air conditioning unit 1 of the present embodiment comprising an air guide housing 10A, a spiral housing (scroll housing) 10B, a filter 20, a heat exchanger 30, a multi-blade fan 40 and pre-swirl guides (pre-turbulence guides) 50.

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 is a sectional view of the air guide housing 10A, cut along a plane orthogonal to an axis S, and Fig. 2 is a sectional view along a line II-II in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2 is the axis S a rotational centerline of the multi-blade fan 40 and is an axial direction Za a direction in which the axis S extends.

[0017] The air guide housing 10A, for example, is made of a resin material or a metal material and defines an airflow path 11 that allows air to flow in the axial direction Za from one side to the other. The airflow path 11 is an air passage that directs interior or exterior air from the vehicle to an inlet hole 12a of the spiral housing 10B.

[0018] The filter 20 is positioned inside the air guide housing 10A and filters the air flowing through the airflow path 11.

[0019] The heat exchanger 30 is a cooling heat exchanger that is positioned inside the air guide housing 10A and cools the air in the airflow path 11 by exchanging heat between the air that has passed through the filter 20 and a refrigerant.

[0020] Additionally, the heat exchanger 30 can also be a heating heat exchanger, warming / heating the air by exchanging heat between the air in the airflow path 11, which has passed through the filter 20, and the refrigerant. The heat exchanger 30 can be used as both a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger.

[0021] The spiral housing 10B is positioned on the opposite side in the axial direction Za relative to the air guide housing 10A. The spiral housing 10B is made, for example, of a resin material or a metal material. A multi-blade fan 40 is housed in the spiral housing 10B.

[0022] The spiral housing 10B has a cover 12 designed to cover the multi-blade fan 40 from one side in the axial direction Za. The cover 12 has the inlet hole 12a, which is open on one side in the axial direction Za.

[0023] The inlet hole 12a is a ventilation passage that directs the airflow from the airflow path 11 of the air guide housing 10A to the multi-blade fan 40 within the spiral housing 10B. In this embodiment, the inlet hole 12a is circular and centered around the axis S. An inlet hole section 13 of the cover 12, which forms the inlet hole 12a, creates a funnel opening.

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the funnel opening is formed in an arc-shaped form, which is convex on one side in the axial direction Za when viewed in a sectional view cut along a virtual plane encompassing the axis S. The funnel opening is provided around the entire circumference, the center of which lies on the axis S.

[0025] The funnel opening plays a role in the uniform guidance of air in the airflow path 11 of the air guide housing 10A from the outer side in a radial direction Ka with respect to the axis S (that is, a radially outer side) to the other side in the axial direction Za.

[0026] The spiral housing 10B has a blow port 14 for releasing air that is blown out by the multi-blade fan 40.

[0027] The multi-blade fan 40 forms a centrifugal fan which, by rotating on one side in the radial direction Ra around the axis S, blows air outwards in the radial direction Ka with respect to the axis S, which has flowed in from one side in the axial direction Za through the inlet hole 12a.

[0028] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the multi-blade fan 40 of the present embodiment is a turbo fan comprising blades 41, a main plate 42 and a ring 43.

[0029] The blades 41 are arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction whose center lies on the axis S. Each of the blades 41 is designed such that it advances from an outer side to an inner side in the radial direction Ka, whose center lies on the axis S, and from one side in the radial direction Ra.

[0030] An airflow path 41a is provided between each pair of adjacent blades 41. This airflow path 41a blows the air flowing through the inlet hole 12a of the spiral casing 10B outwards by means of a centrifugal force in the radial direction Ka with respect to the axis S.

[0031] The main plate 42 is positioned on the opposite side in the axial direction Za relative to the blades 41. The main plate 42 is disk-shaped, with its center lying on the axis S. The main plate 42 supports the blades 41 from the opposite side in the axial direction Za.

[0032] The ring 43 is positioned on one side in the axial direction Za relative to the blades 41. The ring 43 is formed in a ring shape, the center of which lies on the axis S. The ring 43 supports the blades 41 from one side in the axial direction Za.

[0033] The blades 41, the main plate 42, and the ring 43 are, for example, made of a resin material or a metal material. The multi-blade fan 40 of the present embodiment is designed to be driven by an electric motor (not shown) so that it can rotate in a direction Ra about the axis S.

[0034] Each of the pre-swirl guides 50 directs the air drawn into the airflow path 41a of the multi-blade fan 40, so that the air is drawn into the airflow path 41a of the multi-blade fan 40 while being swirled in the direction of rotation Ra (gaining a swirl).

[0035] An outer area in the radial direction Ka around the respective axes S of the pre-swirl guides 50 is positioned on one side in the axial direction Za relative to the cover 12 of the spiral housing 10B. That is, the outer area of ​​the pre-swirl guides 50 is positioned outside the inlet hole 12a of the spiral housing 10B.

[0036] An inner area in the radial direction Ka around the respective axes S of the pre-swirl guides 50 is positioned radially inwards (that is, in the radial direction inwards) relative to the inlet hole 12a of the spiral housing 10B.

[0037] The pre-swirl guides 50 are each arranged circumferentially around the axes S. In particular, the pre-swirl guides 50 are arranged at equal intervals around the axes S. The pre-swirl guides 50 are each designed such that they extend from an outer side to an inner side in the radial direction Ka around the axes S relative to the inlet hole 12a.

[0038] The pre-swirl guides 50 are each designed to project from the cover 12 and the inlet hole formation section 13. The pre-swirl guides 50 are each supported by the cover 12 and the inlet hole formation section 13.

[0039] The pre-swirl guides 50 are each designed such that they extend on the opposite side Rb in one direction of rotation when they move from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction Ka about the axes S. The opposite side Rb in the direction of rotation is a side Ra opposite to the direction of rotation, which is in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0040] The pre-swirl guides 50 each have side surfaces 51 and 52. The side surface 51 is a first guide surface, which is formed on one side Ra in the direction of rotation of each of the pre-swirl guides 50.

[0041] The side surface 52 is a second guide surface formed on the opposite side Rb in the direction of rotation of each of the pre-spindle guides 50. The side surfaces 51 and 52 are each designed such that they extend on the opposite side Rb in a direction of rotation when they move from the inner to the outer side in the radial direction Ka about the axes S.

[0042] The pre-swirl guides 50 are each designed as a thin plate with a distance between the side surfaces 51 and 52 equal to the thickness. Intermediate guide flow paths 53 are provided between each pair of adjacent pre-swirl guides 50.

[0043] The side surfaces 51 and 52 of each of the pre-swirl guides 50 are guide surfaces that direct the air flowing through the intermediate guide flow paths 53 in such a way that the air passing through the inlet hole 12a is drawn into the air flow paths 41a of the multi-blade fan 40, while on one side it is swirled Ra in the direction of rotation.

[0044] For the sake of simplicity, in each of the pre-swirl guides 50, an area positioned radially inside Ka around the axis S with respect to the inlet hole formation section 13 is referred to below as the inner guide areas 50A.

[0045] Here's how in Fig. 2 shown, the other end 50a in the axial direction Za of each of the inner guide areas 50A is provided at the same position in the axial direction Za as the other end 13a in the axial direction Za of the inlet hole formation section 13.

[0046] The other end 50a in the axial direction Za of each of the inner guide areas 50A is positioned on one side Za in the axial direction with respect to a ceiling surface 12c of the ceiling 12 of the spiral casing 10B, which is arranged on the other side Za in the axial direction.

[0047] The other end (training section end) 13a of the inlet hole training section 13 is configured such that it surrounds the inlet hole end 12b, which is positioned furthest away on the other side Za in the axial direction from the inlet hole 12a (that is, the one furthest away on the other side in the axial direction). Each of the pre-swirl guides 50 of the present embodiment is, for example, made of a resin material or a metal material.

[0048] In particular, each of the pre-swirl guides 50 forms a one-piece component integrated with the spiral housing 10B. Each of the pre-swirl guides 50 is designed as a separate component from the spiral housing 10B. In the present embodiment, the spiral housing 10B, the multi-blade fan 40, and the pre-swirl guides 50 form a blower in the indoor air conditioning unit 1.

[0049] The operation of the indoor air conditioning unit 1 of the present embodiment is described below.

[0050] First, the multi-blade fan 40 is driven by an electric motor to rotate in a direction Ra around the axis S. As a result, an airflow is generated in the airflow path 11 of the air guide housing 10A, which flows from one side to the other in the axial direction Za, as if through a Fig. The arrow F shown in 2 indicates this.

[0051] At this point, the air in the airflow path 11 is filtered by the filter 20 as it passes through it. The air filtered by the filter 20 is cooled by the refrigerant as it passes through the heat exchanger 30.

[0052] The cooled air is guided through the side surfaces 51 and 52 of each of the pre-swirl guides 50 when it passes through the intermediate guide flow paths 53 between two adjacent pre-swirl guides 50.

[0053] As a result, the air that has passed through the intermediate guide flow paths 53 swirls in a direction of rotation Ra, as indicated by an arrow Q in Fig. 1 is displayed, and is drawn through the inlet hole 12a into the airflow paths 41a of the multi-blade fan 40.

[0054] This means that the air that has passed through the intermediate guide flow paths 53 passes through the inlet hole 12a in a swirling flow and is drawn evenly into the air flow paths 41a of the multi-blade fan 40.

[0055] The air drawn into each of these airflow paths 41a rotates in a direction of rotation Ra and is expelled outwards by the centrifugal force in the radial direction Ka, whose center lies on the axis S.

[0056] The air expelled by these multi-blade fans 40 is captured (collected) by the spiral housing 10B and expelled from the blower port 14, as if by a Fig. The arrow R shown in 1 indicates this.

[0057] According to the present embodiment described above, the indoor air conditioning unit 1 has the spiral housing 10B which has the inlet hole 12a which is open on one side in the axial direction Za, wherein a direction extending along the axis S is defined as the axial direction Za.

[0058] The multi-blade fan 40 is a centrifugal fan in which the blades 41 rotate in a direction of rotation Ra around the axis S, drawing in air through the inlet hole 12a from one side in the axial direction Za and expelling it outwards in the radial direction Ka with respect to the axis S.

[0059] The blades 41 are housed within the spiral casing 10B and arranged circumferentially around the axis S. The airflow paths 41a are formed between each pair of adjacent blades 41.

[0060] The indoor air conditioning unit 1 has the pre-turbulence guides (pre-swirl guides) 50. The side surfaces 51 and 52 of each of the pre-turbulence guides 50 guide the air drawn into the airflow paths 41a in such a way that the air is swirled in a direction of rotation Ra (gains a swirl) while being drawn into the airflow paths 41a.

[0061] By providing the pre-turbulence guides 50, the main flow direction of the airflow drawn into the airflow paths 41a can therefore be aligned more precisely with (match the main flow direction of the airflow flowing through the airflow paths 41a).

[0062] As a result, the airflow that has passed through the inlet hole 12a is drawn evenly into the airflow paths 41a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of abnormal noises when the air that has passed through the inlet hole 12a is drawn into the airflow paths 41a.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the other end 50a of each of the inner guide areas 50A is provided in the axial direction Za at the same position as the other end 13a on the other side in the axial direction Za of the inlet hole formation section 13.

[0064] Therefore, the pre-turbulence guides 50 are able to effectively guide the air passing through each of the intermediate guide flow paths 53, so that the side surfaces 51 and 52 cause the air to swirl in a direction of rotation Ra (to receive a swirl). Second embodiment

[0065] In the foregoing first embodiment, an example was described in which the other end 50a in the axial direction Za of each of the inner guide areas 50A is provided at the same position in the axial direction Za as the other end 13a in the axial direction Za of the inlet hole formation section 13.

[0066] Instead, however, in a second embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the other end 50a is arranged in the axial direction Za of each of the inner guide areas 50A on the other side in the axial direction Za relative to the other end 13a in the axial direction Za of the inlet hole formation section 13.

[0067] The other end 13a of the inlet hole formation section 13 is configured such that it surrounds an inlet hole end 12b which is positioned furthest away on the other side in the axial direction Za of the inlet hole 12a, as described above. Fig. 3 denote the same reference symbols as in Fig. 2 the same components, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0068] The other end 50a of each of the inner guide areas 50A is positioned on the other side in the axial direction Za with respect to the ceiling surface 12c of the ceiling 12 of the spiral casing 10B, which is arranged on the other side in the axial direction Za.

[0069] The other end 13a of the inlet hole formation section 13 is positioned on the other side in the axial direction Za relative to the ceiling surface 12c.

[0070] According to the present embodiment described above, the other end 50a of each of the inner guide areas 50A is positioned in the axial direction Za on the other side in the axial direction Za relative to the other end 13a on the other side in the axial direction Za of the inlet hole formation section 13, as described above.

[0071] Therefore, in comparison to the first embodiment, the other end 50a of each of the inner guide areas 50A can be positioned closer (closer) to the airflow paths 41a of the multi-blade fan 40 in the axial direction Za.

[0072] In comparison to the first embodiment, the side surfaces 51 and 52 are therefore able to guide the air more effectively into the airflow paths 41a of the multi-blade fan 40, while causing the air to be swirled in a direction of rotation Ra (to receive a swirl) when it is drawn into the airflow paths 41a. Third embodiment

[0073] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the pre-turbulence guides 50 are formed in a thin plate form.

[0074] Instead, however, a third embodiment, in which the pre-swirl guides (pre-swirl guides) 50 are each formed in a curved shape that is convex in a direction of rotation Ra, is described with reference to Fig. 4 described. Fig. 4 denote the same reference symbols as in Fig. 1. The same components, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0075] The pre-turbulence guides 50 of the present embodiment each have side surfaces 51 and 52. The side surfaces 51 and 52 are guide surfaces that guide the air passing through the intermediate guide flow paths 53 in such a way that the air is drawn into the air flow paths 41a of the multi-blade fan 40 while being swirled in a direction of rotation Ra (exhibiting a swirl).

[0076] The side surface 51 is formed in an arc shape that is convex in a rotation direction Ra. The side surface 52 is formed in an arc shape that is concave in a rotation direction Ra.

[0077] In other words, in a sectional view cut along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis S, the side surface 51 is formed in a circular arc shape that is convex in the direction of rotation along side Ra. In a sectional view cut along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis S, the side surface 52 is formed in an arc shape that is concave in the direction of rotation Ra.

[0078] As a result, the side surfaces 51 and 52 are able to guide the air passing through the intermediate guide flow paths 53 in a suitable manner, so that the air is drawn into the air flow paths 41a of the multi-blade fan 40 while being swirled in a direction of rotation Ra (giving it a swirl). Fourth embodiment

[0079] In the third embodiment described above, an example was explained in which each of the pre-swirl guides 50 is formed in a curved shape that is convex in a direction of rotation Ra.

[0080] In addition, a fourth embodiment, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, each of the pre-swirl guides 50 is designed such that the thickness decreases from an outer side to an inner side in the radial direction Ka, the center of which lies on the axis S.

[0081] The thickness refers to the dimension in a thickness direction that connects the side surfaces 51 and 52. That is, the thickness refers to a distance between the side surfaces 51 and 52. Fig. 5 denote the same reference symbols as in Fig. 1. The same components, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0082] According to the present embodiment described above, the side surfaces 51 and 52 are able to guide the air more effectively into the airflow paths 41a of the multi-blade fan 40, while the air is swirled in a direction of rotation Ra when it is drawn into the airflow paths 41a. Fifth embodiment

[0083] In the first embodiment described above, an example was explained in which the pre-swirl guides 50 are arranged at equal intervals (spaces) in the circumferential direction around the axis S. In a fifth embodiment, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the spacing (distance) between two of the pre-swirl guides 50 is unevenly arranged.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the pre-swirl guides 50 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, the center of which lies on the axis S, such that they form two or more different spacings (distances). Fig. 6 denotes the same reference symbols as in Fig. 1. The same components, and their descriptions are omitted. Sixth embodiment

[0085] In the first embodiment described above, an example was explained in which ten pre-swirl guides 50 are provided in the indoor air conditioning unit 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In a sixth embodiment, the number of pre-swirl guides 50 in the indoor air conditioning unit 1 can be one or more. For example, as in Fig. As shown in figure 7, two pre-swirl guides 50 are provided. Fig. 7 denote the same reference symbols as in Fig. 1. The same components, and their descriptions are omitted. Seventh embodiment

[0086] In a seventh embodiment, an example is given in which an end 54 in the axial direction Za of each of the pre-swirl guides 50 in the first embodiment is configured such that it extends in the direction of one side in the axial direction Za while advancing from an inner side to an outer side in the radial direction Ka with respect to the axis S, with reference to Fig. 8 described. In Fig. 8 denote the same reference symbols as in Fig. 2 the same components, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0087] In the present embodiment, each of the pre-swirl guides 50 is arranged inside the air guide housing 10A. Each of the pre-swirl guides 50 is arranged outside the spiral housing 10B.

[0088] Each of the pre-swirl guides 50 has, similar to the first embodiment, side surfaces 51 and 52. The side surface 51 is a first guide surface that is formed on one side in the direction of rotation Ra for each of the pre-swirl guides 50.

[0089] The side surface 52 is a second guide surface formed on the opposite side in the direction of rotation Rb for each of the pre-spindle guides 50. The side surfaces 51 and 52 are each designed such that they extend towards the opposite side in the direction of rotation Rb when they advance from the inside out in the radial direction Ka, the center of which lies on the axis S.

[0090] Each of the pre-swirl guides 50 is positioned on one side in the axial direction Za relative to the cover 12 of the spiral casing 10B. Each of the pre-swirl guides 50 is positioned in the radial direction Ka, whose center lies on the axis S, outwards from the inlet hole formation section 13.

[0091] For the sake of simplicity, in the following description, an outer half-section in the radial direction Ka, whose center lies on the axis S, is designated as an outer half-section 50b for each of the pre-swirl guides 50. An inner half-section in the radial direction Ka, whose center lies on the axis S, is designated as an inner half-section 50c for each of the pre-swirl guides 50.

[0092] In Fig. Figure 8 shows a boundary E the center in the radial direction Ka, whose center lies on the axis S, for each of the pre-swirl guides 50, and it shows the boundary between the outer half-area 50b and the inner half-area 50c.

[0093] In the present embodiment, for each of the pre-swirl guides 50, the distance between an outer end in the radial direction Ka, whose center lies on the axis S, and the boundary E is equal to the distance between an inner end in the radial direction Ka, whose center lies on the axis S, and the boundary E.

[0094] In each of the pre-swirl guides 50 of the present embodiment, an end 54 in the axial direction Za (that is, an end on the side of the guide in the axial direction) is designed such that it extends further in the axial direction Za when moving from the inside to the outside in the radial direction Ka, the center of which lies on the axis S.

[0095] Therefore, the dimensions of the side surfaces 51 and 52 increase in the axial direction Za when they extend from inside to outside in the radial direction Ka, whose center lies on the axis S.

[0096] That is, in each of the pre-swirl guides 50, one end 54 in the axial direction Za of the outer half-section 50b is positioned further in one side of the axial direction Za compared to the one end 54 in the axial direction Za of the inner half-section 50c. Fig. 8 denotes the same reference symbols as in Fig. The two components are the same, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0097] As a result, in the present embodiment, the pre-swirl guides 50 are able to guide more air volume to be drawn into the multi-blade fan 40 compared to the first embodiment, while on the outer side it is swirled in the radial direction Ka to one side Ra in the direction of rotation (gains a swirl).

[0098] Within the air guide housing 10A, the airflow rate from one side in the axial direction Za to the inlet hole 12a on the inner side in the radial direction Ka is greater compared to the outer side in the radial direction Ka, whose center lies on the axis S.

[0099] In each of the pre-swirl guides 50, the pressure loss of the airflow flowing into the inlet hole 12a increases the further one end 54 is positioned towards the other side in the axial direction Za.

[0100] On the other hand, in each of the pre-swirl guides 50, one end 54 is positioned on one side in the axial direction Za of the inner half-area 50c in comparison to one end 54 on one side in the axial direction Za of the outer half-area 50b further towards the other side in the axial direction Za.

[0101] Thus, it is possible to preventively reduce the occurrence of a pressure loss in the airflow flowing into the inlet hole 12a due to the inner side in the radial direction Ka of each of the pre-swirl guides 50.

[0102] As a result, the pre-swirl guides 50 are able to guide a large volume of air that is to be drawn into the airflow paths 41a of the multi-blade fan 40, while reducing the occurrence of pressure loss in the airflow and causing the air to be swirled to one side in the direction of rotation Ra (giving it a swirl). Eighth embodiment

[0103] In the first embodiment, the example described is one in which each of the pre-swirl guides 50 forms an integrated structure that is integrated with the cover 12 of the spiral casing 10B. However, an eighth embodiment, in which each of the pre-swirl guides 50 is designed independently with respect to a spiral casing 10B, is described in relation to Fig. 9, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 described.

[0104] In Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 denote the same reference symbols as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the same components, and a description of the same components is omitted.

[0105] In the eighth embodiment, as in Fig. 9, Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the pre-swirl guides 50 together with a ring section 151 form a guide unit 150.

[0106] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the ring section 151 is formed in a ring shape, the center of which lies on the axis S. The ring section 151 is fitted into the inlet hole formation section 13. The ring section 151 is attached to the top 12 of the spiral casing 10B, for example in a press-fit condition within the inlet hole formation section 13.

[0107] The ring section 151 can also be attached to the ceiling 12 of the spiral casing 10B by using an adhesive or a similar material.

[0108] The pre-swirl guides 50 are designed such that they project inwards in the radial direction Ka from the ring section 151, the center of which lies on the axis S. Therefore, each of the pre-swirl guides 50 is arranged inwards in the radial direction Ka with respect to the inlet hole formation section 13, the center of which lies on the axis S.

[0109] The pre-swirl guides 50 of the present embodiment form the guide unit 150, which is an integrated structure that is combined with the ring section 151 (forming a single unit). The guide unit 150 is designed independently of the spiral housing 10B.

[0110] In other words, the pre-swirl guides 50 are designed independently of the spiral housing 10B. In other words, the pre-swirl guides 50 are designed as separate components from the spiral housing 10B.

[0111] According to the present embodiment described above, each of the pre-swirl guides 50 is positioned radially inside the radial direction Ka in relation to the inlet hole formation section 13 about the axis S by the guide unit 150.

[0112] Each of the pre-swirl guides 50 has side surfaces 51 and 52. The side surfaces 51 and 52 are each designed such that they extend towards the other side in the direction of rotation Rb when they advance outwards from the inner side in the radial direction Ka, whose center lies on the axis S.

[0113] Thus, each of the side surfaces 51 and 52 of the pre-swirl guides 50 is able to guide the air passing through each of the intermediate guide flow paths 53 within the through-hole 12a in such a way that the air is swirled in a direction of rotation Ra (gains a swirl). Other embodiments (1) In the present first to eighth embodiments, examples have been described in which the blower of the present disclosure is used in an interior air conditioning unit 1 for a vehicle. However, the blower of the present disclosure is not limited to this and can also be used in air conditioning devices other than the interior air conditioning unit 1. (2) In the present first to eighth embodiments, an example 40 has been described which uses a turbo fan as the multi-blade fan 40. However, instead of a turbo fan, various centrifugal fans, such as a Sirocco fan, can also be used as the multi-blade fan 40. (3) In the present first to eighth embodiments, an example has been described in which the inlet hole formation section 13 of the spiral casing 10B forms a funnel opening. However, the inlet hole formation section 13 of the spiral casing 10B need not necessarily have a funnel opening. (4) Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be modified appropriately. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not restricted to that particular embodiment but may be interchangeable and used in a selected embodiment, even if they are not specifically illustrated or described. Furthermore, it is self-evident that in each of the embodiments mentioned above, components of the embodiment are not necessarily essential, except where the components are particularly clearly specified as essential components, where the components are unambiguously considered to be essential components in principle, and the like. Moreover, in the embodiments mentioned above, if the number, value, quantity, range, etc.The elements of the embodiment mentioned are not limited to these specific numbers unless they are expressly stated as essential or are unambiguously limited to specific numbers in principle. Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, when reference is made to the shape, positional relationship, and the like of the components, the shape and the relationship are not limited to the shape, positional relationship, and the like, except in the case where the shape and positional relationship are specifically specified, or in the case where the shape and positional relationship are fundamentally limited to a particular shape, positional relationship, and the like. Note [Revelation 1]

[0114] A blower comprises a housing (10B) with an inlet hole (12a) open on one side in an axial direction. The axial direction is defined by an axis (S) extending along the length of the housing. A centrifugal fan (40) is accommodated within the housing. The centrifugal fan has blades (41) arranged circumferentially around the axis. Each pair of adjacent blades defines an airflow path (41a) between them. The blades rotate in one direction around the axis, drawing air into the airflow path from one side through the inlet hole and expelling it radially outward with respect to the axis. Additionally, at least one guide (50) is provided, which has a guide surface (51) that directs the air into the airflow path. This causes the air to swirl in the direction of rotation as it is drawn into the airflow path of the centrifugal fan. [Revelation 2]

[0115] The blower according to disclosure 1 has a guide surface designed such that it inclines in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation. This inclination occurs when the guide extends from an inner side to an outer side in the radial direction with respect to the axis. [Revelation 3]

[0116] The blower according to disclosure 2 has a first guide surface (51) which is provided on one side in the direction of rotation of the guide. The guide (50) further has a second guide surface (52) which is provided on the other side in the opposite direction of rotation. The second guide surface is designed such that it inclines in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation. This inclination occurs when the second guide surface extends from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the axis. It guides the air that is to be drawn into the airflow path of the centrifugal fan, thereby swirling the air in the direction of rotation. [Revelation 4]

[0117] The blower according to disclosure 3, wherein the first guide surface is formed in an arc-shaped form that is convex in the direction of rotation. The second guide surface is formed in an arc-shaped form that is concave in the direction of rotation. [Revelation 5]

[0118] The blower according to disclosure 3, wherein a distance between the first guide surface and the second guide surface is a thickness, and the thickness of the at least one guide decreases from the outer side to the inner side in the radial direction with respect to the axis. [Revelation 6]

[0119] The blower according to one of disclosures 1 to 5, wherein the at least one guide is one of guides arranged at intervals (distances) in the circumferential direction around the axis. [Revelation 7]

[0120] The blower according to one of disclosures 1 to 6, wherein the guides are arranged at equal intervals (distances) in the circumferential direction. [Revelation 8]

[0121] The blower according to any one of disclosures 1 to 7, wherein the housing has an inlet hole formation section (13) which defines the inlet hole, and the at least one guide is positioned in the radial direction with respect to the axis within the inlet hole formation section. [Revelation 9]

[0122] The blower according to any one of disclosures 1 to 8 has a housing with an inlet hole formation section (13) defining the air inlet hole. The inlet hole formation section has a formation section end (13a) that surrounds an inlet hole end (12b) that is positioned furthest away from the inlet hole on a different side in the axial direction. An inner guide area (50A) is a guide area that is positioned within the inlet hole formation section in the radial direction with respect to the axis. Another end section (50a) of the inner guide area in the axial direction is positioned on a different side in the axial direction relative to the formation section end. [Revelation 10]

[0123] The blower according to any one of disclosures 1 to 9, wherein the guide is positioned outside the housing. A guide end section (54) is an end section of the guide on one side in the axial direction. An outer half-section (50b) is a section of the guide that is positioned outside the axis in the radial direction. An inner half-section (50c) is a section of the guide that is positioned inside the outer half-section in the radial direction. [Revelation 11]

[0124] The blower according to one of disclosures 1 to 10, wherein at least one guide is provided separately from the housing. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2023

[0001] JP 017709

[0001] JP 2015-105575 A

[0004]

Claims

[1] Blower comprising the following: a housing (10B) with an inlet hole (12a) which is open on one side in an axial direction in which an axis (S) extends in the axial direction a centrifugal fan (40) which is received in the housing, wherein the centrifugal fan has blades (41) which are arranged in a circumferential direction around the axis, wherein each pair of adjacent blades defines an airflow path (41a) between them, and wherein the blades rotate in a direction of rotation around the axis in order to draw air from one side in the axial direction through the inlet hole into the airflow path and to discharge the drawn-in air outwards in a radial direction with respect to the axis; and at least one guide (50) with a guide surface (51) that directs air into the airflow path in such a way that the air is swirled in one direction of rotation while it is drawn into the airflow path of the centrifugal fan. [2] Blower according to claim 1, wherein the guide surface is designed such that the guide surface is inclined in one direction opposite to the direction of rotation when the guide surface extends from an inner side to an outer side in the radial direction with respect to the axis. [3] Blower according to claim 2, wherein the guide surface is a first guide surface (51) which is provided on one side in one direction of rotation of the at least one guide, which has at least one guide (50) and a second guide surface (52) which is provided on another side in the opposite direction of rotation, and the second guide surface is designed such that the second guide surface is inclined in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation when the second guide surface extends from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the axis, and the air that is to be drawn into the airflow path of the centrifugal fan is guided in such a way that the air is swirled in one direction of rotation. [4] Blower according to claim 3, wherein the first guide surface is formed in an arc-shaped form that is convex in one direction of rotation, and the second guide surface is designed in an arc-shaped form that is concave in one direction of rotation. [5] Blower according to claim 3, wherein a distance between the first guide surface and the second guide surface is a thickness, and The thickness of at least one guide decreases from the outer side to the inner side in the radial direction with respect to the axis. [6] Blower according to claim 1, wherein the at least one guide is one of guides arranged in intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis. [7] Blower according to claim 6, wherein the guides are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. [8] Blower according to claim 1, wherein the housing has an inlet hole formation section (13) that defines the inlet hole, and which at least one guide is positioned within the inlet hole formation section in the radial direction with respect to the axis. [9] Blower according to claim 1, wherein the housing has an inlet hole formation section (13) that defines the air inlet hole, the inlet hole formation section has a formation section end (13a) that surrounds an inlet hole end (12b) that is positioned furthest on another side in the axial direction of the inlet hole, an internal guide area (50A) an area which is at least one guide which is positioned within the inlet hole formation section in the radial direction with respect to the axis, and another end section (50a) of the inner guide area is positioned in the axial direction on the other side in the axial direction relative to the end of the training section. [10] Blower according to claim 1, wherein which at least one guide is positioned outside the housing, a guide end section (54) an end section which is at least one guide on one side in the axial direction, an outer half-area (50b) an area which is at least one guide which is positioned outside in the radial direction with respect to the axis, an inner half-area (50c) an area which is at least one guide which is positioned inwards in the radial direction relative to the outer half-area with respect to the axis, and the guide end section in the outer half-area is positioned further on one side in the axial direction compared to the guide end section in the inner half-area. [11] Blower according to claim 1, wherein the at least one guide is provided separately from the housing.

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