Centrifugal air blower and air conditioner using same

Abstract

Disclosed is a centrifugal fan including a backing plate to be rotated, a ring-shaped rim facing the backing plate, and a plurality of blades arranged to surround a virtual rotation axis of the backing plate, the plurality of blades being arranged between the backing plate and the rim and each having an inner edge and an outer edge, wherein a blade chord distance has a maximum at one of first cross-sections that is located closer to the rim than to a middle cross-section where the first cross-sections are cross-sections of each of the plurality of blades in planes parallel to the backing plate, the blade chord distance is a linear distance between the inner edge and the outer edge of each of the plurality of blades in each of the first cross-sections, and the middle cross-section is one of the first cross-sections that has an intersection of the outer edge with a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis, the plane being at a middle of an axial opening dimension of an air outlet defined between a periphery of the rim and a periphery of the backing plate, the axial opening dimension being defined as a dimension along the virtual rotation axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a centrifugal fan that changes the direction of flow of air sucked from a rim in a direction along a virtual rotation axis to a radial direction and blows the air radially and an air-conditioning apparatus including the centrifugal fan.Background Art

[0002] A developed centrifugal fan is configured such that an outside diameter defined by blades at a position closer to a backing plate than to the midpoint of a distance between the backing plate and a rim in a direction along a virtual rotation axis in an air outlet of the centrifugal fan is smaller than an outside diameter defined by the blades at a position closer to the rim than to the midpoint of the distance (refer to Patent Literature 1, for example). Moreover, a centrifugal fan is known which includes a plurality of blades having a three-dimensional shape, a main plate, an annular side plate, and a motor for rotating the blades via the main plate, wherein the radial length of a trailing edge of each blade at a part close to the main plate is set longer than the radial length of the trailing edge of each blade at a part close to the side plate (refer to Patent Literature 2, for example).Citation ListPatent Literature

[0003] Patent Literature 1: US 2015 / 316073 A1 Patent Literature 2: EP 2 275 689 A1 Summary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0004] A typical centrifugal fan incudes a backing plate having a boss connected to a rotating shaft of a motor, a rim functioning as a suction guide wall, and a plurality of blades arranged between the backing plate and the rim, and has a structure in which air is sucked in a direction along the rotating shaft, the direction of flow of the air is changed to the radial direction, and the air is blown radially out of the fan. While the centrifugal fan is driven, an air flow tends to be located closer to the backing plate than to the midpoint of a distance between the backing plate and the rim in the direction along the rotating shaft in an air outlet of the centrifugal fan, causing a pressure loss due to a high-velocity air flow in a region adjacent to the backing plate. This tends to lead to lower fan efficiency. The centrifugal fan has the property that the above-described tendency is notably observed when the centrifugal fan is installed in an air passage with a low air flow resistance. Furthermore, an air flow in the centrifugal fan does not tend to be located closer to the rim than to the midpoint of the distance between the backing plate and the rim in the direction along the rotating shaft in the air outlet of the centrifugal fan. Therefore, the amount of work by parts of the blades that are adjacent to the rim is smaller than that adjacent to the backing plate. For the centrifugal fan disclosed in Patent Literature 1, an outside diameter defined by the blades at a position closer to the rim than to the midpoint of the distance between the backing plate and the rim in a direction along the virtual rotation axis in the air outlet of the centrifugal fan is larger than an outside diameter defined by the blades at a position closer to the backing plate than to the midpoint of the distance between the backing plate and the rim in the direction along the virtual rotation axis in the air outlet. This allows for a relative increase in the amount of work by parts of the blades that are adjacent to the rim. However, this increase is not enough to provide a uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-described problem and aims to provide a centrifugal fan with a uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown and an air-conditioning apparatus including the centrifugal fan.Solution to Problem

[0006] The invention concerns a centrifugal fan as defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a centrifugal fan including inter alia: a backing plate to be rotated, a ring-shaped rim facing the backing plate, and a plurality of blades arranged to surround a virtual rotation axis of the backing plate, the plurality of blades being arranged between the backing plate and the rim and each having an inner edge and an outer edge, wherein a blade chord distance has a maximum at one of first cross-sections that is located closer to the rim than to a middle cross-section where the first cross-sections are cross-sections of each of the plurality of blades in planes parallel to the backing plate, the blade chord distance is a linear distance between the inner edge and the outer edge of each of the plurality of blades in each of the first cross-sections, and the middle cross-section is one of the first cross-sections that has an intersection of the outer edge with a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis, the plane being at a middle of an axial opening dimension of an air outlet defined between a periphery of the rim and a periphery of the backing plate, the axial opening dimension being defined as a dimension along the virtual rotation axis.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0007] In the centrifugal fan according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade chord distance has a maximum at one of the first cross-sections that is located closer to the rim than to the middle cross-section, which is one of the first cross-sections that has an intersection of the outer edge with a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis, the plane being at the middle of the axial opening dimension of the air outlet in a direction along the virtual rotation axis. In a typical centrifugal fan, an air flow tends to be located closer to a backing plate than to a rim. In contrast, in the centrifugal fan according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade chord distance at a cross-section adjacent to the rim is larger than that at a cross-section adjacent to the backing plate, thus making the area of parts of the blades that are adjacent to the rim larger than the area of parts of the blades that are adjacent to the backing plate. This results in an increase in air flow velocity in a region adjacent to the rim, leading to a uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan.Brief Description of Drawings

[0008] In the drawings, embodiments of the disclosure are shown wherein Embodiment 1 is useful for understanding the claimed invention, Embodiment 2 is according to the claimed invention and Embodiments 3-5 show optional further features of the claimed invention. [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a side view of the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a backing plate, a rim, and one blade of the centrifugal fan in Fig. 2 as viewed from the side. [Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the blade in a plane parallel to the backing plate of the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure as viewed in a direction along a virtual rotation axis. [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a blade chord distance between an inner edge and an outer edge of the blade at a cross-section parallel to the backing plate of the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section of the blade. [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of a centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a side schematic diagram of the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a graph illustrating the relationship between an inlet angle of the blade of the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. [Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan at a position Pb in Figs. 7 and 8. [Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan at a position Pc in Figs. 7 and 8. [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan at a position Pd in Figs. 7 and 8. [Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of a centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a camber height of the blade in the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. [Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of a centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a side schematic diagram of the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a graph illustrating the relationship between an outlet angle of the blade in the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. [Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan at a position Pe in Figs. 15 and 16. [Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan at a position Pf in Figs. 15 and 16. [Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan at a position Pg in Figs. 15 and 16. [Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a sectional view of an air-conditioning apparatus, which includes any of the above centrifugal fans, according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. Description of Embodiments

[0009] A centrifugal fan 100 and an air-conditioning apparatus 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the relationship between the sizes of components in the following drawings including Fig. 1 may differ from that between the actual sizes of the components. Furthermore, note that components designated by the same reference signs in the following drawings are the same components or equivalents. This note applies to the entire description herein. For the sake of clarity, terms representing directions, such as "upper", "lower", "rightward", "leftward", "front", and "rear", will be used as appropriate. These terms are used herein only for the purpose of convenience of description and are not intended to restrict the location and orientation of the apparatus or part.Embodiment 1.[Configuration of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a side view of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. A fundamental structure of the centrifugal fan 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. The centrifugal fan 100 is rotated by, for example, a motor (not illustrated), and is configured to force air to be sent radially outward by using a centrifugal force produced by rotation. The centrifugal fan 100 includes a backing plate 10, which is a rotating part, a substantially ring-shaped rim 20 facing the backing plate 10, and a plurality of blades 30 arranged between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20.(Backing Plate 10)

[0011] The backing plate 10 is a rotating part that rotates about a virtual rotation axis RS. The backing plate 10 is circular as viewed in projection along the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100. A radially inner portion of the backing plate 10 has a substantially conical shape, or protrudes like a mountain toward the rim 20. In other words, the backing plate 10 has a sloping surface that slopes from the center toward the periphery in a direction away from an air inlet 102, which will be described later. The backing plate 10 includes a boss 12 at the center of the backing plate 10, or the top of the mountain-like portion. The boss 12 is part to which a rotating shaft of the motor (not illustrated) is secured. The boss 12 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor. The backing plate 10 is rotated about the virtual rotation axis RS by driving the motor (not illustrated). The virtual rotation axis RS is the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan 100 as well as the virtual rotation axis of the backing plate 10.

[0012] It is only required that the backing plate 10 is a rotating part including the boss 12. The shape of the backing plate 10 is not limited to a substantially conical shape that is circular as viewed in projection along the virtual rotation axis RS and protrudes like a mountain. The backing plate 10 may have any other shape. For example, the backing plate 10 may be disc-shaped or may be substantially flat and polygonal as viewed in projection along the virtual rotation axis RS. Furthermore, the backing plate 10 may be shaped such that the radially inner portion of the backing plate 10 protrudes like a mountain and a radially outer portion of the backing plate 10, or annular peripheral part of the radially inner protruding portion, is substantially flat.(Rim 20)

[0013] The rim 20 faces the backing plate 10. The rim 20 is a ring having a substantially arc-shaped section and functions as a suction guide wall. The rim 20 is a shroud. The rim 20 is ring-shaped as viewed in projection along the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100. The rim 20 protrudes inwardly from its radially outer edge to have a mountain-like shape. The air inlet 102 is located at the center of the rim 20. More specifically, the rim 20 has an inner circumferential edge or end 22, which defines the air inlet 102 of the centrifugal fan 100, and has a radially inwardly curved surface such that the diameter increases from the air inlet 102 toward the backing plate 10. A rim periphery 24, which constitutes an outer circumferential edge of the ring-shaped rim 20, has a larger diameter than any other portion of the rim 20 and is located closest to the backing plate 10. The rim 20 has an outside diameter OS, which is larger than an outside diameter OM of the backing plate 10. The configuration of the centrifugal fan 100 is not limited to the above-described configuration in which the outside diameter OS of the rim 20 is larger than the outside diameter OM of the backing plate 10. The outside diameter OS of the rim 20 may be equal to the outside diameter OM of the backing plate 10 or may be smaller than the outside diameter OM of the backing plate 10. The rim 20 connects the blades 30 to maintain the positional relationship of leading edges of the blades 30 and enhance the strengths of the blades 30.

[0014] The backing plate 10 is disposed at a distance from the rim 20 in a direction along the virtual rotation axis RS. The centrifugal fan 100 has an air outlet 104 defined between the rim periphery 24 of the rim 20 and a backing-plate periphery 14 of the backing plate 10 such that the air outlet 104 is located between the rim periphery 24 and the backing-plate periphery 14. The rim periphery 24 is a radially outer end of the rim 20 and constitutes the outer circumferential edge of the rim 20. The backing-plate periphery 14 is a radially outer end of the backing plate 10 and constitutes an outer circumferential edge of the backing plate 10. The air outlet 104 is an opening through which air sucked into the centrifugal fan 100 through the air inlet 102 is discharged by rotation of the centrifugal fan 100.(Blades 30)

[0015] The blades 30 rotate together with the backing plate 10 during rotation of the backing plate 10 and create a current of air flowing from the center of the backing plate 10 to the periphery thereof. The blades 30 are arranged between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. One end of each of the blades 30 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 is joined to the backing plate 10. The other end thereof is joined to the rim 20. The blades 30 are arranged on a circumference about the virtual rotation axis RS and are regularly spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the backing plate 10. The blades 30 extend rearward in a rotation direction R in which the backing plate 10 rotates.

[0016] Each of the blades 30 has an inner edge 31 and an outer edge 32 such that the inner edge 31 is located closer to the virtual rotation axis RS than the outer edge 32. The inner edge 31 is a leading edge of the blade 30. The outer edge 32 is a trailing edge of the blade 30. Each of the inner edges 31 of the blades 30 is located at a predetermined distance from the virtual rotation axis RS. Each of the outer edges 32 is located in proximity to the backing-plate periphery 14 and the rim periphery 24. A virtual extension of a chord that is a straight line connecting the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32 of each blade 30 extends so as not to pass through the virtual rotation axis RS. In other words, the inner edge 31 is located forward of a virtual radial line connecting the virtual rotation axis RS and the outer edge 32 in the rotation direction R.

[0017] A blade outer surface 30a is a surface of the blade remote from the virtual rotation axis RS. The distance of the blade outer surface 30a from the virtual rotation axis RS increases toward the trailing edge in the rotation direction R. A blade inner surface 30b is a surface of the blade adjacent to the virtual rotation axis RS. Similarly, the distance of the blade inner surface 30b from the virtual rotation axis RS increases toward the trailing edge in the rotation direction R such that a predetermined distance is kept between the blade inner surface 30b and the blade outer surface 30a. The blade 30 has a thickness, which corresponds to the predetermined distance, gradually decreasing from the middle of the blade 30 toward the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32. In other words, the blade 30 has a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS and the cross-section resembles that of a typical wing.

[0018] As illustrated in Fig. 2, a blade outside diameter OW of the centrifugal fan 100 in a region AS between the rim 20 and a middle HB of an axial opening dimension of the air outlet 104 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS is larger than the blade outside diameter OW at the middle HB. Furthermore, the blade outside diameter OW of the centrifugal fan 100 in a region AM between the backing plate 10 and the middle HB of the axial opening dimension of the air outlet 104 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS is smaller than the blade outside diameter OW at the middle HB. The centrifugal fan 100 has a maximum blade outside diameter OW at a position closer to the rim 20 than to the middle HB of the axial opening dimension of the air outlet 104 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS, and has a minimum blade outside diameter OW at a position closer to the backing plate 10 than to the middle HB of the axial opening dimension of the air outlet 104 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS. The axial opening dimension of the air outlet 104 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS is a distance between the backing-plate periphery 14 of the backing plate 10 and the rim periphery 24 of the rim 20 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS. The blade outside diameter OW is a diameter of a portion including the blades 30 of the centrifugal fan 100. In other words, the blade outside diameter OW is a diameter of a rotation circle defined by the outer edges 32 of the blades 30 during rotation of the centrifugal fan 100 while the centrifugal fan 100 is operated.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the backing plate 10, the rim 20, and one blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 in Fig. 2 as viewed from the side. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section CS of the blade 30 in a plane parallel to the backing plate 10 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure as viewed in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS. Fig. 5 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a blade chord distance Da between the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32 of the blade 30 at a cross-section parallel to the backing plate 10 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CS of the blade 30. The geometry of the blade 30 will be further described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. Fig. 3 illustrates only one blade 30 of the blades 30 and depiction of the other blades 30 is omitted to reveal the geometry of the blade 30. Cross-sections CS of the blade 30 in planes parallel to the backing plate 10 are defined as first cross-sections of the blade 30.

[0020] As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the blade chord distance Da is defined as a linear distance between the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32 of each of the blades 30, arranged to surround the virtual rotation axis RS of the backing plate 10, in each of the cross-sections CS of each of the blades 30 in planes parallel to the backing plate 10. Since the backing plate 10 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is substantially conical, a plane parallel to the backing plate 10 is a substantially conical plane. In Fig. 3, broken lines illustrate the positions of cross-sections CS of the blade 30 in planes parallel to the backing plate 10. Furthermore, a cross-section CS having an intersection of the outer edge 32 with a plane F, which is perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS and is at the middle HB of the axial opening dimension of the air outlet 104 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS, is defined as a middle cross-section MS. In the centrifugal fan 100, the blade chord distance Da has a maximum at one of the cross-sections CS that is located closer to the rim 20 than to the middle cross-section MS. In the centrifugal fan 100, the blade chord distance Da between the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32 of each blade 30 increases from the backing plate 10 toward the rim 20, reaches a maximum at a position closer to the rim 20 than to the middle HB between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20, and then decreases toward the rim 20.[Operation of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0021] When the backing plate 10 of the centrifugal fan 100 is rotated by rotation of the motor connected to the boss 12, the blades 30 secured to the backing plate 10 circumferentially move about the virtual rotation axis RS. The rotation of the backing plate 10 in the rotation direction R causes air outside the centrifugal fan 100 to be sucked into a space defined by the backing plate 10, the rim 20, and the blades 30 through the air inlet 102. In the centrifugal fan 100, the blades 30 rotate together with the backing plate 10, causing the air sucked into the space defined by the backing plate 10 and the blade 30 to pass through spaces between the adjacent blades 30 and be sent outward in a radial direction of the backing plate 10.[Advantages of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0022] In the centrifugal fan 100, the blade chord distance Da has a maximum at one of the cross-sections CS that is located closer to the rim 20 than to the middle cross-section MS. In a typical centrifugal fan, an air flow tends to be located closer to a backing plate than to a rim. In contrast, in the centrifugal fan 100, the blade chord distance Da of each blade 30 at a cross-section adjacent to the rim 20 is larger than that at a cross-section adjacent to the backing plate 10 such that the area of blade part adjacent to the rim 20 is larger than the area of blade part adjacent to the backing plate 10, resulting in an increase in air flow velocity in a region adjacent to the rim 20. This leads to a uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan. In addition, the outside diameter defined by the blades 30 at a position adjacent to the rim 20 is larger than that at a position adjacent to the backing plate 10, thus increasing the amount of work by parts of the blades 30 that are adjacent to the rim 20. This results in an increase in air flow velocity, leading to a more uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan. The uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the centrifugal fan 100 results in a reduction in pressure loss in a high-velocity air flow region caused by an uneven air flow, leading to improved fan efficiency.

[0023] Additionally, in the centrifugal fan 100, the blade chord distance Da between the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32 of each blade 30 increases from the backing plate 10 toward the rim 20, reaches a maximum at a position closer to the rim 20 than to the middle HB between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20, and then decreases toward the rim 20. In the centrifugal fan 100, a reduction in blade chord distance Da in a region in proximity to the rim 20 can reduce or eliminate noise that arises from a collision between turbulent air flows caused by a wake downstream of a bell mouth connected to the rim 20 and a leakage flow of air entering a gap between the bell mouth and the rim 20.Embodiment 2.

[0024] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, which is an embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 7 is a side schematic diagram of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a graph illustrating the relationship between an inlet angle α of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pb in Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pc in Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pd in Figs. 7 and 8. The same components and parts as those in the centrifugal fan 100 in Figs. 1 to 5 are designated by the same reference signs and a description of these components and parts is omitted. The centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 is obtained by further determining details of the geometry of each blade 30 in the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1. The following description will focus on the geometry of each blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. The blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 11.(Blades 30)

[0025] As illustrated in Fig. 6, in each cross-section CR of each of the blades 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the backing plate 10, the inlet angle α of the blade 30 is defined as an angle formed by a center line CL of the blade 30 and a tangent TL1 to a virtual circle C1, which has a center at the virtual rotation axis RS and intersects a leading edge 35 of the blade 30, at the leading edge 35. The cross-sections CR of each of the blades 30 in planes perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the backing plate 10 are defined as second cross-sections of the blade 30. As illustrated in Figs. 7 to 11, the inlet angle α of each blade 30 has a minimum at one of the cross-sections CR that is located closer to the rim 20 than a middle Pm of the leading edge 35 of the blade 30 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. More specifically, as represented by an inlet angle α1 at the position Pb and an inlet angle α2 at the position Pc, the inlet angle α of the blade 30 decreases from the backing plate 10 toward the rim 20 and reaches a minimum at a position closer to the rim 20 than the middle Pm between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. As represented by the inlet angle α2 at the position Pc and an inlet angle α3 at the position Pd, the inlet angle α of the blade 30 increases from the position Pc with the inlet angle α2, which is a minimum, toward the rim 20. The middle Pm of the leading edge 35 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20 is the middle of a dimension along the leading edge 35 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20.[Advantages of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0026] In the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, the inlet angle α of each blade 30 has a minimum at one of the cross-sections CR that is located closer to the rim 20 than the middle Pm of the leading edge 35 of the blade 30 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. In the centrifugal fan 100, a reduction in inlet angle α at a position closer to the rim 20 than the middle Pm reduces air flow separation at the leading edge 35 of the blade 30, resulting in an increase in air flow velocity in a region adjacent to the rim 20. This leads to a more uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan.

[0027] Furthermore, in the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, the inlet angle α of each blade 30 increases from the position Pc with the inlet angle α2, which is a minimum, toward the rim 20. In a typical centrifugal fan, a leakage flow of air entering a gap between a rim 20 and a bell mouth connected to the rim 20 is likely to occur in proximity to the rim 20. Such a leakage air flow, which includes a component rotating in the rotation direction R of the centrifugal fan 100, enters the centrifugal fan. In the centrifugal fan 100, therefore, an increase in inlet angle α at a position in proximity to the rim 20 can reduce or eliminate a pressure loss caused by air flow separation at the leading edge 35 of each blade 30.Embodiment 3.

[0028] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a camber height H of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. The same components and parts as those in the centrifugal fans 100 in Figs. 1 to 11 are designated by the same reference signs and a description of these components and parts is omitted. The centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 is obtained by further determining details of the geometry of each blade 30 in the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The following description will focus on the geometry of each blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. The geometry of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figs. 12 and 13.(Blades 30)

[0029] As illustrated in Fig. 12, the camber height H is defined as a perpendicular distance from the center line CL of each blade 30 to a straight line SL connecting the leading edge 35 and a trailing edge 36 of the blade 30 in each cross-section CR of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS. The camber height H is zero at the leading edge 35 of the blade 30 and the trailing edge 36 of the blade 30. As illustrated in Fig. 12, the cross-section CR of the blade 30 includes an outer curve having a large curvature and an inner curve having a small curvature or a straight line. A maximum camber height H, or maximum camber height Ha, is located closer to the trailing edge 36 than a midpoint CM of a linear distance between the leading edge 35 and the trailing edge 36. For the cross-section CR of the blade 30, the term "outer" refers to being adjacent to the trailing edge 36 and the term "inner" refers to being adjacent to the leading edge 35.

[0030] As illustrated in Fig. 13, the camber height H of each blade 30 has a maximum at one of the cross-sections CR that is located closer to the rim 20 than to the middle Pm of the leading edge 35 of the blade 30 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. In other words, the maximum camber height Ha of the entire blade 30 is located closer to the rim 20 than to the middle Pm between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. More specifically, the camber height H of the blade 30 increases from the backing plate 10 toward the rim 20 and reaches a maximum at a position closer to the rim 20 than to the middle Pm between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. Then, the camber height H of the blade 30 decreases from the position of the cross-section CR with the maximum camber height toward the rim 20.[Advantages of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0031] The camber height H of each blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure has a maximum at one of the cross-sections CR that is located closer to the rim 20 than to the middle Pm between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. In the centrifugal fan 100, the camber height H at a position closer to the rim 20 than to the middle Pm between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20 is larger than that at the middle Pm, thus increasing the amount of work by parts of the blades that are adjacent to the rim 20. This results in an increase in air flow velocity in a region adjacent to the rim 20, leading to a more uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan.

[0032] In addition, the camber height H of each blade 30 in the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure decreases from the position of the cross-section CR with the maximum camber height toward the rim 20. A region in proximity to the rim 20 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure tends to experience air flow separation because the blade chord distance Da between the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32 of each blade 30 decreases in this region. In the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure, a reduction in camber height H can reduce air flow separation.Embodiment 4.

[0033] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a side schematic diagram of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Fig. 16 is a graph illustrating the relationship between an outlet angle β of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pe in Figs. 15 and 16. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pf in Figs. 15 and 16. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pg in Figs. 15 and 16. The same components and parts as those in the centrifugal fans 100 in Figs. 1 to 13 are designated by the same reference signs and a description of these components and parts is omitted. The centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 is obtained by further determining details of the geometry of each blade 30 in the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1. The following description will focus on the geometry of each blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. The blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 19.(Blades 30)

[0034] In each cross-section CR of each of the blades 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the backing plate 10, the outlet angle β of the blade 30 is defined as an angle formed by the center line CL of the blade 30 and a tangent TL2 to a virtual circle C2, which has a center at the virtual rotation axis RS and intersects the trailing edge 36 of the blade 30, at the trailing edge 36. As illustrated in Fig. 15, the outlet angle β of the blade 30 increases from the backing plate 10 toward the rim 20 as represented by an outlet angle β1 at the position Pe, an outlet angle β2 at the position Pf, and an outlet angle β3 at the position Pg. In other words, the outlet angle β of each blade 30 at one of the cross-sections CR that is located closer to the rim 20 than to the middle Pf of the trailing edge 36 of the blade 30 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20 is larger than the outlet angle β thereof at one of the cross-sections CR that is located closer to the backing plate 10 than to the middle Pf. The middle Pf of the trailing edge 36 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20 is the middle of a dimension along the trailing edge 36 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20.[Advantages of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0035] In the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure, the outlet angle β of each blade 30 increases from the backing plate 10 toward the rim 20. In the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure, the outlet angle β at a position adjacent to the rim 20 is larger than that at a position adjacent to the backing plate 10, thus increasing the amount of work by parts of the blades 30 that are adjacent to the rim 20. This results in an increase in air flow velocity in a region adjacent to the rim 20, leading to a more uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan. Additionally, in the centrifugal fan 100, the outside diameter defined by the blades at a position adjacent to the rim 20 is larger than that at a position adjacent to the backing plate 10, resulting in an increase in air flow in a region adjacent to the rim 20. Therefore, air flow separation from the blade surfaces can be reduced even though the outlet angle β increases toward the rim 20.Embodiment 5.[Configuration of Air-Conditioning Apparatus 200]

[0036] Fig. 20 is a sectional view of the air-conditioning apparatus 200, which includes the centrifugal fan 100, according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. The air-conditioning apparatus 200 is of a floor-standing type. The type of air-conditioning apparatus 200 is not limited to the floor-standing type. The air-conditioning apparatus 200 may be of any other type, such as a ceiling concealed type. The air-conditioning apparatus 200 includes a casing 210, which constitutes a shell of the air-conditioning apparatus 200, a heat exchanger 220 disposed in the casing 210, and the centrifugal fan 100 disposed in the casing 210 and configured to create a current of air passing through the heat exchanger 220.(Casing 210)

[0037] The casing 210 has a rectangular cuboid shape. The shape of the casing 210 is not limited to a rectangular cuboid shape. The casing 210 may have any other shape, such as a cylindrical shape, a rectangular columnar shape, a conical shape, a shape with multiple corners, or a shape with multiple curved surfaces. The casing 210 has an upper surface 211 having an air inlet 212. The casing 210 has a lower surface 213 having an air outlet 214. The air inlet 212 is an opening through which air is sucked into the casing 210 from the outside by operation of the centrifugal fan 100. The air outlet 214 is an opening though which air is discharged from the casing 210 to the outside by operation of the centrifugal fan 100. The positions of the air inlet 212 and the air outlet 214 are not limited to those in the above-described configuration. For example, the air inlet 212 and the air outlet 214 may be located in the same surface. Alternatively, either one of the air inlet 212 and the air outlet 214 may be located in one side. The casing 210 contains the centrifugal fan 100 and the heat exchanger 220. An internal space of the casing 210 is divided into a space S11 containing the heat exchanger 220 and a space S12 containing the centrifugal fan 100 by a partition 215. The casing 210 contains electric equipment 250 for control of the air-conditioning apparatus 200.(Centrifugal Fan 100)

[0038] The centrifugal fan 100 creates a current of air such that the air is sucked into the casing 210 through the air inlet 212 of the casing 210 and is then blown to an air-conditioned space through the air outlet 214 of the casing 210. The centrifugal fan 100 has a bell mouth 230. The bell mouth 230 is disposed between the partition 215 and the centrifugal fan 100. The centrifugal fan 100 is connected to a motor 240. The motor 240 is supported by a motor support 241 secured to the lower surface 213 of the casing 210. The motor 240 includes an output shaft 242. The boss 12 of the centrifugal fan 100 is attached to the output shaft 242 of the motor 240. The number of centrifugal fans 100 in the casing 210 is not limited to one. Multiple centrifugal fans may be arranged in the casing.(Heat Exchanger 220)

[0039] The heat exchanger 220 is disposed upstream of the centrifugal fan 100 in an air flow direction in which the air current created by the centrifugal fan 100 flows in the casing 210. The heat exchanger 220 adjusts the temperature of air that is sucked into the casing 210 through the air inlet 212 of the casing 210 and is then blown to the air-conditioned space through the air outlet 214. The heat exchanger 220 having a known structure can be used. A removable filter 221 is disposed upstream of the heat exchanger 220 in the air flow direction in which the air current created by the centrifugal fan 100 flows in the casing 210. The filter 221 removes dust from air that is to pass through the heat exchanger 220. A drain pan 222 to collect condensate water is disposed under the heat exchanger 220.[Operation of Air-Conditioning Apparatus 200]

[0040] When the blades 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 rotate together with the backing plate 10, air in the air-conditioned space is sucked into the casing 210 through the air inlet 212 of the casing 210. The air sucked into the casing 210 passes through the filter 221 and then passes through the heat exchanger 220. While passing through the heat exchanger 220, the air exchanges heat with refrigerant flowing in the heat exchanger 220, so that the temperature and humidity of the air are adjusted. The air leaving the heat exchanger 220 is guided by the bell mouth 230 and is then sucked into the centrifugal fan 100. The air sucked into the centrifugal fan 100 passes through the spaces between the blades 30 and is then blown outward in the radial direction of the backing plate 10. The air blown from the centrifugal fan 100 is discharged into the air-conditioned space through the air outlet 214 in the lower surface 213 of the casing 210.[Advantages of Air-Conditioning Apparatus 200]

[0041] The air-conditioning apparatus 200 includes any one of the centrifugal fans 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 4. Such a configuration can provide a uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown, leading to improved fan efficiency. Furthermore, this configuration, in which any one of the centrifugal fans 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 4 is included, can reduce or eliminate noise that arises from a collision between turbulent air flows caused by a wake downstream of the bell mouth and a leakage flow of air entering the gap between the bell mouth and the rim 20.Reference Signs List

[0042] 10: backing plate, 12: boss, 14: backing-plate periphery, 20: rim, 22: end, 24: rim periphery, 30: blade, 30a: blade outer surface, 30b: blade inner surface, 31: inner edge, 32: outer edge, 35: leading edge, 36: trailing edge, 100: centrifugal fan, 102: air inlet, 104: air outlet, 200: air-conditioning apparatus, 210: casing, 211: upper surface, 212: air inlet, 213: lower surface, 214: air outlet, 215: partition, 220: heat exchanger, 221: filter, 222: drain pan, 230: bell mouth, 240: motor, 241: motor support, 242: output shaft, 250: electric equipment

Examples

embodiment 1

[Configuration of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0010]Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a side view of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. A fundamental structure of the centrifugal fan 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. The centrifugal fan 100 is rotated by, for example, a motor (not illustrated), and is configured to force air to be sent radially outward by using a centrifugal force produced by rotation. The centrifugal fan 100 includes a backing plate 10, which is a rotating part, a substantially ring-shaped rim 20 facing the backing plate 10, and a plurality of blades 30 arranged between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20.

(Backing Plate 10)

[0011]The backing plate 10 is a rotating part that rotates about a virtual rotation axis RS. The backing plate 10 is circular as viewed in projection along the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 10...

embodiment 2

[0024]Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, which is an embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 7 is a side schematic diagram of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a graph illustrating the relationship between an inlet angle α of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pb in Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pc in Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation...

embodiment 3

[0028]Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a camber height H of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. The same components and parts as those in the centrifugal fans 100 in Figs. 1 to 11 are designated by the same reference signs and a description of these components and parts is omitted. The centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 is obtained by further determining details of the geometry of each blade 30 in the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The following description will focus on the geometry of each blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. The geometry of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according...

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a centrifugal fan that changes the direction of flow of air sucked from a rim in a direction along a virtual rotation axis to a radial direction and blows the air radially and an air-conditioning apparatus including the centrifugal fan.Background Art

[0002] A developed centrifugal fan is configured such that an outside diameter defined by blades at a position closer to a backing plate than to the midpoint of a distance between the backing plate and a rim in a direction along a virtual rotation axis in an air outlet of the centrifugal fan is smaller than an outside diameter defined by the blades at a position closer to the rim than to the midpoint of the distance (refer to Patent Literature 1, for example). Moreover, a centrifugal fan is known which includes a plurality of blades having a three-dimensional shape, a main plate, an annular side plate, and a motor for rotating the blades via the main plate, wherein the radial length of a trailing edge of each blade at a part close to the main plate is set longer than the radial length of the trailing edge of each blade at a part close to the side plate (refer to Patent Literature 2, for example).Citation ListPatent Literature

[0003] Patent Literature 1: US 2015 / 316073 A1 Patent Literature 2: EP 2 275 689 A1 Summary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0004] A typical centrifugal fan incudes a backing plate having a boss connected to a rotating shaft of a motor, a rim functioning as a suction guide wall, and a plurality of blades arranged between the backing plate and the rim, and has a structure in which air is sucked in a direction along the rotating shaft, the direction of flow of the air is changed to the radial direction, and the air is blown radially out of the fan. While the centrifugal fan is driven, an air flow tends to be located closer to the backing plate than to the midpoint of a distance between the backing plate and the rim in the direction along the rotating shaft in an air outlet of the centrifugal fan, causing a pressure loss due to a high-velocity air flow in a region adjacent to the backing plate. This tends to lead to lower fan efficiency. The centrifugal fan has the property that the above-described tendency is notably observed when the centrifugal fan is installed in an air passage with a low air flow resistance. Furthermore, an air flow in the centrifugal fan does not tend to be located closer to the rim than to the midpoint of the distance between the backing plate and the rim in the direction along the rotating shaft in the air outlet of the centrifugal fan. Therefore, the amount of work by parts of the blades that are adjacent to the rim is smaller than that adjacent to the backing plate. For the centrifugal fan disclosed in Patent Literature 1, an outside diameter defined by the blades at a position closer to the rim than to the midpoint of the distance between the backing plate and the rim in a direction along the virtual rotation axis in the air outlet of the centrifugal fan is larger than an outside diameter defined by the blades at a position closer to the backing plate than to the midpoint of the distance between the backing plate and the rim in the direction along the virtual rotation axis in the air outlet. This allows for a relative increase in the amount of work by parts of the blades that are adjacent to the rim. However, this increase is not enough to provide a uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-described problem and aims to provide a centrifugal fan with a uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown and an air-conditioning apparatus including the centrifugal fan.Solution to Problem

[0006] The invention concerns a centrifugal fan as defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a centrifugal fan including inter alia: a backing plate to be rotated, a ring-shaped rim facing the backing plate, and a plurality of blades arranged to surround a virtual rotation axis of the backing plate, the plurality of blades being arranged between the backing plate and the rim and each having an inner edge and an outer edge, wherein a blade chord distance has a maximum at one of first cross-sections that is located closer to the rim than to a middle cross-section where the first cross-sections are cross-sections of each of the plurality of blades in planes parallel to the backing plate, the blade chord distance is a linear distance between the inner edge and the outer edge of each of the plurality of blades in each of the first cross-sections, and the middle cross-section is one of the first cross-sections that has an intersection of the outer edge with a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis, the plane being at a middle of an axial opening dimension of an air outlet defined between a periphery of the rim and a periphery of the backing plate, the axial opening dimension being defined as a dimension along the virtual rotation axis.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0007] In the centrifugal fan according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade chord distance has a maximum at one of the first cross-sections that is located closer to the rim than to the middle cross-section, which is one of the first cross-sections that has an intersection of the outer edge with a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis, the plane being at the middle of the axial opening dimension of the air outlet in a direction along the virtual rotation axis. In a typical centrifugal fan, an air flow tends to be located closer to a backing plate than to a rim. In contrast, in the centrifugal fan according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade chord distance at a cross-section adjacent to the rim is larger than that at a cross-section adjacent to the backing plate, thus making the area of parts of the blades that are adjacent to the rim larger than the area of parts of the blades that are adjacent to the backing plate. This results in an increase in air flow velocity in a region adjacent to the rim, leading to a uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan.Brief Description of Drawings

[0008] In the drawings, embodiments of the disclosure are shown wherein Embodiment 1 is useful for understanding the claimed invention, Embodiment 2 is according to the claimed invention and Embodiments 3-5 show optional further features of the claimed invention. [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a side view of the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a backing plate, a rim, and one blade of the centrifugal fan in Fig. 2 as viewed from the side. [Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the blade in a plane parallel to the backing plate of the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure as viewed in a direction along a virtual rotation axis. [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a blade chord distance between an inner edge and an outer edge of the blade at a cross-section parallel to the backing plate of the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section of the blade. [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of a centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a side schematic diagram of the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a graph illustrating the relationship between an inlet angle of the blade of the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. [Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan at a position Pb in Figs. 7 and 8. [Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan at a position Pc in Figs. 7 and 8. [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan at a position Pd in Figs. 7 and 8. [Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of a centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a camber height of the blade in the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. [Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of a centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a side schematic diagram of the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. [Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a graph illustrating the relationship between an outlet angle of the blade in the centrifugal fan according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. [Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan at a position Pe in Figs. 15 and 16. [Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan at a position Pf in Figs. 15 and 16. [Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the blade in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan at a position Pg in Figs. 15 and 16. [Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a sectional view of an air-conditioning apparatus, which includes any of the above centrifugal fans, according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. Description of Embodiments

[0009] A centrifugal fan 100 and an air-conditioning apparatus 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the relationship between the sizes of components in the following drawings including Fig. 1 may differ from that between the actual sizes of the components. Furthermore, note that components designated by the same reference signs in the following drawings are the same components or equivalents. This note applies to the entire description herein. For the sake of clarity, terms representing directions, such as "upper", "lower", "rightward", "leftward", "front", and "rear", will be used as appropriate. These terms are used herein only for the purpose of convenience of description and are not intended to restrict the location and orientation of the apparatus or part.Embodiment 1.[Configuration of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a side view of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. A fundamental structure of the centrifugal fan 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. The centrifugal fan 100 is rotated by, for example, a motor (not illustrated), and is configured to force air to be sent radially outward by using a centrifugal force produced by rotation. The centrifugal fan 100 includes a backing plate 10, which is a rotating part, a substantially ring-shaped rim 20 facing the backing plate 10, and a plurality of blades 30 arranged between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20.(Backing Plate 10)

[0011] The backing plate 10 is a rotating part that rotates about a virtual rotation axis RS. The backing plate 10 is circular as viewed in projection along the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100. A radially inner portion of the backing plate 10 has a substantially conical shape, or protrudes like a mountain toward the rim 20. In other words, the backing plate 10 has a sloping surface that slopes from the center toward the periphery in a direction away from an air inlet 102, which will be described later. The backing plate 10 includes a boss 12 at the center of the backing plate 10, or the top of the mountain-like portion. The boss 12 is part to which a rotating shaft of the motor (not illustrated) is secured. The boss 12 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor. The backing plate 10 is rotated about the virtual rotation axis RS by driving the motor (not illustrated). The virtual rotation axis RS is the virtual rotation axis of the centrifugal fan 100 as well as the virtual rotation axis of the backing plate 10.

[0012] It is only required that the backing plate 10 is a rotating part including the boss 12. The shape of the backing plate 10 is not limited to a substantially conical shape that is circular as viewed in projection along the virtual rotation axis RS and protrudes like a mountain. The backing plate 10 may have any other shape. For example, the backing plate 10 may be disc-shaped or may be substantially flat and polygonal as viewed in projection along the virtual rotation axis RS. Furthermore, the backing plate 10 may be shaped such that the radially inner portion of the backing plate 10 protrudes like a mountain and a radially outer portion of the backing plate 10, or annular peripheral part of the radially inner protruding portion, is substantially flat.(Rim 20)

[0013] The rim 20 faces the backing plate 10. The rim 20 is a ring having a substantially arc-shaped section and functions as a suction guide wall. The rim 20 is a shroud. The rim 20 is ring-shaped as viewed in projection along the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100. The rim 20 protrudes inwardly from its radially outer edge to have a mountain-like shape. The air inlet 102 is located at the center of the rim 20. More specifically, the rim 20 has an inner circumferential edge or end 22, which defines the air inlet 102 of the centrifugal fan 100, and has a radially inwardly curved surface such that the diameter increases from the air inlet 102 toward the backing plate 10. A rim periphery 24, which constitutes an outer circumferential edge of the ring-shaped rim 20, has a larger diameter than any other portion of the rim 20 and is located closest to the backing plate 10. The rim 20 has an outside diameter OS, which is larger than an outside diameter OM of the backing plate 10. The configuration of the centrifugal fan 100 is not limited to the above-described configuration in which the outside diameter OS of the rim 20 is larger than the outside diameter OM of the backing plate 10. The outside diameter OS of the rim 20 may be equal to the outside diameter OM of the backing plate 10 or may be smaller than the outside diameter OM of the backing plate 10. The rim 20 connects the blades 30 to maintain the positional relationship of leading edges of the blades 30 and enhance the strengths of the blades 30.

[0014] The backing plate 10 is disposed at a distance from the rim 20 in a direction along the virtual rotation axis RS. The centrifugal fan 100 has an air outlet 104 defined between the rim periphery 24 of the rim 20 and a backing-plate periphery 14 of the backing plate 10 such that the air outlet 104 is located between the rim periphery 24 and the backing-plate periphery 14. The rim periphery 24 is a radially outer end of the rim 20 and constitutes the outer circumferential edge of the rim 20. The backing-plate periphery 14 is a radially outer end of the backing plate 10 and constitutes an outer circumferential edge of the backing plate 10. The air outlet 104 is an opening through which air sucked into the centrifugal fan 100 through the air inlet 102 is discharged by rotation of the centrifugal fan 100.(Blades 30)

[0015] The blades 30 rotate together with the backing plate 10 during rotation of the backing plate 10 and create a current of air flowing from the center of the backing plate 10 to the periphery thereof. The blades 30 are arranged between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. One end of each of the blades 30 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 is joined to the backing plate 10. The other end thereof is joined to the rim 20. The blades 30 are arranged on a circumference about the virtual rotation axis RS and are regularly spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the backing plate 10. The blades 30 extend rearward in a rotation direction R in which the backing plate 10 rotates.

[0016] Each of the blades 30 has an inner edge 31 and an outer edge 32 such that the inner edge 31 is located closer to the virtual rotation axis RS than the outer edge 32. The inner edge 31 is a leading edge of the blade 30. The outer edge 32 is a trailing edge of the blade 30. Each of the inner edges 31 of the blades 30 is located at a predetermined distance from the virtual rotation axis RS. Each of the outer edges 32 is located in proximity to the backing-plate periphery 14 and the rim periphery 24. A virtual extension of a chord that is a straight line connecting the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32 of each blade 30 extends so as not to pass through the virtual rotation axis RS. In other words, the inner edge 31 is located forward of a virtual radial line connecting the virtual rotation axis RS and the outer edge 32 in the rotation direction R.

[0017] A blade outer surface 30a is a surface of the blade remote from the virtual rotation axis RS. The distance of the blade outer surface 30a from the virtual rotation axis RS increases toward the trailing edge in the rotation direction R. A blade inner surface 30b is a surface of the blade adjacent to the virtual rotation axis RS. Similarly, the distance of the blade inner surface 30b from the virtual rotation axis RS increases toward the trailing edge in the rotation direction R such that a predetermined distance is kept between the blade inner surface 30b and the blade outer surface 30a. The blade 30 has a thickness, which corresponds to the predetermined distance, gradually decreasing from the middle of the blade 30 toward the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32. In other words, the blade 30 has a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS and the cross-section resembles that of a typical wing.

[0018] As illustrated in Fig. 2, a blade outside diameter OW of the centrifugal fan 100 in a region AS between the rim 20 and a middle HB of an axial opening dimension of the air outlet 104 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS is larger than the blade outside diameter OW at the middle HB. Furthermore, the blade outside diameter OW of the centrifugal fan 100 in a region AM between the backing plate 10 and the middle HB of the axial opening dimension of the air outlet 104 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS is smaller than the blade outside diameter OW at the middle HB. The centrifugal fan 100 has a maximum blade outside diameter OW at a position closer to the rim 20 than to the middle HB of the axial opening dimension of the air outlet 104 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS, and has a minimum blade outside diameter OW at a position closer to the backing plate 10 than to the middle HB of the axial opening dimension of the air outlet 104 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS. The axial opening dimension of the air outlet 104 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS is a distance between the backing-plate periphery 14 of the backing plate 10 and the rim periphery 24 of the rim 20 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS. The blade outside diameter OW is a diameter of a portion including the blades 30 of the centrifugal fan 100. In other words, the blade outside diameter OW is a diameter of a rotation circle defined by the outer edges 32 of the blades 30 during rotation of the centrifugal fan 100 while the centrifugal fan 100 is operated.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the backing plate 10, the rim 20, and one blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 in Fig. 2 as viewed from the side. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section CS of the blade 30 in a plane parallel to the backing plate 10 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure as viewed in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS. Fig. 5 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a blade chord distance Da between the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32 of the blade 30 at a cross-section parallel to the backing plate 10 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CS of the blade 30. The geometry of the blade 30 will be further described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. Fig. 3 illustrates only one blade 30 of the blades 30 and depiction of the other blades 30 is omitted to reveal the geometry of the blade 30. Cross-sections CS of the blade 30 in planes parallel to the backing plate 10 are defined as first cross-sections of the blade 30.

[0020] As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the blade chord distance Da is defined as a linear distance between the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32 of each of the blades 30, arranged to surround the virtual rotation axis RS of the backing plate 10, in each of the cross-sections CS of each of the blades 30 in planes parallel to the backing plate 10. Since the backing plate 10 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is substantially conical, a plane parallel to the backing plate 10 is a substantially conical plane. In Fig. 3, broken lines illustrate the positions of cross-sections CS of the blade 30 in planes parallel to the backing plate 10. Furthermore, a cross-section CS having an intersection of the outer edge 32 with a plane F, which is perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS and is at the middle HB of the axial opening dimension of the air outlet 104 in the direction along the virtual rotation axis RS, is defined as a middle cross-section MS. In the centrifugal fan 100, the blade chord distance Da has a maximum at one of the cross-sections CS that is located closer to the rim 20 than to the middle cross-section MS. In the centrifugal fan 100, the blade chord distance Da between the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32 of each blade 30 increases from the backing plate 10 toward the rim 20, reaches a maximum at a position closer to the rim 20 than to the middle HB between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20, and then decreases toward the rim 20.[Operation of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0021] When the backing plate 10 of the centrifugal fan 100 is rotated by rotation of the motor connected to the boss 12, the blades 30 secured to the backing plate 10 circumferentially move about the virtual rotation axis RS. The rotation of the backing plate 10 in the rotation direction R causes air outside the centrifugal fan 100 to be sucked into a space defined by the backing plate 10, the rim 20, and the blades 30 through the air inlet 102. In the centrifugal fan 100, the blades 30 rotate together with the backing plate 10, causing the air sucked into the space defined by the backing plate 10 and the blade 30 to pass through spaces between the adjacent blades 30 and be sent outward in a radial direction of the backing plate 10.[Advantages of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0022] In the centrifugal fan 100, the blade chord distance Da has a maximum at one of the cross-sections CS that is located closer to the rim 20 than to the middle cross-section MS. In a typical centrifugal fan, an air flow tends to be located closer to a backing plate than to a rim. In contrast, in the centrifugal fan 100, the blade chord distance Da of each blade 30 at a cross-section adjacent to the rim 20 is larger than that at a cross-section adjacent to the backing plate 10 such that the area of blade part adjacent to the rim 20 is larger than the area of blade part adjacent to the backing plate 10, resulting in an increase in air flow velocity in a region adjacent to the rim 20. This leads to a uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan. In addition, the outside diameter defined by the blades 30 at a position adjacent to the rim 20 is larger than that at a position adjacent to the backing plate 10, thus increasing the amount of work by parts of the blades 30 that are adjacent to the rim 20. This results in an increase in air flow velocity, leading to a more uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan. The uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the centrifugal fan 100 results in a reduction in pressure loss in a high-velocity air flow region caused by an uneven air flow, leading to improved fan efficiency.

[0023] Additionally, in the centrifugal fan 100, the blade chord distance Da between the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32 of each blade 30 increases from the backing plate 10 toward the rim 20, reaches a maximum at a position closer to the rim 20 than to the middle HB between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20, and then decreases toward the rim 20. In the centrifugal fan 100, a reduction in blade chord distance Da in a region in proximity to the rim 20 can reduce or eliminate noise that arises from a collision between turbulent air flows caused by a wake downstream of a bell mouth connected to the rim 20 and a leakage flow of air entering a gap between the bell mouth and the rim 20.Embodiment 2.

[0024] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, which is an embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 7 is a side schematic diagram of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a graph illustrating the relationship between an inlet angle α of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pb in Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pc in Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pd in Figs. 7 and 8. The same components and parts as those in the centrifugal fan 100 in Figs. 1 to 5 are designated by the same reference signs and a description of these components and parts is omitted. The centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 is obtained by further determining details of the geometry of each blade 30 in the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1. The following description will focus on the geometry of each blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. The blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 11.(Blades 30)

[0025] As illustrated in Fig. 6, in each cross-section CR of each of the blades 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the backing plate 10, the inlet angle α of the blade 30 is defined as an angle formed by a center line CL of the blade 30 and a tangent TL1 to a virtual circle C1, which has a center at the virtual rotation axis RS and intersects a leading edge 35 of the blade 30, at the leading edge 35. The cross-sections CR of each of the blades 30 in planes perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the backing plate 10 are defined as second cross-sections of the blade 30. As illustrated in Figs. 7 to 11, the inlet angle α of each blade 30 has a minimum at one of the cross-sections CR that is located closer to the rim 20 than a middle Pm of the leading edge 35 of the blade 30 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. More specifically, as represented by an inlet angle α1 at the position Pb and an inlet angle α2 at the position Pc, the inlet angle α of the blade 30 decreases from the backing plate 10 toward the rim 20 and reaches a minimum at a position closer to the rim 20 than the middle Pm between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. As represented by the inlet angle α2 at the position Pc and an inlet angle α3 at the position Pd, the inlet angle α of the blade 30 increases from the position Pc with the inlet angle α2, which is a minimum, toward the rim 20. The middle Pm of the leading edge 35 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20 is the middle of a dimension along the leading edge 35 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20.[Advantages of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0026] In the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, the inlet angle α of each blade 30 has a minimum at one of the cross-sections CR that is located closer to the rim 20 than the middle Pm of the leading edge 35 of the blade 30 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. In the centrifugal fan 100, a reduction in inlet angle α at a position closer to the rim 20 than the middle Pm reduces air flow separation at the leading edge 35 of the blade 30, resulting in an increase in air flow velocity in a region adjacent to the rim 20. This leads to a more uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan.

[0027] Furthermore, in the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, the inlet angle α of each blade 30 increases from the position Pc with the inlet angle α2, which is a minimum, toward the rim 20. In a typical centrifugal fan, a leakage flow of air entering a gap between a rim 20 and a bell mouth connected to the rim 20 is likely to occur in proximity to the rim 20. Such a leakage air flow, which includes a component rotating in the rotation direction R of the centrifugal fan 100, enters the centrifugal fan. In the centrifugal fan 100, therefore, an increase in inlet angle α at a position in proximity to the rim 20 can reduce or eliminate a pressure loss caused by air flow separation at the leading edge 35 of each blade 30.Embodiment 3.

[0028] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a camber height H of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. The same components and parts as those in the centrifugal fans 100 in Figs. 1 to 11 are designated by the same reference signs and a description of these components and parts is omitted. The centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 is obtained by further determining details of the geometry of each blade 30 in the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The following description will focus on the geometry of each blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. The geometry of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figs. 12 and 13.(Blades 30)

[0029] As illustrated in Fig. 12, the camber height H is defined as a perpendicular distance from the center line CL of each blade 30 to a straight line SL connecting the leading edge 35 and a trailing edge 36 of the blade 30 in each cross-section CR of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS. The camber height H is zero at the leading edge 35 of the blade 30 and the trailing edge 36 of the blade 30. As illustrated in Fig. 12, the cross-section CR of the blade 30 includes an outer curve having a large curvature and an inner curve having a small curvature or a straight line. A maximum camber height H, or maximum camber height Ha, is located closer to the trailing edge 36 than a midpoint CM of a linear distance between the leading edge 35 and the trailing edge 36. For the cross-section CR of the blade 30, the term "outer" refers to being adjacent to the trailing edge 36 and the term "inner" refers to being adjacent to the leading edge 35.

[0030] As illustrated in Fig. 13, the camber height H of each blade 30 has a maximum at one of the cross-sections CR that is located closer to the rim 20 than to the middle Pm of the leading edge 35 of the blade 30 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. In other words, the maximum camber height Ha of the entire blade 30 is located closer to the rim 20 than to the middle Pm between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. More specifically, the camber height H of the blade 30 increases from the backing plate 10 toward the rim 20 and reaches a maximum at a position closer to the rim 20 than to the middle Pm between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. Then, the camber height H of the blade 30 decreases from the position of the cross-section CR with the maximum camber height toward the rim 20.[Advantages of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0031] The camber height H of each blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure has a maximum at one of the cross-sections CR that is located closer to the rim 20 than to the middle Pm between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20. In the centrifugal fan 100, the camber height H at a position closer to the rim 20 than to the middle Pm between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20 is larger than that at the middle Pm, thus increasing the amount of work by parts of the blades that are adjacent to the rim 20. This results in an increase in air flow velocity in a region adjacent to the rim 20, leading to a more uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan.

[0032] In addition, the camber height H of each blade 30 in the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure decreases from the position of the cross-section CR with the maximum camber height toward the rim 20. A region in proximity to the rim 20 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure tends to experience air flow separation because the blade chord distance Da between the inner edge 31 and the outer edge 32 of each blade 30 decreases in this region. In the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure, a reduction in camber height H can reduce air flow separation.Embodiment 4.

[0033] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a side schematic diagram of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Fig. 16 is a graph illustrating the relationship between an outlet angle β of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pe in Figs. 15 and 16. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pf in Figs. 15 and 16. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pg in Figs. 15 and 16. The same components and parts as those in the centrifugal fans 100 in Figs. 1 to 13 are designated by the same reference signs and a description of these components and parts is omitted. The centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 is obtained by further determining details of the geometry of each blade 30 in the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1. The following description will focus on the geometry of each blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. The blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 19.(Blades 30)

[0034] In each cross-section CR of each of the blades 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the backing plate 10, the outlet angle β of the blade 30 is defined as an angle formed by the center line CL of the blade 30 and a tangent TL2 to a virtual circle C2, which has a center at the virtual rotation axis RS and intersects the trailing edge 36 of the blade 30, at the trailing edge 36. As illustrated in Fig. 15, the outlet angle β of the blade 30 increases from the backing plate 10 toward the rim 20 as represented by an outlet angle β1 at the position Pe, an outlet angle β2 at the position Pf, and an outlet angle β3 at the position Pg. In other words, the outlet angle β of each blade 30 at one of the cross-sections CR that is located closer to the rim 20 than to the middle Pf of the trailing edge 36 of the blade 30 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20 is larger than the outlet angle β thereof at one of the cross-sections CR that is located closer to the backing plate 10 than to the middle Pf. The middle Pf of the trailing edge 36 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20 is the middle of a dimension along the trailing edge 36 between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20.[Advantages of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0035] In the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure, the outlet angle β of each blade 30 increases from the backing plate 10 toward the rim 20. In the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure, the outlet angle β at a position adjacent to the rim 20 is larger than that at a position adjacent to the backing plate 10, thus increasing the amount of work by parts of the blades 30 that are adjacent to the rim 20. This results in an increase in air flow velocity in a region adjacent to the rim 20, leading to a more uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown from the fan. Additionally, in the centrifugal fan 100, the outside diameter defined by the blades at a position adjacent to the rim 20 is larger than that at a position adjacent to the backing plate 10, resulting in an increase in air flow in a region adjacent to the rim 20. Therefore, air flow separation from the blade surfaces can be reduced even though the outlet angle β increases toward the rim 20.Embodiment 5.[Configuration of Air-Conditioning Apparatus 200]

[0036] Fig. 20 is a sectional view of the air-conditioning apparatus 200, which includes the centrifugal fan 100, according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. The air-conditioning apparatus 200 is of a floor-standing type. The type of air-conditioning apparatus 200 is not limited to the floor-standing type. The air-conditioning apparatus 200 may be of any other type, such as a ceiling concealed type. The air-conditioning apparatus 200 includes a casing 210, which constitutes a shell of the air-conditioning apparatus 200, a heat exchanger 220 disposed in the casing 210, and the centrifugal fan 100 disposed in the casing 210 and configured to create a current of air passing through the heat exchanger 220.(Casing 210)

[0037] The casing 210 has a rectangular cuboid shape. The shape of the casing 210 is not limited to a rectangular cuboid shape. The casing 210 may have any other shape, such as a cylindrical shape, a rectangular columnar shape, a conical shape, a shape with multiple corners, or a shape with multiple curved surfaces. The casing 210 has an upper surface 211 having an air inlet 212. The casing 210 has a lower surface 213 having an air outlet 214. The air inlet 212 is an opening through which air is sucked into the casing 210 from the outside by operation of the centrifugal fan 100. The air outlet 214 is an opening though which air is discharged from the casing 210 to the outside by operation of the centrifugal fan 100. The positions of the air inlet 212 and the air outlet 214 are not limited to those in the above-described configuration. For example, the air inlet 212 and the air outlet 214 may be located in the same surface. Alternatively, either one of the air inlet 212 and the air outlet 214 may be located in one side. The casing 210 contains the centrifugal fan 100 and the heat exchanger 220. An internal space of the casing 210 is divided into a space S11 containing the heat exchanger 220 and a space S12 containing the centrifugal fan 100 by a partition 215. The casing 210 contains electric equipment 250 for control of the air-conditioning apparatus 200.(Centrifugal Fan 100)

[0038] The centrifugal fan 100 creates a current of air such that the air is sucked into the casing 210 through the air inlet 212 of the casing 210 and is then blown to an air-conditioned space through the air outlet 214 of the casing 210. The centrifugal fan 100 has a bell mouth 230. The bell mouth 230 is disposed between the partition 215 and the centrifugal fan 100. The centrifugal fan 100 is connected to a motor 240. The motor 240 is supported by a motor support 241 secured to the lower surface 213 of the casing 210. The motor 240 includes an output shaft 242. The boss 12 of the centrifugal fan 100 is attached to the output shaft 242 of the motor 240. The number of centrifugal fans 100 in the casing 210 is not limited to one. Multiple centrifugal fans may be arranged in the casing.(Heat Exchanger 220)

[0039] The heat exchanger 220 is disposed upstream of the centrifugal fan 100 in an air flow direction in which the air current created by the centrifugal fan 100 flows in the casing 210. The heat exchanger 220 adjusts the temperature of air that is sucked into the casing 210 through the air inlet 212 of the casing 210 and is then blown to the air-conditioned space through the air outlet 214. The heat exchanger 220 having a known structure can be used. A removable filter 221 is disposed upstream of the heat exchanger 220 in the air flow direction in which the air current created by the centrifugal fan 100 flows in the casing 210. The filter 221 removes dust from air that is to pass through the heat exchanger 220. A drain pan 222 to collect condensate water is disposed under the heat exchanger 220.[Operation of Air-Conditioning Apparatus 200]

[0040] When the blades 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 rotate together with the backing plate 10, air in the air-conditioned space is sucked into the casing 210 through the air inlet 212 of the casing 210. The air sucked into the casing 210 passes through the filter 221 and then passes through the heat exchanger 220. While passing through the heat exchanger 220, the air exchanges heat with refrigerant flowing in the heat exchanger 220, so that the temperature and humidity of the air are adjusted. The air leaving the heat exchanger 220 is guided by the bell mouth 230 and is then sucked into the centrifugal fan 100. The air sucked into the centrifugal fan 100 passes through the spaces between the blades 30 and is then blown outward in the radial direction of the backing plate 10. The air blown from the centrifugal fan 100 is discharged into the air-conditioned space through the air outlet 214 in the lower surface 213 of the casing 210.[Advantages of Air-Conditioning Apparatus 200]

[0041] The air-conditioning apparatus 200 includes any one of the centrifugal fans 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 4. Such a configuration can provide a uniform distribution of velocity of air to be blown, leading to improved fan efficiency. Furthermore, this configuration, in which any one of the centrifugal fans 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 4 is included, can reduce or eliminate noise that arises from a collision between turbulent air flows caused by a wake downstream of the bell mouth and a leakage flow of air entering the gap between the bell mouth and the rim 20.Reference Signs List

[0042] 10: backing plate, 12: boss, 14: backing-plate periphery, 20: rim, 22: end, 24: rim periphery, 30: blade, 30a: blade outer surface, 30b: blade inner surface, 31: inner edge, 32: outer edge, 35: leading edge, 36: trailing edge, 100: centrifugal fan, 102: air inlet, 104: air outlet, 200: air-conditioning apparatus, 210: casing, 211: upper surface, 212: air inlet, 213: lower surface, 214: air outlet, 215: partition, 220: heat exchanger, 221: filter, 222: drain pan, 230: bell mouth, 240: motor, 241: motor support, 242: output shaft, 250: electric equipment

Examples

embodiment 1

[Configuration of Centrifugal Fan 100]

[0010]Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a side view of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. A fundamental structure of the centrifugal fan 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. The centrifugal fan 100 is rotated by, for example, a motor (not illustrated), and is configured to force air to be sent radially outward by using a centrifugal force produced by rotation. The centrifugal fan 100 includes a backing plate 10, which is a rotating part, a substantially ring-shaped rim 20 facing the backing plate 10, and a plurality of blades 30 arranged between the backing plate 10 and the rim 20.

(Backing Plate 10)

[0011]The backing plate 10 is a rotating part that rotates about a virtual rotation axis RS. The backing plate 10 is circular as viewed in projection along the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 10...

embodiment 2

[0024]Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, which is an embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 7 is a side schematic diagram of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a graph illustrating the relationship between an inlet angle α of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pb in Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of the centrifugal fan 100 at a position Pc in Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation...

embodiment 3

[0028]Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a blade 30 in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis RS of a centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a camber height H of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure and the position of a cross-section CR. The same components and parts as those in the centrifugal fans 100 in Figs. 1 to 11 are designated by the same reference signs and a description of these components and parts is omitted. The centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 is obtained by further determining details of the geometry of each blade 30 in the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The following description will focus on the geometry of each blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. The geometry of the blade 30 of the centrifugal fan 100 according...

Claims

1. A centrifugal fan (100) comprising: a backing plate (10) to be rotated, a ring-shaped rim (20) facing the backing plate (10), and a plurality of blades (30) arranged to surround a virtual rotation axis (RS) of the backing plate (10), the plurality of blades (30) being arranged between the backing plate (10) and the rim (20) and each having an inner edge (31) and an outer edge (32), wherein a blade chord distance (Da) has a maximum at one of first cross-sections (CS) that is located closer to the rim (20) than to a middle cross-section (MS), where the first cross-sections (CS) are cross-sections of each of the plurality of blades (30) in planes parallel to the backing plate (10), the blade chord distance (Da) is a linear distance between the inner edge (31) and the outer edge (32) of each of the plurality of blades (30) in each of the first cross-sections (CS), and the middle cross-section (MS) is one of the first cross-sections (CS) that has an intersection of the outer edge (32) with a plane (F) perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis (RS), the plane being at a middle of an axial opening dimension of an air outlet (104) defined between a periphery (24) of the rim (20) and a periphery (14) of the backing plate (10), the axial opening dimension being defined as a dimension along the virtual rotation axis (RS), the blade chord distance (Da) increases from the backing plate (10) toward the rim (20), reaches a maximum at a position closer to the rim (20) than to the middle cross-section (MS) between the backing plate (10) and the rim (20), and then decreases toward the rim (20), characterized in that an inlet angle (α) of each of the plurality of blades (30) has a minimum at one of second cross-sections (CR) that is located closer to the rim (20) than a middle of a leading edge (35) of each of the plurality of blades (30) between the backing plate (10) and the rim (20), where the second cross-sections (CR) are cross-sections of each of the plurality of blades (30) in planes perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis (RS), wherein, in each cross-section (CR) of each of the blades (30) in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis (RS) of the backing plate (10), the inlet angle (α) of the blade (30) is defined as an angle formed by a center line (CL) of the blade (30) and a tangent (TL1) to a virtual circle (C1), which has a center at the virtual rotation axis (RS) and intersects the leading edge (35) of the blade (30), at the leading edge (35).

2. The centrifugal fan (100) of claim 1, wherein the inlet angle (α) increases from a position of the second cross-section with the minimum inlet angle (α) toward the rim (20).

3. The centrifugal fan (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein a camber height (H) has a maximum at one of the second cross-sections (CR) that is located closer to the rim (20) than to the middle of the leading edge (35) of each of the plurality of blades (30) between the backing plate (10) and the rim (20), where the camber height (H) is a perpendicular distance from a center line of each of the plurality of blades (30) to a straight line connecting the leading edge (35) and a trailing edge (36) of each of the plurality of blades (30) in each of the second cross-sections (CR).

4. The centrifugal fan (100) of claim 3, wherein the camber height (H) decreases from a position of the second cross-section with the maximum camber height (H) toward the rim (20).

5. The centrifugal fan (100) of claims 1-4 , wherein an outlet angle (β) of each of the plurality of blades (30) at one of second cross-sections (CR) that is located closer to the rim (20) than a middle of a trailing edge (36) of each of the plurality of blades (30) between the backing plate (10) and the rim (20) is larger than the outlet angle (β) at one of the second cross-sections (CR) that is located closer to the backing plate (10) than the middle of the trailing edge (36), wherein, in each cross-section (CR) of each of the blades (30) in a plane perpendicular to the virtual rotation axis (RS) of the backing plate (10), the outlet angle (β) of the blade (30) is defined as an angle formed by the center line (CL) of the blade (30) and a tangent (TL2) to a virtual circle (C2), which has a center at the virtual rotation axis (RS) and intersects the trailing edge (36) of the blade (30), at the trailing edge (36).

6. An air-conditioning apparatus (200) comprising: the centrifugal fan (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, and a heat exchanger (220).

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