Airflow generation device

Abstract

To provide an air flow generator in which an air flow easily reaches far.SOLUTION: The airflow generation device 100 includes an air outlet 101 and a main body 10. The body 10 generates an annular vortex ring Ax1 surrounding a central shaft X1 of the air outlet 101. The airflow generation device 100 sends out an airflow including a vortex ring X1 from the air outlet 101 toward a front F1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an airflow generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] As a related art, an airflow generating device (blower) equipped with a blower section is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the airflow generating device according to the related art, the blower section has a fan. The fan includes a blade section having a plurality of blades and a rotating boss to the outer periphery of which the plurality of blades are fixed. The plurality of blades have the same shape.

[0003] The blower rotates a fan's rotating boss with a fan motor, causing a blade unit having multiple blades to rotate and blow air in a predetermined direction. In other words, the airflow generating device according to the related art is a fan that generates airflow by rotating multiple blades. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-050706 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the airflow generating device of the related art described above, the airflow (wind) blown out from the blower unit may not reach far, particularly when the fan rotation speed is reduced to reduce the air volume.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an airflow generating device that can easily reach a long distance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an airflow generation device including an air outlet and a main body. The main body generates an annular vortex ring surrounding a central axis of the air outlet. The airflow generation device sends an airflow including the vortex ring forward from the air outlet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an airflow generating device that can easily reach a long distance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an airflow generation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the airflow generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the airflow generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the airflow generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the airflow generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the airflow generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the airflow generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of the airflow generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an airflow generation device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are examples of specific embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overall overview First, an overview of an airflow generation device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0012] The airflow generating device 100 is a device that generates an airflow. In the present disclosure, "airflow" refers to a flow of air (atmosphere) and is a wind artificially generated by the airflow generating device 100. The airflow generating device 100 is, for example, an electrical device that operates by receiving power from a power grid (AC power supply). In other words, the airflow generating device 100 operates to generate an airflow when receiving power, and sends out (outputs) the generated airflow.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the airflow generation device 100 is used while being installed on an installation surface such as a wall or ceiling of a room in a house. In this embodiment, as an example, the airflow generation device 100 is a wall-mounted (bracket-type) device that is fixed to the wall of a room. Furthermore, the airflow generation device 100 generates an airflow directed vertically downward (in the direction of gravity).

[0014] In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the direction in which the airflow generation device 100 blows out an airflow is defined as the forward direction F1, and the direction opposite to the forward direction F1 is defined as the backward direction B1. In other words, the airflow generation device 100 generates an airflow toward the forward direction F1. In this embodiment, as described above, the airflow generation device 100 generates an airflow in the vertically downward direction, so the downward vertical direction is an example of the forward direction F1. Furthermore, the front-to-rear direction D1 is defined based on the forward direction F1 and the backward direction B1. However, these directions are not intended to limit the direction of use of the airflow generation device 100 (the direction during use).

[0015] 1, the airflow generation device 100 includes a main body 10 that generates an airflow, and operates to blow out the airflow generated by the main body 10 toward a space F1 in front of the main body 10. This enables the airflow generation device 100 to send an airflow to a target space F1 in front of the main body 10, and makes it possible, for example, to make the airflow act on the target space itself or on people in the target space.

[0016] The airflow generating device 100 according to this embodiment constitutes a blower that sends an airflow (wind) into a target space. Here, the airflow generating device 100 may include, for example, a heat source such as a heater and / or a cooling unit such as a Peltier element as a functional unit. This allows the airflow generated by the airflow generating device 100 to be heated or cooled by the functional unit, and by sending the heated or cooled air into the target space, the airflow generating device 100 can also operate as a heater or cooler.

[0017] Meanwhile, an airflow generating device (blower) equipped with a blower unit is known as related art. In the airflow generating device according to the related art, the blower unit has a fan. The fan includes a blade unit having a plurality of blades and a rotating boss to the outer periphery of which the plurality of blades are fixed. The plurality of blades have the same shape.

[0018] The blower rotates a fan's rotating boss with a fan motor, causing a blade unit having multiple blades to rotate and blow air in a predetermined direction. In other words, the airflow generating device according to the related art is a fan that generates airflow by rotating multiple blades.

[0019] In the airflow generating device of the related art described above, the airflow (wind) blown out from the blower unit may not reach far, particularly when the fan rotation speed is reduced to reduce the air volume.

[0020] In contrast, the airflow generating device 100 of this embodiment generates airflow using a configuration different from the configuration using a fan as in the related art described above, thereby realizing an airflow generating device 100 that can easily reach long distances.

[0021] That is, the airflow generating device 100 of this embodiment has a main body 10 shaped to resemble the "umbrella" of a jellyfish, as shown in Figure 1, and generates airflow by driving the main body 10 in the same way as the pulsation of the jellyfish's "umbrella."

[0022] Jellyfish move (swim) underwater by pulsating their "umbrellas" by opening and closing them. More specifically, jellyfish generate vortex rings in the water by pulsating their "umbrellas." In this disclosure, a "vortex ring" refers to a torus-shaped vortex in a fluid (such as a liquid or gas) and refers to a torus-shaped region formed by a bundle of looped vortex lines, as shown in FIG. 1. In other words, when vortex tubes form a closed curve, this is called a vortex ring, and the most common type is a circular vortex ring. Jellyfish generate such vortex rings by pulsating their "umbrellas," and the momentum of the vortex ring as it is pushed away from the "umbrella" generates a propulsive force in a direction away from the vortex ring.

[0023] In this way, the swimming mechanism of jellyfish is similar to jet propulsion, but rather than providing continuous propulsion, the periodic pulsation of the "umbrella" generates vortex rings at regular intervals, generating propulsion at regular intervals. Essentially, when a jellyfish contracts its "umbrella," it releases a vortex ring from the outer periphery of the "umbrella" in conjunction with the snapping motion of the outer periphery, and when this vortex ring is pushed out, it generates propulsion.

[0024] In other words, in the case of jellyfish, the kinetic energy of the "umbrella" and the vortex ring generated by the "umbrella" acting in the direction of moving relatively apart is used as the propulsive force for the jellyfish itself, propelling it away from the vortex ring. In this way, jellyfish use the kinetic energy of the vortex ring as the energy for their own movement, and move (swim) through the water.

[0025] In contrast, as shown in Fig. 1, airflow generating device 100 according to this embodiment generates vortex ring X1 in the atmosphere using main body 10, which resembles a jellyfish umbrella, by moving in the atmosphere in a manner that mimics the pulsation of the jellyfish umbrella. Then, airflow generating device 100 places main body 10 in a fixed position and sends out an airflow containing vortex ring X1 in a direction away from main body 10 (forward F1) by using the kinetic energy acting in a direction that moves main body 10 and vortex ring X1 away from each other as a propulsive force for the vortex ring.

[0026] As an example, the airflow generating device 100 according to this embodiment mimics and utilizes the functions of the moon jellyfish, a representative jellyfish. The moon jellyfish has a hemispherical (dome-shaped) "umbrella." Jellyfish such as the moon jellyfish move (swim) underwater by pulsating the opening and closing of this "umbrella." The airflow generating device 100 generates an airflow including a vortex ring X1 by mimicking the pulsating motion of the jellyfish's "umbrella." Therefore, it is sufficient for the airflow generating device 100 to have a configuration equivalent to the "umbrella" of a jellyfish. Configurations equivalent to various organs present in actual jellyfish, such as the "oral arms" extending from the inside of the "umbrella" and the "tentacles" extending from the periphery of the "umbrella," are not essential for the airflow generating device 100.

[0027] In this way, the airflow generating device 100 according to this embodiment sends out an airflow containing a vortex ring X1 toward the front F1 by mimicking the pulsation of a jellyfish's "umbrella." The vortex ring X1 is a torus-shaped region formed by a bundle of vortex lines X11, each of which is made up of a loop of airflow. Because the vortex ring X1 is a compact, continuous translational motion like a solitary wave, it has the characteristic of undergoing relatively little fluid (here, air) exchange between the inside and outside of the vortex ring X1.

[0028] Therefore, unlike the configuration using a fan as in the related art, the airflow generating device 100 has the advantage that the airflow containing the vortex ring X1 is sent forward F1, making it easier for the airflow to reach a greater distance. Moreover, because the vortex ring X1 contained in the airflow is easily maintained, the diffusion of the fluid (here, air) transported by the airflow can be reduced, and the airflow generating device 100 can achieve energy savings in generating the airflow. Furthermore, the airflow generating device 100 can also achieve lower loss and lower noise compared to the configuration using a fan as in the related art.

[0029] The mechanism by which the vortex ring X1 is generated in the airflow generating device 100 will be explained in detail in the section "[3] Principle of Operation."

[0030] In recent years, attention has been focused on biomimetics, a technology that mimics and utilizes the diverse functions of living organisms. Nature Technology (registered trademark) is known as an example of "manufacturing" that employs such biomimetics in electrical products and the like. The present disclosure includes a technical idea that focuses on the movement of jellyfish. In particular, the present disclosure includes a technical idea that focuses on the movement (swimming motion) of jellyfish when moving (swimming) in water. In other words, the present disclosure relates to biomimetics.

[0031] [2] Specific configuration Next, the specific configuration of the airflow generation device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the airflow generation device 100 when the main body 10 is viewed obliquely from below (front F1). Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the swinging motion of the main body 10.

[0033] 1, the airflow generating device 100 according to this embodiment includes an air outlet 101, a main body 10, and a bracket 20. The main body 10 generates an annular vortex ring X1 that surrounds the central axis Ax1 of the air outlet 101. The airflow generating device 100 configured in this manner sends out an airflow including the vortex ring X1 from the air outlet 101 forward F1.

[0034] The main body 10 has a shape that resembles the "umbrella" of a jellyfish. In this embodiment, the main body 10 has a shape that resembles the "umbrella" of a moon jellyfish, for example, and is formed in a hemispherical (dome-like) shape. The main body 10 has a hollow structure with an opening formed in its end face on the front F1 side, and this opening constitutes the air outlet 101. In other words, the air outlet 101 is formed in the end face of the main body 10 on the front F1 side.

[0035] Main body 10 generates an annular vortex ring X1 surrounding the central axis Ax1 of air outlet 101 by moving in a manner that mimics the pulsation of a jellyfish's "umbrella." In this embodiment, as an example, air outlet 101 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the front F1. Therefore, vortex ring X1 also has a circular shape when viewed from the front F1. In other words, main body 10 generates an annular vortex ring X1. Vortex ring X1 generated by main body 10 moves from air outlet 101 toward the front F1. As a result, an airflow including vortex ring X1 is sent out from air outlet 101 toward the front F1.

[0036] For example, the main body 10 has a size such that the diameter of the air outlet 101 is 100 mm or more and 500 mm or less. The diameter of the air outlet 101 is more preferably 150 mm or more, 200 mm or more, 250 mm or more, or 300 mm or more. Furthermore, the diameter of the air outlet 101 is more preferably 450 mm or less, 400 mm or less, 350 mm or less, or 300 mm or less.

[0037] When no external force is applied, the main body 10 maintains the hemispherical (dome-shaped) shape shown in Figures 1 and 2. The main body 10 is made of an elastic material and is configured to be relatively easily deformed when an external force is applied. In this embodiment, as an example, the main body 10 is configured of silicone rubber having a hardness of 10 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less. The hardness of the main body 10 is more preferably 15 degrees or more or 20 degrees or more. Furthermore, the hardness of the main body 10 is more preferably 40 degrees or less, 35 degrees or less, 30 degrees or less, or 25 degrees or less. Consequently, the hardness of the main body 10 is preferably about 20 degrees. The thickness of the main body 10 is 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. The thickness of the main body 10 is more preferably 0.75 mm or more, 1.0 mm or more, 1.25 mm or more, or 1.5 mm or more. Furthermore, the thickness of the main body 10 is more preferably 2.75 mm or less, 2.5 mm or less, 2.25 mm or less, or 2.0 mm or less.

[0038] The bracket 20 is an example of a support member that supports the main body 10. In this embodiment, one end of the bracket 20 is fixed to a wall surface, and the main body 10, which is supported by the other end of the bracket 20, is fixed to the wall surface via the bracket 20. The bracket 20 is fixed to the apex (the end on the rear B1 side) of the hemispherical main body 10.

[0039] The bracket 20 has a swivel mechanism 21 at its intermediate portion. The swivel mechanism 21 is made up of, for example, a universal joint or the like, and enables the main body 10, which is supported at the tip (other end) of the bracket 20, to swivel. In other words, the swivel mechanism 21 makes it possible to change the angle of the main body 10 in the vertical and / or horizontal directions. This makes it possible to change the direction of the airflow sent out from the main body 10.

[0040] 1 and 2, main body 10 has base 11 and skirt 12. Skirt 12 protrudes forward F1 from base 11 and surrounds air outlet 101. Main body 10 generates vortex ring X1 by driving base 11 and skirt 12 in conjunction with each other.

[0041] The base 11 has a hemispherical (dome-like) shape that opens toward the front F1. The skirt 12 protrudes toward the front F1 from the periphery of the opening of the base 11. In this embodiment, the base 11 and skirt 12 are seamlessly integrated. That is, a portion of the main body 10, which is integrally formed from silicone rubber, becomes the base 11, and the other portion becomes the skirt 12.

[0042] The base 11 and the hem 12 may have the same or different thicknesses. For example, the thickness of the base 11 may be greater or less than the thickness of the hem 12. Furthermore, the base 11 and the hem 12 may have the same or different hardnesses. For example, the hardness of the base 11 may be greater or less than the hardness of the hem 12. Furthermore, the thickness and / or hardness may vary from part to part in each of the base 11 or the hem 12.

[0043] 2, the airflow generation device 100 further includes a control unit 3, a first drive unit 31, and a second drive unit 32. The control unit 3 is electrically connected to the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 32.

[0044] The control unit 3 mainly comprises a computer system having one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and one or more memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and executes various processes (information processing). The control unit 3 controls each part of the airflow generation device 100.

[0045] The first drive unit 31 is an actuator that mechanically drives the base 11 of the main body 10. The second drive unit 32 is an actuator that mechanically drives the hem 12 of the main body 10. In other words, the first drive unit 31 applies an external force to the base 11 in response to a control signal (electrical signal) from the control unit 3, thereby driving the base 11 to deform. The second drive unit 32 applies an external force to the hem 12 in response to a control signal (electrical signal) from the control unit 3, thereby driving the hem 12 to deform.

[0046] The first driving unit 31 is an electric actuator that converts electrical energy into mechanical movement, and is formed, for example, by an artificial muscle. The artificial muscle serving as the first driving unit 31 may be attached to the front surface (external surface) and / or the back surface (internal surface) of the base 11, or may be embedded in the base 11. Such a first driving unit 31 can partially expand and contract the base 11, thereby enabling the shape of the base 11 to be deformed.

[0047] The second drive unit 32 is an electric actuator that converts electrical energy into mechanical movement, and is formed, for example, from an artificial muscle. The artificial muscle serving as the second drive unit 32 may be attached to the front (outer surface) and / or back (inner surface) of the hem portion 12, or may be embedded in the hem portion 12. Such a second drive unit 32 allows the hem portion 12 to partially expand and contract, thereby changing the shape of the hem portion 12.

[0048] Each of the first driving unit 31 and the second driving unit 32 is not limited to an artificial muscle, and may be, for example, a motor (electric motor), a solenoid, a piezoelectric actuator, an electrostatic actuator, a thermally driven bimetallic actuator, etc. The first driving unit 31 and the second driving unit 32 may be the same type of actuator or different types of actuators.

[0049] The control unit 3 drives the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 32 in a coordinated manner, thereby driving the base 11 and the hem 12 in a coordinated manner. The main body of the airflow generation device 100 generates a vortex ring X1 through the coordinated operation of the base 11 and the hem 12, and sends out an airflow including the vortex ring X1.

[0050] That is, the airflow generating device 100 according to this embodiment has a main body 10 that resembles a jellyfish's "umbrella," a base 11, and a bottom 12, and by linking these base 11 and bottom 12, the main body 10 can perform movements that mimic the complex movements of a jellyfish. As a result, the airflow generating device 100 can efficiently generate an airflow that includes a vortex ring X1 using a mechanism that is closer to that of an actual jellyfish.

[0051] A circuit unit including the control unit 3, functional units (heat source and / or cooling unit, etc.), and power supply circuit, etc., is disposed, for example, at a portion of the main body 10 that is supported by the bracket 20 (at the apex of the hemispherical main body 10). The circuit unit may be built into the bracket 20 or disposed inside the main body 10.

[0052] [3] Operating principle Next, the operating principle of the airflow generation device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 7. Figs. 4 to 7 show the process of movement (deformation) of the main body 10 when the airflow generation device 100 is in operation. Figs. 4 to 7 show a schematic end surface of the main body 10 cut along a plane including the central axis Ax1 of the air outlet 101. However, in these drawings, hatching of the cut surface is omitted.

[0053] As described above, the airflow generating device 100 according to this embodiment generates a vortex ring X1 in the atmosphere by causing the main body 10, which resembles a jellyfish "umbrella," to move in the atmosphere in a manner that mimics the pulsation of the jellyfish "umbrella." Therefore, the mechanism by which the airflow generating device 100 generates a vortex ring X1 is basically the same as the mechanism by which a jellyfish generates a vortex ring. Since various actions contribute to the generation of the vortex ring X1 in the airflow generating device 100, the operating principles of the airflow generating device 100 related to the generation of the vortex ring X1 will be described below from various perspectives.

[0054] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the main body 10 of the airflow generation device 100, representing steps P1 to P10. The airflow generation device 100 generates an airflow including a vortex ring X1 in the main body 10 by operating the main body 10 in the order of step P1, step P2, step P3, step P4, step P5, step P6, step P7, step P8, step P9, and step P10. The state (shape) of the main body 10 in step P10 is the same as the state (shape) of the main body 10 in step P1, and the airflow generation device 100 periodically operates the main body 10 by repeating the operations of steps P1 to P10. Here, it is assumed that steps P1 to P10 are spaced apart at regular intervals (for example, one second).

[0055] The main body 10 periodically generates vortex ring X1, with processes P1 to P10 being one cycle. In other words, the airflow generation device 100 is configured to intermittently (periodically) send out an airflow containing vortex ring X1, and generates vortex ring X1 once during the operation of processes P1 to P10.

[0056] In the airflow generation device 100, the base 11 of the main body 10 is driven by the first drive unit 31 to deform as shown in steps P1 to P10 in Fig. 4. Here, the hemispherical (dome-shaped) base 11 basically undergoes deformation in a closing direction (becoming vertically elongated) from steps P1 to P5. That is, from steps P1 to P5, the base 11 of the main body 10 gradually deforms to close, the diameter of the air outlet 101 gradually decreases, and the air outlet 101 gradually narrows.

[0057] Furthermore, the hemispherical (dome-shaped) base 11 basically undergoes deformation in the opening (flattening) direction from process P6 to P10. That is, from process P6 to P10, the base 11 of the main body 10 gradually deforms to open, the diameter of the air outlet 101 gradually increases, and the air outlet 101 gradually opens.

[0058] On the other hand, the hem 12 protruding forward F1 from the periphery of the opening of the base 11 undergoes a deformation different from that of the base 11 during processes P1 to P10. For example, during processes P1 to P2, the hem 12 of the main body 10 deforms to become convex inward (toward the central axis Ax1), and during processes P2 to P3, the hem 12 of the main body 10 deforms to become convex outward (the side opposite the central axis Ax1).

[0059] In this way, airflow generating device 100 accurately reproduces the movement of a jellyfish's "umbrella" by driving base 11 and bottom 12 of main body 10 in conjunction with each other, while allowing base 11 and bottom 12 to move (deform) separately. This enables main body 10 to generate vortex ring X1 using a mechanism similar to the mechanism by which jellyfish generate vortex rings.

[0060] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, a vortex ring X1 is generated in steps P1 to P4 of closing the base 11. In Fig. 5, the lower part shows the air outlet 101 in each step P1 to P4, and as is clear from this, the opening area of ​​the air outlet 101 gradually decreases from step P1 to step P4.

[0061] At this time, as the base 11 deforms in the closing direction, the inner region of the hem 12 is subjected to a positive pressure Pp, and the outer region of the hem 12 is subjected to a negative pressure Pn. As a result, an air flow is generated at the end of the front F1 side of the hem 12, circling from the inner region of the hem 12 toward the outer region. This air flow triggers the generation of vortex line X11, and if the base 11 continues to deform in this state, in process P2, vortex line X11 will be located in the outer region of the hem 12 around the entire circumference of the air outlet 101. These multiple vortex lines X11 bundle together, generating a vortex ring X1 that surrounds the hem 12.

[0062] The vortex ring X1 generated here is formed so that vortex line X11 passing through the inside of vortex ring X1 (on the central axis Ax1 side) faces forward toward F1, and vortex line X11 passing through the outside of vortex ring X1 (opposite the central axis Ax1) faces backward toward B1, as shown in Figure 5. Because vortex ring X1 basically has a driving force in the direction of the bundle of vortex lines X11 passing through its center, vortex ring X1 generated in process P2 moves forward toward F1 through processes P3 and P4.

[0063] More specifically, before and after step P2, skirt 12 undergoes deformation as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of main body 10 for each of steps P2-1 to P2-5, which are obtained by dividing step P2 into steps. If steps P1 to P10 are spaced one second apart, steps P2-1 to P2-5 are spaced 0.05 seconds apart. Here, step P2-3 is in the same state as step P2. In Figure 6, enlarged views of the area around skirt 12 for each of steps P2-1 to P2-5 are shown in speech bubbles.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, in step P2-1, vortex line X11 is generated at the end of the skirt 12 on the front F1 side. At this time, the skirt 12 is curved so as to be convex outward (opposite the central axis Ax1). In the next step P2-2, the skirt 12 is curved so as to be convex inward (toward the central axis Ax1). In other words, the skirt 12 is driven to reverse its curvature direction from step P2-1 to step P2-2. This creates a momentary large pressure difference between the inner and outer regions of the end of the skirt 12 on the front F1 side. As a result, the vortex line X11 at the end of the skirt 12 on the front F1 side grows. Subsequently, from step P2-2 to step P2-3, the curvature direction of the skirt 12 begins to reverse again. Specifically, from step P2-2 to step P2-5, the curvature direction of the skirt 12 gradually reverses from the rear B1 side of the skirt 12 to be convex outward. This creates a region of positive pressure Pp behind B1 the vortex line X11, as if being pushed by the outwardly bulging skirt 12. As a result, the vortex line X11 is detached from the end of the skirt 12 on the forward F1 side, accelerating the movement of the vortex line X11 toward the forward F1. Then, in process P2-5, the entire skirt 12 curves so that it is convex outward (toward the opposite side from the central axis Ax1).

[0065] In this way, the skirt 12 achieves a reciprocating inverted motion in a time that is clearly shorter than the opening and closing cycle (processes P1 to P10) of the base 11. At this time, the movement of the skirt 12 is similar to the snapping motion of the outer periphery of a jellyfish's "umbrella," and the vortex line X11 on the outside of the skirt 12 grows rapidly. The inverted motion of the skirt 12 can be accelerated by utilizing not only the driving force of the second drive unit 32 but also the elasticity of the skirt 12 itself.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the main body 10 drives the base 11 to change the opening area of ​​the air outlet 101. This causes a difference in air pressure (negative pressure Pn and positive pressure Pp) between the inner and outer regions of the skirt 12, generating a vortex line X11 that serves as the base of the vortex ring X1.

[0067] The driving speed of the skirt 12 is faster than that of the base 11. In other words, the skirt 12 moves in a manner similar to the snapping motion of the outer periphery of a jellyfish's "umbrella," causing the vortex line X11 on the outside of the skirt 12 to grow rapidly, generating the vortex ring X1.

[0068] In other words, main body 10 is disposed in a position surrounding air outlet 101 and has an inverting part whose bending direction is reversed by elastic force. Main body 10 generates vortex ring X1 as the inverting part inverts. In this embodiment, skirt 12 is an example of the inverting part. That is, by inverting the inverting part (skirt 12), a movement similar to the snapping motion of the outer periphery of a jellyfish's "umbrella" is realized, causing vortex line X11 on the outside of skirt 12 to grow rapidly, generating vortex ring X1.

[0069] Here, main body 10 periodically generates vortex ring X1. The time required for the reciprocating inversion motion of inversion portion (skirt portion 12) is less than half the generation cycle of vortex ring X1. That is, in this embodiment, the time from steps P1 to P10 is the generation cycle of vortex ring X1, and the inversion portion (skirt portion 12) performs reciprocating inversion motion before and after step P2 (part of steps P1 to P3). In this way, the inversion portion (skirt portion 12) moves in a manner similar to the snapping motion of the outer periphery of a jellyfish's "umbrella," causing vortex line X11 on the outside of skirt portion 12 to grow rapidly, generating vortex ring X1.

[0070] Furthermore, the main body 10 generates a vortex ring X1 by gas taken in from outside the air outlet 101. That is, the vortex ring X1 is generated in the space outside the main body 10 (bottom portion 12). This makes it possible to generate the vortex ring X1 without rapidly taking in gas such as air into the inside of the main body 10.

[0071] 7, in steps P5 to P8 in which base 11 opens, vortex ring X1 moves away from main body 10 toward the front F1. That is, the airflow containing vortex ring X1 generated in main body 10 is sent toward the front F1 from outlet 101. In FIG. 7, the lower part shows outlet 101 in each step P5 to P8, and as is clear from these figures, the opening area of ​​outlet 101 gradually increases from step P5 to P8.

[0072] At this time, as the base 11 deforms in the opening direction, the inner region of the hem 12 is subjected to negative pressure Pn, and the outer region of the hem 12 is subjected to positive pressure Pp. If the base 11 continues to deform in this state, in process P7, an air flow occurs along the inner region of the hem 12, generating vortex lines X21 all around the air outlet 101. These multiple vortex lines X21 bundle together, generating a second vortex ring X2 inside the hem 12.

[0073] The vortex ring X2 generated here has a vortex line X21 that faces in the opposite direction to the first vortex ring X1. That is, as shown in Figure 7, the vortex line X21 passing through the inside of the vortex ring X2 (on the central axis Ax1 side) faces backward B1, and the vortex line X21 passing through the outside of the vortex ring X2 (on the opposite side from the central axis Ax1) faces forward F1.

[0074] Thus, in this embodiment, the main body 10 generates a first vortex ring X1 as a vortex ring, and then generates a second vortex ring X2 behind the air outlet 101. When the second vortex ring X2 is generated, the first vortex ring X1 is separated from the internal space of the main body 10, which promotes the movement of the airflow including the first vortex ring X1 toward the forward direction F1. Therefore, the airflow generation device 100 can deliver the airflow even farther. Furthermore, the second vortex ring X2 can take in gas (air) into the main body 10.

[0075] Furthermore, the base 11 of the main body 10 changes the volume of its internal space, i.e., its capacity, by performing the opening and closing operation as described above. In other words, the main body 10 has a volume-varying section where the air outlet 101 opens. As the volume of the volume-varying section decreases, the main body 10 sends out an airflow including a vortex ring X1 from the air outlet 101 toward the front F1 by a main flow generated from the air outlet 101 toward the front F1. In this embodiment, the base 11 is an example of a volume-varying section. That is, the volume-varying section (base 11) performs a pumping operation, generating an airflow (main flow) that blows out from the air outlet 101 toward the front F1, thereby promoting the movement of the airflow including the vortex ring X1 toward the front F1. Therefore, the airflow generating device 100 can deliver an airflow farther.

[0076] [4] Variation Below, we will list some modified examples of embodiment 1. The modified examples explained below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0077] The airflow generating device 100 may include, as functional units, a discharge unit, a humidifying unit, a sterilizing unit, a deodorizing unit, a fragrance unit, or a combination thereof, in addition to or instead of the heat source and / or the cooling unit. The discharge unit generates discharge products (positive ions and negative ions). The humidifying unit humidifies the airflow by generating mist. The sterilizing unit generates sterilizing components. The deodorizing unit generates deodorizing components. The fragrance unit generates fragrance components.

[0078] By employing these functional units, various functions can be added to the airflow generated by the airflow generating device 100. For example, by employing a discharge unit as a functional unit, the airflow generating device 100 can deliver discharge products to a targeted space by carrying them on the airflow. Similarly, by employing a humidifying unit as a functional unit, the airflow generating device 100 can deliver moist air to a targeted space (or person). Similarly, by employing a fragrance unit as a functional unit, the airflow generating device 100 can deliver a scent to a targeted space (or person). As a result, the airflow generating device 100 can be embodied as an electric device such as a circulator, air conditioner, heater, air purifier, beauty device, aroma diffuser, dryer, or blower, in addition to being an air blower that blows air toward the human body, etc., like an electric fan.

[0079] The airflow generation device 100 is not limited to a wall-mounted type (bracket type) fixed to a wall of a room, but may be fixed to a ceiling, floor, or furniture such as a desk. Furthermore, the airflow generation device 100 is not limited to a configuration fixed in a fixed position, but may be a stationary type (stand type) that stands on its own while placed on an installation surface such as the floor or a tabletop, as shown in FIG. 8 . The stationary airflow generation device 100 uses a stand 200 instead of a bracket 20 to hold the main body 10. It is preferable that the stand 200 also includes a swing mechanism 21 to change the forward direction F1 of the main body 10, i.e., the direction in which the airflow is emitted. Even with a stationary airflow generation device 100, a user can freely carry the airflow generation device 100 and install it at any position on the installation surface. However, the airflow generation device 100 may be made smaller and battery-powered to become a portable device.

[0080] Furthermore, the shape of the air outlet 101 is not limited to a circular shape, and may be, for example, an elliptical shape, a star shape, a polygonal shape, etc. The circular air outlet 101 may be deformed into a star shape or the like as the base 11 closes.

[0081] (Embodiment 2) 9, the airflow generation device 100A according to this embodiment differs from the airflow generation device 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a detection unit 8. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0082] In the airflow generation device 100A according to this embodiment, the base 11 and the hem 12 of the main body 10 are configured as separate bodies. The base 11 and the hem 12 are held by a rigid, annular frame 41. Specifically, the outer periphery of the base 11 (the end at the front F1) is fixed to the frame 41, and the end at the rear B1 of the hem 12 is fixed to the frame 41.

[0083] The airflow generation device 100A further includes an inner case 42 disposed above (rearward B1) the base 11, and an outer case 43 that covers the base 11 and the inner case 42. A first drive unit 31 is housed within the inner case 42. The first drive unit 31 is, for example, a solenoid, and drives the base 11 to deform by pushing the apex of the base 11 forward F1. The base 11 has elasticity that allows it to return to its original shape when the external force from the first drive unit 31 is removed.

[0084] On the other hand, the skirt 12 protruding forward F1 from the frame 41 is driven by the second drive unit 32 made of artificial muscle, as in embodiment 1. The circuit unit and wiring may be housed in the inner case 42 or the frame 41.

[0085] In this way, even if the base 11 and the hem 12 are configured to be separate, the main body 10 can perform movements that mimic the movement of a jellyfish's "umbrella" by driving the base 11 and the hem 12 in conjunction with each other.

[0086] The configuration according to the second embodiment (including modifications) can be adopted in appropriate combination with the various configurations (including modifications) described in the first embodiment.

[0087] [Appendix to the invention] The following is a summary of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0088] <Appendix 1> An air outlet; a main body that generates an annular vortex ring surrounding the central axis of the air outlet, The airflow including the vortex ring is sent forward from the air outlet. Airflow generator.

[0089] <Appendix 2> The body includes: A base and a skirt portion that protrudes forward from the base portion and surrounds the air outlet, The vortex ring is generated by driving the base portion and the tail portion in conjunction with each other. 2. The airflow generating device according to claim 1.

[0090] <Appendix 3> The driving speed of the skirt portion is faster than the driving speed of the base portion. 3. The airflow generating device according to claim 2.

[0091] <Appendix 4> The main body drives the base portion so as to change the opening area of ​​the air outlet. 4. The airflow generating device according to claim 2 or 3.

[0092] <Appendix 5> the main body is disposed at a position surrounding the air outlet and has a reversing portion whose bending direction is reversed by an elastic force, The vortex ring is generated in association with the reversing operation of the reversing unit. 5. The airflow generating device according to any one of appendixes 1 to 4.

[0093] <Appendix 6> the body periodically generates the vortex rings; The time required for the reciprocating reversal movement of the reversal unit is less than half the generation period of the vortex ring. 6. The airflow generating device according to claim 5.

[0094] <Appendix 7> The main body generates the vortex ring by gas taken in from outside the air outlet. 7. The airflow generating device according to any one of appendixes 1 to 6.

[0095] <Appendix 8> The body includes: a volume change section where the air outlet opens, a main flow generated forward from the air outlet in association with a reduction operation of reducing the volume of the volume changeable unit, causing the airflow including the vortex ring to be sent forward from the air outlet. 8. The airflow generating device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7.

[0096] <Appendix 9> The main body generates a first vortex ring as the vortex ring and then generates a second vortex ring behind the air outlet. 9. The airflow generating device according to any one of appendixes 1 to 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10 Main Unit 11 Base (volume change part) 12 Hem (inverted part) 100,100A airflow generator 101 Air outlet B1 rear F1 Front X1 vortex ring (first vortex ring) X2 Second vortex ring

Claims

1. An air outlet; a main body that generates an annular vortex ring surrounding the central axis of the air outlet, The airflow including the vortex ring is sent forward from the air outlet. Airflow generator.

2. The body includes: A base and a skirt portion that protrudes forward from the base portion and surrounds the air outlet, The vortex ring is generated by driving the base portion and the tail portion in conjunction with each other. The airflow generating device according to claim 1 .

3. The driving speed of the skirt portion is faster than the driving speed of the base portion. The airflow generating device according to claim 2 .

4. The main body drives the base portion so as to change the opening area of ​​the air outlet. The airflow generating device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the main body is disposed at a position surrounding the air outlet and has a reversing portion whose bending direction is reversed by an elastic force, The vortex ring is generated in association with the reversing operation of the reversing unit. The airflow generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the body periodically generates the vortex rings; The time required for the reciprocating reversal movement of the reversal unit is less than half the generation period of the vortex ring. The airflow generating device according to claim 5 .

7. The main body generates the vortex ring by gas taken in from outside the air outlet. The airflow generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The body includes: a volume change section where the air outlet opens, a main flow generated forward from the air outlet in association with a reduction operation of reducing the volume of the volume changeable unit, causing the airflow including the vortex ring to be sent forward from the air outlet. The airflow generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The main body generates a first vortex ring as the vortex ring and then generates a second vortex ring behind the air outlet. The airflow generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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