Blower and cart

Abstract

To improve safety. [Solution] The blower 100A includes an air intake port 140 facing a first direction, an air intake port frame 131A surrounding the air intake port 140 and formed of an elastic material, an air outlet port 160 facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, and an air outlet port frame 151 surrounding the air outlet port 160. When viewed in the first direction, at least a portion of the outer edge of the air intake port frame 131A is located outside the air outlet port frame 151.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a blower and a cart.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a cart, which is a small transport vehicle, such as a golf cart shown in Patent Document 1, for example, is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, in the case of a cart used outdoors, such as a golf cart, it is conceivable to provide a blower as a measure against heat. For example, when the blower is attached to the ceiling surface of the cart, etc., it is desirable to suppress a decrease in safety due to contact of the rider's head with the blower and improve safety.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a blower and a cart capable of improving safety.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the blower of the present invention includes an air inlet facing a first direction, an air inlet frame formed by an elastic member surrounding the air inlet, an air outlet facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, and an air outlet frame surrounding the air outlet. When viewed in the first direction, at least a part of the outer edge of the air inlet frame is located outside the air outlet frame.

[0007] The air outlet frame is provided so as to be rotatable within a predetermined range of motion, and regardless of the rotation angle of the air outlet frame, when viewed in the first direction, at least a portion of the outer edge of the air intake frame may be located outside the air outlet frame.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the cart of the present invention is equipped with the above-mentioned blower. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve safety. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the cart according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the A1-A1 section in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the A2-A2 section in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the A3-A3 section in Figure 2. [Figure 6] This is a side view showing the first state of the blower. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing the second state of the blower. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the area around the air intake. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the area around the air intake. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the area around the air vent. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing the area around the air vent. [Figure 12] This is a front view showing the first state of the blower. [Figure 13] This is a front view showing the second state of the blower. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing the battery installed in the main unit case. [Figure 15]It is a perspective view showing a state where the battery is not attached to the main body case. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the main body terminal cover immediately before the battery is attached to the main body case. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the main body terminal cover after the battery is attached to the main body case. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the main body terminal is deformed. [Figure 19] It is an exploded perspective view showing the attachment portion of the blower unit to the frame. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view showing the attachment portion of the blower unit to the frame. [Figure 21] It is a cross-sectional view of the cart seen from the left side. [Figure 22] It is a cross-sectional view of the cart seen from the rear side. [Figure 23] It is a perspective view of the blower according to a modified example. [Figure 24] It is a side view of the blower according to a modified example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in such embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, the outline of the cart 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cart 1 according to this embodiment. The cart 1 according to this embodiment is a self-propelled four-wheeled vehicle equipped with a power source consisting of an engine or motor, etc., not shown. In the following figures, the forward direction of travel of the cart 1 is indicated as "forward" and the reverse direction as "rear". Also, when facing the forward direction of the cart 1, the left direction is indicated as "left" and the right direction as "right". The left-right direction of the cart 1 corresponds to the width direction of the cart 1. Also, the upward direction of the cart 1 is indicated as "up" and the downward direction as "down".

[0014] A transparent resin panel 2 is provided at the front of the kart 1. A steering wheel 3 is also provided at the front left of the kart 1. The driver can change the direction of the kart 1 by steering the steering wheel 3.

[0015] Behind the steering wheel 3, a front seat 4 and a rear seat 5 are provided, extending in the width direction of the kart 1. The front seat 4 and the rear seat 5 are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction of the kart 1. Two or three passengers can be seated side by side in the width direction of the kart 1 in the front seat 4 and the rear seat 5, respectively.

[0016] Furthermore, the cart 1 is equipped with a ceiling panel 6. The ceiling panel 6 extends from above the resin panel 2 in the reverse direction of the cart 1 to behind the rear seat 5. The width of the ceiling panel 6 is slightly greater than the width of the front seat 4 and the rear seat 5. The ceiling panel 6 is located above the front seat 4 and the rear seat 5, and a passenger seating area is provided below the ceiling panel 6.

[0017] Four fans 100 are provided on the ceiling surface 6a, which is the lower surface of the ceiling panel 6. Each of the four fans 100 blows air towards the passengers seated in the front seat 4 and the rear seat 5. Two of the four fans 100 are positioned at a distance from each other in the width direction of the cart 1, slightly offset in the forward direction from directly above the front seat 4. In this case, one of the fans 100 is located directly above the steering wheel 3.

[0018] Furthermore, the remaining two blowers 100 are positioned at a distance from each other in the width direction of the cart 1, at a position offset in the forward direction from directly above the rear seat 5. Here, the two blowers 100 are located between the front seat 4 and the rear seat 5.

[0019] The two front blowers 100, together with the rod members described later (see rod member 8 in Figures 19, 20, and 22 described later), constitute a single blower unit 200. The two rear blowers 100, together with the rod members described later, also constitute a single blower unit 200. Each blower unit 200 is attached to the frame 7 of the cart 1. A pair of frames 7 are provided on both the left and right sides of the cart 1 and extend in the front-rear direction of the cart 1. Each frame 7 extends from near the front end to near the rear end of the ceiling panel 6, near the ceiling surface 6a of the ceiling panel 6. Details of the attachment of the blower units 200 to the frames 7 will be described later.

[0020] Referring to Figures 2 to 7, an overview of the blower 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the blower 100 according to this embodiment. When the blower 100 is attached to the cart 1, the front of the blower 100 faces the cart 1 in the direction of rearward movement, and the back of the blower 100 faces the cart 1 in the direction of forward movement. Therefore, the left side of the blower 100, as viewed from the front, coincides with the left direction of the cart 1, and the right side of the blower 100, as viewed from the front, coincides with the right direction of the cart 1.

[0022] The blower 100 comprises a main body case 110 (main body). The main body case 110 comprises a top surface F1, a front surface F2, a rear surface F3, and a bottom surface F4. The top surface F1 extends in the width direction and the front-rear direction of the blower 100. When the blower 100 is attached to the cart 1, the width direction of the blower 100 coincides with the width direction of the cart 1. Also, when the blower 100 is attached to the cart 1, the front-rear direction of the blower 100 coincides with the front-rear direction of the cart 1. Also, when the blower 100 is attached to the cart 1, the height direction of the blower 100 coincides with the up-down direction of the cart 1. Hereinafter, the width direction of the blower 100 will be simply referred to as the width direction, the front-rear direction of the blower 100 will be simply referred to as the front-rear direction, and the height direction of the blower 100 will be simply referred to as the height direction.

[0023] The main case 110 extends in the width direction. That is, the width of the main case 110 is longer than the length of the main case 110 in the front-to-back direction and the height of the main case 110. The top surface F1 is a substantially planar shape that extends longer in the width direction than in the front-to-back direction. The front surface F2 is continuous with the rear edge of the top surface F1 and extends downward from the top surface F1. The rear surface F3 is continuous with the front edge of the top surface F1 and extends downward from the top surface F1. Therefore, the rear surface F3 and the front surface F2 face each other, separated in the front-to-back direction.

[0024] The rear surface F3 extends further downward than the front surface F2. The bottom surface F4 is continuous from the bottom end of the front surface F2 to the bottom end of the rear surface F3. A bottom opening 111 is formed in the bottom surface F4. The bottom opening 111 is an opening that penetrates the bottom surface F4 and is formed over almost the entire surface of the bottom surface F4. Therefore, the bottom surface F4 is formed only near both ends in the width direction. The main body case 110 is constructed by assembling two members that are divided in the front-to-back direction.

[0025] The main case 110 is surrounded on all four sides by the top surface F1, front surface F2, back surface F3, and bottom surface F4. The battery 120 is detachably mounted on the back surface F3 of the main case 110. Details on how the battery 120 is mounted to the main case 110 will be described later.

[0026] The main body case 110 is provided with two through holes 112. Each through hole 112 penetrates the main body case 110 in the left-right direction. One through hole 112 is located at the upper rear of the main body case 110, and the other through hole 112 is located at the upper front of the main body case 110. The through holes 112 are used to attach the blower 100 to the cart 1. Details of attaching the blower 100 to the cart 1 will be described later.

[0027] Each of the openings on both sides of the main case 110 in the width direction is provided with an air intake cover 130. Each of the openings on both sides of the main case 110 in the width direction is covered by the air intake cover 130. The air intake cover 130 has an air intake frame 131 and a plurality of fins 132.

[0028] The intake port frame 131 forms the outer edge of the intake port cover 130 and extends along the edge of the opening at the widthwise end of the main body case 110. Each fin 132 is attached to the inner circumference of the intake port frame 131. The gaps between the fins 132 correspond to the intake port 140. In this way, the intake port 140 is surrounded by the intake port frame 131 and opens to the side of the main body case 110. Air from outside the main body case 110 is drawn into the main body case 110 through the intake port 140.

[0029] An air vent cover 150 is provided at the bottom opening 111 of the main body case 110. The air vent cover 150 protrudes from the inside of the main body case 110 to the outside of the main body case 110 through the bottom opening 111. The air vent cover 150 has an air vent frame 151 and a plurality of fins 152.

[0030] The air outlet frame 151 extends in the width direction at the lower part of the main body case 110. Each fin 152 is attached to the inner circumference of the air outlet frame 151. The gaps between the fins 152 correspond to the air outlet 160. In this way, the air outlet 160 is surrounded by the air outlet frame 151. The air outlet 160 opens in a direction (second direction) that intersects the width direction (first direction), which is the extending direction of the main body case 110. Air taken into the main body case 110 through the intake port 140 is sent out of the main body case 110 through the air outlet 160.

[0031] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the A1-A1 section in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, a motor case 170 is housed inside the main body case 110. The motor case 170 is a roughly rectangular box and is fixed to the center of the main body case 110 in the width direction. The motor case 170 houses a pair of motors 171 inside. The pair of motors 171 are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other in the width direction. The motor shafts 171a of the motors 171 protrude outward in the width direction from the motor case 170.

[0032] A rotating body 172 is attached to the motor shaft 171a of the motor 171. The rotating body 172 is a cylindrical member. The rotating body 172 has a plurality of wing bodies 172a that extend in the width direction and are arranged while maintaining a gap in the rotation direction. A partition plate 172b is provided near the center of the rotating body 172 in the width direction. The partition plate 172b is a thin circular plate, and the tip side of the motor shaft 171a is fixed to its center. Therefore, the rotating body 172 is rotatably supported within the main body case 110 by the motor shaft 171a. In addition, the partition plate 172b is located between the air intake 140 and the motor 171. This reduces the risk of rainwater entering the rotating body 172 from the air intake 140 reaching the motor 171.

[0033] The intake port 140 of the main case 110 is located in the axial direction of the rotating body 172. In other words, the intake port 140 opens in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body 172. When the rotating body 172 rotates due to the drive of the motor 171, air is drawn into the rotating body 172 from the intake port 140. The air drawn into the rotating body 172 passes between the blades 172a and is sent out radially outward from the rotating body 172.

[0034] Inside the main body case 110 are a pair of scroll cases 180. Each scroll case 180 is positioned on either the left or right side of the motor case 170. The scroll cases 180 are roughly cylindrical boxes that extend in the width direction. Each rotating body 172 is housed in each scroll case 180. Specifically, the left rotating body 172 is housed in the left scroll case 180, and the right rotating body 172 is housed in the right scroll case 180.

[0035] A pair of scroll cases 180 are connected by an air outlet cover 150. In other words, the air outlet cover 150 connects the pair of scroll cases 180. An air outlet 160 formed in the air outlet cover 150 is located on the radially outer side of the rotating body 172 and opens in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. As will be described later, air drawn into the rotating body 172, passing between the blades 172a and being sent out radially to the outside of the rotating body 172 is pressurized and accelerated within the scroll cases 180 and then sent out through the air outlet 160.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, a switch button 173 is provided on the outside of the motor case 170. The switch button 173 faces the front side of the blower 100. Below the switch button 173, a sensor 174 for detecting passengers is provided. The sensor 174 faces the front side of the blower 100 and is positioned below the horizontal. The main body case 110 is provided with openings at positions corresponding to the switch button 173 and the sensor 174.

[0037] Therefore, with the motor case 170 housed inside the main case 110, the switch button 173 and sensor 174 are exposed to the outside of the main case 110. This allows the switch button 173 to be operated from outside the main case 110. In addition, the sensor 174 enables the detection of the occupant.

[0038] Furthermore, the sensor 174 only needs to be capable of detecting the presence or absence of a passenger within its detection range, and its configuration is not particularly limited. The sensor 174 can be composed of, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a visible light sensor.

[0039] The blower 100 is equipped with a control device (not shown). The control device has an electronic circuit including a CPU, RAM, and ROM, and is connected to the motor 171, a switch button 173, and a sensor 174. The control device is activated by the operation of the switch button 173 and drives (controls) the motor 171 based on the signal input from the sensor 174 and power supplied from the battery 120. The control device may also change the current value supplied to the motor 171 by the operation of the switch button 173, thereby switching the operating strength of the blower 100.

[0040] Furthermore, a diaphragm member 175 is provided in the opening of the main body case 110 that exposes the sensor 174. The diaphragm member 175 is a component that defines the detection range of the sensor 174 and is detachably attached to the main body case 110. Depending on the size of the cart 1 to which the blower 100 is attached and the mounting position of the blower 100, the distance from the sensor 174 to the passenger and the optimal detection range for the passenger will differ. By making the diaphragm member 175 detachable, it is possible to attach the diaphragm member 175 according to the size of the cart 1 and the mounting position of the blower 100, and the optimal detection range of the sensor 174 can be easily set.

[0041] Furthermore, a recess is formed in the center of the air outlet cover 150 in the width direction to avoid the sensor 174. The recess in the air outlet cover 150 suppresses obstruction of the detection range of the sensor 174.

[0042] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the A2-A2 section in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 4, the rotating body 172 is rotatably housed within the scroll case 180. A scroll channel 181 is also formed within the scroll case 180, located radially outward from the rotating body 172. Specifically, the scroll channel 181 is formed by the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the scroll case 180 and the rotating body 172.

[0043] The scroll channel 181 is wound around the entire circumference of the rotating body 172 in the direction of rotation. In Figure 4, the rotating body 172 rotates clockwise. The radial width, i.e., the channel width, of the scroll channel 181 gradually increases as it moves toward the front side in the direction of rotation of the rotating body 172. An air outlet cover 150 is attached to the scroll case 180 so as to block the outlet corresponding to the downstream end of the scroll channel 181.

[0044] With the above configuration, when the rotating body 172 rotates, air is drawn into the rotating body 172 from the intake port 140 in the direction of the rotation axis. Then, as the rotating body 172 rotates, air is discharged radially outward from the inside of the rotating body 172 through the gap in the blade 172a. The air discharged radially from the rotating body 172 is pressurized and accelerated as it flows through the scroll channel 181 and is discharged to the outside from the air outlet 160.

[0045] Here, the scroll case 180 and the air vent cover 150 function as movable bodies mounted on the main body case 110 so as to be rotatable about an axis center along the width direction (first direction), which is the extending direction of the main body case 110. These movable bodies operate about an axis center along the rotation axis of the rotating body 172. In other words, the scroll case 180 and the air vent cover 150 are rotatably supported on the main body case 110. Here, the rotation axes of the scroll case 180 and the air vent cover 150 coincide with the rotation axis of the rotating body 172. However, the rotation axes of the scroll case 180 and the air vent cover 150 may be offset from the rotation axis of the rotating body 172.

[0046] Furthermore, the blower 100 is equipped with an angle adjustment mechanism 190, which will be described later. The angle adjustment mechanism 190 allows the angles of the scroll case 180 and the air outlet cover 150 to be adjusted. Consequently, the angle of the air outlet 160 can also be adjusted.

[0047] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the A3-A3 section in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 5, the angle adjustment mechanism 190 includes an adjustment groove 191 and a stopper member 192. The adjustment groove 191 is provided in each scroll case 180. The adjustment groove 191 is provided in each scroll case 180 on the outer side in the width direction, that is, on the end opposite to the side where the motor case 170 is provided.

[0048] The adjustment grooves 191 are grooves recessed in the radial direction of the rotating body 172, and multiple adjustment grooves are provided spaced apart in the rotational direction of the rotating body 172. Here, multiple adjustment grooves 191 are provided at equal intervals over a range of approximately 90 degrees around the rotation axis of the rotating body 172. In addition, the main body case 110 is provided with a stopper member 192 at a position facing the adjustment grooves 191 in the radial direction of the rotating body 172. More precisely, the tip of the stopper member 192 is provided so as to face the adjustment grooves 191 from the radially outer side of the rotating body 172.

[0049] The main body case 110 is provided with a biasing member (not shown) consisting of a spring or the like, and the biasing force of this biasing member acts on the stopper member 192. Specifically, the biasing member acts a biasing force on the stopper member 192 in a direction that brings the tip of the stopper member 192 closer to the adjustment groove 191. Therefore, the tip of the stopper member 192 enters the adjustment groove 191 due to the biasing force of the biasing member. When the tip of the stopper member 192 enters the adjustment groove 191, rotational movement of the scroll case 180 and the air outlet cover 150 is suppressed.

[0050] The width of the adjustment groove 191 in the circumferential direction of the rotating body 172 increases towards the radially outward direction. Therefore, when the scroll case 180 and the air outlet cover 150 are rotated in the rotational direction with the tip of the stopper member 192 entered into the adjustment groove 191, the stopper member 192 is pushed out by the bottom surface of the adjustment groove 191.

[0051] For example, in the state shown in Figure 5, the tip of the stopper member 192 enters the lowest adjustment groove 191. In this state, suppose the scroll case 180 and the air outlet cover 150 are rotated counterclockwise. In this case, the stopper member 192 is pushed to the left in the figure against the biasing force of the biasing member by the bottom surface of the adjustment groove 191. As a result, the tip of the stopper member 192 comes into contact with the wall surface between the lowest adjustment groove 191 and the second lowest adjustment groove 191.

[0052] In this state, if the scroll case 180 and the air outlet cover 150 rotate further counterclockwise, the tip of the stopper member 192 enters the adjustment groove 191, which is the second from the bottom. In this way, the direction and angle of the air outlet 160 can be changed by rotating the scroll case 180 and the air outlet cover 150. The biasing force of the biasing member is set so that the weight of the scroll case 180 and the air outlet cover 150 does not push the stopper member 192 out of the adjustment groove 191.

[0053] Figure 6 is a side view showing the first state of the blower 100. Figure 7 is a side view showing the second state of the blower 100. In the first state of the blower 100, as shown in Figure 6, the air outlet 160 faces approximately horizontally. In the first state of the blower 100, the direction that the air outlet 160 faces is closest to the horizontal. In the first state of the blower 100, only a part of the air outlet frame 151 (specifically, the lower part) protrudes downward relative to the main body case 110.

[0054] In contrast, the second state of the blower 100 is as shown in Figure 7, in which the air outlet 160 faces vertically downward. In the second state of the blower 100, all parts of the air outlet frame 151 protrude downward relative to the main body case 110. Here, in the second state of the blower 100, the air outlet 160 is horizontal.

[0055] The scroll case 180 and the air vent cover 150 are rotatable between a first state and a second state. For example, the rotation angle of the scroll case 180 and the air vent cover 150 changes by approximately 70° between the first state and the second state. This makes it possible to direct air to the optimal position according to the physical characteristics and preferences of the passenger.

[0056] In this configuration, with the scroll case 180 and the air vent cover 150 supported by the main body case 110, at least a portion of the air vent cover 150 is exposed to the outside through the bottom opening 111 of the main body case 110, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Furthermore, the air vent cover 150 protrudes from the surface of the main body case 110 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating body 172. In other words, the air vent 160 is positioned to protrude from the surface of the main body case 110 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. This allows the passenger to grasp the air vent cover 150 (e.g., the air vent frame 151) and adjust the angle of the air vent 160.

[0057] For example, one could consider providing a knob protruding from the air vent cover 150, allowing the angle of the air vent 160 to be adjusted by operating the knob. However, if a knob is provided, passengers may not easily notice it, and there is a risk of injury from hitting their heads on the knob when getting on or off the vehicle. In addition, the knob may be damaged in this case. On the other hand, in this embodiment, at least a part of the air vent frame 151 protrudes above the surface of the main body case 110, making it easier for passengers to grasp the position of the air vent frame 151 and reducing the risk of hitting their heads on it.

[0058] As described above, the orientation of the air outlet cover 150, i.e., the air outlet 160, is maintained by the stopper member 192 at a desired angle between the first and second states. Here, it is assumed that one angle adjustment mechanism 190 is provided for each scroll case 180. However, the angle adjustment mechanism 190 may be provided for only one scroll case 180. Alternatively, one angle adjustment mechanism 190 may be provided near the center in the width direction of the blower 100.

[0059] As described above, the blower 100 in this embodiment is a sirocco fan. With the blower 100, the intake port 140 and the outlet port 160 face each other in directions that are approximately perpendicular to each other. For example, in a blower that takes in air from the forward direction of the cart 1 and blows air in the reverse direction of the cart 1, the size in one direction becomes large, making it difficult to install in a cart 1 where the installation space is very limited. With this embodiment, the size in one direction can be reduced, so that a comfortable ventilation function for the passenger can be realized even in a cart 1 where the installation space is very limited.

[0060] The following describes, with reference to Figures 8 to 22, the further improvements made to the blower 100 of this embodiment.

[0061] First, with reference to Figures 8 and 9, we will explain the design considerations regarding the configuration around the air intake port 140.

[0062] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the area around the air intake 140. As mentioned above, the air intake covers 130 are provided on both the left and right sides of the main body case 110. Figure 8 shows the right-side air intake cover 130, but the configuration of the left-side air intake cover 130 is the same as that of the right-side air intake cover 130.

[0063] As described above, the air intake 140 is surrounded by the air intake frame 131 of the air intake cover 130. Here, passengers in the cart 1 get into the front seat 4 and rear seat 5 from the width direction of the cart 1. When the blower 100 is attached to the cart 1, the air intake frame 131 is located at the outermost position in the width direction of the cart 1 within the blower 100. Therefore, there is a risk that the head of a passenger getting into the cart 1 may collide with the air intake frame 131.

[0064] Therefore, in this embodiment, the air intake frame 131 is formed of an elastic material. Examples of elastic materials include silicone. By forming the air intake frame 131 of an elastic material, the impact on the occupant's head can be reduced if the occupant's head collides with the air intake frame 131, thereby improving safety.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air intake frame 131 is provided with a recessed portion 131a. In the example shown in Figure 8, the recessed portion 131a is pleated and is provided on the lower half of the air intake frame 131. More specifically, in the recessed portion 131a, projections and grooves extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body 172 and in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the air intake frame 131. By providing the air intake frame 131 with a recessed portion 131a, the impact on the occupant's head in the event of a collision with the air intake frame 131 can be more effectively reduced, thereby more effectively improving safety.

[0066] However, the uneven portion 131a may have a shape other than pleats, for example, a grid shape. Also, the uneven portion 131a may be formed around the entire circumference of the air intake frame 131. However, since the lower part of the air intake frame 131 is the area where the occupant's head is most likely to collide, there is a particularly high need for the uneven portion 131a to be provided on the lower half of the air intake frame 131.

[0067] The intake port cover 130 is provided with a net (not shown). The net covers the surface partitioned by the inner circumference of the intake port frame 131 and is breathable. The net prevents foreign matter from entering the main body case 110 from the intake port 140. When the intake port cover 130 is covered, the intake port cover 130 becomes particularly prone to getting dirty. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the intake port cover 130. To facilitate cleaning the intake port cover 130, the intake port frame 131 is detachable from the main body case 110. The through hole 133 shown in Figure 8 penetrates the intake port frame 131 and is provided for attaching and detaching the intake port frame 131 to the main body case 110, as will be described later.

[0068] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the area around the air intake port 140. As shown in Figure 9, the air intake port cover 130 is provided with a locking member 134. When viewed from above, the locking member 134 has a roughly L-shape. On the other hand, the main body case 110 is provided with a locking portion 113. The locking portion 113 is provided at the end of the main body case 110 in the width direction, extends in the vertical direction, and has a columnar shape. The locking member 134 is movable in the left-right direction.

[0069] When the air intake frame 131 is attached to the main body case 110, as shown by the solid line in Figure 9, the locking member 134 is biased outward in the width direction by a biasing member such as a spring (not shown) and is locked to the locked portion 113. As a result, the air intake frame 131 cannot be removed from the main body case 110. On the other hand, by inserting a long, slender rod into the through hole 133 and pushing the locking member 134 inward in the width direction with the tip of the rod, the locking member 134 separates from the locked portion 113, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 9. As a result, the air intake frame 131 can be removed from the main body case 110.

[0070] As described above, the locking member 134 and the locked portion 113 make the air intake frame 131 detachable from the main body case 110. This makes it easy to clean the air intake cover 130. Furthermore, the air intake frame 131 cannot be removed from the main body case 110 unless a long, thin rod is inserted into the through hole 133. For example, by making the diameter of the through hole 133 large enough that golf equipment (e.g., a tee) cannot be inserted, it is possible to prevent passengers from accidentally removing the air intake frame 131 from the main body case 110. However, the mechanism for making the air intake frame 131 detachable from the main body case 110 is not limited to the example in Figure 9.

[0071] Next, referring to Figures 10 to 13, we will explain the design considerations regarding the configuration around the air outlet 160.

[0072] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the area around the air outlet 160. As described above, the air outlet 160 is surrounded by the air outlet frame 151 of the air outlet cover 150. Here, passengers in the cart 1 board the front seat 4 and rear seat 5 from the width direction of the cart 1. When the blower 100 is attached to the cart 1, at least a part of the air outlet frame 151 protrudes outward from the main body case 110. Therefore, there is a risk that the head of a passenger boarding the cart 1 may collide with the air outlet frame 151.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, the air vent frame 151 is formed of an elastic material. Examples of elastic materials include silicone. By forming the air vent frame 151 of an elastic material, the impact on the occupant's head can be reduced if the occupant's head collides with the air vent frame 151, thereby improving safety.

[0074] More specifically, the air vent frame 151 is formed of an elastic material over its entire circumferential region. As described above, depending on the rotation angle of the air vent cover 150, all parts of the air vent frame 151 protrude downward relative to the main body case 110. Therefore, there is a possibility that the occupant's head may collide with any part of the air vent frame 151. Thus, by forming the air vent frame 151 of an elastic material over its entire circumferential region, the impact on the occupant's head in the event of a collision with the air vent frame 151 can be appropriately reduced, thereby appropriately improving safety.

[0075] Furthermore, the length of the air outlet frame 151 in the opening direction (second direction) of the air outlet 160 decreases as you move away from the center of the air outlet frame 151 in the width direction, at the ends of the air outlet frame 151 in the width direction. For example, in the example of Figure 10, the length of the air outlet frame 151 in the opening direction is constant at length L1 at the center of the air outlet frame 151 in the width direction. On the other hand, at the ends of the air outlet frame 151 in the width direction, the length of the air outlet frame 151 in the opening direction gradually decreases from length L1 to a shorter length L2 as you move outward in the width direction.

[0076] As described above, the air vent frame 151 extends in the width direction (first direction). Therefore, if a passenger's head collides with the end of the air vent frame 151 in the width direction, the impact on the passenger's head is likely to be large. Therefore, as described above, by making the length of the air vent frame 151 in the opening direction shorter at the end of the air vent frame 151 in the width direction as it moves away from the center of the air vent frame 151 in the width direction, the impact on the passenger's head when it collides with the end of the air vent frame 151 in the width direction can be effectively reduced, thereby more effectively improving safety.

[0077] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the area around the air outlet 160. The fins 152 of the air outlet cover 150 include a plurality of first fins 152a extending in the width direction as shown in Figure 10, and a plurality of second fins 152b extending in a direction intersecting the width direction as shown in Figure 11.

[0078] The first fin 152a is fixed to the air outlet frame 151 and is positioned across the entire area of ​​the air outlet cover 150. On the other hand, the second fin 152b is not positioned in the center of the air outlet cover 150 in the width direction, but is positioned on the left and right sides. Figure 11 shows the internal configuration of the right side of the air outlet cover 150, but the internal configuration of the left side of the air outlet cover 150 is the same as that of the right side.

[0079] As shown in Figure 11, multiple second fins 152b are arranged at intervals in the width direction on the outer portion of the air outlet cover 150. In the example in Figure 11, three second fins 152b are arranged, but the number of second fins 152b may be other than three. Each second fin 152b has a flat plate shape extending on a plane that intersects in the width direction. A knob 153, which is operated by the passenger, is provided at the rear end of one of the second fins 152b (the central second fin 152b in Figure 11).

[0080] The front ends of each second fin 152b are connected by a connecting member 154, so that each second fin 152b moves in conjunction with the others. Each second fin 152b is rotatably mounted around a pivot axis 155 that passes near the center of each second fin 152b in the front-to-back direction, is perpendicular to the width direction, and is parallel to the air outlet 160. Therefore, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 11, when a passenger moves the knob 153 left or right, each second fin 152b rotates around the pivot axis 155, and the orientation of each second fin 152b changes left or right. As a result, the direction of airflow from the air outlet 160 changes left or right. Therefore, for example, when three passengers are sitting in the rear seat 5 of the cart 1, the airflow from the air outlet 160 can reach the passenger sitting in the middle.

[0081] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of increasing the strength of the airflow from the air outlet 160, it is preferable that the front end of the second fin 152b be tapered and as thin as possible. Similarly, it is preferable that the front end of the first fin 152a be tapered and as thin as possible.

[0082] Figure 12 is a front view showing the first state of the blower 100. Figure 13 is a front view showing the second state of the blower 100. As described above, in the first state of the blower 100, the direction facing the air outlet 160 is closest to the horizontal. On the other hand, in the second state of the blower 100, as shown in Figure 7, the air outlet 160 faces vertically downward.

[0083] As shown in Figure 13, the main body case 110 is provided with a cable terminal 114 and a cable terminal cover 115. The cable terminal 114 is the terminal to which a cable is connected. When changing the setting information of the blower 100, a computer is connected to the cable terminal 114 via a cable. The cable terminal cover 115 is a cover that covers the cable terminal 114. When the cable terminal 114 is not in use, as shown in Figure 13, the cable terminal 114 is covered by the cable terminal cover 115. On the other hand, when the cable terminal 114 is in use (specifically, when changing the setting information of the blower 100), the cable terminal cover 115 is opened or removed, and the cable terminal 114 is exposed.

[0084] As shown in Figure 12, in the first state of the blower 100, the cable terminal cover 115 is covered by the movable air outlet cover 150. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13, in the second state of the blower 100, the cable terminal cover 115 is exposed and not covered by the movable air outlet cover 150. Thus, the cable terminal cover 115 is exposed when the rotation angle of the air outlet cover 150 is within a predetermined range, and is covered by the air outlet cover 150 when the rotation angle of the air outlet cover 150 is outside the predetermined range.

[0085] The predetermined range mentioned above includes, for example, the rotation angle of the blower 100 in the second state. In other words, when the blower 100 transitions from the first state to the second state, the cable terminal cover 115 is exposed if the rotation angle of the air outlet cover 150 exceeds the predetermined angle. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a passenger from accidentally opening or removing the cable terminal cover 115 and exposing the cable terminal 114.

[0086] The setting information for the blower 100 that can be changed using the cable terminal 114 is not particularly limited. For example, in a case where control is performed to stop the motor 171 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sensor 174 stopped detecting an occupant, the setting information may be the predetermined time. Also, in a case where control is performed to stop the motor 171 if it is determined to be an error when the rotational speed of the motor 171 has not reached a predetermined rotational speed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the motor 171 was started, the setting information may be the predetermined time or the predetermined rotational speed.

[0087] Next, referring to Figures 14 to 18, we will explain the design considerations for attaching the battery 120 to the main unit case 110.

[0088] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the battery 120 installed in the main unit case 110. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the battery 120 not installed in the main unit case 110.

[0089] As shown in Figure 14, the battery 120 is mounted on the back F3 of the main case 110. However, the battery 120 only needs to be mounted on the front surface of the main case 110, and may be mounted on a location other than the back F3. Note that, as shown in Figure 14, the length of the battery 120 in the left-right direction (i.e., width direction) is shorter than the length of the main case 110 in the left-right direction, the length of the battery 120 in the front-to-back direction is shorter than the length of the main case 110 in the front-to-back direction, and the length of the battery 120 in the up-down direction (i.e., height direction) is shorter than the length of the main case 110 in the up-down direction.

[0090] The battery 120 is mounted to the back surface F3 of the main case 110 in a mounting direction D1 (see Figure 15) that is aligned with the back surface F3. In the example in Figure 15, the mounting direction D1 is to the right. However, the mounting direction D1 may be other than to the right.

[0091] As shown in Figure 15, a main unit terminal 116 is provided on the back surface F3 of the main unit case 110. The main unit terminal 116 protrudes from the back surface F3. Specifically, the main unit terminal 116 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the back surface F3. The main unit terminal 116 extends in the vertical direction. When the battery 120 is installed in the main unit case 110, the main unit terminal 116 is connected to the battery terminal (see battery terminal 121 in Figures 16 and 17, which will be described later).

[0092] Furthermore, a terminal cover 117 is provided on the back surface F3 of the main unit case 110. The terminal cover 117 covers the tip of the terminal 116 when the battery 120 is not installed in the main unit case 110. As will be described later, the terminal cover 117 is movable in the direction along the back surface F3 and moves when the battery 120 is installed in the main unit case 110. Details of the terminal cover 117 will be described later.

[0093] Furthermore, a pair of stoppers 118 are provided on the back surface F3 of the main case 110. The stoppers 118 are provided on the upper and lower sides, respectively, relative to the main terminals 116. Each stopper 118 protrudes from the back surface F3. Specifically, each stopper 118 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the back surface F3. The left end face of each stopper 118 is located to the left of the left end face of the main terminals 116. Here, when the battery 120 is mounted in the mounting direction D1 relative to the back surface F3 of the main case 110, there is a possibility that the surface of the battery 120 will collide with the main terminals 116 from the left side. In this case, the presence of the stoppers 118 causes the surface of the battery 120 to collide with the stoppers 118 before it collides with the main terminals 116. This helps to suppress damage to the main terminals 116.

[0094] The details of the main unit terminal cover 117 will be explained below with reference to Figures 16 to 18.

[0095] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the area around the main unit terminal cover 117 immediately before the battery 120 is installed in the main unit case 110. As described above, the battery 120 is provided with battery terminals 121. The battery 120 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. When the battery 120 is installed in the main unit case 110, the battery terminals 121 are provided on the rear surface of the battery 120.

[0096] As shown in Figure 16, the main terminal cover 117 has a first extension portion 117a, a second extension portion 117b, a third extension portion 117c, and a fourth extension portion 117d.

[0097] The first extended portion 117a extends on a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction and has a flat plate shape. The first extended portion 117a is located on the outside of the main body case 110.

[0098] The second extending portion 117b extends on a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction and has a flat plate shape. The second extending portion 117b extends rearward from the right end of the first extending portion 117a. The second extending portion 117b extends from the outside to the inside of the main body case 110.

[0099] The third extension portion 117c extends on a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction and has a flat plate shape. The third extension portion 117c extends to the right from the rear end of the second extension portion 117b. The third extension portion 117c is located inside the main body case 110.

[0100] The fourth extension portion 117d extends on a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction and has a flat plate shape. The fourth extension portion 117d extends rearward from near the center of the first extension portion 117a in the left-right direction. The fourth extension portion 117d is located on the outside of the main body case 110. The length of the fourth extension portion 117d in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the second extension portion 117b in the front-rear direction.

[0101] As shown in Figure 16, when the battery 120 is not installed in the main unit case 110, the first extension portion 117a of the main unit terminal cover 117 is positioned in front of the tip of the main unit terminal 116. In other words, in this state, the tip of the main unit terminal 116 is covered by the first extension portion 117a of the main unit terminal cover 117. Specifically, the tip of the main unit terminal 116 is covered by the portion of the first extension portion 117a to the left of the fourth extension portion 117d.

[0102] Here, the main terminal cover 117 is biased in a biasing direction D2 opposite to the mounting direction D1 by a biasing member such as a spring (not shown). In the example of Figure 16, the biasing direction D2 is to the left. The main terminal cover 117 is movable in the left and right directions. In the state of Figure 16, no external force is applied to the main terminal cover 117. Therefore, in the state of Figure 16, the main terminal cover 117 is in the leftmost position within its range of motion. In this case, as shown in Figure 16, the contact surface 117e, which is the left side of the fourth extended portion 117d of the main terminal cover 117, contacts the main terminal 116 in the biasing direction D2.

[0103] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 16, although no external force is applied to the main terminal cover 117, the stepped portion 122 on the rear surface of the battery 120 is in contact with the left end of the first extended portion 117a of the main terminal cover 117. As the battery 120 moves in the mounting direction D1 from this state, the main terminal cover 117 is pushed to the right by the stepped portion 122 of the battery 120.

[0104] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the area around the main terminal cover 117 after the battery 120 has been installed in the main case 110. The state in Figure 17 is that the battery 120 has moved in the installation direction D1 from the state in Figure 16, and the battery terminal 121 has been connected to the main terminal 116. As described above, when the battery 120 moves in the installation direction D1 from the state in Figure 16, the main terminal cover 117 is pushed to the right by the stepped portion 122 of the battery 120.

[0105] In the state shown in Figure 17, the main terminal cover 117 is in the rightmost position within its range of motion. As shown in Figure 17, when the battery 120 is installed in the main case 110, the first extension portion 117a of the main terminal cover 117 is not facing the tip of the main terminal 116 in the front-to-back direction. In other words, in this state, the tip of the main terminal 116 is not covered by the first extension portion 117a of the main terminal cover 117 and is exposed.

[0106] As described above, the main terminal cover 117 covers the tip of the main terminal 116 when the battery 120 is not installed in the main case 110, and moves in the installation direction D1 until the tip of the main terminal 116 is exposed when the battery 120 is installed in the main case 110. As a result, the main terminal cover 117 prevents the surface of the battery 120 from colliding with the main terminal 116 when the battery 120 is installed in the main case 110. Therefore, damage to the main terminal 116 can be suppressed.

[0107] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the deformation of the main terminal 116. The main terminal 116 may be deformed by unexpected external forces. For example, as shown in Figure 18, the main terminal 116 may be deformed so that its tip tilts in the battery 120 mounting direction D1. In such cases, the contact surface 117e of the fourth extension portion 117d of the main terminal cover 117 can play a role in correcting the tilt deformation of the main terminal 116.

[0108] As described above, when the battery 120 is not installed in the main body case 110, the contact surface 117e of the main body terminal cover 117 contacts the main body terminal 116 in the biasing direction D2. Therefore, by pushing the main body terminal cover 117 in the biasing direction D2 relative to the main body terminal 116 from the state shown in Figure 18, the main body terminal 116 is pushed in the biasing direction D2 by the contact surface 117e, and the tilting deformation of the main body terminal 116 is corrected.

[0109] Next, referring to Figures 19 to 22, we will explain the design considerations for attaching the blower unit 200 to the frame 7.

[0110] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting portion of the blower unit 200 to the frame 7. Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the mounting portion of the blower unit 200 to the frame 7. One blower unit 200 includes two blowers 100 and two rod members 8. The rod members 8 are, for example, hollow pipes and have a cylindrical shape. For example, the length of the rod members 8 is adjustable.

[0111] The two blowers 100 included in one blower unit 200 are arranged with a gap between them in the left-right direction. Note that in Figures 19 and 20, only one of the two blowers 100 included in one blower unit 200 is shown. As described above, the main body case 110 of the blower 100 has through holes 112 at two locations, front and rear. The two rod members 8 included in one blower unit 200 are arranged with a gap between them in the front-rear direction. The front rod member 8 is inserted through the front through hole 112 of each blower 100, and the rear rod member 8 is inserted through the rear through hole 112 of each blower 100. In this way, the two blowers 100 are attached to the two rod members 8, and the two blowers 100 and the two rod members 8 form an integrated unit.

[0112] Each rod member 8 is provided at both ends with a mechanism for attaching the blower unit 200 to the frame 7 of the cart 1. Such a mechanism will be described below with reference to Figures 19 and 20.

[0113] As shown in Figure 19, a first bracket 9 and a second bracket 10 are provided at the end of the rod member 8. The first bracket 9 is fixed to the end of the rod member 8. The second bracket 10 is detachable from the first bracket 9. As shown in Figure 20, the blower unit 200 is attached to the frame 7 by being sandwiched between the first bracket 9 and the second bracket 10.

[0114] As shown in Figure 19, the first bracket 9 includes a cylindrical portion 9a, a first extension portion 9b, a second extension portion 9c, and a third extension portion 9d.

[0115] The cylindrical portion 9a has, for example, a rectangular cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 9a is fitted onto the outer circumference of the end of the rod member 8 and fixed by screw fastening. The cylindrical portion 9a is positioned coaxially with the rod member 8. In other words, the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 9a coincides with the extending direction of the rod member 8.

[0116] The first extension portion 9b has a rectangular plate shape and extends on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 9a. The first extension portion 9b is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 9a and covers the opening at the end of the cylindrical portion 9a. The first extension portion 9b is provided with a plurality of fitting portions 9e. In the example of Figure 19, the fitting portions 9e are through holes. However, the fitting portions 9e may be grooves or recesses. The plurality of fitting portions 9e are arranged at intervals in the height direction (i.e., vertical direction) of the blower 100.

[0117] The second extension portion 9c has a rectangular plate shape and extends on a plane parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 9a. The second extension portion 9c extends from the outer peripheral edge of the first extension portion 9b in a direction away from the cylindrical portion 9a. The second extension portion 9c is provided with a through hole 9f that penetrates the second extension portion 9c.

[0118] The third extension portion 9d has a rectangular flat plate shape and extends on a plane parallel to the second extension portion 9c. The third extension portion 9d is continuous with the second extension portion 9c via a step and extends in a direction away from the cylindrical portion 9a.

[0119] As shown in Figure 19, the second bracket 10 includes a first extension portion 10a, a second extension portion 10b, and a third extension portion 10c.

[0120] The first extension portion 10a has a rectangular flat plate shape. When the second bracket 10 is mounted on the first bracket 9, the first extension portion 10a extends on a plane parallel to the second extension portion 9c and the third extension portion 9d of the first bracket 9. The first extension portion 10a is provided with a mating portion 10d that mates with the fitted portion 9e of the first bracket 9. The mating portion 10d is a projection that protrudes from the outer edge of the first extension portion 10a. The first extension portion 10a is also provided with a through hole 10e that penetrates the first extension portion 10a.

[0121] The second extending portion 10b has a rectangular flat plate shape and extends on a plane parallel to the first extending portion 10a. The second extending portion 10b is continuous with the first extending portion 10a via a step and extends in a direction away from the mating portion 10d.

[0122] The third extension portion 10c has a rectangular flat plate shape and extends from the edge of the second extension portion 10b opposite to the first extension portion 10a in a direction perpendicular to the second extension portion 10b and in a direction approaching the first extension portion 10a. The third extension portion 10c is parallel to the stepped surface between the first extension portion 10a and the second extension portion 10b.

[0123] As shown in Figure 20, the blower unit 200 is attached to the frame 7 by being sandwiched vertically between the third extension 9d of the first bracket 9 and the second extension 10b of the second bracket 10. Here, when attaching the second bracket 10 to the first bracket 9, the mating portion 10d of the second bracket 10 is mated with one of the multiple mating portions 9e of the first bracket 9. In the example in Figure 20, the mating portion 10d is mated with the uppermost mating portion 9e. Then, bolts are inserted into the through holes 9f of the first bracket 9 and 10e of the second bracket 10, and the first bracket 9 and the second bracket 10 are bolted together vertically, thereby sandwiching the frame 7 between the first bracket 9 and the second bracket 10. At this time, the third extension 10c of the second bracket 10 prevents the frame 7 from falling off.

[0124] As described above, the blower unit 200 includes a plurality of fitting portions 9e provided at the end of the rod member 8, a second extending portion 9c and a third extending portion 9d corresponding to a projection that protrudes from the end of the rod member 8 in the direction of extension of the rod member 8, and a second bracket 10 corresponding to a clamping member that is fitted into one of the plurality of fitting portions 9e and clamps the frame 7 of the cart 1 together with the projection. As a result, the vertical distance between the first bracket 9 and the second bracket 10 can be changed by changing the fitting portion 9e into which the second bracket 10 (specifically, the fitting portion 10d) is fitted. Therefore, the blower unit 200 can be properly attached to the frame 7 in accordance with the dimensions of the frame 7.

[0125] Furthermore, as described above, by making the length of the rod member 8 adjustable, the blower unit 200 can be properly attached to the frame 7 in accordance with the spacing between the left and right frames 7.

[0126] Although the above description illustrates an example where the first bracket 9 and the rod member 8 are separate components, the first bracket 9 may be formed integrally with the rod member 8, either in whole or in part.

[0127] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the cart 1 from the left side. As described above, in this embodiment, the blower unit 200 is attached to the frame 7 by being clamped between the first bracket 9 and the second bracket 10. Therefore, the front-rear position of the blower unit 200 can be easily changed by changing the position of the frame 7 that is clamped by the first bracket 9 and the second bracket 10.

[0128] For example, as shown in Figure 21, in order to increase the space for passengers sitting in the front seat 4 and to prevent the passengers' heads from colliding with the blower 100, it is preferable that the front blower unit 200 be positioned as far forward as possible. For example, it is preferable that the front blower unit 200 be positioned as far forward as possible so as to avoid interference with the mounting member for the navigation device, which is provided on the upper front side of the resin panel 2 of the cart 1. However, it is preferable that the gap between the battery 120 and the mounting member for the navigation device be at least a distance (e.g., 20 mm) that allows a person's hand to fit in to attach or detach the battery 120.

[0129] Here, the gap L3 between the top surface F1 of the main case 110 and the ceiling surface 6a of the cart 1 is less than the diameter of a golf ball. Specifically, the diameter of a golf ball is 42.67 mm. By making the gap L3 small in this way, the position of the blower 100 on the cart 1 can be made as high as possible. This reduces the risk of the rider's head colliding with the blower 100, thereby improving safety. Furthermore, by making the gap L3 small, golf equipment such as golf balls or smartphones can be inserted into the gap L3, preventing these items from falling out. This further improves safety.

[0130] Furthermore, when the battery 120 is installed in the main case 110, the bottom surface F6 of the battery 120 is positioned above the lowest surface F5 of the main case 110. This increases the space for the passenger and reduces the risk of the passenger's head colliding with the blower 100, thus improving safety.

[0131] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the cart 1 as seen from the rear. As described above, in the blower unit 200, each blower 100 is attached to the rod member 8 with the rod member 8 inserted through the through hole 112. For example, each blower 100 is attached to the rod member 8 by screw fastening. Therefore, the mounting position of the blower 100 to the rod member 8 is adjustable. Specifically, as shown by the thick arrows in Figure 22, the position of each blower 100 is adjustable in the direction of extension of the rod member 8 relative to the cart 1. In other words, the position of the main body case 110 of each blower 100 is adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the side surface (left and right end faces) of the main body case 110 from which the air intake port 140 opens, relative to the cart 1.

[0132] As described above, since the position of the blower 100 can be adjusted in the extending direction of the rod member 8, the lateral position of the blower 100 can be brought closer to the center of the cart 1 in the lateral direction. This reduces the likelihood of the rider's head colliding with the blower 100, thereby improving safety.

[0133] The modified blower 100A will now be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. The modified blower 100A differs from the blower 100 described above in that the intake port cover 130 is replaced with an intake port cover 130A. In other respects, the modified blower 100A is the same as the blower 100 described above.

[0134] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a modified blower 100A. As shown in Figure 23, in the blower 100A, an air intake cover 130A is attached to each of the openings on both sides in the width direction of the main body case 110. Each of the openings on both sides in the width direction of the main body case 110 is covered by the air intake cover 130A.

[0135] The modified intake port cover 130A differs from the intake port cover 130 described above in that the intake port frame 131 is replaced with an intake port frame 131A. In other respects, the modified intake port cover 130A is the same as the intake port cover 130 described above.

[0136] The intake port cover 130A has an intake port frame 131A and a plurality of fins 132. The intake port frame 131A forms the outer edge of the intake port cover 130A and extends along the edge of the opening at the widthwise end of the main body case 110. Each fin 132 is attached to the inner circumference of the intake port frame 131A. The gaps between the fins 132 correspond to the intake port 140. In this way, the intake port 140 is surrounded by the intake port frame 131A and opens to the side of the main body case 110. In other words, the intake port 140 faces the widthwise direction (first direction) of the blower 100A.

[0137] As described above, an air outlet cover 150 is provided at the bottom opening 111 of the main body case 110. The air outlet frame 151 of the air outlet cover 150 extends in the width direction at the lower part of the main body case 110. Each fin 152 is attached to the inner circumference of the air outlet frame 151. The gaps between the fins 152 correspond to the air outlet 160. In this way, the air outlet 160 is surrounded by the air outlet frame 151. The air outlet 160 opens in a direction that intersects the width direction, which is the extending direction of the main body case 110 (specifically, a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction that the intake port 140 faces). In other words, the air outlet 160 faces a second direction that intersects the first direction that the intake port 140 faces.

[0138] Furthermore, the motor case 170 and the pair of scroll cases 180 described above are housed inside the main body case 110. When the rotating body 172 attached to the motor 171 inside the motor case 170 rotates, air from outside the main body case 110 is drawn into the main body case 110 through the intake port 140 and sent out of the main body case 110 through the air outlet 160.

[0139] The following describes the details of the modified air intake frame 131A. In the width direction of the blower 100A, the air intake frame 131A has a length similar to that of the air intake frame 131 described above. On the other hand, in the front-to-back and height directions of the blower 100A, the lower part of the air intake frame 131A is generally wider outward compared to the air intake frame 131 described above.

[0140] Figure 24 is a side view of a modified blower 100A. Specifically, Figure 24 is a view of the blower 100A in the width direction (first direction). In Figure 24, an air intake cover 130A attached to the opening on the right side of the main body case 110 is shown. However, the air intake cover 130A attached to the opening on the left side of the main body case 110 and the air intake cover 130A attached to the opening on the right side of the main body case 110 are symmetrical to each other and overlap when viewed in the width direction of the blower 100A.

[0141] As described above, the air outlet frame 151 is provided so as to be rotatable within a predetermined range of motion. Specifically, the air outlet frame 151 is rotatable around the axis center along the width direction of the blower 100A (more specifically, around the rotation axis of the rotating body 172).

[0142] In the example in Figure 24, the rotation angle of the air outlet frame 151 is the same as the angle in the first state shown in Figure 6 above (i.e., the state in which the direction facing the air outlet 160 is closest to the horizontal). Note that in Figure 24, the air outlet frame 151 in the second state shown in Figure 7 above (i.e., the state in which the air outlet 160 faces vertically downward) is indicated by a dashed line. The air outlet frame 151 is rotatable between the first state and the second state.

[0143] As described above, when the blower 100A is attached to the cart 1, the air intake frame 131A is located at the outermost position in the width direction of the cart 1 within the blower 100A. Therefore, there is a risk that the head of a passenger getting into the cart 1 may collide with the air intake frame 131A.

[0144] Therefore, the air intake frame 131A is formed from an elastic material, similar to the air intake frame 131 described above. Examples of elastic materials include silicone. By forming the air intake frame 131A from an elastic material, the impact on the occupant's head can be reduced if the occupant's head collides with the air intake frame 131A, thereby improving safety.

[0145] Furthermore, the intake port frame 131A is provided with a recessed portion 131Aa, similar to the intake port frame 131 described above. In the example shown in Figure 24, the recessed portion 131Aa is pleated and is provided on the lower part of the intake port frame 131A (for example, the part below the center position in the height direction of the intake port 140). More specifically, the recessed portion 131Aa includes a plurality of protrusions 131Aa1 and a plurality of grooves 131Aa2.

[0146] The projection 131Aa1 is a portion that protrudes outward in the width direction of the blower 100A relative to its surroundings, and extends in the width direction of the blower 100A and in a direction perpendicular to the width direction. The groove 131Aa2 is a portion that protrudes inward in the width direction of the blower 100A relative to its surroundings, and extends in the width direction of the blower 100A and in a direction perpendicular to the width direction. In the uneven portion 131Aa, the projection 131Aa1 and the groove 131Aa2 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the air intake frame 131A.

[0147] By providing the air intake frame 131A with the uneven portion 131Aa, if the occupant's head were to collide with the air intake frame 131A, the impact on the occupant's head could be more effectively reduced, thus more effectively improving safety.

[0148] In particular, as shown in Figure 24, in the uneven portion 131Aa, when viewed in the width direction of the blower 100A, the projection 131Aa1 protrudes further outward than the groove 131Aa2. In other words, when viewed in the width direction of the blower 100A, the tip of the projection 131Aa1 (i.e., the part that forms the outer edge of the air intake frame 131A) is located outside the groove 131Aa2. Therefore, the tips of adjacent projections 131Aa1 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the air intake frame 131A. As a result, if a passenger's head were to collide with the air intake frame 131A, the impact on the passenger's head can be reduced even more effectively, thus further improving safety.

[0149] In the example shown in Figure 24, the region where the tips of adjacent protrusions 131Aa1 are separated in the circumferential direction of the air intake frame 131A is located in a range that extends from the downward-facing portion to the rearward-facing portion of the air intake frame 131A (that is, a range that includes the range that overlaps with the range of motion of the air outlet frame 151 when viewed in the width direction of the blower 100A).

[0150] As described above, when the blower 100A is attached to the cart 1, at least a portion of the air outlet frame 151 protrudes outward from the main body case 110. Therefore, there is a risk that the head of a passenger getting into the cart 1 may collide with the air outlet frame 151.

[0151] Therefore, in the blower 100A, when viewed in the width direction (first direction) of the blower 100A, at least a portion of the outer edge of the air intake frame 131A is located outside the air intake frame 151 (for example, radially outside the rotating body 172). As a result, if the occupant's head were to come into contact with the blower 100A, the head could come into contact with the air intake frame 131A before coming into contact with the air intake frame 151. Here, as described above, the air intake frame 131A is designed to reduce the impact on the occupant's head if it were to collide with the air intake frame 131A. Thus, safety can be improved by suppressing the occupant's head from colliding with the air intake frame 151 when getting into the cart 1. Furthermore, since impact on the air intake frame 151 is suppressed, damage to the air intake frame 151 can also be suppressed.

[0152] Specifically, as shown in Figure 24, when viewed in the width direction of the blower 100A, regardless of the rotation angle of the air outlet frame 151, the air outlet frame 151 is located inside the line L4 connecting the tips of the protrusions 131Aa1 that form the outer edge of the intake port frame 131A (for example, radially inside the rotating body 172). In other words, when viewed in the width direction of the blower 100A, regardless of the rotation angle of the air outlet frame 151, most of the air outlet frame 151 overlaps with the intake port frame 131A and is covered and hidden by the intake port frame 131A.

[0153] In the example shown in Figure 24, when the air outlet frame 151 is in the first state (shown by the solid and dashed lines) and when the air outlet frame 151 is in the second state (shown by the dashed line), a portion of the air outlet frame 151 does not overlap with the air intake frame 131A when viewed in the width direction of the blower 100A. However, when viewed in the width direction of the blower 100A, the entire air outlet frame 151 may overlap with the air intake frame 131A regardless of the rotation angle of the air outlet frame 151.

[0154] As explained above, in the blower 100A, regardless of the rotation angle of the air outlet frame 151, when viewed in the width direction (first direction) of the blower 100A, at least a portion of the outer edge of the air intake frame 131A is located outside the air outlet frame 151. As a result, if a passenger's head were to come into contact with the blower 100A, regardless of the rotation angle of the air outlet frame 151, the head could come into contact with the air intake frame 131A before coming into contact with the air outlet frame 151. Therefore, regardless of the rotation angle of the air outlet frame 151, safety can be improved by suppressing the collision of the passenger's head with the air outlet frame 151 when boarding the cart 1. Furthermore, since impact on the air outlet frame 151 is suppressed, damage to the air outlet frame 151 can also be suppressed.

[0155] However, when the rotation angle of the air outlet frame 151 is a predetermined angle, the outer edge of the intake port frame 131A does not have to be located outside the air outlet frame 151 when viewed in the width direction of the blower 100A. For example, when the rotation angle of the air outlet frame 151 is a predetermined angle, part or all of the air outlet frame 151 may protrude beyond line L4 when viewed in the width direction of the blower 100A.

[0156] Furthermore, in the above example, the air vent frame 151 is provided so as to be rotatable within a predetermined range of motion. However, the air vent frame 151 may not be rotatable.

[0157] Furthermore, in the above example, the intake port frame 131A is provided with a recessed portion 131Aa. However, the intake port frame 131A does not necessarily have to be provided with a recessed portion 131Aa.

[0158] In the example above, an air intake cover 130A is attached to each of the openings on both sides of the main body case 110 in the width direction. However, the air intake cover 130A may be attached to only one opening in the width direction of the main body case 110. In that case, for example, the air intake cover 130 described above may be attached to the other opening in the width direction of the main body case 110.

[0159] Specifically, the intake cover 130A may be attached to the opening on the side of the main body case 110 that is exposed to the outside of the cart 1, and the intake cover 130 may be attached to the opening on the side of the main body case 110 that is not exposed to the outside of the cart 1. For example, in the case of the left fan 100 of two fans 100 arranged side by side that make up one fan unit 200, the intake cover 130A may be attached to the opening on the left side of the main body case 110, and the intake cover 130 may be attached to the opening on the right side of the main body case 110. Also, for example, in the case of the right fan 100 of two fans 100 arranged side by side that make up one fan unit 200, the intake cover 130A may be attached to the opening on the right side of the main body case 110, and the intake cover 130 may be attached to the opening on the left side of the main body case 110. As a result, the air intake cover 130A is attached only to the side of the main case 110 in the width direction that is most likely to be struck by the head of a passenger getting into the cart 1, thereby reducing the number of air intake covers 130A installed while improving safety.

[0160] Furthermore, the color of the air intake frame 131A is not particularly limited. However, it is preferable that the color of the air intake frame 131A be a color that is easily visible to the occupant getting into the cart 1 (for example, yellow). This makes it easier for the occupant getting into the cart 1 to recognize the presence of the air intake frame 131A, and helps to prevent the occupant's head from colliding with the air intake frame 131A.

[0161] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0162] For example, the above explanation described the case where cart 1 is a golf cart, but the use of cart 1 is not limited to this.

[0163] Furthermore, although the above example describes a configuration in which multiple blowers 100 are unitized to form a blower unit 200 which is then attached to the frame 7, the method of attaching the blowers 100 to the cart 1 is not limited to this. For example, each blower 100 may be attached to the cart 1 individually.

[0164] Furthermore, although the above description explained the case where the blower 100 is a sirocco fan, the configuration of the blower 100 is not limited to this.

[0165] Furthermore, although the above description assumes the inclusion of a sensor 174 for detecting passengers, the sensor 174 is not a mandatory component. However, by automatically driving the fan 100 when a passenger is detected by the sensor 174, and stopping the fan 100 when no passengers are detected, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

[0166] Furthermore, for example, in the above description, a battery 120 is provided for the blower 100. However, the battery 120 is not mandatory. For example, power may be supplied to the blower 100 from a power source provided in the cart 1.

[0167] Furthermore, for example, in the above configuration, when the blower 100 is attached to the cart 1, it is desirable that the air intake 140 does not face the ceiling surface 6a of the cart 1 when viewed from the side. Alternatively, when the blower 100 is attached to the cart 1, it is desirable that the motor shaft 171a of the rotating body 172 or motor 171 does not face the ceiling surface 6a of the cart 1 when viewed from the side. By doing so, the amount of intake air is ensured and the deterioration of the blowing function is suppressed.

[0168] Furthermore, for example, the above explanation referred to Figures 8 and 9 to describe the improvements made to the configuration around the air intake port 140. However, it is not necessary to implement all or any part of the improvements made to the configuration around the air intake port 140 described above.

[0169] Furthermore, for example, the above explanation referred to Figures 10 to 13 to describe the improvements made to the configuration around the air outlet 160. However, it is not necessary to implement all or any part of the improvements made to the configuration around the air outlet 160 described above.

[0170] Furthermore, for example, the above explanation referred to Figures 14 to 18 to describe the improvements made to the mounting of the battery 120 to the main unit case 110. However, it is not necessary to implement all or any part of the improvements made to the mounting of the battery 120 to the main unit case 110 described above.

[0171] Furthermore, for example, the above explanation referred to Figures 19 to 22 to describe the ingenuity involved in attaching the blower unit 200 to the frame 7. However, it is not necessary to implement all or any part of the ingenuity involved in attaching the blower unit 200 to the frame 7 as described above.

[0172] Furthermore, the above describes an example in which blowers 100 and 100A are installed on cart 1. However, blowers 100 and 100A may be installed on devices or equipment other than cart 1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0173] 1 cart 100A blower 131A Air intake frame 140 Intake port 151 Air outlet frame 160 Air outlet

Claims

1. An air intake facing the first direction, The aforementioned air intake is surrounded by an air intake frame made of an elastic material, An air outlet facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, A vent frame surrounding the aforementioned vent, Equipped with, When viewed in the first direction, at least a portion of the outer edge of the intake port frame is located outside the air outlet frame. Blower.

2. The aforementioned air outlet frame is provided so as to be rotatable within a predetermined range of motion. Regardless of the rotation angle of the air outlet frame, when viewed in the first direction, at least a portion of the outer edge of the air intake frame is located outward relative to the air outlet frame. The blower according to claim 1.

3. A cart equipped with a blower according to claim 1 or 2.

Images