Blower

Abstract

To provide a fan that can maximize the effectiveness of the fan during cooling or heating, thereby improving the efficiency of cooling and heating. [Solution] The blower 1 is installed in a room 110 equipped with an air conditioner 115. The blower 1 comprises a fan 17 for blowing air and a motor 18 that drives the fan 17, a blower unit 2 that can oscillate left and right and up and down, a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and controls the left and right and up and down oscillation of the blower unit 2, and a temperature detection means 62 provided in the blower unit 2 that detects temperature information. Based on the temperature information detected by the temperature detection means 62, the control unit 50 determines whether the air conditioner 115 is in cooling operation, which is trying to lower the indoor temperature of the room 110, or heating operation, which is trying to raise it, and changes the blowing method based on the determination result.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] This embodiment relates to a blower (circulator).

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to avoid pollen and PM2.5 from adhering to laundry dried outdoors, the need for indoor drying of laundry has been increasing. There is a case where a circulator used to stir the indoor air is used to blow air onto the laundry for clothes drying.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, conventional circulators are configured to swing their heads left and right while maintaining a constant wind speed. When trying to dry laundry arranged horizontally by blowing air onto it, the laundry near the center is strongly blown by the wind, while the laundry near the ends is not blown much by the wind. Also, if the wind of the circulator is made too strong, the laundry near the center will move towards the ends due to the wind pressure, causing the laundry to be biased towards the ends and not being evenly blown by the wind, resulting in uneven drying.

[0005] This embodiment provides a blower that can maximize the effect of the blower and improve the efficiency of cooling and heating during cooling or heating.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of this embodiment, a blower is provided for installation in a room equipped with an air conditioner, comprising: a fan for blowing air; a blower unit having a motor for driving the fan and capable of oscillating left and right and up and down; a control unit that controls the motor of the blower unit and controls the left and right and up and down oscillation of the blower unit; and a temperature detection means provided on the blower unit for detecting temperature information, wherein the control unit determines whether the air conditioner is in cooling operation, which is intended to lower the room temperature, or heating operation, which is intended to raise the room temperature, based on the temperature information detected by the temperature detection means, and changes the blowing method based on the determination result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this embodiment, the effect of the fan can be maximized during cooling or heating, and the efficiency of cooling and heating can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Front view of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] A right side view of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] A top view of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Rear view of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] An exploded perspective view of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing laundry being dried using a blower according to the comparative example. [Figure 9] This figure shows laundry being dried using the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows laundry being dried using the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] A plan view of the control panel of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram of the effect of setting the left - right swing setting angle range in the clothing drying mode of the blower according to this embodiment in three steps. (a) When using the blower according to the comparative example, (b) When using the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the left - right swing setting angle range and the wind speed in the clothing drying mode of the blower according to this embodiment. (a) When the left - right swing setting angle range is 60°, (b) When the left - right swing setting angle range is 120°. [Figure 14] Explanatory diagram of the left - right swing of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] Perspective view showing the internal structure of the pedestal part of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 16] Explanatory diagram of the up - down swing of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the left - right swing setting angle and the up - down swing angle of the blower according to this embodiment. (a) When the up - down swing angle is 65°, (b) When the left - right swing setting angle is 90°, (c) Image of the air - blowing trajectory. [Figure 18] Explanatory diagram of the up - down swing latch structure provided in the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 19] Explanatory diagram of the up - down swing latch structure provided in the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 20] Explanatory diagram of the up - down swing latch structure provided in the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 21] Explanatory diagram of the gear holder provided in the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 22] Explanatory diagram of the gear holder provided in the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 23] It is an explanatory diagram of the up - down swing operation of the blower according to this embodiment. (a) Explanatory diagram of the state where the air - blowing direction of the air - blowing part is facing the horizontal direction, (b) Explanatory diagram of the state where it operates to the upper limit in the upward direction. [Figure 24] Explanatory diagram of another operation of the up - down swing of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 25]Cross-sectional view showing the air flow in the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 26] Perspective view of the remote control holder included in the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 27] Diagram showing a state in which the blower according to this embodiment is drying laundry in a use state. [Figure 28] Diagram showing a state in which the blower according to this embodiment is drying laundry in a use state. [Figure 29] Diagram showing a state in which the blower according to this embodiment is drying laundry in a use state. [Figure 30] Explanatory diagram of the vertical angle range of the blower according to another embodiment. [Figure 31] Diagram showing a state in which the blower according to another embodiment is drying laundry. [Figure 32] Diagram showing a state in which the blower according to this embodiment is stirring the air in the room. [Figure 33] Flowchart showing another head shaking operation example in the forced stirring mode of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 34] Diagram showing a state in which the blower is stirring the air in the room. [Figure 35] Diagram showing a state in which the blower is stirring the air in the room. [Figure 36] Perspective view showing the mounting position of the distance sensor included in the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 37] Explanatory diagram of the on / off timer of the blower according to this embodiment. [Figure 38] Perspective view of the remote control holder included in the blower according to this embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between thickness and planar dimensions, the ratio of the thickness of each layer, etc., may differ from reality. Therefore, specific thicknesses and dimensions should be determined by referring to the following explanation. Furthermore, it goes without saying that there are parts where the relationships and ratios of dimensions differ between drawings.

[0010] [overview] The blower 1 according to this embodiment is a circulator equipped with a DC motor. This blower 1 is ideal for drying clothes indoors in clothes drying mode, and the angle of left and right oscillation can be adjusted, and the airflow capacity has been improved by increasing the intake area. In clothes drying mode, the airflow speed is controlled to gradually decrease as the left and right oscillation rotates from the ends to the center, so that laundry can be dried evenly.

[0011] [exterior] Figures 1 to 5 are external views of the blower 1 according to this embodiment, with Figure 1 being a perspective view, Figure 2 a front view, Figure 3 a right side view, Figure 4 a top view, and Figure 5 a rear view. This blower 1 is designed to enhance airflow velocity through a spherical grille structure and to appear compact through an evolved spherical design.

[0012] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the blower 1 according to this embodiment comprises a blower section 2 having an air outlet 11 on the front side and a grill 12 provided at the air outlet 11, and a base section (support section) 3 that supports the blower section 2. The grill 12 has a plurality of fins (air guide plates) 13 arranged in a spiral shape, and the inner end 13A of the plurality of fins 13, which is close to the center O of the spiral, protrudes in the airflow direction 4 from the outer end 13B that is continuous with the air outlet 11. In other words, the inner end 13A protrudes in the airflow direction 4 from the outer end 13B of the portion 13C of the grill 12 where the plurality of fins 13 are formed. The inner end 13A is the inner end side close to the center O of the spiral, and includes the area near the inner end. The outer end 13B is the outer end side that is continuous with the air outlet 11. As a result, the air gathers (converges) in the center, and the air velocity in the center of the airflow direction can be improved. Furthermore, the reach of the air blown out from the air outlet 11 (spiral airflow) can be extended. As a result, the indoor air can be reliably circulated, the indoor temperature can be made more uniform, and energy saving can be achieved.

[0013] In this example, a circular ring 13R is provided that intersects with each fin 13 to prevent fingers from entering through the gaps between the multiple fins 13, 13, and also to reinforce the grille 12. However, this ring 13R is not required.

[0014] The cover 15 of the air blower unit 2 has a front cover 15a and a rear cover 15b. The front cover 15a is a hemispherical cover made of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene, and has a spherical grille 12 on a circular air outlet 11 that opens to the front. The rear cover 15b is also a hemispherical cover made of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene. Numerous vents 21 for taking in outside air are formed over almost the entire surface of the rear cover 15b.

[0015] The grille 12 is, for example, a front panel made of a highly impact-resistant synthetic resin material. Specifically, the spiral fins 13 are formed in a convex curved shape so that they gradually protrude towards the center O of the spiral. A cap 14 is attached to the center O of the spiral of the grille 12. When air is blown from the rear of the grille 12 and the airflow (wind) passes in the front-to-back direction of the grille 12, a spiral airflow is created that travels in a straight line while swirling.

[0016] The base 3 supports the air blower 2 so that it can swivel left and right, and is placed on the installation surface. The base 3 has a circular base lower part 31 in plan view and a base upper part 32 that can be fitted into the base lower part 31. The covers forming the outer surfaces of both the base lower part 31 and the base upper part 32 can be made of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene. A single-leg shaped support column 33 is erected vertically behind the center of the base upper part 32, and the operation panel 34 is positioned in front of the support column 33. Here, the base 3 is given as an example of the support part 3, but the support part 3 may be a structure that can be attached to a ceiling or the like.

[0017] [Internal structure] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the blower unit 2 is a blower device that generates airflow and comprises a blower fan 17 and a motor 18 that drives the fan 17. An axial-flow propeller fan is used as the blower fan 17. A DC motor 18, which allows for finer wind speed control than an AC motor, is used as the motor 18 for the fan 17.

[0018] The blower 1 according to this embodiment uses a motor M1 for left-right oscillation and a motor M2 for up-down oscillation to automatically perform left-right and up-down oscillation. These two oscillation motors M1 and M2 are stepping motors M1 and M2 that can accurately control the rotation angle and rotation speed using pulse signals. Up-down oscillation can also be performed manually.

[0019] [Control Unit] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. Here, the front cover 15a and rear cover 15b of the blower unit 2 have been removed, and the cover forming the outer surface of the base unit 3 has also been removed.

[0020] As shown in Figure 7, the blower 1 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 50 that controls the ON / OFF of the power supply, the operation of the off timer, the operation of the on timer, the selection of the blower mode, the rotation speed of the DC motor 18, and pulse signals sent to the stepping motors M1 and M2. Such a control unit 50 is realized by a main board on which a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. are mounted. A power supply board 3A is connected to the main board to generate the required output power from the input power. An AC adapter can also be used instead of the power supply board 3A.

[0021] Furthermore, the blower 1 according to this embodiment can be operated not only using the operation panel 34, but also using the remote control 25. Signals from the remote control 25 are notified to the control unit 50 via a signal receiving unit 25a (see Figure 2) located in the center of the front of the base unit 3. The control unit 50 controls each of the above-mentioned processes based on the signals notified from the remote control 25 and the operation panel 34. The remote control 25 can be attached to a remote control holder 26 located on the upper part of the rear cover 15b of the blower unit 2.

[0022] [Comparative Example] Figure 8 shows how laundry items S1 to S20 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "laundry items S") are dried using the blower 100 according to the comparative example. Here, an example is shown where towels are hung on hangers and arranged in two rows on a clothesline.

[0023] As shown in Figure 8, the blower 100 in the comparative example is configured to oscillate from side to side while maintaining a constant wind speed. When attempting to dry laundry S arranged horizontally by blowing air on it, the air hits the laundry S14, S15, S16, S17 near the center strongly (see reference numeral 4b), while the laundry S11, S12, S19, S20 near the ends does not receive much air (see reference numerals 4a, 4c). Furthermore, if the airflow from the blower 100 is made too strong, the laundry S14, S15, S16, S17 near the center are pushed to the ends by the wind pressure, causing the laundry S to be unevenly distributed and resulting in uneven drying.

[0024] [Example 1] Figure 9 shows laundry S being dried using the blower 1 according to this embodiment. Here, as with the comparative example, the example shows towels hanging on hangers and arranged in two rows on a clothesline.

[0025] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, when the blower 1 is set to clothes drying mode, the airflow is relatively weaker towards the center of the left-right oscillation and relatively stronger towards both ends. This allows a weaker airflow to be directed towards the central position (see reference numeral 4b) and a stronger airflow to the ends (see reference numerals 4a and 4c) of the laundry S spread out to dry. In other words, it prevents the airflow from being strong only on the central laundry S14, S15, S16, and S17, and not reaching the ends laundry S11, S12, S19, and S20, which are at different distances from the blower 1. Therefore, the laundry S can be dried evenly.

[0026] As already explained, the blower 1 according to this embodiment employs a stepping motor M1 as the motor M1 for left-right oscillation. The stepping motor M1 is a motor that operates in synchronization with a pulse signal (pulse power), and rotates in fixed increments like the second hand of a clock in response to the pulse signal from the control unit 50. Therefore, the stepping motor M1 rotates by the amount of the pulse signal that the control unit 50 sends to the stepping motor M1. In other words, the blower 1 controls the stepping motor M1 with the pulse signal sent from the control unit 50, is able to grasp its own posture, and can control left-right oscillation with high precision. Furthermore, even if an external force is applied to the blower unit 2 and a difference occurs between the pulse signal sent from the control unit 50 and the rotation of the stepping motor M1, the position detection by the IR sensor 51 (see Figure 15) can correct the discrepancy between the recognition by the control unit 50 and the posture of the blower unit 2.

[0027] Furthermore, since a DC motor 18 is used as the motor 18 for the fan 17, it is possible to control the wind speed in 10 steps in accordance with the left-right oscillation by the stepping motor M1. For example, in the clothes drying mode, the wind speed near the center of the left-right oscillation is set to 6 out of 10 steps, and as the air blower 2 rotates from the center to the end of the left-right oscillation, the wind speed is gradually increased from 6 → 7 → 8 → 9 → 10. Next, when the air blower 2 returns from the end to the center of the left-right oscillation, the wind speed is gradually decreased from 10 → 9 → 8 → 7 → 6.

[0028] Furthermore, in the clothes drying mode, it is desirable to be able to set the wind speed adjustment range to multiple levels (selectively from multiple strength levels), such as strong, medium, and weak.

[0029] Here, the wind speed adjustment range is the amount of change in wind speed, with the wind speed at the ends of the left-right oscillation as the upper limit and the wind speed at the center as the lower limit. Specifically, "Strong" in the clothes drying mode means that the wind speed setting during left-right oscillation is at the strong level, "Medium" in the clothes drying mode means that the wind speed setting during left-right oscillation is at the medium level, and "Weak" in the clothes drying mode means that the wind speed setting during left-right oscillation is at the weak level. In "Strong" in the clothes drying mode, the wind speed adjustment range is set relatively higher than the wind speed adjustment range in "Medium" in the clothes drying mode, and in "Medium" in the clothes drying mode, the wind speed adjustment range is set relatively higher than the wind speed adjustment range in "Weak" in the clothes drying mode. This makes it possible to select the appropriate wind speed adjustment range from among multiple levels depending on the distance between the laundry S and the blower 1.

[0030] [Example 2] Figure 10 shows laundry S being dried using the blower 1 according to this embodiment. In this example, shirts are hung on hangers and suspended on a clothesline.

[0031] As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, when the blower 1 is set to clothes drying mode, the airflow is relatively weak near the lower end (lower limit) of the up-and-down oscillation movement, and relatively strong near the upper end (upper limit). As a result, a weaker airflow is sent towards the lower part of the laundry S that is close to the blower 1 (see reference numeral 4e), and a stronger airflow is sent towards the upper part of the laundry S that is farther from the blower 1 (see reference numeral 4d), preventing uneven drying between the upper and lower parts of the laundry S.

[0032] As already explained, the blower 1 according to this embodiment employs a stepping motor M2 as the motor M2 for vertical oscillation. Therefore, it is possible to precisely control the vertical oscillation by sending pulse signals to the stepping motor M2.

[0033] Furthermore, since a DC motor 18 is used as the motor 18 for the fan 17, it is possible to control the wind speed in 10 steps in accordance with the up-and-down oscillation by the stepping motor M2. For example, in the clothes drying mode, the wind speed near the lower end of the up-and-down oscillation is set to 6 out of 10 steps, and as the air blower 2 rotates from the lower end to the upper end of the up-and-down oscillation, the wind speed is gradually increased from 6 → 7 → 8 → 9 → 10. Next, when the air blower 2 returns from the upper end to the lower end of the up-and-down oscillation, the wind speed is gradually decreased from 10 → 9 → 8 → 7 → 6. In addition, in the wind speed control of the clothes drying mode, it is desirable to be able to set the wind speed adjustment range to multiple steps (selectively from multiple strength and weakness levels), for example, strong, medium, and weak. This makes it possible to select the appropriate wind speed from among the multiple wind speed adjustment ranges depending on the distance between the laundry S and the air blower 1, and perform the up-and-down oscillation in the clothes drying mode.

[0034] [Control Panel] Figure 11 is a plan view of the control panel 34 of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the control panel 34 includes a power button 34a, an off-timer button 34b, an on-timer button 34c, a blower mode button 34d, airflow buttons 34e and 34f, an up / down oscillation button 34g, a left / right oscillation button 34h, and the like. The power button 34a is a button for setting the power on / off. The off-timer button 34b is a button for setting the off-timer. The on-timer button 34c is a button for setting the on-timer. The blower mode button 34d is a button for selecting the blower mode (continuous mode, rhythm mode, clothes drying mode). The airflow buttons 34e and 34f are buttons for adjusting the airflow of the blower unit 2, with the airflow decreasing each time the airflow button 34e is pressed and the airflow increasing each time the airflow button 34f is pressed. The up / down oscillation button 34g is used to turn the up / down oscillation on or off. The left / right oscillation button 34h is used to turn the left / right oscillation on or off, and the range of left / right oscillation can be adjusted to three different angle ranges (60°, 90°, 120°).

[0035] [Three settings for the left / right oscillation angle range in clothes drying mode] Figure 12 illustrates the effect of setting the left-right oscillation angle range of the blower 1 according to this embodiment in three stages during the clothes drying mode. In other words, when using the blower 100 according to the comparative example, the left-right oscillation angle range (swing width) cannot be adjusted, so when a large amount of laundry S is spread out to the left and right to hang, it is necessary to blow air from a distance away from the laundry S (see Figure 12(a)). In contrast, when using the blower 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12(b), the swing width of the left-right oscillation can be adjusted to multiple setting angle ranges (60°, 90°, 120°) according to the width of the laundry S, so it is not necessary to install the blower 1 far away from the laundry S. Furthermore, by adjusting the wind speed in the clothes drying mode, it is possible to send air of a strength suitable for drying all the laundry S while preventing the laundry S from being concentrated at both ends, thereby improving drying efficiency.

[0036] [The fan speed is set according to the left / right oscillation angle setting in clothes drying mode.] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the set angle range of left-right oscillation and the wind speed in the clothes drying mode of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. That is, in usage scenarios where the set angle range (swing width) of left-right oscillation is changed, if the installation width of the laundry S is increased, even if the distance between the blower 1 and the center of the installation width of the laundry S remains the same, the distance between the blower 1 and the ends of the installation width of the laundry S increases. Therefore, it is desirable that the wind speed increase / decrease range be set corresponding to each set angle range of left-right oscillation (60°, 90°, 120°). Here, the wind speed increase / decrease range is the amount of change in wind speed, with the wind speed at the ends of the left-right oscillation as the upper limit and the wind speed at the center as the lower limit, and can be rephrased as the wind speed adjustment range described above.

[0037] For example, as shown in Figure 13(a), if the set angle range for left-right oscillation is 60°, the wind speed at a position near the center of the left-right oscillation is set to 3 out of 10 levels (see reference numeral 4b), and as the left-right oscillation rotates towards the ends, the wind speed is gradually increased from 3 to 4 to 5 (see reference numerals 4a, 4c). When returning from the ends of the left-right oscillation to a position near the center, the wind speed is gradually decreased from 5 to 4 to 3. In other words, if the set angle range for left-right oscillation is 60°, the wind speed is switched between 3 to 5 in 3 stages.

[0038] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13(b), when the set angle range for left and right oscillation is 120°, the wind speed at a position near the center of the left and right oscillation is set to 3 out of 10 levels (see reference numeral 4b), and as the left and right oscillation rotates towards the ends, the wind speed is gradually increased from 3→4→5→6→7 (see reference numerals 4a, 4c). When returning from the ends of the left and right oscillation to a position near the center, the wind speed is gradually decreased from 7→6→5→4→3. In other words, when the set angle range for left and right oscillation is 120°, the wind speed is switched between 5 levels from 3 to 7.

[0039] In other words, when the setting angle range for left-right oscillation is changed from 60° to 120° to accommodate an increase in the installation width of the laundry S, the distance between the blower 1 and the ends of the installation width of the laundry S increases. However, by setting the wind speed higher near the ends of the left-right oscillation, appropriate airflow can be sent to the laundry S at both ends of the installation width, resulting in even drying of the laundry S at the center and both ends of the installation width, and ensuring that the laundry S is thoroughly dried. In short, the blower 1 according to this embodiment can handle both small and large amounts of laundry S.

[0040] [Left and right swivel: Stepping motor & IR sensor] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the left-right oscillation of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As already explained, the blower 1 according to this embodiment uses a stepping motor M1 as the motor M1 for left-right oscillation. By controlling the pulse signal sent to the stepping motor M1, as shown in Figure 14, when the automatic left-right oscillation is stopped (see reference numeral P11), the blower unit 2 returns to a reference position facing forward (see reference numeral P10). Similarly, when the power is turned off, the blower unit 2 returns to a reference position facing forward.

[0041] The standard posture refers to the stationary posture shown in Figures 1 to 5. In other words, the standard posture is the posture in which the left and right oscillation position of the air blower unit 2 is at the center position, and the air blowing direction 4 of the air blower unit 2 is directed horizontally.

[0042] As described above, in the blower 1 according to this embodiment, when the left-right oscillation is stopped and when the power is turned off, it returns to the same frontal position as the reference position. This ensures that the blower unit 2 always maintains a neat, forward-facing position when the left-right oscillation is in standby (stopped) state. Furthermore, when the left-right oscillation of the clothes drying mode is started (restarted) with the blower unit 2 facing directly towards the laundry S, the left-right oscillation will always restart at an equal angle, making it easy to center the unit for clothes drying applications.

[0043] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the base portion 3 of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, an IR (infrared) sensor 51 such as a phototransistor detects the left-right oscillation position (one location). This makes it possible to correct the left-right oscillation position during operation, as will be explained below.

[0044] Specifically, a stepping motor M1 is fixed to the upper surface of the fixing plate 41, and a left-right oscillation mechanism 43 is connected to the output shaft of the stepping motor M1. An IR sensor 51 is attached to the lower part of the fixing plate 41, and when the left-right oscillation position of the air blower unit 2 is at the center position, the IR sensor 51 is shielded from light by a light shielding plate 52 provided on the lower part of the base 31. This allows detection of the left-right oscillation position of the air blower unit 2 being at the center position, and the number of steps of the stepping motor M1 can be corrected each time the center position is passed. As a result, even if an external force is applied to the air blower unit 2 and it becomes unable to move, or if it is forcibly rotated, or if it hits an object in the middle of left-right oscillation and becomes unable to move, it is possible to continue the left-right oscillation operation with the correct number of steps.

[0045] [Up and down oscillation: Stepping motor] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the vertical oscillation of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As already explained, the blower 1 according to this embodiment uses a stepping motor M2 as the motor M2 for vertical oscillation. By controlling the pulse signal sent to the stepping motor M2, as shown in Figure 16, when the automatic vertical oscillation is stopped (see reference numeral P21), the blower unit 2 returns to a horizontal reference position (see reference numeral P20). Similarly, when the power is turned off, the blower unit 2 returns to a horizontal reference position.

[0046] Thus, in the blower 1 according to this embodiment, when the up-and-down oscillation stops and when the power is turned off, it returns to the same horizontal position as the reference position. As a result, the blower unit 2 can always maintain a neat position facing horizontally when in the standby state (stopped state) of the up-and-down oscillation.

[0047] [Center of the ball = Center of rotation (up, down, left, right)] In the blower 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, in a plan view, the rotation axis C1 for left-right oscillation is positioned to pass through the center of the spherical blower unit 2. Also, as shown in Figure 16, in a side view, the rotation axis C2 for up-down oscillation is positioned to pass through the center of the spherical blower unit 2. With this configuration, where both the rotation axis C1 for left-right oscillation and the rotation axis C2 for up-down oscillation are positioned to pass through the center of the spherical blower unit 2, the outer casing (silhouette) remains the same regardless of whether the fan oscillates left-right or up-down. Therefore, even when installed in narrow spaces such as near windows or on staircases, it will not come into contact with nearby objects when oscillating.

[0048] [Left-right oscillation angle setting ≠ Up-down oscillation angle integer multiple] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the set angle of left-right oscillation and the angle of up-down oscillation of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17(a), the angle of up-down oscillation is 65°. The set angle of left-right oscillation can be 60°, 90°, or 120°, but here, as shown in Figure 17(b), the set angle of left-right oscillation is set to 90°. Thus, the set angle of left-right oscillation is not an integer multiple of the angle of up-down oscillation, and if the oscillation speeds of left-right and up-down oscillation are the same in simultaneous up-down and left-right oscillation, as shown in Figure 17(c), the airflow trajectory becomes random, making it possible to blow air so that it reaches the entire airflow range.

[0049] The following provides a more detailed explanation of Figure 17(c). In Figure 17(c), the dashed line represents the position of the airflow center in airflow direction 4 when the object to be airflowed is considered as a surface, and the arrow in Figure 17(c) represents the airflow trajectory. Let's assume that the left-right oscillation is at its leftmost position and the up-down oscillation is at its lowest position. Also, the left-right and up-down oscillation speeds are the same. In this state, we consider the case where the neck moves 90° to the right while simultaneously moving 65° upward. In this case, as the neck moves 65° upward, it also moves 65° to the right, and as it moves 65° upward, it starts to move downward, continuing to move downward while moving from 65° to 90° to the right. When it has moved to 90° to the right, the neck is in a downward motion, so it reverses direction to the left as it moves downward. This makes it easy to achieve airflow with a random trajectory due to simultaneous left-right and up-down oscillation. Therefore, uneven airflow can be prevented, and the laundry S in airflow direction 4 can be dried evenly.

[0050] [Up and down swivel latch structure] Figures 18 to 20 illustrate the vertical oscillation latch structure of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As described below, not only is the vertical oscillation performed automatically, but the vertical oscillation angle can also be manually adjusted.

[0051] As shown in Figure 18, when the front cover 15a and rear cover 15b of the blower unit 2 are removed, the stepping motor M2, ratchet mechanism 81, and rack gear 85 are revealed. The rack gear 85 is fixed to the support column 70. The motor cover 71 is sandwiched between the support column 70 from both sides, and this sandwiched position serves as the axis 72 for vertical oscillation, allowing the blower unit 2 to oscillate up and down relative to the base unit 3. A gear is attached to the output shaft of the stepping motor M2, and this gear moves up and down in a rack and pinion manner.

[0052] Specifically, the ratchet mechanism 81 has a structure in which a pinion gear 82 (see Figure 19) having a locking recess 82a and a latch base 83 (see Figure 20) having a locking pin 84 face each other. The output shaft of the stepping motor M2 fits into the central hole 83b of the latch base 83. The pin 84 of the latch base 83 is pressed against the locking recess 82a by an axial (axis-center) elastic force. As a result, the latch is completed within the size range of the pinion gear 82, making it possible to make the ratchet mechanism 81 more compact.

[0053] In this case, if the up-and-down swivel motion is performed automatically, the stepping motor M2 is used to rotate the latch base 83. As the latch base 83 rotates, the locking pin 84 is pressed against the locking recess 82a, causing the pinion gear 82 to rotate simultaneously.

[0054] On the other hand, when the vertical oscillation angle is adjusted manually, the stepping motor M2 is stopped, and therefore the latch base 83 does not rotate. In this state, if the blower unit 2 is moved by hand, only the pinion gear 82 rotates. In other words, the locking pin 84 is only pressed by spring B (see Figure 22), so the latch base 83 does not rotate. Moving the blower unit 2 by hand does not affect the stepping motor M2.

[0055] In this example, a locking pin 84 is attached to one of the multiple holes 83a formed in the latch base 83, but the number of locking pins 84 can be adjusted as needed. When attaching multiple locking pins 84, it is desirable to attach them in symmetrical positions.

[0056] [Up and down swivel latch structure (gear holder)] Figures 21 and 22 illustrate the gear holder 86 provided in the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the blower 1 is equipped with a gear holder 86 integrated with the rack gear 85. When the stepping motor M2 is driven, the output shaft M2a of the stepping motor M1 rotates, and rotational force is transmitted to the pinion gear 82 via the latch base 83. This rotational force causes the pinion gear 82, which meshes with the rack gear 85, to move up and down. At this time, the protrusion 82c formed in the center of the pinion gear 82 moves along the groove 86a of the gear holder 86. The gear holder 86 abuts against the surface (in the axial direction) opposite to the surface on which the pin 84 is pressed against the locking recess 82a of the pinion gear 82, supporting the pinion gear 82 and maintaining the locked state of the locking recess 82a and the pin 84. In addition, the guide portion 86g of the gear holder 86 maintains the meshing between the pinion gear 82 and the rack gear 85. This ensures that the meshing state is maintained securely and prevents malfunctions.

[0057] [Up and down oscillation: Oscillation operation after manual adjustment] Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating the vertical oscillation operation of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 23(a), when the vertical range of motion θ2 is 65°, if the blower unit 2 is manually moved from a state where the airflow direction is facing horizontally to the intermediate vertical oscillation position P22, a discrepancy occurs between the recognized position of the stepping motor M2 and the actual oscillation position. Therefore, when vertical oscillation is started (restarted) from a stopped state, as shown in Figure 23(b), in step (1) it operates upward to the upper limit, in step (2) it stops by the amount manually moved, and in step (3) it operates downward to the lower limit. In step (2), the protrusion 82c formed at the center of the pinion gear 82 is physically locked at the end of the groove 86a of the gear holder 86. As a result, if the oscillation is always started in the upward direction, the resulting discrepancy can be eliminated in the first step (2).

[0058] [Up and down oscillation: A variation of oscillation movement after manual adjustment] Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating another operation of the up-and-down oscillation of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. Here, as with Figure 23, we assume that the up-and-down range of motion θ2 is 65° and that the blower has been manually moved to position P22 while the up-and-down oscillation is stopped. Of course, even in this case, there is a discrepancy between the recognized position of the stepping motor M2 and the actual oscillation position. After that, when the up-and-down oscillation is restarted, the oscillation starts with small up-and-down movements, as in steps (1)→(2)→(3)→(4), and the angle gradually increases. This reduces the "time lag" in which the up-and-down oscillation stops due to the "discrepancy" between the recognized position of the stepping motor M2 and the actual oscillation position. By reducing the "time lag," the number of seconds that the up-and-down oscillation remains stopped can be shortened, reducing the chances of the user mistaking it for a malfunction.

[0059] [Increased intake area → Improved airflow capacity] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the airflow in the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 25, multiple intake holes 15d are formed on the edge of the front cover 15a. This allows outside air to be taken in not only from the vent 21 formed in the rear cover 15b, but also from the multiple intake holes 15d. As a result, the intake area is expanded and air flows more smoothly, improving the blowing capacity. Consequently, the clothes drying performance is improved.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, a cylindrical wind tunnel 16 is provided inside the front cover 15a, which stabilizes the wind speed blown out from the air outlet 11. The wind blown out from the circulator is a spiral airflow that travels in a straight line while swirling, and has higher directivity and straightness compared to electric fans and the like. By providing the wind tunnel 16, it is possible to ensure the directivity and straightness of the wind, which are unique effects of a circulator. In this embodiment, the curved (spherical) grille 12 produces the effect of straightness, so the wind tunnel 16 may be short.

[0061] [Remote control holder] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the remote control holder 26 provided in the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 26, a remote control holder 26 for holding a remote control 25 is provided on the upper part of the rear cover 15b of the blower unit 2. Specifically, a recessed space is provided on the inside so as not to distort the spherical shape, and double plate-like members 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d are provided on both the left and right sides of this space. The upper plate-like members 26a and 26b can hold down the top surface of the remote control 25, and the lower plate-like members 26c and 26d can hold down the sides of the remote control 25, so the remote control 25 can be held securely. In addition, with the remote control 25 held in the remote control holder 26, it is possible to insert fingers into the space above the remote control 25 and lift the blower 1, as the remote control holder 26 and the handle are shared in this structure.

[0062] [Clothes drying mode: Oscillates left and right] When the fan 1 according to this embodiment is set to clothes drying mode (left and right oscillation), the left and right oscillation angle is (automatically) set to 60°. The left and right oscillation angle can be set in the following order by pressing the oscillation (left and right) button 34h: 60° → 90° → 120° → 60° → ... Note that even in clothes drying mode, the wind speed may be set not to change when the oscillation (left and right) is 60°. Switching the left and right oscillation angle between 90° and 120° makes the left and right wind speeds stronger than the front wind speed.

[0063] The blower 1 is controlled by switching between several types of blowing modes (continuous mode, rhythmic mode, clothes drying mode) by pressing the blowing mode button 34d. In continuous mode, the motor 18 is controlled to maintain a constant wind speed while the blower unit 2 oscillates left and right at a predetermined speed. In clothes drying mode, the motor 18 is controlled so that the wind speed at the center of the blower unit 2's left and right oscillation is lower than the wind speed at the ends, and the blower unit 2 oscillates left and right at a lower speed than the predetermined speed in continuous mode. In other words, the left and right oscillation speed in clothes drying mode is set slower than the left and right oscillation in normal (continuous mode). Preferably, the left and right oscillation in clothes drying mode is performed at a low speed of 1 / 2 to 1 / 4 times the left and right oscillation speed of continuous mode. Specifically, the left and right oscillation speed in clothes drying mode is set to 1 / 3 of the left and right oscillation speed of continuous mode. Furthermore, it is preferable to set the speed of the left-right oscillation in the clothes drying mode to change according to the left-right oscillation angle (60°, 90°, 120°). By performing the left-right oscillation in the clothes drying mode at a low speed, the time during which air continuously blows on the laundry S is increased, and drying is promoted. To explain further, when air blows on the laundry S, the laundry S may sway and its direction (angle) relative to the blower 1 may change. If the time during which air continuously blows on the laundry S is short, the laundry S will receive the airflow in an unstable position. By increasing the time during which air continuously blows on the laundry S, the laundry S will receive the airflow in a stable position after the swaying has stopped (converged), which has the advantage of drying the laundry S thoroughly.

[0064] The inventors conducted a clothes drying test. As a result, comparing the drying of clothes in continuous mode with a predetermined (normal) left-right oscillation speed and the drying of clothes in clothes drying mode with a low left-right oscillation speed, it was found that the time it took for the clothes drying rate to decrease from 100% to 72% was 176 minutes in continuous mode and 160 minutes in clothes drying mode, indicating that a time reduction of approximately 10% can be expected.

[0065] [Clothes drying mode: Simultaneous up, down, left, and right oscillation] The blower 1 according to this embodiment oscillates simultaneously up, down, left, and right in clothes drying mode, and can adjust the wind speed according to the direction of the airflow in the up, down, left, and right directions to keep the strength of the wind hitting the laundry S constant. In other words, when set to simultaneous up, down, left, and right oscillation in clothes drying mode, the wind speed is controlled according to the distance between the blower 1 and the laundry S in the left, right, and up and down directions, making the wind weaker towards nearby laundry S and stronger towards distant laundry S.

[0066] As shown in Figure 27, the area where the laundry S is drying is divided into 15 regions (3 in the height direction and 5 in the width direction), and the approximate wind strength in each region is represented by a number from 1 to 5. A higher number indicates stronger wind. In this example, the strongest wind (number "5" in the 1-5 guideline) is sent to the upper left and right end regions where the laundry S is farther away from the blower 1, and the weakest wind (number "1" in the 1-5 guideline) is sent to the lower central region where the laundry S is closer to the blower 1. This ensures that the laundry S is dried evenly.

[0067] [Distance detection means] A distance detection means (see Figure 36), such as a distance sensor 61, is provided to detect the distance to the laundry S in the direction of the airflow. The motor 18 and oscillation can be controlled based on the distance detection information detected by the distance sensor 61 to adjust the airflow speed. That is, in clothes drying mode, the airflow speed is controlled according to the distance between the blower 1 and the laundry S detected by the distance detection means, making the airflow weaker towards nearby laundry S and stronger towards distant laundry S. An infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor can be used as the distance sensor 61. The mounting position of the distance sensor 61 will be described later.

[0068] [Wetness detection means] A moisture detection means (see Figure 36), such as a temperature sensor 62, is provided to detect the moisture state of the laundry S in the direction of the airflow. Based on the moisture state of the laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62, the motor 18 and oscillation are controlled to adjust the wind speed to send appropriate air towards the wet laundry S. As an example of wind speed and oscillation control of the blower 1, as shown in Figure 28, wind speed control is performed according to the direction of airflow within the airflow range where wet laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62 is located. In this example, since there is no wet laundry S in the two leftmost areas of the upper section and the entire area of ​​the lower section, a weak wind (1 on the guideline 1-5) is sent. On the other hand, since wet laundry S is present in the remaining areas (thick-bordered areas), wind speed control is performed according to the distance between the blower 1 and the laundry S, making the wind weaker towards nearby laundry S and stronger towards distant laundry S. This eliminates the waste of sending strong wind to areas where no laundry S is present, and allows for efficient drying of the wet laundry S. As the temperature sensor 62, a surface temperature measuring device consisting of a non-contact thermometer such as an infrared radiation thermometer can be used. The mounting position of the temperature sensor 62 will be described later. Wind speed control is also possible by using both the temperature sensor 62 and the distance sensor 61.

[0069] Another example of controlling the wind speed and oscillation of the blower 1 is to oscillate the blower unit 2 so that it frequently directs its airflow towards wet laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62, as shown in Figure 29. In this example, since there is no wet laundry S in the two leftmost areas of the upper section and the entire lower section, these areas are determined to be non-drying areas and no air is sent to them. On the other hand, since there is wet laundry S in the remaining areas (thick-bordered areas), the wind speed is controlled according to the distance between the blower 1 and the laundry S, making the airflow weaker towards nearby laundry S and stronger towards distant laundry S. This eliminates the waste of sending air to areas where there is no laundry S, and allows for efficient drying of wet laundry S.

[0070] The control unit 50 of the blower 1 has a determination means that, based on the wetness of the laundry S (object to be blown) detected by the temperature sensor 62, determines within the airflow range by up, down, left, and right oscillation, the area where wet laundry S is present is designated as the drying area, and the area where wet laundry S is not present is designated as the non-drying area. If it is determined that a portion of the laundry S in the drying area has dried, the area where the dried laundry S is present is changed from the drying area to the non-drying area. In other words, if it is determined that the laundry S is dry, that area is excluded, and the oscillation range of the blower unit 2 is gradually narrowed. By gradually reducing the airflow range based on the drying determination of the control unit 50 using the temperature sensor 62 in this way, wet laundry S can be dried even more efficiently.

[0071] Another embodiment of the blower 1 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 30, the vertical range of motion θ1 of the blower 1 in another embodiment is 15° (-15°) downward to 90° upward. In clothes drying mode, the vertical oscillation angle range θ2 is limited to 15° (-15°) downward to 45° upward. This eliminates the waste of sending air in the upward direction where there is no laundry S, and allows the air to be concentrated on the laundry S located in the downward 15° to upward 45° range of the blower 1.

[0072] As shown in Figure 31, the blower 1 according to another embodiment can change the direction of airflow upward while maintaining the vertical oscillation angle range θ2 in clothes drying mode. This makes it possible to blow air from below onto a flat drying net 120, etc., while simultaneously drying the hanging laundry S. Although the example shows a vertical oscillation angle range of 60°, it is not limited to this. That is, the vertical oscillation of the blower unit 2 can be set to an angle range of 45° to 75°, and the angle can be adjusted vertically while maintaining the vertical oscillation angle range of the blower unit 2. An angle range of 45° is -15° to 30° or 45° to 90°, etc. An angle range of 75° is -15° to 60° or 15° to 90°, etc. With a configuration that allows the angle range to be changed in this way, it is possible to meet the diverse needs of users.

[0073] [Forced stirring mode] Figure 32 shows how the blower 1 according to this embodiment is stirring the air in room 110. The blower 1 is configured to be controlled by switching the blower mode to forced stirring mode (using the blower mode button 34d mentioned above). In forced stirring mode, the blower is controlled to oscillate left and right at a faster speed than in continuous mode (normal). The speed of left and right oscillation in forced stirring mode is set to be, for example, twice as fast as the left and right oscillation in normal (continuous mode). Preferably, the left and right oscillation in forced stirring mode is performed at a speed 1.5 to 3 times faster than the left and right oscillation speed in continuous mode. When the blower 1's blower mode is set to forced stirring mode, even if the oscillation (left and right) was "off", the oscillation (left and right) is automatically "on", and the oscillation (up and down) angle is fixed at 45° upward. In forced stirring mode, the vertical oscillation of the blower unit 2 is stopped, and while maintaining the vertical angle (45° upward), it is controlled to intermittently oscillate left and right at high speed (for example, twice the speed), repeating the cycle of operation and stop. Specifically, it oscillates 15 degrees to the left and right (a range of 30 degrees), and stops for a certain period of time (for example, 4 seconds) at both ends. The forced stirring mode generates a vertically rotating airflow throughout room 110 to circulate the air in room 110. As shown in Figure 32, the forced stirring mode is used when you want to stir the air in room 110 and reduce temperature differences. By sending air to the ceiling to circulate the air, temperature unevenness in the air of room 110 can be reduced.

[0074] The inventors conducted a forced stirring test in which they set the blower 1 to forced stirring mode and investigated the improvement rate of temperature unevenness near the ceiling and floor in the center of the room before and after operation (hereinafter referred to as the average stirring rate). Specifically, they used a 20-tatami mat room, heated the room with a heat source without a blower function (oil stove), created a temperature difference (approximately 7-8°C) between the top and bottom of the room, and then operated the blower 1 for 0.5 hours to measure the stirring effect. As a result, the average stirring rate before and after stirring operation in continuous mode was 92.9%, while in forced stirring mode, which oscillated left and right at twice the left and right oscillation speed of continuous mode, the average stirring rate was 95.8%, and in comparative example mode, which oscillated left and right at half the left and right oscillation speed of continuous mode, it was 88.1%. Furthermore, it was found that in forced stirring mode, where the left and right oscillation speed was doubled, and the oscillation was performed within an angle range of 15 degrees to the left and right, stopping for only 4 seconds at both ends, the average stirring rate improved to 98.9%. Thus, it became clear that increasing the speed of left-right oscillation (for example, to twice the speed) compared to normal left-right oscillation has the effect of more efficiently circulating the indoor air.

[0075] [Forced stirring mode: Intermittent left and right oscillation] Figure 33 is a flowchart showing other examples of oscillation operation of the blower 1 in forced stirring mode. When in forced stirring mode, the blower may oscillate intermittently from side to side, repeatedly starting and stopping, as described below.

[0076] First, when the forced stirring mode is selected (by pressing the blower mode button 34d), the blower 1 oscillates so that the airflow direction 4 of the blower unit 2 faces forward, and fixes in this forward-facing position for, for example, 10 minutes (Step S1). Next, the blower unit 2 oscillates so that the airflow direction 4 of the blower unit 2 faces 60° to the left, and fixes in this position for, for example, 5 minutes (Step S2). Next, the blower unit 2 oscillates so that the airflow direction 4 of the blower unit 2 faces forward, and fixes in this position for, for example, 5 minutes (Step S3). Next, the blower unit 2 oscillates so that the airflow direction 4 of the blower unit 2 faces 60° to the right, and fixes in this position for, for example, 5 minutes (Step S4). Next, the blower unit 2 oscillates so that the airflow direction 4 of the blower unit 2 faces forward, and fixes in this position for, for example, 5 minutes (Step S5). From this point onward, the same process is repeated (step S2 → S3 → S4 → S5 → S2 → ...). By intermittently oscillating from side to side in this manner, and repeatedly starting and stopping, it is possible to generate an airflow that rotates vertically.

[0077] [Forced stirring mode: Distance sensor] The blower 1 may be equipped with a distance sensor 61 in the blower unit 2 to detect the furthest wall (i.e., corner 111 of room 110 in Figure 32) and adjust the airflow direction to blow air towards it. Alternatively, it may be controlled to oscillate left and right between two points 111, 112 (or three points 111, 112, 113) in the corners of room 110. This allows the blower 1 to find the furthest corner of room 110 regardless of its installation location and efficiently circulate the air in room 110. The blower 1 can also be controlled to adjust the airflow speed according to the distance from the blower 1 to the corner of room 110.

[0078] [Forced stirring mode: Temperature sensor] As shown in Figure 34, the air blower unit 2 may be equipped with a temperature sensor 62 to detect the position of the air conditioner 115 during heating and direct the airflow towards the air conditioner 115. This allows the warm air that accumulates near the air conditioner 115 (near the ceiling) to be circulated, regardless of the installation location of the blower 1. This helps to equalize the room temperature and improve heating efficiency. Furthermore, since the only cost involved is the installation of the temperature sensor 62 on the blower 1, this can be implemented at a lower cost compared to the case where the blower 1 is linked to the air conditioner 115.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 35, when using the air conditioner 115, it is desirable to position your back to it to circulate the cold air that accumulates near the floor. Doing so creates an airflow that circulates the cold air that accumulates near the floor, enhancing the feeling of coolness.

[0080] Therefore, based on the temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 62 of the air blower unit 2, the air conditioner 115 may be used to determine whether it is in cooling or heating mode, and the air blowing method may be changed depending on whether it is in cooling or heating mode. Specifically, as shown in Figure 35, air is blown horizontally when in cooling mode, while as shown in Figure 34, air is blown diagonally upwards when in heating mode. This maximizes the effect of the circulator and improves the efficiency of cooling and heating according to the season.

[0081] Furthermore, the blower 1 may be configured to be rotatable (able to change direction by 180 degrees) so that it can blow air in the optimal direction when using cooling and when using heating. Specifically, the range of motion of the base 3 of the blower 1 can be changed to enable left and right oscillation of more than 180°. Alternatively, the blower 1 may be equipped with a means of transport such as wheels so that the blower 1 can change direction using the means of transport, or the blower 1 may be able to move on its own to the optimal position in the room and blow air in the optimal direction. This can further improve the efficiency of cooling and heating.

[0082] The direction of airflow in forced stirring mode can also be manually set. For example, if a fan 1 is installed in room 110 and the fan mode is set to forced agitation mode, the search mode is activated. In search mode, the fan 1 oscillates up, down, left, and right. Therefore, while the fan 1 is oscillating up, down, left, and right, the user can use a setting operation means such as the remote control 25 to set, for example, one corner 112 of the wall 116 furthest from the fan 1 in room 110 as shown in Figure 32, and the diagonally opposite corner 114, at which point the search mode ends. Once the search mode ends, the fan 1 is controlled to oscillate left and right within the rectangular area defined by the two points 112 and 114 in room 110 that were set. In this way, it is possible to handle unique room shapes where the distance sensor 61 would not function properly. In other words, it is possible to achieve efficient air agitation tailored to the shape of room 110. Furthermore, since the distance sensor 61 is not required, it is possible to reduce costs.

[0083] [Sensor mounting position] Figure 36 is a perspective view showing the mounting position of the distance sensor 61 in the blower 1 according to this embodiment. The mounting position of the distance sensor 61 will be described here, but the same applies to the mounting position of the temperature sensor 62. As shown in Figure 36, the distance sensor 61 is provided on the movable part (blower section 2) of the circulator that oscillates up, down, left, and right. Here, the case in which the distance sensor 61 is provided on the upper end of the front cover 15a of the blower section 2 is illustrated, but the distance sensor 61 may also be provided on the lower end of the front cover 15a of the blower section 2. This allows the detection target location of the distance sensor 61 or temperature sensor 62 to follow the airflow direction 4. A circulator with a spherical grille structure has the advantage that the airflow converges and concentrates in a narrow area, so even if the detection target location detected by the distance sensor 61 or temperature sensor 62 is in a narrow area, the air can be concentrated there.

[0084] [On / Off Timer] Pressing the on-timer button 34c (see Figure 11) on fan 1 allows you to select the on-timer. Similarly, pressing the off-timer button 34b allows you to select the off-timer. When the unit is stopped (power off) and the on-timer is being set (the lamp is flashing), it is possible to set the off-timer, fan mode, up / down oscillation, left / right oscillation, and airflow.

[0085] Furthermore, if an on-timer is set, the fan maintains its up / down and left / right oscillation positions when the unit stops operating at the off-timer's set time, and when it starts operating again at the on-timer's set time, it will continue to blow air in its original oscillation position. This ensures that if the fan is set to an oscillation position that prevents direct airflow to the user while sleeping, the fan will not blow air directly to the user even after the on-timer has activated. During normal operation, the up / down and left / right oscillation positions return to their original positions when the unit stops operating.

[0086] Figure 37 is an explanatory diagram of the on / off timer of the blower 1 according to this embodiment. Here, we assume that the off timer is set first, and then the on timer is set. As shown in Figure 37, if the on timer is set while the off timer is operating (running), the operation will stop after the time set by the off timer, and only the on timer lamp will light up. The on timer lamp will also switch according to the remaining time, and the operation will start after the time set by the on timer.

[0087] [Remote control holder] Figure 38 is a perspective view of the remote control holder 26 provided in the blower 1 according to this embodiment. As already described, a remote control holder 26 for holding the remote control 25 is provided on the upper part of the rear cover 15b of the blower unit 2. As shown in Figure 38, at least one of the ribs constituting the remote control holder 26, rib 26e, may be made slightly higher. This prevents the remote control 25 from falling off because the rib 26e contacts the underside of the remote control 25 when it is attached to the remote control holder 26.

[0088] As described above, the blower 1 according to this embodiment comprises a blower unit 2 that can oscillate left and right and has a fan 17 for blowing air and a motor 18 for driving the fan 17, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and controls the left and right oscillation of the blower unit 2. The control unit 50 controls the blower unit 2 so that the wind speed at the central position is less than the wind speed at the ends of the left and right oscillation. As a result, a weaker breeze can be sent towards the central position, which is closer to the laundry S that is spread out to dry in the left and right direction, and a stronger breeze can be sent towards the ends, which are further away, so that the laundry S can be dried evenly.

[0089] Specifically, the blower 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a stepping motor M1 that drives the left-right oscillation of the blower unit 2, and it is preferable that the control unit 50 controls the left-right oscillation of the blower unit 2 by a pulse signal sent to the stepping motor M1. This makes it possible to control the wind speed according to the left-right oscillation position of the blower unit 2.

[0090] Furthermore, the blower unit 2 has a DC motor 18 that drives the fan 17, and it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the DC motor 18 in accordance with the left-right oscillation of the blower unit 2 by the stepping motor M1. This enables multi-stage, fine-tuned wind speed control, allowing for precise wind speed switching according to the left-right oscillation position of the blower unit 2.

[0091] Furthermore, it is desirable to be able to set the wind speed adjustment range, with the wind speed at the ends of the left and right oscillation of the air blower unit 2 being the upper limit and the wind speed at the center being the lower limit, in multiple stages (selectively from multiple strength levels). This allows for wind speed adjustment according to the distance from the laundry S.

[0092] Furthermore, it is desirable to allow the left-right oscillation range of the air blower unit 2 to be adjusted to multiple set angle ranges. This allows the left-right oscillation angle (swing range) to be adjusted to match the width of the laundry S, thereby improving drying efficiency.

[0093] Furthermore, it is desirable that the range of wind speed increase or decrease is set to correspond to each set angle range of the left and right oscillation of the air blower unit 2, from the upper limit of wind speed at the ends of the left and right oscillation of the air blower unit 2 to the lower limit of wind speed at the center. This increases the drying rate of the laundry S and can handle both small and large amounts of laundry S.

[0094] Furthermore, it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the air blower unit 2 to return to its reference position where the air blowing direction 4 faces forward when the left-right oscillation of the air blower unit 2 stops or when the power is turned off. This makes it easier to center the unit for clothes drying applications.

[0095] Furthermore, it is desirable to have a detection unit (IR sensor 51) that detects when the left-right oscillation position of the air blower unit 2 is in a predetermined position. This makes it possible to correct the left-right oscillation position during operation.

[0096] Furthermore, the unit is equipped with a stepping motor M2 that drives the up-and-down oscillation of the air blower unit 2, and it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the airflow so that the airflow velocity at the upper end of the air blower unit 2 is greater than the airflow velocity at the lower end of the air blower unit 2 during its up-and-down oscillation. This allows for the delivery of a weaker breeze towards the lower end of the suspended laundry S, which is closer to the laundry, and a stronger breeze towards the upper end, which is further away, enabling even drying of the laundry S.

[0097] Furthermore, it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the air blower unit 2 to return to a reference position where the air blowing direction 4 is facing horizontally when the vertical oscillation of the air blower unit 2 is stopped and when the power is turned off. This ensures that the air blower unit 2 always maintains a neat, horizontal position when in standby mode (stopped mode) for vertical oscillation.

[0098] Furthermore, the blower 1 according to this embodiment includes a blower unit 2 that can oscillate left and right and has a fan 17 for blowing air and a motor 18 that drives the fan 17, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and the left and right oscillation of the blower unit 2. The control unit 50 controls the blower unit 2 so that the wind speed at the central position is less than the wind speed at the ends of the left and right oscillation of the blower unit 2. The control unit 50 also controls the blowing and left and right oscillation of the blower unit 2 by switching between multiple types of blowing modes. The multiple types of blowing modes include a continuous mode in which the blower unit 2 oscillates left and right at a predetermined speed while controlling the motor 18 to maintain a constant wind speed, and a clothes drying mode in which the blower unit 2 oscillates left and right at a speed lower than a predetermined speed while controlling the motor 18 so that the wind speed at the central position is less than the wind speed at the ends of the left and right oscillation of the blower unit 2. This allows the clothes drying mode to accelerate the drying of laundry S by slowly oscillating from side to side at a low speed.

[0099] Furthermore, the blower unit 2 is equipped with a distance sensor 61 that detects the distance to the laundry S in the blowing direction 4, and it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the motor 18 and oscillation of the blower unit 2 based on the distance detection information detected by the distance sensor 61. This allows the optimal wind speed to be selected according to the distance from the blower 1 to the laundry S, and the laundry S to be blown with a constant wind speed.

[0100] Furthermore, the air blower unit 2 is equipped with a temperature sensor 62 that detects the wetness of the laundry S in the air blowing direction 4, and it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the motor 18 and oscillation of the air blower unit 2 based on the wetness of the laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62. This allows the wet laundry S to be dried efficiently.

[0101] Furthermore, the control unit 50 has a determination means that, based on the wetness of the laundry S detected by the temperature sensor 62, determines that the area within the airflow range of the air blower unit 2 where wet laundry S is present is the drying target area, and the area where wet laundry S is not present is the non-drying target area. If it is determined that a portion of the laundry S in the drying target area has dried, it is desirable to change the area where the dried laundry S is present from the drying target area to the non-drying target area. This allows for efficient drying of wet laundry S.

[0102] Furthermore, the blower 1 according to this embodiment includes a blower unit 2 that can oscillate left and right and has a fan 17 for blowing air and a motor 18 that drives the fan 17, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and controls the left and right oscillation of the blower unit 2. The control unit 50 controls the airflow of the blower unit 2 to be greater at the upper end than at the lower end during vertical oscillation. This allows the laundry S to be dried evenly.

[0103] Furthermore, the vertical oscillation of the air blower unit 2 is set to an angle range of 45 to 75 degrees, and it is desirable that the angle can be adjusted vertically while maintaining the vertical oscillation angle range of the air blower unit 2. This allows the air to be concentrated on the laundry S, enabling efficient drying. It also allows for use in a variety of clothes drying scenarios.

[0104] Furthermore, the blower 1 according to this embodiment includes a blower unit 2 that can oscillate vertically and horizontally and has a fan 17 for blowing air and a motor 18 for driving the fan 17, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and controls the vertical and horizontal oscillation of the blower unit 2. The control unit 50 controls the airflow to be less at the center position than at both ends of the left and right oscillation of the blower unit 2, and more at the upper end position than at the lower end position during the vertical oscillation of the blower unit 2. This allows the laundry S to be dried evenly.

[0105] Furthermore, the blower 1 according to this embodiment includes a blower unit 2 that can oscillate left and right and has a fan 17 for blowing air and a motor 18 that drives the fan 17, and a control unit 50 that controls the motor 18 of the blower unit 2 and the left and right oscillation of the blower unit 2. The control unit 50 controls the airflow and left and right oscillation of the blower unit 2 by switching between multiple types of blower modes. The multiple types of blower modes include a continuous mode in which the blower unit 2 oscillates left and right at a predetermined speed, and a forced stirring mode in which it oscillates left and right at a speed faster than the predetermined speed. As a result, the indoor air can be circulated by performing left and right oscillation quickly in the forced stirring mode.

[0106] Furthermore, it is desirable for the control unit 50 to stop the vertical oscillation of the air blower unit 2 and control it to oscillate horizontally at a speed faster than a predetermined speed while maintaining the vertical angle. This allows for efficient mixing of the indoor air.

[0107] Furthermore, it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the left-right oscillation of the air blower unit 2 to be intermittent. This improves the air circulation rate in the room.

[0108] Furthermore, the air blower unit 2 is equipped with a distance sensor 61 that detects the distance to the laundry S in the air blowing direction 4, and it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the motor 18 and oscillation of the air blower unit 2 based on the distance detection information detected by the distance sensor 61. This allows for efficient agitation of indoor air in forced agitation mode, regardless of the installation location of the air blower 1.

[0109] Furthermore, the air blower unit 2 is equipped with a temperature sensor 62 that detects the temperature of an object in the direction of airflow 4, and it is desirable that the control unit 50 controls the motor 18 and oscillation of the air blower unit 2 based on the temperature detection information detected by the temperature sensor 62. This allows for efficient mixing of indoor air.

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit 50 has a determination means for determining whether the air conditioner is in cooling mode, where it attempts to lower the indoor temperature, or in heating mode, where it attempts to raise the indoor temperature, based on the temperature detection information detected by the temperature sensor 62. In cooling mode, it is desirable to control the air blower unit 2 to blow air towards a low position along the floor of the room, and in heating mode, it is desirable to control the air blower unit 2 to blow air towards a high position in the room. This allows the circulator to exert its full effect during cooling or heating, improving the efficiency of cooling and heating.

[0111] Furthermore, it is desirable that the air blower unit 2 be configured to be able to change direction by 180 degrees. This allows for efficient mixing of the indoor air.

[0112] Furthermore, it is desirable that the air blower unit 2 be equipped with a means of movement. This allows for efficient circulation of the indoor air.

[0113] Furthermore, it is desirable to have a remote control 25 for setting the airflow range of the air blower unit 2, and for the control unit 50 to control the oscillation of the air blower unit 2 so that it blows air towards the airflow range set by the remote control 25. This eliminates the need for sensors and reduces costs. In addition, the airflow range can be set according to the user's wishes.

[0114] [Other embodiments] As described above, several embodiments have been described, but the statements and drawings that constitute part of the disclosure are illustrative and should not be understood as limiting. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0115] Thus, this embodiment includes various other embodiments not described herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 1. Blower 2. Air blower 17…fan 18…DC motor 25…Remote control (means of setting and operation) 50…Control Unit 61... Distance sensor (distance detection means) 62…Temperature sensor (wetness detection means) M1...Stepper motor M2...Stepper motor

Claims

1. A fan installed in a room equipped with an air conditioner, A fan for blowing air and a motor to drive the fan, a blower unit that can oscillate left and right and up and down, A control unit that controls the motor of the blower unit and controls the left-right and up-down oscillation of the blower unit, The aforementioned air blower unit is provided with a temperature detection means for detecting temperature information, Equipped with, The control unit, Based on the temperature information detected by the temperature detection means, the air conditioner determines whether it is in cooling operation, which is intended to lower the room temperature, or heating operation, which is intended to raise the room temperature. The airflow method will be changed based on the determination result. Blower.

2. If it is determined that the air conditioner is in cooling operation, The air is blown towards a low position along the floor of the aforementioned room. The blower according to claim 1.

3. If it is determined that the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, Air is blown towards a high position in the aforementioned room. A blower according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned air blower is provided so as to be able to change direction by 180 degrees. A blower according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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