Blower and air conditioning system equipped with a blower

Abstract

The objective is to provide a blower that can generate two airflows without installing new ducts, while still incorporating a centrifugal fan. [Solution] The blower 1 comprises a motor 2 capable of forward and reverse rotation, a fan 4, a first shielding section 9, and a second shielding section 10. The fan 4 has a main plate 5, a shroud 6, a plurality of first blades 7 constituting a centrifugal fan, and a plurality of second blades 81 constituting an axial flow fan, positioned between the main plate 5 and the shroud 6. The main plate 5 has a sub-opening 5a in the area overlapping with the plurality of second blades 81. The first shielding section 9 closes the sub-opening 5a when the fan 4 is rotating forward and opens the sub-opening 5a when it is rotating backward. The second shielding section 10 prevents the airflow pushed away from the rotation axis 3 by the plurality of first blades 7 when the fan 4 is rotating backward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a blower device and an air conditioning system including the blower device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an air purification device, a purification device provided with a filter that adsorbs gas to remove gases such as ammonia that are not preferable for the human body contained in the air is known.

[0003] The vehicle air purification device described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration including a filter and a blower including a centrifugal fan that blows air toward the filter, and has a configuration capable of switching between a purification mode for purifying the air in the vehicle interior and a regeneration mode for regenerating the filter. It is provided with two ducts on the upstream side of the blower and the downstream side of the filter, respectively.

[0004] That is, on the upstream side of the blower, as ducts for introducing air, an in-vehicle side introduction duct that opens in the purification mode and an outside-vehicle side introduction duct that opens in the regeneration mode are provided, and further, an introduction side damper that selectively selects these two introduction ducts and communicates them with the blower is provided.

[0005] On the other hand, on the downstream side of the filter, as ducts for discharging air, an in-vehicle side discharge duct that opens in the purification mode and an outside-vehicle side discharge duct that opens in the regeneration mode are provided, and further, a discharge side damper that selectively selects these two discharge ducts and communicates them with the filter is provided.

[0006] In the purification mode, this vehicle air purification device operates the blower to generate a series of air flows that flow in the order of the in-vehicle side introduction duct, the blower, the filter, and the in-vehicle side discharge duct, thereby adsorbing gases such as ammonia contained in the air in the vehicle interior to the filter to purify the air, and then returning the purified air to the vehicle interior.

[0007] On the other hand, in regeneration mode, a series of airflows is generated that flows in the order of the external intake duct, blower, filter, and external exhaust duct, thereby using outside air to detach the gas adsorbed on the filter and discharge it outside the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-98874 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The above-described vehicle air purification system is configured with a blower consisting of a centrifugal fan to obtain a stable airflow at high static pressure. Such a blower can only generate airflow in one direction, towards the fan. Therefore, this air purification system requires two ducts, one upstream of the blower and one downstream of the filter, to generate two airflows for the purification mode and the other for the regeneration mode. Thus, a separate duct is needed for the regeneration mode in addition to the duct for the purification mode.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a blower and an air conditioning system equipped with a blower that can generate two airflows without installing a new duct, despite having a configuration with a centrifugal fan. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a blower comprising a drive source that rotates a rotating shaft in both forward and reverse directions, and a fan fixed to the rotating shaft and rotating in both forward and reverse directions with the rotating shaft, wherein the fan comprises a main plate fixed to the rotating shaft, a shroud positioned opposite the main plate and having a main opening, and a plurality of first blades that constitute a centrifugal fan, positioned spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft between the main plate and the shroud, and pushing air away from the rotating shaft when the rotating shaft rotates in the forward direction. The blower comprises a base and a plurality of second blades fixed to the rotating shaft and constituting an axial flow fan that pushes air toward the main opening of the shroud when the rotating shaft rotates in the reverse direction, the main plate having a sub-opening in a region that overlaps with the region in which the plurality of second blades rotate, and the blower further comprises a first shielding part that closes the sub-opening when the fan rotates in the forward direction and opens the sub-opening when it rotates in the reverse direction, and a second shielding part that prevents the airflow pushed away from the rotating shaft by the plurality of first blades when the fan rotates in the reverse direction.

[0012] In a blower having such a configuration, when the fan fixed to the rotating shaft rotates in the forward direction by the drive source, the sub-opening of the main plate of the fan is closed by the first shielding part. At the same time, the multiple first blades constituting the centrifugal fan push air away from the rotating shaft when the fan rotates in the forward direction, and the negative pressure generated at that time draws air in from the main opening of the shroud, thereby making it possible to generate an airflow that blows out around the multiple first blades.

[0013] On the other hand, when the fan rotates in the reverse direction, the first shielding section opens the sub-opening of the main plate, and the second shielding section prevents the airflow pushed away from the rotation axis by the multiple first blades. In this state, the multiple second blades constituting the axial flow fan push the air toward the main opening of the shroud, thereby generating an airflow that flows from the sub-opening of the main plate toward the main opening of the shroud and is discharged from the main opening in the opposite direction to when the fan rotates in the forward direction.

[0014] This allows air to flow backward simply by reversing the fan's rotation, eliminating the need to install a new duct for reverse airflow, even though the system is equipped with a centrifugal fan.

[0015] In the above-described blower, the second shielding portion is preferably provided on the outer circumference of the first blade and comprises a plurality of movable blades that are movable between a basic position extending continuously with the first blade and a closed position aligned with the outer edge of the main plate, closing the gap between the main plate and the shroud, and a blade drive unit that moves the movable blades to the closed position immediately before the fan rotates in the reverse direction and moves the movable blades to the basic position immediately before the fan rotates in the forward direction.

[0016] In this configuration, the second shielding section includes a movable blade and a blade drive unit provided on the outer circumference of the first blade. This allows the blade drive unit to move the multiple movable blades to a closed position that aligns along the outer edge of the plate and closes the gap between the main plate and the shroud immediately before the fan rotates in reverse, thereby blocking the airflow path around the multiple first blades when the fan rotates in reverse. This prevents the airflow pushed away from the axis of rotation by the multiple first blades. Furthermore, immediately before the fan rotates in forward, the blade drive unit moves the movable blades to a basic position that extends continuously with the first blades, so that the movable blades become continuous and integrated with the first blades when the fan rotates in forward, making it possible to generate a large volume of airflow around the multiple first blades.

[0017] The air conditioning system of the present invention is characterized by comprising the above-described blower and a filter positioned downstream of the fan in the airflow generated when the first blades of the fan push away from the rotating shaft during forward rotation of the rotating shaft, and adsorbing specific substances contained in the airflow.

[0018] In this type of air conditioning system, when the fan is rotating forward, specific substances contained in the airflow blown around the multiple first blades are adsorbed onto a filter downstream of the fan, thereby purifying the air. On the other hand, when the fan is rotating backward, the airflow in the opposite direction is generated, which detaches the specific substances adsorbed onto the filter, thus regenerating the filter. In this way, the filter can be easily regenerated simply by reversing the fan's rotation, eliminating the need to install a new duct for reverse flow for filter regeneration.

[0019] In the above-described air conditioning system, it is preferable to further include a heater positioned upstream of the filter in the airflow generated when the fan rotates in the reverse direction, which heats the air in the reverse airflow when the fan rotates in the reverse direction.

[0020] With this configuration, when the fan rotates in reverse, the air in the reverse direction is heated by the heater, which raises the temperature of the filter, promoting the removal of specific substances from the filter and enabling rapid and efficient filter regeneration.

[0021] In the above-described air conditioning system, it is preferable to further include a measuring unit that measures the amount of a specific substance adsorbed onto the filter, and a control unit that controls the drive source to rotate the rotating shaft in the reverse direction when the amount of adsorption measured by the measuring unit reaches a predetermined amount of adsorption or more.

[0022] With this configuration, when the amount of adsorption measured by the measurement unit reaches a predetermined amount of adsorption, the rotation shaft is driven in the reverse direction relative to the drive source, so that regeneration control can be effectively performed when the degree of adsorption of a particular substance to the filter progresses.

[0023] In the above-described air conditioning system, it is preferable to further include a motion sensor that detects people in the space being air-conditioned by the air conditioning system, and a control unit that controls the drive source to drive the rotating shaft in the reverse direction when the motion sensor does not detect any people inside the space.

[0024] According to such a configuration, when the human presence sensor does not detect a person inside the space, control is performed to drive the rotating shaft in the reverse rotation direction with respect to the drive source. Therefore, since playback control is performed when there is no person in the space, discomfort to the person does not occur due to the playback control.

[0025] In the air conditioning system described above, it is preferable to further include a dust collecting filter that is disposed upstream of the filter in the air flow generated during the reverse rotation of the fan and removes dust contained in the air flowing in the reverse direction during the reverse rotation of the fan.

[0026] According to such a configuration, since the dust collecting filter removes dust contained in the air flowing in the reverse direction during the reverse rotation of the fan, the risk of deterioration and contamination of devices such as heaters due to dust adhesion is reduced.

Effect of the Invention

[0027] As described above, according to the blower device of the present invention and the air conditioning system including the blower device, it is possible to generate two air flows without installing a new duct while having a configuration including a centrifugal fan.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional explanatory view schematically showing the basic configuration of the blower device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view showing an operation of generating a forward air flow during the forward rotation of the fan. [Figure 2] In the blower device of FIG. 1, it is an explanatory view showing an operation of generating a reverse air flow during the reverse rotation of the fan. [Figure 3] It is a front view showing a specific configuration of the fan and the second shielding part of FIG. 1, and shows an operation of generating a forward air flow blown out in the circumferential direction of the fan by integrating the movable blades of the second shielding part with the first blades at the basic position during the forward rotation of the fan. [Figure 4]Figure 1 is a bottom view showing the specific configuration of the fan and the first shielding section, illustrating the state in which the shutter of the first shielding section closes the sub-opening of the main plate when the fan is rotating in the forward direction. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a front view showing the specific configuration of the fan and the second shielding section, illustrating how, when the fan is rotating in the forward direction, the movable blades of the second shielding section integrate with the first blades in their basic position, thereby generating a forward airflow that blows out in the circumferential direction of the fan. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a front view showing the specific configuration of the fan and the second shielding section, illustrating the operation in which, when the fan rotates in the reverse direction, the movable blades of the second shielding section are aligned with the outer edge of the main plate in the shielding position, closing the gap between the main plate and the shroud, and generating a reverse airflow blown out from the main opening. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a bottom view showing the specific configuration of the fan and the first shielding unit, illustrating the operation in which, when the fan rotates in the reverse direction, the shutter of the first shielding unit opens a sub-opening in the main plate, thereby generating airflow in the reverse direction. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a front view showing the specific configuration of the fan and the second shielding section, illustrating the state in which, when the fan is rotating in the reverse direction, the movable blades of the second shielding section are aligned with the outer edge of the main plate in the shielding position, closing the gap between the main plate and the shroud. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of an air conditioning system equipped with a blower according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a forward airflow is generated when the fan rotates in the forward direction, and specific gases contained in the air introduced into the airflow channel from the room are adsorbed by a filter to purify the air. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of a regeneration control system in which, when the fan rotates in the reverse direction, an airflow is generated in the reverse direction, causing the gas adsorbed on the filter to be released from the filter and discharged to the outside. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system for the air conditioning system. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operating procedure of the control system of the air conditioning system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Hereinafter, a blower and an air conditioning system equipped with the blower according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0030] (Basic configuration of blower 1) Figures 1 and 2 show schematic cross-sectional diagrams illustrating the basic configuration of a blower device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows the operation of generating a forward airflow I when the fan 4 is rotating in the forward direction (rotation direction R+), and Figure 2 shows the operation of generating a reverse airflow II when the fan 4 is rotating in the reverse direction (rotation direction R-).

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the blower 1, as a basic configuration, includes a motor 2 which is a drive source that rotates the rotating shaft 3 in both the forward direction R+ and the reverse direction R-, a fan 4 which is fixed to the rotating shaft 3 and rotates in both forward and reverse directions together with the rotating shaft 3, a first shielding part 9, and a second shielding part 10. It is equipped with.

[0032] The blower 1 is placed inside an airflow channel forming section 100 such as a duct, and by rotating the fan 4 in the forward and reverse directions, it is possible to generate both a forward airflow I and a reverse airflow II, while having the configuration of a centrifugal fan (multiple first blades 7).

[0033] The fan 4 comprises a main plate 5 fixed to the rotating shaft 3, a shroud 6 positioned opposite the main plate 5, a plurality of first blades 7 positioned between the main plate 5 and the shroud 6, and a backflow generating section 8 having a plurality of second blades 81.

[0034] The shroud 6 is a ring-shaped or cylindrical member and has a main opening 6a at a position that intersects with the extension of the rotation axis 3.

[0035] The main plate 5 has a sub-opening 5a in the area that overlaps with the region in which the multiple second blades 81 rotate.

[0036] Multiple first vanes 7 are positioned between the main plate 5 and the shroud 6, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis 3, and when the rotation axis 3 rotates in the forward direction (rotation in the forward direction R+) as shown in Figure 1, they push (pressure) air away from the rotation axis 3 in a centrifugal direction.

[0037] The multiple first blades 7 are curved and extend in a direction that recedes in the positive R+ rotational direction as they move away from the rotation axis 3, for example, as shown in Figure 5, so as to constitute a turbo fan, which is a centrifugal fan. This allows the fan 4 to function as a turbo fan by strongly pushing air in the centrifugal direction along the entire length of the first blades 7 when it is rotating in the forward direction.

[0038] The multiple first blades 7 may also be blades that make up another centrifugal fan, such as a sirocco fan. In the case of a sirocco fan, the blades are arranged to be inclined to move forward in the rotational direction R+ as they move away from the rotation axis 3.

[0039] The reverse flow generating unit 8 has a plurality of second blades 81 that constitute an axial flow fan, and a shaft portion 82 fixed to the rotating shaft 3 and the main plate 5.

[0040] Each of the multiple second blades 81 is fixed to the shaft portion 82 at an angle relative to the main plate 5, thereby fixing them to the rotating shaft 3 via the shaft portion 82. The multiple second blades 81 are fixed to the shaft portion 82 at an angle that allows them to push (pressure-feed) air toward the main opening 6a of the shroud 6 when the rotating shaft 3 rotates in the reverse direction (rotation in the reverse direction R-) as shown in Figure 2. Thus, the multiple second blades 81 constitute an axial flow fan that pushes air toward the main opening 6a of the shroud 6 when the fan 4 rotates in the reverse direction.

[0041] In Figures 1 and 2, the multiple second blades 81 are positioned on the underside of the main plate 5 (outside the space between the main plate 5 and the shroud 6). Alternatively, the multiple second blades 81 may be positioned on the upper side of the main plate 5 (inside the space between the main plate 5 and the shroud 6).

[0042] The first shielding section 9 has a basic configuration that opens and closes the sub-opening 5a of the main plate 5. More specifically, the first shielding section 9 has a configuration that closes the sub-opening 5a when the fan 4 in Figure 1 is rotating in the forward direction, and opens the sub-opening 5a when it is rotating in the reverse direction, as shown in Figure 2.

[0043] The second shielding section 10 has a basic configuration that opens and closes the outer periphery of the multiple first blades 7. This second shielding section 10 has a configuration that prevents the airflow pushed out in the centrifugal direction away from the rotation axis 3 by the multiple first blades 7 when the fan 4 in Figure 2 is rotating in the reverse direction (for example, by closing the area around the multiple first blades 7). When the fan 4 in Figure 1 is rotating in the forward direction, the second shielding section 10 allows the airflow pushed out in the centrifugal direction away from the rotation axis 3 by the multiple first blades 7 (for example, by opening the area around the multiple first blades 7).

[0044] The specific configurations of the first shielding section 9 and the second shielding section 10 will be explained later using Figures 3 to 8.

[0045] As the blower 1 has the above basic configuration, as shown in Figure 1, when the fan 4 rotates in the forward direction by the motor 2 (rotating in rotation direction R+), the sub-opening 5a of the main plate 5 of the fan 4 is closed by the first shielding part 9. The multiple first blades 7 that make up the centrifugal fan push air in the centrifugal direction away from the rotation axis 3 when the fan 4 rotates in the forward direction, and the negative pressure generated at that time draws air in from the main opening 6a of the shroud 6, thereby generating an airflow that is blown out around the multiple first blades 7.

[0046] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, when the fan 4 rotates in the reverse direction (rotating in rotation direction R-), the first shielding part 9 opens the sub-opening 5a of the main plate 5, and the second shielding part 10 prevents the airflow pushed out in the centrifugal direction away from the rotation axis 3 by the multiple first blades 7. In this state, the multiple second blades 81 constituting the axial flow fan push the air toward the main opening 6a of the shroud 6, thereby generating an airflow that flows from the sub-opening 5a of the main plate 5 toward the main opening 6a of the shroud 6 and is discharged from the main opening 6a, in the opposite direction to when the fan 4 rotates in the forward direction.

[0047] (Specific configuration of fan 4, first shielding section 9, and second shielding section 10) Next, the specific configurations of the fan 4, the first shielding section 9, and the second shielding section 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 8. Figures 3 to 5 show the configurations of the fan 4, the first shielding section 9, and the second shielding section 10 when the fan 4 is rotating in the forward direction (rotation direction R+), and Figures 6 to 8 show the configurations of the fan 4, the first shielding section 9, and the second shielding section 10 when the fan 4 is rotating in the reverse direction (rotation direction R-).

[0048] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the fan 4, like the basic configuration in Figures 1 to 2 above, has a main plate 5 fixed to the rotating shaft 3, a cylindrical shroud 6 having a main opening 6a, a plurality of first blades 7 constituting a turbo fan (centrifugal fan), and a backflow generating section 8. The backflow generating section 8 has a plurality of second blades 81 constituting an axial flow fan and a shaft section 82.

[0049] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the main plate 5 has four fan-shaped sub-openings 5a spaced apart from each other around the rotation axis 3, and four fan-shaped plate portions 5b interposed between two adjacent sub-openings 5a and fixed to the rotation axis 3.

[0050] The first shielding section 9 has a configuration that opens and closes four sub-openings 5a of the main plate 5, and specifically includes four fan-shaped shutters 91 shown in Figures 4 and 7, and a shutter drive unit 92 (see Figure 4) that opens and closes the four shutters 91.

[0051] The four shutters 91 slide between a position where they overlap the four sub-openings 5a and close each sub-opening 5a (see Figure 4) and a position where they overlap the four plate portions 5b adjacent to the sub-openings 5a and open each sub-opening 5a (see Figure 7). In other words, the four shutters 91 rotate while sliding between the position where the sub-openings 5a are closed and the position where they are open, around the rotation axis 3.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the arrangement of the shutter drive unit 92. For example, the shutter drive unit 92 may be built inside the fan 4 or it may be located outside the fan 4. If the shutter drive unit 92 is located outside the fan 4, it should be positioned away from the fan 4 when the fan 4 is operating, and access the four shutters 91 just before the fan 4 changes its rotation direction to open and close the shutters 91.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3, 5-6, and 8, the second shielding section 10 has a plurality of movable blades 101 and a blade drive section 102 that drives the plurality of movable blades 101.

[0054] Multiple movable vanes 101 are provided on the outer circumference of each of the multiple first vanes 7 and are movable between a basic position that extends continuously with the first vanes 7 (see Figures 3 and 5) and a closed position that is aligned along the outer edge of the main plate 5 and closes the gap between the main plate 5 and the shroud 6 (see Figures 6 and 8).

[0055] Each movable vane 101 moves between the basic position and the closed position by performing a pivoting motion as shown in Figures 5 and 8, with the end furthest from the first vane 7 (the end on the outer edge of the main plate 5) being rotatably supported by a support shaft (not shown) that extends in the same direction as the rotation axis 3.

[0056] The blade drive unit 102 moves the movable blade 101 to the closed position immediately before the fan 4 rotates in the reverse direction, and moves the movable blade 101 to the basic position immediately before the fan 4 rotates in the forward direction.

[0057] The present invention is not limited to the arrangement of the blade drive unit 102. For example, the blade drive unit 102 may be built inside the fan 4 or it may be located outside the fan 4. If the blade drive unit 102 is located outside the fan 4, it should be positioned away from the fan 4 when the fan 4 is operating, and access the movable blade 101 just before the rotation direction of the fan 4 changes to move the movable blade 101 between the basic body and the closed position.

[0058] As shown in Figures 3-5, when the fan 4 of this embodiment is rotating in the forward direction (rotation direction R+), the movable blade 101 of the second shielding part 10 integrates with the first blade 7 in its basic position, thereby generating a forward airflow I introduced from the main opening 6a of the shroud 6 and blown out in the circumferential direction of the fan 4 by the multiple first blades 7 and the movable blade 101 rotating in the forward direction. At this time, as shown in Figure 4, the shutter 91 of the first shielding part 9 closes the sub-opening 5a of the main plate 5, and airflow through the sub-opening 5a is prohibited.

[0059] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, when the fan 4 is rotating in the reverse direction (rotation direction R-), the movable blades 101 of the second shielding part 10 are aligned with the outer edge of the main plate 5 in the shielding position, closing the gap between the main plate 5 and the shroud 6. As shown in Figure 7, the shutter 91 of the first shielding part 9 opens the sub-opening 5a of the main plate 5. This generates a reverse airflow II, introduced from the sub-opening 5a and blown out from the main opening 6a, by the multiple second blades 81 rotating in the reverse direction.

[0060] (Basic configuration of air conditioning system 200) By combining the blower device 1 of this embodiment, shown in Figures 1-2, with other elements such as an air purification filter 201, it is possible to configure the air conditioning system 200 shown in Figures 9-10.

[0061] The air conditioning system 200 shown in Figures 9-10 is located inside an airflow channel forming section 100 such as a duct and comprises a blower 1 having the fan 4, an air purification filter 201, an air cooling evaporator 202, an air heating heater core 203, a regeneration control dust collection filter 204, a damper 205, and gas sensors 206 and 207. With this configuration, the air conditioning system 200 can function as a system (HVAC) that provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to a space such as the interior of a vehicle.

[0062] The airflow channel forming unit 100 has an indoor outlet 100a that discharges purified and temperature-adjusted air into the space being air-conditioned (for example, the interior of a vehicle) during air conditioning as shown in Figure 9, an indoor inlet 100b that introduces air from within the space (indoor air) during air conditioning, and an outdoor inlet 100c that introduces air from outside the space (outdoor air) during air conditioning. During air conditioning as shown in Figure 9, the damper 205 selectively opens either the indoor inlet 100b or the outdoor inlet 100c, but during regeneration control of the filter 204 as shown in Figure 10, it opens the outdoor inlet 100c and discharges the backflowing air to the outside.

[0063] The filter 201 is located downstream of the fan 4 in the airflow generated when the first blade 7 of the fan 4 pushes in a centrifugal direction away from the rotating shaft 3 during air conditioning as shown in Figure 9, that is, when the rotating shaft 3 is rotating in the forward direction (rotation direction R+) in the blower 1 shown in Figure 1. The filter 201 adsorbs specific substances contained in the airflow.

[0064] Certain substances are those that have adverse effects on users inside the vehicle. These include gaseous components such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from interior materials in the vehicle, odor-causing components, and minute foreign matter such as dust and mold.

[0065] Gas sensors 206 and 207 are measuring units that measure the amount of gas components, which are specific substances, adsorbed onto the filter 201. They are located on the upstream and downstream sides of the filter 201 during air conditioning operation, as shown in Figure 9. The difference in the adsorption amounts measured by gas sensors 206 and 207 makes it possible to measure the amount of gas adsorbed on the filter 201.

[0066] The dust collection filter 204 is positioned closest to the indoor side outlet 100a of the airflow channel forming section 100. During air conditioning as shown in Figure 9, the dust collection filter 204 retracts to a position away from the airflow inside the airflow channel forming section 100 (for example, lying flat along the inner wall). During regeneration control as shown in Figure 10, the dust collection filter 204 rises up, moving into the airflow and into a position where dust can be collected. The dust collection filter 204 moves between the retracted position in Figure 9 and the dust collection position in Figure 10 by the driving force of the dust collection filter drive unit 208 in Figure 11.

[0067] In the air conditioning system 200 configured as described above, during air conditioning, as shown in Figure 9, the blower 1 rotates the fan 4 in the forward direction (rotation in the R+ direction), generating a forward airflow (flow to the left in Figure 9). Indoor air from the indoor inlet 100b or outdoor air from the outdoor inlet 100c is introduced into the airflow channel forming section 100, where specific substances such as gases are adsorbed and purified by the filter 201. The purified and conditioned air is then cooled by the evaporator 202 or heated by the heater core 203 and discharged from the indoor outlet 100a.

[0068] On the other hand, during the regeneration control of filter 201, as shown in Figure 10, the blower 1 rotates the fan 4 in the reverse direction (rotation in the R- direction), generating a reverse airflow (flow to the right in Figure 10). This introduces the indoor air from the indoor outlet 100a into the airflow channel forming section 100, where dust is removed by the dust collection filter 204, and then the air is heated by the heater core 203. The heated air is then sent to filter 201 after passing through the evaporator 202, thereby desorbing specific substances such as gases adsorbed on filter 201. The air containing the desorbed specific substances is then discharged to the outside through the outdoor inlet 100c.

[0069] (Explanation of the control system for the air conditioning system 200) Next, the basic configuration of the control system of the air conditioning system 200 in this embodiment will be described.

[0070] As shown in the block diagram of Figure 11, the control system of the air conditioning system 200 includes a control device 210, the aforementioned gas sensors 206 and 207 on the input side and a human presence sensor 209 that detects people in the space, and the aforementioned drive units on the output side, which include a damper 205, a motor 2 for the fan 4, a heater core 203, a shutter drive unit 92, a blade drive unit 102, and a dust collection filter drive unit 208.

[0071] The motion sensor 209 detects people in a space that is air-conditioned by the air conditioning system 200. The detection method is not limited to infrared detection or pressure-sensitive seat detection.

[0072] The control device 210 has an adsorption amount calculation unit 211 that calculates the amount of a specific substance adsorbed on the filter 201 measured by the gas sensors 206 and 207. When the amount of adsorption calculated by the adsorption amount calculation unit 211 reaches a predetermined amount or more, the control device 210 controls the motor 2 of the blower 1 to drive the rotating shaft 3 in the reverse direction, thereby reversing the rotation of the fan 4 and transitioning to the regeneration control shown in Figure 10.

[0073] Here, the predetermined adsorption amount is set to, for example, the saturation adsorption amount, which is the maximum amount of gas that the filter 201 can adsorb. However, a predetermined amount close to the saturation adsorption amount (such as 80% of the saturation adsorption amount) may also be set.

[0074] Furthermore, the control device 210 functions as a control unit that drives the motor 2 to rotate in the reverse direction when the human presence sensor 209 does not detect any people inside the space.

[0075] Next, the operation procedure of the control system of the air conditioning system 200 shown in Figure 11 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 12. This operation procedure will be explained based on an example in which the air conditioning system 200 is applied to the interior air conditioning of a vehicle.

[0076] In the flowchart of Figure 12, first, in step S1, the control device 210 starts reading measurement data from various sensors such as gas sensors 206 and 207 and human presence sensor 209.

[0077] Next, in step S2, the adsorption amount calculation unit 211 of the control device 210 estimates the amount of a specific substance, which is a gas, adsorbed onto the filter 201 from the measurement data of the gas sensors 206 and 207.

[0078] Next, in step S3, the control device 210 determines whether the estimated amount of gas adsorbed has reached a predetermined amount.

[0079] If a predetermined amount of suction is reached (if step S3 is yes), the process proceeds to step S4, where the control device 210 determines, based on the measurement data from the human presence sensor 209, whether there are occupants in the vehicle (i.e., whether there are people in the space inside the vehicle).

[0080] If there are occupants in the vehicle (if step S4 is yes), proceed to step S5, and while maintaining the air conditioning mode shown in Figure 9, switch the damper 205 to take in outside air in auto mode. Note that the outside air intake operation may be canceled in manual mode.

[0081] On the other hand, if there are no passengers in the vehicle, that is, if there are no people inside the vehicle (if step S4 is no), the process proceeds to step S6, and the control device 210 switches the entire air conditioning system 200 from the air conditioning mode in Figure 9 to the regeneration control mode in Figure 10.

[0082] In other words, in step S6, the control device 210 performs the following specific controls in order to perform regeneration control of the air conditioning system 200. The shutter drive unit 92 (see Figure 4) of the blower 1 is controlled to open the shutter 91 and open the sub-opening 5a. The fan blade drive unit 102 of the blower 1 controls the movement of the movable blade 101 to the closed position, thereby closing the outer circumference of the first blade 7. • Control is applied to open the outdoor inlet 100c side relative to the damper 205. • Controls the start of the heating operation of the heater core 203. The dust collection filter drive unit 208 is controlled to move the dust collection filter 304 to a position where dust can be collected. After completing all of the above controls, finally, the motor 2 of the blower 1 is controlled to reverse the rotation of the rotating shaft 3 and the fan 4, thereby executing the regeneration control mode.

[0083] As described above, the control device 210 of the air conditioning system 200 can, by executing the series of operations shown in the flowchart of Figure 12, switch from the air conditioning mode in Figure 9 to the regeneration control mode in Figure 10 when a predetermined amount of a specific substance, such as gas, is adsorbed onto the filter 201 and there are no occupants on board.

[0084] (Features of this embodiment) (1) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the blower device 1 of this embodiment includes a motor 2 that rotates the rotating shaft 3 in both the forward direction R+ and the reverse direction R-, and a fan 4 that is fixed to the rotating shaft 3 and rotates in both forward and reverse directions together with the rotating shaft 3.

[0085] The fan 4 is fixed to the rotating shaft 3 and comprises a main plate 5 having a sub-opening 5a, a shroud 6 positioned opposite the main plate 5 and having a main opening 6a, and a plurality of first blades 7 and a plurality of second blades 81 positioned between the main plate 5 and the shroud 6, which constitute a centrifugal fan (turbo fan) that pushes air away from the rotating shaft 3 in a centrifugal direction when the rotating shaft 3 rotates in the forward direction. The plurality of second blades 81 are fixed to the rotating shaft 3 and constitute an axial fan that pushes air toward the main opening 6a of the shroud 6 when the rotating shaft 3 rotates in the reverse direction.

[0086] The blower 1 further includes a first shielding section 9 that closes the sub-opening 5a when the fan 4 is rotating in the forward direction and opens the sub-opening 5a when it is rotating in the reverse direction, and a second shielding section 10 that prevents the airflow pushed out in the centrifugal direction away from the rotation axis 3 by the plurality of first blades 7 when the fan 4 is rotating in the reverse direction.

[0087] In the blower 1 having such a configuration, as shown in Figure 1, when the fan 4 fixed to the rotating shaft 3 is rotated forward by the motor 2, the sub-opening 5a of the main plate 5 of the fan 4 is closed by the first shielding part 9. The multiple first blades 7 constituting the centrifugal fan push air in a centrifugal direction away from the rotating shaft 3 when the fan 4 rotates forward, and the negative pressure generated at that time draws air in from the main opening 6a of the shroud 6, thereby making it possible to generate a forward airflow I that is blown out around the multiple first blades 7.

[0088] Therefore, when the fan 4 is rotating in the forward direction, the multiple first blades 7 that make up the centrifugal fan can generate a stable airflow I with high static pressure.

[0089] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, when the fan 4 is rotating in the reverse direction, the first shielding part 9 opens the sub-opening 5a of the main plate 5, and the second shielding part 10 prevents the airflow I (see Figure 1) that pushes air outwards from the rotation axis 3 in a centrifugal direction by the multiple first blades 7. In this state, the multiple second blades 81 that constitute the axial flow fan push air toward the main opening 6a of the shroud 6, thereby generating an airflow II that flows from the sub-opening 5a of the main plate 5 toward the main opening 6a of the shroud 6 and is discharged from the main opening 6a, in the opposite direction to when the fan 4 is rotating in the forward direction.

[0090] Therefore, when fan 4 rotates in reverse, the multiple second blades 81 that constitute the axial fan make it possible to generate reverse airflow in a compact configuration. However, the second blades 81 that constitute the axial fan have difficulty generating a stable airflow at a higher static pressure compared to the first blades 7 that constitute the centrifugal fan. For this reason, it is not suitable for long-term use when generating forward airflow I in normal air conditioning mode. However, it is suitable for short-term use when generating reverse airflow II in regeneration control mode.

[0091] This allows air to flow in reverse simply by reversing the rotation of fan 4, eliminating the need to install a new duct for reverse airflow, even though the configuration includes a centrifugal fan.

[0092] (2) In the blower device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3, 5-6 and 8, the second shielding section 10 is provided on the outer circumference of the first blade 7 and includes a plurality of movable blades 101 that can move between a basic position (see Figures 3 and 5) that extends continuously with the first blade 7 and a closed position (see Figures 6 and 8) that is aligned along the outer edge of the main plate 5 and closes the gap between the main plate 5 and the shroud 6, and a blade drive unit 102 that moves the movable blades 101 to the closed position immediately before the fan 4 rotates in the reverse direction and moves the movable blades 101 to the basic position immediately before the fan 4 rotates in the forward direction.

[0093] In this configuration, the second shielding section 10 is equipped with a plurality of movable blades 101 and a blade drive unit 102 provided on the outer circumference of the first blade 7. As a result, immediately before the fan 4 rotates in reverse, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, the blade drive unit 102 moves the movable blades 101 to a closed position that aligns them along the outer edge of the plate and closes the gap between the main plate 5 and the shroud 6. This makes it possible for the plurality of movable blades 101 to block the airflow path around the plurality of first blades 7 when the fan 4 rotates in reverse. This makes it possible to prevent the airflow I (see Figure 1) that pushes air away from the rotation axis 3 in a centrifugal direction by the plurality of first blades 7.

[0094] Furthermore, immediately before the fan 4 begins forward rotation, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the blade drive unit 102 moves the movable blade 101 to a basic position where it extends continuously with the first blade 7. This allows the movable blade 101 to become integrated with the first blade 7 during forward rotation of the fan 4, thereby generating a large volume of airflow I (see Figure 1) that is blown out around the multiple first blades 7.

[0095] (3) As shown in Figures 9 to 10, the air conditioning system 200 of this embodiment includes a blower 1 with the above configuration shown in Figures 1 to 8, and a filter 201 positioned downstream of the fan 4 in the airflow generated when the first blade 7 of the fan 4 pushes in the centrifugal direction away from the rotating shaft 3 when the rotating shaft 3 shown in Figure 9 is rotating in the forward direction, and adsorbs specific substances such as gases contained in the airflow.

[0096] With this configuration, as shown in the air conditioning mode in Figure 9, when the fan 4 is rotating forward, specific substances contained in the airflow blown around the multiple first blades 7 are adsorbed onto the filter 201 downstream of the fan 4, thereby purifying the air sent to a predetermined space such as the vehicle interior. On the other hand, as shown in the regeneration control mode in Figure 10, when the fan 4 is rotating backward, a reverse airflow is generated, which detaches the specific substances adsorbed onto the filter 201, thereby regenerating the filter 201. In this way, the filter 201 can be easily regenerated simply by reversing the rotation of the fan 4, eliminating the need to install a new duct for reverse flow for filter 201 regeneration.

[0097] (4) The air conditioning system 200 of this embodiment includes a heater core 203 positioned upstream of the filter 201 in the airflow generated when the fan 4 rotates in the reverse direction, as shown in the regeneration control mode in Figure 10, and which heats the air in the reverse airflow when the fan 4 rotates in the reverse direction.

[0098] With this configuration, as shown in the regeneration control mode in Figure 10, when the fan 4 rotates in reverse, the air in the reverse direction is heated by the heater core 203, which raises the temperature of the filter 201, promoting the removal of specific substances from the filter 201 and enabling rapid and efficient regeneration of the filter 201.

[0099] (5) As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the air conditioning system 200 of this embodiment includes gas sensors 206 and 207 as measuring units for measuring the amount of a specific substance adsorbed onto the filter 201, and a control device 210 as a control unit that performs control to drive the motor 2 to rotate the rotating shaft 3 in the reverse direction and transition to a regeneration control mode when the amount of adsorption measured by the gas sensors 206 and 207 reaches a predetermined amount of adsorption or more.

[0100] With this configuration, when the amount of adsorption measured by the gas sensors 206 and 207 reaches a predetermined amount of adsorption, the motor 2 is driven to rotate the rotating shaft 3 in the reverse direction, and the system switches to regeneration control mode. This allows regeneration control to be effectively performed when the degree of adsorption of a specific substance to the filter 201 progresses.

[0101] (6) As shown in Figure 11, the air conditioning system 200 of this embodiment includes a human presence sensor 209 that detects people in the space being air-conditioned by the air conditioning system 200, and a control device 210 that acts as a control unit to drive the motor 2 to rotate in the reverse direction when the human presence sensor 209 does not detect any people inside the space.

[0102] With this configuration, when the motion sensor 209 does not detect any people inside the space, the motor 2 is controlled to drive the rotation shaft 3 in the reverse direction. Therefore, since the regeneration control is performed when there are no people in the space, the regeneration control does not cause any discomfort to people.

[0103] (7) The air conditioning system 200 of this embodiment, as shown in the regeneration control mode of Figure 10, is equipped with a dust collection filter 204 positioned upstream of the filter 201 in the airflow generated when the fan 4 rotates in the reverse direction, and removes dust contained in the airflow in the reverse direction when the fan 4 rotates in the reverse direction.

[0104] With this configuration, as shown in Figure 10, the dust collection filter 204 removes dust contained in the airflow in the reverse direction when the fan 4 rotates in the reverse direction (during regeneration control), thereby reducing the risk of deterioration or contamination of components such as the heater core 203 and evaporator 202 due to dust accumulation.

[0105] (modified version) (A) In the above embodiment, the second shielding section 10 is exemplified by a configuration in which the second shielding section 10, as shown in Figures 3, 5-6, and 8, comprises a plurality of movable vanes 101 and a movable vane drive unit 102. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0106] The second shielding portion 10 of the present invention may have any other configuration, as long as it prevents the airflow pushed away from the rotation axis 3 by the plurality of first blades 7 when the fan 4 rotates in the reverse direction.

[0107] For example, another example of the second shielding part 10 is a configuration that includes an openable and closable shutter on the outside of the fan 4. That is, the second shielding part 10, which is a modification of the present invention, may be configured to include an external shutter that is arranged on the outside of the fan 4 so as to surround the outer circumference of the plurality of first blades 7 and is capable of opening and closing the space on the outer circumference of the plurality of first blades 7, and an external shutter drive unit that closes the external shutter just before the fan 4 rotates in the reverse direction to block the airflow from the plurality of first blades 7 to the surroundings, and opens the external shutter just before the fan 4 rotates in the forward direction to allow the airflow from the plurality of first blades 7 to the surroundings.

[0108] In this configuration, the external shutter drive unit closes the external shutter immediately before the fan 4 rotates in reverse, thereby blocking the airflow path around the outer edge of the main plate 5 when the fan 4 rotates in reverse. This prevents the airflow pushed out in the centrifugal direction away from the rotation axis 3 by the multiple first blades 7. Furthermore, the external shutter drive unit opens the external shutter immediately before the fan 4 rotates in the forward direction, thereby generating an airflow that blows out around the multiple first blades 7 when the fan 4 rotates in the forward direction.

[0109] (B) The first shielding section 9 and the second shielding section 10 may be configured to include a one-way valve, that is, a valve that allows airflow in one direction but prohibits airflow in the opposite direction. For example, the one-way valve as the first shielding section 9 can be installed in the sub-opening 5a of the main plate 5 so that it is closed when the fan 4 is rotating forward (air conditioning mode) and when there is airflow in the forward direction, and closed when the fan 4 is rotating backward (regeneration control mode) and when there is airflow in the reverse direction. The second shielding section 10 may also include a cylindrical member that covers the periphery of a plurality of first blades 7 installed outside the fan 4, and a one-way valve installed in a through-hole of the cylindrical member, wherein the one-way valve can be installed so that it is open when the fan 4 is rotating forward (air conditioning mode) and when there is airflow in the forward direction, and closed when the fan 4 is rotating backward (regeneration control mode) and when there is airflow in the reverse direction.

[0110] (C) In the above embodiment, the control device 210, which acts as the control unit of the air conditioning system 200, transitions to a regeneration control mode when the amount of gas adsorbed by the filter 201 reaches a predetermined adsorption amount, as shown in steps S3, S4, and S6 of the flowchart in Figure 12. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Other examples of conditions for transitioning to the regeneration control mode include transitioning to the regeneration control mode at predetermined intervals (e.g., every week), at predetermined distances traveled, or each time the vehicle is stopped.

[0111] (D) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to an air conditioning system 200 that controls the regeneration of the filter 201, which is equipped with the blower 1 and filter 201 of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The blower 1 of the present invention may be applied to a system not limited to filter regeneration control, for example, to a widely known ventilation system to adjust intake and exhaust air. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1. Blower 2. Motor (drive source) 3 rotation axes 4 Fans 5 Main plate 5a Sub-opening 6 Shroud 6a Main opening 7 First feather 8. Backflow generation section 9 1st shielding part 10 Second shielding part 81 Second feather 91 Shutter 92 Shutter drive unit 101 Movable blades 102 Movable vane drive unit 200 Air Conditioning System 201 Filter 203 Heater core 204 Dust collection filter

Claims

1. A drive source that rotates the axis in both the forward and reverse directions, A fan fixed to the aforementioned rotating shaft and rotating in both forward and reverse directions along with the rotating shaft. A blower equipped with, The aforementioned fan, The main plate fixed to the aforementioned rotating shaft, A shroud positioned opposite the main plate and having a main opening, A plurality of first blades, which constitute a centrifugal fan, are arranged between the main plate and the shroud, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft, and push air away from the rotating shaft when the rotating shaft rotates in the forward direction. It comprises a plurality of second blades fixed to the rotating shaft, which constitute an axial flow fan that pushes air toward the main opening of the shroud when the rotating shaft rotates in the reverse direction, The main plate has sub-openings in a region that overlaps with the region in which the plurality of second blades rotate. The aforementioned blower device is A first shielding section that closes the sub-opening when the fan is rotating in the forward direction and opens the sub-opening when it is rotating in the reverse direction, A second shielding portion that prevents the airflow pushed away from the rotation axis by the plurality of first blades when the fan is rotating in the reverse direction, It also has, A blower characterized by the following features.

2. In the blower according to claim 1, The second shielding portion is, A plurality of movable blades are provided on the outer circumference of the first blade and are movable between a basic position extending continuously with the first blade and a closed position aligned with the outer edge of the main plate that closes the gap between the main plate and the shroud, A fan drive unit that moves the movable blades to the closed position immediately before the fan rotates in the reverse direction, and moves the movable blades to the basic position immediately before the fan rotates in the forward direction. It is equipped with A blower characterized by the following features.

3. A blower according to claim 1 or 2, A filter is positioned downstream of the fan in the airflow generated when the first blades of the fan push away from the rotating shaft during forward rotation of the rotating shaft, and adsorbs a specific substance contained in the airflow. An air conditioning system characterized by having the following features.

4. In the air conditioning system according to claim 3, The system further includes a heater positioned upstream of the filter in the airflow generated when the fan rotates in the reverse direction, which heats the air in the reverse airflow when the fan rotates in the reverse direction. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

5. In the air conditioning system according to claim 3, A measuring unit for measuring the amount of a specific substance adsorbed onto the filter, A control unit that controls the drive source to rotate the shaft in the reverse direction when the amount of adsorption measured by the measurement unit reaches a predetermined amount of adsorption or more. It also has, An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

6. In the air conditioning system according to claim 3, A motion sensor that detects people in a space that is air-conditioned by the aforementioned air conditioning system, A control unit that controls the drive source to rotate the rotation shaft in the reverse direction when the motion sensor does not detect any people inside the space. It also has, An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

7. In the air conditioning system according to claim 3, The system further includes a dust collection filter positioned upstream of the filter in the airflow generated when the fan rotates in the reverse direction, which removes dust contained in the airflow in the reverse direction when the fan rotates in the reverse direction. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

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